Newtons

It's Time for a Blog Post!

2011-09-26T15:50:00.000-07:00

Right now, all of the millions things that I should be doing instead of updating my family blog are being put aside! I'm not sure why I chose today to do this, or why I feel it is important in this minute, but for some reason my fingers typed in my blog web address and I just started typing... So, since my last post was in January, I thought this post should be a recap of the past eight months!

Cherissa
I've been insanely busy balancing (okay trying to balance) being a wife, mother, employee, YW Pres., friend, and individual. Some days I feel like I fail miserably at half of those roles, but I'm striving to be better at accepting that I can't give 100% of my time and energy to everything! I been to Lake Powell twice this summer with my family. I'll be honest and say that I spent most of the time reading a book in the shade with a coke and some treats...and it was glorious! I'm trying to decorate our house, because I never really have until this point! I HATE doing it, but I'm liking the results. I keep setting goals to start working out or playing soccer again, get better at photography and sewing, learn to cook some new and healthy recipes, and finally scrapbook all of Violet's pictures, but for now...well for now I'm just updating my blog!

Bret
What can I say for my hubby?! He is the best Daddy on the planet, works hard for his family, and still manages to save some for weekend dates with me and couple of rounds of golf each week. I call him "my 3rd Counselor" because he helps me so much with my calling. He is dying for the two of us to go on vacation this fall somewhere fun, so hopefully we can make that happen!

Violet
We are smitten with this little one! The past few months have been especially trying though, as we are trying to work through her "eating disorder" that the doctors have diagnosed her with. So far, we haven't found any cause, we just know that she isn't interested in eating. At 20 months, she only weighs 18 pounds. However, she is FULL of personality! The past week or so have been especially entertaining because she talks more and more everyday. She also had a great time in Lake Powell because she loves being around other kids and doing all the water activities. She has gone golfing with Bret and I a few times this summer and is starting to catch on! She is growing up too fast, but we are loving every minute of it!

I have to apologize for not tracking your family blogs and staying in touch. I do check them now-and-again, even if I don't leave comments! I also make this promise, I'll TRY to post on our blog more often than every eight months, but guarantees!

Violet's Ice Cream Parlour

2011-01-30T10:35:00.000-08:00

Violet's birthday party was a fun night of ice-cream, hot chocolate, presents, family, and fun. Violet had mixed emotions about some of evening's activities, though. For example, Violet didn't nap the whole day and was a little overwhelmed when guests started to arrive, as her picture with my Mom will show! But then, Uncle Josh came and redeemed himself for giving her a scary penguin toy at Christmas with his giant teddy bear, which she loved. It was no big surprise that she loved the doggy bank that Grandma Stowell gave her, too. Notice the big kiss she gives the dog on the nose in the pictures! Yes, I'm jealous of that stupid dog! Also, Vi didn't love her sparkler candle that I put on her cake. In fact, she was a little terrified of it! I thought it was a great idea since I knew she wouldn't blow out a candle. Once it was removed, she dug right into her cake and got nice and messy, as every 1 year old birthday girl should.

Violet: A Cause for Celebration

2011-01-20T11:58:00.000-08:00

One year has passed since beautiful Violet joined our family. I am amazed at how quickly time went by. Bret and I both agree that every moment with Violet has been a gift and we love her more than words can say. Violet's most noteworthy characteristics became apparent early on. She is a happy and easy-going, and wears a big smile all day long. She is her Daddy's sunshine and her Momma's little buddy. Violet has a tender heart and bursts into tears whenever she hears the word "no," even when it is spoken in passing conversation and isn't directed to her! Violet used to say "bye bye" and wave her tiny wrist so cute, but now refuses to do it because she realizes that if she does, someone will leave her. Violet adores dogs, and is beginning to really like her baby dolls. While she is very stingy with giving kisses to her Mom and Dad, she freely shares them with any picture of a dog and all her stuffed dogs (she has several). Just this morning she learned how to feed her baby doll with its little bottle. She feeds the baby for a minute, and then tries to have a little sip herself! Violet is very much a "girly girl." She is obsessed with necklaces, more than the average baby, and is attracted to anything sparkly and pretty. It breaks my heart to see her changing so quickly and growing out of her babyhood, but I admit that each new day is more fun and exciting than the last because she is developing into an amazing little girl. Happy birthday, my love!

Our Little Stocking Stuffer

2011-01-11T15:50:00.001-08:00

Christmas was magical this year. Having a baby makes everything much more meaningful, and a lot more fun. Seeing Vi's face when she first saw Santa, Christmas lights, and wore a donkey costume for the Christmas Pageant are priceless memories. Having Violet also made the gifts under our tree a lot more colorful than usual, too. For a long time, I've looked forward to staying up late and setting out the gifts for my kids, just like my parents did. I loved how our living room looked with all the toys, and clothes, and presents. Here are some pictures from our Christmas. I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season!

Halloween Pictures...Even Though It's December

2010-11-30T21:28:00.000-08:00

I'm FINALLY getting around to posting Violet's Halloween pictures that I took with her cousin Makaylee. For this little photo shoot we dressed them up in their costumes and the darling coats their Great-Great Aunt Linda bought for them, and set them on some bales of hay next to their Grandpa Newton's barn. Makaylee was a little somber during the "shoot" because her Mama wasn't their, but Violet cheesed it up as usual! These too already love each other and are fun to watch grow up together.

Now I've got the Halloween blog posting out of the way, I'll start thinking now about the next one so the Newton Family Blog isn't so uneventful!

Vi's 6th Month Pics -- Finally!

2010-09-07T10:35:00.000-07:00

Well, Violet is 7 1/2 months now, but here are some of her 6 month pictures. Violet is still an amazingly easy-going and happy baby. She loves to eat, but still isn't a big fan of formula (hence the 1st percentile for weight). Violet's favorite food is oatmeal. She can down 2 cups of it in about 2 minutes. If you don't hold the bowl right under her chin and continually shovel it into her mouth, she gets really upset because there isn't oatmeal sliding down her throat!

One of the things I love the most is when she copies the growly sound I make when I play "Momma Monster." It makes me laugh so hard! Her favorite thing to do is sit on my vanity while I get ready in the morning and watch me do my hair, brush my teeth, and put on my makeup. She plays with my brushes and kisses herself in the mirror. Also, she LOVES to be scared -- the more startled you make her the harder she giggles. In just the past week she finally has gained an interest in her dog, Pita, and likes it when Pita licks her hand. Violet has entered the phase where she is into everything she shouldn't be. Her newest thing is to army-drag herself across the room to the airvents and stick her head directly over it and let the cold air take her breath away.

Bret and I feel like the proudest parents ever and are SO in love with this little girl!

Hating on Laptops

2010-08-26T17:50:00.001-07:00

Ugh. I'm having serious laptop issues. Laptops are an incredible invention that I can't seem to live without. However, once I've had one for about 4 years, and of course my warranty has expired, the technical issues begin and literally drive me crazy. Everyone says that Dell's are the best, so I continue buying them, but honestly I've had nothing but trouble. I've tried everything with my current one to save it for the past two weeks. Finally, I broke down and called Dell Technical Support today. I hate doing that because I get so frustrated when they are telling me to do stuff I don't understand in an accent I don't understand. Anyways, after holding for ten minutes, I finally got some guy from India who sounded like he was going to be able to help me. I was breathing a sigh of relief when my P.O.S. iPhone 4 dropped the call. Ughhhhh, some more! So the guys must have had my number and tried to call me back, but when I went to answer I got the "Call Failed" message.

I'm not giving up, but I am considering hurling this piece of junk out the window of my car while driving. Yes, I've done this before, but it was with my Palm.... another story for another time.

In short, and unlike Kip, I don't love technology - at least not right now. If you are wondering why I haven't posted Violet's six month pictures, or why I'm not making any posts at all, just know the CRAPTOP is still a work-in-progress.

Violet's First Trip to Lake Powell

2010-07-19T18:29:00.000-07:00

Violet and I spent a week in Lake Powell over the Fourth of July on my family's houseboat - Livin' the Dream. Bret joined us for the last few days and we had a lot of fun introducing Violet to boating. Here are a bunch of pictures from the trip that are proof of what a good time it was.

Even Superheros Need Naps!

2010-06-10T14:57:00.000-07:00

Violet's Blessing Dress Pictures

2010-05-07T18:24:00.000-07:00

I want to share these darling pictures of Violet in her blessing dress...and nothing at all! The owners of Barrus Photography are in our Ward and always do a wonderful job and are great to work with. I can't believe how quick this little one is growing up. She is smiling, laughing, and loves to be read to. Books are the one thing that guarantee to make her calm and happy in the evenings - she stares at the pictures, listens to the words, and kicks her legs for more when you finish reading!

I'm a Bingham Miner!

2010-04-13T14:24:00.001-07:00

Last Saturday I took my Young Women to the Road Home in Salt Lake to serve breakfast to the homeless. It was really fun and an amazing experience. Afterwards, we stood around talking to some of the regular volunteers. One of the older volunteers asked me, "So do you all go to Bingham?" While my Young Women didn't pick up on the fact that he thought I was one of them, I realized it right away (this happens pretty often!) So I just said, "yup, we do."

I wonder how long it would take before I look like the YW President and not one of the girls. Until I'm 30? 35? Hopefully I get released before then!

Easter Memories

2010-04-03T16:26:00.001-07:00

Because I now have a daughter, I've been thinking a lot about my memories from my own childhood. Just the other day I was at Taipan and saw they had a cage full of tiny baby chicks. This sparked a memory I had of my Dad. It was just before Easter and I was about 14 years old when he came to me and said that he wanted to take me to get a surprise. Because my Dad is a big jokester, I wasn't sure what to expect. I followed him to the car, but despite my questions he wouldn't tell me where we were going or what we were doing. A little while later we pulled into the IFA in Draper. I was seriously at a loss, and thought he needed to get something there for the yard and just wanted company on the drive. Again, I followed him as he walked inside and went straight to crates full of tiny peeping chicks. I remember he didn't really say much, he just started looking at them and told me to pick out three. I don't recall him or I talking about what we would do with the chicks once they were grown, we were both just thinking about what was happening right then and there - my Dad was getting me a fun present, something totally random and irrational, a present that was something he and I shared a love for -- animals.

I remember I was kind of scared to hold the chicks. They were wiggly, their nails were scratchy, and I could feel every bone in their fragile, little bodies. I picked out two yellow ones and one reddish colored one and took them home in a cardboard box. When we got home, my Mom just laughed and helped me learn how to hold them. We set up a little nest for them in the warm furnace room under a lamp. I don't remember what I named all of them, I just remember that I named one “Nugget” and people thought it was so mean! I doubt them were very playful pets, but I can remember taking them out in the backyard and they would follow me, hopping and fluttering. When I laid down on the grass they would huddle next to me, trying to get warm. One day I found an egg in their cardboard nest and we knew the fun was over. My Dad called up my uncle who lives in rural Utah and he agreed to add my three chicks to his little farm. They were fun little toys for a while, but I was ready for them to get on with their lives without me!

It’s funny how memories like this one of my Dad stand out so strongly in my mind. I had a good relationship with my Dad growing up, but this memory makes me realize how important it is for Bret to have one-on-one time with his baby chick, Violet, so they can have fun together and build their own special relationship.

Newton Family Pictures

2010-03-03T09:24:00.000-08:00

My amazing friend Julie Burton took our first family pictures when Violet was just about two weeks old. Here is a couple of our favorites, along with her birth announcement.

Burrito Baby Blue Eyes

2010-02-20T12:48:00.000-08:00

This is the image I see when I get up at 3:30 in the morning to feed Violet. She is wrapped up tight in her "SwaddleMe" and it is the funniest, cutest thing ever. When she is awake, these are the gorgeous blue eyes I see. Look at those baby blues! I swear, she is all Bret.

Meet Violet Newton

2010-02-04T16:30:00.000-08:00

I've intended to post the exciting news of the birth of our baby girl, Violet, since the day she entered into this world. However, as I've learned and most of you already know, a baby is WAY time-consuming and I'm just getting to this now!

Violet was born on January 20th at 12:10 am. She weighed 6 pounds and 3 ounces and was 19 inches long. She has a sweet personality and is a very good baby. Sometimes she will go a whole day or two before I hear her really cry. Her daddy is completely smitten with her and she has him wrapped around her each of her tiny fingers, and toes too. We think she looks a lot like him, but occasionally see some of me in her too.

So far the most rewarding experience was last night when Bret woke me asking for help putting the baby to sleep after his turn feeding her. As soon as he placed her in my arms, she closed her eyes and fell asleep. It was like she just needed her mommy and when she recognized my voice and face she was immediately comforted.

We are currently hibernating at home to avoid catching anything this winter, but we are excited to have her meet all of our friends soon.

Happy Holidays - From the Newtons

2009-12-10T15:56:00.000-08:00

All I Want for Christmas Is A Real Good Tan

2009-12-01T11:41:00.000-08:00

Don't get me wrong, I love everything about Christmas. I love church during December because it is more meaningful, I love the treats, the snow, the parties, Christmas music and decorations.... Unfortunately, I'm one of those people that typically gets a little caught up in the chaos of shopping for gifts, including my own. I usually pick up a few presents for Bret to give me, in addition to the ones he picks out himself. This year, things are a little different. Clothes of all kinds usually top my wish list, but at this point in the pregnancy, there is no use buying maternity or regular clothes. Since a Santa wish list can be as impractical as I can dream it, all I really want is a real good tan. Of course, this is inspired by one of my favorite Christmas songs, but to me it is a good wish for several reasons. First, there is no chance of me traveling, much less getting into a swimming suit. Second, I'm fairly fair skinned, and third, I have sun allergies that prevent me from spending too much time laying out anyways. So until Santa comes and grants my wish, I'll just look back at some pre-pregnancy pics and dream about spending Christmas at the beach with some coconut tanning oil and a book.

Meet the Pregnant Cherissa

2009-11-16T13:52:00.000-08:00

For those of you who haven't seen me since Bret knocked me up, I wanted to post the first picture I've taken of my pregnant self. So here I am, in all my shining glory, at 31 weeks. This picture was taken at my amazing family baby shower this weekend. More pictures to come, as I'm now realizing the fun and importance of having these pictures, despite the fact that they will haunt me when I'm less chubby!

DOTS at Evening of Excellence

2009-11-09T16:53:00.000-08:00

Last Sunday was my Young Women's Evening of Excellence. It was a ton of work to pull off, with everything else I'm doing right now, but it turned out really cute. For anyone who is in Young Womens and needs a cute idea, feel free to poach this one because it didn't originate from me! I heard about the theme DOTS - Depend on the Savior this Spring and I couldn't wait to use it. If you have other cute ideas for other Young Women events, please email me and let me know about them!

Isn't She Lovely?

2009-08-14T14:14:00.000-07:00

Here SHE is! We couldn't wait any longer to find out the gender of our little one. Last week we went to Fetal Photo where my friend Kimi Fry did the ultrasound. Thanks to her we got in at the last minute. At my 14 week appointment my doctor thought the baby looked like a boy, so we were very surprised to hear we are going to have a daughter. I've been feeling a little overwhelmed because I had started planning a blue nursery and we had names narrowed down. Now I need to start thinking pink and thinking of more girl names. That aside, Bret is excited to have a "Baby Riss" and it is nice to finally know what is kicking around in me!

Did you suspect we are expecting?

2009-06-29T09:25:00.001-07:00

Big news for the Newton family... we are anxiously awaiting a tiny addition to make us a family of three! I'm sure when people read this there will be a collective sigh of relief because Bret and Cherissa are FINALLY having kids. After being married six years, we just couldn't wait any longer. So, I am about 10-11 weeks along and due in January. This may seem a little early to make this announcement, but people in my ward found out because I was absent for most of our Pioneer Trek and green in the face when I was there. People at my work were also wondering if I had Swine Flu and why I wasn't getting any better. So at the risk of the news leaking unintentionally on Facebook, we decided to share our excitement early with everyone!

I'm excited to chat with all of you about it in person and can't wait to hear all the good advice for dealing with morning sickness, fatigue, and all the other wonderful symptoms of pregnancy!

2009-06-29T08:22:00.000-07:00

What I Wished I Would Have Said?

2009-06-16T10:16:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday was tough! After a chaotic effort to set up flags for each house in our ward for Flag Day, I had to finish turning in the last of my Young Women's permission forms for the Stake Pioneer Trek that is this week. I was stressed and tired, so when I took the forms to the person collecting them from our Stake, I wasn't fully prepared for what happened next. To keep it short, there had been a mix-up and he thought I hadn't turned in any forms, when I had turned in the majority of them two weeks before. Anyways, once this person realized I had all my trek forms in order, he said to me, "I just thought you were too young to have the depth to understand how important these permission forms are."

What did I say?
"Oh, well I am young....but I'm just glad it all worked out."

What I wished I would have said?
"If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all."
"I didn't realize age had anything to do with one's capabilities."
"Well I just thought you were too old and slow to pick up on the fact that I have this all taken care of."
"Age aside, the Bishop seems to think I have enough depth."
"I may be young, but I think I can handle collecting and delivering forms."
"Let me give you my card. Call me and I'll schedule you for a session to learn some interpersonal skills."
"Wow, that is the kind of statement you think in your mind, but don't actually say outloud because it is inappropriate."
"Don't worry, my young age will serve me well on the trail next week."

I'm trying to let it go...

Aloha

2009-05-13T21:14:00.000-07:00

It has only been two weeks since Bret and I got home from Hawaii and I already feel like I need another vacation. Life feels very chaotic, especially because our time in Maui was so idyllic. Bret golfed, we did some hiking, but mostly we just sat at our resort enjoying the beautiful views. We decided to take a break from scuba diving and just snorkle. Let me say this, snorkling is so lame compared to diving. That is one thing we will do different next time, and yes I'm already thinking about the next time!

Calling for Your Recipes

2009-04-22T13:17:00.000-07:00

Does anybody have any great recipes for beginner to intermediate cooks? I'm putting together a cookbook of favorite recipes for the Laurels that are graduating from High School this year. As the new Young Women's president, this is one of those responsibilities that I'm very excited about, because I love putting together fun gifts! If you have any recipes you are willing to share with me, please send them to me by email. As thanks for your time, I will email you back with all the recipes I receive, once I've compiled them. So come on people, don't be stingy (or lazy)!

Cottage in the Woods - Lucky!

2009-04-08T08:01:00.000-07:00

Today I found a link to an article that described people who created their dream home offices. Unfortunately, when I finished the article I didn't have any ideas of how I could make my own work spaces more motivating and pleasant. Instead, I was left with feelings of envy and longing! The article described a woman who wanted a quiet place to write and let the creative juices flow (don't we all). She spent $15,000 building her dream "writer's cottage" in the wood in Connecticut. Her cottage is to-die-for and I desperately want one! Unfortunately, I don't forsee us setting aside that kind of money for my own cottage, much less finding a patch of lush, thick woods in our backyard. Maybe some day...

BFF Wish List - Tag

2009-03-17T14:34:00.000-07:00

Today Bret and I were chatting on IM and our conversation developed into our best friend wish list. I thought this would make a pretty fun tag! So for anyone who wants to join in, please do so. I will post ours and can't wait to read yours. The rules are you get to choose three people who you wish were your best friend and why. You can take it serious or, as I have, not so serious. Enjoy!

Bret
1. Ari Gold (a fictional character from Entourage)
"Because he is hilarious!"
2. Rory Mcilroy (19 year old professional golfer from Europe)
"Because he has made over 2 mil. as a golfer, and he is only 19!"
3. Justin Timberlake
"Because he is the king of cool."

Cherissa
1. Russell Brand
"I'd like to try to fix him and fail trying. Cute accent and freaking hilarious"
2. Michelle Obama
"Politics aside, she is super accomplished and seems to have it all together."
3. Amy Poehler
"After I saw her do the 'Palin Rap,' I wanted to be her."

Dogs CAN Get Offended

2009-03-07T18:39:00.000-08:00

Pita, our four year old Golden Lab, is very sensitive and loving. When she feels rejected, her feelings get crushed. This is a picture of her being offended by me last Saturday night. Seriously, this happens everytime we let her hang out with us in the house, but this time I had my camera handy. So, I was sitting on the couch working on my lesson for Laurels class on Sunday. Pita kept laying her face across my laptop keyboard so I would stop typing and pet her. I pushed her away so many times I lost my patience and yelled at her to lay down on her dog bed. As ALWAYS, she laid down, tucked in her tail, turned her back on me, and did these noisy sighs, and huffs and puffs until I went and petted her as an apology. Bret likes to describe her as his clingy teenage girlfriend, because that is seriously how she acts with us!

Fund Raiser for Sandy Club: A Safe Place for Boys and Girls

2009-02-25T14:30:00.001-08:00

Hey all you soft-hearted people out there! I'm speaking to you!

I am hoping to help raise money for a worthy cause. The Sandy Club "A Safe Place for Boys and Girls" is an independent organization that provides a safe, educational, and fun place for children and teens to hang out after school. This organization is similar to the Boys and Girls Club of America, but operates under the city of Sandy. This organization holds a special place in my heart because I've seen first hand the positive effects it can have on a child in need when I worked as a counselor last year. The director and staff are fabulous people who work tirelessly for all the club members to provide them with the best environment possible.

The Sandy Club holds an annual fund raising event at The Hidden Valley Country Club. This year it will take place on March 28th. I would like to encourage anyone who is able to give cash donations, sponsorships, or auction items to help this cause.

In addition to that, my brother Jason is raising money to buy a domain and build The Sandy Club a website. He is doing so as part of a volunteer project as a student at BYU. This is another wonderful opportunity to help your community. The website will provide information about joining the club, online donations, upcoming events, and helpful links for the clubs members.

If you are interested in donating to The Sandy Club through the Annual Fundraising Event, please contact Linda Saville (Director) at 561-4854. If you are interested in helping Jason raise money for The Sandy Club's website, please contact him at jasonstowell@gmail.com.

Whip-Its With Evil Aunt Rissy

2009-01-25T13:16:00.001-08:00

Last Saturday Bret and I had my two cute nephews at our house while their parents had a night on the town. When they got there, Lachlan (almost two) indicated it was snack time. I like to set the precedence that anything goes at Aunt Rissy's house. So I opened the refrigerator and said, "Show me what you want to eat!" I thought for sure he would go for the leftover Adam's Peanut Butter Fudge Ripple cheesecake from Cheesecake Factory, but he kept pointing to something higher on the shelf. Behind the milk was a can of whipped cream (I promise we just use it for hot chocolate). So, if that is what Lachlan wants, that is what he gets! He and I did "whip-its" together while Bret just stood by shaking his head. It is fun things like this that make "Aunt Rissy" the answer to "Who is your favorite aunt?"

The Lost Art of Chivalry is Found!

2009-01-16T08:35:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I made a quick run to the grocery store. After loading my bags in my car, I turned to take the empty cart to the cart return. Just then, a good looking guy walked by, took hold of my cart, and said "Let me take that for you." At first I thought he meant that he was just going to use the cart. But when he turned it around and steered it over to the cart return, I was stunned that he was simply being chivalrous. When he turned, I quickly smiled, and thanked him as he went on his way.

This small act of kindness was huge to me. My mood instantly lifted and it felt great to be a woman. I've always found chivalry to be a very attractive and important quality in a man. While I don't claim my husband to be a stellar example of chivalry, he puts in a good effort and I do my best to keep him on his toes. I've made sure that Bret has a copy of Emily Post's "The Etiquette Advantage in Business," although it has dust on the cover. I have given the book "How to Raise a Gentleman" to mothers with new son's, though I never feel like they are very excited to read it!

I'm a fairly independent woman and have strong feelings about equal rights. Therefore, I definitely agree that chivalry is a two-way street. Men and women alike must be courteous and respectful to each other, particularly to our partners. Acts of chivalry should be based on the desire to show kindness, not simply based on gender.

Many of you that read my blog have young sons. While I'm sure that you will all raise your sons to be respectful of women, in my counseling practice I see a lot of male teenage clients who fail to understand how to express their respect. Let's make an extra effort to bring chivalry back by teaching our sons, and husbands alike, to be polite and show respect and kindness through simple, day-to-day acts. As women, we can teach our daughters, as well as commit ourselves, to show kindness in return.

May Your Days Be Merry and Bright

2008-12-14T09:34:00.000-08:00

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

2008-12-14T07:25:00.000-08:00

Every year I love to get pictures taken for our Christmas cards and for frames in our house and my office. To some it may be weird, since we don't have any children. But why do you have to wait for children to have this kind of fun? Our good friend Julie Burton offered to exchange her photography skills for my help with her Christmas cards. I think I got the better end of the deal! So if anyone reading this is in need of a great photographer, please visit Julie's blog to see some of her amazing work (http://julieburtonphotography.blogspot.com/).

Sleeping on the Job

2008-11-30T18:32:00.001-08:00

I was at work last week when my concentration was interrupted by someone snoring! I peeked my head out of my office and saw a co-worker sleeping on the job - literally! I was sad no one was around at the time to play a joke or laugh about it, so I snapped a pic with my phone to laugh about it later with Bret. I considered posting the pic with this blog (it is classic), but I haven't decided if that is a good idea yet!

It is common for this person to put their head down on their desk for a while when they are stressed out, making them look like we are back in the second grade and waiting to be excused for lunch time. However, this was the first time I've ever had confirmation that they have been sleeping.

While I don't sleep on the job literally, I thought about what I do in the figurative sense. While I spend some time with Bret on Instant Messenger, I don't necessarily think it detracts from my productivity. However, I'm definitely guilty of doing some online shopping at work. So, are you "sleeping on the job?" If so, what are you doing?

Birthday Boy

2008-11-23T16:15:00.001-08:00

Well, Bret made it to his 30th birthday and lived to tell about it! Here is the birthday boy next to his "Golf" cake. He may be 30 years old, but he still has curiosity that would rival my two and four year old nephews. He kept picking off and eating the frosting grass from the back of the cake and poking in the dimples of the golf ball layer before everyone arrived for his birthday dinner. I know and love that he will forever be young at heart! I've been teasing him this whole month about getting old, but it is especially fun to give him a hard time right now because he is hobbling around on crutches from having his ACL repaired. Poor guy!

Grace's Birthday Tutu

2008-10-09T08:17:00.000-07:00

Bret and I absolutely adore our niece, Grace Mead. She is the most beautiful little five year old, is really smart, and is incredibly entertaining. For her birthday this month, I decided to get my "craft on" and make her a birthday tutu. As I began to make it, experimenting as I went, the tutu gradually got bigger and bigger. By the time I finished, the tutu was a giant poof of pink and brown tulle. I figured that Grace, who follows the Stowell girl mold of being petite, would just drowned in it. But when we gave it to her on her birthday, she looked darling! Grace wore it while she opened her presents and had cake and ice-cream. When she finally stood up, the back of the tutu was folded up and made her look like a little turkey!

For anyone that wants to get their "craft on" and make a tutu, let me know and I can fill you in on some helpful tips that I've learned!

Run for the Boarder

2008-08-28T14:55:00.000-07:00

To celebrate my brother Jason's return home from his mission in the Baltics, my family spent a week together in Mexico. The Stowell family ditched our usual vacation style - do everything possible - and we did as little as possible! We spent the whole week relaxing by the beach and pool, drinking pina coladas, and hanging out. I may be converted to this type of vacation style - me likey!

Italian Vacation

2008-08-28T13:25:00.000-07:00

For my graduation, my parents gave me an amazing present. They offered to take Bret and I on a vacation of my choice. Since my parents and I had been to Italy together several years ago and absolutely loved it, I was dying to go back and share it with Bret. We spent two weeks exploring Rome, Sienna, Florence, Tuscany, Cinque Terre, Portofino, Milan, and Venice. We visited lots of art galleries and museums, spent time on the coast, went hiking, and ate a TON of pizza and pasta! Bret even gave us the Angels and Demons tour in Rome after he read the book on the flight over. It was non-stop laughs with my Dad and Bret driving our Passat station wagon on the Autostrada. We became even more histerical when my Dad came up with a new Italian name to go by everyday and then composed songs about our Italian adventures (usually the ones we wanted to forget). All in all, it was a trip to remember!

I've created a slide-show of our pictures. Hope you enjoy!

Glad to be a Grad

2008-08-28T13:12:00.001-07:00

YAY! NO MORE HOMEWORK! NO MORE LATE NIGHTS! LOTS MORE FREE TIME!

These were my thoughts, over and over again, in April when I graduated with my Masters of Educational Psychology with a specialty in Professional Counseling from the University of Utah. I'm just going to take this opportunity to brag that I graduated with a 3.8 cumulative GPA. The program was 3 years of course work and an intense internship. My internship was at Sandy Counseling Center where I provided therapy for children and adults. I loved working with kids and really found my nitch in the counseling field. Right now I'm using my degree in a corporate setting, but hope to return to the clinical setting, part-time, very soon. This degree was a long and tough haul, but now it is finished I can say that I'm glad I did it and I'm proud of this accomplishment.

The First Ever Newton Blog

2008-08-07T08:45:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the first ever Bret and Cherissa Newton blog! I must admit that I've been putting this off for a long time. But, after browsing through our friends' and family members' blogs this summer, I wanted in! Since our family got started in 2003, it has been a whirlwind of events. As life doesn't seem to get any less busy, this will be a great way for the Newton family to stay in touch and share our eventful lives with those we love.