Cori And Mia Are STUCK!

As I was getting ready to go out into the terrible blizzard with just my scarf on, Mia and I got STUCK!

It was cute to see her wrapping the end of my scarf around her neck. But then, she started pulling me around the house, choking me...which wasn't so cute!

We were officially stuck at this point, so I asked nana to take our picture.

I snapped a picture of Ben as he was entertaining us all with a youtube clip about a squirrel...or it may have been when he showed us this fighting scene that wasn't too funny.

Yep, sometimes I wonder about him!

No, but we had a great time driving in the snow 1.5 hours to American Fork for his work Christmas Party. I couldn't believe it, but he completely opened up to me, like I was girl-Ben, or was it boy-Cori?

I'd say Ben's co-workers are a handful of jokesters...and Ben just might be the biggest!

After the emotionally draining white elephant gift exchange, Ben ended up with a Fung-Sui fountain, and I got a few things for a wonderful massage and some chocolates.

A Day In The Kitchen

Mia was a big help last Thursday in the kitchen with mommy. She was busy making Christmas cookies for the neighbors. Cara wanted to be sure to get them done and handed out before her surgery Friday morning. Good thing she did...because she hasn't been feeling so hot since. Hopefully she'll back at it on Christmas!

Tanner and Mia know how to work those popsicles! (Tanner had his hands on sweet potatoes, too...in case you were wondering.)

Up For A Pedi?

Today, the research team was pleasantly surprised when Jessica, our research principal investigator, came down and offered to take us all to get pedicures!

Check out our colorful toes! Can you guess which team member belongs to which set of toes?

Here are your choices: First, we have Terri, Nica, and Cori. They've been caught in the act of getting pampered! Then, we have the lovely Dianne. Oh, and there's Wendy pulling up her pants, so we can see some skin! Hey, where's Jessica?

Well, at least her feet didn't shy away from the camera!

This final picture should help reveal which researcher belongs with which set of painted toes. Hint...notice the clothes. That's right, take another look at all those pretty toes!

By the way, this was the 2nd time I have ever gotten a pedicure. It was so much fun! Thanks, Jessica! I can't stop staring at my fancy nails!

The Mesa, Arizona Temple Christmas Lights

For FHE tonight, we went to the Mesa Temple to listen to a choir and enjoy the Christmas lights.

The choir had a few people from our single's ward participate. They sang peaceful Christmas songs. It really was nice to sit back and watch the rain drops fall into the reflection pond.

Unfortunately, the weather didn't completely cooperate throughout the evening. The rain started out as a nice sprinkle, and by the end of the night, we were racing to get inside our cars.

Here's a nice profile shot of Grant protecting his perfect hair with my winter coat and snuggling up in my "stinky" blanket. Sorry about that...it's going in the wash before I use it again! It was so good to see Grant; I've missed being around him. I don't think I stopped smiling once while I was by him! I really have missed our fun times together! Plus, I think he has a thing for wanting his pictures to be in my blog. :)

This final shot, if you can see it, was where the night concluded. We were in the church parking lot, across from the temple, serving up hot chocolate and muffins/cookies. It was raining pretty good the whole time. People were getting drenched and cold. Yet, many still stayed around to socialize. Yep, maybe we're all just a tad bit crazy, but it was kind of fun to get wet! I went home with my jeans completely soaked from my calves down. Even my socks couldn't hide from the rain.

All that, and I didn't even get a picture of the Arizona Temple Christmas lights! Maybe next time!

Zoo Lights

Last night, a group of us went to go see the Zoo Lights.

From left to right, we have Brookelynn, Annette, Julie, Cori, Ammon, Jennica, and Trevor. All of us are in the University 6th Ward.

This was my first time attending this popular event. I captured the best scenes, in my opinion. I must admit, it would have been a lot more fun if I would have brought some kids! Next time I'm going to have to snatch up Taryn's kids so they can drag me around!

These first couple of pictures represent our Arizona Christmas. It's so different to see cacti decorated with Christmas lights!

Throughout the zoo, there were designs of desert creatures lit up, like rattlesnakes and scorpions, etc. It's kind of creepy...not very warm and fuzzy!

The picture with all the colorful trees was an area called the "dancing trees." As Christmas music played, the tree lights would go from bright to dim along with the beat.

I thought that blue tree looked really cool, so I took a picture of it!

The last photo is a special request made by Julie! She wanted to show her family AZ traditional Christmas cacti. So, Julie, just click on the picture to make it bigger. Unfortunately, these pictures aren't very big. But, hopefully, it will work for you!

Christmas Wish with JohnJay and Rich

On December 6, 2007, JohnJay and Rich from Arizona's 104.7 FM radio station spent the day at Arizona Mills Mall for Christmas Wish.

This is a segment of their program where they help families in need during the Christmas season. JohnJay and Rich have created a CD people can buy, and all the money is donated to this Christmas Wish fund.

People write letters to the station about someone they know who needs major help financially during this Christmas season. That person then reads the letter to the person on air. It really can be heart-breaking to hear their story and struggles. Then their Christmas Wish comes true! JohnJay and Rich provide them with everything, and more, that the family may need during this time. They usually get a Christmas tree with all the decorations, a gift card for groceries, clothes and toys for everyone in the family, and any bills/debts paid off. It really is a great service.

On this day, I happened to be in the area, so I thought I'd drop by. I bought one of their CD's and watched them close up the show. I could have easily met them and got their autographs, but I chose not to. JohnJay is in the 2nd picture, while Rich is in the last photo.

Our Wedding Night

After our busy "wedding day", Paul and I did go to a hotel in Los Angeles for the evening, but we had a couple of tag-a-longs!

The four of us (Christi, Paul, Shannon (Christi's roommate), and I) went to the 35 floor (the top of the building) of the Bonaventure Hotel to experience the rotating restaurant!

The center of the restaurant was stationary while the perimeter moved.

We could see all views of the city while sitting in our booth. Pretty cool! Because we chose this great season to get married, we saw Christmas lights all over the city.

Christi and I got a little goofy while we were enjoying our specialty drinks! Don't worry...they were virgin! I got a lava flow and Christi had a pina colada. Yummy!

Wedding Photos?

December 1, 2007

Paul and I captured some special moments at the Los Angeles, California Temple. Here are a few of our favorite "Wedding photos."

It's true, we went to the temple!

These photos are dedicated to all of our family and friends who have relentlessly tried to convince us to get married!

Sorry, family and friends, we couldn't do it! We didn't get married.

Paul is definitely my best friend, but I have to admit, it was really hard for me to get through this photo session. I couldn't stop laughing! I had a nervous laugh all night. It was so uncomfortable for me to pose as close as we were. Sorry, Paul, for making it difficult!

Paul did a great job being the perfect groom during our long evening of gathering photos. I think he would have been fine doing it all night long!

Christi is an amazing photographer! She did all the work...directing us in our picture perfect postions and snapping the shots.

The Big Day

December 1, 2007

Christi, Paul, and I spent the afternoon at Venice beach. It was such a windy day that we were practically the only people on the beach! Check out the romatic photo of Christi and Paul holding hands on the beach...uh huh!

So, Christi was on the look-out for the perfect engagement stone...looks like she found it.

To continue this romatic theme, Paul and I took some engagement photos. The picture below is my favorite! I know you all have been waiting patiently for this. The time has finally arrived....Paul and Cori's "Engagement Photo."

Paul's 30th Birthday

Paul and I decided months ago that we'd spend his "golden year" or 30th birthday on November 30, 2007 in Los Angeles, California.

This all started with a pact that he instigated that included myself.

This is my version of the story, which is correct.

Paul brought up the idea that we should get married when we turn 30, that is, if we were still single. I told him we should do it when I turn 30. He was not pleased with that...it had to be when he turned 30. I gave in after many years.

So, this last year when I moved to Arizona, he reminded me to hurry and date someone before November 30, otherwise we were to be married. I started to panic! How was I to find my dream guy, date him, fall in love, and marry him within a year? Well, I almost did! (Well, at least I found someone I loved to date.) But, then we broke up a few weeks before Paul's big day. Darn it!

About 6 months ago or so, Paul and I were on the phone talking about relationships and whatever. Paul asked me where I'd like to get married, if I had the choice. I told him the L.A. temple. I fell in love with it when I was visiting California last. It's so massive on top of a beautiful hill. I love the nighttime view. Anyway, Paul was completely surprised because that's where he'd like to be married, too! Awkward...just kidding! Actually, I think it's the first thing we both have ever agreed upon without a fight! Not only did we agree upon a location, we also agreed on a date...December 1, 2007. Wow, we were on a roll! (Maybe it's meant to be?)

Before I knew it, Paul had made arrangements with my friend, Christi, in Los Angeles to have us over that weekend. It was official, we were going to L.A. for Paul's Golden Birthday and our "Wedding Day."

After a long day of traveling, Paul made it to LA to greet me at the bottom of the escalator just before Christi arrived to pick us up. He was all dressed up in his suit, just for me!

Christi's friend Charlie happened to need a ride from the airport around the same time, so the 4 of us went out to eat at a nice Thai restaurant. Paul's food arrived smothered in his favorite element, fire! The food was wonderful...the flavor was delicious! Unfortunately, I wasn't feeling so well, but I was still able to finish my meal. I just realized we didn't have cake and ice cream! Sorry, Paul! Christi had a card for him, and not just any typical birthday card...a wedding card! Hilarious, Christi!

I wanted to help Paul out with his new image for his birthday. His roommates and him have discovered the best way to attract women...be in a band! So, I gave him a few things that will allow women to recognize his talent. I gave him a few pics because every guitarist has a pic on hand. If one happens to slip out of his wallet while a lady is in his presence, he'll have the opportunity to explain! Also, I got him a lyric book. If anything comes to mind, he can write a few lines. This can be a time for him to be romantic without really even trying! (I got these great ideas from my friend who is in a band. Man am I lucky to know him!) The funny thing the whole day was that I forgot to buy him a pen for the notebook. Everywhere I went, I was tempted to take a pen...thanks to Christi, but I couldn't do it. (Of course, all the pens with the name Paul were gone at the airport terminal store.) Eventually Christi let me have one of hers for him. Thanks, again, Christi! Happy Birthday, Paul! I think, officially, you're an old man!