viva la tucson

Hi! We're still here....and here is now Tucson, AZ. The past two weeks have been a complete whirlwind. Within that time Sammy studied for and took 4 finals, finished 2 projects, I took an interpreting test, I worked out details so I can continue working from AZ, packed our belongings, drove to AZ, picked out an apt in Tucson, moved into the apt, celebrated Easter with our families and now settled into our new place. WHEW. That was just exhausting thinking about it all again.

Sammy got an internship with Tucson Electric Power for the summer. He's excited about it and we are so grateful for this opportunity as it will really help him with future opportunities and to prepare for the "real world".

When we found out we'd be for sure moving to Tucson, I gave my work my "2 weeks" notice. The day after I broke the news to my manager I was told that I might not have to quit and they were willing to make it possible for me to keep my job and just work from home for the summer so I can return in August. Blessing? Yes. The more things that fell into place the more grateful I am that my job made this exception for me.

I failed at taking pictures on Easter, which I'm pretty bummed about (especially because Sam looked mighty fine in his new suit!). Easter was extra special this year because my dad was released as Stake President so I got to hear both he and my mom share their testimonies during stake conference. My dad shared a little story of a conversation he and my mom had about going on their mission that really touched me. Since I don't keep a journal, I wanted to write it on here so I could remember it...

On the day it was obvious to my dad and mom that they were going to be called on a mission soon and that my dad would be the mission president, my dad jotted down on a paper what this meant for them financially. After looking at the numbers he knew this wasn't a financial decision, rather a decision of faith. That night he and my mom were talking about the whole situation and sacrifices and my mom said to him, "If the only legacy we leave our children and grandchildren is that when everything was going really well for Mom and Dad they gave up everything to go serve people in another country and another language, who wouldn't be able to pay them back, then that legacy was a good enough reason to do it".

Can't ponder too long on that or else I'll keep crying.

Sorry no pictures, mainly just a journal entry here. However, Carrie Underwood recently sang "How Great Thou Art" again and I get chills every time I hear her sing this song. In honor of Easter I'd love to share:

that's amore

Last week my fine ladies and I had a great night celebrating Maegan's upcoming wedding. (My camera must've been on a strange setting because the lighting in all of these pics is weird)

Her fiance, Landon, served his mission in Italy, Maego's taking an Italian class and they're most likely going to be going on their honeymoon to Italy, so it was proper for us to add a little Italian flair to the event!

We filled up on yummy italian sodas and homemade margarita pizzas...

Some of the fine ladies in attendance...

The gift opening is always so fun and entertaining at these parties :)

We love our bride-to-be!!!!
The night was just lovely. My friends make me so happy (and so does my awesome husband who helped knead the pizza dough and stayed in the back room but then appeared just in time to be our photographer at the end! Love him.)

Let the weddings begin!

SHOUT IT, SHOUT IT! READ ALL ABOUT IT!

I've been dying to share the grand news, not only one, but two of the best/cutest/most wonderful couples I know will be tying the knot this summer. Who? Let me tell you.

1. My BFF Maegan Olsen and her fiance Landon.

Their engagement happened a few weeks ago, but I've been holding back sharing my excitement until it was "public". I'm ecstatic. If you remember, dear Maego was on her mission when Sam and I got married, so knowing I will get to be at hers makes this event extra special. These two are perfect for each other.

I'm so excited to welcome Maegs to the married club. We've been talking about these days since the 3rd grade.

(don't mind my look as I was fresh from the gym)

2. The fab Maddie Nielsen (my sis-in-law) and her fiance Lindsay.

I'm so excited for a family wedding. I know Maddie will be a glamorous bride! She and Lindsay are such a fun couple and it will be fun to gain a new brother-in-law. Welcome to the fam Lindsay!!!

My prayers have been answered and the two ladies have picked separate June wedding dates. WHEW! I must add that my cousin, Heather, just got engaged as well and will be sealing the deal in July. Can't wait for all the fun festivities.

LOVE IS IN THE AIR!

elite 8?

Fredette about it.

Oh, Jimmer! I'm sad you didn't lead the Cougs to a win tonight, but the NCAA run was fun while it lasted. I'll be honest, I didn't have you making it past the Sweet 16 in my bracket, although I wished I were wrong. I'll really miss watching you shoot your 3 pointers and I'll also miss my Thursday spin teacher playing "Teach Me How To Jimmer" at the start and end of class. Thanks for bringing some hype to Provo.

Speaking of BYU, did you know?

Yup, the little brother got accepted and will start at the Y this summer! That means the fam is 7 for 7 for attending good ole Brigham Young. Hip hip horray for Heyman cougars! Since the madre y padre will be leaving on their mission when Taylor starts school, I'll be taking on the role of his mom until he leaves on his own mission. Maybe I'll even pick out his outfits everyday like I did when we were little. (jk, but really, Taylor - you know you loved it).

PS. It's still cold here and scheduled to snow this weekend. Lame-o.

dear dani + the final rose

See the gorgeous girl smiling with me in the picture below? That's my friend Dani, also known as Ms. Stolworthy to her little ones she teaches. She's one of the world's greatest. Seriously.

Last week was this little Cheetah's birthday so we had a lovely dinner to celebrate the birth of our favorite southern belle.

I can't say enough good things about Dani. It does make me sad I don't get to see her and all my ladies as much anymore (FYI - Sammy I wouldn't trade you in, I just miss them). Let me tell you, living with Dani means EVERYDAY is party! Whether it's a PJ party, invite 50 people over party, baking party, poolside party, or just rockin out to or favorite jams...it's always a good time. (Club 34 bring back memories?! haha) Any time I mention Dan on my blog I have to give a little push for people to read her blog. It'll ALWAYS make you laugh. :)

In case you've been living under a rock and didn't know, last week was the finale for The Bachelor. I have a class that recently started and is on Monday nights (sooo inconvenient right?!). Well, I was a little bummed I was going to miss the first part of the finale, but when I walked in the door to our condo I could not stop laughing. Why? This is what was on our kitchen table:

I died. So cute, huh? I love my hubby. He's always thinking of the cutest sweetest things to do for me. Not only did he set the scene, but he had also cooked up the most delicious meal. Red mashed potatoes, asparagus and chicken with a shiitake mushroom sauce (YUM!). We opted to eat off the couch and ottoman to not miss a second of the show...
Emily won. YAY! Although, it doesn't look like she and Brad will actually be getting married. Sam's been telling me the whole season Brad's too crazy; I kinda agree now. Emily deserves someone better and more sincere. We shall see!

I feel like I've been rambling in this post. Quick summary: Dani rocks, Sam's the best and I love him. End of story.

friends. food. fun.

Valentine's weekend The Bachelor gang gathered and took a trip up to the delicious Cheesecake Factory. I love spending time with good friends; every minute was enjoyable and I'm so grateful we all live so close!

Oh, and what's The Bachelor gang you ask? I'll shamelessly admit that all 6 of us (yes, I even get to drag Sam along!) get together every Monday night to catch the latest drama on The Bachelor. The show is so ridiculous, but so entertaining. The gang includes...

Dillon & Sara

Ashley & JD

Me & My Super Affectionate, Isn't Afraid To Show It Husband

I would be mad at him if only his expression didn't make me laugh so much. That boy.

Continuing on with good friends and great people...Landon was in town over that same weekend and stayed with us. He said to cover room and board he wanted to make us dinner. Having served his mission in Italy, he is quite the cook when it comes to pasta dishes. This time Landon wanted to try something new and whipped up some gnocchi. Y.U.M.
Maeg and I were his kitchen assistants.
For dessert I also branched out and tried a new recipe, Coconut Lime Angel Cake:
Needless to say, I ate too much that weekend.

This past three-day weekend, Sammy and I decided to spend the holiday snowboarding together. This was my first time hitting the mountain this season, so I was very excited!

Top of Park City!
We had a great time. It was a pretty warm day, but there was still good snow from over the weekend so I loved it. And I love him. :)

Presidente y Hermana Heyman

As of this summer, my parents will be living in Resistencia, Argentina and will be known as Presidente and Hermana Heyman for the next three years! After receiving the assignment from our church, my parents have accepted the call to be the mission president couple over the Argentina Resistencia Mission from July 2011 to July 2014. Crazy huh? I'm still trying to soak it all in...

When my parents were ready to open their call we got the whole fam together over ichat (we're currently spread out between Texas, Utah, California and Arizona). My dad let my mom read the letter since he has opened a mission call before (when he was 19 and served in yes, Argentina). Sam captured everyone's reaction the second my mom read where they will be going...

Everyone's reactions make me laugh! (Sam assures me he was really excited, but his face doesn't show it because he was focused on getting the screen shot. haha) Chris (with his hands in the air) was a little more excited than the rest because Resistencia, Argentina is where he served his mission back in 2001.

I'll admit, I have cried a lot thinking about my parents being in a foreign country for the next three years and all the changes and events that will happen within that time, but I'm also so excited for them. My parents have always been and continue to be a wonderful example of a couple that puts the Lord first and strives to do what is best. I know they are going to have an amazing time and will get to serve many who need them more than I will for those three years. I know that many blessings will come because of the time they are dedicating to serve. I will miss them a whole lot, but Sammy and I will definitely be visiting them and I'm grateful more communication will be accessible with them than when my own Samuel Brett was a missionary! :)

Congrats Madre and Padre!