The Holy War Get-Together

BYU is going to take down the U!Driving to Salt Lake to hang out with some friends. The other traffic is that going TO the actual game which was played in Provo. It was insane at some points.

Hanging out with Kate! And getting the food ready to go.

The Boys, so enthralled with the game and the deep rooted rivalry.
The group watching the game: I was the only BYU fan there. It was a strange situation to be surrounded by people who wanted your team to lose when you want your team to win. But BYU pulled out the Victory, so i left being the only happy one in the bunch.
So as a couple, Aaron and I bleed purple, a little bit of red mixed with a little bit of blue. So there isn't much of a rivalry with us, but its fun to pretend!

Thanks Kate, Derek, Neal, and Kelli, we had a lot of fun hanging out and watching the game with you guys!

Let the Celebration Begin

In my mind the day after Thanksgiving is the day that Christmas celebrating begins. Aaron and i got a really good deal on a Christmas tree at target and decided to buy it. We didn't have a Christmas tree the first year we were married so we're newbie's to the tree situation. The whole time that we have had it (about a week) i've wanted to put it up, due to the fact that the tree increased my Christmas excitement levels. Finally the day after Thanksgiving, when celebrating is allowed to start, we put up our tree!!

The before picture:The building process: (please note the fact that i look like a tired old woman. This is because i rolled out of bed and started working on the tree. I'm not even sure if i'm completely awake in this picture. Decorations are the most important part of my day, who needs breakfast?!)
THE FINISHED PRODUCT!! Aaron's mom had the star on layaway, and said that we could use it, score for us! There are also only 3 ornaments on our tree: two that Aaron and i got in our stockings last year, and one really cute Santa ornament that my grandparents gave to us. Aaron's mom has been ever so kind because she's giving us all her christmas stuff that she doesn't want or need anymore. She gave us these clear ball ornaments, and we spent part of tonight shredding red tissue paper and putting the paper inside the balls, we're a very hip and cool couple to hang out with.
I'm so excited to get more into the Christmas season. I've started listening to all the stations that play Christmas music, and i want to watch all of the Christmas movies we own. Too bad i have to take finals in a few weeks.. But we shouldn't let that damper the Christmas spirit! Aaron and i are also thinking of starting a Christmas cd collection. Any suggestions?

Happy Thanksgiving

This year for Thanksgiving, Aaron and i stayed in Provo to celebrate with Aaron's family. It's their first Thanksgiving after living in Hong Kong for 5 years. It was soo fun, and really laid back. I even had the chance to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving day parade, and i was lucky enough to catch a few parts of the dog show that followed. haha! The food was delicious, and we spent the rest of the night playing cards and watching a Hannah Montana marathon. haha.
Preparing the delicious feast for which we did partake of that glorious day..
The MEN and Rachel celebrating thanksgiving the way the male pilgrims did, by watching football.
Sometimes i pretend that i'm a photographer... Even though this picture isn't technically sound, i still thought it was cool
I hope that you all enjoyed your holiday as much as we did. Happy Thanksgiving!

Now bring on Christmas!!

Pictures Pictures Pictures

I had a bunch of random pictures and i couldn't think of a crafty way to put them together, so i figured i'll make a picture post!

Aaron and i finally got to meet Matt's new girlfriend, Rachel. It was a lot of fun to hang out with them, and Rachel is really really nice. We look forward to hanging out you guys again!
We also got to hang out with Erin and Bridger who we haven't seen since JUNE! Please note how cool we look in this picture...
Brigder is due in december! Ha, just kidding! But Erin is actually due in December. They are expecting a baby boy around the 15th. Forest Curtis Field! We're really excited for you guys and can't wait to meet little Forest!
And what is life without a random everyone-pile-in-the-car trip to smart cookie?
Jason and Jen are pretty happy about the trip.
AND SO ARE WE! (especially Aimee)
Aaron is oh so studious. Actually now that he's signed, things have slowed down. So he was probably checking ESPN.com when this picture was taken.
I thought i'd throw this one in here. This is aaron and i after a dinner with PWC, one of the accounting firms. There's nothing like dressing in business casual, getting a free dinner, then setting your camera on your bookshelf because no one is there to take the picture for you!!

Aaron Signed!

Well its official, Aaron signed with Deloitte! So come August, we will be moving to San Jose California!
It's so crazy that we finally know where we're going, after months of the recruiting process. Its nice to finally know that process is over, but there are a lot of other different things we need to worry about, mainly MOVING out there. But even with moving, we're really excited for the next adventure!

Aaron's Tag

Six things that you may or may not know about me are:

(1) On February 18th, 2000 at 11 pm I totaled my car -- the same day that I got my drivers license
(2) I really love food and eating out --I would eat out every single meal of every day if my budget could handle it
(3) I wish just once to sit court side at a Dallas Mavericks game
(4) I have a lot more shoes then my wife -- and plan to keep it that way
(5) I always get mad when I drive by the MTC because I wish I could trade places with the guys I see -- my life goal is to serve a bunch of missions with my wife
(6) I would watch the movie Gladiator every day if I had the time

and just for fun -- (7) this is my first and last time ever to "blog"

ADB

Tag Fest 2k7

Here are six things that you may or may not know about me

1. My favorite TV show is FRIENDS. I have seen every episode at least 5 times, and i often use quotes from the show and apply them to situations. haha, if you know me, then you have experienced this. My parents/ "Santa" gave me the set of all ten seasons for Christmas last year, i'm pretty sure it was one of the best gifts i have ever been given.
2. I found out that i actually enjoyed reading while i was in college. I used to hate reading and i never understood why other kids would read, especially over the summer. My mom introduced me to Nicholas Sparks books. They were amazing, and i think i read four of them in a span of a few months. I have loved reading ever since. My favorite things to read are series books like Harry Potter, the Stephanie Plum series, and of course, the Twilight series. But i'm also partial to authors like Nicholas Sparks, Janet Evanovich, Ann Brashares, and Meg Cabot. Also, if you have any book recommendations PLEASE send them my way!
3. When i was younger i always said i would marry a dog person. I ended up marrying a person who is allergic to dogs. Oh the sacrifices that we make for love! ha.

4. Ive seen my sisters wedding video at least 25 times. Seriously, you think i might be kidding but i'm not. I would even make other people watch it even if they didn't want to!! haha sorry Leandra and Jillian. I'm not even sure why i watched it so much, i just liked it i guess.

5. I love People magazine, i could read it for hours. Whenever i go back to my parent's house, i catch up on my People magazine because my mom has a subscription6. I don't like when people walk too close behind me, it's like human tailgating! Why do some people find it necessary to get so close. Go around me at a normal distance!

Tag: Ashby Hatch, Tiffany Conley, Paige Clark, and Momma Stringham

Coincidence? You Be the Judge

As mentioned in a previous post, i went with Aaron's side of the family to dinner and a movie for FHE. Aaron couldn't come because he had a Monday night class. This is the setting.

Hours earlier, Aaron spent many hours, okay maybe 1 or 2, figuring out a budget if we were to live on his salary alone. With living in California, rent will be expensive, taxes pretty much strip all the hope you might have for a normal life, so we were running on a bare bones budget in order to get through the first year. One of the most important things to budget in, Aaron's dad told us, are the things you are expecting to happen, like car accidents. All of these things were taken into consideration. (Just a note: this budget doesn't take into account the salary i'll be bringing in the first year.)

So while we, the Barnard family, are at Taco bell getting our grub on we get a call from Aaron, saying that he has a completely flat tire and is in rush hour traffic. Aaron's dad talks him through a few things. Aaron calls the highway patrol-men, to get help. Only to realize before the patrolman comes (which takes an hour and a half for the guy to get there), that he doesn't have an allen wrench to get the lug nuts off. So Marc, is enlisted, He comes to save the day. After a million trips to Lowe's, and many returns because the parts weren't right, Marc goes home, and Aaron gets the help of Jeremy. Only to have none of the tools Jeremy brought fit. Finally, Aaron's dad drives up, and helps aaron put-put the car to the closest Les Schwab for repair. They are of course closed, so aaron has to go up there in the morning to tell them what needs to be done. Finally at midnight Aaron and his dad come home. A simple tire change which should take 15 minutes, took 7 hours total, to deal with.So is it coincidence, or not, that the same day we make a budget, an unexpected "car accident" occurs? Hows that for an application lesson! "It's always important to budget for the unexpected, because that very same day, you can have a little something rip your tires to shreds on the highway, causing you to have to pay for the repairs!" haha.

Let Me Tell You...

When this movie first came out i thought it looked good and i wanted to see it. However, i hadn't heard anything about it, so i assumed that it probably wasn't very good because no one was talking about it. Last night i went with Aaron's side of the family (aaron wasn't there, story to come later) to dinner and a movie (for FHE). We originally wanted to see Ratatouille at 7 at the dollar theatre, but it was sold out. So we discussed our options (Rush Hour Three, No Reservations, and Stardust) I eliminated No Reservations because i had seen it on Friday with Jillian, and almost everyone eliminated Rush Hour 3 because it looked stupid. With no other options left we settled on Stardust.

Oh my goodness!!! It was one of the best movies i have ever seen! The characters were great, it was funny, romantic, and mystical all at the same time. Because i hadn't heard anything about it, i assumed that everyone else hadn't heard anything, so i wanted to tell you to GO SEE IT! Also, if any of you are thinking what to get me for Christmas or my birthday, i want this movie so i can watch it all the time. You might think i'm kidding, but i'm not. I think i might go see it again before the week is out. Its only a dollar at the dollar theater. I highly recommend this movie.

So there you go, now you have heard about the movie, my job here is done

Who Dunnit?

One cold and dreary night millionaire, Rick Rochester, was murdered! There are eight suspects to the murder, all of which have motive, but no investigation will be done until the will has been read to those closest to him. At the reading of the will, things might get a little heated, accusations will be made, and some might even kill for the inheritance.Chelsea and Burke held a murder mystery at the Alder cabin for Halloween. I have never done one before, but it was a lot of fun and i would definitely do it again. Here is a list of the real names of the people, and the characters that they played:

Burke- Reilly Ravish- Lawyer to Rick Rochester
Chelsea- Allison Rochester- Daughter of Rick and Jasmine Rochester, sister to Elizabeth Rochester
Carter- Geoffry Worthers- Butler to Rick Rochester, Husband of Josephine Worthers, and father of Neal Worthers
Leandra- Jessica Rochester- Ex-wife of Rick Rochester
Chris- Fabio fabulous- Pool boy for Rick Rochester
Erika- Jasmine Rochester- Widow of Rick Rochester
Brittany- Elizabeth Rochester- Daughter of Rick and Jasmine Rochester, sister to Allison Rochester
Adam- Neal Worthers- Chauffeur to Rick Rochester- Son of Josephine and Geoffry Worthers
Kara- Josephine Worthers- Maid for Rick Rochester- Wife to Geoffry Worthers, Mother of Neal Wothers
Aaron- Bob Bucks- Accountant to Rick Rochester

It was great to accuse people of things, try to pay people for information (despite the fact that i had no idea what i was doing and was pretty much throwing my money away), and although my character died (sorry if i ruined anything), i got to play the detective, and accuse the person who murdered me. If you have never done a murder mystery, i highly recommend it!

Home Sweet Home

Aaron had an interview in San Jose on Monday and Tuesday, so i decided to take a quick trip home (my parents house) for the weekend. It was so nice to be able to be with family, laugh, and reminisce about old times.

Me and Taz, my puppy who i couldn't take with me to Utah
The girls: Kara, Ashby, and Stacey
With all the babes: Brooklyn, Emma, Taylor, and Carly. (i'm laughing at all the people it took to get the kids to look up, which was five, and the weird things they were doing to get the kids to smile.)
This is a picture to show off Carly's french braids, styled by yours truly
Pei Wei: Step down for P.F.Changs, but still oh so good. We had a girls lunch, children included in the set.
Outside Pei Wei
Swap of Camera people
And finally Tay Tay, who had thrown about 27 things at me in the short time that i was there. He throws because he loves.

Pumpkin Carving

In between the boatloads of assignments that Aaron and i had to do, we decided to squeeze in a little festive Pumpkin Carving, with the Henderson's.

First, here are the GOOD pictures:

Russ and Aimee
Please note how thick the pumpkin was. It was next to impossible to carve.
Aaron is on the Edge of his seat with carving excitement.
Carving
Ever so carefully
The Finished Product!!

Now for the NOT-SO-GOOD pictures:

No explanation necessary for this picture
Sometimes i think i'm cool.
This picture was cute... but then Aaron licked my face.... so it turned out not-so-good.
This picture would have been better if the pumpkin stuff didn't look like it was coming out of my nose.
This picture cracks me up because of the look on Aimee's face.