Amber's Pics

Amber Davis took pictures for Jared and I this weekend. Jared is supposed to decorate his office at work so I decided that was excellent excuse to have Amber take our pics. It has almost been two years since we had them taken last. They turned out so good now the only problem is narrowing it down to a few. Thanks again Amber!!! Here are just a few of my favs.

Halloween

Our department dressed up for Halloween this year. We dressed like rock stars. I dressed like an 80's rocker with a mullet wig. We all looked awesome. Later we went to Buzzy and Karina's for a Halloween party. It was sooo fun. Jared wasn't to excited about our homemade costumes. Everyone else must have liked them because we won a few of the costume prizes, including best couple. That may have been because of Jared's campaigning. There was tonz of good food and awesome decorations. We had a donut eating contest. Jared and I both won our heats, but were beat out in the final round. We also watched Skeleton Key. It was a fun night thanks again Buzzy and Karina!!!

Awesome b-day!

I have the best friends/coworkers/husband/family in the world. I was a little stressed to be "one year older and wiser too" this year. I kinda feel like time just keeps passing by, but I am in the same old rut. Don't get me wrong I have a lot going for me, but I was just not looking forward to the big 25. Jared always makes it better, he is the ultimate gift giver. I had mentioned this cool thing called a cricut months ago, well he didn't forget. He has been staying till 9 o'clock to get quarterlies done at work so I though I would be the last thing on his mind, but he found a way. As always my gift was wrapped in whatever he could find. This proved fatal when I got an enormous paper cut, but his gift wrapping is always entertaining. The girls at work are so awesome. They brought cake, ice cream, toffee covered peanuts, cookies, chips & salsa, cheese ball & crackers, rootbeer... needless to say we were sick by the end of the day, but it was fun. I also got some awesome stuff from my fam and Jared's fam so thanks again guys. It was an awesome b-day!

Which is Best?

Which is best a Jared with battery acid holes in his pants or a Jared in business cloths?

Yes, for those who don't know it is official Jared has given up the holey pants for a new job. This week was Jared's first official week at Richard L Dorigatti Consulting as a Staff Accountant. The good news is that he is loving it!!! He has been crazy busy, but it is worth it, he is learning a lot. He probably will be going back to get his master's pretty soon. Good job Jare!

Blog Slacker

So I have been the biggest blog slacker lately. I haven't even been doing any good block stalking. So after doing some stalking this morning and noticing our name falling further and further down Tina's list of friends I decided today I wanted to be number 1!!! No really I keep meaning to post but I haven't taken any new pictures for a while. This is when i realized that there are mostly two types of bloggers. There are those of you that are excellent writers and can write about anything and entertain us all. I defiantly do not fall into this category. I never have really loved to write. I believe this is more of Jared's category that is why I love it when he will make a post or two it keeps things interesting. I on the other hand love to take pictures, which brings to the second group. I believe you can be a little of both but you usually swing one way or the other. So I would like to pose a question, what kind of blogger are you?

Jared stole my camera to put some stuff on KSL and Ebay. So if you are wondering where we have been for the last month we have been right here, but with no camera. So I just wanted to give everyone the quick run down of a few things we have been doing lately (with no pictures:( ).

-I got my 1st birdie a few weeks ago on hole #9 in Preston. It

was awesome and Jared wasn't even there to see it.

-We have been getting some awesome tickets to the Aggie football

games. Speaking of we are going today! (Pics to come)

-Jared is once again doing bodybugg. (the ultimate loser)

-Jared got a new job.

-It was my b-day.

I know there was more but I am getting older and my brain isn't working as well. So there is a very quick over view.

Truck Derby

After

The fearless pit crew

Before

There is no question (judging by the background/layout of the blog) that Ashley is the primary blogger. I am a secondary back-up of sorts who can be pressured into making an entry here and there. So...It is both a privilege and an honor to take this opportunity to discuss a recent demolition derby event in which I was a participant. The big, heavy, solid steel full size cars that once consumed the earth like global warming are now on the brink of extinction. Because of this, it has become necessary to resort to other forms of demolition transportation: trucks. Logan has become the pioneers of the truck derby and had their first full truck derby last Saturday. The large turnout of 27 trucks leads me to believe that it will become much more of a tradition considering the car derby before that had a total of 11 cars. I picked up a 1977 Chevrolet 1/2 ton which I began building Thursday night and finished it Friday night (the night before the derby). The beauty of trucks is that they are relatively easy to build. I could never build a car in 24 hours like I did on this truck. I pulled the 1st heat and placed in my heat qualifying for the main event. The truck was in such great shape and I drove right out of the arena and in to the pit. The main event went on forever and I ended up taking 2nd. I fried my starter towards the end. It was fun. I had the best big crew ever: Buzzy, Eric, Erik, Rob, and Murray. Thanks! Because of their involvement, they are officially white trash rednecks. 

Isn't Camping Labor?

Our Labor Day weekend has been written about in a few points of view, for that reason I have decided that I am off the hook. I know from personal experience that I would much rather read Leonora and Tina's blogs' so that is why at this time I will direct you to there post's about our Labor Day camping trip. We did part our seperate ways on Sunday before that nasty rain storm hit. Monday we had plans to meet up with the Revelli's and Mullahkhel's. Like old times we enjoyed each other's company with lots of food. We went to Quizno's for lunch, and Cafe Sabor for dinner. It was awesome to see you guys (Adam, Steph, and Micah)! It was just like old times, just with a few more kids ;).

Bear Lake Derby

Well I am kinda sad to post this because my favorite thing we did this summer, our five year anniversary trip, is now with the older posts. So if you didn't get to see it make sure you check it out. Maybe that can be my excuse for why I am almost two weeks late getting this posted. Jared decided last second that he was going to take his wagon to the Bear Lake derby. I only had one thing to remember to take with me, my camera. The one thing I forgot was my camera. So THANKS SOOO MUCH Leonora the pictures turned out great!!! From the very start of the derby it looked like Jared was going to do well. He won "People's Choice" in just the first few minutes of the derby. He also placed in his heat and was able to come back for the main event. As he was driving up the hill to go into the arena he noticed his switches were starting to go bad and were sparking everywhere. It all went down hill from there. Jared had to rewire his car a couple of times during the main. He still took fourth, but was so close to taking at least second. They called him out just as he was ready to start up the car again. The biggest heartbreak was that Jared didn't win any money in the main if he could have at least pulled off second he would have won a $1,000. Jared took the car out to the bash to the last. Good idea since there was $475 for the winner. Bad idea because there were a few cars who had it out for Jared and that was the last day of the poor wagon. I was just glad there were no visits to the ER and that Erik and Eric didn't have a derby car smash them!

One Derby Down... How Many More To Go?

Jared was in the KSM derby this last weekend. As always I was sitting in the stands just sick, but it was worth it Jared did really well. Jared by some miracle took 3rd in his heat (The crowd cheered for placing after it got to the top 4). His front fenders locked up his tires so he would just dig a hole with his back tires and get stuck, but someone always came and got him out. He would go for a little longer and the same thing would happen again. While he was in the pit getting his car ready for the main he noticed he was losing his transmission. He only had 2ND gear when he went out to the main. He didn't have a prayer. How could anyone go longer than 30 seconds without reverse? Well that was what everyone thought, but like always Jared likes to prove everyone wrong. He would drive around and sideswipe people. It was pretty funny. He only got hung up once, and once again someone came to his aid and freed him. Jared ended up taking 3rd in the main. It was fun to watch, and everyone loved the paint job on the car!!!The paint was joint effort this time and it turned out really good.

Tagged!!!

Yeah, so I kinda hoped this would never happen but since it has I guess I better live up to my friend duties and by the way thanks soooo much Calie! :)

A - attached or single: Attached and wouldn't have it any other way. Jared and I have been married 5 years and it has been awesome!!! I am so greatful to have someone like Jared.

B - Best friend: I have lots of good friends, but I would have to say Jared and my family. Even though sometime they drive me crazy I love every second I get to hang out with them.

C - Cake or Pie: Does Cold Stone Cake Batter count?

D - Day: Saturday I always seem to get so much accomplished

E - Essential Item: Chap stick!!!

G - Gummi Bears or Worms: Worms I like to eat them in pieces.

H - Hometown: I would have to say Mendon I lived in a few other towns, but that was before I can remember.

I - Indulgences: COLD STONE!!!

J - January or July: July just to make Jared mad (see below blog).

K - Kids: Not that I know of ;). Hopefully one day.

L - Life is incomplete without: My husband, my family, and my friends.

M - Marriage Date: July 10, 2003

N - Number of Siblings: 1 Sister and 2 Brothers.

O - Oranges or Apples: I love oranges, but hate to peel them. So I would have to say apples.

P - Phobias or Fears: I hate heights, but love the adrenaline rush.

Q - Quote: “It is our choices…that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.”

R - Reason to Smile: I have an awesome husband!!!

S - Season: Spring. It is the perfect temperature and I love all the new flowers.

T - Tag Three Friends: Here's for all my blog stalkers ;) Leonora, Tina, Amber

U - Unknown Fact about me: Well I am not sure since I am a loud mouth and tell everyone everything.

V - Vegetarian or Oppressor of Animals: Somewhere in the middle.

W - Worst Habit: Burping.

X - X-Rays or Ultrasounds: I have had both and would probably prefer x-rays. The ultrasounds I have had to have lately aren't the funnest as some of you know!!!

Y- Your favorite food: Anything Mexican.

Z - Zodiac sign: Scorpio

Big Fishin'

Well I have been behind at getting things posted so does it surprise anyone that I am a week late with this one? Last weekend we went to Island Park with Eric and Tina. It was kinda a last second thing. We went to Island Park on Friday night. Saturday we went to Yellowstone and went biking/hiking. First we went to Osprey Falls. It wasn't the easiest ride, but sooo worth it. It was cool because not many people see it. You have to hike 1.4 miles after the bike trail to get to it. It is a very steep trial, so that means straight down which wasn't so bad, it was the straight up that could kill you. Next we went to Old Faithful. We went and got the tradition ice cream cone and watched Old Faithful erupt. After that we jumped on the bikes and rode to Morning Glory. It was a much easier ride than earlier that morning, which was good because I wasn't sure how much more the old behind could handle! We spent the rest of the afternoon in West Yellowstone. As always we had to go to Wild West Pizzeria, and the candy store. We went to the Playmill and saw Hello Dolly for the second time, it was probably just as good if not better since we could anticipate the funny parts. The next day we got a yearly morning wake up call from Buzzy. He was in Rexburg visiting friends. I don't think he could last even a few days without seeing us j/k. So Buzzy Karina and Carson joined us for our float down Henry's Fork. The fishing has never been better!!! We caught some big fish and had a lot of fun.

BRAAAAAAP!! (Jared's graduation present)

The dictionary defines the word wretched as follows: "characterized by physical misery; very unhappy; full of misery". There is a season—not of love, life, or creation—that causes wretchedness to flow through my veins like rodenticide rat poison. This season I so bitterly speak of is known as summer. A majority of you faithful blog stalkers are in disaccord with this truth so let me explain. I will list what I have to enjoy and so faithfully look forward to during the summer: I love the allergies and all of it’s accompanying symptoms (swollen shut eyes, itchy throat, sneezing, no sleep, throwing out money for prescription medicine that rarely works). I love sweating. There is nothing quite like sweaty crawling underwear and the sweet smell of swass as it permeates my nose like old road kill in a musty household garbage can. I love pulling weeds, pruning trees, mowing the grass, and watering the lawn in guilt as the news continually reminds us of our terrible forever annual drought like condition. I love spiders, mosquitoes, gnats, and all other creeping things that infest us in full force during the summer. I love heat. Need I say more? Some of you may be thinking that I am a pessimistic hater of sorts that is unable to find the beauty of life. Read on….
The dictionary describes the word “groovy” as very good. The word winter and groovy had just as well be synonyms. There need not be an elaborate explanation for the pictures posted with this blog will pretty much sum it up. For those of you not familiar with such machinery, you are looking at an Arctic Cat M8 fully equipped with a clean burning 2 stroke 798 cc displacement liquid cooled twin. It is also noteworthy to mention the 46mm batteryless electronic fuel injection with adjustable power valve technology which helps rapidly spin the 153 x 15 Camoplast Challenger. I could list it’s other features but I only have a couple pages left so I’ll stop there. Some (less educated persons) claim that heaven is home on earth. I argue that heaven is floating through the powder on a powerful yet lightweight 2 stroke snowmobile. It’s the fresh smell of exhaust and the sound of the rapped out motor as you climb out the top of a large mountain peak. It’s the friendships made while digging out stuck snowmobiles and trying to high mark each other on the hill. It’s the constant maintenance, repair, and modification. I was hoping the global climate would evolve to a day when I could enjoy winter year round. I guess I’m screwed due to global warming. Oh well.

War Wounds

Jare and I went paint balling. It was way fun, but there were a few casualties. Okay not really, but there were a few war wounds. We went to the paintball course by Zanavoo. Jared sliced his hand on a barrel and had to get 9 stitches. Does it surprise anyone that as he is gushing blood he was still playing until he got out? I also had quite the bruise, not quite as impressive as Jare's wound, but I was quite proud.

"Some must push and some must pull."

On July 15, 2008, Ash and I had the opportunity to accompany the young men and women in the Cache and Cache West Stake for a pioneer trek experience. This event took place in a God forsaken desert stricken land of desolation which is approximately 7 hours away from Logan, UT by school bus. For those of you who do not know of this ugly, sage brush, bug infested land I speak of—It can be described with a simple 3 word phrase: Middle of Wyoming. Enough said.
The purpose of the trip is to load handcarts with personal belonging and rough it in the outdoors while walking long distances. This is an attempt to re-create the fatigue, trials, aches, fun, and obstacles faced by the pioneers on their westward journey to the “Land of Zion.” The church has invested large amounts of money and service in making this experience as pleasant, spiritual, and informative as possible. There are multiple campsites with drinking water and hole in the ground johns. The trails are well maintained and handcarts are provided for your pushing and pulling pleasure. We saw a bunch of historical sites and trekked about 21 to 24 miles total.

Ash and I went as a Ma and Pa and were assigned a family of 4 girls and 4 boys. In attempts to provide some organization, each family was assigned a color. I was very excited when I was informed that our family was the hot pink family. The kids in our family were awesome. They worked hard and helped out. We couldn't of had a better family for this.

Things we liked:
- Not having to go to work for four days.
-The feelings and experiences associated with that special area.
-The large amounts of food.
-The youth that taught us much and brought out our teenager mentality.
-Sleeping in a tent (which is only fun for 3 nights a year)
-The inconsistency with the earth’s temperature which provided short periods of relief.

Things we disliked:
-14 hours in a hot school bus
-The never ending supply of sagebrush and sand.
-Ticks & Mosquitoes
-Heat (probably global warming)

5 Year Anniversary Trip

July 10-13, 2008 are a few days of vacationing that will be hard to forget. We wanted to do something unique and somewhat adventurous in attempts to celebrate five years of (insert euphemism here) marriage. In fact, before I continue with the “tell you all about the trip” blog format I will intermit a non-typical tribute to my beautiful bride of five years:

Roses are Red and Pansies are Blue,
Five years later our love is still true.
It’s hard to explain the way that I feel,
My connection to you is almost surreal.
I know I cause stress and find it quite funny,
When you proclaim, “Honey! Stop spending money!”
You’re patient with me even when I pass gas,
To me you are more than a nice piece of cake.
Our trials and fun times have been really sweet,
We’ll be just fine if the past five could repeat.
You’re so good to me and have superior skill,
I love you so much and I always will.

I suppose there are some friends within the blogging community (particular the men) that will poke fun and make light of my attempts to express myself poetically. I am prepared to withstand the persecutions and taunting that may result and welcome the repercussions. Now back to the trip…

We went to SLC Thursday where we stayed at the Radisson Downtown. We enjoyed an excellent dinner at The Roof (top floor of the JS Memorial Building) and then caught the flick “Get Smart” at The Gateway. The movie was excellent and the dinner was okay. To be honest, at $35 a person I expected a higher level of service and food quality than was received at The Roof. The atmosphere included a live pianist and an excellent view of Temple Square. The buffet food was certainly buffetish. The desserts were amazing.

Friday morning we got up early and went to Intermountain Harley Davidson of SLC to rent a 2008 Harley Davidson Ultra Classic Electroglyde. We met Ashley’s parents that morning to join us on the open road. We traveled a little over 320 miles that day on the hogs. We took I-15 to Idaho Falls then up to Ashton where we took the scenic byway through Mesa Falls. We then went through Island Park and to West Yellowstone. I had some concerns about us being sore after riding a motorcycle that long. I was pleasantly surprised at how comfortable and smooth the ride was. I had absolutely no soreness at all. The only noticeable discomfort was the sun and wind burnt face and arms. Ashley was in hog heaven sitting on the back of the bike. She had her camera in one hand and the iPod in the other. She wanted me to wear a t-shirt that says, “If you can read this, the bitch fell off.” I told her no.

On Saturday we took the bikes through Yellowstone National Park for some sight seeing. We travelled up through Madison to Norris then up to Mammoth. We saw all of the typical things like rivers, waterfalls, elk, bison, etc. After we left Mammoth we had our first black bear sighting. The beauty of being on a bike is that you can pull over off the road and sit there and watch the wildlife without trying to park a car. We went over to Hayden Valley and then came back through Dunraven pass and back to West Yellowstone. That night we say Hello Dolly at the Playmill Theater in West Yellowstone which was excellent as usual. That day we saw many elk, buffalo, deer, bald eagle, three bears, and a plethora of scenic snapshots.

An observational note about Yellowstone National Park: I have spent countless hours in that miserable place. My father is obsessed with the park and imposed his Yellowstone obsession on us as children. The things I associate Yellowstone with are boring drives, cold picnics and long bug infested hikes. I’m not typically one to notice and/or appreciate the natural beauty of the earth so Yellowstone to me was just another place. I have to swallow my pride and proclaim that Yellowstone on a motorcycle is a whole new world full of amazement and awe. For some reason I was never able to really see it for what it is in the back seat of the family van. I can’t imagine how anyone can tour the park in a vehicle after doing so on a bike. It was awesome!!!

On Sunday we began the long journey home. We went back through Yellowstone and through Teton National Park. We stopped for lunch in Jackson Hole, WY at Bubba’s Barbecue and then went home via Bear Lake. After returning the bike back to SLC Monday morning the trip odometer read 983 miles. Ashley took 150 pictures off the back of the bike. The sun and wind blistered our lips and arms but the slight discomfort was all worth it. It ranks as one of our favorite vacations of all time. It did however create a very large and serious problem: I have to find some money and buy a Harley. I didn’t want to be faced with this dilemma but I am. I have to face this problem like a man and get ‘er done. I’m up for it.

The pictures are your typical Yellowstone scenery pictures. The only difference is that these pictures are how things are perceived while perched on the back seat of a Harley. Enjoy.

Boys Will Be Boys

It wouldn't be summer with out a little visit to 1st dam.

No we didn't float the canal, at least not yet. Jared and Eric decided that since it wasn't cold enough they were going to jump off the highway into Logan River. Jared even did a back flip!

Check out my Slide Show!

I can't believe we did it all in a weekend!!!

Well we just finished off an awesome 4th of July! We have tonz going on this month so stay posted. Jared is already getting sick of all my picture taking, but I am enjoying it (I am not sure which part the annoying Jared or taking the pictures). Since we had so much going on I decided just to do a slide show of all my pics. Wednesday, July 2nd were the Hyrum fireworks. We went to the same old place at the Hyrum soccer fields and enjoyed a Domino's Pizza with the whole gang. Thursday, July 3rd the day of the Logan fireworks. We decided to go to the stadium with the Mullahkhel's, Felt' and the Panfilof's (This one is for Shayla) and enjoyed some Kentucky Fried Chicken. Friday, July 4th we went with Brennon and his date Brittany to the demolition derby in Ogden. If you haven't notice our lives are back to revolving around food so we had to stop at Texas Roadhouse. It was excellent and believe or not the derby might have been even better! I got some awesome pics of some good rollovers and hits. Saturday, July 5th we took Brennon and Breanne to the Logan Aquatic Center. We had a blast. After hanging out at the pool for a couple of hours we headed across the street for the Cruise In. So ignore the swimming hair in these pics. After we went to the car show, and once again were greatly disappointed when we didn't win the give-away car, we went to the shop and got Jared's newest toy, the golf cart, and headed up to Main Street for the Cruise In parade. It was a busy weekend, but we had tonz of fun!

You Know You're A Tree Hugger If...

Now that our Ultimate Loser competition has ended (I will post before and after pics as soon as I get them) we have been trying to find things to do to stay in shape. So this weekend we went on a hike with Eric and Tina to the Wind Caves. Even though our car didn't fit in at the parking lot since we were the only ones not driving a Subaru, and we weren't packing Pita Pit for lunch, the other hikers accepted us and we had a really great time. The hike up is pretty tough, but as you can see once you get to the top it is worth it. The view was amazing! I got my hair highlighted earlier in the day, so look close you might be able to see it.

Boys can be so WEIRD!

You Know You're A Redneck If......

We just completed the 1st demolition derby of 2008. I've been crashing cars for a few years. This "redneck sport" is time consuming, expensive, and a big headache. I'm not sure what drives me to want to build car after car only to demolish it to the point of complete inoperability. The highly sought after cars are diminishing rapidly and have almost become extinct. The promoters of the sport realize this problem and have decided to experiment with truck derbys. This 1983 Ford 1/2 ton pickup was my first truck. I prefer trucks because they are easier and quicker to build, they hold up better, and the hits are harder and more action packed. I was worried about this lil' Ford and thought it was to become a sacrificial lamb as compared to the big 3/4 ton Suburban's and GM trucks I was up against. Ashley is in charge of removing the pot metal and trim and painting all the derby projects. She does a great job.

THE TRUCK TOOK QUITE A BEATING!

It performed much better than expected. I ended up winning 2nd place and the "mad dog" award. Sometime during the derby I got a chunk of metal to the eye. We tried everything to get it out until we decided to let the E.R. doctor do it. It was a late and miserable night. I think I'm a fan of trucks and don't have much desire to build cars anymore. I keep threatening to retire. I'm going to finish off this '72 Dodge Station Wagon and build a new truck for September and then I'm done.

Jared's Disclaimer

This is officially my first (and possibly last) blog entry ever. The ever-so-popular blogging delirium is a peculiar concept in which I thought I would never participate. The idea of making a detailed documentation of one’s life which is published on the WWW for all to see never really sat right with me. However, due to the persistent hen pecking of someone whom I will not name, I have succumbed to the pressure and have decided to participate. Here is a disclaimer for any of you willing to actually read these: I should make it very clear that if I am to share the Chatterton Family’s activities, thoughts, vacations, pictures, successes, failures, achievements, itineraries, and every other detail—I will not restrain for it is not my nature. Having said this, I am writing this “blog” in the buff. Many things could be implied from this statement. There is something about the soft leather seat and the glow of the screen bouncing radiantly from my clean shaven chest. I don’t intend to elaborate any further so let your imagination make of it what you will. Stay tuned for additional entries (whether you like it or not).

P.S.—BRB (if you are reading this “blog” then you’ll know such acronyms) BWTHDIK (interpretation: but what the heck do I know)