PrEgNanT???

Ok, I know I've gained a little weight...but a BABY? Last Thursday at HD, a customer whom I was ringing up asked me, "So when's the baby coming?" I look at him: bewildered. "What baby?" I had most definitely not caught on to what he was asking. "Oh, so there's no baby?" We both exchanged blank stares while his wife promptly walked out of the store. I had nothing to say..."Oh, well your smock (my apron) was pooching out a little." What? WHAT? WHAT??? Who does that? As Chris said (and he seemed pretty ticked about it...hehe), "Doesn't every many know NOT to ask even if he's positive a woman is pregnant?!?" And like Megan and Mandy said, "You should never say anything unless the baby is crowning!!" My shattered pride and I whole-heartedly agree. I spent the last of my shift telling all the men that came through my line about this rule....so THERE!!!

NO LOVE!!!

Guess people aren't too concerned about our lives...Christmas shopping has taken over everyone, it appears.
Anyway, here are some Andrée & Chris moments from this year:

1. This wasn't from 07 but it was a fun memory. It was the time you guys took me snow boarding for the first time. I was so sore the next day and I have been hooked ever since.
   Snelly
2. My favorite memory of you two is when Andree came in to get her nails done and Chris decided he would get a manicure. It was quite entertaining; although I think it was a first and last experience for Chris!!
   Michon
3. Your wedding day!
   Susan
4. Honestly - I know I'm lame -- but I didn't see either Andree or Chris in 2007. Sorry. Sigh. And to make matters even worse -- I don't think I've ever met Chris. Mark did -- I guess Chris came to Scouts in the Peavine Mountain Ward but that was when I was only visible at 6 a.m.
   Bottom line? Love Andree and Chris! Duh.
   Jan
5. My very favorite is when you were exchanging vows... i know you might be looking for something more original than that but just the look in both your eyes was inspiring and completely believable. True love :)
   Mikale
6. When Andre'e randomly admitted, "He's mine," and laughed her ah-huh laugh. Made my heart melt.
   Ann
7. well, i have quite a few... one of my definite favorites is from when we were in reno a couple days before the wedding, and chris asked (trying to be casual...) "so what exactly is the FASTEST way from rancho to the atlantis?" ha ha hah....
   Megan

Anybody care to add more?

Pay attention??

Doug, are two day trips to Reno legal? Anna didn't think they were...
So, I'm curious as to how many people will actually visit this blog in response to the Christmas "letters" we sent out. I sure hope we can increase the amount of people that respond, though the ones that do as of now are fabulous!!
So, I'm eating string beans for dinner (with garlic salt, naturally!!). I already cleaned the bathroom and floors. I took the fan in the bathroom apart-mostly cuz i was bored, but party because it oozes linty-black crap (good thing Alyiah doesn't read this, I might owe her $0.25).
All 4 of our jobs are going well. FYI-I will be in Reno the 22-29. Chris won't be there that long. I think the 22-26 is when he's going. I got time off so i'm staying. I hope it snows so we can sled and build things. Oh, speaking of which, the other night after work, i bought a really cheap sled and 2 snow brick buidling things. I'm excited to camp out in the igloo I plan to build in the back. I'll let you know how that goes.
I'll be back soon!!


Oh yea, to those wondering about dental school....nothing....still more waiting

One day trips...

First off, thank you for responding to my last blog. I find it a very important subject and a post that's dear to my heart. THANK YOU FOR YOUR THOUGHTS AND SUPPORT....
Continuing on, the last few weeks have been ones of "one day trips." People get on our case a bit, but we gotta do it "while we're young and beautiful."
Thanksgiving...we left Wednesday night and returned Thursday night after dinner. WAY short, but totally worth it. We played in the turkey bowl Thursday morning where we saw Brie and Hubby, and Beau and Heather. Dinner was awesome. We ate at the Pollock's. We started a new tradition of wearing paper crowns pulled out of our crackers (it's an English tradition!).

Also, most of the Spillers clan came over for dessert. It was a blast having everybody around. My mom challenged Jeff to a game of Set (since Chris didn't exactly understand how to play) because, surely he would be a challenge! Stevie picked it up pretty darn quickly too. It was great. Again, gotta put in for families...I love them and I am so grateful that I have picked up a whole new family whom I love and adore. Catherine made a vegan pumpkin pie. It was pretty tasty--yes, I tried it. After we stuffed ourselves silly, Boy and I hit the road. I got a few hours of sleep, then manned the registers at HD on black Friday. Not exactly my idea of fun, but it pays the bills.
So, wanna hear about our other day trip? It's called Vegas. Wanna also know what can be done in one day in Vegas?
-an interview at UNLV Dental School
-watch the sun rise over the strip while you're at the top of the stratosphere

-drop a few dollars in a slot machine and come out $15 on top

-walk 8 miles
-ride 3 roller coasters
-watch a water show to sinatra singing

-play deuces wild for 45min on $2
-eat Chipotle
-pretend to fight on moving side walks

-get a new earing

-get gas for $3.20

-take pictures with HD's #20, tony stewart's, racer car

-buy henna paint
-change clothes in a public bathroom (cuz who DOESN'T do that?)

-play with camels on their way to mecca

-be a character in Mario Kart and win the whole thing!!
-win 150 tickets in an arcade
-see a lot of "almost porn" (chris was a good blind person!!)

-feel like a midget next to an 8ft. slot machine

-but 5 shirts for $10
-wander a "tobacco" store with "tobacco" paraphernalia
----and much much more.....
one day, just enough time to actually enjoy Sin City

Brothers and Sister

Tonight I had a very unique experience. Dr. Bean claims we will carry it with us for the rest of our lives. Thanks to him, for he gave us the opportunity to have this experience. Tonight I came to KNOW that family is indeed the best gift God has given to us. As I was sharing my thoughts about tonight with a friend, she so wisely suggested that I write them down so I can remember them for always and forever. I figured I would share it with the world so the whole world could catch a piece of the peace and love that has been planted in me tonight.
Last week I received a phone call from my brother's therapist inviting me to his session. I took an hour and a half off of work tonight to go meet with my bros and Dr. Bean. I was rushed, late, and not really excited to go. Little did I know that the next 45min would literally change my paradigm. We spent most of the time discussing JJ and the predicament that he is currently facing; however, the most powerful thing happened at the end when Dr. Bean asked Coleman and me to give JJ a gift before he heads back to Reno. A gift that he can use to give him strength and get through the rough times. I decided to go first, since Coleman had a panicked look on his face ;-). I told JJ that my gift is the gift of love. Though I have played role of mother now-and-again over the years, I can never replace Mother (and don't want to!), yet, I told JJ that I can still love him as such. When he needs a hug, I can give it to him. When he needs the words of encouragement, I can do that. I told him I don't always agree with what he does or says, but I love him all the same. Unconditionally, I love my brother (well, both of them, but this was about JJ). We sat there, all three of us crying our eyes out. I kept telling JJ that I am a support that he can call and text and email anytime about anything and I will be there. I told him that even though I won't be right next to him, I can try with all my might to hug him through the phone. My gift is the gift of love.
Coleman explained to JJ that he wants to be JJ's best friend as his older brother. He feels ashamed that he doesn't know all that's going on in JJ's life. He wishes that he could provide more than he can right now at this point, but that he will always give JJ his best. Coleman also expressed to JJ that he too will always be there for him: by phone, email, text, whatever. Coleman's gift, I would say, is friendship, but more than that, he too gives JJ the gift of unconditional love.
After Cole and I gave our little didies (is that a word?), Dr. Bean, who was also crying and asking for kleenex, told us that when we hurt, or feel lost and lonely, we need to remember that each of us have the same pain and understand more than anybody else, where we stand. He said that we will hold this moment close to us always. I agree. He also said that when we are down and in the pits, it's an invitation. An invitation? Exactly!! It's an invitation to let other people show their love for us. What an amazing breakthrough this was for me. When I hurt, I have people in my life who want to love me and help. My family understands my pain (and in return happiness) better than anybody else.
I love my brothers. I love my sisters. I love my parents. My brothers and I have been through a lot through out the years. Happy, sad, fun, boring, obnoxious, and down right dumb. They will love me, as I will love them, no MATTER what happens. My sisters are a lot younger than we are. It's as if they're growing up in a different family than we are cuz dynamics are different now, but they're still family. We love them unconditionally. We have so much to offer them, as they continually teach us day in and day out.
The rents. They have helped mold us into the people we are today and are developing into. Times have been really hard. Times have been so amazing. They have done everything that they know how. They love unconditionally, though maybe not in a way that we understand at times, but unconditionally none-the-less. They were the building blocks of our foundation. We love them and they love us.
My hubby (hey, he's family now!). We have good times, we have bad times. In the end, we are sealed to each other through celestial bonds. We chose this route because we have unconditional love.
If all of us could remember the simplicity of it all, life could be more enjoyable and less painful. We live, we learn, but most importantly, we love!

Disneyland Pics

If you want to see more pix just let me know!!

Date-Rape Drug

So yea, no more licking these "fun" toys!?!?!?!?!?!?!!!
Aqua Dots (aka Date-Rape)

Papa G signing in

Papa G, aka grandpa is back. Thanks hon for capturing my personality so well....hehe
The truth: I can't hear the "teen ring." It is sad really. Andree, Megan, and all her cousins like to play the ring from their cell phones and laugh at me as I stand clueless next to them. Then I feel really old and like I have been out of the loop for years and years. Guess it's all part of the growing up and being a mature husband thing.
I do also drive a lincoln continental. However, I want to point out that during the day when I go to work in the Honda accord, Andree drives this little beauty. It rides smooth, has very few miles on it, has great air conditioning and a heater, and as long as we take care of it will never break down. It's an amazing car really. You should all be jealous. It is GREAT on long road trips too. Andree likes to lay across the front bucket seat and put her head on my lap and sleep for hours. In fact, her brothers and her like to sleep for hours as I drive nine hours either way from Orem to Disneyland : )
The not-so-truth: I do not need 15 hours of sleep. In fact, I have been surviving on little more than four or five hours a night for two months now. It is far different from the usual eight or nine I am used to but I am getting better at not being ornery late at night. It's a work in progress though.
So Andree really does LOVE shopping therapy and mario cart. However, I do recall a few time trial records that stand unbeaten by yours truly....you better get on that babe. As for you Anna, I don't doubt that you're pretty awesome at this game. I could probably beat you though.
To update, the last afternoon/night at disneyland was great! We went on a few more scary rides, one being the Tower of Terror. This was the only ride JJ did not go on. He was awesome the rest of them however! We ended our trip by watching "Fantasmic" late Saturday night. Those of you who have been lucky enough to see it know what I am talking about. For those of you who don't, this show is incredible. It features images/videos displayed on mist and a smoke screen in the middle of a river. There are numerous props including a life-size pirate ship with the whole peter pan crew. Peter Pan and Hook duke it owt with much gusto as they swing from level to level on the ship and sword fight. There is music, dancing, and even a part where half of the river lights on fire. Who knows how Disney does the amazing things they do.
Sunday we concluded our trip with breakfast at Mimis cafe to celebrate Gabby's birthday. We then drove home (by we I mean I as the others fell asleep exhausted-I'm just poking fun...no hard feelings guys) and celebrated Devin's birthday in Utah.
It's great to be home again and back to our four jobs! Yippee skippee!
Grandpa Spillers

Day 2 in D-Land

Anna, it's on. We'll play Mario Kart until the wee hours. SO FUN!!
Ok, day 2 at Disneyland was so fun. We stayed a bit at aunt Sharon's house this morning, chatted, and played with baby Grace. She also showed us the most amazing invention ever: pancakes in an aerosole can. Yup, that's right. It's so sweet we delayed happy time in the park to try some of these tasty treats. They were pretty darn good.
So, we met the fam in the park at Autopia and had such a fun filled day. We watched the High School Musical 2 parade (I know you're jealous), the Magic of Disney Parade, we tested to see which disney character we most resemble (I'll tell you which later), we went on a stupid water ride (WHY? I don't know because I ALWAYS get the most soaked), and much more. Ok, so aparently I'm most like the Evil Queen from Snow White. Yea, but don't worry cuz my mom said the Cruella Deville would have worked also. BOO...
Anyway, the best part about this entire trip was watching JJ on all of the rides. It was his first time actually going on "scary rides!" I think he went on the rides mostly because Isabel went on all of them, but that doesn't really matter. JJ would scream like a little girl and get nervous..........................................................................................................................................................................................
So, that's all that saved last night. I stayed up an extra hour to write to you all only to have it stolen. I'm really frustrated right now and as you all know there's no way to re-create a masterpiece, thus I will not try. I'm done for now. Maybe more will come later after we leave the park for good....as Tigger says, "TTFN."

D-Land

Thank you, thank you, thank you to all of you who have commented. It makes me feel SO loved. It's also really nice to see that Chris's side of the family reads this and comments too. It's so great!!
Anna and Megan, come on now. Megan, just comment on her blog so we can get on with life. Anna, I wasn't the one who suggested The Kite Runner, was I? It is a very sad story...you know, I'm just finishing up a really good book. It's an autobiography and it has a very fulfilling ending. Probably will leave you with a smile on your face; however, I do have to warn you that it's a bit unnerving at the beginning.
Oh, and apparently I was tagged by Heather. I guess I'm supposed to give six things about me...yadda yadda...the R-U-L-E-S, which everybody knows I am not good with:
1. The player lists 6 facts/habits about themselves - try to find 6 you haven't already posted about.
2. At the end of the post, the player tags 6 people and posts their names, and then goes to their blog and leaves them a comment, letting them know they have been tagged and asking them to read your blog for the rules.

So, now that we got that outta the way-
ONE-I am at Disneyland. Well, technically I'm at the fam's hotel. We left this morning at 2:30am to arrive at the park around 10am. Cole didn't have his ID so we couldn't pick up will call tickets, thus we messed around for a while outside D-land until we ended up back at the car to watch Season 7 of the Simpsons on my laptop. Yup, a nice long car ride to sit in the parking lot of Disneland and watch the Simpsons. As Chris stated, "Now THAT'S something to blog about!"

TWO-I love Mario Kart. Give me an N-64, a Game Cube (both of which we have), or a Nintendo DS and I will kick your butt...rapid fire turtle shells, bomb blast, or mushroom past you! If you set a time trial record, I will beat it...both the single lap and the whole race. Mario Kart rock my face off

THREE-I love sweet potato french fries from Gurus (a local joint in downtown Provo)

FOUR-Currently, my very favorite game to play is Blokus. I want to get Blokus Trigon. It has been said that I am a "vicious Blokus player."

FIVE -I am married to a grandpa. He needs 15 hours of sleep to avoid being grumpy. He drives a pimp-mobile (Alecia likes that name), but really it's simply a Q-Tip head car: a luxury Lincoln Continental. Which, by the way, he loves to drive slowly and behind big buses. Most recently, and my new favorite proof that I married a grandpa, is he can't hear. HAHAHA....he can't hear the "teen ring." If you don't know what this is, check this out Teen Buzz . So, only OLD PEOPLE can't hear this...I guess this is proof enough that I married a grandpa.

SIX-I have a shopping addiction. You might know this, you might not. If you spend a few hours with me, you will find this out quite quickly. I am SO happy that I now have two jobs. My bank account was dwindling quickly. I have more stuff than ever. When we have to move next year, we will need 3 moving trucks. A few months ago I bought a pet-Evian. She is a beta fish. She is beautiful. She has a best friend-Perrier. He's a snail. They live together in a vase with cool bamboo. I also have a bonsai tree. It's not so pretty, but loved all the same. I also have mini roses (thanks to "my grandpa") planted right outside the house. I recently "acquired" a brand new flower. It's an orchid and it's second flower just bloomed. I am in love with it. The petals are white with purpleish-pink insides. So, those are my living purchases. I also recently bought some noise cancelling head phones. A couple actually....WHAT? I didn't know which I would like better to go with my Zune!! Anyway, I'm in Bath&Body Works weekly, if not daily. I LOVE their products. Just going in there gives me a high. Have you never heard of shopping therapy? Well, i LIVE by it...you know, being in the stores all the times gives you the opportunity to know when and where the sales are. I bought Chris some wanna be Chucks from Aeropotale for $2.50.

I guess that's enough for now. I'm gonna tag Anna for now...not butt tag (hehe), but blog tag.
Until next time-I'm off to sleepy land only to wake up and realize i'm really returning to the Happiest Place on Earth!
Adios

Be Brave, not Beige?

Well well, appears that I am not a great blogger after all. Kudos to those of you who keep up with your blog and give readers, well, something to read!! Thanks to a little prodding from a valued reader :-), I am back on the radar. Wahoo....
You know, I'd prolly be more inclined to write more often if more than 3 people read it (yea, that includes me and Chris...BOO!!). Well, I really appreciate you guys who actually leave comments. It makes this experience so much more enjoyable. Plus, I love reading your blogs.
Last Tuesday Chris and I woke up really early to drive to the airport, only to drive home from the airport that same night. It was a good cause though. We got into Loma Linda, California in the afternoon. Ah, I know you all are really concerned about our rental car. Wait no longer cuz here it comes: we got a Mustang; HOWEVER, Chris and I were unimpressed. I would take a stupid Dodge (yea, you read right, a DODGE) Charger over one of those gutless, bucket seat, crap-rides any day. Haha, ok, not that bad, but not that great either. Anyway, to get back to the point, the interview went really well. The tour was fabulous too. Oh, and incase you aren't aware, Loma Linda University is a 7th Day Adventist school. Interesting. They had a lot of new equipment. They also do a lot of service and trips. Cool stuff.
So, Halloween!! Stupendous. We did a lot of pumpkin carving and ate a punkin pizza from Pappa Murphey's.
Oh yea, something new. I got a job. Actually, that's a lie: I got 2 jobs. I now am employed by The Home Depot and Utah State Univ. extended service. Home Depot is paying me big bucks to stand at the register and help customers leave with a smile. The government (yes, a government job--lotsa paper work) is paying me to work with women in the WIC program to teach them about nutrition and cooking. Haha, yea, cooking. Do i know how to cook? No way, but i guess i fooled them enough to get the job. I had better pay attention to THEIR demonstrations before I try. Yikes, cooking in front of others...good thing I like to learn. I will keep you posted with the many stories i will be picking up from both jobs.
Yes, another new thing: Chris got a second job. He now is employed by Einsteins and Target. Woohoo Target!! I'm looking forward to those savings...and you're prolly thinking what my mom verbalized, "So, you two NEVER want to sleep OR see each other?" The obvious answer to that: NO!!
But of course we want both of those, at this point in time though, this is what's going to work best for us. If things need to change, they can. Anyway, no need to explain everything, you prolly don't care.
Onto something better...DISNEYLAND!! We're going Thursday-Sunday. We've got the time off and are ready for a great time. We're super excited.
Ok, enough mumbo-jumbo for now. It's 1:18am, Chris has been sleeping for awhile and I haven't even read at all tonight.
Signing off,
Andree

Long Long time

Have you missed me? I'VE missed me!! So, life has been a bit dull, I must admit-other than the 2nd Marquette trip. This is where I'll start. Last Tuesday, Boy and I hopped on a flight to Chicago. We got in, ate Potbelly's and headed to the Plater's house. Much thanks to them for opening their home to us. It's appreciated and helps decrease anxiety (as well as money spent on these little excursions!). THANK YOU!! Wednesday was a fabulous day. Chris and I drove up to Milwaukee (passing 6 Flags along the way!!). Chris went into his interview around 10:15. You know, it's funny...while Chris was having one of the most stressful days of his life, i was enjoying one of the most relaxing. After wishing him luck, though he didn't need it (I saw the other shmucks walking around), I went to the car and began driving. Where? I have NO idea. I just followed the lake front. After a half hour or so, i turned around and stopped at a beach. It was a bit chilly, but a beautiful day. I walked halfway down the wooden stairs, plopped down, and began to read. I read for almost 2 hours when I got a little bored of my surroundings, so I moved onto a different part of the lake front and read a little more. When Chris called, I ate Potbelly's and we headed back to Chicago to hit up the airport. Chris said the interview went well, and after grilling him all day, I think I agree that it went very well. Cross your fingers. Marquette is an AMAZING school.
Well, Chris got home, so I guess that's all for now....
Adios

Going home

Why hello everybody. Chris and I took a nice little trip back to Reno this weekend. It started off great. Thursday was my last day at Einsteins (FINALLY)!! I actually left 2 hours early and went 4-wheeling with my friend Alecia. She just got a beautiful machine (750 Grizzly, power steering). We took a little breather from life and climbed the mountains above Utah Valley. Ok, actually, if you ask her, it wasn't much of a breather cuz i'm pretty sure she was scared crapless the whole time I was driving. She likes to make falsehoods about my driving, but YOU ALL know that NONE of her stories are true, right? RIGHT? MOM, tell 'em she's wrong!!! You won't even back me up? Ok, now don't bring the jet-skis into this. That was water and this is land....TOTALLY DIFFERENT!!!! Whatever...believe what you want...all of you...you weren't there. Well, doesn't matter what story you believe cuz either way i had a BLAST...i'm not sure Alecia will invite me again, but it was well worth it. I guess Alecia was a little concerned for her machine cuz she convinced Chris and me to go get my brothers from Reno. She even went so far as to lend us her truck. Yup. So, in a matter of minutes, we traded truck for luxury sedan and were on our way. We got to Reno around midnightish, crashed in Izzy's bed to be woken up by her early Friday morning. Chris met with his bro and old pals. We then went to the Reno airport/DMV and got me a license with the correct name, FINALLY!! After that, we went shopping, naturally. What else would we do with so much free time? Exactly, any girl knows that answer...After meeting my mom at Kohl's and getting a little devil Halloween costume for Alecia's dog, we headed to dinner where we met David and Catherine (Chris's dad and sister), as well as Traci. It was good food and even better company. Later on, Di and Levi stopped by. It was great to see them.
Saturday rolled around and we mostly just hung out...we tried to get the 4-wheeler working, but to no avail. BUT, we brought it anyway. HAHA....if there's a will, there's a way.
Saturday night, while Chris was at Priesthood session, my mom and sisters were pestering me to go on a "hike"with them, even though darkness was fading fast. I finally gave into their annoying, but effective, tactics. We went to rancho and walked around. I was freezing, but no one cared...whatever. We saw 2 Great Horned Owls. They were huge, and quite majestic.
After being home not too long, some friends stopped by. No, not just friends, bosom buddies!! You got it-Anna and Doug. What awesome people they are. We didn't know they were going to come. They drove all the way across town to visit us. It was a fabulous surprise. Chris and I were talking later about how awesome it was that they took time out to come stop by for a few. We love them!! Thanks guys...and LONG LIVE TOM BRADY...hahahaha
Anyway, the rest is pretty boring after that exciting news. Oh, i forgot to mention we visited tori. That was pretty sweet too. It was great to see her.
So, Sunday, we finally left and returned home safely.
Oh, i nearly forgot...Chris has another interview at Loma Linda (a 7th day Adventis sp?) school in So Cal. Congrats to him. Hope this year is better than last!!
Thanks to our loyal "fans" for listening to my mumbo jumbo. You ROCK!!

Guess who's back?

If you guessed Andree's alter ego Helen Keller you are wrong. Plus how could she type anyway? She is deaf and blind! Duh.
But it's the next best thing....me! I mean Chris!
Hi to all. It's been awhile since I blogged so it's time to catch up. As Andree pointed out, I have an interview at Marquette Dental School Oct. 17. I was so excited to pass this initial screening process of 3000 students. This is our dream school for all of you that didn't know. I also have an interview at UNLV Nov. 29. A bit later than Marquette but still great. Hopefully interviews from ASDOH (in phoenix), University of Pennsylvania, and Loma Linda in So. Cal are coming soon.
Things here in Utah are grand. Teaching sunday school is challenging and fun and my job keeps me super busy. I had an eighty hour check with thirty-five hours over time on it last week. I have never worked that much before. It has been hectic but I am learning a lot so I can become an assistant manager soon.
Good news for those of you over in Reno! My beautiful wife and I are coming out to Reno next weekend-Oct. 5, 6, and 7th. Time will be limited and you can contact our secretary if you want to pencil in any time with us....just kidding...but not really. Time will be limited and we can't wait to see everbody we have missed so much! Oh, and maybe gamble a little bit...hehe
Well, it is time to write one more essay for dental school. Thanks for reading and tuning in to our lives (am I flattering myself? Possibly...)
Bye all!

2-4-6-8 who do we appreciate?
Viewers like you!

Hi mom

Look down below!

Hey all!!
Please answer our little question below. It will be fun, we think...

You tell us

OK ANNA---scroll down to the bottom of this web page and in the purple is a fun lil' question...then tell us which side you sleep on...just for fun

Toy Demolishion

What the heck is this world coming to?
I thought destruction of toys was a thing of the past when the hype of Toy Story slowly melted...
Check it out below:
Toy Massacre

what else?

So, it appears we have had a pseudo-AM training at our store. They took Constance's key and code away because of "her past." The only thing is that they already gave their approval. She's way pissed, as I would be. Constance gets screwed once again. I really feel bad for her. Things aren't working out for her at this point in time....i don't get it. Also, Natalie had to go get clearance from a doctor. She will be back Tuesday, I guess. I worked 11 hours today and Chris worked from 4-9:30 at his store and then from 12-6:30 at my store. What a trooper....
Also, Granny fell in a 6 ft. hole today. She is OK, but the doctor wanted her to go get checked out, so Nikki is taking her to the ER to get X-rays. I guess the 10x4x3" hole wasn't blocked off at all. How did it happen? She simply stepped back and POOF, no more ground! I'm glad she's ok. She has guardian angels for sure!!
So, let's end on a good note: Chris has an interview at UNLV the 29th of November
Way to go BABE!!
Adios for now....

Send Em UP!!

Your prayers, that is. Send them on up. Chris has an interview on Oct. 17 at Marquette. Keep him in your prayers, please. Also, if you could send lots of positive energy into the universe for him, that would be fabulous. It would be a dream come true for both of us if he makes it into school there.

GOOD NEWS

Well, looks like I get to bring some good news...cuz Chris doesn't really like to blog, I will do it for him:

The Admissions Committee of the Marquette University School of Dentistry has completed an initial screening of your application and supporting credentials for space in our 2008 Freshman class. The members of the Committee are impressed with your credentials and would like to invite you for a personal interview. The interview is designed to help us get to know you better and, as a result, make a more substantive admissions decision.

We hope that you are interested in taking advantage of this opportunity. If so, I ask you to contact our office as quickly as possible in order to confirm an interview slot. Slots are available on October 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25, 30, 31, and November 1 between 9:00 am and noon. Following your interview, you wil receive a tour of our facility and have lunch with a current student.

Please call our office at 1-800-445-5385 or 414-288-3532, and my staff will be able to assist you in scheduling your interview and answer any general questions you have about our Interview Day. You must schedule your interview by phone. We will not be able to schedule interviews via this email address. Slots will fill quickly, so we ask that you call to reserve your interview slot by Monday, September 24, 2007. The sooner you call, the more options you will have available to you regarding day and time. If you, for any reason, are not interested in interviewing, please contact us so that we can pursue other candidates from our applicant pool.

Thank you for your interest in the Marquette University School of Dentistry. We hope to see you this fall!


Sincerely,

Brian T. Trecek
Director of Admissions
Marquette University School of Dentistry

WOW

WOW- All i can say is WOW....so, to make a really long story short, Chris had to come work at the Orem Einstein because we were short staffed. Natalie (the crazy GM) crashed Constance's (the AM) car. Natalie broke her arm and sprained her foot and ended up at the hospital. Constance's husband was furious cuz he told her to not let anybody use the car...they don't have full coverage...yadda yadda...another crazy day at your local Orem Einstein!
My Dad and sisters showed up a little while ago. They're here for JJ's game (which he won't be playing in). What a supportive family. They've been showing up to his games. It's great.
This is a short one, yet again!!
I hope to bring good news next time....
Signing off...

All too soon!!

Funny how quickly things move...I QUIT WORK...yup, sure did. Natalie and I got in a fight and I quit. I guess you can call me crazy for not having another job lined up, but you might call me dead if I stay at this job much longer. I'm puttin in my two weeks, as a good 'lil employee should do, then I'm done. I would be lying if I said this didn't scare me to death. I don't know what job I'm going to take or how, but I needed out. To all of those reading this: please keep your eyes and ears open for jobs in the Utah Valley area. I know a lot of you don't live here, but many of you know people here, so get those networking skills in motion (as so many of us Mormons know how to do!!!).
Hopefully next time you will read that I have a job, but we'll see....
Thanks for reading ya'll

Not so much

Why hello again!! Nothing too exciting has happened recently...not such a good introduction to a new post, is it? Doesn't really CATCH you and make you want to keep reading, huh? Well, sorry...that's been life recently. Chris and I both spoke last Sunday. It went pretty well. Oh, i don't think I have told most of you, but we're the 12-14 year old Sunday school teachers. The kids are pretty great. They act like they don't like you, but then they leave and say thanks, showing that they're just teenagers! We give them candy when they bring their scriptures...yes, bribery works. Haha.
Well, I'm pretty much sick of working at Einstein's. There's way too much drama and someone is doing drugs (well, besides the high schoolers that do pot). A co-worker found a rolled up dollar bill with white powder residue. Yadda yadda...Natalie and Constance's new favorite thing to say is "Everybody gets paid too much to complain around here!!" yet they don't do much themselves. They gossip about everybody, but won't confront anyone with problems. Way to be in charge!!!
Anyway, like I said, not too much happening. Oh yes, we went to Planned Parenthood yesterday, with all of the delinquent teenagers in Utah Valley. What an experience, BUT I did get new pills that won't make me crazy, hopefully!
Ok, well, I hope to hear from you all soon. We miss you and can't wait to see you...

The Marquette Trip!

Marquette

As many of you know, Chris and I took a trip last Wed-Friday to visit with the director of admissions at Marquette dental school.
The trip started off great. We left Utah around 4ish and got into O'Hare around 8. We stopped at Chili's Too in the airport for some grub before picking up our Dodge Charger (Chris upgraded for a "small" fee). I guess the salesman talked Chris into it, though I don't think there was much persuading to be done :-)
We drove promptly to my aunt and uncle's house in Wilmette (just north of Chicago). We had no trouble finding the cute little house. We chatted with Carrie (sp?) for a bit then headed to bed to rest up for an exciting day. On Thursday we woke up at 7am and drove almost 1.5 hours up to Milwaukee. We had an hour to kill so we went into Borders and got something to eat. After settling our stomachs and nerves, we headed to the dental school. First we met with the director and then the assistant director gave us a tour. "I'm glad you took the time to come see me here because I see a lot of people and they all start looking and sounding the same," were some comforting words to hear. All in all, the Marquette portion of the trip was fabulous. I was very impressed with everything...maybe Chris will talk about it later, maybe not.
Anyway, after Marquette, we had a little play time. We visited the Milwaukee Museum of Art and we found some Georgia O'Keeffe cards-and those of you that know me well know that I'm a sucker for her pelvis art work. Naturally, I bought a few of those. If you ever have the chance to visit Milwaukee, don't miss the MofA. It's incredible. The structure itself is a work of art. LOVED IT!!
After that we rode a joined bike along the lake front and talked with an elderly man who was fishing on the shore. I was also very jealous of the people flying kites. We visited the Kite Barn. Seriously, looks like a barn and they sell hundreds of kites. It phenomenal. Chris DID let me buy the "World's Smallest Kite," however. I think cuz it was only $2.50, but hey, I'm glad we got it!
Anyway, the day ended up being a pretty good day, despite the fact that we got lost, and i mean LOST, on our way back "home." So, i was sleeping, right? Well, when i woke up, naturally i asked, "Where are we?" and in response, Chris replied (all too naturally), " I don't know!" " You don't know?" "I don't know." So, we pulled out the map, and after a few U-turns, we made it back. Since we took longer than expected to get back, we stayed in Wilmette and went to the mall and ate at a restaurant there. Quite delightful.
Friday we woke up and went into Chicago with Jon. We ate potbellys-a marvelous sandwich shop, and then walked up and down Michigan Ave. We ended at the big park with the huge "lima bean thing" and the "faces of Chicago" --you know what i mean if you've ever been there!

Before leaving, we ate true Chicago pizza and headed to the airport--got gas so they didn't charge 6.75/gal; returned rental car; took shuttle to airport; forgot important bag with all my medication and sonicaire and Chris's razor; yadda yadda!!! Well, we called budget and I should be receiving the bag any day now.
So, that was our trip in a semi-cracked nut shell.

AND......All of this was made possible with funding from David Spillers and emotional supporters: like YOU!!
We love you guys/gals

Check out my Slide Show!

Pro-ANN

OK, OK...to all who read this (Anna & Megan, as far as i can tell), my mom has known about this blog from it's very infancy. She was one of the first to be emailed about it...AND when we went to Reno to show pictures, we told EVERYBODY about it. In fact, she even told me that she didn't know how to look at it (Cyber challenged) so she hadn't read it yet. Anna, you didn't spill any beans...she ALREADY knew, but apparently forgot, thus, you're in the clear. And yes, mom and girls are coming in a few hours and staying with us for a few days...like megan said, it will be good to have her hear again cuz there are a few things we can't find and maybe she'll know where they are, for after all, she did "organize" this whole place: we just don't always understand the organization....
Other big news: My buddy Traci Graham is coming next thursday for my college graduation. Pretty darn sweet. I'm stoked, really.
Um, we got gym passes the other day. It'll be good for me...and for Chris...and the others that i can drag to the gym with me!! They have the most beautiful gym...it's pretty sweet.
Ok, I gotta go change cuz i'm actually using my gym pass!!! Woohoo....
Ta Ta For Now....
Ti Ti For Later!!!
HAHAHEHE

Home sweet home!!

We are finally getting settled in here in Utah. Today was my day off from work so yet again I got to wish my sweetheart a good day at work while I slept in....hahahahaha. The reason I laugh is because I did this for the first few days we were here because I did not have a job.
Well, we are making ourselves at home. After a great visit from Andree's family (Ann organized all our stuff! Woohoo!) and from my dad two days later, we are stranded here on our own. Ok, not entirely on our own. There are plenty of Warrens and even a Plater to surround us. We have, however, gotten me a Utah drivers license and phone number. We have also gotten Andree a new social security card that says she is a Spillers! Welcome, officially, to the family my love.
Today, we are off to add Andree to my bank accounts. It scares me a little....definitely a bit more stress added as I try to make enough lettuce to support her shoe fettish....hehe. Tomorrow she will get her Utah's drivers license. After that, it's car and health insurance. Oh, the joys of bringing two single adults together!
Well the jobs are great, the family dinners great, and our basement dungeon great! Until next time, this is Chris keepin it real!

Reality!?!

Hello, hello again. I'm not even sure anybody but my bosom friend really reads this (thanks Anna), but the writing shall go on! IT must. So, not too much has actually changed since last time. We did, however, take a trip back to Reno to get the rest of our crap (which isn't really crap, but what better name can you give the things that inflict wounds, bruises, and abrasions all over my body, or the things that make Chris more wet than running through the sprinklers on a hot August day in New Orleans, when moved). Anyway, we rented a really nice 16" Penske truck. Chris and I moved all of the "crap" into and out of the truck all by ourselves. If you were here, this is the point where you applaud or pat us on the back. After sleeping in his mother's king size bed for a few nights (we got a new mattress pad), we took that down and loaded it up. We also trekked up to VC (Virginia City for the un-savvy) to get a nice leather couch. We cleaned out G-pa's house, yet again. Sorry G-pa: we tried to convince him Jessie didn't put us up to it, but he wouldn't hear it. Hehehe. The journey home wasn't too bad, except that the truck didn't even have a tape deck. It's cool though.
SO, we got back into town and promptly moved things downstairs. In fact, we unloaded the truck that same night we got into town. My mom came and so generously helped us set up our humble abode. It's quite cozy...and damp. It's almost like a dungeon, but not quite. I don't think there's a dragon down here...at least not one that we've discovered, yet. However, if we do, my KISA will slay him and we will send each of you one of his scales, if only to help you believe that dragons DO EXIST....
Yea, i think I've been working too much too. I'm pretty much going to just end this now before someone gets hurt. IF you made it this far, kudos to you and I pat YOU on the back and applaud YOU!!
Until next time...

Back in the States

Our last day in PEI was nice and relaxed. We had dinner at Victoria Row and of course we stopped at Cows for ice cream. After getting a sweatshirt, we took another stroll on the boardwalk. We stopped at Victoria Park and watched a local baseball game. The evening sunset was beautiful. On our way back, we chose to walk down by the ocean. We found some really cool shells and I stepped on a nasty, ooey-gooey jelly fish. Those things are all over. I know why they call them jelly fish, GROSS! Oh, yea, we also ran into some sister missionaries. That's was pretty fun to talk with them. One was from Sandy, Utah and the other was from California. Anyway, yesterday was a very long travel day. We got up at 6:40 PEI time and didn't arrive until 8:15 MST, which is 11:15 PEI time. We had two layovers. One in Michigan and the other in Minnesota. Fun stuff. Customs wasn't too bad. Chris got his pocket knife through in CA...that's a good sign, right? Ha.
Well, due to the termites downstairs, granny upstairs, and all of the rules and regulations at our family and friends apartments, Chris and I slept out in the Prowler. It was bloody hot, but better than the floor. I believe we are doing it again tonight. Oh, JOY!
And, as we all know, Chris is a "money guy." He is getting ready right now to go sign papers for his job. Way to go Chris!! I'm glad he get's things done. I'm running errands today and trying to consolidate all of our crap that has acquired in Granny's front living room. I think tonight we're sharing pictures with the Utah Fam. Thursday, we're on the road again to get MORE crap from Reno. Oh, the joys of joining two people's junk and moving it to a different state!! You gotta love life...

Saturday

We made breakfast, AGAIN. Oh yea!! Then we took a nap. Hehe...well, Chris claims that he never fell asleep, but I'm not sure I believe him. After we got up and at 'em, we went down to the "harbour" and did the most touristy thing ever: we took the harbor hippo. It's a land tour that ends in the water. Yea, the crazy huge car thing drives right into the water and then it turns into a water tour. It's amazing and Chris was like a little kid the whole time. He kept wanting pictures and his eyes were about to pop out of his head, I swear! Oh, and we saw jelly fish. They were every where. They're really cool looking...
We decided to hit up Potatoes PEI for freshly cut french fries. Then we hit up a few more shops...I just can't keep Chris out of them. We're working on it ;-)
Ah, and this is where the Spillers's excitement begins--We stopped in a local mart to get stamps and gum. On the way out, i noticed Chris searching through all of the bags in his hand. "What are you doing?" I hesitantly inquire. "Uh, the camera." That's basically all he had to say to send me into a whirlwind of panic. In case one lost camera wasn't enough, he was threatening to lose TWO...so, he ran up ahead to the last shop we were at. Long story short, his number of lost cameras is still at one. THANK GOODNESS!! He certainly knows how to get my heart racing.
Before the show tonight, we had dessert at Just Us Girls. He had Cherries Jubilee and I had a mango, passion fruit cheesecake. Quite delicious. The show we saw was Sheer Madness. It was hilarious. A comedy murder. I guess it's the longest running non-musical play in American theater.
Naturally, on the way back to the B&B, Chris talked me into getting Cow's, yet again. We love our Cows! To end the night, we watched the first season of The Office. A hilarious ending to a comical day!!

Living More Ordinary

Today we had a fun and relaxing day on the golf course....which is much more familiar to me! We started off the day with a great breakfast and a two hour nap, which we sorely needed after struggling to make the 8-9:30am breakfast allotment. On the golf course we enjoyed a fun-filled 9 holes which is the perfect amount of golf for a beginner like Andree (who shows incredible instincts for the sport I might add) and a has been like me. We both struggled in the beginning but turned it around as we got our mental games in line. Andree and I both hit the 8th green, a par three, from the tee and she proceeded to provide the best excitement of the day as her putt for birdie did a 180 around the hole! Unfortunately it did not go in but my birdie effort did. I would have much rather hers did than mine. Golf is a tricky one for my sweetheart and definitely a mind trip as I referred to it. She is improving vastly in her swing and her focus however. (she loves to think of anything but golf just as she is about to swing that little club : ). From the golf course we had a great dinner in downtown Charlottetown and then did some more shopping. It seems to be our fallback plan of choice! Lastly we ended the day with COWS ice cream, an amazing, and very popular, choice among tourists and locals alike.

Friday the 13

Although it's a superstitious day, we finally started off right!! We made it to breakfast on time today. That's a first for us. Chris and I did a little jig on the way down the stairs after we saw the clock that read 8:54am. It was a great start to a great day. Shelley made us pancakes today that we didn't get to eat yesterday :-( Half way through our meal, the power went out. "Just one of the ghosts," Shelley said. It is Friday the 13th, after all. Well, after breakfast, we promptly came back upstairs to take a nap. Yes, a real nap. We were out for 2 hours, solid. Finally Chris woke up and got me outta bed. We went golfing, naturally, cuz what else would we do after a nap on Friday the 13th? The course was beautiful. It's so green. I did ok, considering I was wearing open toed shoes (on the course?!? What terrible etiquette...). Ah yes, and the taxis we took were both Dodge Intrepids...classy, right Met? Anyway, back to the golf. Jeff, you should be jealous. We only did 9 holes, but it was great. Chris ended well, which made BOTH of us happy!! I almost had a birdie on the 8th hole. My putt was a ringer (not sure if that's real golf lingo, but that's what my ball did. It rolled right around the hole and came straight back at me a few inches. Heart breaking, really). So, that was my exciting hole, I suppose. After golfing, Chris was starving so we went to Victoria Row and ate at Meeko's. I had a vegetarian pita and he had....take a guess...yup, the pasta mamamia. Go figure! HAHA... We rocked out to jazz music and then did a bit more shopping! All in all, a good day. Until next time....Livin Life Less Ordinary

Welcome to PEI

Well, the flights aren't too bad-when you sleep through all of them. We've had a few fabulous days here. The first day we missed breakfast because we didn't leave the room until 4pm (now don't get any ideas, we were exhausted from the late drive to SLC and then the traveling and 4hr time change ;)! Yesterday we made breakfast and then took a nice little 30km bike ride. I'm not exactly sure how long that is, but i do know it's long enough to make your butt numb and your legs sore. We took the Confederation Trail...it's exhaustingly beautiful. Everything is lush and so colorful. Chris was infatuated with the local bovine. "They're HUGE! Let's take a picture with them..." So we did...only to cross on to private property. Later we went to the Anne of Green Gables play. It was phenomenal-but how could it not be when you're in love with Ann with an "e?" Today was our tour. Just the two of us. We woke up for breakfast and were about to eat, when Shelley (the B&B lady) told us our tour guide was there. Chris said we weren't expecting to see him until 10:20am-it was only 9:20, OR WAS IT. Shelley leans over me and squints at the very large clock against the wall: "It IS 10:20," she says. Yes, so it was. We were an hour late to breakfast the day before and we were an hour late today. We had been waking up to Chris's cell phone alarm, whose time was off. Guess it's just the fate of a Spillers.....
ANYWAY, we did a little shopping and looked at the amazing sand sculptures. We stopped for dinner on our way back to the B&B. We went to Off Broadway. We went in and sat down...it didn't take long for me to realize this was a Fancy Shmancy Resturante!! We had a delicious meal, though i was shrinking in my seat a little as Chris was oblivious to the fact that they stuffed us in the cob webbed corner away from the other "refined guests." BUT, the food was good and they still provided the nice warm washcloths to warm and clean our hands (very upscale, for sure). We payed, Chris left a nice tip :) and we headed down to Cow's Ice Cream (chris has been dying to eat there-go figure, PEI cow fettish. On our walk back "home" we encountered rain. We ate our cones and got drenched with smiles on our faces. Such is the life of a Spillers!! (Getting used to this Spillers thing...oh, the name? no, i'm pretty much over that. It got trumped by the "comedy of errors that are a way of life," as Chris puts it. As the days continue, we will continue to strive and "live a little!"