Tahna & Lynzie - BFF 5 yrs!

"It is one of the blessings of old friends that you can afford to be stupid with them." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

It's been 5 years since Lynzie and I met while working together at an insurance agency in Orem. It didn't take us long to become friends and soon, best friends, sister's from another mother, BFF's, partner's in crime. "If you're shootin up the place, I'm bringin the bullets". We became "Tahna&Lynzie". One person. The fun girls. You didn't get one without the other and everyone knew it.

We've had our ups and downs throughout the years. We've laughed, we've cried, we've laughed & cried at the same time and all the while we've stuck by each other's side. We've seen each other through everything....changing jobs, losing loved ones, losing boyfriends, family crisis', cancer, losing pets, moving, adopting new pets, weddings, funerals, parties, everything. We've traveled together, gone camping, seen movies in our pajamas and talked on the phone for hours on end. Best times of my life! And 2 years ago I got the privilege to be Lynzie's "Maid of Honor" at her wedding. It was only appropriate since I literally introduced her husband to her and I was there on their very first date.

Lynzie is the bestest friend that anyone could ever hope to find. She's honest, fun and ALWAYS has my back. She brings out the best in me and makes me laugh. It's been wonderful to be a part of her life & family. The Ovard's and Rasmussen's feel like an extended family and I'm so grateful. She's my BFF, shoulder to cry on, supporter, fashion advisor, confidant, and best mate. I can't wait to see what the next 5 yrs have in store for us because here we come! I luv ya baby, cheers to us!!

"Sexy pictures, crazy times, sister's at heart, partner's in crime :)"

Utah Blaze game

Saturday night we got to go to a Utah Blaze game at the Energy Solutions Arena. My work, Infinity Insurance, reserved 2 of the suites which was awesome! It was catered & stocked with all kinds of drinks. We had yummy fajitas, rice, beans, chips & guacamole and to top it off, 4 different flavors of ice cream for dessert with several toppings to choose from. It was a good game with a few fights and one lady who got hit in the head with a football and was taken away by a stretcher. It was so cool to be up close and watch the game from luxury suites. We had so much fun hanging out with people from my work and their families. But I was pretty disappointed that Destini didn't show up....lol. j/k Destini! Thanks Steve for the good times!

River's Bowling Bday Party

Late last summer John & I purchased our own bowling balls and shoes. I know, we're nerds ;) We hadn't been much lately so we were pretty excited when last Saturday afternoon my nephew, River, decided to go bowling for his 12th birthday!! We all met at the Miracle Bowl in Orem and had a really good time. I was so proud of myself when I got 5 strikes in a row on my first 5 frames!! I was smokin! That is until my brother Michael started getting in his competing mode and we were neck in neck until the last frame. Needless to say, he beat me by 1 point!! Anyway, River had a good birthday. He got tons of money which is what he wanted so he could buy a new guitar. Happy Birthday Ribbit!!

Remembering Ryan Stark

Today is always a day of remembrance and reflection for my family and I. 5 years ago today my cousin, Ryan Stark, was killed in an accident at the Tooele Army Depot while serving on active duty for Operation Noble Eagle. He was 27 yrs old. Losing Ryan has been one of the hardest things I've ever had to cope with in my life. He left behind his wife, Cami, and two boys, Cameron and Crew. At times it feels like it was only yesterday as I miss him more and more each year. Ryan was one of those guys that you would always want around. He made everyone smile and laugh and he loved his family with all his heart. The Stark boys have always been more like brothers to me than cousins. I miss Ryan so very much, but I’m so grateful that he was a part of our family. You never know what will happen in life, so don’t ever take anything for granted and never miss out on the opportunity to tell someone how much they mean to you. Love ya Ry!









This is a poem that my cousin Ryan Stark sent me while he was on his mission:

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road your trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit
Rest if you must, but don't you quit.

Life is queer with its twists and its turns,
As everyone of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about
When they might have won, had they stuck it out.
Don't give up though the pace seems slow,
You may succeed with another blow.

Often the struggler has given up
When he might have captured the victors cup;
And he learned too late when the night came down,
How close he was to the golden crown.
Success is failure turned inside out
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt
And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems so far;
So stick to the fight when your hardest hit,
It's when things seem worst that you must not quit

River's Guitar Hero Competition

Yesterday I went with my nephew, River, to watch him compete in the Guitar Hero III Legends of Rock Tournament at Best Buy. It's a statewide tournament to help raise money for The Children's Miracle Network. He was the youngest one at the competition and he placed 3rd in the first round and 6th in the second. He was a little bummed that he got 6th in the evening round but there were a lot more competitors. I told him it just means that he has other things to do than just sit at home day in and day out playing Guitar Hero all day long like some of the other kids probably do. He agreed and we got some ice cream and all was right the world again. Kids...they're so easy to please :)

Mmmm....BBQ

So last night John and I went to dinner at Goodwood to have delicious ribs. We brought the bones back for the boys to munch on and boy did they love it!! They were so happy :) However, I wasn't so happy when they finished because they left a big mess on the carpet. They must take after their dad, LOL. I knew it would be messy but it was a bigger mess than I thought. Next time it's outside or in their houses (kennels).

Mama's Day!

Ok, so I know I'm not a real mother in the sense that I haven't endured months of morning sickness, strange cravings, growing belly, wacked out hormones, and finally, several hours of excrutiating pain to bring a human being into this world....but I am a mother who takes care of 2 (or 3 if you count John) boys day in and day out. I am a very proud doggy mama! So even I got to have a mother's day and when I woke up I had presents on the table with an adorable card with Homer and Amos' pictures glued to it and the wording, "Happy Mother's Day Mommy! Will you only use your present when dad is NOT around, that would be very nice. Pppppplease!" They got me Gilmore Girls season 5 & 6! John hates Gilmore Girls more than anything else so this was a real surprise! :0) Thank you boys!! After that, it was quite the whirlwind day. We got ready and took John's parents & sister to brunch at Gardner Village. It was over an hour wait but well worth it. They had a breakfast bar, crepe bar, lunch bar, sushi bar, salad bar and my favorite....chocolate fountain!! After that we went to meet my step-dad and step-mom at a park which was quite nice. We let my nephews and younger step-sister play with the dogs so they had fun. From there we went to my mom's for a little bit before heading to dinner with my mom and siblings. And then we went to my dad and step-mom's for dessert before finally heading home. What a hectic day! It's time consuming during the holiday's to have such a big family, but it also has it's awards. Happy Mother's Day!!