Haley and Mike Wedding!

Thursday March 8^th was my good friend Haley Roybals wedding. It was great because I was able to go in the temple with her and Mike to watch them be sealed. It was really great to listen to their sealing just 2 days after Jace and I had been sealed. It was a beautiful wedding and she looked amazing and they both looked so happy. They were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple and then had a delicious luncheon at the Lion House. They played a wedding video at the luncheon which was great and then they had a fabulous reception at Oakridge Country Club. I’m so happy for Haley and Mike and that I was able to be apart of their special day. It was also great to see everyone from high school and college that I hadn’t seen in awhile. Congrats Haley and Mike!

Coming out of the temple. 

(Left to right) Bridget, Whitney, Taryn, Hela and me (some of the bridesmaids) 

Carly and I! I miss that girl!

The bride and I at the reception. 

Jace and I at the reception.

22nd Birthday and Sealing

So this past Tuesday, March 6^th was my 22^nd birthday it was a great one! I went to work for a half day and some great coworkers brought doughnuts in for my birthday. I did a little work and then went and meet Jace for some lunch. After lunch he headed back to work and I ran around to do some errands and some shopping J My coworker Holly was so sweet and got my a gift certificate to one of my favorite stores JMR so I went in there and got some amazing shoes! I wish it would stop snowing so I could wear them! After running around and shopping I headed home and meet up with Jace. He was so sweet and got me beautiful flowers and a card. I love cards and I keep every card I get in a box. I had also picked out earlier last week some shoes that he bought for me and some house stuff! I just really need it to warm up now so I don’t have to keep wearing boots.

After Jace gave me my sweet presents we got ready and picked my parents up to head to the Bountiful temple. Saturday I had received my endowments so Jace and I could be sealed on my birthday. We were married civilly in Las Vegas, NV on December 30, 2009 but by getting sealed in the temple we would be able to be married for eternity. Such an amazing experience! I’m so thankful for all our family and friends that came from Idaho, Midway, Provo and all over the place to be with us. It was just a very special moment to share with those closest to us. I’m grateful to have such an amazing husband and without sounding too cheesy was so thankful for the greatest birthday gift he could have ever given me. It was also cool that our sealer was the same sealer who sealed Jace’s dad and his stepmom to one another. He was great and I’m thankful he was there to seal us. Again since it was a personal and special moment I won’t write much here about it but I’m so thankful to have been able to go through the temple and to be sealed to Jace for eternity. I defiantly wouldn’t want to be with anyone else but him for that long.

After the temple we went to Five Guys to celebrate my birthday and our sealing. It was nice to see everyone and chat with them for awhile. My father-in-law and his sweet wife got me some kitchen supplies for my birthday and a statue for Jace and I’s sealing. It was very sweet of them. My brother and sister-in-law then were so sweet and got me a gift card to my other favorite store, Marshalls! Will have to go shopping soon Marci! My mother-in law was awesome also and gave me money to go pick out what I wanted and I was able to get a great new purse. After Five Guys we went back to my parent’s house for some cake and ice cream. My mom made another incredibly delicious cake and everyone sang Happy Birthday. My mom had purchased my temple clothing but also got me this great jewelry holder that I’m excited to load up with all my jewelry! It was a great day and I’m so thankful for all the birthday wishes and that I was able to spend the day with family at the temple. Thank you everyone so much for everything.

Jace and I after the sealing, outside the Bountiful temple. (Please ignore the red eye and the dots everywhere which is snow). 

Jace, me and my parents after the sealing.

The bag I bought with my mother-in-laws money. Thanks Janalyn! And the flowers Jace brought home for me. I love the two-toned colors. 

The blue shoes Jace gave me (I picked them out!) and the brown shoes I got with my gift card at JMR! 

The statue of Jace and I and the jewelry holder from my mom.

This cake was delicious!

Weekend and Endowments

Well this past weekend was an exciting one. Friday night Jace and I were both so tired and lazy for some reason so we just laid around the house all night and didn’t do anything. Then Saturday we had to be up bright and early to head out to the Jordan River temple since I was taking out my endowments. It was a long day but a very good one. My mom and dad went with us early and my mom was able to escort me through the temple for my first time. It was amazing having her there and I’m not sure if I could have made it through without her. Then my wonderful cousin Krista came down from Provo to attend the session as well as my in-laws Dennis and Gayleen. Our bishop and his wife were also kind enough to come to the session. I’m grateful to everyone who was able to make it but it was really amazing having Jace there as well. I’m not going to write a whole lot about the entire experience since its personal but it will defiantly be a day I won’t forget and will treasure forever.

After going through that morning we went to breakfast with my parents and my Aunt Sheryl who is in town visiting from Vegas. The rest of the day we spent doing laundry, cleaning, grocery shopping, etc. That night Jace and I went to Café Rio for dinner and just ran some errands. Sunday we had church and then went to my parents afterwards to have my birthday dinner! This is a tradition we’ve done since I can remember. Every Sunday before our birthdays we get to pick what meal we have and my mom always goes all out. I choose Fried Chicken (so delicious) and cream peas and potatoes. Yes I’m from Texas-it cracks Jace up how much I love fried chicken. Then my mom knowing me way to well also made an incredible 3 layer chocolate and coconut cake. She is amazing. My birthday isn’t actually until Tuesday March 6^th but it was fun to celebrate a little early with my family. We also had my cousin Conner, Aunt Sheryl and Kami over with us so it was fun to see everyone. Looking forward to the rest of the week!

 

I asked Jace to take a picture with me and this is what I got...

My mom and I with my cake :) can you tell were related?

Kami and I  

Quick Weekend Recap

This past weekend was again a busy one. I took the day off from work Friday since I was hosting a bridal shower and needed time to get everything ready at the house and run to the store to get everything I needed. Friday night we didn’t do much, Jace just helped me frost cupcakes and we watched a movie at the house. Then Saturday was the bridal shower. (See post here).

Sunday was pretty busy we had church then went to my parents ward to see my dad and little brother Ridge speak. They both did really well. Ridge is so funny. He asked us afterwards if he looked taller because he was standing on his tip toes the entire talk! He said his calves were burning but he just fought through it because he wanted to look taller. That kid cracks me up! After church we went up to my mother-in-law Janalyn’s for yummy dinner.

Now we’re back into the work week but last night was fun since I went to a Food group that has started up in my neighborhood. It’s fun because once a month everybody gets together and brings food to exchange recipes. There was lots of yummy food and it’s fun to get to know everybody better.

Haley Bridal Shower

This past Saturday I hosted my good friend Haley’s bridal shower and I believe it was a success. It was quite a bit of work but lots of fun to see everyone. My good friend Whitney was nice enough to help out and brought a sandwich platter from Costco that was yummy and my other friend Stephanie brought a huge veggie tray. Then Bree brought chips and dip and Bridget brought some cupcakes so thank you to everyone who helped contribute and I’m sorry if I forgot anyone.

I took Friday off from work so I would have time to run around and get the house and everything together. Jace was also super sweet and helpful in getting stuff together. He cleaned up the front porch and even weeded the front garden area that was looking pretty rough from the winter. He also stayed up Friday night frosting Strawberry cupcakes with me. I had read on Pintrest somewhere (I can’t find where I pinned it now to give credit to the source so I’m sorry…) that if you put the jar of store bough icing in your mixer and just beat if for a little bit, it will make the icing fluffier and double in size. I decided to try it and it was amazing! I hate using store bought icing because it’s so stiff and dense and impossible to spread but after I mixed it up a bit it was really light and smooth and so easy to work with. Would defiantly recommend trying it out.

The shower was right at noon so we had sandwiches and a bunch of appetizers and desserts. I just used Strawberry out of the box cupcakes (since the theme was red, white and pink). They were pretty good and I was excited about the icing trick! I also made some yummy apple dip and spinach dip along with the most delicious cranberry punch. Its so easy and everyone always likes it. I found the recipe here. Its a great holiday/party drink.

The Spinach dip recipe is one I’ve posted before here. Same with the Apple Toffee Dip. This stuff is delicious!

Then after everyone got some food I passed out questions that Haley’s fiancé Mike had answered earlier for me. It was fun to hear Haley and Mike’s answers. Then Haley opened up A LOT of lingerie and some cooking supplies. Then everyone chatted for a bit and filtered out. It was great seeing everyone and lots of fun to get together. I’m excited for Haley and Mike to get married in just a few weeks!

The party favors

Heart shapped teaspoons 

Setting the table up

People getting food

Waiting to open gifts

Whitney and I! 

Taryn, Bridget, Whitney, Haley, Hela and me (from left to right) 

Texas Roadhouse Winners!

This past weekend was a busy but fun one. Thursday afternoon I received a call from an unknown number and when I answered it, it was Texas Roadhouse in Bountiful. Jace and I had gone there earlier last week for Valentines and while we had been waiting we both filled out a drawing for “Dinner and a Movie Goodie Basket for Two!” I didn’t expect anything out of it mostly just something to pass the time while we were waiting. But surprise we won! To make it even crazier that we won, they asked me on the phone if I knew a Jace Packard. When I informed them I was married to him they said they had drawn his name first and called him but since he never returned their call they drew another name and it was mine! What are the chances the only 2 we put in there would both be drawn?

Bad picture, taken with my phone in a parking garage...But I wanted a picture of my prize before Jace opened the basket to steal the candy for the movie.

So Friday night we went and picked up the basket and headed out to Salt Lake to meet our friends Kody and Sabrina for dinner and Blue Iguana. It was good to go to dinner and catch up with them since they don’t live by us anymore. Saturday we did our typical clean the house day but I did a nice deep clean of the house (dusting base boards, blinds, touch up paint everywhere, etc.) since I have a bridal shower for my best friend Haley coming up this next weekend. Jace was nice enough to help me with everything even though I know he doesn’t care like I do :) That night we went to the Gateway to see “This Means War” with Reese Witherspoon. I loved it! I thought it was super cute and funny and I also love anything she is in. We also stopped by Z Gallery and I got some early birthday presents. A floor lamp that I actually want to put in my bedroom but looks good in the family room for now along with a new center piece to go on the coffee table. To make it even better they were both on sale for over 50% off! I love things even more when they are a good price.

On our way to our Saturday date night.

Sunday we had church and then went to my parents for dinner. My mom is out of town so my dad cooked steaks. They were delicious! Then we just hung out for a bit then came home and watched Greys Anatomy (it killed me Jace made me wait for him…) This week will be a busy one but it should be fun!

Parm-Breaded Pork Chops/Pina Colada

Well because I have my oven back I was pretty excited to make a real meal last night. So I found this recipe a few weeks back I’ve been wanting to try out of Taste of Home magazine (yes I’m like an old woman and subscribe to that magazine…) Its Parm-Breaded Pork Chops and it was delicious!

Parm-Breaded Pork Chops

Melanie Hogan-Taste of Home Magazine

Ingredients:

¼ cup all-purpose flour

1 egg

2 Tbsp. 2% milk

1 cup crushed butter-flavored crackers (I used Ritz crackers)

3 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese

½ tsp. salt

1/8 tsp. pepper

¼ cup butter, melted

6 boneless pork loin chops (can probably sub for chicken)

Directions:

Place flour in a shallow bowl. In a seperate bowl whisk egg and milk together. In a third bowl combine crackers, cheese, salt and pepper. Place butter in a 13 X 9in baking dish.

Dip pork in flour, egg mixture and finally cracker mixture then place in baking dish. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

To go along with the yummy pork chops I had some asparagus that I sautéed and seasoned in a fry pan along with some red potatoes that I sliced, seasoned and baked in the oven at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes. It was such a yummy and easy dinner to prepare. So thankful to have my stove back!

Then while everything was cooking I decided I needed to test out the new Ninja blender. There is this amazing Pina Colada recipe I love from this blog. They are so simple and delicious and now with how fast my Ninja is, super quick to make as well. I must admit there was a major difference in how well it blended compared to my previous blender. I’m in love already!

The meal completed! (see the pina colada to the right) 

Not sure about this face Jace is making-but this is him trying out the blender...