JESS

Roddy Ranch Golf Outing

2012-01-29T23:08:00.000-08:00

Saturday The Js Plus DW spent the day golfing at Roddy Ranch. It was an adventure and a hilarious day. This course was a mix between California, New York, Idaho, and Wyoming. (As you'll see from the photos)

It is also named the driest course in Northern CA, this shot is of the rough. I imagine it use to be a cattle pasture.

JLS with a saddle and animal head mounted on the wall behind (this was the front entrance to the club house). She was in heaven.

And then Heaven really came when we walked further and found an ORIGINAL Yankees stadium seat in the pro shop, so you can imagine the excitement JNS and I both felt! Western themed with Yankee gear scattered throughout, does it get any better? I dare say, no it does not...

And then we saw this gem. I had to post this for Poncho Villa. In all my life I've never seen a mounted steer...and I grew up in IDAHO! Seriously.

The course was very busy which meant that our round of golf was slow...hence this classic shot JLS snapped of us.

Oh yes, horseshoes as tee-markers.

Our scores weren't very pretty but we were still smiling at the end of the round!

Happy Birthday Singing Is Awkward...

2012-01-28T07:07:00.000-08:00

according to the general population, apparently JNS and I are the only ones that enjoy being serenaded by that lovely tune. (Case in point, the birthday boy, LE, below agrees) At least he still appreciates some sushi followed by delicious chocolate truffle bread pudding on his birthday!

Facebook Wall

2012-01-26T05:45:00.000-08:00

We lunched at Facebook HQ yesterday and I wrote on the Facebook chalk wall. Personally I think this is so much cooler than any electronic Facebook wall post. Just saying...

Photo Booth Fun

2012-01-25T19:09:00.000-08:00

AC and NB had an enchanting engagement party on Saturday night. I would have expected nothing less from these two! AR and I had a little fun in the phoot booth room (or rather AR roped me into participating as I was walking by and I attempted to be "cool").

My Shadow The Whole Month of December

2012-01-23T20:08:00.000-08:00

Short-stack 1 and Short-stack 2

Weekend Highlights

2012-01-23T18:41:00.000-08:00

1. Gustavo, Gustavo, Gustavo! He took SIX inches off. As I told him, that's fine you're the master of my hair and I simply get to wear it (proudly).
2. Nap on Sunday afternoon!
3. AC's and NB's engagement party
4.Tea party
5. Taking JLS shopping (she was going to kill me at first but she thanked me later)

Also...Britt pulls off my pink jacket better than I do.

Guest Blogger: Stanford Grad, JP: A Sign of a True Friend

2012-01-22T23:47:00.000-08:00

I live in Boston. Lately the weather has been downright cold. I have had to wear my wool coats, scarves, gloves, and everything else.

Today was Sunday, the weather was slightly warmer, like 28 degrees instead of 18 degrees. So I wore a shorter dress with tights to church. The dress is a Jess Berry original.

At church I kept my coat on until right before the first meeting. About fifteen minutes into the meeting, the time when everyone is extremely reverent, my dear friend J, taps me on the shoulder. Whispering, she very kindly informs me, "Jenn, your zipper is undone."

As she tells me this I reach over to indeed feel more than I expected. My face flushes.

I had apparently gotten ready so fast I had forgotten to zip up the side of my dress directly under my left arm.

I struggle to begin to zip up the dress. Thoughts race through my head, Will this dress in fact zip up? Has the cute boy behind me heard or seen this? Who ever decided to put a zipper under the arm??

J, understanding my dilemma, discreetly zipped up the side of my dress. I don't believe that I have ever heard a louder zipper sound. I pray that the congregation thought the sound was a scripture case.

HB's Birthday: We Threw A Party

2012-01-21T07:07:00.000-08:00

We do not throw big parties very often (maybe three times a year) but HB is a big enough deal that we threw her a party for the big 26! I have been extremely excited for the big day because that means HB is now in the 2nd ward! YAY for me! And her. And JLS. And the rest of the ward. Sad for MP and KM, but we are working on them.

JLS was in charge of the cake...and I was in charge of decor. JLS makes killer cakes...she made that princess castle from scratch.

I also thought the birthday princess needed a crown...and I must confess, Britt did most of the decorating, per my delegation. What can I say, delegation is my strength.

MP ready to celebrate some more...

The sassy, hilarious birthday girl with her castle.

Miss This Short-stack!

2012-01-20T16:16:00.000-08:00

2011: Surviving Hard Times Plus Great Moments

2012-01-20T07:07:00.000-08:00

My disclaimer: When I returned from my month in Idaho I was promptly welcomed by a cold that turned into a sinus infection, this in combination with a hectic month end my 2012 goal to pick up my blogging with more dedication has been delayed...by almost a month. I suppose that is predictable when you're busy living blogging takes a backseat.

2011 in review:

It was a hard year: full of fatigue, sickness, anxiety, and loss. It was a year of survival, waiting upon the Lord. Luckily, my capacity to survive was expanded, thanks to the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

I could give a laundry list of the hard moments of 2011 and for historical purposes I have documented them but for purposes of this post I will be dwelling on the great moments that happened amid the storms of 2011. I believe it speaks volumes to the mercy we still receive from God even in the toughest of times. While many of these may seem mundane to some readers, remember this past year was not about thriving but surviving and being physically ill for over a year (more than normal) even mundane moments become great moments if those moments allow you to focus on something other than the constant feeling of fatigue.

(in no particular order)

Arizona trip in March with my family (spring training, golf, shopping)
Participating in the videoing of the Mormon Message, Our Hands His Hands, Our Hearts, His Heart.
Watching my freshmen graduate
Lots of service (mostly received)!
Opening day of baseball season
Golf league with The J-Crew
BS & BW's wedding in April
SJ & NJ's wedding in July
JBH & HN's wedding in July (yes, lots of weddings)
Gordo's wedding
Spending time with SEC, parents, and BW in Utah in July
Going to Israel, a once in a lifetime experience (and 11 days of physically feeling okay to make the trip)
Spending time with AR and MPR before they moved
Golfing at Deep Cliff (great day)
AC and NB's engagement surprise
Cook club
Spending time with the Carlstons
Yankees in the BAY
Thanksgiving with The Ellwangers
Hot tubbing (lots of hot tubbing)
My birthday!
Mama Berry coming in October to help me
General Conference
Parents and G-parents visiting in November
Purchasing my new bed!
FMC
Post-Thanksgiving dinner with the Jarvis family
Being with my little girls
Spending the month of December in Idaho

Jack Berry would be proud that I'm still spitting in that "damn mitt".

Here is to a better year in 2012.

Grateful Gourd 2011

2011-12-31T21:24:00.000-08:00

I have considered what post should be given the last post of the year (and the 1077th post on this blog!) and then I glanced at that green ceramic gourd that resides on my dresser and knew that the Grateful Gourd deserved the honor. After a longer year than anticipated physically, emotionally, spiritually when I pulled out the Grateful Gourd at the end of October for the annual recording of gratitude I was hesitant thinking that I couldn't fill the gourd after such a year. Instead I took that doubt as a challenge to look for the good in the smallest of things and in the greatness of the people that surround me with outstretched hands daily (literally). Gratitude brings happiness, peace, comfort, better perspective, and patience to (and maybe especially) the weary hearts of men.

As with every year, this list is a sampling of just a short time frame and in no particular order.

HN’s listening ear

JP calling

My Top 5 physical features

HM being my new Visiting teacher

Crepes

Homemade raspberry jam

The Power of the Priesthood

The Atonement and Resurrection of Jesus Christ

Hebrews 11:40, 12:1

My new BED!

The found iPad2 (and the person returning it)

Poncho, Senorita Erickson, and folks’ visit

JLS painting my new dresser

Help decorating the apartment (forced help)

Cook club

AR and MPR

JBH and HN’s help (11/12)

Cleaner carpet (thanks Dadio)

Freshly painted nails

Alma 32-my must follow guide

Pumpkin cake

DSW night with Cec

Dream water

The WFH flexibility

KF’s example

Golf

Golf league

Frozen Gogurts

Temples, temples, temples

FHE with Kambria

Dinner with MP (11/22)

The scriptures

A clean kitchen

The Carlstons (already missing them!)

Grateful to be alive

Surviving this past year

South Legend (yummy)

Alex C (the HTer that is never released)

Phone calls with Mama Berry

Massages

Bedtime tea

Ride to Thanksgiving with LS

The Ellwangers! (great Thanksgiving)

Dinner with the Jarvis family (11/25)

Spending the evening with the Carlstons (11/27)

Visiting teaching

Quiet time alone

Naps on Sundays! (best part of 9am church!)

RMR’s email (11/25)

The Hammers

Mani/Pedi night with kt

Sweet potatoes

Going home! (12/1)

Crazy MoCo!

2011-12-29T19:33:00.000-08:00

Glimpse Into The Erickson Christmas Party

2011-12-29T19:32:00.000-08:00

Yes, Poncho is sweeping the floor!

McKenna was an amazing helper putting the hygiene kits together!

Pretty shepherds...

My shadow at the party...

Classic Uncle Rico shot!

Christmas Fun and Nerf Warfare

2011-12-28T20:23:00.000-08:00

Brown Eyes loved the "new" play cell phone that ended up in Grandma's toy box

And she loved her My Little Pony

Matty was very proud that he found this hat at his mothership, (Cabela's)

Averina and Brown Eyes are quite the coat models as well

New pjs

Mama Berry came through for Matty and I too, giving us a blast from the past with Nerf guns! There were a hit! Within just a few moments we were back at it, which mostly consisted of me attempting to shoot Matty and missing and him pelleting me repeatedly. For some reason this was still very awesome!

The little girls joined in the battle!

Love her!

We had such a battle that this is what happened to Mama Berry...

Pre-Christmas Fun

2011-12-24T17:43:00.000-08:00

We are considering selling these two to the circus in 2012...

Mama Berry has a signature pattern, including a coat and purse that are not pictured with this leopard loving woman (Rrrrrr)

Dadio "shopping" with us.

Brown Eyes loves these bears more than the whole family combined.

We also rode a pony-driven sled on Dadio's birthday, in the freezing cold.

On Dadio's birthday we went to Chiz's for a delicious meal, followed by dessert at Susie Q's place. He doesn't look very old...

My crazy girls trying to take pictures with their "cell phone" of me...love them!

The One Perk of Having The Flu...

2011-12-11T21:00:00.000-08:00

there is only one...getting out of decorating for Christmas. Luckily Mama Berry had some helpers. :)

The Joys of My Days

2011-12-08T07:07:00.000-08:00

The magical pitcher of grape juice. Each day this pitcher is full of grape juice (the most superior juice on the earth), when I think I run out of grape juice it magically is full again the next time I open the fridge. I must have a grape juice magical fairy...or maybe it is Mama Berry. :)

Bedtime herbal tea...calms the muscles right down.

How One Dresses To Work In The Arctic Circle

2011-12-07T06:09:00.000-08:00

They Are Definitely Related

2011-12-06T07:05:00.000-08:00

Sam Jam Turns 12!

2011-12-05T05:45:00.000-08:00

The girl made her own birthday cake. Impressive! Happy Birthday Sam Jam!

Moco can pose even while wrestling with Poncho

Sam Jam came away with a haul...including some clothes that will look great on me!

The peanut gallery!

And that peanut gallery wore me right now!

Gordo's Married!

2011-12-03T22:00:00.000-08:00

(Riley made a triumphant exit from the temple)

(We were just glad Dadio made it out, hehe)

The Happy couple, Erin and Gordo.

Morg, freezing!

Must record this date in history, Matty actually smiled for the camera.

A few of the little girls enjoyed the red cupcakes a little too much!

Congratulations Gordo and Erin! You made a lovely couple.

December Goals

2011-12-01T08:07:00.001-08:00

1. Clean up my inbox to have ZERO unread emails

2. Hot tub at least 5 times per week

3. Stay warm

4. Paint my nails at least weekly

5. Finish my Christmas shopping by the 19th.

6. Sun-bathe 30 mins 5 times per week on the leather couches in front of the bay windows

7. Be Happy

(as you can see, December will be a good month)

Jess Berry Quote Of The Day!

2011-11-30T22:31:00.000-08:00

You don't have to be a "person of influence" to be influential. In fact, the most influential people in my life are probably not even aware of the things they've taught me.

Cartoonist Scott Adams (Dilbert)

Best Way To Spend Your Tuesday Evening...

2011-11-29T22:47:00.000-08:00

A Mani/Pedi with kt! Purple on the toes and magenta on the fingers. kt did OPI Red on the toes and plum on the fingers. Also, don't those flip flops look hot?

Jess Berry Quote Of The Day!

2011-11-28T23:02:00.001-08:00

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.

Mark Twain

Only Way I'll Celebrate Christmas Anything Before December 15th...

2011-11-27T22:39:00.000-08:00

Is when it involves J&L enthralled by lighted Ferris wheels, trains, and gingerbread houses, a parade, Peter Pan in lights, and 10 school marching bands. Hence attending the Los Altos parade of lights with The C's Sunday evening.

Jess Berry Quote Of The Day!

2011-11-26T22:23:00.000-08:00

Can you see the holiness in those things you take for granted - a paved road or a washing machine? If you concentrate on finding what is good in every situation, you will discover that your life will suddenly be filled with gratitude, a feeling that nurtures the soul.

Rabbi Harold Kushner

Love This Time Of Year!

2011-11-25T23:23:00.001-08:00

The leaves are so bright (and I love bright)...

I especially love Louis Rd this time of year, it is a tunnel of vibrant yellow (the pictures don't do it justice). I purposely choose this route everyday just to enjoy the beauty. I wish leaves were yellow and red year-round.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T15:07:00.000-08:00

I love my Mama Berry rolls!

A Few Things I Love...

2011-11-21T22:06:00.000-08:00

1. My new bed (especially the adjustable feature)
2. A clean kitchen
3. Long lunches with my fav co-workers and friends
4. The Thanksgiving holiday
5. My stay-cation (one of my favorite weeks of the year)

Men's Hearts Shall Fail Them

2011-11-18T21:51:00.000-08:00

A Clear Day In The City With The Idahoans

2011-11-12T12:57:00.000-08:00

Monday morning the parents and G-parents flew in from Hawaii for a three day visit on their way back home to Idaho. It was a whirlwind visit, which included me spending A LOT of $$$ (and I'm realizing with each amazing night's sleep in my new bed it was well worth the investment), going to SF on the clearest day I've seen in 5 years, hoping that Poncho wouldn't get us beat up by his Idaho farmer comments while in the city, decorating, losing Dadio's iPad (and 4 days later realizing that there are some very nice and honest people in SF when someone brought his iPad to the Apple store after they watched it fall off Dadio's rental car), carpet cleaning (thanks Dadio), and some nail painting (thanks Mama Berry). It was wonderful having them visit and introducing the G-parents to my Bay Area home.

Aloha From Hawaii

2011-11-06T12:33:00.000-08:00

The GPs, enjoying one last day before heading to California.

A Book of Mormon Story

2011-11-05T11:28:00.000-07:00

Worth 5:15 minutes of your time!

Livin' On Love...

2011-11-04T12:07:00.000-07:00

from my old friend, DP. DP: 10, 2, and 4 may not be enough today. I've missed this old friend, especially a little on the warm side.

(Mostly for JBH...I've only had three DPs since June so I'm not considered an addict)!

(And loving the Almond Joys thanks to HN)

Waiting Upon The Lord

2011-11-02T22:31:00.000-07:00

"...we realize that the purpose of our life on earth is to grow, develop, and be strengthened through our own experiences. How do we do this? The scriptures give us an answer in one simple phrase: we “wait upon the Lord.”¹² Tests and trials are given to all of us. These mortal challenges allow us and our Heavenly Father to see whether we will exercise our agency to follow His Son. He already knows, and we have the opportunity to learn, that no matter how difficult our circumstances, “all these things shall [be for our] experience, and … [our] good.”^13"

^{Elder Robert D. Hales}
See full talk here. So amazing!

Why I Love November...Or At Least Most Of It...

2011-11-01T22:03:00.000-07:00

1. Thanksgiving (favorite holiday next to the Berry National Holiday)
2. It is Grateful Gourd season in the J.Berry home
3. Dadio, Mama Berry, Poncho Villa, and Senorita Erickson will be visiting for 3 days (can you believe the G-parents have never been to the Bay?)
4. The annual stay-cation (this year I think I need this more than ever...bring on the golf!)
5. Starting on the 10th, I don't have to worry about fiscal year end for another 9 months (bless the day!)

Meet Al Capone and Carrie Crooner Ravioli

2011-10-31T23:51:00.000-07:00

HN has yet again roped me into participating in her favorite holiday. Tonight we attended a Murder Mystery Dinner, where there was murder, intrigue, cheating, bribing, excellent food, laughing, and impressive acting. (please note it was a game). My mob boss husband got murdered, I was dating Al Capone on the side, and as the night went on I learned I was also seeing multiple other men...clearly my alter-ego Carrie is more scandalous than the real me. HN and NB throw a great party! Thanks girls!

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T14:09:00.000-07:00

Poncho decided to dress up this year!

(photo courtesy of Dadio)

Hawaii Meets Poncho Villa

2011-10-29T14:04:00.000-07:00

Poncho Villa and Senorita Erickson joined Dadio and Mama Berry in Hawaii for vacation. (Yes again, I was not invited to join them). :) As you can see Poncho brought a little Idaho with him.

The Fab Four are stopping in the Bay on their home too next week!

Totally Exhausted-Yes

2011-10-28T22:41:00.000-07:00

I've been MIA most of October...life happens.

Mama Berry came to the Bay to take care of me for a few days. She's a superhero, albeit a superhero exhausted (see photo) after whipping me into shape for a few days. For the first time in my life I was the one making the list of "chores" for her, not the other way around. As a kid, Mama Berry was (still is) famous for making a To do list for each of her kids each day. I blame her for my OCD need to cross things off a list to this day. I made my list, my Mama came and then she conquered. She tackled a list that I had been making for over a year but due to a less than stellar year physically haven't accomplished. She took me to get injections, got me dressed, was the 24 hr nurse that I know, love, and miss, ran a laundry list of errands, cleaned cupboards, mopped the floor, cleaned the kitchen, vacuumed, commission the window washing by JLS (thanks JLS!), went shoe shopping, and the real kicker (that was NOT even on my list)...she painted my room (in about a 24 hr time period)!

Seriously folks, the woman is a superhero. Look up the definition and it will read: see also, Mama Berry. For the sake of the world I wish everyone had one of her. While I may still be totally exhausted, I appreciated the 24 hr care.

Now as for the MIA bit, I'll do better starting in November...maybe after I make it through fiscal year end.

Happy Birthday Brown Eyes

2011-10-21T22:25:00.000-07:00

This little one turned TWO! She's such a funny kid!

So excited to see this girls soon(ish)!

The BIG 70!

2011-10-08T17:10:00.000-07:00

Senorita Erickson turned 70 today! Can you believe that? I cannot. She still doesn't look a day over 50. HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDMA!!!

I was telling my hair genius Gustavo this morning as we were discussing the beauty of my hair as he was sculpting it that it is genetic. Senorita Erickson didn't have gray hair until 69 yrs old (serious folks), Mama Berry has no gray hair. Up until 69 Senorita Erickson had never colored her hair, nor has Mama Berry, and neither have I. I plan to make it until I'm at least 70 before I have to alter the color of this dark strawberry hair. Gustavo agrees! hehe...so thanks to good genes and here's to another great year for the matriarch of the Erickson pack.

Guest Blogger: JP's Response To CP's Post

2011-10-07T18:37:00.000-07:00

I received the sweetest email from JP this week and as author and editor of my blog I shall post it below. Let me also just add: CP and JP are gracious and hilarious friends, who clearly love me and I have the utmost respect for each of them. (I did not however pay them to say such nice things...promise).

Dear JB,

I would like to respond to Mr. CP's blog with your permission, he missed a few of the most important points. JB, you are allowed to edit, cut, paste, and rewrite.

Here it begins:

Hello dear readers. My name is Jennifer Peterson. I would like to challenge Mr. Chris Perry to a duel of epic proportions. Unfortunately Mr. Chris Perry is the land of milk and honey in California and I am in the cold wintry Massachusetts so this duel of epic proportions will have to be delayed until we meet each other again. I suspect the meeting will be at a distant mutual friend's wedding that we are both crashing. I will be talking to an acquaintance that I have forgotten her name when I will notice Chris Perry staring at me across the room. Chris will come over and ask me to introduce me to the person I am talking to. I will glare at Chris and ignore his comment. Yes, this will be awkward. Yes I will eventually have to admit that I do not remember the person's name. At that point the duel will commence. Until that awkward moment, I challenge Chris Perry to a duel of words and rhetoric.

I will mention that Chris Perry is correct in advocating that Jess Berry is Better Than You, however Chris Perry is off target on the word choice "Seriously." I propose the following word choice with supporting quotes.

Jess Berry is Graciously Better Than You.

Quote One: "Well they are in good company then." Jess, affectionately known as JB, will use this quote when one of her friends mentions that a person of prominence holds the same opinion as JB. JB has a well defined sense of self confidence. Using her self confidence she inspires you to find your own. She encourages you to be the best you can be.

Quote Two: "Yankees are ..." I usually don't understand the rest of these sentences as they go off into baseball land. This quote however emphasizes how loyal Jess is to her team. If you are lucky enough to be on her team, she will be loyal to you.

Quote Three: She appreciates sweet potato fries. Jess Berry appreciates the simple pleasures and the finer things of life like no one else. She has great taste. (see CP's cooking comments) She will make you feel welcome. She reaches out to those who need it most.

Supporting arguments (I could not expand on all, after all I'm in Graduate School now and have homework and such!)

Red Checkered Vans proves she is a better shopper than you.

Her moves to Party in the USA proves she is a better dancer than you.

P90X proves she is a better ab ripper than you.

Any questions/comments/concerns/rebuttals/suggestions - please email me.

Yours,

October 7th In Tetonia

2011-10-07T16:59:00.000-07:00

Yikes...not sure I am ready to handle a "white" (code for cold!) Christmas this year!

Guest Blogger: CP

2011-10-06T17:30:00.000-07:00

***Blog owner comment...because I think CP is hilarious I did not edit one word.

Jess Berry is Seriously Better Than You

Hi everyone. My name is Chris Perry, and I'll be your blogger for this post. Please put your seatbacks in a reclined position, and laugh at the dude behind you who is currently contorting his body to avoid the largesse of his seat companion, whose life you just made a tiny bit more miserable on this 1.5 hour flight o' getting-bumped-by-sir-chub-a-lub-every-thirty-seconds.

I'm honored to have this opportunity again. Rare is the occasion in which I can write a post and not spend the entire time in a state of panic, praying that the magical humor gods don't suddenly desert me. I don't even have to write about a subject! I can just blabber on here! And I'm not even going to have to face Google Analytics and its insistence on showing me only three people read this! Ahhhh, the bliss!

No, but seriously, there is a very serious subject I'd like to discuss today, and that is why Jess Berry is Seriously Better Than You.

Reason #1: Jess Berry is an Accountant.

I used to date an accountant,* and, let me tell you, they are awesome. She eventually dumped me (coughonmultipleoccasionscough), I think because she realized that I was dating her mostly because she was super hot, but also because I would never have to deal with a tax return AGAIN. Seriously, can you imagine the world of perpetual bliss? Smooching AND no taxes? Think about the worst thing you can imagine: like getting slapped in the face repeatedly by inebriated rabid porcupines while being waterboarded with rancid yogurt (no, I am not describing what it is like to smooch me, I am making a point on the misery of taxes), then multiply that by ten, and that is what doing taxes is like.

But Accountants LOVE that stuff!** They LOVE porcupines! They even love rancid yogurt!*** But they especially love doing things like trying to convince the IRS that I don't owe them any taxes for the year in which I lost thousands of dollars on the stock market.

If you'll excuse me for a moment, I need to cry bitter tears of anguish.

Okay. We're good.

Jess Berry is better than you because she is an Accountant.

Reason #2 Jess Berry Can Cook.

Don't let her insistence on calling some mild deviant of Sloppy Joes Sloppy Dans throw you off. She can cook a mean Sunday dinner, and boy, you had better appreciate that, or you have some explaining to do. I once was running late to a dinner she invited me to,**** and I spent the entire drive sweating bullets worried that she was going to call and harass me like she is known to do. And why does she make those phone calls? Because her food is worth it people. Worth. It.

Also worth it: her Sunday dinner stories. On further reflection, I'm pretty sure those might even eclipse her dinner. I have but three words: leopard-print speedo. Curious? Well, you can either come swimming with me sometime,***** or sit down by the fire with Jess Berry and listen to her regale you with Tales from Idaho.

Jess Berry is better than you because she can cook.

Reason #3 Jess Berry Can Golf

Now, only men who are the most secure in their masculinity are capable of even mentioning her golfing ability, because they would be then forced to admit that she can destroy them on any golf course with ease. As I am known to keep a flower in my car, this obviously applies to me.****** Golfing is probably the most masculine of sports, because you drive cars, sit around, and occasionally break a sweat when the temperature in the wilderness in which you constantly hit your ball becomes unbearable, and yet, Mz. Berry rocks the golf course, and even does it without spending the majority of her time diving into lakes, re-raking sand traps while attempting to coerce the sounds of various obscenities to be unrecognizable to the ears of more righteous companions, and suffering from severe bouts of anxiety as crowds of people line up behind you and curse under their breaths for the bad luck of getting stuck behind someone whose sole successful drive occurred at some point in the nineties, and this only by the grace of God.*******

Jess Berry is better than you because she can golf.

There are more reasons Jess Berry is Seriously Better Than You, but we're going to have to cap the list here because:

A) About three people will make it this far into the post

B) I should really be "working" right now, and

C) Do you honestly need more proof than that? I'd say my point is proven.

Q.E.D.

*Okay, she technically wasn’t an accountant when we were dating, but I ascribe to the old adage that accountants aren’t made, they are born.

**Except the smooching me part. See: Getting broken up with, Chris.

***I am just kidding. Nobody likes rancid yogurt. Or that freakishly-blue concoction also known as skim milk. And if they do, you should run as fast as you can and outfit yourself with a wooden stake or something because they are CRAZY. Oh, what's that you say? You like skim milk? Excuse me while I find that stake I stashed around here somewhere...

****She, being kind and loving, occasionally invites the local hermit out to interact with humans.

*****I kiiid, I kiiid. Even if I wore a speedo, you can bet I would never admit to that in this G-rated venue. Unless you like that sort of thi...I KID!

******Great thing about driving with flowers: you can continually claim it's evidence of your heightened masculinity, when it, in fact, is clearly not.

*******Incidentally, do you see how long that sentence is? It's a freaking monster. Now THAT'S a masculine sentence ladies. You'll overlook that sissy flower bit before, right? Right? And I realize I changed subjects/tenses/everything in there at least twice. It was intentional. How else can you get through a sentence that long? Seriously, who do you think I am? Wait, don't answer that.

Opportunities to Do Good

2011-10-04T20:03:00.000-07:00

There are amazing people everywhere willing to lift a helping hand and always opportunities to do good! We must simply be looking and be willing to act!

The New Profile Picture Winner/Side Bar Refresher

2011-10-02T18:36:00.000-07:00

Along with letting folks comment on the post to vote I also employed a ranking tool to gather feedback from other friends using Peektree. Peektree is the latest Silicon Valley start-up. I actually am friends with the founders of the company and so it is exciting to see them launch after lots of work. It is a very helpful, fun, and somewhat addicting (in a good way) tool. You should check it out, try it, pass it along to others to use.

The survey says...the green beauty by popular vote. Mama Berry will be pleased with this pick...I still may throw in Big Mouth Beauty in a few months to mix things up, we'll see.

Also, this is a good time to provide a refresher on what's available on the blog sidebar.

1. The Mormon Message Video: Our Hands His Hands, Our Hearts His Heart

2. Team Hydro! You can already sign up for Sharkfest 2012 or donate to the Kate Finlayson research grant. It is a worthwhile cause.

3. The beautiful artwork and greeting cards by SEC. She's very talented and just illustrated a children's book, for sale on Amazon. Find it here! It is a great Christmas gift for the kiddos.

4. The button to lead you to Mormon.org, a great place to learn more about what I believe.

The SJ Professional Wedding Pics Are Here!

2011-10-01T23:42:00.000-07:00

SJ sent us 554 photos to view and it was hard coming up with my favorite shot, as these two are a camera's dream. Yet I believe I've selected my favorite shot that captures SJ's joy of the day!

And for your viewing pleasure, SJ and her girls...

Acting like ladies!

Acting like us!

SJ, the girls, and the wedding photographer, Chris Wood. Chris has photographed the weddings of MPR, HC, and now SJ. (MB was already married when MPR found him). After three weddings with the five of us, he's labeled us his California girls and says he's ready for the next wedding. Haha, one day.

Blessings of Conference, There is Something For Everyone!

2011-10-01T11:11:00.000-07:00

The Joy Of This Weekend!

2011-09-30T12:09:00.000-07:00

1. Spending Saturday and Sunday listening to General Conference. You don't have to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon) to watch or listen. Any and all are welcome to watch, in fact I encourage it!
For times and listings of the conference; go here. To watch here. To listen here. To learn more about General Conference, go here.2. An organized desk!
3. Girls night while the men attend the Priesthood session of conference)!!
4. Dinner with AS and LS!
5. Saturday morning crepes!
6. Resting!
7. Postseason baseball begins!

I Heart My Little Ladies

2011-09-29T23:36:00.000-07:00

I suspect that many of you turn green with envy when you see yet another adorable shot of these two Berry girls on my blog. Go easy on yourself, it is a common reaction. I am bias obviously, yet this is my blog so my bias is truth. Averina and Brown Eyes are adorable and hilarious (mandatory traits for all Berry girls)! These little ladies make me smile more than watching the Yankees win (that's love)...I'll gladly take one or two more of these cuties.

September Cook Club

2011-09-28T23:40:00.000-07:00

Butter chicken, Naan, roasted carrots, a classic salad. Delicious! I love cook club! Best club since the No Boy Allowed Club Lindy and I created as kids. HB did an excellent job on the main dish!

Don't worry, the night got better...we had these babies baked by HN...followed by the Red Soxs losing to Baltimore, hence losing the wildcard race when the Yankees graciously let Tampa Bay win (this is one loss I'm willing to wear proudly)! Thank you Baltimore! Go Yankees and hello postseason baseball!

Jess Berry Quote of The Day!

2011-09-27T19:32:00.000-07:00

Happiness is like a butterfly: the more you chase it, the more it will elude you.

But if you turn your attention to other things, it will come and sit softly on your shoulder.

Thoreau

A Must Read Author

2011-09-26T06:05:00.000-07:00

CP* is the author of The Complete Guide To Everything. A blog that will teach you anything, everything, and how to laugh. If you don't find it hilarious then you are probably boring (there has to be a boring person or two in the world so if it you don't feel too badly).

I give CP this shout-out for three reasons.

1. This is my way of persuading him to be a guest blogger soon (aka this week CP)!

2. I hope to reap some of the benefits when he's famous, after all I'm his unofficial PR rep.

3. He's cool and I like cool people.

*As of last week CP no longer wears glasses, read about it here.

MP Turns A Quarter Today!

2011-09-25T00:07:00.000-07:00

MP doesn't really make a big deal out of her birthday (sad I know), but MP is a big deal so I would like her to know that turning 25 is a big deal and that she is loved and will be celebrated for many years to come! HAPPY 25TH MP! You are my hero!

Best Dinner Entertainment

2011-09-24T20:05:00.000-07:00

P&J are in Hawaii (lucky!) so JLS and I get to hang with these cool dudes! I'll admit, J&L wore me out today. Yet I still think they are adorable and complete charmers, they had the whole room laughing with them at dinner tonight.

The nose scrunch is a common look I receive from both these guys and a look I gladly give in return. :)

Reasons To Love The Weekend

2011-09-23T15:24:00.000-07:00

1. Sleep
2. No conference calls
3. Sleep
4. Relaxing with J&L while P&J relax in Hawaii
5. Church

Mama Berry Wants A New Profile Picture Again...

2011-09-22T18:00:00.000-07:00

Mama Berry is never satisfied...kidding, she's not requested a new profile picture in over a year. Find her last request here. She is still my number 1 reader so I must appease her whenever possible. I have since learned I have a few extra faithful readers (thanks guys!), and not all of them are related to me.

Your job: Vote by commenting which one you'd prefer. (Maybe this will get some of you blog creepers to actually comment). Please vote by Monday. If you don't care, that's fine...you're vote doesn't matter anyways. ;)

Option 1: Black and White Beauty

Option 2: Green Beauty

Option 3: Mud Beauty

Option 4: Blind Beauty

Option 5: Big Mouth Beauty

(personally think this fits my blog personality best)

Spreading Love

2011-09-21T03:34:00.000-07:00

Remember that time when some cool people decided to enter a video contest for Mormon Messages? Well see that couple dressed up in the white dress and white shirt and tie? Those two kids were two of the four masterminds behind the camera of the successful project. They also have fallen in love. AC decided he wanted to propose to NB. He asked the rest of us in this photo to help pull off his elaborate proposal. To read about their proposal read here. It was my privilege to watch from a distance while hiding in a field as these two agreed to sign up for eternity. We sure love them! Congratulations!

My Favorite Food Anytime Of The Day

2011-09-19T18:30:00.000-07:00

I Took The "Pot"

2011-09-17T06:57:00.000-07:00

The metaphorical pot that is, as we don't bet money or anything else for that matter. We just use the same grocery bag full of candy as "bits" to play every month. Look at that hand!

How Does Your Heart Measure?

2011-09-14T23:18:00.000-07:00

When the Lord measures an individual, He does not take atape measure around the person’s head to determine his mental capacity, nor hischest to determine his manliness, but He measures the heart as an indicator ofthe person’s capacity and potential to bless others.

Elder Marvin J. Ashton

Jess Berry Quote of The Day!

2011-09-13T09:22:00.000-07:00

Great opportunities to help others seldom come, but small ones surround us every day.

Sally Koch

The Hammers Spoil Me...

2011-09-12T04:14:00.000-07:00

Sunday the celebrations continued! The Hammers hosted a little dinner in my honor. As per usual, the food was amazing! HN could make cardboard taste good I've decided. It was a lovely evening, one that I really appreciated, not just because HN made red velvet cake to die for but also the great conversation, entertainment (JBH), and teasing (a real sign that people like you). ;)

I've been craving that red velvet cake since JP's bday 2010!

After an unfortunate week battling spiders, JBH thought it would be hilarious if my dessert was served in this...he was right!

Thanks Hammers!

National Holiday Gathering

2011-09-11T13:30:00.000-07:00

On the actual day of my birthday, The Berry National Holiday, I woke up and had a massage first thing. My old body needed that badly. I left my massage to the most awesome voicemail from Dadio, singing the Berry birthday song. He's got real potential to be as good as Jed Fred and I. Followed by those delicious crepes and the raspberry jam that I consider worth more than precious gold. Once I was fully satisfied I took a little rest. Later that afternoon, HN and I did a little birthday pampering...manicures and pedicures. HN, Miss America, did patriotic red on her fingers and toes...predictable. :) I went with my motto for life: Go BRIGHT or stay home. The massage chairs were amazing and I believe we have now found the only place I'll go for pedicures and manicures. We had stake conference that night (it was good) and then CW, HB, and JLS threw a little gathering to celebrate my birth. Very enjoyable and I felt very loved.

KW and I...we always take good pictures together!

JLS made this spectacular golf cake in my honor! She was also so kind to pick hole #5 from the course we play at weekly for her inspiration, placing the golf balls in the spots we each consistently hit to on that hole. Yes, my golf ball is in the bunker. Very funny JLS, very funny!

BT and I

CW and I

Team J with the awesome cake!! Sure do love golfing with these ladies every week!

HB made me my oatmeal cake! (The annual birthday cake). It turned out great, so amazing. They thought they were hilarious by putting in trick candles...clearly I'm not as full of hot air as most think, I was very winded after this.

Two of my favs, CH and BC.

The fruits of our pampering earlier that day.

Best Present EVER

2011-09-11T13:01:00.000-07:00

Mama Berry mailed me her famous homemade raspberry jam. I decided I better make myself crepes for my birthday so I had something to spread my jam on instead of just eating it by the spoonfuls (like I had done for two straight days).

I heart Mama Berry!

National Holiday Kickoff With The Giants

2011-09-11T12:57:00.000-07:00

Friday night was spent watching America's favorite pass time, BASEBALL! It was a great way to kickoff the birthday celebrations! The Giants lost to the Dodgers but we were fed well that night and MP brought a cake, matches, candles, and her singing voice to celebrate. Only MP could pull that off! Thanks for making me feel special!

Cool view as we were leaving the Stadium that evening.

After 4.5 Years...

2011-09-06T04:13:00.000-07:00

I finally took a Stanford tour on Monday morning. I know, this is something you do when you are a tourist or a perspective freshmen...I suppose I decided it was time to take the tour when I learned they had cute tour guides. ;)

In all seriousness or at least as serious as I am on my blog, LE gave an excellent tour. I learned new things about Stanford, now know exactly where Ike's is on campus, spent a lovely hour walking around campus, watched an elderly Asian man approve noddingly that LE will graduate in four years from Stanford, and found myself wishing I had gone to Stanford yet again (if only for the personal chefs in houses). :)

See a beautiful day! The places where the sun shines 360 days of the year.

Up close view of Memorial Church.

Israel Follow Up

2011-09-03T19:20:00.000-07:00

Remember that amazing Arabic meal I mentioned? See pictures below of the deliciousness.

While we were in Tel Aviv we had an interesting homeless man come and join us on a park bench...not cool. He kept trying to shake our hands and kiss them...yikes. Each of my friends let him shake their hands...I was the only one smart enough to just say no. :)

As you can see, I am not impressed...

A good shot of the wall that Israel continues to build around the West Bank...on their land no less.

The Fountain of Youth-THE DEAD SEA

2011-09-03T19:07:00.000-07:00

We went to the Dead Sea TWICE! We did two mud baths with the magic mud of the Dead Sea each time. After the first trip I looked like I was 12 years old...following the second trip I now look like I'm 6 yrs old. It possibly has been my favorite experience in Israel. It was so therapeutic! I can totally see why women pay outrageous amounts of money to go to spas and have mud baths. I haven't enjoyed playing in the mud so much since that time as a kid when Lindy and I made mud pies and it took Mom hours to wash Lindy's mop of hair. I think that all the Erickson and Berry women should take a trip to the Dead Sea for next year's girl outing...I'd definitely attend this outing! Folks always comment on how young my Grandma and Mom look and I'm here to tell you the Dead Sea could keep those comments coming at least another 30 yrs (at least). When I washed off the first layer of mud it felt like my legs had been freshly shaved (clearly I'm on vacation and so I hadn't shaved my legs all week), after washing off the second layer of mud it felt like my whole body had been lasered. Pure bliss is the only real explanation of the Dead Sea that can begin to do it justice. After the magic mud, we had ice cream for lunch (oh yes and I had a snickers ice cream bar for breakfast each morning...the perks of vacation). Send me back!!!

The three Inca warrior women...you could have shot an arrow at me and it would have bounced off with the layering job I did.

Who else agrees that I should submit this photo to the National Geographic? I imagine if I lived in the time of Inca warriors I'd be one and this is how I'd prepare for battle.

We were so happy to bring LS on Dead Sea Day 2! She may not love it as much as BE and I but we made sure she looked great!!

Mama Berry thinks it is time for a new profile picture on the blog. Maybe this should be in the running?

See we look like teenagers again, at least!

Too Young For Kindergarten!

2011-08-29T22:57:00.000-07:00

Averina is growing up way too fast!

Crepes Disaster

2011-08-28T22:47:00.000-07:00

Yes I did this tonight...I blame the blender, luckily we had plenty of ingredients to make more. Not the best start to cooking gourmet crepes at someone's home...but the bright side is that the ones that actually made it on the pan turned out delicious (as always). Thanks to KW, JLS, IW, and HB for cleaning it up!

If Being Adorable Was A Competition...

2011-08-28T21:08:00.000-07:00

Then my little ladies would win, hands down.

Love these girls!

Friday Night Feast At Leilee's

2011-08-28T07:17:00.000-07:00

Friday night Leilee and her family hosted us for a fabulous feast. It was so wonderful. Her Dad is a master on the grill. Each dish was delicious and she made her amazing blueberry crumb cake (Lucy's favorite)! My photo only teases at how amazing the evening was. You should check out Leilee's food blog here. She is very talented.

The sweetest part of the evening was spending time with these wonderful folks: Pete, Leilee, Lucy, and Roy. My first team at HP and still my closest friends. I was very lucky to work with them for so long and miss them. You'll never find a manager better than Roy (we would all agree). It was so fun catching up and visiting about life, work, "meals", growing old, and the future. For as much as they all tease me for my Idaho accent and other things that will remain unmentioned, I think they are all pretty great! Thanks again Leilee for such a delightful evening!

The Greatest Grilled Cheese EVER

2011-08-27T22:48:00.000-07:00

Tuesday we had a DB Dinner, DB chose the menu: Grilled cheese sandwiches, tomato soup, and salad. Now do you see why I love DB? A girl after my own heart! We will miss having her around, but my couch is always available for visits!

TB, marked mine with a J and look how well it turned out?

Golden, extra cheese, and my initial = Greatest Grilled Cheese Ever!

The Dead Sea-Sneak Peek

2011-08-27T21:35:00.000-07:00

The Dead Sea, Jordan is on the other side of the sea. Britta, her Dad, and I went to the Dead Sea on a Wednesday and had a blast...we also left the camera in the car. We loved it so much that we went back on Friday, with LS and our cameras. The tragedy is that my camera died about 10 mins into being at the Dead Sea so for the awesome photos we'll have to wait until LS sends me the photos...so stay tuned for those.

PS: Driving a wheelchair is hard, especially one-handed. LS is a hero among mortals as I watch her successfully maneuver through just about every type of obstacle.

Tel Aviv-Joining 300 Protesters

2011-08-27T17:46:00.000-07:00

The week before I left for Israel KM sat by me in RS and said: So are you excited to be with the 300 protesters next week? I looked at her blankly and said: What? In true KM fashion I got the eye look that says: You're kidding me, you don't know? I know, following the news is last on my list of things to do most days... Thanks to KM being much more versed in news than I, we were ready to join the 300 friendly protesters in Tel Aviv, protesting housing costs. Of course, we had to document it, if only for KM!

BE's friend Michael photographing for us...taking a classic shot of himself.

We are so adorable...

Housing conditions?

An argument...not surprising

Entering the protest...which was really just a huge amount of tents setup on a highly trafficked street in Tel Aviv, populated by hippies (I mean friendly protesters), their children, and of course their pets.

Among the locals...

See the tents? As we sat on a bench for awhile I became increasingly more nervous in my surroundings. Not because it was a violent protest but because the "living conditions" were a breeding ground for fleas and I was just sure that I was going to come home with fleas since they love my blood (not kidding folks, I am itching as I type...luckily I haven't found any bites on me thus far...). Yet the risk of another flea infestation was well worth the chance to document the news for KM! We heart you, KM.

The Crepe Cook-Off:The Israel Competition

2011-08-27T08:20:00.000-07:00

BE had a brilliant idea that her Dad and I have a crepe cook-off (mostly so she, LS, and CR could enjoy the fruits of our labor) one evening.

The cooks

The masterminds and bias judges.

The golden crepe...it took me several crepes to get the pan just the right temperature but finally it was ready for judging. It is really hard to compete on foreign soil, without my own pan and spatula (it really does make all the difference).

The scoreboard and a crepe that I consumed immediately after this picture.

RE won (based on bias judging and one piece of criteria that isn't really in the control of the cook: whether you can get it in your mouth without making a mess, yeah right BE!) I will say however, RE's crepes are delicious. RE and I agree that we now need a cook-off on my home turf, to make it fair.

The proud winner (wearing ME's morning bonnet)

Jerusalem- Day 3

2011-08-27T07:17:00.000-07:00

What an amazing and interesting city. My favorite spot was the garden tomb. The spirit was so strong there. As I approached the tomb I was experiencing yet again the aches and pains of my mortality (my legs and back have had a rough go of it the last couple of days). When I got to the tomb I imagined how the Savior arose and for a tender moment felt His embrace. My friend turned to me and said, the Resurrection Jess Berry. I replied: I cannot wait, it will be a sweet day. Probably my sweetest day, to be resurrected with a perfected body, void of physical deformity and pains. Those aches and pains are just a tangible reminder how sweet that day will be.

The remainder of the day was a vivid movement of culture, the old city, the Western wall, people watching, Herod's temple, and being sadden by how the Orthodox Jews treat the Arabic people (both sides are to blame for the pressure cooker that is Israel, not just the "Arab terrorists"). I imagine Heavenly Father weeps by how the inhabitants of such a Holy Land treat one another.

The Ellwangers having lived in Israel seven years gave us both an historical and current cultural/political tour. It has been so eye-opening. One Orthodox Jew pushed me in the Arabic market, I almost decked him (haven't been that upset since CB called me names in PE and did get decked). This is very typical behavior of the Israeli people, somewhat rude to everyone.

The most wonderful words spoken in history!

Golgotha (surprisingly close to the garden tomb)

Christ's tomb

The tomb itself was rather small I thought

BE and LS in the tomb

The Damascus Gate and Arabic market (love the walls)

The love Ninja Turtles!

Walking into the market...

For MPR...thought of you when I saw these!

Butcher shops everywhere...very cool! Maybe my next profession?

Dome of the Rock

Sweet view of Herod's temple

Up close view of the temple

The Western Wall, it was very interesting to people watch at the Western Wall...the lady below was my favorite by far.

She had to have been 10 months pregnant, I was a little worried I was going to have to help her when she went into labor. She stood up, took her Torah, closed her eyes, started swaying/dancing, and then reciting her prayer. She was very involved in her worship, so much so that she didn't open her eyes as she ran into multiple children walking pass her...nothing was going to stop her. 20 minutes after we left the wall this same lady was on the street corner begging for money (rather common since almost all Orthodox Jews don't work in Israel).

The Galilee Valley

2011-08-27T05:17:00.000-07:00

Day 1 we went to the borders of Syria, Jordon, and Lebanon! Okay, not exactly to the borders but very close! Those three countries all border Israel by the Sea of Galilee and we drove as close as we could get...while still being safe obviously. We also went to Capernaum, the Valley of Armageddon, and had some amazing foods...and ended my day with ice cream (the only way to end a day of traveling, a Jess Berry rule of traveling). Visiting Capernaum was cool, given that that was where Christ lived most of his three year ministry and the original steps to the synagogue that is referred to in the scriptures is still there and was interesting to see. The sea of Galilee is gorgeous!

The view of the Sea of Galilee from Tiberia.

BE, ME (our wonderful hostess, BE's Mama, and our tour guide, she made the experience wonderful!), and I on the balcony of the LDS church in Galilee. Can you say, lucky members that attend that branch?

With LS

You know, just the latest form of transportation on a busy Israeli street...the man has a death wish driving that on the street.

Arabic "salad"

Obviously based on my face, delicious!

Attempting to look like a tourist...

The remaining walls of Peter's home in Capernaum.

On the temple steps.

Original Capernaum city walls

Temple in Capernaum.

I was the driver all day on Day 2. ME is a very brave lady to hand the wheel over to a California driver...It was frightening at first, no one obeys traffic laws here but after awhile I started to get the hang of it and I am alive to tell about it! It helped me not get car sick though today so that is a plus! After only three days in the country I became a true Israeli driver according to BE. This bus was trying to butt into my lane of traffic, I laid on the horn, waved my hands, starting yelling: No, No, and then sped up so he couldn't cut us off. You are either on the defense of offense driving in Israel, no middle ground. The aggressive nature of the drivers probably will have lasting effects on my driving...yikes.

The Ellwangers took us to a friend's house for a traditional Arabic meal that evening It was so AMAZING!!! I mean I have had most of these foods through the years in the Bay but none of them compare to this meal. The family was so hospitable! They fed us eight delicious desserts! EIGHT and I tried all EIGHT! The husband is a retired CPA and we had lots to visit about. Every day I've been here I've met someone either from Idaho (2 last night) or people that know people I know. It could be that the LDS community is small or that I'm Ron Berry's daughter...probably a combo.

See how tight I'm gripping that steering wheel?

Putting on a brave face for the passengers.

The Sea of Galilee from the Mt. of Beatitudes.

Love this! That husband gets major bonus points for carrying the wife's purse.

Mt. of Beatitudes

Real olive press

The location thought to have been where Christ performed feeding the 5,000 using 2 fishes and 5 loaves of bread.

Picture for Mama Berry (I bet you love the curly hair, right?)

The Galilee Valley is beautiful, probably the prettiest part of Israel.

Vacation Baby!

2011-08-12T03:00:00.000-07:00

1. Packed, check. Thanks to JP and KB! (with camera to document the goodness)

2. No work for 10 days, check!

3. Pulling an all-nighter to fight the impending jet lag, check.

4. Ready to see The Water Filter and L-Schoe, YES!

5. Excited, check!

Shalom!

Go Bright or Go Home

2011-08-10T01:36:00.000-07:00

The JB and JP Summer 2011 collection, embrace the color! (I really struggled not just calling out her shoes after she said the opening prayer in my Sunday school class. Love that JP and her style.

Flashback: La Jolla Apt 211

2011-08-09T01:14:00.001-07:00

SJ...always keeping us entertained! GH found this gem and sent it to me this week.

Repeat Champs!

2011-08-08T01:03:00.000-07:00

The Berry Oil boys took 1st again in the Sun Valley tourney, shooting 14 under par. Talented guys! Would you expect anything less?

Minnie Mike Baby Shower

2011-08-07T01:18:00.000-07:00

Saturday we had a baby shower for Mama MPR and Minnie Mike before they take off to NM.HC and MB got a Lil' Monster bib for the Lil' Monster. So great!

We went to The Melting Pot...a first for all four of us. Very delicious!

Too many cute baby clothes to have a favorite...Minnie Mike will be a loved and spoiled baby, at least if I can help it.

MB and I were the entertainment for the evening...or at least we think we are that funny!

yikes!

You better believe it that the baby clothes were wrapped in this...what can I say, bridal showers are my specialty, not baby showers...

Driving Miss Berry

2011-08-06T17:19:00.000-07:00

Saturday morning JP came over and drove me around to run errands. Either she really loves me or was really bored or a combination (probably the most likely scenario). We learned that I like to push the shopping cart faster. Thanks to JP I won't be bringing 10 bottles of small shampoo and I have cool paisley purse to take as well.

Look at JP's serious face...clearly she takes her job of driving Miss Berry seriously.

Now she smiles...JP, thanks for a great Saturday morning!

I introduced JP to The Milk Pail as well...only four years too late. Yet I still gave her the VIP tour and secret rules to conquer each trip to The Milk Pail...which I will share with you now.

1. Only bring your keys and debit card into the store (no need to carry a bulky purse).

2. Remember Milk Pail patrons for the most part are rude (I've never understood why though) so be on the defense...i.e. grab the first basket you can spot and don't aimlessly wander through the market, pick a route and stick to it.

3. Always, always sample the cheese selections at the back of the store.

4. Nutella by the small container is always less expensive at the Milk Pail than Safeway.

5. Each checker has their own line so don't go to the south side of the store line and think you'll wait your turn...aim for the three middle checkout lines...those are always the quickest.

***I also told JP about the game I play every week in the Milk Pail...see how much produce you can buy for under $10, it is more fun than 10 items or less.

JP can't say I've never taught her anything now...

My Amazing Chip Shots!

2011-08-01T22:48:00.000-07:00

Saturday MW came to PA and took me golfing. It was such a glorious day to play 18 holes of golf and a wonderful time with MW! I played pretty well. I made this amazing chip shot that landed less than a foot from the cup. I had to document it so my bro would believe me. Thanks again MW for a great day golfing!

Tonight, during the New Friday golf league I made yet again another amazing chip shot. Slowly my pitching wedge is stealing my heart...it has taken years. We also had a fewest putts contest and yours truly took the prize with 14 putts in total...not too shabby, not too shabby at all.

I heart golfing!

Apple: Official Sponsor of FMC

2011-07-31T22:41:00.000-07:00

This was the sight during FMC tonight...oh you Apple freaks (I mean lovers)...

Jess Berry Quote Of The Day!

2011-07-27T23:03:00.000-07:00

Tonight while on Facebook a friend posted this comment on another friend's wall and I, of course, couldn't help but comment myself on the wall post...LOVE IT!

K.T.
Ya know what sucks? When your team sucks. Cause when your team sucks... you suck.

A Relaxing Saturday Catching Up With BW!

2011-07-25T23:11:00.000-07:00

Saturday while in Utah was spent relaxing. SEC and I met my life-long friend, BW, and his wife, JW, for lunch. You may remember him by this story from our childhood. We met at 12:30 pm and then proceed to chat for the next 5.5 hours. It had been years since we saw one another and so there was much to talk about! Thanks to JW and SEC for humoring us as we went on and on and on!! You girls were so sweet to let us take up your whole afternoon with memories and strong opinions from both parties.

BW and I grew up in Teton Valley together until high school at which point BW and his family moved to St. George, UT. I can't really remember a time when I didn't know BW, nor a time when I didn't consider him one of my closest friends. It was so fun to meet JW for the first time (really really like her! BW is a lucky guy!). It was great catching up, remembering childhood stories, seeing how much has changed and those few bits of our personalities that will always remain the same. BW informed me that I've changed, that's I'm not as uptight as I once was...I agree, it must be all the golfing. After all these years I am still so thankful that I've had BW as my friend. We just can't wait so long between visits again (I'm already planning their trip to CA!).

Introducing The Hammers!

2011-07-24T16:01:00.000-07:00

Friday was a pretty perfect day! Especially witnessing these two friends tie the knot for time and all eternity. JBH and HN are quite the handsome pair. Congratulations to The Hammers! Thanks for being such good friends.

Their first photo as a married couple taken with a Driod! I know JBH loved that.

zoom in on this photo, it is my favorite

With the gorgeous bride! (she has some major heels on folks...I am not that short)

I actually failed at taking more photos of the day...I was too busy enjoying the day, the company, the food, and the decor.

Making A Thursday A New Friday!

2011-07-24T11:02:00.000-07:00

Thursday morning Dadio, Mama Berry, Aunt T, and I hit the links for 18 warm holes in UT. I didn't have my best game, I did out drive Dadio once though. ;)

Dadio's hole in one attempt...keyword "attempt".

Following golf we went to a temple session at the Salt Lake City temple with SEC. No wonder why it took 40 years to build...a beautiful house of the Lord. After dinner we met C&JF for a wonderful dinner and lots of visiting (we closed the establishment that night). It was a great day!

The Cheese: Miss Brown Eyes

2011-07-21T14:06:00.000-07:00

How can you not love this girl?!!

(photos courtesy of Matty and Dadio)

Grand Tetons

2011-07-19T22:52:00.000-07:00

photo courtesy of Dadio and Mama Berry

Yes, I grew up in God's country!

Why My 4 Day Weekend Will Be Amazing...

2011-07-19T22:41:00.000-07:00

1. Only three workdays (obviously Jess)

2. Golf

3. Seeing the folks

4. Attending the H&H wedding...so excited for this!!!

5. Catching up with old friends

Grilling Meat: Makes A Girl Giddy!

2011-07-18T05:17:00.000-07:00

Sunday evening I spent time grilling up these fine Tri-tips. Are they not beautiful? Don't worry, there wasn't a single slice over medium! I know how to grill my meats. I am pretty sure I had a perma-grin on my face the whole evening as I soaked in the delicious smell of meat grilling. I've decided if there was a perfume scent that mimicked meat on the grill I'd wear it daily! Happy happy day folks! Thanks to Bena for entrusting me with the best job ever!

Celebrating Miss Plaid and Kitten Lover

2011-07-16T22:21:00.000-07:00

CW had a birthday today. We did some celebrating with her. A morning full of crepes and a fashion show...see the sweet pics below!

possibly the coolest swim caps I've ever seen!

We followed that up some poolside chilling and Beaver love for the bday girl! Nothing says happy birthday better than Oh Baby Baby Baby Oh...

We heart CW and enjoy partying with her. :)

My Nieces Sparkle!

2011-07-13T05:28:00.000-07:00

What Happens When You're Behind Slow Golfers...

2011-07-13T04:01:00.000-07:00

...you snack on lots of goodies, critique the slow golfers' form (in the case of the lady Saturday she had no form), tease JLS about texting while on the course (come on JLS!), and maybe play bumper cars with the golf carts (we clearly are more mature than this but when there are slow golfers what are we to do?).