Dogs do the darndest things...

Funniest thing happened this morning.  Gabe woke up early and took Texas out.  Then he put him on the porch with all of his toys and things so he could hang out and not have to go back in his crate.  Then Gabe came back to bed.  We woke up about an hour later and Texas had climbed the chair onto the little patio table and had fallen asleep on the table cloth.  We were laughing so hard. Normally we would get the dog down right away, but we couldn't until we had both snapped a shot on our phones and our camera.  Love this puppy.

Texas Forever....

Alright, so I know that that was kind of a lame title for a post... but let me explain here.  When Gabe and I first moved to California, we decided there were a lot of other things we wanted to pay for instead of cable.  So one night we popped in the t.v. series DVD, Friday Night Lights and became ADDICTED.  It is an awesome show. Its about a high school football team from a small town in Dillon, Texas, where the only thing that matters is Football.  You've got the cheerleader, the football players, the coach and the coache's wife, the booster club and the cows.... its awesome.  We love it!   There's a line that they always throw around in the show... "Texas Forever", and we always joke about it. Well, when Gabe and I decided to get a new puppy, guess what we named the little guy.... 

Meet the Newest, Cutest member of our Family.... Texas! Isn't he pretty much the cutest thing you've ever seen?  I think so!   Gabe and I had been wanting a puppy for a couple months now.  Gabe wanted a manly dog, one that would run and play around with him, protect me when he would have to travel, and most importantly... NOT fit in a purse.  I wanted someone to go on walks with me, hang out and be a cuddler.

In walked the American Bulldog.

When we were looking for puppies at stores, in the pound and on Craig's list, we couldn't decide which would be the best fit for our little family and for the family that will someday grow.  We found this little guy on line and decided to research the American Bulldog. American Bulldogs are great family dogs.  They love their master and are gentle with kids.  They are said to be courageous and heroic.  We called around to some people with ABS (as they call them) and we could just not hear enough good things about them.  So we decided to go for it.  We called up the lady, Gabe used his great negotiating skills and got him for an unbelievable price, and a couple days later we had a beautiful pure bread American Bulldog.  

We are loving this little guy.  He is such an awesome puppy.  We are amazed at how good he is.  The first night he went right to sleep in his crate and didn't cry at all.  He doesn't go potty in the house (well most of the time), he sleeps alot and he loves to play.  It is so fun to hang out with him in our apartment complex.  I tell ya, I have met more people in the last two days than I have the whole time we've been here.  People love to come up and pet him and make googly voices at him.  And he is so gently towards them, they will just stay and talk and talk.  Its been so fun.  I love spending time with this little Dude.  And of course, if you know me, you know that I tend to over worry about things.  Needless to say, I'm on the phone constently with my dad, asking him questions about training him, feeding him, walking him, and trying to keep this little guy alive.  (Thanks dad!)  I think that Gabe and I are doing alright though.  The little boy seems happy and healthy and loves to play with us, rough house a little bit and then curl up in our lap at the end of the day.  

We're going to have lots of fun with Texas.   I'll update pictures, I can tell this guy is already growing fast and before we know it, he is going to be a BIG dog... just you wait!   

Ecuador memories...

So I was going through all my pictures this morning and I couldn't help but look through the album when Gabe and I went to Ecuador.  I love looking at the pictures and it reminds me how much I love and adore those sweet little angels down in Ecuador.  These cute little orphan children taught me so much about life.  They taught me that you don't need much to be happy.  They taught me how to truly love.  They taught me how to be selfless and care about others.  They taught me that a smile is easy to give, costs nothing, and can change lives.  They taught me that miracles still happen.  They taught me that angels truly surround us.  They taught me that Heavenly Father loves His children.  They taught to live life to the fullest and to love with everything I've got. I've been able to travel to Ecuador twice.  The first was a couple years ago when I lived there for three months and worked in the orphanages, and the second was with Gabe... 

It was a little over a year ago in May that a few of my friends (who had gone with me the first time) , Gabe, his little bro Roman, and I made the trip down to Ecuador.  Gabe and I had just barely started dating and for me, it was the best thing that could have ever happened to be able  to go back to Ecuador together... for a few reasons.  First of all because I loved these kids and the city of Cuenca so much and I wanted to share that with someone I really cared about.  Second, because Gabe loves South America, its history, its culture, and I got to see him speak and interact with the people, which was so cool!  Gabe served a mission in Venezuela and speaks awesome Spanish.  It was so fun to actually unerstand a full conversation with the people (after Gabe translated of course) and have him translate to some of the people my gratitude and thanks for taking care of these amazing children.    And last but not least.... It was in Cuenca that I really fell head over heels in love with my cute husband.  It was so fun to be with the kids together, to throw a party for the kids, walk the streets of cuenca together, and see him interact with the kids I love so much.  He was so awesome and brought down so many clothes and things to donate to the kids.  They loved him so much, especially the little boys.  The volunteers that go down to Ecuador are mostly girls, so when the little boys get to hang out with a guy (that speaks spanish) they are so happy!  And Gabe's brother Roman went down to so it was double the fun!  It was an awesome trip. And I can't wait to go back to South America with Gabe.. (hopefully Venezuela next, I would love to meet the people that he served)   

Anywho... I'm so glad I stumbled through these photos today... so many awesome memories!!!!  

life is awesome!!!

Alright, so life in Southern California really is all its cracked up to be! Things having been going so good for Gabe and I and I'm finding life to be just getting better and better. And in regards to my last post... the sun got my message!  Summer has finally begun.  School is out for the summer, the sun is out, and more and more we see cars headed towards the beach with surf boards strapped to the top.  Sometimes I feel like I am living in a "Save by the Bell" episode!  (which is awesome... I personally am a huge fan of the show)  We have come to the conclusion that since we live by the beach we might as well spend time there!  Its been so fun to come home from work, make a picnic and head to the beach, or spend a Saturday playing in the waves! Life is good!  And speaking of work... I FINALLY got a job here in California!  I am now a dental assistant for an awesome dentist way close to our house.  And since California requires every random licence for dental assisting, I am working on all of those while I work.  Gabe is doing awesome at his job and its so fun to hear all about his job everyday, the people he meets, the places he goes and the traffic he gets to sit in. 

      I really do love it here and am excited for an awesome summer filled with pool days, boogie boarding, camping, new adventures... and a nephew on his way!   We're so excited!

Dear Mr. Sunshine,

      I feel as if we've had some sort of miscommunication.  You see,  I was under the impression that you lived here in Orange County, California.  I've seen all the t.v. shows and the movies filmed in your backyard... and there you were, shining down, making it seem as if you were always around.  And so, when we heard we were moving to California, the only thing on my mind was you, Mr. Sunshine.  Let me remind you that I left my warm coats and jackets in Utah, where 8 months out of the year you rarely visit.  And so, Mr. Sunshine, be not afraid of the clouds and the "june gloom" they call it.  The beaches, the oceans, the pools and the BBQ's are all waiting for you!  So shine on Mr. Sunshine! Can't wait to see you!  

-Abby Valenzuela... your biggest fan

 

BEST BIRTHDAY EVER!

I turned 23!!!!!

This year was absolutely the best birthday ever! It was so great, I got to spend the whole week playing and spending time with my most favorite people.  (and if i didn't see you, it doesn't mean you didn't make the most favorite list... we just didn't have time to see EVERYONE) anywho.... We started the trip out to Las Vegas!  It was so great!  Gabe had to work all day Thursday in Vegas, so we drove out of cali Wed. night.  We stayed at the Stratosphere on the top of the strip in Las Vegas.  We woke up early the next day, and while Gabe spent the day workin' hard, I worked hard on my tan.  It was so great.  I went to the gym, walked around the shops and spent the rest of the day laying out by the pool.  It was so nice to spend the day just hangin out... bein' a girly girl.  Then after Gabe had put in a good days work, he came back to take me to a birthday dinner.  He took me to this awesome little Mexican place down the road.  It was so delicious!  We ate sizzling fajitas, yummy chips and salsa and awesome fried ice cream... my favorite!!

The day was perfect, well that is until my fears got the best of me.... you see, we stayed at the stratosphere, home of "The Big Shot", and that ride had been staring me down all day.  If you don't know I am terrified of heights... terrified.  And one year when I was in highschool I

 decided to make myself a bucket list... a list of things to do before I die.  So while I was leisurely sitting in my room writing this list I thought it would be a good idea to do something

 to conquer a fear of mine.... I thought "maybe the ride the big shot on the stratosphere" would

 be a good thing to jot down... bad idea.  Everytime I drove past that thing on a trip through vegas, I would look up and get completely sick to my stomache.  But I knew I had to do it

 eventually.  Well, for my birthday.... Gabe took my on the ride of my life.... For my birthday he

 gave me an all you can ride pass on "The Big Shot".  (below is the view from the top, beautiful, i know, but not as pretty when your shooting in the air to your death... or so i thought)

An awesome present! The chance to check off an item on my list!  Well, it wasn't as easy as I thought.  The whole way home from dinner Gabe had to convince me that it wasn't as scary as it looked.  We got back to the hotel and headed up the 108 stories to the top.  We finally got on the ride, strapped in, ready to shoot and I get a major anxiety attack... no joke, I start bawling... tears streaming down my face, begging Gabe to let me get off (bless his heart for putting up

 with this boob)... The ride attendant looked at me like a complete idiot baby (which i was) but he  let me off the ride.  I watched Gabe shoot up into the air and come back down safe and alive.  I was determined to do it.  So we got back in line and.... I did it!!!! I got on the dang ride, shot to the top, started crying again... honestly 1,149 feet above the earth, you better believe I cried,

 and then safely came back down.  I was laughing and crying and shaking so hard but I DID IT!

  Scratch that off the list.... I faced a fear, I survived the stratosphere!!!! And no.  In the picture below:  that is not a twinkle in my eye, those are big cry baby tears.

Since we had bought the two for one all you can ride pass, Gabe went on the other ride where you sit in seats that spin 1000 feet above the ground.  My husband is a brave soul.

  The next day we headed to Utah! I was so excited to see the fam and the big Utah Mountains.  I'm not going to lie, it was a good feeling to know that driving from point A to point B, I wasn't going to get lost, make a U turn or have to "recalculate".  We were also able to meet up with a couple of Gabe's friends.  I finally met Josh, the infamous Josh Wood. He in a contest at a club so Gabe and I met up with him and danced the night a way.  We were so not dressed for the occasion, being in the car all day, but it was so fun!!!! 

The next day was the best of all!!!! We got to go to one of my most favorite places on earth... the family cabin in Oakley, Utah.  I love this place! It is so beautiful and peaceful.  I love being up in the fresh mountain air.

And not only that but we went with the whole fam, both Gabe and my parents and siblings.  It was so nice to have them all up there with us.  I couldn't have asked for anything better on my birthday.  We roasted hot dogs and mollows, played games, went on walks through the woods, and Gabe put his fire skills to use and made fire after fire.

On my actual birthday my dad took us all out to dinner at an awesome little hamburger joint in Park City. Thank you dad! We just walked around a bit and enjoyed ourselves... love park city!

And to top it all off... we spent the next day driving back to beautiful California.  Even though the ride is not all that fun, it was nice to take advantage of the fact I got to sit next to my cute husband for 10 hours laughing and talking.  The whole week was so awesome.  Thank you to everyone! It really was the best birthday EVER!!! 

Happy Birthday WES!

Happy Birthday Weston!  June 6 was my big brother's birthday.  Weston's birthday is just one day ahead of my birthday and I always felt like the luckiest girl in the world because I got to share my birthday with the coolest brother in the world. Weston is such an awesome guy and really the greatest big brother.  When I was growing up, teachers and older "cooler" kids would always ask me if wes was my older brother.  When I would tell them "yes", they would always say what a cool guy he was, what a great kid and what a great athlete he was.  It is so true. I always felt lucky to walk in the footsteps of wes.  I always like to brag about how cool my big brother is... in highschool he won the state football championship, and MVP in volleyball, he was an awesome missionary in Japan, graduated from BYU (GO UTES!!!), married the cutest girl, doing great in dental school and is such an awesome dad!  He is such a great example and I look up to him so much! Happy Birthday Wes!  Love you tons!