I have decided to join Facebook...

After many friends requests I have given in to joining the world of Facebook. So... If you have a facebook let me know. You can look me up under Jenny Elies Conrad. I have already invited some of you :) Hope to hear from you. :) Jen

To: Our Family & Friends...

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!!!!
We hope your all having a wonderful Christmas Day! May you have Peace, Love & Joy on this special day! All Our Love, Matt & Jen

Memories of Christmas Past....

 

Christmas with Grandma and Grandpa Elies. Oh how I miss my Granparents! Matt was looking through some pictures last night and came across this photo taken in the early '80's. Erica was not born yet I'm guessing the year was 1983 or 1984 ? So Jess and I would have been about 3&7. Matt said who is Mr GQ ? I laughed.. My Granparents were very nice looking people. I will always remember doing "manicures" on grandpa's hands. I loved to do this! I know it hurt him too, of course I did not know this back then. My Dad said I used to make his poor cuticles bleed and he would just flinch and let me do it until I was done. He has been gone for quite awhile. He passed away in 1985. I always remember having a lot of fun sleepovers with my Grandma and playing in all her fun make-up, perfume ect.. She had a great love for animals, always taking in any little animal that needed care. I miss them both very much! They are always in my heart.

~Beautiful Christmas Message~

May we REMEMBER the Reason for the Season... Our Savior Jesus Christ. Merry Christmas to all! Love, Matt & Jen
Enjoy this touching video from Liz Lemon Swindle and Kenneth Cope.

*Remember to pause our music at the bottom :)

TaGgEd By KaRis..

#1: 8's

8 TV Shows I enjoy watching:
1. Any CSI
2. Biggest Looser
3. King of Queens
4. ?
5. ?
6. ?
7.I really watch whatever Matt is watching
8. I don't really watch any t.v...... I like movies

8 things that happened yesterday:
1. Worked
2. Computers, phones , printer all were down all day at work!
3. Froze my butt off outside trying to help Matt with something. I bailed.
4. Practiced a song with my sister-in-laws for our Christmas party
5. Neighbors brought yummy treats
6. Matt made me hot chocolate
7. Kissed my husband under the mistletoe
8. Went to bed good dreams

8 things I'm looking forward to:
1. Christmas!! I hope Matty likes his gifts!
2. Finishing the bathrooms upstairs.
3. Family Parties this weekend
4. Time off from work! Yeah!!
5. Not eat so many Christmas treats and go to the Gym better
6. Having a family.I swear it has to happen one day.
7. Christmas Carol with family tonight
8. Finishing all my Christmas stuff I'm putting off.

8 things I love about WINTER:
1. Hot Chocolate! Mmm Mmm
2. Christmas and the true meaning behind it.
3. Snow!!And playing in it.
4. The smells that fill the air, baking, pine, cinnamon, citrus....
5. Christmas spirit, music, lights, decor.
7. Nights in Jammie's cuddling on the couch.
8. I like to be home with Matt

8 things on my wish list:
1. Loose this dang weight I have put on!!!!
2. To be a better listener
3. Babies!!
4. Cook healthier
5. Organization
6. Massage
7. Facial
8. Vacation with Matt

8 people I tag:
1. Sunni
2. Angie
3. Shannon
4. Tasha
5. Christine
6. Karlie
7. Rhonda
8. Kylie

TaGgEd By coDy...

1. Where did you meet? Through my sister. She told Matt he should take me out.
2. What was the first thought that went through your head when you met? He looks nervous and very sweet, with very kind big blue eyes.I was nervous too.
3. Do you remember what he/she was wearing? Jeans, Black Leather Jacket is all I can remember.
4. Where was the first time you kissed this person? On a snowmobile trip in Heber.
5. Where did you go for your first date? Fuddruckers, comedy club. I was hypnotized.. Than back to my house with a group for games.
6. How long did you know this person before you became a couple? A month maybe?
7. How did he/she ask you out? He called and asked me out. My sis. gave him my number.
8. How did he propose to you? I remember it was a really bad day at work. He called and asked what I wanted to do that summer night in June. I wanted to just be alone with him. Somewhere by some water I said. Just to relax. So he came and got me with his cuddle bag in the back of his truck. This thing was huge!It filled the whole bed of the truck! He had subway sandwiches, one of my favorite. And we went down to the Lake and watched the sun set. It was very romantic and we were alone. So nice. Then he said he wanted to take a picture of me with the sunset on the Pier. He hugged me and told me how much he loves me and all that cute stuff. Then he got on one knee and asked if I would be his for Eternity!! So sweet!!
9.Do you and this person have kids together? Not yet. We both hope soon....
10. Have you ever broken the law with this person? Yes... Speeding! Matt was teaching me to race the Nova over by our house on the "drag strip" Such a thrill!! I love to drive fast! I have slowed down though...Unless I'm behind the wheel on something meant to go fast. I think that's why Matt sold the Snowmobiles.
11. When was the first time you realized that you liked this person? I liked him right away. You can tell a lot by someones eyes. His are so genuine.
12. Do you trust this person? 100%
13. Do you see her/him as your partner in your future? Forever and Ever his baby I will be.
14. What is the best gift she/he gave you? Wow.. That is a tough one. Everything he does is from the heart. Just having him forever is gift enough. That's the best!
15. What is one thing He/She does that gets on your nerves? He loves to rile me up when I'm moody or in a hurry to get somewhere! Totally gets on my nerves and he loves it!
16. Where do you see each other 15 years from now? A Happy Family with some cute kids.
17. What causes the most arguments? Honestly.. We don't really argue. The only thing that gets me really going is.. see # 15
18. How long have you been together? Just about three years in February. Married for 2. Married September 16,2006.
19. Are you Married? Yes
20. Who Do you Tag? Leslie, Dondy, Lexi, Jill, Natalie, Ashley,and whoever wants!

~Happy Birthday Grandma Maxwell ~

*Grandma * Mom * Jen * Erica * Taken 8/08

Here is wishing you a very Happy Birthday Grandma!! She is so cute! Here are a few things I admire about my Grandma... 1- She is very good with her money.This is an important thing she instilled into my Mother. I'm grateful to have them for such good examples. 2- Her zest for life, which includes Yoga, Line Dancing, Bike riding, Walking with her brother and more. 3- Her strength to raise 3 great kids on her own and work hard to support & provide for them. Thank you Grandma for all you do and for always being there. I really enjoyed our Yoga Saturdays and talks. I love you so very much!
P.S.Don't worry Grandma I did not post your age ;) She looks very amazing though if you all knew her age.

~It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas~

It has been awhile since I have posted. We have been busy with the preparation of the Holidays and all of the other fun things we do to keep busy. So here are a few things we have been doing...
Christmas Decor...

I got my way this year with a smaller fake pre-lit Christmas Tree. We usually have giants that take me hours on end to decorate. I'm talking needing a little giant ladder to do the job. Our first tree we had our first Christmas we went up to the ranch to cut down. It was a lot of fun! Matt was at work so I spent Friday putting all of the lights on and Saturday decorating. As I was about to clean up... CRASH!! The stinking tree fell over and covered my entire front living room. Not to mention falling on our brand new couch!!! AHHHH ! I was angry! Matt was at work so I called my Dad to come rescue me. Of course I was crying. My parents came over and helped me fix things up. Don't worry it was anchored to the wall. Next Christmas we went to cut down trees again with Chris. Again.. SO much fun! I kept telling Matt, please not another Griswold tree.. Well next thing I know here comes Chris proud as pie with a BEAUTIFUL BIG TREE! So what could I do ? We took it home. Moved a couch into the garage.. this year was much more simple to put this long story to an end. I was kind lazy this year I guess . I left a few decorations down. I did not feel like putting all of them up. So I did not Deck the halls as normal.. Just the Living room and a touch in the Kitchen and a few outside. Keeping Christmas simple this year is my goal, but does this ever really happen??


Festival of Trees...

Matt , Erica, Brandi and I went to the Festival of Trees together. We had a lot of fun together. Our friend Kim had a tree for her little girl that passed away last year. She was only a few hours old when she passed away. It was heartbreaking to see her go through this. I love her and her husband for their strength. They are amazing.


** Candy Party**
We had a candy party at Matt's Great Aunt Geri's house. His Grandma Lamb had started this tradition so her sisters wanted to keep on doing it. It was fun to get together with all the girls. What you do is make your favorite candy and take it to the party and wrap it together and chat. Its a lot of fun! Then at the end you divvy out all the goods in equal amounts to everyone there.Its fun to taste all the different candy. I cheated and made my famous Sugar Cookies. That is my specialty. They were a hit! I forgot my dang camera !! Oh well. There is another one this Friday with Aunt Diana. We are learning to make Baklava. I'm sure that is spelled wrong.


** All 85 plus Christmas cards are sent.. A few stragglers to finish tomorrow and neighbor gifts to do and the list continues. I do have a Massage on Saturday I'm looking VERY forward too!It has been a very busy few weeks. Merry Merry! Love you all!

**Purse Party Today!! Open House 6p-8p *Purses, Jewelry, Scentsy, Body Shop

Purse party today at my sister Erica's house!!! Come and see these great Bags, Jewlry, Scentsy & the body shop! Let me know if you would like to come and need directions!

Ahhh Sleep...

If you woke up early for a bargain this morning you are my hero! You go girl! I opted to go later today to Tai Pan for Christmas decor. A woman can never have enough can she? Im really just set out to get a pre-lit fake tree. Sorry Matt your usual 20 footer fresh tree is not going to happen this year babe. Some of you know the story. You would be taking a break this year too. Maybe I will post that story later this month. Happy Shopping!!

Twilight!!!!!!!

A day we thought could not come soon enough! Before we all knew it, it was HERE!! Yeah! Yesterday I felt like a little kid on Christmas Eve. I was sooooo EXCITED to see this movie! It was a little hard to focus at work. The Doc's and other guys were all good sports though. We were pretty much teased all day. Some of them even hid Christine's life size Edward. No worries we found him. After work we all went home and got ready to have a great night ahead. Matt was even a GREAT sport and came to it all. I love you honey! Thanks! Deb and the girls came down and we all went to dinner from there. On the Menu was Chili's ! It was great ! We got there and our table was deemed "Team Edward". Great with us! We had a wonderful waitress and we were spoiled rotten! I'm sure our own "Edward" made sure of this. I say this because when it was time to leave our check had been taken care of!!!! What a SURPRISE!!We kept asking our waitress if she was serious. As she told us a very good looking 17 year old rich gentleman paid for our meal. We were all in shock! How amazing! I know it was one of the guys from work that had been hassling us all day , but WHO?? I have a few guesses myself.. THANK YOU!!! The night was off to a great start! Next was the movie!! Our friend Melissa and her commitee pulled a great evening together for us. We had a movie theatre to ourselves for the 12:01 showing!! We had raffle tickets for prizes and all sorts of pre-movie fun! Then the MOVIE!! It was great!! Awesome, but.. There had to be a but huh ? Not too bad of one though...It's just that I like my own imagination better. Of course I think the book was better. Because you can really sink yourself in for a few days rather than a few hours. Of COURSE there is more detail in a book. I though the movie was AWESOME!! I want to go see it again! It was a lot of fun! New Moon 2010 !I would like to hear what you thought of the movie. Leave a comment if you like :)

Until we meet again..

We said goodbye to our sweet Grandma last week. It's never an easy thing to do , but we know she is with Grandpa and we will see her again. What an amazing example she was to our family. Some of us were able to go to the Temple that evening. There was a great spirit there. We know our family can be together forever through Heavenly Fathers plan. We love you Always and Forever Grandma!!

Hey! Twilight Fans...Check out this music video from Paramore! *Pause our music below first :) Enjoy!

Paramore - New Music - More Music Videos

Our Sweet Grandma Lamb...

This picture was taken of our sweet Grandma on Halloween. She makes the cutest little witchie pooh. Unfortunately she had a stroke yesterday and is in the hospital not doing very well. So all of us grand kids went down to Price to see her to show her our love and to say goodbye. She has a special relationship with all of her grandchildren. Matt is very close to her and always remembers her Postum,Potato Pancakes and picking out his favorite cereal at the store. All of the Grandchildren were reminiscing about favorite memories. I had to laugh at her "Gum" stories. She would always just give them a half or even a third of a stick of gum. After we left Matt told me , she used to give me a WHOLE piece ... I knew he was the favorite! The youngest is always spoiled for sure. I still remember the first time Matt took me over to her house to meet her. I got to see all of her amazing Antiques & Dolls. Her home has such a whimsical feel to it. I love it! She has always been so cute, sweet and a lot of fun! I will miss working with her at the ranch with all of us. She was the best little napkin folder and croissant cutter. Oh and lets not forget "Bathroom Director". I'm so grateful to have been able to know such a sweet daughter of our heavenly father. All our love and prayers to you Grandma.** GRANDMA RETURNED HOME TO OUR FATHER IN HEAVEN THIS MORNING. SHE WILL BE DEEPLY MISSED. (11/8)

Halloween Fun!

Halloween started off with a Family Party last Saturday at the Ranch. We had a great time! This year we did a haunted hayride in the pasture for everyone. The kids got pretty spooked. I did too! Thanks to our cousin Jason. He has an amazing costume that I was not aware of. Too bad I did not get a picture. Its over 15 feet tall and scary! I was at a fire telling a spooky story of old "Hal O Ween" I had a few of his remains.. Brain, Nose, Heart, Eyes ect.. It was fun. Last night we had my family over for food and fun. We watched scary movies. The best was Jack & Jayci slept over. We had a good time together this morning. I love my family! You are all so great! Mom thanks for the great dinner!

Our Family Caramel Recipe

This is a wonderful recipe for either Caramel Apples or Caramel Popcorn Balls!! It would not be Fall without a yummy Caramel Treat! My Mom is a great Cook! I always remember her homemade goodies for special occasions. Maybe that is why us girls got together before Matt and I's wedding and made HUNDREDS of Caramel Popcorn Ball's for our wedding favor. They were yummy! Thanks girls for all your help! (Mom, Robin, Grandma, Natalie, Erica) Love ya!
****POPCORN BALLS AT OUR WEDDING****

Hope you enjoy this recipe as much as our Family does..


***CARAMEL APPLES***

1 CUP BUTTER
2 CUPS FIRMLY PACKED LIGHT BROWN SUGAR
1 CUP LIGHT CORN SYRUP
1 CAN (15OZ) SWEETENED CONDENSED MILK
1 TEASPOON VANILLA EXTRACT
8-10 WOODEN STICKS
8-10 MEDIUM SIZE APPLES(I LIKE GOLDEN DELICIOUS)
NUTS CHOPPED (TOASTED ALMONDS ARE GREAT!)

**MELT BUTTER IN A 3-QUART SAUCEPAN. STIR IN SUGAR, CORN SYRUP & SWEET & CONDENSED MILK; MIXING WELL. BRING TO BOILING OVER MEDIUM HEAT, STIRRING FREQUENTLY. COOK TO FIRM BALL STAGE (245 DEGREES) STIRRING FREQUENTLY, TAKES ABOUT 15-20 MINUTES. REMOVE FROM HEAT; STIR IN VANILLA. PUT WOODEN STICK IN EACH APPLE AT THE CORE. DIP APPLE INTO CARAMEL MIXTURE TO COVER. DIP APPLE INTO NUTS IF DESIRED. PLACE ON WAXED PAPER TO ALLOW CARAMEL TO SET. STORE IN A COOL DRY PLACE, AT ROOM TEMPERATURE OR REFRIGERATE AFTER COOLED. USE WITHIN 2-3 DAYS
** ALSO GREAT FOR POPCORN BALLS :)

TaGgEd...

4 things I love about my husband:
1. He has a testimony of the Church
2. He is Humble & Kind & Sweet
3. Can always make me laugh
4. He loves me for me & treats me like a Queen (Even when I have P.M.S.)

4 Movies I would watch more than once:
1. The Notebook
2. Stardust
3. Mama Mia
4. Monster In Law

4 TV shows I watch more than once:
1. Channel 13 News
2. CSI Miami
3. Dancing with the Stars
4. Super Natural

4 Places I have been:
1. Mexico
2. Nauvoo
3. Caribbean Islands
4. California

4 People who email me regularly
1. Erica
2. Hen
3. Teri
4. Angie

4 Favorite Foods
1. Thai ( Mussaman Curry, Pad Thai, Tom Ka Soup)
2. A good Steak or Chicken
3. Ice Cream
4. My Moms Cooking

Places I would like to visit
1. Alaska
2. Oregon Coast
3. Hawaii
4. Ireland

4 Things I am looking forward to this coming year
1. Twilight Movie
2. Christmas
3. Remodeling the upstairs Bathroom's
4. A trip to the Day Spa

4 People I would like to tag
1. Jill
2. Natalie
3. Leslie
4. Shannon

Girls Trip to Park City

A few of us girls from work went to Park City this weekend. We had a lot of fun chatting , laughing , chilling, eating and shopping! It was great to have a girls night! Thanks Girls! It was a lot of fun!

WedNeSdaYs ArE wOnDeRfuL...

I love Wednesdays... This day is our day. We normally get to spend the day together. Matt's off and I usually get off work by 11 or Noon. We love to go play or work hard together on a project. This last Wednesday we went up American Fork Canyon for a beautiful fall four wheeler ride. American Fork Canyon will always have a special place in my heart. I pretty much grew up there with my family. We were camping most every weekend in our various Trailers, Campers and even Tents. We had a Dune Buggy for a lot of my years growing up. Those were really fun memories I will not forget. I also hope to make many more new ones.

2 GREAT YEARS TOGETHER!

Happy Anniversary Honey! These past 2 years have gone by so quick, I guess that happens when you have as much fun as we do ;) I have been blessed beyond measure to have you as my husband for Eternity. Thank you for being so amazing, patient, sweet, loving, and fun! I'm so in love with you!!! I cannot wait to see what happens next! You are my love, my life my everything. Yours Forever, Jen

He Loves Me....

I went outside and Matt was mowing the lawn. He decided to leave me a message :)He is so sweet! I just love him!!!!( Big I, Big Heart , Big U )I could not get the best picture unless... I climbed upon the roof, yeah no thanks :)

Accent Wall is done!

I was bored of our Bedroom. So I decided to paint :) I would love a new Bedroom all together, but this will have to do for awhile.

Happy 28th Birthday Matty!

Happy Birthday to you Honey! I love and appreciate you so very much! Thank you for all you do for me. You are an amazing, sweet, and wonderful Husband. I hope all you dreams and wishes come true! XoXo, Your Jen Forever :)

A great time camping!

Matt and I had this week off together. We started off camping with his brother Chris and his family. We had a great time together ! We took trail after trail, exploring Manti Canyon. It was the first time we had camped there. If you love to go four wheeling like we do , this is an amazing place to go. I could not believe all of the diffrent off road trails that are up there. We rode about 25-30 miles a day. I know we did not even come close to seeing a quarter of the trails. It was a great time to take in all of the beautiful scenery. I even got to read New Moon, I finished too :)

a JeEp RiDe

Me and my Matty on a jeep ride up American Fork Canyon around the Alpine Loop. It was a beautiful day! Thanks Dad for letting us take your Jeep. Love ya :)

Tibble Fork... So beautiful.

A doe deer a female deer.

...Chelsey & Jared ... 08/08/08

A very happy day! My cousin Chelsey got married in the Mount Timpanogos Temple yesterday. We had a great day together as a family. The Luncheon was at the North Hampton House and Reception at Thanksgiving Point at Hidden Falls. It was beautiful! The colors were Black, White & Hot Pink!


3 Generations. Grandma Maxwell, Mom, Me, Erica.

Our Family... I love you guys!

The Reception...Matty & I in front of the Falls. Erica & I with our cousin Heather here from Iowa. It is so great to have her here. She just had a baby last week. She is so darling.

Give a whirl Ladies !

You Belong in 1951

You're fun loving, romantic, and more than a little innocent. See you at the drive in!

What Year Do You Belong In?

To my sweet Husband..

I have been thinking a lot lately about how wonderful my husband really is. I love him so much! I'm so blessed to have him in my life. He is an amazing example to me and to others. When I think of all the wonderful qualities he has - I just have to say WOW! He makes me want to be a better person. I know I can be a little more like him. Kind, Humble, Patient, Loving & Sweet. To name a few. I mostly just want to tell him "Thank You". For who you are and the way you treat others. And especially the way tou treat me. You are the best husband & friend. I'm so glad you are my teddy bear forever.I love you honey!I truly am the luckiest girl in the world! XoXoXo - Jen

Happy Anniversary Mom & Dad!

Congratulations on 33 years of marriage !

To my wonderful parents,
I would just like to tell you both "Thank You" for the example you set for me. You are great Parents & Grandparents. Matt and I could not ask for better parents. We are so very blessed to have you as an example to us. You are still the best of friends & still have fun together. You got married young and had to grow up fast. Although I'm not so sure Dad is a grown up yet. Lol... I'm glad for that too. Thank You both for working so hard to raise the 3 of us. I don't think we turned out half bad. ;) Love you have fun on your little getaway.

Courtney & Ammon's Wedding Day

Mr. & Mrs. Gutierrez
August 1, 2008

Nicole, Jen, Christine, Deborah having a nice foot soak on a hot day

"The Bouquet" Great job Deb!

Matt & Jen "I love you baby!"

The Reception at Conrad Ranch



It was a beautiful day with our wonderful family. Everthing went GREAT! The families worked their little buns off all night. Good job Matty on the chocolate fountain. He and some of our neices and nephews thought they would help clean up the chocolate... Mmm Mmm
I wish I could have gotten more pictures of this beautiful day. Congrat's Ammon & Courtney! We love you & wish you the best !