Happy Birthday Marci!

Happy Birthday Marci! I hope you have a fabulous day and I just want everyone to know what an awesome sister-in-law you are! We have had some awesome memories these last 4 years and I really love that you are in our family. To traveling together, (mis) diagnosing mini-stress fractures, shopping (and getting the same thing half the time) to laughing together over random things...you really are an amazing sister and I'm grateful you are in my life and keeping my brother on the straight and narrow! Have a fantastic birthday and know that we love you. Oh, and also know that we will be bringing your birthday present with us when we come and visit in June. Love you!!

Happy Birthday Gram!

Monday, May 4th was my Grandma's 95th birthday! Whoo Hoo!! Mike and I were able to head down to San Diego for a day to spend some quality time with her and all my aunts, my parents, my cousins Heather and her adorable daughter Mikayla, Debbie and Rachel and my uncle Danny. It was a pretty sweet day. First of all, this was Mike's first day off (besides Sundays) since our Anniversary. So we were able to spend the entire day together and it was magical! I love spending time with my husband...he just gets so busy with work, school and his calling that he never has spare time. But the day was perfect. I keep forgetting that we are only a 2 hours drive away from my family! We visited with everyone and went to dinner (at 3:30p.m.) to El Torito. Then we had carrot cake and icecream and watched Gram open her presents. She is such a fiesty woman and I am so proud of her. I mean...come on...95 years old!!

One of the greatest things about seeing my extended family is my aunts. They are a hoot. My mom has 4 sisters (2 older and 2 younger) and I love each and everyone of them for different reasons. I guess I see a little of myself in each of them. But I love Carol's giving heart, D.G's youthful attitude towards life, Patty's assertiveness and Jeanne's sense of humor. But most of all, every time we are all together, it seems there is a ton of laughing and a lot of love. But, there is one of the sisters I love the most...my mom. I'm always really proud of my mom. She has so many traits I want but she is very humble about all of her talents and gifts. She doesn't hide them, but she has a great way of making everyone around her feel at ease. It's a talent!

Well...it was a fabulous day and I loved seeing everyone. Happy Birthday Gram! I love you!

I'm Back Baby!!

My Goodness!! I haven't blogged in a while! Eek...where did my the 3 months go? Well, with that said, I now must calm my Blogging Buddies and let them know I am still alive and I promise to never ignore my blog for so long again!

Now, there are so many things to report. These last few months have been crazy! I can't believe my last entry was in December. So...quick recap. Mike and I went to Northern California for Christmas (yes I know it is March...moving on) and we had a blast! Adam and Marci came home as well, so my parents were thrilled to have the whole family - and additions - home for the holidays. If any of you know my parents, you know that their vacations aren't truly vacations. They had us booked up for the entire week! We went to San Francisco and stay a few fabulous nights there shoppings, going on food tours, and watching IMAX movies. If that wasn't enough to keep us happy, we had dinner parties, games nights (one of my favorite things) and movie nights. But the best thing (Mike's opinion especially) we did was go Go-Kart racing! We had to suit up in helmets, suits, neck braces and we sped down that track going a whopping 40 miles per hour! (For my mom and myself...it was really like 35...or 25 mph, just depending on who was cutting us off or slamming into us.) This track was intense...so much so that I felt it was my duty to ruin the track by smashing into the side...more like skidding into the side. (this is right before my speed dropped down to 25mph or so.) Yes, the day at the track was pretty awesome - except when my dad slammed into me going full speed. Could have done without that. But have no fear my Blogging Buddies...I slammed into him on the 2nd lap. And, as some of you might be imagining...Mike, Adam and my dad were competing the whole time for 1st place. I'm so proud of my Mikey for kicking my brother's and dad's trash in one of the races! Adam then kicked everyone's trash in the second race. Now, as a disclaimer...my dad should have been in 1st place for both races, but for some reason he kept getting sent to the penalty box. Serves him right for crashing into his daughter. I guess you can guess who was in last place...but my mom and I kept telling everyone it was because we are too loving and kind...right...

We had an awesome Christmas with my parents and I love going home! Just seeing the rolling hills, the obese horses we have, and the peaceful breeze that sweeps through the porch just warms my heart. I always feel at home there - that is until I try doing the dishes and realize my parents have organized everything completely different. Why didn't they think of me when re-organizing the kitchen...you never know when I'll pop in to do the dishes. Anyways, Christmas was perfect and I loved being with my family again. It is so different when I'm with Mike's family since we see each other every week (which I love), but I really do miss seeing my parents and just talking with them and laughing about everything.

Now, you might be wondering where all my fabulous pictures are of this vacation...and that would be in my head. My camera broke down right before our trip. (rest in peace little Canon!!) Mike graciously offered me his camera, but it just wasn't the same. So...that is my (legitimate) excuse for no photos. Just let my eloquent words paint the perfect picture for you. Ha...good one. Anyways, We really had a fabulous vacation and I can't wait to go back to Northern California for some more racing, food tours and fun!

Moving on to New Year's Eve. I'm happy to report we did not get into a car accident this year! Yeah for us. Last year (right in the middle of wedding planning) Mike and I got into 2 car accidents...but this year, we are starting fresh and so good so far! *crossing fingers!* Our New Years Eve was pretty fun. We watched a movie with Aunt Sue, Teri and Bob. It was so foggy that night we couldn't see any fireworks - but we hear them. Poor Mike was tuckered out, so by midnight, I gave him a little kiss and sent him to bed. Ah the joys of married life...a New Years Eve kiss is just another kiss from the one you love. It is still magical though!

So that takes us up to January! 2009 started with a bang for us. We spend quality time with friends and family, but it was back to the grindstone. Our lives now consist of work, Mike's school, our callings and occasionally spending some time with friends. For me, work went from busy to light-speed! We have been hiring new people to help even out the workload, but I find myself doing the work of 3 people sometimes. Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining...I'm the kind of person that THRIVES off chaos and stress. So even though it has been draining, I still love my job! I find myself craving for new struggles and "roadbumps" because I know I'll get through it and be a better leader! As a reminder to those who might not understand what I do...I am the Account Executive at LACED Interactive. No...that doesn't mean I'm an accountant. Quite opposite acutally. I deal with all of our clients as their main contact. I organize, manage and maintain projects and client relations. I'm the "mom" of the agency so to speak - making sure everyone plays nice with each other while getting projects completed and keeping clients happy!

Mike has also been super busy with work and school and his calling. (Executive Secretary). I always wonder how he juggles it all...and then I get my answer when he crashes on Sunday afternoons. He is a hard-worker and I'm really proud of him! He is such a great provider.

Well...I think this post is completed. But don't worry...I'll be posting soon about some exciting things! To give you a little preview of what's up next...Mike and I hit our 1 Year anniversary on Feb. 22nd, I have some Young Women activity updates and remember....I only blogged up to January! Stay tuned!

My Birthday

This year I had an amazing birthday! My sweet, thoughtful husband made the day special. He really out-did himself this year and I am still stunned. He got me the softest bathrobe in the world and I love wearing it. He also brought home flowers and my "official" gift....a Mac computer! Not only did he get the Mac, he loaded the computer with every program imaginable! So yes my blogging buddies, I am writing this blog from my new Mac computer thanks to Mike. My family-in-law also got me the cutest purse and I can't wait to build an outfit around it. ;) All I can say (which seems to be a theme for this blog), is that I am very blessed. 

Turning 25 today has made me stop and ponder the things I have learned over the last year and I want to share some of my thoughts...

1. No matter what happens in life, my family will always be there supporting me.
2. Marriage is fantastic, but getting married in the right place and the right time for the right reasons makes it phenomenal.
3. Any question can be answered with a little pray and faith
4. Life is uncontrollably messy ... and that's okay because I don't have to clean it up.
5. If I can laugh in a hard situation, I can get through it
6. Cuddling with Mike is Chicken Soup for my Soul... not the stories in the book.
7. My parents always told me "You'll thank me one day" ... Thanks Mom and Dad
8. No matter how many times I ask, Mike will still forget to put his socks in the hamper. It's okay though, I love him enough to do it for him
9. There is always my plan and Heavenly Father's plan... Heavenly Father's plan is better
10. There is nothing wrong with a good, hard crying session... let the mascara run!
11. My college professors lied to me... in the real world, I've never used the statistical equations they made me memorize.
12. There is nothing more fulfilling than sitting around with my family playing Pictionary
13. You can't control everything. As my family always says... "Let the blood flow"
14. I can quote all the movie lines I want to Mike... he still doesn't know what I'm talking about. I guess that will always be a college roommate thing.
15. My parent's are the world's best wedding planners. I think the 3 of us should open shop!
16. I will never understand some of Mike's missionary pictures
17. After running 90 miles an hour for a few weeks, you have to slow down. It's your choice whether you relax yourself or a cold does it for you.
18. People are always afraid to call us because we are "Newlyweds"... newlyweds like friends too!
19. No matter how many times my sister-in-law teases me, I still like the cheesy sayings and Kodak Moments
20. My brother always has a special place in my heart. He knows how to tease me, talk to me and love me like big brothers should. 
21. The older I get, I start enjoying TLC shows more... Like Jon and Kate plus 8
22. It amazes me that Mike always knows exactly when to hug me and tell me everything will be alright
23. Traveling is always better when Mike is with me... he usually takes the middle seat and lets me use his shoulder as a head rest. 
24. I am just starting to realize that my parent's were just like me not so long ago. They had fun dates, an exciting engagement, and a love-filled wedding. I always knew my parent's were cool, but I'm starting to see them in a different light... and I like it. 
25. I never knew love and life could be this amazing. With friends, family and Mike... my love tank is full!

New Calling

So it is official, I am the new 2nd Counselor in the Young Womans Program for our ward. I'm responsible for the cute Beehives. (12-13 year olds). Today we met with the Young Woman as their new Presidency and they are just a sweet bunch of girls. We were so welcomed into the program and I think I got more hugs today than at my wedding reception! I am so excited to teach, lead and befriend the girls and I can't wait to get started! If anyone has any good suggestions, let me know.

One perk about this new calling is the fact that I get to spend more time with Carissa, my cousin (in-law). Carissa and I became fast friends while I lived with her family before Mike and I were married. She and I always manage to have fun...even if it means working 3 hours to put together an IKEA dresser. Even though I love being married and wouldn't trade it for the world, I do sometimes miss the chats we had late and night. But, now I'm just around the corner from her, so we can still have the late night chats.

Not to boast, but I am really lucky to have such a loving family so close to me.

Where Did Fall Go??

My goodness! My Fall season just slipped away from me! It felt like blur. This time of year is always pretty busy for Mike and I. Not only are we working more, but we had birthdays, holidays and stressful days! I kept telling myself, "You need to update your Blog" but it just slipped through the cracks.

Well, let's take a trip back in time to recap what has been going on in the Pless world. At the beginning of October, we had Mike's 24th Birthday. Now, you will notice that there are no photos...those are coming. Just be thankful I'm writing. For Mike's birthday party, we decided to throw a family party at our house! I made him a fabulous Mexican dinner with Chicken Stuffed Quesidillas and Chicken Enchiladas. (Mike loved Mexican food) Then for dessert, I tried to bring my creative brain into the cooking world and made Lego cakes. Mike got 4 (smaller) chocolate cakes that looked like Legos. It was pretty fun, but they didn't look as good as the picture I was going off of. (Dang you Betty Crocker!)

After Mike's birthday, we prepared to go to Mexico with my parents and Aunt Patty. Mike will tell anyone who asks that the trip was his birthday present from my parents...so apparently my parents love Mike more than anyone else in the family. He's just so darn loveable I guess. I was just lucky to be able to tag along for the birthday festivies. (wink wink)

Once we got back from Mexico, I was out of commission for a week due to some bug I picked up in paradise. But, I can't complain...getting sick in paradise is still better than sick at home. Then, right around the corner was Halloween. I was looking forward to Halloween so very much, but that holiday flopped on us. I bought a big bowl of candy and only got 3 12 year old boys come to my door. I was bummed. Basically Mike and I watched a movie and watched the door like two homesick puppies. Very lame. Oh, and our pumpkins rotted 2 days after craving them. I had no clue that the warm weather here would dampen my spooky spirits. Lame pumpkin mold!

Well, that moves us into November. We celebrated my mother-in-law's birthday on the 11th and had a great time going to dinner as a big family. After that, we worked as hard as possible in preparation for Thanksgiving. This year, my parents decided to come to our house and be with us. It was so much fun having them here, but as Mike will point out, I get stressed out over everything. I had visions of the perfect holiday and dinner and I was determined to host a fabulous holiday weekend! Well, my hard work paid off. We had a perfect Thanksgiving and my dad and I cooked a fabulous dinner. Thanks dad for teaching me your super professional chef skills! I had so much fun learning for the master and spending quality time with my dad. After Thanksgiving Day, Mike unfortunately went back to work and my parents and I headed down to San Diego to see my grandma, Aunt Patty and Uncle Danny and Aunt Jeanne and Uncle Todd. It was so great seeing everyone. I think my favorite thing about this time of year is the great love families bring into my life. It just fills me up and radiates throughout the day. Well, my Uncle Danny - another fanominal chef - prepared a fabulous dinner and we had fun eating as a big family. On Saturday, we were off to the San Diego Zoo with Patty and Gram. We have been going to the zoo since I was a baby and I bet some of the same animals are there 24 years later. But it is always fun to see the playful animals...except the snakes. For some reason I just can't get into the snakes.

Well, now that Thanksgiving is over and we are well into December, it makes me wonder how 2 months can fly by so quickly. Now we are preparing for Christmas, my birthday and other activies. I have to toot my own horn here for a minute and let everyone know that I am 99% done with my Christmas shopping! WoHoooo!! Just a few details to add and then I'm offical done! I love it when all my organization pays off. Mike thought I was crazy starting my Christmas shopping in September...but who is the crazy one now? Not me!

Hopefully this months slows down a little bit - enough for me to add pictures to my blog!

Husband Tag...

Apparently I was tagged a month ago and didn't even realize it! Oops! Better late than never...

• What is your husband's name? Michael Adam (get the religious undertones?)

• How long have you been married? 10 months

• How long did you date? Before his mission...2 months. After his mission, first date in June 2007, Official Proposal in October 2007 (we knew we were going to get married in August...but waited for the ring to seal the deal) and married in February 2008.

• How old is he? 24

• Who eats sweets? Both of us. It is our weakness.

• Who said I love you first? He did. I was about to say it, but he beat me to the punch.

• Who is taller? Definitely him! I'm 5'5, he is 6'3

• Who does the laundry? Me...always me.

• Who pays the bills? He does...but I do all the grocery shopping and make the budget for it.

• Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? I do...but lately Mike has been stealing my side. I guess he just naturally gravitates to me which ever side I'm on. So...my official answer is...I sleep on the right side and Mike sleeps in the middle.

• Who mows the lawn? Our Landlord hires a cute little family to mow the lawn around our house....so I'm not sure what their names are. They come when Mike and I are at work, so the grass magically cuts itself!

• Who cooks dinner? I do. Mike makes great Chicken Soup out of the can when I'm sick though.

• Who drives? He does. He is so patient with his nervous, up-tight wife though. What can I say, the freeways here scare me! It's like people have no concept of keeping a healthy space in between cars. They think the space you make is for them and they push their HUGE SUV into a small space between you and the car in front of you. So, to save my sanity, Mike drives.

• Who is the first to admit they are wrong? I think we are both good at this, but definitely Mike. He is really patient and has such a loving personality.

• Who kissed who first? He kissed me first, but I think it was more of a joint decision.

• Who asked who out first? He did. Before his mission, we talked for hours at an FHE bonfire and he asked me out to dinner. It was super cute. Then, a few days after returning from his mission, he drove to Utah to see me and date me. Now that's dedication.

I feel so lucky to have Mike as my husband. He always makes me laugh, holds me when I'm sad and just loves me for who I am. I didn't know life could be this good! Love you baby!!