My first bundt!

For a while now, I have been in a baking mood. Usually I will just make brownies from a box, or cupcakes from a mix. Well, this past weekend, I was feeling brave. Initially I wanted to make fluffy sugar cookies, but I couldnt find a recipie I trusted, and most recipies said the dough should chill for a while, and I didnt have all weekend by the time I decided I was actually going to bake something. I was looking through my recipis that I have collected in the years past. I came across a Pumpkin Chocolate Chip cookie recipie. I decided thats what I was going to make. Then, as I was getting everything ready to bake, I remember my wonderful mother in law got me a bundt pan for my birthday, and I was yet to use it. I decided to look online and see if I could make a bundt cake instead. I found a recipie, that 2 blogs had posted, and I decided to try that Recipie. The Cake was WONDERFUL! Rob and I didnt eat it until tonight, but it so so yummmy! Since I am feeling nice, I am going to share the recipie, in case you want to make it too!!







3 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons baking powder
3 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
4 eggs, beaten
2 cups sugar
1.25 cups canola oil
2 cups cooked, mashed pumpkin (or one 15 oz. can)
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or 1/2 cup chocolate chips and 1/2 cup chopped pecans)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F, and butter and flour a bundt pan and set aside.

In a bowl, sift the dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt) together.

Beat the eggs and sugar together in a large bowl, or the bowl of your stand mixer. Add the oil and the pumpkin, mixing well, and blend in the flour mixture. Fold in the chocolate chips and pecans, if using.

Bake in the greased and floured bundt pan, for 60 minutes.

Let cool in pan for ten minutes, then turn out onto a cooling rack.

ENJOY!!!!

Bear Lake (year 3)

Every year, Robs family goes up to bear lake for a weekend. The first time I went, was when Rob and I had only knew each other for about a week (well, face to face- we had been texting for a while before we met) It was our 3rd or so date, and that’s when I met most of his family. I loved the family instantly! The Tarr’s and the Wegwitz’s have always been there, other than that, the company has changed a little here and there. There was one big difference in this years trip, compared to the others. Rob wasn’t there. (He had been sprayed with pepper spray at work on Thursday and they said it could react in the heat for up to 3 days, and he didn’t want to go through that again, and he had a test first thing on Monday morning, so he decided to stay home and get ready for it) We did have new faces, besides The Tarr’s and Wegwitz’s we had Robs sister Debbie and her family (they live in Virginia, and I met them for the first time last week, and I was super glad they came up, because I got to know them even better, they are great!) and then Robs brother Al’s wife Karen came in from California, along with her kids. (I had met her a few times, but I love her!) it was also fun having Scott there (he was in California last year giving his homecoming talk), as well as Haley. (Haley is my niece who works with me, she is Karen’s daughter)

Scott, Haley and I headed out on Friday afternoon, and after a stop and getting lunch, we were lake bound. When we got to the lake, we said hello, and then set off to set up our tents. After that, we visited, played games, and ate dinner. That night was really hard for me, Im not a fan of sleeping without Rob, but it was even worse being in a tent all by myself, cold, during a Thunder Storm. The storm made me wake up at about 4AM, and I couldn’t go back to sleep, Finially, I decided at 6 to go to the bathroom, and just as I was getting out of my tent, there came the rain. A few other people were up, so I decided to eat breakfast, and visit and watch the storm. I was worried that the storm would last all day, but we were lucky, and it cleared up by about 9. We got everything ready, and headed to get the boats. We were on the lake and/or the beach until about 3:30, then we came back and I made dinner for everybody. (Im not even going to mention the accident that I caused with my little nephew nate while I was making dinner, Im still so mad at myself, and I feel TERRIBLE) after dinner, we played more games, had a bon fire, played some more, and then went to sleep. This time I was on a couch, and it was a little warmer, but I still didn’t sleep well (I got my first sunburn at the lake and it was really uncomfortable when I was lying down) The next morning, we just visited in the morning, cleaned up, took down tents, packed up, and headed home. It was a really fun weekend, and I loved being on the water. I missed Rob like crazy (since this was a yearly tradition- It was hard not to think of him all the time) But Im looking forward to next year, and I love spending time with Family.

I have now met 12 of 13 of Robs siblings, and I think its safe to say that I married into an amazing family, and that I am one lucky girl.

Surprise Party Success!

I threw Rob a surprise party for his 32nd birthday, and it actually worked!! I found out a week or so before his birthday that Brent and Katy would be in from California for a wedding, and I just couldn’t resist attempting to surprise Rob. (I honestly didn’t think it would work) After talking to Katy, I called both of my moms and mentioned it to them, to see what they thought. I got my mom to ask Rob where he wanted to go for dinner, he picked chilis (Or maybe I picked it, I don’t know) anyway, I told my mom the time, and which location. Then I text both of our families and a few of his close friends. I was worried I would get responses while Rob was around, but I didn’t! (yay for all of you guys!!) I got everything planned while on my lunches, or while I was waiting for Rob to get off work. (thanks in large part to the delete/edit/clear functions on my iphone) I told everyone to meet at 6:45 and Rob and I would be there at 7. Well, Rob and I got there at 6:50 (despite all my best efforts to stall) When we were walking in (after a very quiet day- I was afraid to talk to him too much, because I was afraid I would let the secret out, so I had Rob do most of the talking, or we sang to the radio.) When walking into the restaurant, Rob asked if it was just the three of us (he and I and my mom) I nodded my head in a yes/no fashion. When we got in the door, Rob started telling the hostess 3, but I just kept walking on. He only saw my mom and sister, and her kids, and a few balloons. Then he looked down the table and saw everyone else. All in all, I think it was a great success. I don’t know if I will ever do it again, because it was super stressful, but I am glad it worked out so well!

Thank you Momma Ludlow, Momma and Dad Carter, Grandma Luing, Gma and Gpa Meador, Britt, Konnor, Chloe, Theresa, CC, Haley, Kelby, Cheri, Cindy, Brent T, Janelle, Kent, Mason, Scott, Mckay, Tony, Loni, and Brent and Katy! We love you all!!

On This Day in History

In 1979: World Series Champs: Pittsburg Pirates

Super Bowl Champs: Pittsburgh Steelers

NBA Champs: Seattle Supersonics

Stanley Cup Winners: Montreal Canadians

NCAA Football Champs: Alabama

NCAA Basketball Champs: Michigan State

Billboard top song for the week of August 11, 1979: Bad Girls- Donna Summers

Black & Decker released the “The Dust buster”

Sony released the first “Walkman” (retail $200.00)

Victoria Secret opens

ESPN (Entertainment and Sports Programming Network) begins broadcasting

On Aug 11:

1929: Babe Ruth becomes first to hit 500 Home runs. Hit off Willis Hudlin in Cleveland

1934: Alcatraz, in San Francisco Bay, Received its first boatload of federal prisoners.

1950: Yankee great Joe DiMaggio is benched for the first time

1951: The First major League Baseball game is televised in Color. Brooklyn Dodgers defeat Boston Braves 8-1.

August 11, 1979: Phillies Pitcher Tug McGraw (Yes- Tim McGraw’s Dad) gave up record 4th grand slam on the year.

August 11 1979: In Pasadena California, at Huntington Memorial Hospital around 8:20AM (It was a Saturday, with a high of 79 degrees) Robert Amos Hoomanauwnuni Naone made his first appearance in this world. An event that changed many people’s lives. He arrived 3 weeks early, and his mom said “He made her the happiest mother ever.”

On this day in History, my world started to take shape, even though I wouldn’t know it for another 30 or so year. Here is to my amazing Husband on his birthday. You are amazing, and I am so blessed to get to call you mine. I love you, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!







A few thoughts:

“Wow another birthday!!! Just wanted to sing you a song once I heard. Ha Hum “oh you are getting old…. Very very old!!! HA HA just kidding.
I love you Rob, and I am very thankful to have you as my older brother. We all loved our visit a couple months ago and cant wait to see you guys again! We love you and hope you have a great day! Happy Birthday!
Love Kim and Family. (Sister)

“When I met Elder Carter in his underwear, I knew it was the beginning of a beautiful friendship. Robert was a great missionary. He had a strong work ethic and was obedient and at the same time was relaxed and fun. He helped transition me from a new, young missionary who didn’t speak much Spanish into a more confident missionary who became a first time senior companion right after Carter and I were done being companions. Side note: Robert pissed me off as a missionary when we played basketball on our P-day because he trash talked and was too fast for me to guard. After the mission Carter and I have maintained our friendship. He’s a great man and will make a great father. (wink)
Aaron Wilde (Former Mission Companion, Best friend)

Brent Remembers Home Run Derbies and said “One day I ran away from home and he (Rob) found me at a baseball field. I never told nobody where I was going, he just knew. He took me on my first loop roller coaster. He’s very loyal to his own. He’d always have your back. If I had to throw down, I’d want him in my corner.
Brent Carter (Younger Brother)

“Rob is just a studly man all the way around. He knows baseball inside and out. Anytime I need help with my swing or mechanics and he will help me out. I can go to him with a question and he’ll give me a straight up answer with no sugar coating.”
Mckay Carter (youngest Brother)

“Rob is da man! He is almost always in a good mood, and has always got a good joke. Very sarcastic and up for anything. I luv Rob, in a manly way, not the sissy kind.
Tony Bennett (long time friend)

"The first time I met Rob (he was about 12 at the time) He told me that if I went to his baseball game, he would hit a homerun for me. When I got there, Sure enough, he kept his promise."
Al Carter (Dad)

Dating

I believe it is important to date while you're married. I also know how hard that can be. Rob and I, for the most part have been pretty good about dating. Sometimes it's just dinner together or with friends. Others it's a movie. A. Lot of times they are not planned but just happen. Which is usually because I just don't want to cook dinner that night. Yesterday was one of those days where we had an impromptu date. After my sisters baby shower, we planned to go to wasatch running to get me a good pair of running shoes so I could run with rob. (if you have not been there- go. They are great! They measure your feet and watch you walk and run so they can fit you with the perfect pair of shoes. It was great) anyway. After we got my shoes we wen to sports chalet so I could find some running pants. I didn't find anything at sports chalet so we decided to run to target. I found some pants and when we got back in the car we decided that while we were by Jordan landing we would go see a movie. After the movie we decided to go to the batting cages. And after the batting cage we decided to go get pizza and watch some more episodes of prisonbreak. We took a simple errand and turned it into a afternoon/evening long date. I had a greG time and it was fun just plying and relaxing together. I love Rob and I'm glad we get to spend time together!

( I was goin to add pictures but my camera battery was dead. :( sorry. )

Family Ties

The first week of July was a fun week, filled with a lot of time spent with Robs family. Rob's sister Kim was in town with her girls and so we decided to have a picnic the Saturday before she left. I love Robs family, and I feel so blessed to have such a wonderful family, and be so loved. Here are a few pictures from that Picnic!

Life after Vacation

Yes, It is sad but true. Life does go on after a vacation ends. When our Vacation ended, we were up for a few changes. Some of these changes were planned before the trip, others were more spur of the moment. One thing was that the day I got back from our trip I started a new position within WJB. It was the position that I had applied for, but turned down because of our vacation. As it turned out, I could have the position anyway. Another Change was that, after almost 4 years of Rob working at America Fist Credit Union, he left to start his adventure in the law enforcement field. We are really excited about the change, although it kind of makes me nervous. As if switching jobs was not crazy enough, we also decided to move. We had a friend ask if we could help them move, we also found out that they are moving to California, and were going to rent out their house. We asked a few more questions, and from there, we decided to take a look at it, and were planning on renting out there house. After discussing it a little furter, we decided to not move out, something didnt really feel right, so we kind of forgot about it. Then we helped them move a washer and dryer from their old place (they were living with their grandma in her basement apartment) we liked the basement apartment, and talked about it, and decided to give our notice at our place in South Jordan, and move to West Jordan. 3 weeks before moving day, we found out that the grandma gave the place to someone else, and the stress began to sink in. We didnt want to stay at our old place, but we didnt have anywhere to go. I was talking to a good friend of ours, and he asked how much we were paying and a few other questions. He then said the renters of his townhouse were late on their payments, and he was considering evicting them to get more dependable renters. I mentioned this to Rob, and we decided to go to dinner the next night to discuss this with Aaron and his wife Lyndsie. I got a call as we were leving for dinner, we got a call and found out that the renters just up and left and they needed help moving some stuff. We went to the townhouse, and I looked around, I instantly loved it, mainly the HUGE bathtub! (Rob lived here when he first moved to Utah) We talked numbers, and it was settled. We had a place we were moving to, and we were ready to go. Now, we have finally moved everything, although we still have some unpacking to do. We have been at the new place for 3 weeks, and I still like it, although I do miss that I am not 5 minutes or less away from work, but 10 minutes is not that The other big thing that has happened. Was my car, named the Grinch died this week. It was probably one of the most terrifying times of my life. I was going down the street back to work on my lunch break, when I lost my power stearing as I was doing down a curvy hill. I noticed my battery light was on, so I didnt want to turn off my car, because I didnt know if it would start again. I would normally call my neice Halay who works with me, but that morning her car died, and I was her ride home. I decided I shouldnt take the freeway, but I was going to try and get as close to work as I could. I made it to where Rob was, but just barely. It was pouring Rain, and I drove with my window down. I think I made it there in once piece emotionally, but It was a short lived strength. When I got to Robs work, I just asked the lady at the front desk if I could leave a note for Rob, letting him know I was taking his car, and I would be back from him when he was off, and I would explain everything then. The lady asked if I was ok, and that was all it took, the tears started coming, and they couldnt stop. I kept saying that I would just leave a note, but they insisted I talk to him, and calm down a little bit. When we finally found him, I lost it again. He came out and looked at the car, and determined that (among other things) I lost my belts, the container holding my coolant exploded, I blew a gasket, and everything was covered in oil. I called my moms mechanic friend, and he said that the car was not worth the money that it would take to fix the car. (the thing that makes me so mad is that we just put 2 new tires on in the past month, and 20 minutes before the car died, I filled up the gas tank!) Needless to say, The Grinch had its final drive with the Ludlow/Toilolo/Jensen/Carter family. I meant to take picture of the car, since it was in the family for about 9 years, but I forgot. As far as cars go, we are doing the one car thing since Rob is only 5 minutes away from my work, and our hours are relativly similar. Its actually been kind of nice, because we get a few more minutes in the morning to talk. Thats pretty much our life since our trip. We have been able to spend a lot of time with family, but that is the next post. Hopefully I will be able to do it tonight or tomorrow. We shall see. Until then, here are some random pictures of life since the trip.

Rob had to get a "military" haircut before starting his job, so the day before, We decided to give Rob a Mo-Hawk. I actaully really liked it. LOL


This is Rob and his mom on the back of the Bike (I LOVE this bike, and he looks super sexy on it-if I do say so myself. This is his mom, going on her first ride with Rob, she really liked it.


This is the only picture of "The Grinch" that I have. (this was a terrible day back in December when I got the car stuck in the snow off the side of the driveway.