Thursday, December 27, 2007
Merry Christmas
I was hoping to send out Christmas cards, but I just didn't get to this year. So, here's our electronic version! Thanks to all that sent us yours this year! We love to see what's going on with your family and see your family pictures!
So, a quick update, Heath will be graduating from ASU this upcoming May 2008 with a bachelors degree in Urban Planning and Development. And we're up to our ears in graduate school applications as of now. We're applying to ASU, Portland State, Univ. of Colorado Denver, and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. With the deadlines quickly approaching, we hope to find out by March where life will be taking us.
Arizona has been good to us. We've made some good friends, love our ward and have had some amazing opportunities through both of our jobs. Heath is still working for West Mesa Community Development and enjoying it. However, we are closing a new chapter in our lives this week, as this Thursday will be my last day with my employer, Sport Court of Arizona. We both feel good about this decision and know it will be a financial hardship, but also know that the Lord will open up windows where doors have closed. I can finally stay home and be with Jace full-time, while also doing freelance work for the Pat Tillman Foundation.
In a few days, Heath and I will be off to Hawaii! My company is sending us there as a big going away present. Needless to say, I was shocked and so excited! We leave in less than a week. Jace has made so many good friends this year through his great preschool group twice a week! He's so sweet, when he says his prayers, he blesses each of his friends by name. He already is an example to me. He has more energy than I can muster! He loves trucks, trains, cooking, playing his guitar and drums, and going outside! He's constantly on the go and I'm constantly trying to find fun things for us to do! I feel so blessed to have this wonderful little boy in my life! Being a mom is the best job and his great big hugs are worth everything! Jace will be 3 years old in May. I can hardly believe how fast time goes. So, who knows where we'll be next year, but we'll keep in touch. We love you all. Hope this holiday season finds you and your family well.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
love, Stacey, Heath and Jace
Friday, November 16, 2007
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Happy Halloween
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Others are GOLD
Make new friends but keep the old ones..some are silver and the others are gold.
P.S. Even though it looks like it, we truly didn't eat that cake by ourselves :)
Cooking with Cousins
Thank Heaven for Little Boys
Who's that Spartan...It's Me, it's Me
Sunday, October 21, 2007
YES ON 300
First off, for those of you who get scared every time they hear, “tax”, this is the project for you because….. this is what is called a “USER TAX” subsidy. This is not a traditional tax subsidy where the citizens give money to the developer. A User tax allows the city to sell the land for 30 million; Waveyard pays 10 mil up front and pays the remainder off with sales tax. If you do not use the facility, your money or taxes will NOT go to it, which is why it is called a user tax. Second, tourism in this state is Huge; however, not much exists in Mesa to draw tourists, which equals more $$$$$ for our city. Really, there is no reason for out of state or even other cities to come and spend their money in Mesa, which in return pays for important city services.
I have done A LOT of research on this project and have spoken with the developers and city officials numerous times concerning the issue. This is also switching one recreation use (golf) that is tax subsidized by city of Mesa tax payers for multiple recreation uses. It will use a little more than the amount of water the golf course uses right now. Waveyard will have Mesa’s first 4 Star Hotel/Conference Center, also an indoor water park, amphitheater, scuba, wake boarding, U.S. largest wave pool for surfing, kayaking, white river rafting, specialized retain that does not exist in Arizona, offices and residential all in one which makes it a true mix use project.
P.S. They aren’t tearing down the Riverview Park, and if this does pass, the city will be making improvements to the it with possible amenities such as adding splash zones, tennis courts, walking paths, etc. And the city will be in charge of relocating the softball fields to another place in West Mesa. It has to pass first to go forward with anything.
http://www.waveyard.com/
http://www.yesonwaveyard.com/
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Turning Hollywood
We got to meet some Suns Players and just enjoy the fun environment. Although, I have to say, we are not high-rollers by any means, and so we did feel a little out of place rubbing elbows with Marcus Banks, (literally...he bumped my shoulder) Shaun Marion, Raja Bell..etc. I worried, of course, from a girl's standpoint what I should wear that night and still today I'm not quite sure I played it up as much as I could've. Seriously...when's the next time I'm going to go to a fancy chic party. I just wasn't willing to spend the money for a new dress. I couldn't believe the food they had there! Wow....it was good! And they had a whole dessert bar that I was all over...chocolate covered strawberries, creme brule, mini fruit tarts, grilled bananas, cheesecake...you get the idea. We also enjoyed the live concert with John Legend. I'd never really heard his music before. And it was especially fun to hear all the funny and embarrassing stories and things about Nash. We had a great time and at the end of the night got a party gift...2 huge bottles of Belvedere Vodka....now....what am I going to do with that????
I think the highlight of the night was meeting Suns Coach Mike D'Antoni. He just stood there and talked with us for a few minutes while the other celebrities just let us take a quick picture. He was truly genuine and I was happy we had that opportunity to meet he and his wife. You notice Heath and I have separate pictures. You have to catch them at the perfect time and if you don't have your camera ready...the opportunity is quickly gone. I was happy I got Raja :) It was certainly a night to remember.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
It's a Hard Knock Life
Friday, September 28, 2007
Deuce, Deuce
So, this last Monday, Heath and I were able to attend a charity event that I've been helping out with for the last couple months. Part of the event included a silent auction, cocktail appetizers, dinner and live auction. It was actually a really fun night! (I'm pretty sure Heath and I were probably the only ones drinking sprite.)It was especially great to be part of the culminating event-- the Pat Tillman Leadership Award Ceremony. One of the recipients was Deuce Lutui. He actually attended Mesa High, went on to play for USC and now plays for the Cardinals. He's also a member of the church. It was really great to meet him and his wife and hear about the good things they are doing to help others. He was such a great, down to earth guy. Meeting him was the highlight of the night! This is the part of my job that i love! Being involved with something good for the community and giving back. It's so great to work with people that are so generous and humble. They also had a special presentation about Pat Tillman, which was great to see. I never knew much about him before he died, but Heath did. It's so amazing that he gave up so much just to serve our country!!
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Not quite a devil yet....
So, this last Saturday, Heath and I went with our friends, Amber and Travis to my first ASU Game! I got amazing tickets from my friend at KTAR for a suite! In Heath's words, this was my first "real" football game! He thinks because BYU didn't have people drinking and smoking and cursing at the refs, it wasn't a "real" football atmosphere. However, I found it totally the same! Everyone around us was passionate about winning, there was the same hot dogs and hamburgers, the same crazed fan that questions every call, and the one section that keeps on cheering no matter what. But nothing ever got out of hand. I expected a lot worse!!! It was fun experiencing the suite, but after the first quarter we went and sat with the crowd, and it was sooo much better to be in all the action and feeling the excitement in the air. There's nothing like it. It's the same with basketball and baseball games, you just can feed off all the energy from the crowd. So, if you haven't already, go experience a football game this year! 'tis the season :)
P.S. I'm still a true blue BYU fan, but the Sundevils are growing on me :)
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
The Eye of the Beholder
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Our Story
Where did you meet your husband?
This is quite a tale. We were set up by...umm...mutual family friends, lets say. We grew up our whole lives hearing about eachother's families but never met. We wrote a couple times during his mission but not much. After he got back, we started talking on the phone, and after 3 months, Heath drove up to Utah (BYU) to meet me. So, I guess you could say I met him at my front door.... in a RED sweatshirt that I'll never let him get rid of.
I'm not sure. We spent many late nights on the phone. We developed a great friendship before we even dated.
We went bowling and dinner at this restaurant called Tucanos.
Where was your first kiss?
Seriously, I know it's cheesy...but on top of a mountain. Spook Hill to be exact, for those of you who know the Mesa area. He went to great lengths to make it memorable.
Did you have a long or short engagement/courtship?
We met in September, dated long distance for 7 months. I moved to Arizona during the summer to live by him and work. Then we got engaged in September and married two months later. November 30th! Coming up on our 5th anniversary.
I loved it! We went down the California coast from Malibu to Delmar and last to Shelter Island near San Diego. We still talk about it because it was so unbelievable fun. We played tennis, took walks on the beach, went downtown, shopping, sight seeing, included Coronado Island, which was a little eerie. The best part was our rooms were upgraded every time we told them were on our honeymoon! We went to the best Mexican restaurants. Plus...we couldn't beat the weather.
how you fell in love with your hubby. I tag Maren, Cyndi, and Jaryn.
Monday, September 17, 2007
Bunko Baby
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Sister to sister we will always be---a couple of nuts off the family tree :) - anonymous
Last weekend, was our Winn Family Girl's Weekend!! We had a blast! Last year, we went to St. George and this year we stayed at Alison's in Hungington Beach. The best part of the whole trip was DISNEYLAND! Ali's friend got us all in for free! And after going back and forth on whether to bring Jace, that made up my mind....when was the next time we could afford Disneyland!!!!! He did so well! I was very impressed. Plus, my mom and sisters helped out so much! Thank you!!!! We also couldn't have picked a better day...there were NO lines. The only line we waited in the whole time was for the new Finding Nemo ride, which was fun for Jace. His favorite rides were the train ride, carousal, Small world, a Bugs Land of Cal.Adventure, and he LOVED the Playhouse Disney live show! (Bear in the Blue House, Pooh, JoJo, & Stanley)
The rest of the trip was filled with the beach, shopping, pedicures, The Office marathon, in-side jokes, yummy food, bonfire, and relaxing!...Oh, and forgot to mention we all got soooo FRIED at the beach on Saturday!!! I had fun with Jace there, but next time, I will be flying solo and chillin with just the girls. :)
P.S. Pictures to come....
Back to School
Dance to the Beat of Your Own Drum
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Jamming Away
To all my fellow foodie bloggers out there...check out this easy recipe for making homemade rasberry jam. My friend Amber helped me make my first batch! A couple simple steps and you've got some yummy jam: Rinse, Blend, Boil, Sweeten, Pour and Seal. She and I have boys the same age and they had a great time playing and watching movies and eating popcorn together while we worked in the kitchen. I couldn't resist the cute picture of them in their chairs.
INGREDIENTS
32 oz. fresh rasberries
1 box pectin
7 cups of sugar
1 tbs of butter
5 Jars (boil lids in water)
First, rinse rasberries, then blend until puree. Pour into pot, add 1 Tbs butter, and pectin, stir frequently until boiling. When it comes to a rolling boil, add all the sugar at once while stirring. Let that come to a rapid boil and then cook for 1 minute. Pour into jars. Seal and tighten. Place under canning steamer for 10 minutes. then, you're done!! Let jam sit for 24 hours before eating :)
P.S. Since I don't have a canning steamer, I'm going to do freezer jam next, which I believe is even easier than this. All this time, I could've been making homemade yumminess.
Baseball Song
I heard this song for the first time this morning on the radio. I loved it!!! I thought it pretty fitting for baseball season...especially for the recent Diamondback/Padres series. Listen to the song to the very end. And then you'll know why I love it. I wish we all still looked at life the way this little boy does. What a great message of seeing the glass half full. So, today, I'm looking for the silver lining. :)
Monday, August 27, 2007
I always knew I was a star!!!
Friday, August 24, 2007
I Must Confess
And yes, I am 26 years old and I like a teenie-bopper movie. It's the kind of movie that you secretly want to see, but wait till it's out on TV, so you don't make too big of a deal about it. And then, while flipping through the channels, you see it on and think...hmm...I wonder if it's any good? There's nothing to do but watch it and decide for yourself. Even though your husband is looking up sports on the internet in the same room, you know he is secretly interested in what happens next. But, don't get too excited, the second he recognizes that he's watching, he immediately comments about how cheesy it is and how he can't believe you're watching it. :) Good cover. Gotta love these cheesy films!!!
P.S. I heard that they are filming a Footloose remake with Zac Efron and I'm not sure how I feel about that because nothing could compare to the first -- it's a classic!!!!!! I guess we'll see.
Friday, August 17, 2007
The Joy of Camping
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Sneak Peek
So, here's a sneak peek of the Shade Clothing Fall Line. I can't wait until it's available! I still haven't committed to becoming a Personal Shopper where I would get better discounts, but I'm still considering it! Mark your calendars because I am hosting a Shade Clothing showcase in October....where you can try on the different styles and colors and decide which you can't live without!
October Showcase...more details to come
Thursday, August 2, 2007
In the bag
This is one of my favoirte Disney cartoons!!! It's a classic. My family and I all used to dance around while we watched way back in the day. :)
Monday, July 30, 2007
Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
How many of you remember this book? Well, I lived it today. I went to bed last night hoping that the pain in my back tooth would subside...but it didn't. I woke up with a splitting headache and headed off to the dentist. But, it get's worse. On my way to the dentist, I got pulled over...not for speeding...but for crossing a police barricade (which, by the way was not even marked clearly) And, for me, it was traumatic because of two things: 1) I wasn't driving my own car and 2) I had never been pulled over before. So, after waiting about 40 minutes while the cop wrote 3 other drivers a ticket for doing the same thing I did, I went to my appointment...LATE. After talking to the doctor and some quick x-rays, I figured it was a simple fix. Boy, was I wrong. No, Stacey, you need a root canal...today. GREAT!!! That's just what I had planned for the day. :) I write to you with a half swollen face, an empty stomach because all I can eat is milkshakes and some lingering mouth pain from an emergency root canal. It can only go up from here and it is...now I'm home with my boys, and it's raining! I love the rain. The one thing I again concluded about bad days, is it makes you appreciate the good ones so much more!!!! Happy Days to You!
Friday, July 27, 2007
Hairspray!!!
1. Sound of Music
2. West Side Story
3. The Music Man
4. Seven Brides for Seven Brothers
5. Bye Bye Birdie
6. My Fair Lady
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Socc it to me...
http://www.azcentral.com
Plus!!! How could I forget....ladies, I guess that means we could go watch David Beckham!!!! Come on...I know you all secretely think he's hot. :)