Tutus & Bowties

LOvEr bOY

2012-02-13T23:46:00.002-07:00

Seriously...

there is so much love going on in our house it's not even funny!

Happy Valentine's.

raFe adaM denSLey

2011-12-20T17:47:00.003-07:00

Our little one finally arrived to us on December 10, 2011.

We have just been loving on him from the minute he arrived.

When things settle down and the holiday is over I will focus on writing his birth story and sharing more pictures.

We seriously love him and couldn't be any happier with life.

a liTTle noTe for The liTTle one

2011-12-08T12:21:00.004-07:00

Dearest Baby Boy,

Dude! How are we suppose to party with you if you don't come out and join us? We were praying you would arrive early, but now you are late. Sunday was suppose to be the big day and it is now Thursday. Did you lose track of time? No worries, we will love you just as much on whatever day you decide to come.

Last weekend we got in one last date night with just the two us. It was a perfect night. Dinner at Tucanos, walking around Temple square while sipping on hot chocolate, looking at lovely Christmas lights, and talking about how excited we are for you to join our little family. See... we are fun and cool parents. So seriously. Come join us already.

Can't wait to see your face and hopefully head of hair!

Love you,

Mom

thANkfUL hEArtS

2011-11-30T12:23:00.008-07:00

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Last minute on Wednesday night about 10pm we decided that we wanted to head to Idaho for the Holiday. We bought some tunes before hitting the road then jumped in little red who just a day prior died, but was brought back to life with a ridiculously large amount of money. (oh how I hate car problems)

We arrived around 1am in time for bed.

Thanksgiving day brought good food and good people. We started off dinner at my Brother Dust's house and his awesome wife Dae made us the best salad out there with yummy rolls. We shared some thankful thoughts and played some games with the kinder. I loved my Nephew Ronan's thankful thought... "I'm thankful for the Army." Well said.

We then all loaded up and headed to my parents house for some fun and the main coarse. It was such beautiful weather that we had to seize the day and go outside for football, swinging, and running around with the kids. As always I was very pleased with our turkey dinner. Thanksgiving food is my favorite dish out there. I'm not going to lie, I totally pigged out. We shared some memories of past Thanksgivings and listened to my parents tell about life in their childhood days. More games, naps, mapping out black Friday sales, and watching Charlie Brown Thanksgiving followed.

The last stop was to my Brother Nicks house. We all indulged into pumpkin and chocolate pie. I will admit that I rarely eat pie, but there is no way Thanksgiving can be without. It is the frosting on the cake. While we had dessert we enjoyed watching some of our favorite Thanksgiving episodes of Friends. You guessed it... the one with the Rumor and the one where Ross got high.

The night did not end there. Not even close. Later on about 10:30 Heavy-D, G-bird, Trick, the Hubby, and yours truly loaded up and drove the 45 minutes to Twin Falls to hit up some stores. We started with Wal-mart, then dashed to Target where we stood in line for 2 freaking hours. No not outside. Inside! In the end it was worth it all. We headed back to Burley to check out their Walmart and found some great blue-rays. The shopping ended with grabbing a bite through the drive through at Jack in the box. We made it home at about 4:30 am. Let's just say that my feet and legs looked oh so lovely. They were about trice their normal size.

The next day all the family that was in town had an adventure and went out to my oldest Brother Cam's house in Oakley. His family was actually in North Dakota celebrating the holiday, but we were all eager to see their newly remodeled kitchen. It was amazing! Walls were taken down to make it an open concept kitchen and family room. There are walls of old brick and amazing hard wood floors. Oh, I feel in love with it all right.

Later Friday night a group of us watch The Holiday and played card games. One of my favorite Rupert traditions is going into the square and watching Santa turn on the City lights. I will never get tired of that. Hot Chocolate and fireworks followed. Fireworks are even sweeter in the cold and in the middle of town.

We had to take off Saturday morning early, but we were so happy with our 2011 Thanksgiving holiday. We just loved being with family and making more memories!

sHoWEr mE wiTH FRieNds

2011-11-22T07:39:00.003-07:00

My awesome friends threw me a fun shower/lunch date back in October.

We all met up at Gardner's Village and ate at their yummy restaurant called Archibalds.

I have great friends who are like sisters to me and I love our memories we have and are constantly creating.

They showered me and baby boy with some great stuff that I am getting super excited to use.

Just short of 2 weeks now.

2 weeks baby...

2 weeks!

fALL fUn

2011-11-21T10:55:00.010-07:00

Once again I have gotten behind on my blogging.

We made a trip to Idaho at the beginning of October to attend my Nephew Beau's baptism. It's so crazy that he is 8 years old already. Adam and I had a total of 5 Nieces and Nephews get baptized this year! I wish I had pictures of them all. {Can you tell I have been super bad with taking pictures this year?} Macey is the only one left and she will be baptized the first weekend in December so we will sadly miss out on that one.

While we were there we attend the Oakley Highschool homecoming football game. It was crazy cold that night, but you would never know sitting under our little canopy with a couple big heaters on us. We enjoyed good food, Bay's half time performance, and in the end victory for Oakley.

Day 2 involved the boys shooting up a flat screen TV and going to the worlds largest hay maze. Adam and I attempted that one on our own and we had quite the fun trying to find our way out. It involved some crawling in tight spaces which I wouldn't really recommend for pregnant ladies.

Beau's baptism ended up being on the same night as the Oakley homecoming dance so we had fun getting to see Bay all dressed up for the big night with her cute date. Oh how I loved those days! She looked so freaking cute and I almost cried when her heel broke right before she was getting ready to leave. That dang Buckle! Good thing Marnie has great taste in shoes and could lend her hers.

We had a great weekend and as always loved our time with the fam.

rOckiN iT

2011-10-20T12:15:00.004-06:00

So I have this Uncle that's a pretty cool dude.

My family and I have always been big fans of him.

At the last minute him and his wife couldn't attend the Josh Groban concert with my parents and other extended family members so as our baby gift he passed the tickets along to us. We were more than thrilled and little baby Denz kicked around the whole time. I'm pretty sure he enjoyed it as well.

We met up with everyone in Salt Lake after they had dinner and walked over to the energy solution center where the concert was being held. Josh was a super funny guy and his music was amazing.

Thanks Gary!!

I will also remember this day as being the only day thus far that I have had swollen ankles. It was a crazy busy weekend and I was on my feet running around for three days straight and getting no sleep. I did not enjoy the look.

P.s. Thanks Ky for taking pictures!

biRtHDAy quEEn

2011-10-17T07:54:00.004-06:00

My sweet Mother turned the big 60 over the Summer.

I know what your thinking...

Dang, she looks good!

Adam made a cute comment to my parents last time we were with them. He said, "Alright, what I want to know is when are you guys going to start looking your age?" So true. They both are looking great.

Those of my siblings and their spouses that were able got together for a fun little dinner party at a local restaurant in Rupert called the Drift Inn. It was yummy food and good company.

My talented sister-in-law Dae put together a super cute memory book that had a picture of each child with Mom and a letter from them. We did this for my Dad back when he turned 60, and they both really loved it.

I just love G-bird and I'm grateful to have her example to live up to.

P.s. my flash must have been a little to bright for some people.

rOdEo

2011-10-14T12:30:00.003-06:00

What's Summer without a rodeo?

I'm glad I was able to sneak in at least two.

P.s. My Niece Bay knows how to work it.

suMMeR lunCH buNch

2011-10-13T20:26:00.002-06:00

We have the best group of friends.

I can't say that enough.

We had a fun road trip with everyone to Logan during the Summer to stay with Mel & Kirk before they had their sweet baby. We also had many lunch dates at many yummy restaurants. I'm afraid we wont be able to get to many more in before the end of the year. Fall get's crazy busy and Winter is time for staying in and watching movies {in my opinion}.

LOvE me sOMe

2011-10-10T11:23:00.006-06:00

We have some great holidays coming up soon, but I think my all time fav is the 4th of July.

Love that it's in the Summer.

Love that we were able to spend it in Rupert this year.

Love fireworks.

Love water slides in the backyard.

Love a good BBQ.

Love that we were able to see and hang out with most of the Smith family.

Love our freedom.

Now it's time to start doing a little Christmas shopping...

fLiP floPs

2011-10-05T23:11:00.000-06:00

I love getting pedicures.

Especially with fun company.

I also love wearing flip flops.

Don't get me wrong I adore cute boots... but with skinny jeans, and folks I don't think I will be slipping into a pair of those for a while.

I'm sure I will hold out as long as possible on the Summer shoes and no socks business.

siTTiNG by THe fiRe

2011-10-02T11:21:00.001-06:00

Bonfires are actually great year round if you ask me.

We once had one in the winter with some friends and I loved it.

There is something about sitting by one on a Summers night.

I love tin foil dinners, roasting mallows, dogs, and starbursts. I find that good conversations come from sitting around a blazing fire... or good dance parties. Which ever is fine by me.

sUmmER viSiTORs

2011-09-29T18:53:00.000-06:00

I wish that we got as many visitors year round as we do in the Summer season. I LOVE when people come to stay with us. I really enjoy one on one time with family members. It's my favorite. We had a few great visit with some of my Brothers and their families, my awesome parents, and dear friends. Sometimes I'm lame with picture taking, but I was able to find these photos of my nephews riding around on the scooters in the rain. In that first picture they all look just like their Dad. Classic.

On another note...

I'm needing new recipes to try out on guests.

I like making new things, but good things.

Anyone want to share?

the sHoRTnesS

2011-09-27T08:45:00.000-06:00

I'm not going to lie...

I am already missing my super short hair.

The Summer is even better when you have no hair on your neck.

{Although this is coming from someone that doesn't have AC in their car.}

I'm growing it out until my face goes back down a few sizes.

P.s. You are never to old for birthday parties at Boondocks!

pOOL timE

2011-09-26T10:19:00.002-06:00

I will defiantly miss getting to go layout out by the pool. Not saying I was able to do this a lot this Summer, but I enjoyed the few times that I did. I discovered that Baby Boy loves being in the water! I think that he will miss the pool days as well. At this particular pool you have to swim two laps across the pool in order to go into the deep end. I watched my oldest Niece and Nephew swim it with in seconds and then swim under the dividing rope. The lifeguard looked at me and said, "Oh if you are over 18 you don't have to take the swim test. You can just go over." I just started laughing. Little did she know that I was the one out of the three of us that need to be tested. I told her thanks, but I was good on the side where my toes still touched!

I think next Summer we will have to go back to getting season passes at 7 Peaks.

That place is the bomb and a pass is well worth it if you live close by.

mY suMMeR goOdByeS

2011-09-23T13:30:00.008-06:00

When the pumpkins start showing up at all the grocery stores, and all the candle scents becomes spices and pie flavors you know we are officially in Fall.

I LOVE Summer, but I would have to say I LOVE, LOVE Fall.

There will be a few things that I will miss though...

First off, boating.

I only went once sadly, but was so happy that I was able to tag along with my Brother's family when they hit up the Snake. It was fun getting to watch my Niece and Nephews attempt wakeboarding and then get tossed around like rag dolls on the tub. It was hard for me not to join them, but the boat ride alone made baby boy a little on edge with me. So my first goodbye goes to the good ol' Snake River.

See you next year!

P.s. I love the last picture. Bay's legs were flying all over the place and I'm glad I caught it in a photo. Also, you should check out her sweet sixteen session here. She is a beauty.

baBy L

2011-09-22T11:44:00.000-06:00

The next shower to mention would be my awesome friend Lyns.

She is currently due in just a couple days and I'm getting pretty excited for baby Lillian to arrive. We held an open house shower for her about a month back. The food was yummy and as always I ate way to much. She is such a cute pregnant lady! The thing about Lyns is her energy level is always popping. I love this girl and all her enthusiasm! I hope baby girl gets that from her. Her quilt was fun to make because I used such bright, bold fabric. It felt perfect for a little Diva.

P.s. There are 3 months in between Mel & Lyns and 3 month in between Lyns & I. How fun is that going to be? Not even planned... and yes, these baby girls will be fighting over baby boy Densley !

oH bABy

2011-09-21T09:12:00.004-06:00

On the note of showers I decided to hurry and catch up on a few from the Summer.

One of my dear friends Mel was the first to start us all off on this baby business. For her baby shower a group of us got together for lunch at a cute little Bistro called Normandies in Salt Lake. It was the perfect setting for this occasion. This took place around the time that I was feeling like crud so if I don't look all smiles that's why. Thankfully I was able to pull myself together to make this little quilt in the above picture for her precious baby Eden Grace.

To see more of this sweet girls photo session go here.

P.s. Mel is the blonde beauty third from left in the second to last picture. Don't worry... she was one of those girls who never really looked pregnant. Lucky duck!

Lil pUMpKiN shoWer

2011-09-19T22:25:00.009-06:00

So over the weekend I headed up to Logan to attend my baby shower with my awesome family members. My sweet cousin Linny {third to last pic} was quite the hostess and as usual totally went above and beyond. She is pretty talented like that. The theme was Lil Pumpkin. The decoration were so stinking cute as you can see from the pics. I loved hearing that Linny's little girl Lydia referred to the ribbons hanging in the window as a car wash. Kids are the best. We started the fun by eating a very yummy lunch of Mexican Haystacks. Defiantly will be needing to write that one down in the recipe book. I'm still thinking about the apple cider drink. Hello! Could the jars be any cuter? After our lunch we played a pumpkin trivia game. It's surprising how little I knew about pumpkins. For example did you know they were a fruit? Just throwing that piece of information out there. I received the nicest gifts and I'm so grateful for such a loving family. My fun sister-in-laws and my mom {second to last pic} made the drive up and afterwards we made a few fun stops at some stores. What's a "girls day" without some shopping? The last picture is with my mom and Grandma whom I both adore. I have been told in the last few months that I look just like my Mother about a dozen times. I have always thought that G-bird looked like my Grandma. So would you say that the three of us look alike? Just wondering. It was a perfect day.

Thank you so much to all those who could come and to those who helped out.

I love you all!

sPUdmaN

2011-09-16T08:42:00.008-06:00

Okay people!

It is officially time to play catch up on this here blog.

I have been putting it off forever, but I need some sort of record of our Summer.

This may bore most of you seeing as I have pictures clear back from Easter... sad but true.

First off I have an amazing husband who is a stud. He decided randomly to enter into the Spudman Triathlon this year. Just for the heck of it. We found him a decent bike off of KSL and he started training in between work and classes. In other words he didn't actually have time to train that much. This is why he is a stud. The Spudman is held every year in Burley, Idaho right by the Snake River. It involved 2000 other participants. You would think since I grew up right there that I would know all about this here race and would have at least watched it a time or two. Not even once. So I was pretty excited/impressed with how big of a deal it was. The day before we checked him in, got his number and gear, and dropped of his bike. Later that night they held a big dinner and went over rules and such. The morning of Adam, I and my parents woke up at 5:30am. For those of you who know me well know that I am not a morning person. At all. I did it though! I even made him breakfast before we headed out. I was way more nervous then Adam was. I kept asking him not to drowned on me. The swim is pretty hard {so I hear} and he had only swam a few times during the summer. Hence why I feared for his life. The swim is in the river and it is 1 mile. Adams division started the race at 7:10. Once out of the water he transitioned into his biking gear and began his 24 mile bike ride. While this was all going on my parents and I were running to all the spots to try and capture pictures. We of coarse were enjoying ourselves. After the biking there was another transition spot were he took of for his 6 mile run. This was what he trained the least for so in his words he "took it easy on the run." The three of us watching and my brothers family all gathered around the finish line to watch him run in. I was so happy to see him come out of the trees! He finished just under 3 hours. I seriously couldn't be anymore proud of him. Who just does that to check off a list? Well, he did. We talked about how this time he was just participating, but maybe next time he will compete. Another thing is that he wished he had someone to do it with him. It's always more fun when you have a buddy to bike/run with. Sooooo..... do we have any takers for 2012? I have many family members who are athletic. Wanna join in on the fun? Also, you can do it in teams. I would totally be up for running. I haven't a clue how to swim and would rather jump in the water and attempt it than bike.

On another note...

It's FRIDAY!! Yahoo for weekends.

I will be spending mine with awesome family in Logan.

We will be showering it up for this here baby boy whose name is yet to be discovered.

bAby BuMP

2011-07-27T12:04:00.003-06:00

We are going to be having a sweet little boy sometime around December 4th and we couldn't be anymore excited. We were both hoping for the color blue and our wish came true. As girlie as I am I grew up with all brothers and I loved it that way. So in my head the more older brothers the better. Also, who wouldn't want a mini Adam running around? A while back we watched some old family videos of the Densley clan and Adam was the cutest little thing with his fab hair and puffy checks running around chasing birds. I'm hoping for just that with a pinch of me.

Being pregnant has not exactly been my most favorite thing in the world. It started by me feeling like death. At first I thought, "Oh great. I have mono again." Then after the discovery it turned into 24 hour nausea. I don't know what this morning sickness talk is all about. For me it was more like morning sickness that just got worse as the clock ticked on.

Thankfully, like all bad things, it had to end eventually and around 16-18 weeks a was feeling much more like myself again. Even better Adam survived! We enjoyed telling our loved ones the good news {despite my bad attitude} especially those we told one on one. Most everybody's reactions were good, but I loved both our mothers the best. G-bird started dancing around like Goldie Hawn in the movie Housekeeper, and Vicki said, "I have been trying to wait so patiently with you two," before the tears came. We both laughed at that one. We just celebrated our 3rd year anniversary Monday and we both are happy that we got in 3 years with only each other as selfish as that sounds.

Now on to deciding on a name... which is driving me insane due to the fact that we have a list of girl names that we love and agree on and not one boy name that gets both approvals. Truthfully I just don't even have a boy name that I love. So, yes I will be having a lot of sleepless nights until we figure out this little detail.

I'm starting to feel very big {a bit like an elephant} and I know I will only be getting bigger. So not a fan of this part. I swear I'm already walking with a waddle. I'm in dyer need of Pilates every day or else I swear I wont make it through. I tend to forget that I can't do certain things. Just yesterday Adam came home and I had moved all the furniture around again. He wasn't to happy, but I can't just sit there when I get ideas in my head. I have to act in the moment. A few weeks ago I almost went wakeboarding, but I listened to my husband and just sat in the boat. Probably a smart move. It's hard having to take things a little bit easier than normal.

My blog has defiantly suffered from all of this. Everyday I mean to play catch up on it. I have a bunch pictures of this Summers events, but sadly they just sit on my memory card. I will get caught up soon. Right now I just want to travel while I can and get in as many projects as possible. I don't think I have been to Idaho this much since 2004 when I lived there right after graduating cosmetology school. Not going to lie, I have loved it!

We are so happy for this baby and ask for any and all advice that anyone has to offer. Good books, much needed baby items, cute quilt patterns, brillant names, and so forth. Hope everyone's Summer is a grand one.

BriNG ON tHe smiLeS

2011-06-06T16:59:00.003-06:00

True story kid.

Don't pass it up.

xoxo,

Sydney Jan

gOOnieS neVeR saY Die

2011-04-16T11:00:00.005-06:00

You better believe we still act like little kids at times... if not all the time.

This is how I feel today. I have the day off! Who wouldn't be jumping in the air for joy?

While on the coast we stayed near the beautiful Haystack rock at the Blue Gull lodging. It was perfect and just a walk down the street to the beach. My favorite part was that they had a selection of DVDs we could pick from and take back to our room. We of coarse had to watch the Goonies before snoozing out for the night. We also drove to Astoria where a lot of that film was shot and while driving had to listen to the Ataris hit 'So Long Astoria'. Since it was St.Patty's Day we had to take a pic at the massive green bridge. Not the best angle, but whatever.

Have a fun filled weekend! I will be getting a Jamba Juice and reading.

P.s. I blame the weather for our crazy, wavy hair.

maGicAL riDe

2011-04-11T09:06:00.005-06:00

This was the first thing on our list to do at Cannon Beach.

After a yummy lunch of pizza and salad of course.

We had such a blast and thankfully it only sprinkled on us for 15 minutes.

The rest of the ride was beautiful skies.

We only had to stop once for a little break... our legs were burning!

I loved it so.

I miss those little yellow bikes.

P.s. Can you tell Adam had the Camera for most of the time?

the REd wOnDER

2011-04-05T10:39:00.008-06:00

The journey begins.

Lovely Red.

Amazing views.

Where we would build our home.

To begin the story of our lovely vaca I must tell about the wonders of the red neon. So of coarse we opted to drive it over the xterra due to way better gas... despite it's little problems.

Every once in awhile the speedometer stops working. No biggie. Excuses to speed.

The heater was also starting to fail on us. Ehh, figured we could just dress warmer while driving.

The speakers have never been the best and the volume can only be turned up so high. This wouldn't be much of a problem except for the fact that when driving on the freeway it gets crazy loud in the car because the windows aren't sealed the best. {probably shoved one to many hangers down them trying to unlock the door to get my keys out}. So good thing we like talking because music only goes so loud.

The left side passenger door doesn't open from the outside. Random.

Leaks oil. What else is new.

All these problems are just little things that we have grown to ignore. So when a beeping noise started to come about a few weeks before departure we just though, "But of coarse. Nothing to worry about. Just the nature of the car." We serviced the car and headed off late after work. No more beeping! First stop... Rupert. Got in some good sleep and then headed on our long journey. We love road trips and don't mind driving far. My only problem is that I drink to much which means we have to stop probably to much. Adam is a sweetheart for just going with it. We drove all day Wednesday and got into Vancouver, WA around 9pm. It snowed/rained the entire way. Right before we were going to bed Adam pointed out that he would probably have nightmares about driving in the rain. It was a little scary in the dark and on an unknown road. We stayed at my sweet cousin Stacey's house that night. I will post detail of the actual days later. Back to the car. Drove the next day to Cannon Beach to spend the day and night. The next morning we got in the car to drive from the beach back into the city of Portland to shop. Right away the car started beeping. What the! And from there on folks it beeped the whole way back to Utah. We ended up driving through night after exploring Portland. Yes, we are crazy. No, neither of us slept. About 4 hours from Rupert the beeping got bad. It was going off like every 3 minutes. The last 2 hours every minute. We wanted to pull our hair out. P.s. it's the kind of beeping you would hear if you left you door open with the keys in it. Yes, annoying. Before leaving Rupert we had my Dad check things out and even he was stumped. We thought well we can make it another 3 hours. Wrong-o! Just as we got into to Salt Lake Adam peered down and noticed the car was over heating. Right then the needle jumped to the hot spot and bam! The beeping started. We watched for a few minutes and sure enough when ever it would reach the "H" it would beep. We pulled off, put coolant in, walked around Wal-mart and headed the last 45 minutes back home in silence.

So, why in the world am I pointing out to everyone how dumb we appear? I will do that in order to point out how amazing our Heavenly Father is. We were defiantly watched over in our traveling. We drove about 14 hours with no coolant in our car and it still is working just fine. Every time we got into the car we would pray... which means we prayed a lot that trip... which means our prayers were answered.

Side note... heater is working again. Take that off the list.

Car leaks coolant. Adding to the list.

Have a happy Tuesday!

liTtLE pIEce of PaRADiSe

2011-04-03T17:44:00.002-06:00

March was a crazy month.

I spent most of it in a weird funk.

We were able to escape from that weirdness and take a road trip to the coast.

It was life saving.

We loved it.

March ended up being pretty much the best month ever for us.

tRaSH

2011-03-03T10:21:00.004-07:00

{Photo by Tim Gutt)

This is how I feel today.

I'm pretty much having a quarter life crisis every other day as of late.

I think I might need a vacation.

Be back blogging once I've pulled myself back together.

the BEAUTY of MaRcH

2011-03-01T12:31:00.003-07:00

Happy March!

I have been on a high all morning because of the start of this lovely new month.

My mind will be on birthday ideas for the next couple weeks {if you have good ones send them my way}. I love sharing our birthdays so close together. It makes it a true party.

I LOVE birthdays. I LOVE March. I LOVE today.

P.s. I attempted GF muffins... they are in the oven as I write.

Keep your fingers crossed for me!

mE

2011-02-25T14:41:00.004-07:00

Be you.

Who me? Hmmmm...

Me: some what shy, sees things in black or white {no gray areas}, calm yet tends to be over anxious, loving, need to please, creative itch, wanna be homemaker, tries to be perfect which is not possible, to easily disappointed in myself, doesn't like to share toys, peacemaker, easy going but can't relax, small talker big thinker, in control on the outside while out of control on the inside, doesn't find the need to judge, stubborn as an ox, health freak with a strong craving for sugar, doesn't feel top notch but refuses to let it show.

Find you.

Give me a map!

Daughter, dancer, pianist, leader, actress, friend, speaker, sandwich maker, granddaughter, singer {short lived}, crafter, Aunt, inventor, hairstylist, roommate, Sister-in-law, student, niece, employee, director of admissions, instructor, shopper, buyer, cleaner, dater, girlfriend, cook, salesman, driver, finance, wife, runner, goal setter, non swimmer, daughter-in-law, traveler, photographer, eater, sewer, painter, designer, sister, smiler, late nighter, movie goer, visiting teacher, ward member.

Be happy with that.

If you say so :)

Happy weekend to all!

cELebrAtE

2011-02-24T12:03:00.004-07:00

{Alice in Wonderland 2010 Vogue issue}

Today is my sweet Father's birthday.

Oh how I love my Dad.

He is perfection in my eyes.

What I would give to be as good of a person as Dave Smith.

While he was visiting us over the weekend I was blessed to have him and Adam give me a blessing. He always taught us kids the importance of have the power of the priesthood in our future homes and I was so incredibly happy the day I married a man who shared that same attitude. To have them stand together in this act was a day I will always cherish. I seriously am thankful for the strength our religion gives me.

I love you with all my heart Daddy.

Happy Birthday!

P.s. I would wear this party dress in celebration... if I had it of coarse.

fEEdiNG ouR faCeS

2011-02-22T10:59:00.005-07:00

(photo by Rus Anson)

We had a super fun weekend with my parents. We definitely ate some grand meals including...

John Wayne Tacos

Omelets

Ribs & smoked apple bacon turkey from Goodwood

Steak & baked Idaho potatoes

Buckwheat pancakes {gluten free of course}

Sweet potato fries from Gurus

... basically we ate like kings.

P.s. Oh what I would give to be able to cook in that lovely oven!

LOvelY FindS

2011-02-19T10:11:00.003-07:00

{The name of paint on this piece can be found here}

I'm excited to explore some vintage shops this weekend. Just looking for fun... which is the best because thats usually when I find something I want/need. When I actually am shopping for something in particular I can never find it. Life is funny that way. Never easy. I just realized that I have this discussion a lot with customers that come into Dear Lizzie.

This little piece is a.m.a.z.i.n.g.

I would love it to be part of our home or something similar.

Do you have any favorite shops to find lovely treasures like this?

If so point me in that direction!

dREaM hOMes

2011-02-18T18:16:00.003-07:00

2 movies that are worth watching just to see amazing houses would be the Killers & Marley and Me. I couldn't find a picture of the house in the first movie, but it's big, blue and beautiful. It's funny because they are pretty different from each other, but we like them both equally. The movies aren't to bad either. Killers I could only watch once in a blue moon... but seriously the house makes it totally worth it.

P.s. My folks are coming for a visit! Super excited to say the least. Do you ever just need a hug from your Dad and Mom? I don't know if it's just me but they all ways seem to make things even more grand.

Any ideas you would like to share for meals for me to cook? I'm drawing a blank.

goT MiLK?

2011-02-17T11:59:00.003-07:00

{call me crazy but I love coming across the got milk pictures in magazines}

I have been on a hunt for a replacement for milk and here is what I have discovered.

There are the following {as far as I am aware of} :

Milk

Soy Milk

Almond Milk

Hemp Milk

Rice Milk

Goats Milk

Lactose free Milk

I have tried all but the last one. I am crazy allergic to the first three, which is a bummer because if I had my choice from the list I would pick Almond Milk. Pretty tasty stuff. Hemp milk is probably this sickest thing I have ever tried. I would not recommend it... and I can drink/eat just about anything. Rice milk is kind of grainy. Hence the rice. This is about the only thing I can tolerate, but it's not the healthiest. I have been drinking this for the last 3-4 years and I'm a little tired of it. I attempted goats milk yesterday. I actually grew up on this stuff due to the same allergies when I was a toddler. I figured how bad could it be, right? Well, let me tell you Adams exact words {because of coarse I made him try it}... "If you could make a taste of what the Zoo smells like, it would be this drink." Don't worry that he said that as I was drinking it! Blaaa. The even worse part is that the taste lingers even after brushing your teeth. Last of all is the Lactose free and yes I will be purchasing this just to say I have tried them all.

Is there some unknown milk substitute out there that I am forgetting?

sLeePINg bEauTY

2011-02-15T12:49:00.002-07:00

Last night Adam took me to a lovely ballet. Sleeping Beauty is currently at the Capital Theater in Salt Lake and I strongly recommend it.

Seriously.

a.m.a.z.i.n.g.

I cried {like always} during every dance Aurora and the Prince did together.

Why oh why did I ever give up this beautiful art?

I LOVE my husband and I'm so happy he knows me better then I know myself.

lOVe

2011-02-14T09:36:00.007-07:00

{Yours truly}

Happy Valentines Day!

Red smoothie... check.

Morning hugs and kisses...check.

Red polished nails...check.

I hope your day is full of reds and pinks... and topped off with love.

xoxo

P.S. Any fun plans this romantic day?

KiDS at hEarT

2011-02-13T16:37:00.003-07:00

{photo by Sandra Freij}

We spent last night celebrating the birthday of our awesome friend Lyns.

We enjoyed some good food, cupcakes, laser tag, and arcade games.

Yes, we are all adult and yes we are still young at heart.

One thing I love about being around my 5 girlfriends...

they bring out the best in me and remind me of who I am capable of being.

LooKiNG baCk to THE fuTuRE

2011-02-11T20:36:00.004-07:00

{cute vintage find from etsy }

Just had a crazy/freakishly long day at work.

Upon waiting the arrival of my sweet husband I came across an old journal that I wrote in when I was 22 {okay maybe my one and only journal... shhh don't tell anyone}. I randomly read a page in it that was about the future and where I thought I would be 5 years from then. That would put me at 27. I'm turning 26 next month so I found it interesting enough to compare reality with past future dreaming.

I wrote...

Hopefully by the time I am 27 I will be married to a loving husband, have a chubby baby and planning for a second, financially stable, own a cute home, have good health, serving in the Young Womens, not working outside our home, scrapbooking in my free time, and occasionally doing hair.

The truth...

I am married to a loving husband. One point for me! There is no chubby baby but I figure I will only be 26 so I have another year before I can kick myself for that one. Hopefully we will just have twins as planned so that will take care of the second baby. We are doing as good financially as a collage student can be. We live in my in-laws basement...

okay so we are pretty off on that one.

Health is a touchy subject right now, but compared to where I was at 22 I'm leaps and bounds ahead of my game. I have always wanted to have a calling in the Young Womens as funny as that may sound. I don't even know what the title to my calling is because, well it's pretty much made up. Enough said. I am working, but at least I'm in love with my work. I haven't scrapbooked since I graduated High School, and I cut Adams hair at least every month which is quite enough haircuts for me.

Not going to lie...I'm happy I came across this little page tonight.

I heart YOU

2011-02-10T12:26:00.002-07:00

{Jedediah Movember t-shirts}

Dear Ladies,

Please help! Valentines day is right around the weekend and I have nothing hiding in the closet yet for my love. Back in December when I was purchasing Christmas gifts I stumbled upon this perfect T-shirt, but sadly had spent my limit. I had the grand idea of getting if for Adam for V-day, but come January when I had money once again this clothing item became out of stock. Yes, I have had time since then to look for something else, but I haven't been able to find anything as perfect. You see, Adam always wants to sport a mustache... but I pretty much vetoed that back in 08. I thought this would be a good way for him to "wear his mustache". Corny but cute right? Anywho, I need ideas and I need ideas fast.

Much Thanks & Appreciation,

Syd

inViCTuS

2011-02-09T08:40:00.000-07:00

A few reasons why you should watch this movie if you haven't already...

1. Matt Damon.

2. Adorable little African children.

3. Inspiring.

I love watching "feel good" movies. You know, the once that give you goosebumps. We watched this movie again a few nights ago and loved it as much as the first time we saw it. Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon do an amazing job portraying the true story of Nelson Mandela and Francois Pienaar, captain of the South African Springboks national Rugby team.

I love this part of a poem that is read during the movie...

I am the master of my fate:

I am the captain of my soul.

Something to think about this day...

tRaVeLERs

2011-02-08T13:00:00.003-07:00

{Photography by Rodney Smith}

I found out today that we have company traveling to come see us for a few days!

My brother Nick and his adorable family will be joining up with us tonight. I discovered some weird things about myself this morning while anxiously cleaning our little home in preparation for their visit.

When we have company I get a little OCD. I found myself cleaning EVERYTHING. We are talking from ceilings to floors. Along with the normal vacuuming and dusting I watered our one and only plant that I never water, I changed all the burnt out light bulbs, and washed all our rugs. What the?

Do you have any weird corks about yourself when people come to visit your home?

shOrt hAiR

2011-02-07T09:42:00.000-07:00

{picture from Marie Clair cover shoot}

I have been loving my short hair. Over the weekend I went into Shep for a haircut and we decided to go just a little bit shorter this time. I was inspired by the lovely Emma Watson. I think that she made the right move by cutting her hair off. She looks so classy and grown up. She has such a pretty face that can now be seen.

I would love to know everyones opinion on short hair for women. Do you like? Have you tried it out on yourself? I know a lot of men out there that prefer long hair... my husband is not one of them. It's defiantly a subject that has a lot of different views and I find it interesting to hear about them. Maybe it's because I went to cosmetology school and study the subject for a year.

Look forward to hearing from you!

Mr cAMera & i

2011-02-05T09:11:00.003-07:00

I'm a bit crazy today.

It's freezing out and I'm going to attempt to take some fun V-day pictures.

Fingers crossed that it will not snow.

P.s. Does anyone have a really, really old camera? If so, where did you get it and is there a story behind it. Please, do share!

brEaKFasT at TiFFanYs

2011-02-04T10:04:00.002-07:00

I have been a total and complete mess this week.

I have been feeling awesome {health wise} for the last 6 months and them bam! I feel like you know what. Food is my enemy and I have to deal with it three to five times a day. It's beyond frustrating to say the least.

Those with Gluten intolerance and other food allergies I feel your pain.

Through my tears and pulling of hair yesterday I found hope through a beloved picture. I have two things I need to work on to have better all round health.

1. Go to bed early and wake up early.

2. Somehow get more nutrients out of food and find a way to make it delicious once again.

Adam leaves the house at about 7am every morning, which means I only see him around 8-or past 9pm every night. That gives us only a minute for a hug and kiss and then off he goes to work on homework. Hence why we stay up so late. It's time to flip the switch and take as much control of our time as we can again. Every minute is precious to us.

My solution?

Go to bed early {as soon as homework is finished}.

Wake up with Adam at 6:00.

Make an incredibly healthy gluten free breakfast.

Eat together in our breakfast nook where our Breakfast at Tiffany's picture {pic #1} hangs.

This forces me to get to bed early, arise early, eat something other than nasty rice krispies and rice milk, and get to spend a few minute with my love at the start of a new day.

Here is where I need some help. I would love any kind of recipe to try out that does not have flour, corn, dairy, or soy... recipes or websites with many yummy ideas. Please oh please help a girl out and send them our way!

rEd

2011-02-02T18:34:00.003-07:00

Adam and I are huge movie buffs.

I'm talking we watch probably 3-4 a week.

Don't judge.

We just love sitting down together at the end of a crazy day, kicking our feet up, and relaxing in each others arms with a good flick on the flat screen in front of us. This does not help us to accomplish our 2011 goal of going to bed earlier. Woops!

Anywho, last night we were entertained by the action/comedy RED. We both thought it was quiet comical. I absolutely loved Victoria's {played be Helen Mirren} white classy party dress. We almost even made it through the whole movie without the "F" word {which I despise of all words.} Just to warn it is at the very end, so be prepared. It's not easy to find a show without that word in it at least twice these days. Sad but true.

Let me know if you have seen this movie and if you liked it as we did.

whAt a pEAch

2011-02-02T09:45:00.002-07:00

I'm a bit obsessed with peach tones right now. These two dresses from designer Jenny Packham are so lovely and light. They have inspired me to wear my peachy cardi today.

P.s. Peach has always been one of my Mothers favorite colors. She is always with it.

WidE AWaKE

2011-02-01T08:07:00.002-07:00

{Agnes Obel}

When I was younger I use to play the piano. I got pretty decent and then I decided I wanted to devote all my time to dancing so I quit. My wise Mother told me I would regret it someday. That day is today. Oh, how I wish I could make beautiful melodies like this one.

P.S. Happy Tuesday Jessa...

and all those that are Tuesday lovers as well.

aTTiTudE

2011-01-30T21:19:00.004-07:00

I feel this phrase is more than appropriate for a Monday. I think it is safe to say that majority of people struggle with Mondays... me being one of them. I met this cute little Grandma at Dear Lizzie the other day and she said that everyday she looks at herself in the mirror and says, "Today is my best day". Isn't it amazing what attitude does for a person. Now, if only I could perfect that about myself.

hmmm...

sUNdAy DRess

2011-01-30T09:16:00.000-07:00

clothes & boots = anthro / jewelry = twisted silver

My Saturday didn't go quiet as planned. I ended up getting terribly sick at work... we are talking throwing up and everything. So lame and so embarrassing. To bring some light and frill to my blah mood I wished up this little outfit for church. Oh if only that could be hanging in my closet. Maybe then I wouldn't look so sickly... I would just feel it.

Happy Sunday dressing!

wORkiNg WoMEN

2011-01-29T08:28:00.003-07:00

(Pic by James Moes)

Just getting ready for my day at work. I'm not going to lie. I kinda wish I could play instead. You know... dress up, go to a dance, and then jump in a pool after. Every time I watch "It's a Wonderful Life" I am reminded to put that on my to-do list. Any fun plans for you this weekend?

tHe BEd

2011-01-28T15:04:00.003-07:00

I have a decorating question for anyone interested in giving advice.

Do you think it looks better putting nothing on the wall above a headboard, like so...

Or would you say something above gives it a pinch of magic?

I have spent the last entire week totally rearranging every room in our place. I always seem to get a little ADD in January due to the new year and new goals. In the past I usually would just move to feel ready to take on and perfect life. That probably sounds a little eccentric, but it always helped me to straighten out "life". Obviously that's not in the bag for me anymore so I'm changing everything around me that I have control of... our home being one of them. I'm almost finished.

Just ran into this little problem.

LUstFuL

2011-01-22T10:16:00.005-07:00

I am lusting after this here Nixon Superior.

I thought for a whole day that I would be able to get it on an amazing sale, but then found out otherwise. Biggest problem is that I can't stop thinking about the beauty. Some day Superior... some day.

P.s. Don't you hate when your going along in life just fine and then you stumble across something that you want, but can't have? It's the worse.

fRiENds

2011-01-18T10:06:00.002-07:00

We spent our weekend with a bunch of these lovely people. Kirk {the guy holding the G} turned 30 so we got together to celebrate. We love our time with all our friends. That's defiantly an area that we were blessed in. Our friends are a huge part of our life. They are pretty much like family to us. I spent my single collage life living with all these girls from day one of moving to Provo and we have all been close since. Awesome part is that all the hubby's are great friends as well. These pictures are from our sleep over party that we all got together for in December. Yes, we do get a little silly late at night.

gUeSTs

2011-01-14T09:24:00.000-07:00

My Uncle Gary and his wife Nancy live in Millville Utah on beautiful land. This winter they have been getting some visitors that have been helping themselves to their hay. While I was in the area attending my cousin Jessica's wedding, my parents and I stopped by to check it out. Hello! They are huge and just hanging out pretty much in their back yard like they own the joint. I think it was killing my Dad that he could't just shoot them right then and there.

CuZ

2011-01-13T10:15:00.002-07:00

I just love my sweet cousin Ky.

I love the memories I have of us as little girls playing with our American girl dolls and jumping on the tramp for hours. Growing up She lived in Arizona, so one summer I worked around the house for my parents and saved up enough money to fly out to visit her and her family. I'm thinking I was probably 9ish. Later her family moved to Logan so we would take turns in the Summer going to each others homes and staying for a week to hang out. Those were probably the only weeks out of the Summer that I would ride a bike {I have a random fear of ridding bikes... go figure}. I love, love memories especially with this chicka!

dAY tRip

2011-01-11T21:49:00.005-07:00

{grabbing some warm chili before the drive up Provo Canyon}

{down to one lane}

{waited 30 minutes for the road up Sundance to get plowed}

{pure bliss}

{driving back after getting our tickets and finding out there was an avalanche 2 minutes before hand. the resort decided to close as we approached the lift...grrr.}

{making our way home... in the freakish blizzard}

First attempted day trip together of 2011.

It did not go as we planned.

Still loved every minute of it.

tWenTY eLEveN

2011-01-10T00:05:00.000-07:00

We spent new years eve with my awesome parents in Salt Lake City. Adam had to work until later than hoped for so he ended up meeting us at our hotel and from there we headed to C.P.K {California Pizza Kitchen} at the Gateway, for a delightful dinner. I swear you can never go wrong at that restaurant. We then ventured to the theater and enjoyed watching the movie The Tourist. Once we got back to the hotel the new year was around the corner. We counted down with our drink of choice and enjoyed fireworks from our window. 2011 welcome!

tHanKFul mEMoRieS

2011-01-06T09:33:00.004-07:00

This is late but if I don't post now I will forget detail down the road.

We had a lovely Thanksgiving Holiday. We spent this year with the Densley crew including My mother-in-law Vicki's family. It was a super nice dinner held at their house. I was in charge of the sweet potatoes and was more than excited to splurge on those babies. Everyone ate, enjoyed each others company and conversations, and watched a movie {kids down stairs and adult upstairs}. P.S. my sister-in-law Tiff made me a gluten free pie. Hello! It was amazing, as is she. After the party died down I headed to the land of Rupert. Adam had to work all black friday and Saturday long... we are talking 9-9. So, not wanting to spend the weekend alone I decided to spend it with the Smiths. I got there late Thursday, but just in time to hear the plans for early morning shopping. We all went to bed around midnight and arose at 3am! For real. We all packed into my sister-in-laws suburban. The shoppers were:

Driver - Mono

Music DJ - Bay

Singer - Brod

Dancers - Bubba {and the three above}

people laughing their faces off - Dusty, Dae, Suz, Trick, Sydda,

We all pilled in, drove to Twin Falls {45 minute away} and divided up. Gareth and I went to Wal-mart, Suz and Dae headed to Maceys, Dust, Bailey and Brody attempted Target, and Nick was dropped off at Shopko. We all ran like crazy people to grab our assigned items and quickly checked out. The worst of the store was defiantly Target due to the INSANE lines and surprisingly Wal-mart was a piece of cake. Afterwards, we all headed to IHOP for a bite. It was so much fun, but there was no way I wanted to take pictures that early in the morning. {kicking myself about it now though}. None of us were able to catch up on sleep that day, due to little kids at home waiting to play. Sweet ol' times during Thanksgiving of 2010.

sNow

2011-01-06T08:31:00.001-07:00

What's Christmas without snow? Sadly, there wasn't much snow on the ground this year... so we simply put on our gear and drove to the snow. It was fun getting to watch all the kids try out their new stuff and learn how to ski or board. We all ate a hug breakfast after presents, including our traditional deer meat, and then took off to the mountain top. A grand Christmas day indeed. Those that suited up were:

Bubba

Suz

Macey Lou

Marmar

Dusty

Kynlee

Trick

Ronan

Adam

Squid

nEw GeAR

2011-01-05T21:48:00.001-07:00

This year Adam did very well, as usual, with my gifts. Some favorite presents from him were the purplie, furish scarf, the little mustard yellow purse, and my RVCA shirt. My brother Nick and his family stayed the night at my parents as well, so we were able to have little kids around. Nothing beats the spirit of Christmas in little ones. It was super fun watching them go crazy unwrapping presents. It took me back to the years of trying to guess in the dark what Santa had brought from over the upstairs loft {pictured in the second to last pic}. Ahh... good times! Apparently, the toys to be had this year were pillow pets, zhu zhu pets, and toy story and tangled dolls. Whatever happened to just the plan old Barbie doll or baby?

wRaPPinG

2011-01-04T21:17:00.000-07:00

I'm a bit ridiculous when it comes to wrapping presents for under the tree. One might say I'm a little o.c.d. in that area. I have to have them all matching in colors {this year was black, white, and red} and the ribbon, bows, and tags usually requires a lot of detail and dedication. Totally worth it though. This year has been my favorite in the wrapping department. The tree on the left is my moms. I love real trees and hope to some day have that as a Densley family tradition. Going out and chopping one down. For now I will keep with my two little pencil trees.

ACtiNG the ParT

2011-01-03T14:15:00.000-07:00

I love that more and more kinder are joining the Smith clan. We finally have enough kids to cover the parts of the nativity scene. It is great way to remember the true meaning of Christmas and to celebrate just that.

The Cast:

Mary - Mckynlee

Joseph - Ronan

Angle - Melrose

Baby Jesus - Cabbage patch doll {Lucy was fussy}

Wise man - Crew

Shepherd - Hendrix

Narrator - G-brid

diNNeR parTy

2011-01-02T22:00:00.001-07:00

I always love Christmas Eve dinner. For some reason I have always been in charge of setting the table for this occasion and I just love it. We always use my parents "good" china. I can't wait for the day that I have that option. It makes the evening feel so special. I thought it was cute when my Grandma asked if she should go put her skirt on. I already know that when we have kids I will be making them wear dresses. We both love dressing up for the heck of it.

The menu:

cheese ball

poppy seed salad

prime rib

rolls

twice baked potatoes

corn

blueberry cheesecake

OUtinGs

2011-01-01T21:32:00.000-07:00

It's fun getting out of the house during the Christmas weekend to get some fresh air. One activity that we decided to take on was bowling. Let's just say that Adam secretly kicks butt at bowling. I swear he had to have been on a league once upon a time. My favorite part of the game is the shoes... maybe that's my problem. I also loved getting to go to my brothers houses. One night a few of us headed out to Oakley to see my brother Cam's family before they all took off for AZ to visit his in-laws. Another day we had dinner at Dust's and later watched a movie at Nick's on his grand TV. The boys had a fun breakfast adventure Christmas Eve morning. My cute Dad took them all out to get briskets and gravy. On their way home they stopped by to save G-bird and Grandma who had gotten a flat tire in the midst of their early morning shopping spree. My favorite outing was very simple. It was just Adam and me going to get some curly fries from the grand Burgers Ect. On our way home we mapped out where we would love to build someday {fingers crossed}. Yes, outings are always needed and always enjoyed.

gaMes and suCH

2010-12-31T00:18:00.000-07:00

This year we completed three puzzles. I don't know when we started putting puzzles into our holiday routine, but I sure love it. It's fun sitting around for hours and in the end accomplishing something with our time. We also shared a few mean games of sequence. I'm a huge fan of this game, one reason being that my Dad will join in! Adam and Grandma pretty much rocked everyones socks off one night so when Gma gave Adam and I sequence for Christmas we were more than tickled.

nEws

2010-12-30T17:48:00.003-07:00

Some of the best news during the Christmas season was from some of our closest friends. A group of us all got together for a sleep over and Christmas dinner and while we were randomly going around telling about our favorite Christmas story, Kirk {our friend} says the following...

"Our favorite Christmas was when we told all our friends we were pregnant."

pause.

HELLO! Get out of the way because I'm coming in for hugs along with four other chickas.

I just loved getting to have these cute little darlings around over the weekend. I can't get enough of them. I think Adam was getting a little worried at how often I was holding them or talking about them. Haha little does he know I do it just to put him in a worry.

fAmILy

2010-12-30T16:32:00.004-07:00

I loved getting to spend some time with these two pretty ladies whom I usually don't get to see around the Christmas season. My cousin Hayley was visiting in Logan for a couple days and we were able to stop by my Uncle Gary's and visit, watch my most favorite Christmas movie {White Christmas}, eat a yummy breakfast, and enjoy being around some Griffin family. It was short, but very sweet. My dear Grandma Mary came from Arizona and spent a few days with us in Rupert. I LOVED getting to have her be with us on Christmas day. It was such a special treat for all of us.

cREaTiVe

2010-11-24T10:43:00.008-07:00

POWER OF PEOPLE

So I have these amazing friends who love to create.

We love taking chances and putting our creative minds to the test.

Last year we attempted our first craft fair and I made these joyful things. This year we took on 2 more. I enjoyed mostly the time that I spent with these two chickas pictured above...

Lyns & Jessa

{and Mel who came along for the ride!}

Making headbands was quite fulfilling, but making memories with these two was far better.

NOW...

Sorry this took me so long to post. Email me if you would like to purchase!

sydneyjanphotography@gmail.com

There are only a select few left...

iNSpiRiNG

2010-11-20T01:11:00.003-07:00

POWER OF PEOPLE

I have a cousin who is truly inspiring to me.

I have always had this dream of running a half marathon {note that I said half and not full marathon}. I'm not a huge fan of running so I don't want to be kidding myself. Have I been working towards this goal as of the last 6 months? No sir. You have to get yourself to the gym in order to do that. Do I swear on my life to change this starting next week? Better believe it!

Stacey just blogged about her latest marathon she ran in New York City. Man alive she rocks! The thing that really kills me is that she has four adorable children and is still at the top of her game. She has worked so hard at getting to this point in her life and I am in awe over it.

Thanks for inspiring us all.

aMAZinG

2010-11-18T16:23:00.006-07:00

POWER OF PEOPLE

Over the last couple of weeks I have been very moved by an act of love given by my sister-in-law. She has always been an amazing person to me. She watched over me through my years of "finding myself"... always giving the advice I needed to hear.

Susie was a surrogate for a couple and just gave birth to their two twin boys. Seriously, could there be an any kinder act of love out there? I think not. She is now recovering and all is well with her and the babies. I get goosebumps every time I think about the sacrifice her and her family just went through to help another family out.

When I got the text from Bubba {my brother} saying all was well, I just started crying.

Life is amazing.

Love is amazing.

She is amazing.

DRiVEn

2010-11-17T01:51:00.003-07:00

POWER of PEOPLE

Today...well a few hours ago was my oldest brothers birthday {also my sweet Grandma's}. Our last visit to Idaho included a trip out to Oakley to see his wonderful family above. I LOVE the small town of Oakley Idaho along with all the old houses. It has been fun watching Adam develop this love for small town life. While we were there we ate some yummy food, had a good visit, and took some fun pictures.

When we left Adam made the comment about my brother...

I have never met someone more driven then Cam.

I couldn't agree more.

I have been thinking a lot lately about the power of people in my life. The power people have through example. My oldest brother has set a powerful example in my life. I have been trying to find an answer to some things for the last couple months and after our visit to Oakley I no longer need to worry. I'm about ready to put my car in drive and take off.

Love You Cam. Hope your day rocked.

bAby LUcY

2010-10-26T18:14:00.002-06:00

Introducing the newest member to the Smith clan...

little Lucille

She is such a sweetie.
I already love her so much.
I had fun playing with her over the weekend.

Happy
little
noteS

I'm so thrilled for my big brother and his cute wife.
I love that Lucy always has her eyes open checking life out.
I can't stop looking at this picture...it makes me love everything about life.
Baby headbands rock.

OcTobERneSS

2010-10-21T01:16:00.002-06:00

So October for me has = pure craziness.

I have been busy with my most favorite thing ever... check it out here.

Trying to keep up at work.

Taking a photography class on Thursdays.

And last of all working like a busy little bee trying to make what seems like a billion different headbands for the upcoming Minico Craft fair in good old Rupert Idaho this weekend.

Come check them out on Saturday!

Happy
little
noteS

My little niece Rachel has the cutest baby rolls ever.
I love challenging myself.
Education is gold.
October is the perfect time of year.

the BeST

2010-09-23T10:06:00.005-06:00

The other night I spent the whole evening in our rockin blue kitchen.
I felt like being a little homemaker, so away I went with cooking.

After making a some taco soup I attempted, yet again, a different gluten free bread recipe.
(p.s. my bread is rising under the chicken towel on the counter in the pic)

The results are in and....

BEST recipe I have ever found! I finally like bread again.

It was a successful night to say the least.

For all you gluten free people out there email me for the recipe if you are interested.
sydnadam@gmail.com

Happy
little
Notes

I thankful for my 4-H years of cooking & sewing.
I prefer baking over cooking.
I love trying new recipes.
Mismatching chairs are my fav.

WiND

2010-09-20T20:53:00.004-06:00

Call me crazy but I love wind.

It makes you really breathe, and I for one sometimes need that.

A few Sundays ago my lovely Mother was visiting and we drove through the Alpine Loop. It's an amazing drive through the American Fork Canyon to the Provo Canyon. And of course, we had to stop and take a little stroll around Sundance.
I got in some good deep breaths that day, as the wind was perfect up in the mountains.

Happy
little
Notes

Sundance is one of my favorite spots in Utah.
I'm not a big camper, but I love taking drives and occasional hikes up the mountain.
I love running the Provo Canyon trail.
I love visits from the G-bird.

aLL in A daYs WorK

2010-09-18T00:00:00.003-06:00

This weekend started off with a haircut,

snapping fun pictures of a this little one,

and enjoying a lovely wedding with this dear friend.

p.s. add a cupcake to your day!

Happy
little
Notes

Cupcakes are pretty.
Shep's studio is the bomb.com.
Weddings are full of creativity.
Photography is my sweet tooth in life.

anD thEiR Off

2010-09-15T07:53:00.002-06:00

I was looking back on some things we did over the Summer.

This was one of many.

I'm not going to lie...

we maybe lost $10 bucks that day.

Happy
little
notes

I love Summer days.
Spending time with Adam is my fav.
Going to random places is always an adventure.

piCK me Up

2010-09-13T10:48:00.004-06:00

MONDAY...

Mondays have always been hard for me.

I don't know why, but I always wake up on the wrong side of the bed.

That's why I decided I needed a little Monday pick me up.

Ahhh.
Now I'm all smiles.

Happy
little
Notes

I adore my newest niece Melrose.
Red heads are lucky.
I love baby smiles.

9/11

2010-09-11T22:45:00.002-06:00

In memory of nine eleven...

Happy
little
notes

I love our country.
I'm grateful for our troops.

diStrACted minD

2010-09-09T22:45:00.004-06:00

Do you ever start cleaning your house (maybe because you want to be able put a little check mark next to it on your "to do" list} and you get distracted by something else that in end takes up your whole day?

Please tell me I'm not alone on this...

I couldn't help it.
The no bed skirt was buggin.
I couldn't focus on the more important things.

Happy
little
notes

When I create something I feel confident in myself.
My mother-in-laws dress shop is a little piece of heaven in my eyes.
I love having company come stay in our guest room.

hOt SPoT

2010-09-08T19:20:00.016-06:00

If you ever happen to be driving by Raft River Idaho, you need to stop at Steadmans. If you like water slides, zip lines, and volleyball, then you will surely enjoy this spot.

It's really quite simple...

Step one: Grab a tub of your liking.

Step two: Find a buddy to ride with.

Step three: Start your one of many treks up the hill.

Step four: Be patient. {you are assigned a time frame...it only over laps with others for a bit}

Step five: Partake of the fun and enjoy.

and remember...

Be creative.

Watch out for the slow pokes.

You may fall off, so hold on tight.

Load as many people on as possible if you have the need for speed.

Happy
little
notes...

Pictures with "real" smiles are my favorite.
Time with family in new places makes memorable experiences.
I heart Steadmans.

sWiss DaYS

2010-09-07T22:14:00.004-06:00

This last weekend was the grand Swiss Days located in Midway UT. My home will some day reside in this area so help me. It's beautiful there! For those who have never experienced this occasion I recommend you do at least once in you life time. There is nothing quite like it. Tons of booths selling tons of stuff. If you don't go to really buy {like myself} go for the ideas. There are a million good ones. If you can handling being in an extremely large crowd in a small confined location then you will survive. Just know that I warned you on that.

Noted...
Loved spending this day with Daelynn, G-Bird, & Vonny.
Fresh air + Beautiful Country = Happy me
Creative juices are now flowing...

HaPPinEss PRojEcT

2010-09-03T00:27:00.005-06:00

{Bailey Sue showing who's boss}

Hello again! I took a mini vacation from the blogging world, but I'm back and ready to party. I kinda feel like I have been this steer the last month. A little blaah and to lazy to keep moving forward with somethings. Good news though... I'm trying to step it up and become a stronger person inside and out. My goal is to find people, places, or things that make me super happy and post about them to spread the joy.

P.s. My darling Niece and Nephew have been showing their steers every year at the Burley fair since they both were 7. I'm 25 and I can barely walk by the thing.

Noted...
The Burley fair makes me giddy.
My oldest Niece makes me grin ear to ear .

a toAsT to PERfeCTioN

2010-07-29T22:57:00.008-06:00

{re-living the dream}

On Sunday, 7-25-10, we hit our 2 year anniversary. We celebrated by driving up to Salt Lake City (where our story began) Saturday evening and going to dinner at a yummy Italian restaurant called Biaggis and catching the flick Salt. We ended the night at the Little Grand America hotel. Ahh...Perfection.

Dearest Husband of Mine,

I am everything with you. My favorite part of the day is any minute spent with you. I love how much we say "I love you" in a day. You have the best heart and the kindest soul that you tend to share with me the most. Thank you for being so patient with me our first year and for being my hero our second year. I can't wait for our third. I love you most!

LOve yOu,
Syd

tEa PArTy

2010-07-20T23:03:00.004-06:00

My friends and myself all believe that we were born in the wrong era.

We love all the lovely things in life like pretty hats...

skirts...

tea cups...

and such.

We all got together {missed you Britt} for a lovely little tea party. Yes, we at times are still little girls at heart, but if we weren't I don't think life would be full of so many whimsical moments.

P.s. I love being a girl.

heRe cOMeS thE bRidE

2010-07-12T16:39:00.003-06:00

{Sneak peak of my cute sister in-laws bridals}

Fact: I was driving down the freeway heading home from work on Friday and I noticed all sorts of awesome boats being pulled behind vehicles. I thought to myself, "Huh, I wonder why there are so many boats out." A few minutes later I realized why. It's Summer... and it's July.

True story indeed.

This last week and a half was insane.
1st - Adam got the flu 4th of July weekend.
2nd - I spent the whole last week at the Hilton in Salt Lake for a prom & bridal market working long hard hours and feeling like crap.
3rd -I ended up with the flu myself.

This weeks big events include...
*Rehearsal dinner
*Jessica's Wedding day
*Lot of picture taking

tHe BiKE stOrY

2010-06-28T00:12:00.004-06:00

{my three studly nephews}

The last few weeks and the next two to come have been and will be crazy. I can't remember the last time I have felt this busy. It's a love / hate relationship really. One day, in particular, was a bit hard for me as I was not feeling my best, yet had to put that aside and continue on with my many responsibilities that day. This is what helped me through my day...

While in Idaho a few weekends ago these 3 little boys were out riding around on their bikes. One by one they came in the house crying because they had wrecked and fallen off.

Crash #1 was taken by Crewzier. His medicine was a couple of saltine crackers and back out the door he went.

Crash #2 happened to Ronan. His was a little more severe with a scraped up arm. He's idea for a cure was an apple juice bag {translation - capri sun} After that he was a happy camper and back on his bike.

Crash #3 ended with Hendrix. His was the worst of all. He crashed his nose and mouth into the parked car somehow and a whole lot of blood was involved. His request for happiness was to hold his baby sister.

What I learned from them was when you fall off your bike you get back on.

On my "particular" hard day I had most definitely fallen off my bike and I certainly could not let my three little nephews show me up. I got back on my bike...but only because they did.

mELroSe

2010-06-13T10:45:00.002-06:00

Hope everyone is having a fun weekend.

I have spent mine loving my newest little niece.

Welcome to the family baby Melrose.

dreSS fEVEr

2010-06-08T21:13:00.003-06:00

{adorable Siara & Tyler on their wedding day}

My work is so much fun. I feel like I get to play dress up all day long. For those who do not know, I work at a bridal warehouse running their online modest prom store called Twirl Prom. Now that school is out and the need for formal wear has come to an end for the Summer I am working on the wedding side of things. We just got in a 100 or so of our 2011 wedding and prom dresses last weekend and it's kept me on my toes all week. I have been steaming and prepping all the dresses for our photo shoot that's coming up this month and our big market in July. I love getting to look at all the fabrics, and details in each dress. Flowers are the thing for the upcoming season...just fyi. One dress that I have been lusting over is Siara's wedding dress that she designed herself. Check out more of their pics here.

P.s. what have been some of your favorite wedding dress styles?

2010-06-01T14:55:00.003-06:00

I hope everyone had a pleasant Memorial Day.

I was very happy to meet Grandma and Grandpa Densley over the weekend.

Their stories were fun to hear.

I especially liked the one were the seagull let lose on Grandpas bald head.

His reply was..."Maybe some hair will grow up there now!"

He sounds like a very cute Grandpa indeed.

maY dAy

2010-05-26T23:45:00.009-06:00

{Our cute little niece Mckynlee at her ballet recital)

I can't believe it's the end of May. What the?

I love this month for a few reasons...

1. Many wonderful dance recitals
2. Blooming flowers
3. Driving with my windows down and feeling just right.
4. Busting out the flip flops...and the next day the winter boots.
5. Memories of my many 'last days' of school.

On that note, let me reminisce a little...

I remember always wearing a new outfit on the last day of school. Either bought or borrowed. Why? To feel pretty...and maybe with high hopes that the boys wouldn't be able to forget me all Summer{crazy me indeed.} My last days were always spent with my awesome friends doing something daring to invite the Summer freedom in. For example, one in-particular was jumping off a bridge into the water...in the dark...in our clothes...with a crowd of people watching. Seriously what? P.s. I can't even swim. Didn't think much about that one did I. We would usually stay up all night long and then suffer from it for a whole week. Lots of pictures were taken and many signatures signed in the year book.

Dearest May,
Thank you for the walk down memory lane.
The times of being young and reckless will never be forgotten!

xoxo,
Syd

weDDinG seAsON

2010-05-18T22:15:00.001-06:00

{My beautiful, engaged Sister-in-law...check the photo blog for more pics}

I have a dream...

In my dream weddings are my life.
I design the dress,
concoct the perfect hair,
master the makeup,
plan the events,
snap the pictures,
decorate the surroundings,
taste the food,
invent the invites,

and dance the night away.

Ahhhh, what I would give to live my dream!

giRLie GIrL

2010-05-13T19:57:00.003-06:00

(A typical Sunday on the farm)

Last Sunday was Mothers Day.
We spent the weekend in Idaho celebrating with my lovely mom.
I wanted to share some great advice from the G-bird...

Always have fresh polish on your nails and toenails. It will make you feel pretty.
{I gave it a go with bright pink.
Not going to lie, I did feel pretty... then again I am a girlie girl.}

What's some favorite advice from your wonderful Mother?

bREad TAlk

2010-05-06T22:46:00.003-06:00

{First homemade gluten free bread in my happy blue kitchen.}

During the middle of the week we had a very random night. I attempted to make gluten free bread for myself in my little bread machine that my mother lent me. All was going well until I looked at the clock. Silly me. I started the long processes at around 10:30pm which meant it wouldn't be done for a few hours. P.s. I'm kind of a night owl... and wanting to quit. I wish there were support groups for that kind of thing. Anywho, Adam and I started talking to pass the time and next thing I knew it was 2am and my little loaf was finished. Funny part about the night is we stayed up talking after the bread was out of the machine and on the cooling rack. We made it to bed around 3ish. It took us back to the good old days of dating when we use to stay up all night talking. When I say all night, I mean all night. We would just talk until we had to go to work. I would never recommend it, nor would I attempt it again. But needless to say it was the funnest night ever shared with my best friend.

moTivATIonAL key

2010-05-03T21:58:00.003-06:00

After work today I went running.

I usually try to get in 2 miles before getting bored and moving on to something else. I began my run as usual. I inserted my headphones, cranked on my tunes as load as I dare, did a few stretches, and began my run/jog. I might add in that I run at the Gym. It's so much easier for me...no need to keep one eye on the road for cars and the other on crazed dogs eager to attack me. I also like to run in the cinema room. Having a good flick in front of me always helps to keep my mind occupied. So there I was, beginning my exercise with Paramore in my ear, Music and Lyrics playing before my eyes and next thing I knew I was thinking about Adam. For 4 and 1/2 miles I thought of him. I was thinking about how lucky I am to have such an amazing person like him in my life. Who knew...he is also my motivational key for running.

liFe is LIKe a RoDEo

2010-04-29T10:13:00.004-06:00

{my niece Bailey kickin butt at her and my nephew's rodeo in Rupert}

The last few weeks have been crazy. I have come to the conclusion that life is like a rodeo. You race from one event to the next trying to stay on your horse. I had forgotten how much time having a job took out of my day. Thankfully, I'm in love with my work and could care less.
This weekend will be kinda of like barrel racing...

Barrel number one - BYU Womens Conference. I'm super stoked for this. Last year was my first time attending and I think I'm hooked for many more years to come. Have you ever been? If not you should give it a go. It's very uplifting.

Barrel number two - Engagement photo shoot. My sister-in-law Jessica is getting married to a very awesome guy. They asked me to take their pics. YAHOO! Let the wedding events begin! P.s. weddings + photography = perfect combo

Barrel number three - I have been asked by a few people if I would bust out my scissors. I'm not going to lie...my cosmetology skills have been hiding in the closet for awhile. I guess some people would be happy if I put them to more use. Okay, okay I give in.

Any crazy plans for the weekend yourself?

p.p.s. Thanks for all the awesome comments on the last post...I will update you on the stomach situation soon.

to EAT or NoT to EAT

2010-04-08T23:48:00.003-06:00

{I look just like my mom when she had short hair back in her 20's & I love it}

Question...
What do you do when your stomach hurts after every time you eat?

Change your diet maybe? Been there done that.
Gluten free... check.
Sugar free... check.
{well maybe more like 95% free of them. I'm so not perfect}
Drink lots and lots of water to the point of having to pee every 2 hours... check.
Don't eat... check.

Have something removed?
Gallbladder surgery... check.

Try something natural or homeopathic perhaps?
Oils...check.
Remedies... check.
Other things that were freakishly weird... check.

Needless to say I am all out of ideas. Any suggestions for my poor little belly?

{P.s. I have missed my little blog and yours dearly this last week, but good news the basement should be somewhat complete by the end of the week. Which means back to a normal schedule including a lot more sleep, healthier food, and working out daily. Hallelujah can't wait!}

eLdeR roMNeY

2010-03-30T23:37:00.002-06:00

{Elder Andy serving in Mongolia}

Over the weekend we were able to spend time with family due to the event of my cousins return from Mongolia. What a mission. It looks a little on the cold side don't you think? He made a great missionary and we enjoyed getting to listen to his awesome report on Sunday. Welcome back to Utah Andy.

P.s. made it to our new home...although until everything is put in it's right place I can't really call it that yet. I'm excited to get some color on the walls. Any suggestions???

i BiD aDiEu

2010-03-26T18:42:00.009-06:00

{the Densley family room}

This week has been busy with packing up our cherished little home and moving it else where. It's one of those bitter sweet things...

On the one hand we are very excited for the change and adventures ahead of us.
On the other hand my heart as been planted in our first home together. A part of it will probably always stay with in it's walls.

P.s. We have everything moved out but our mattress, TV, clothes, and food. Lets just say that our mattress found it's way into the family room last night and Mr Denz and myself stayed up watching friends until the wee hours of the night. It made me pretty happy to say the least.