Need a place to lay you head?

Well- we have the perfect spot! Our guest room is the 2nd room in the house to be COMPLETELY decorated and finished (the 1st being the living room). I am quite proud of this room. I love the color aqua... and so I just went for it and splashed the walls with it. The only thing that is left is an awesome window treatment (which I think I will be finishing today). Lemme know what you think about it!

A Holiday Retreat!

Harrison and I booked a mini retreat at a local resort this week. We spent 2 days at the FABULOUS Green Valley Ranch resort and spa. It was lots of fun. One of the great things about living here in Vegas is the local discounts. Here in Vegas we see about 35+ million tourists a year (that's a lot of people). So- to reward us locals for our patients with these foreigners... hotels/restaurants/spas/attractions/shows run really good specials and discounts for those with a Nevada drivers license.
We stayed 2 nights at the GVR resort and they threw in a great dining credit and spa credit. Our stay was really nice.
The first night we were there, we ate dinner at Hanks. It is a posh steak/lobster place. The atmosphere and ambiance was great. It was very romantic and the customer service was really great!


We had a lovely dinner of fillet minion, asparagus, and mashed potatoes. I would definitely recommend this restaurant to people. I think we will go again for sure. There was also live music while we were there. A guy that played the guitar and piano. Harrison made a good point... He wondered if the band Sublime ever thought their song "What I Got" would ever be played slowly with a piano. He did a good job though.

The next morning we woke up, ate breakfast, and made our 10:00 appointment for a couples massage. Oh how I love the spa! GVR's spa has been named Best Spa in Vegas time and time again... and I could see why.




We had our massage (that was great by the way) and after that I took advantage of ALL they had to offer in the waiting lounge and shower area. They really did think of everything. They had all the toiletries you could think of or need right at the ready... including tooth brushes and tooth paste... and deodorant. I also used the (really good) blow dryers and flat irons that were there. Such a wonderful retreat for us.

We had to come back to reality and real life today. I wish we didn't have to. Oh well- I guess if I "had" to live like that everyday- it wouldn't be as amazing as it is right now when it is a rarity (I'm not so sure if I believe that though).

I guess it's time to hop online and find the next GREAT DEAL!

Merry Christmas to all of you!

Well- I know that I have been pretty bad at keeping up with the blog-ola (Harrison and I seem to add OLA to the end of words all the time... weird, huh).

Merry Christmas to all of my friends and family today! Our Christmas was great. Very quiet and lazy... but great! We woke up late and opened our quaint pile of gifts under the tree. We then watched almost 6 hours of Keeping Up With The Kardashians! It was super fun!

Last night my dad (my wonderful wonderful dad) sent me over this video that I am about to post. Let me back up... about a month ago, my dad asked me to scan all of our old family Christmas photos and send them to him via email. He said that he needed me to put kind of a rush on it. You see, I told my mother that I would scan all of our family albums and digitize them. So- I started and got about 6 years done. Well- last night, my dad texted me a link and told me to call him when I was done watching it.

This year, I was the only child not home for Christmas. My brother, Charlie, planned a GREAT Christmas surprise. He is in the Air Force and told my parents he was meeting his wife in California for Christmas. Well- I helped arrange things so that he could arrive at my parent's for Christmas (basically I just kept it all a secret. That was my job. HA). So- with him home, my parents had 9 out of 10 kids home. Harrison and I were not able to make it to Grand Junction for Christmas this year because we knew that Harrison had to work at The Gap on Christmas day (he is there right now actually! Oh the joys of working retail). Well- my dad sent over this video to make me cry and miss them all very much! Kidding... sort of. But it really did make me home-sick for my family. Especially my dad. I know that this video probably won't mean as much to you as it does to me... but I thought I would share it anyway!

ENJOY!



Well- I hope that you and your families have all had a wonderful holiday and created lasting memories! Merry Christmas!

I've Drunk the Kool-Aid (Butter Beer)

Well Folks,
It is official. I (Harrison) have become a Harry Potter fan. I have ranted in the past about how Harry Potter is no better than grocery store fiction and that it will not lead children to read classic literature, like Mark Twain, but I was wrong. Harry Potter is a well crafted and involving series and I think it is very good.
Of course, I have only read one of the books so far, but I have watched all the movies in the past few days and they are great, even considering the detail that is left out from the books.
Now I won't be dressing up in Harry Potter gear for any occasion, but I will be buying all the books. I am trying to figure out a way to get the British versions of the books, since Rowling is a Brit and they are in their purest form in Britain. Any ideas?

A Snowy Drive

Well we are alive! We went to Salt Lake City for my cousin's wedding (the wedding is tomorrow). The drive was pretty awful... but we made it! I will update more with pictures later!

Jaala

Thanksgiving: The Musical

Yes- I know after 15 days of blogging in a row... I failed! WAH! My life just got totally away from me! To make up for it... I am going to post the HILARIOUS and AMAZING picture story of Thanksgiving... as told by my wonderful sister-in-law, Joy. She gave me permission to post these and I am pretty excited! ENJOY!















I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. We sure did here in our family! We went up "north" to St. George, Utah to spend the holiday with Harrison's parents. It was nice and quiet with just the four of us. I quite enjoyed it!

I have much to be thankful for. Thanks for reading the blog and leave a comment!

A Very Thankful November Day 15

Today I am thankful for friendly laughter.

I went on a "lunch outing" with a couple of girls from work today. I usually don't pal around with the peeps that I work with but today was pretty fun. We went to a home decor store here in Vegas (Home Goods) and browsed around. I found good stuff at really good prices.

The friendly conversation was great. I really enjoyed the laughs and the chats we had. I don't think I have ever had this much fun with my current co-workers. HOORAY!

A Very Thankful November Day 14

Primary Children

Today in church was our annual Primary Program. The Primary Program is a day when the Primary children (ages 3-12) get up and present to the rest of the congregation what they have learned in their Primary classes this year. This year's theme was I Know My Savior Lives. There were songs and quotes and talks and scriptures. It is seriously my favorite week of the year at church.

I especially love their singing. It always makes me cry when I hear those kids sing songs about their Heavenly Father, their Savior, and other gospel principles.

A Very Thankful November Day 13

My Mother

I am SO thankful for my Mommy! Yesterday I was able to talk to my mom on the phone for about 3 hours. It was great. My mom is such a wonderful mother and such a wonderful person! I really do just love her. Here are some great (and funny) pictures of my mom:








But hey- I treat everybody equal... I love my dad too: (I wanted to post this pic real bad)

A Very Thankful November Day 12

Today I am thankful for Arts and Crafts

This fine evening I put up some crafty decorations in our guest bedroom. I had such a good time doing it! It reminded me of why I love that kind of stuff. Sometimes I will get into a "funk" and forget about taking time for myself and doing things that I love. Well, when I do some arts and crafts, I realize how much I love them and how happy they make me feel.

Here are my Martha Stewart pom poms in my guest bedroom (sorry the pic is in bad condition... I took it with my phone).

A Very Thankful November Day 11

Veteran's Day

Today is Veteran's Day. What a great day to express how thankful I am to the men and women who have fought and continue to fight for our freedom in this country. I currently have a brother, Charlie, who serves in the United States Air Force. I got to talk to him tonight too!.... for 2 whole hours :)

My Brother Charlie :)

My father served in the Air Force, as well as my Uncle Vernon. Such great examples of bravery and loyalty.

I am thankful for the sacrifices these people in MY life and others have made on behalf of me. I am thankful and I pray for their families... who go without loved ones for months at a time sometimes while they so valiantly serve.

Thanks Thanks Thanks!

A Very Thankful November Day 10

Cafe Rio




I do love this Mexican fast-ish food restaurant. So good. 2 weeks in a row now Harrison and I have met friends at Cafe Rio for some awesome food and even better conversation.

We have a Cafe Rio a few blocks away from our house... we like to call it Little Provo. I swear everybody who is in there is from BYU... or Mormon at least :) But so are we. Provo is where we learned to love Cafe Rio (while Harrison was at BYU nonetheless).

Jaala's favorite order: Steak Salad, black beans, extra meat (mainly to hear them shout EXTRA MEAT!!!! when I order), no cheese or chips, and extra cilantro (I swear I would wear a perfume of cilantro)

Harrison's favorite order: Steak Burrito, black beans, enchilada style (which we found out today is called Cafe Rio Style now).

A Very Thankful November Day 9

Today I am thankful for sweaters.

The weather is FINALLY starting to cool off here in Las Vegas. We are even hitting the low 40's at night. Since the highs are still in the 60's... I refuse to turn the heater on. Since I lived in Utah and Colorado for a few years... I know that 60 degrees is practically summer to those folks.

This is where sweaters come in. I love putting on a sweater or a sweatshirt and instantly becoming cozy and warm. I love that there is a sweater for every occasion!

Thank the good Lord for sweaters!

A Very Thankful November Day 8

Today I am thankful for people who use their blinkers/turn signals on the road.

Well- it is NO secret that I hate the time change in the fall. I don't like the cold weather that is ushered in by the time change... nor do I like the more darkness than light during the fall/winter.

Well- tonight was my first night driving home from work after the time change this weekend. I don't like driving at night all that much, since the lights of stop lights, vehicles, and buildings are always glaring. BOO

Well- I wasn't happy about driving in the dark but I WAS very happy and thankful to all the courteous drivers on the Las Vegas freeways who used their turn signals and blinkers to change lanes (I drive all 3 freeways to get to and from work). It made my commute much more enjoyable and a little less stressed.

It is pretty hard to find courteous drivers here in the Las Vegas Valley. I am glad that for the most part people were following the rules of the road.

Good night yall! Don't forget to use your blinkers :)

A Very Thankful November Day 7

Apple Cider

I love apple cider... in pretty much all its forms. I don't think I have ever had an apple cider that I didn't absolutely love.

The best apple cider I have ever had was in Ouray, Colorado on our honeymoon. We went to Mouse's Chocolates EVERY SINGLE DAY we were there. She was the only person in the shop and she made all of her own chocolates and caramels. Well- we came to find out that she made a caramel apple cider! OH MY GOODNESS! It was the first time I had ever had CARAMEL apple cider. It was love at first sip. Her homemade caramel was TO DIE FOR!

Since I can't get Mouse's cider everyday (I wish... and yes, her name was actually Mouse) I have learned to live with others... Here are some of my fav's in no particular order:

Alpine Cider is a staple in my home! It is always around! I love it! I drink this every night in the fall/winter time. I drink it probably once a week in the summer time. It is super yum!

Starbucks has a really good Caramel Apple Spice. I don't usually like whipped cream... but I really love it on this. I don't drink coffee and I think that their hot chocolate isn't all that great. The cider though... YUM! Especially with the caramel drizzled on it!

Talbott's Farms is in Palisade, Colorado... just about 10 miles from where Harrison grew up (and where we met... a little over 6 years ago). They are famous for their peaches (featured in the picture below) but they also squeeze some rockin' apple cider. It comes in big gallon jugs (like milk). We were pleased to find that they sell it at our local Wal-Mart here in Las Vegas. So cool. We have had 2 different varieties now and they are both delightful. I like to drink this one warm or cold. I will also cool my Alpine Cider off with a splash of Talbotts. YUM!

Let me know if you know about any other ciders out there. I do love them! So- sometime this week... sip some cider! It will warm your tummy as well as your heart and soul!

A Very Thankful November Day 6

Weekends- I am thankful for weekends.

Weekends don't always mean rest and relaxation for Harrison and I... since work sometimes comes on the weekend... but for the most part... I welcome the weekends with open arms!

This weekend we were able to spend some time with a handful Harrison's grad school friends (which over the last few weeks have become my friends too). We went to the Art's district in downtown Vegas (which I have never done), ate at a VERY legit Asian restaurant in China Town (which I have never done), and we sang at the top of our lungs at a piano bar (which I have done before... but it was still fun).

I love weekends for their breaks from the week. Weekends are sometimes the ONLY times I get to catch up on sleep, laundry, dishes, phone calls, and washing my hair! They really are a welcomed blessing.

A Very Thankful November Day 5

Yeah, I know I'm late with this... but better late than never, right!?

Lunch Dates
Harrison (sort of) surprised me at work on Friday and we went out to lunch. With our super busy school and work schedules we don't get to spend very much time with each other... at all. It was super fun to hop in the truck and go to Taco Bell with him and spend an hour together. I'm glad I'm married to Harrison. He's a good-egg. He is quite patient and he knows how to make me a happy girl. What an awesome dude!

Laugh at this... its pretty funny!

I forgot I had this picture taken of me! Laugh- it will make you feel better!

A Very Thankful November #4

Today I am thankful for a slow work day! I have been super tired lately and this is a welcomed day! We have very few patients today so I have time to POST THIS!

I am thankful for my job and for the stability I have in it! Feller Orthodontics rocks!

A Very Thankful November Day 3

Today I am thankful for the radio. Oh how it keeps me company on my commutes to and from work! I live and work on complete opposite ends of the Las Vegas Valley. Mix 94.1 keeps me company. I love listening to Mark and Mercedes in the Morning. The show is awesome. I call into the show at least once a week.... and I will let you in on a little secret... I totally use different names when I call in! I'm sure they would get annoyed if they knew it was me EVERY SINGLE TIME... so I use other names!

So thanks for the laughs and cool jams that get me through my 25 minute commute in the morning and my 40 minute commute in the afternoon (the evening traffic is always hellish).

A Very Thankful November Day 2

Today I am thankful for the smell of clean laundry! Sometimes there is nothing more comforting than the smell of whatever your clean laundry smells like (it is different for EVERYBODY). It always reminds me of being at home... and home is hopefully a sanctuary and a safe place to be. It is for me. I think of my mom when I smell clean laundry. She was always so good about making sure we had clean clothes to wear. I always catch myself burying my nose in the clean clothes when they are fresh out of the dryer.


Isn't it interesting how different people's clean clothes smell?? I have thought this many times. I even know people who use the SAME fabric softener and detergent... and their clothes still smell different. That has always intrigued me. It just reminds me that we are all different in a way (sorry to get all philosophical on you and stuff)... just something to ponder I guess.

Well- take time to smell the clean laundry this week!

November- a month to be thankful for!

Well, I know I post Thankful Thursday posts (almost) every Thursday... but I thought I would make a goal to post at least one thing EVERY DAY for the month of November. Thanksgiving is upon us and I thought it would be a great goal.

Happy People
I am really thankful for happy people. I try to be as happy and cheerful as I can be most of the time. I interact with the public on a daily basis with my job and so it is always important for me to have a smile on my face. Well, I really do appreciate it when people return the favor! I have to make some hard phone calls with my job and it can be depressing sometimes and also not very "fun". I try to make these calls with a smile on my face and happiness in my heart. I very much appreciate it when the person on the other end returns my happiness with happiness! It makes my job a lot more satisfying and a lot easier. I love when I call people and at the end of our (sometimes not so good news) conversation, they say "Thanks for your call" or "I appreciate your concern" or "Thanks for your help" or something like that. It makes everything worth it. Well- here are some pics of people and things(some that I know... some that I don't) who are happy! Enjoy life and be happy... it's too short to be grumpy!















What are YOU thankful for today??