The Luck Family

NAME OUR BABY!!!!!

2011-07-16T19:31:00.001-07:00

Because Randy and I have had such difficulty naming the one currently known as "little man" we made a bracket full of some of our top favorite names that we can't decide on. Please feel free to fill out the bracket and let us know what name you end up with in the "finale."

THANKS!
Ashley and Randy

Harken Camping 2011

2011-06-27T14:31:00.000-07:00

I first must say that after Harken camping this weekend, I am forever grateful for running water and a restroom close to my bedroom. The restrooms next to our trailer this year were broken, and so I got to hike up the hill around 2 am and 4 am each morning to use a restroom....It's good to be home near a CLOSE toilet.

Other than missing restrooms Harken camping went off without a hitch. We got to camp around 3:30pm, set up the trailer and then went to our fancy Mexican restaurant. We then went to the annual movie which happened to be Cars 2. My nephew Rylan could not have been more over-joyed as "mckween" is his favorite shirt, juice box, toy, etc. Then once the movie finished we went to our first Wal-mart trip and bought a tent (due to some miscommunication and bad assumptions Katlin and Mike found themselves shelter- less.)
The next day we went to a temple session minus Rachel (aka the sitter) and Rylan. It was really neat because we did sealings this year. We had a bunch of family names so it was even more special than normal. My dad was able to sit proxy for my grandfather to be sealed to his mother and father, and then my great grandfather was also sealed to his parents....the spirit was there and I think they were too!
After the temple session we went bowling...While we were eating lunch there, someone read you could buy old bowling pins. Randy came up with the idea of purchasing one and making it the official Manti trophy. Everyone loved the idea...and well long story short the dirty nasty pin now proudly resides in our office. Randy won this year with a whopping score of 161! I wasn't able to bowl due to my rather large belly, but I like to think the little guy must have been good luck. After bowling we made another Wal-mart trip to buy some card games. After playing a new version of UNO, the boys went and saved our Pageant seats. We then went to the traditional turkey dinner. Still pretty nasty as always, but hey, it's tradition. Finally we saw the pageant. It was wonderful like it has been the last 17+ years we've seen it. Harken camping comes only once a year, but it sure was fun and exciting. I'm actually shocked at how smooth it went this year. Really no mishaps. I suppose it means next year will be extra fun, especially since we'll be joined by an 8 month old...who I'm sure will be super naughty if he's anything like his mommy....I'm totally looking forward to it.

The Little Man's Debut

2011-05-10T18:41:00.000-07:00

IT'S A BOY

2011-04-09T08:23:00.000-07:00

We are having a baby boy October 10th!!!!

Randy's first attempt at Christmas lights....not too shabby!

2010-12-06T09:46:00.000-08:00

Opening up...it's never been my thing.

2010-11-18T08:45:00.000-08:00

Anyone who knows me, probably knows I'm a closed book. I don't like to share my feelings, and I REALLY hate to show emotion. I don't usually tell people things because I'm a private person. I usually suffer my own trials on my own. However lately I have been in the deepest darkest place. I recently read a blog where a woman was able to freely express her emotions in a terrible situation and she called it therapeutic. So here's my story....if you care to read. If anything I could sure use some prayers...maybe even a hug.

In July Randy and I had the most amazing experience. We had a beautiful positive sign on a pregnancy test. We had been trying for a while and this came unexpected, as so many negative signs had me doubting we would ever conceive. The positive sign occurred the same day we found our home we would be moving into. We loved the neighborhood across the street from a pool and playground. We loved the loft that could now be filled with children's toys. And oh how we loved the "pink" room that would become our very first nursery to house our very first child. Life couldn't have been better. We had jobs, were graduated, were moving into a GORGEOUS home, and now were expecting our first....life was perfect. It was a very easy pregnancy. I only was sick in the mornings while brushing my teeth, and then I was fine the rest of the day. Food didn't taste as good, but I didn't care. In September we went for our very first appointment and ultrasound. I had been so excited to this point, but as we were sitting in the waiting room I had this horrible feeling. Randy was reading baby magazines and talking about all the things we needed to buy and things we needed to look forward to. I just sat there quietly. My check-up was great and I seemed healthy. Then when we had an ultrasound we knew something was wrong. The baby measured 4 weeks too small. Our precious little baby had no heart beat....we had lost our baby. I have never known the pain and agony I feel now. I ended up having to have a d and c. It was the worst couple of days of my life. Reading the paperwork and viewing the word "abortion" just made me sick. Taking medication that I knew wasn't safe during pregnancy made me cry harder. I don't think I have gone a night since without crying myself to sleep. We continue to try with no success. Every day is a battle. I work in a health care facility where pregnant woman constantly come up asking me questions. Or complain about morning sickness. All I think is what I would give to have morning sickness....so I would know that my baby is there.

So that's it. Randy and I aren't horrible people that are selfish and don't want children. There is NOTHING we want more in this life than to be parents....We lost our precious baby, and I still don't know how to get over it.

Happy Christmas

2009-12-08T21:11:00.000-08:00

This last year has been a very busy year for us. Starting with tax season for me again and now it is just around the corner. I am still working at the same accounting firm here in Laramie and Ashley is still in school. Now for some of the fun stuff we did this year. In June we went camping with Ashley’s family in Manti, Utah. Every year Ashley’s family goes and we love to go too as we were married in the Manti Temple. We always go to the Mormon Miracle Pageant, which portrays the history of the church.

In July I turned 30 years old… can you believe it? Ashley surprised me by getting me a few days off work and we went to my grandparents cabin for a family gathering. She organized the whole thing and I had no clue what was going on. It was great. It is one of our favorite places to go and we had such a great time. She also asked many of my friends and family to write me something for my 30th birthday. I would like to thank all of you who did so.

This is Ashley’s final year in pharmacy school. YES!!! This time next year she will be Dr. Luck. I am so proud of her and all the hard work and sacrifice she has gone through to accomplish this goal. During this last year of school she is not actually doing any bookwork, but is at different locations doing her rotations. Each month she goes to a different pharmacy and works. None of these rotations are in Laramie so we only see each other on the weekends and breaks that she has. She will have four more after the New Year and then graduation.

Ashley and I continue to stay busy with our church callings. Ashley is now in Young Womens helping the girls with their personal progress. I was called just after the New Year to be the Young Men’s president. They are both challenging callings, but we have a lot of fun in them. During the year that I have been involved in Young Mens, we have activated one young man, had a convert baptism, an eagle scout, and one of the boys who graduated last May is now preparing for his mission. As you can see this calling keeps me very busy, but I really do enjoy it.

Next year with Ashley graduating we could be moving, but we will keep you all informed. Who knows where life will lead us but we are excited to start this new journey in our lives together and as always with the Lord.

We love you and know we wish the best for you in the coming year. May Heavenly Father continue to bless you. We know the church is true, the Book of Mormon is the word of God, and the atonement is a wonderful gift from him. Please remember the true meaning for this holiday season our Savior Jesus Christ whom we are so grateful for. Through him we can be saved and live with our families forever.

Love, Randy & Ashley

A house divided...

2009-11-01T18:18:00.000-08:00

The annual Luck War came and passed. Alabama blocked Tennessee's field goal attempt that would win the game. Another victory for good ol' Crimson tide!

ROLL TIDE ROLL!!!

Here's hoping to 364 days of mutual agreements :)

Randy started the fire (at church)

2009-09-13T13:42:00.001-07:00

So today Randy had an incident, that to me was so hilarious I had to post about it. Randy is the Young Men's President for our ward. He is in charge of making sure a family in the ward brings bread for the Sacrament. In case the family forgets to bring the bread, he keeps a spare loaf of bread in the freezer at the church. Today about 5 minutes before church started, the bread had not shown up. Randy decided he would go get the bread out of the freezer to use instead. He went to the freezer and put the loaf of bread in the microwave to thaw it out. Unfortunately, he forgot that bread (still in its package) has a METAL twisty tie. So after popping the bread into the microwave, Randy realized that the bread inside the microwave had caught on fire because metal and microwaves do not mix. Frantically Randy opened the microwave and blew out the fire he had created. (For those of you unaware, this is in the church. He was is in the church's kitchen.) So five minutes before church today, Randy set the Sacrament bread on fire in the microwave. LOL....Thank goodness the family assigned to bring the bread showed up, and Randy's burnt mess was not needed. I was unaware of any of this happening. I was sitting in the Chapel waiting for Randy to show up. It was noon and church would be starting. He finally showed up and told me the whole story. I could hardly contain myself. All I could think of was The Office episode where Ryan leaves his pita in the toaster oven, and catches the office on fire. Then Dwight goes around singing "Ryan started the fire." So sitting in the chapel during Sacrament meeting today all I could think about was singing "Randy started the fire" in my head. I love church.

Moral of the story...Bread should not be thawed out in the microwave if it is still in the plastic packing, because yes, twisty ties DO catch on fire. When our mothers taught us never to put metal in the microwave...they knew what they were talking about. :)

Meet my new nephew!!!!!

2009-08-17T20:00:00.000-07:00

RYLAN JAMES VEST
6 Ibs 11 oz
19 inches
August 17, 2009
8:58 AM

http://picasaweb.google.com/hdharken/BabyRylan?feat=directlink

SURPRISE!!!!!!

2009-07-23T12:15:00.000-07:00

July has been crazy month for Randy and I. We haven't been home for a single weekend in Laramie! It started with the 4th when we were down in Utah. Where we went to Stadium of Fire with my family. The Jonas Brothers were eh...fun. The fireworks were AMAZING! Check them out!

Next we went to Green River to witness Randy's cousin Sara get married to Jason. We love these guys and couldn't be more happy for them! Here is a picture from the wedding.

Then this past weekend I was finally able to let Randy in on "the surprise." For the past month and a half I had planned a surprise cabin trip for Randy for his birthday. (I will start rotations ON HIS BIRTHDAY so I had to do something before his big 3-0!) So I contacted Randy's mom and we set up a cabin vacation. I even called Randy's boss and got him the days off. All the family was also invited, so there were many great people up to celebrate the occasion with us! Wednesday Randy came home from work and I told him we had to run an errand. I started driving and one of the beverages from the back seat fell over. Randy looked back (and saw all the stuff packed) and asked what was going on. I smiled and was able to FINALLY tell him we were going on vacation. Everything was packed, and we were on our way! At first he was like "I have to work tomorrow." Once I explained everything was taken care of he was shocked, and pretty excited. The whole thing was a blast! We went hiking, fishing, played games, saw the Bar J Wranglers in Jackson Hole, and ended the vacation Saturday with a big birthday bash including cake, ice cream and presents.

THE BAR J WRANGLERS

This is the first fish I have ever caught NOT in a fish farm (where everyone catches fish.) Sorry about the blood, Randy said that I gutted my poor fish with the hook, the worst he had ever seen. I guess I was serious about catching the stinker!

HAPPY 30TH RANDY! I LOVE YOU! All in all "the surprise" was a great success. And it really was a surprise. Now we are just getting ready for me to start rotations. :(

To boldly go where no (wo)man has gone before...

2009-07-09T09:51:00.000-07:00

If you know me, it's no secret that I am a closet Star Trek fan. Growing up daddy/daughter time consisted of watching Star Trek, and that is where I gained my love for the silly shows. Over the Fourth of July weekend, Rachel my sister took us to her job. She works at the Spacecenter, where she simulates different missions based off of Star Trek. Naturally I was Captain...later to be titled Captain Buttheadius, Randy was my first assistant, my dad was the pilot, my mom was my controller, Katlin was the in charge of scanning space, and Mike was the engineer. (Rachel was in charge of the mission.) We had a fabulous time. We met all of our requirements, with the one mishap that mom killed us when we didn't transport a bomb off our ship. (Rachel let us start over so we could keep going...) Other than that, I was an amazing captain. Battling the Borg, and destroying the weapons of mass destruction. I loved the power, including my phaser(gun). Thanks Rachel!!!!

This is when we got blown up by a bomb! (Thanks mom...)

Katlin, Mike, Mom, and Randy in the ship.

Captain Buttheadius and the first assistant with our phasers.

Randy learning how to do his jobs...

Me as the Captain in my captain seat.

Dad the pilot.

Mike the engineer.

Mom the controller. (She controlled all the energy and the transporter system.)

Randy and Katlin hard at work.

June in Rewind

2009-06-30T14:24:00.000-07:00

Ashley, Randy, Julie, and Robby

Randy, Meryle, Gerald, Fay, and Robby

Randy and I have enjoyed little vacations here and there for the past month. We have been to Denver to visit the temple and friends, Green River for a 60th Wedding Anniversary, and we recently ended June with a bang "Harken Camping."

Randy's grandparents celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary at the Nine Iron Grill in Rock Springs Wyoming. It was great to have all the family there and share in the memories.

Harken Camping was also great. We went to the Mexican Restaurant as always, and then watched Transformers. I liked it, my mom tried to sleep through it. The next day Randy, Katlin, Mike and I got to go to a temple session at Manti. (Randy and I especially enjoy going to the Manti temple since that is where we were sealed.) Then unfortunately tradition was broken when my dad had to go to the ER. He has a herniated disk in his back. So no bowling, or hockey. Then dad was a trooper and we all went and got homemade lemonade. Next we went to the traditional turkey dinner. Finally we went to the pageant. It was a complete success minus the minor set back of dad's back...

We are now excited to jump into July. We have many great plans ahead. Starting with us going back to Utah to celebrate the 4th! More to come.

April showers bring more snow?!?!?!

2009-04-17T20:30:00.000-07:00

Currently all roads in and out of Laramie are closed due to the winter weather. We have received more snow in the last two days then we have all winter. Tonight Randy and I went grocery shopping and half of Walmart's parking lot was taken up by semi-trucks stuck in Laramie because all of the roads being closed. Once we got into Walmart we realized shopping wasn't going to be very easy. They were completely out of Milk, Bananas, tomatoes and more. I've really never seen anything like it. It definitely makes me re-think the fact my food storage is so limited....Here are some pictures of all the snow. Remember this is APRIL!

On our way home from Walmart we discovered these snowmen. I had to get pictures of the one snowman, because it is quite possibly the biggest snowman I've ever seen!

How I currently feel about school

2009-03-26T13:38:00.001-07:00

A picture is worth a thousand words....

ROTATIONS ARE IN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-03-13T20:26:00.000-07:00

I have just been assigned my rotations for my fourth year of pharmacy school. Overall I am really excited with the results! I am missing one rotation, so after spring break I will have to go in and talk with my adviser about getting one more, but other than that they worked out really great.

I will be living mostly in Cheyenne. I have two rotations in Ft. Collins. (Anyone know anyone that would be willing to let me crash at their place in Ft. Collins?) One in Rock Springs, and one in Lander. I am so ecstatic!

"Chicken Poup"

2009-03-07T21:34:00.000-08:00

A week ago Randy heard on the radio that the guys from Whose Line is it Anyway were coming to Laramie Wyoming. Naturally as huge fans of the show we bought tickets, for TEN DOLLARS! So anyway, we just came home and I want to share some of the funny memories.

Collin and Brad were the only actors, but they were awesome. The night started off with the game where two members from the audience come up and have to mold Collin and Brad. It was really funny, but there's nothing I can really share through words. Next they played Jeopardy where two more people came from the audience and had to move their lips to the answers, and Brad and Collin would talk for them. Next was one of my favorites.

"Torture" was a game where they started with a story line, and then had to act out the story in different ways. When they said freeze, they would have to change to a different thing. There was the question game, where all the responses were questions. Next they had to only use one syllable words. Next one of our favorites, they had to substitute every letter S with the letter P. Some funny lines: Your pon is a pippy, poccer ip a pippy pport. And we should eat Chicken poup, I love chicken poup. I have a ppecial ppoon to eat chicken poup. Finally the skit ended with them having to rhyme like a Dr. Suess Book.

Next they did the sound effects game, where the audience has the microphone and they have to make sound effects for the skit by Collin and Brad. We were kind of in the back of the auditorium, and Brad brought his mic to the back and wanted each member to pass the mic on after they made a sound effect. We were four rows ahead of where the mic started, but it somehow made it to us. At the point where Randy got the mic, the two men were trying to call out to people that there was a fire. Brad said I'll yell out to them, (and then waited for Randy to respond) Randy, then proceeded to yell out "HEY YOU GUYS" (from Goonies) it was HYSTERICAL! Even Collin and Brad were laughing. Then of course it was my turn...and I am ashamed to say that I got too embarrassed and passed the mic to the next person. It has always been my dream to do the sounds on Whose Line...and I passed the mic...oh well. It was still so much fun!

Finally they put a bunch of mouse traps on the stage, were blind folded and barefoot, and had to sing Opera about Mac and Cheese (audience suggestion). So they would be in the middle of a song, and step on a mouse trap. Then they started throwing the mouse traps at each other. Poor Brad probably will never have kids again, and Collin got his ear snapped. They closed by singing a song about Laramie.

We had the most fabulous time! If Whose Line ever comes to your town it is worth EVERY PENNY! I would have paid so much more! It's the real deal. They really make everything up. And for now, I couldn't be more proud of Randy and his sound effect...

Couples 25 Things: Randy's Version

2009-02-25T14:25:00.000-08:00

So I have just finished the most horrible two weeks of my life. I'm not sure why I ever decided to do Pharmacy School, and now I am wondering if I will pass my classes to actually become a pharmacist....I am pretty much just making up excuses why I haven't posted this sooner. The following responses are Randy's responses to the Couples 25 things. If you want to see what a freaky couple we are compare his answers with mine. Believe it or not, he posted his before he read mine. Yep, we are just that much a like! It's scary!

♥ What are your middle names?
Michael and Brooke

♥ How long have you been together?
Almost six years

♥ How long did you know each other before you started dating?
a few days

♥Who asked who out?
Ashley's dad asked if I would take her out!!! (ask if you don't know)

♥ How old are each of you?
Randy 29 and Ashley is 23

♥ Whose siblings do/did you see the most?
Ashley's

♥ Do you have any children together?
no not yet

♥What about pets?
no way, probably never will

♥ Which situation is the hardest on you as a couple?
the one coming up with Ashley leaving for pharmacy rotations this summer

♥ Did you go to the same school?
no not until we were married

♥ Are you from the same home town?
no

♥ Who is the smartest?
Ashley she is going to be a doctor

♥ Who is the most sensitive?
Ashley

♥ Where do you eat out most as a couple?
Fast food, we switch it up a lot

♥ Who has the worst temper?
Ashley, but she rarely shows it

♥ Who does the cooking?
We both do

♥ Who is more social?
Randy

♥ Who is the neat-freak?
Randy

♥ Who is the more stubborn?
Ashley

♥ Who hogs the bed?
tough one, both of us do at times

♥ Who wakes up earlier?
Randy by far!!!

♥ Where was your first date?
Tai Chili Garden for dinner then comedy sports after.

♥ Who has the bigger family?
Ashley

♥ Do you get flowers often?
No but I give them to Ashley pretty often but not as much as she deserves

♥ How do you spend the holidays?
Splitting time between families

♥ Who is more jealous?
Jealous of what? We are the best so there is no need to be jealous.

♥ How long did it take to get serious?
about 5 months

♥ Who eats more?
Randy

♥ Who does/did the laundry?
Ashley she loves it, she finds it relaxing

♥ Who’s better with the computer?
Ashley her dad is a computer expert and therefore she knows a lot and I am just not that technology savvy.

♥Who drives when you are together?
Usually Randy and always if it is snowing.

Couples 25 Things

2009-02-16T15:22:00.001-08:00

This is kind of like the 25 things - except there are pre-decided questions and it's about you and your spouse, not just you. Come on, play along - inquiring minds want to know! ;-)

These are all my answers. I plan on posting Randy's in a little while to compare.

♥ What are your middle names?
Brooke and Michael

♥ How long have you been together?
We've been married five awesome years, and we met about ten months before that.

♥ How long did you know each other before you started dating?
My parents took me out to dinner. Randy was our waiter. When my dad paid for the meal, he left my name and number on the credit card slip, and that is how we met.

♥Who asked who out?
Randy called me from the phone number my dad left, and I didn't know who he was at first, because I didn't know my dad had done it.

♥ How old are each of you?
I'm 23, Randy is a whopping 29....almost 30!

♥ Whose siblings do/did you see the most?
Mine. Enough said.

♥ Do you have any children together?
Nope. We can't wait to start a family as soon as I am done with Pharmacy School.

♥What about pets?
Gross. We both hate dirty, furry animals.

♥ Which situation is the hardest on you as a couple?
Probably not getting to spend enough time together.

♥ Did you go to the same school?
We went to Western together when we were married, and UW. (I would have been in Elementary school when Randy was in HS, so even if we lived in the same city, we wouldn't have known each other.) ha ha

♥ Are you from the same home town?
NO WAY! Thank goodness. Randy is from Green River Wyoming....enough said.

♥ Who is the smartest?
We both have our moments and own talents.

♥ Who is the most sensitive?
Me.

♥ Where do you eat out most as a couple?
Probably any fast food. We try to go to different places.

♥ Who has the worst temper?
Lol....me, but sometimes it depends on the situation. Yes, Randy is capable of getting "mad"

♥ Who does the cooking?
We both do! We're pretty even. I prefer eating out so neither one of us has to do the dishes.

♥ Who is more social?
RANDY! I love to let him talk to people. It takes the load of carrying on a weird conversation off of me!

♥ Who is the neat-freak?
Randy picks up after himself (and me), but I am the deep cleaner.

♥ Who is the more stubborn?
We both have our moments.

♥ Who hogs the bed?
RANDY! Especially the covers. One of the best times I sleep is when Randy gets up and I can finally have the whole bed to myself! :)

♥ Who wakes up earlier?
Randy. He doesn't know how to sleep in past 7. Drives me crazy. (Therefore I have gotten used to him getting up because it means I get the whole bed to myself.)

♥ Where was your first date?
We went to the Thai Chili Gardens, and then we went to Comedy Sports. We were called up to be volunteers. I had to spell my name in cursive with my bum...probably why Randy married me.

♥ Who has the bigger family?
Me

♥ Do you get flowers often?
LOL. All the time. I have received two bouquets in the last month, and NOT because Randy was in trouble!

♥ How do you spend the holidays?
We go back an forth between families.

♥ Who is more jealous?
Me.

♥ How long did it take to get serious?
First I had to dump my boyfriend, then I got back with my boyfriend, and then I got back together with Randy and that's when I knew it was love. (About five months) Of course I had my wedding dress before my engagement ring....

♥ Who eats more?
Depends on the food.

♥ Who does/did the laundry?
ME! Poor Randy ironed my shirt once and melted it, so he has been banned from ever doing the Laundry. (Probably did it on purpose.) But I actually like doing Laundry so it's all good.

♥ Who’s better with the computer?
Probably me. My dad deals with computers for a living, so I probably should know something about them.

♥Who drives when you are together?
RANDY! I'm the world's worst driver, and I'm terrified of snow!

25 Things about Ashley Luck

2009-02-08T18:54:00.000-08:00

The Rules:
Once you've been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits, or goals about you. At the end, choose 25 people to be tagged. You have to tag the person who tagged you. If I tagged you, it's because I want to know more about you.

1. I secretly love Star Trek (Especially Deep Space Nine) THANKS DAD!!!
2. I am a pharmacy student, and I am in the top 20% of my class.
3. I auditioned for an acting agency, got the part, and then my parents wouldn't let me do the tv show!
4. I am terrified of the dark (including under my bed at night). I have to jump into bed if it's dark. I have many injuries from missing the bed and hitting the bed posts.
5. I love playing Halo on the X box 360.
6. I'm addicted to all reality television.
7. In my spare time I love to watch seasons of television shows in one sitting.
8. I wasn't allowed to drive my car when it snowed in HS, and to this day I will not drive when it snows because I am too afraid of getting in an accident.
9. My bed I sleep in is 4ft off the ground so I have to use a step stool.
10. My brother is serving a mission in Korea. He's the first person in my family to serve a mission.
11. I hate RS, and other events where I am surrounded by a bunch of women. I need testosterone in the same room as me to feel comfortable.
12. I pass out at the site of blood.
13. I consider Laundry a hobby. I love the smell of Laundry, I love to fold it, I practically love everything about it!
14. I love to sing in the shower. (When no one is home.)
15. Someday I hope to own a Pearl Escalade.
16. My dream job would be a football offensive coordinator, or an actress/singer. Either of which I would have to be really successful and talented at.
17. I wish I knew how to ballroom dance.
16. I'm really shy when I first meet someone, but once I'm comfortable I love to laugh and be crazy!
17. I love to rap. Ludacris is my favorite specialty.
18. I'm addicted to Michael Jackson music.
19. I have to drink a caffeinated beverage every morning to function.
20. I am 4'11''.
21. I can't wait to graduate so I can start a family!
22. I had never broken a bone in my body until my first day at college as a freshmen. For a theater "trust game" I was blind folded and put in the middle of a circle of people. I was suppose to run into the group of people, and they would turn me around, and I would run to the other side. When I ran the guy who was suppose to stop me was afraid of "violating" me, so I ran right into a cement wall. I broke my nose, and had two black eyes for the first week of college.
23. I love to quote movies and tv shows. I can almost quote the entire Monty Python and the Holy Grail.
24. I am a huge germ-a-phobe. I can't stand it when people sneeze or blow their nose in front of me. I walk around with hand sanitizer everywhere I go. Randy isn't even allowed to use my carmex.
25. I would eat Fast Food over a home cooked meal any day!

25 Things about Randy Luck

2009-02-04T13:28:00.000-08:00

The Rules:
Once you've been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits, or goals about you. At the end, choose 25 people to be tagged. You have to tag the person who tagged you. If I tagged you, it's because I want to know more about you.

1. I love the television show "The Office" and at work I will now go up to my boss and start a conversation by saying "Question" just like Dwight does. No one I work with watches the show so it is only funny to me but I love doing it. I am addicted to tv in general.

2. I love College Football, everything about it is great!

3. I like to cook, although I have not done it for a while, I enjoy trying new things and I love eating so that is another positive part of cooking.

4. I like playing X-Box especially NCAA college football and any of the Halo games.

5. My wife can beat me in X-Box and I am proud of that fact.

6. I love to travel and see new places. I think it is interesting to find out about other cultures.

7. I like hiking in the mountains especially at my grandparents cabin in Boulder, Wyoming the Wind River Mountains. It is probably my favorite vacation spot b/c it is relaxing, and beautiful.

8. I am a twin, not identical

9. My favorite number is 37, yes I know it is weird but it was my football number in high school and it just stuck.

10. I made it through college without taking out any student loans and had no debt at all.

11. I served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in the England Leeds Mission and loved every second of it. It was truly one of the best experiences of my life. I can't wait to go visit again.

12. My favorite band is the Lost Boyz (rap)

13. I like almost all kinds of music including country, rap, hip hop, pop, classical, but not techno I think it is too repetitive and I like listening to the words in music not just the beat.

14. My favorite beverage is Coca Cola Classic, and McDonald's has the best fountain Coke.

15. I would prefer to drive a stick shift over an automatic any day

16. I cannot sleep in anymore. If I sleep past 7 or 7:30 in the morning that is sleeping in for me. I know this drives my wife crazy.

17. My favorite candy is the new peppermint m&m's which I am sad to say were only for Christmas. Other favorites are recees pb cups, peanut m&m's, jr mints, pretty much anything chocolate

18. My favorite holiday is Christmas.

19. I am a stickler about not putting up any Christmas decorations until the day after Thanksgiving. But then after Christmas I am sad to put it all away.

20. I could watch an entire football game by myself at the age of 5.

21. I like living in Wyoming (for the most part)

22. I took a photography class in college and have some of my work up in my home.

23. I love spending time with my wife just the two of us and we don't have to be doing anything in particular.

24. My favorite food is steak, but a close second is fried chicken (especially my wife's)

25. I love wearing hooded sweatshirts but usually take out the string of the hood b/c it bothers me.

TAG EVERYONE

For Love of the Game/Winter Wonderland

2009-01-26T12:15:00.000-08:00

As tradition would hold, Randy and I were able to go to both Border Wars this year. The Border War, is the name for the Wyoming vs. Colorado State basketball game. Recently we have discovered our friends the Markums, and Aaron, share the same eccentric views for sports that we do. At 10:30 am we piled into the car and drove an hour and a half to Ft. Collins, CO. There we watched the Cowgirls defeat the Rams 64-61.

The Cowgirls were up by 20 at halftime, and almost lost the lead at the very end. Next we went and ate at Chipotle which is very similar to Qudoba. Then we traveled back to Laramie, just in time to make the Cowboy game that started at 4:00. The Cowboys would go on to defeat the Rams 83-74.

Both games were intense, and very fun. We had a fabulous time with our new friends. Next to top off our busy day (which started for Randy at 6:30...he was working due to Tax Season) we went to a Chinese New Year Party. We had a blast learning about our Chinese signs, eating Chinese food, and playing pictionary. I single-handedly lead the women to victory. True story. FYI: I am an Ox, and Randy is a Ram. We are both completely incompatible...Silly isn't it. The only truth that came out of that exercise was that Oxen tend to become Doctors quite fitting right? It also said Oxen were stubborn and we all know I am NOT stubborn! ;)
Here is a website to check out your own signs and compatibilities!
http://www.astrology.com.au/chineseastro/index.php

Then Sunday it started snowing and never really quit. Here are some pictures of outside. I hate Wyoming. I have decided it should only snow Christmas day, and that's if I don't have to travel. Currently I can't go anywhere because I refuse to shovel my car out of the snow.

Oh, I live in Wyoming?

2009-01-23T14:18:00.000-08:00

The past couple of weeks have been gorgeous. It has been around 40-60 degrees in Laramie. I have been wearing sweatshirts in January, without a coat! Randy had planned a sledding activity for the Young Men/Young Women activity, but we didn't have any snow! Well, today that all changed. I went to school this afternoon in a sweatshirt, and when I walked out of class it was snowing, the wind was blowing (oh, how much I didn't miss that nasty chill), and the temperature was already down to 13 degrees. What a shame. For a slight moment I was able to remember living back East where 60 degrees outside meant a coat and mittens. Here, it's considered almost shorts weather. What a bummer.

Gone Baby Gone

2009-01-14T14:21:00.000-08:00

It is official. Today my brother went into the MTC (Missionary Training Center). He will be living in Provo Utah for three months, where he will hopefully learn the Korean language, and then he will be shipped off to Busan, Korea to preach the gospel. Randy and I had the opportunity to go down to Utah one last time before tax season. My family attended a temple session in SLC, and then we went out to dinner. That specific temple session was one of the most amazing moments I've had in my life. The next day (Sunday) Michael had his farewell. His talk was absolutely amazing, not that I'm biased. I can't believe how time flies. I watched him stand up in front of our ward and he was a man...I'm not sure how or when it happened, but it did. He is one of the most incredible people I know. I will miss him more than anything! I am excited to report he has asked me to continue his facebook account, and I am also going to make him a missionary blog. I will post the address at a later date when I have pictures and things to share! I guess I have come to the realization that time doesn't stand still. All my life growing up, I've wanted to be older, or in a different place. The older I get the more I realize how much I need to slow down. Quite the lesson when you consider that my "baby" brother is now the age I was after being married for six whole months....Yep, he's no baby. Again, how did it happen?

Me and You

2009-01-07T01:18:00.001-08:00

01/02/04

2009-01-07T00:35:00.000-08:00

Randy and I have officially been married for five years now...yes I'm a little behind. It is hard to believe we have been married that long. Some days it feels like we've known each other for years the way we can finish the other's sentences, and other times it doesn't feel that long at all. We were sealed for time and all eternity January 2nd, 2004 in the Manti, Utah temple. The first six months of our marriage we lived in Green River, and then we moved to Laramie where we have been ever since. I am proud to say I am married to my best friend. I somehow love Randy even more now, than I did five years ago. We look forward to many more years ahead, especially sharing a family together.

Christmas 2008

2009-01-05T11:06:00.000-08:00

Randy and I were very blessed this year with a wonderful Christmas surrounded by family. Our vacation kicked off with the two of us visiting Randy's family in Green River. We went down for the weekend, and brought Julie, Randy's mom back to Laramie for a couple of days. Then we drove back to Green River together to have the Family Christmas Bingo Party. The next day we drove down to Utah to spend Christmas Day with my family. Christmas Eve we opened our traditional Christmas pajamas that my mom made for every child. (The couples pajamas matched.) Then we played Harken Christmas Bingo. Everyone went to Walmart and bought a 5 dollar gift. It's amazing what you can find for 5 dollars. Katlin my sister got a Zac Efron Barbie Doll, my mom got Santa Mr. Potato Head, and Randy and I made out like bandits winning a 2g usb, Legally Blonde, and Chocolate covered Macadamia nuts. Christmas followed with us enjoying unwrapping Christmas presents. This year was extra special because it was Michael's last Christmas for two years. My sister gave my parents a Missionary teddy bear. The best part is she had my brother record saying "I love you" in Korean, so when you press the bear's hand it's Michael saying I love you. (I'm sure we will be buying a lot of batteries over the two year mission.) We had a fabulous time and were sad to leave. After Christmas we had the opportunity to take Michael mission shopping. We hope to get back down to Utah for Michael's farewell (Jan. 11th) Christmas is a wonderful time of year where Randy and I were able to recognize how truly blessed we are.

Family Pictures 2008

2008-12-29T20:47:00.001-08:00

Husband Tag

2008-12-11T14:15:00.001-08:00

*This picture was taken the night we got engaged. We had dinner at Ottavios where we first met. (Thank goodness Randy didn't have to be the waiter that night!)

1. Where did you meet your husband? Randy and I met in Provo Utah. If you don't know the hilarious story just read the right side of my blog....

2. How long did you date? Randy and I went on our first date in March, and then he left to England for two weeks. Naturally I got back together with my high school sweetheart and when Randy got back, he took me back. I bought my wedding dress in July, Randy proposed to me in September (yes I know this is backwards) and then we were sealed in the Manti temple in January. So honestly I'm not entirely sure how long we dated....but we did go on many dates.

3. How long have you been married? It will be 5 years on January 2.

4. What does he do that surprises you? Everyday he surprises me. It's the little things that he does which are so thoughtful and meaningful. He makes me feel like the luckiest (and most spoiled) girl in the whole world.

5. What is your favorite feature of his? I think he's perfect, but one of my favorite features is his crooked smile, especially when he does "the lip thing."---If you ever want to know if Randy is lying one side of his lip rises higher than the other one if he isn't telling the truth.

6. What is his best quality? Randy walks into a room and can make friends with anyone. He's really outgoing, and kind. He's one of those people that makes you a better person just for knowing him.

7. Does he have a nick name for you? Way to many. My least favorite is when he calls me Dashley. It drives me nuts!!! (So of course he calls me that on purpose all the time.)

8. What is his favorite food? Randy is pretty good about eating anything. He loves steak and potates like any man does. I try to cook for him when I'm not too busy, but he's really the chef in the Luck household. And to be honest, I wouldn't want it any other way. (His cooking is incredible!)

9. What is his favorite sport? We both love football and basketball. (Watching, playing, thinking we can coach, etc.)

10. When and where was your first kiss? I made Randy wait to kiss me for over a month. Finally one evening after watching "The Other Side of Heaven" on my parent's couch, we had our first kiss.

11. What is your favorite thing to do as a couple? We are the kind of couple that can make anything fun. We really enjoy going to UW's sporting events, but we are also totally cool to sit around in pajamas watching TV, or talking. We're best friends so pretty much anything is great when we are together.

12. Do you have children? No, but we want kids really bad. We look forward to starting a family as soon as I graduate Pharmacy School.

13. Does he have hidden talents? Of course, but if I divulged them, they wouldn't be hidden.

14. How old is he? A whopping 29....almost 30!

15. Who said I love you first? I said I was falling in love with him one evening, but I don't remember who said "I LOVE YOU" first. But we make an effort to say it everyday to each other now.

16. His favorite music? Rap, if only I could lose those stupid Lost Boys (his favorite band).

17. What do you admire most about him? I admire everything about Randy. He is one of the most amazing people I know. His testimony always make me want to be better, and his attitude and courtesy toward others makes me realize how inadequate I am myself. I've never known someone with so much patience and love.

18. What is his favorite color? Brown and Gold....can you guess why?

19. Will he read this? I hope so!

20. Who do you tag?If you haven't done this...DO IT! Our husbands deserve to hear how much we love and appreciate them!

Finals and Christmas Decorations

2008-12-11T09:32:00.000-08:00

I have one final left and I couldn't be more excited! The final I have left is my non-pharmacy History class, which I need a 40% on the Final to keep an A. (Hopefully I can accomplish that.) Besides being stressed with finals, and being extremely busy with the Christmas season, Randy and I decided to decorate for Christmas right after we got back from Thanksgiving. Since my family lives in Utah, and won't be coming up this year, I am posting some of our decorations. It is a family tradition in my family to go and look at Christmas lights. All of us (6-8 people) pile into ONE car and go around looking at lights. Nothing seems to bring the Christmas spirit like Christmas lights, so mom NO LAUGHING, we did our best with an apartment. Enjoy!

Christmas Questions

2008-12-04T21:20:00.000-08:00

We stole these questions from Kara Bischoff's blog so thanks Kara. The following are combined answers from both Randy & Ashley who answered the questions together.

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping paper for under the tree & a bag if we are in a hurry.
2. Real tree or Artificial? Artificial, with the lights already on it!!!
3. When do you put up the tree? AFTER THANKSGIVING as mandated by Randy, if it were up to Ashley it would be up in October if not sooner.
4. When do you take the tree down? The day after Christmas, if it were up to Ashley it would be Christmas day and if it were up to Randy it would be up until New Years.
5. Do you like eggnog? Yep got some in our fridge now, if you want some come by.
6. Favorite gift received as a child? Ashley: Home built Barbie doll house Randy: Nintendo
7. Hardest person to buy for? Ashley's Dad
8. Easiest person to buy for? Ashley's Mom
9. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes but we want a new one and are looking for just the right one
10. Best Christmas gift you ever received? Too many to mention just one.
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Leopard PJ's (you have to know the whole story)
12. Favorite Christmas Movie (s) Home Alone, Christmas Vacation, The Grinch, and It's A Wonderful Life
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Whenever we remember
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Oh Yeah every year, so watch out!!!
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? All the junk food
16. Lights on the tree? Duh, it is pre-lit right?
17. Favorite Christmas song? Ashley: Anything Harry Connick Jr. or Josh Groban
Randy: Once in Royal David's City, but really any Christmas music is great!!!
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Both
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? Yes but I don't want to
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Neither
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Harken tradition is Christmas eve pajamas then the rest Christmas morning, Luck tradition is one gift Christmas eve then the rest Christmas morning.
22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Too many versions of Christmas songs that are not done well!!! And beginning these crappy versions before Thanksgiving.
23. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Anything I'm not cooking
24. Do you send Christmas cards? Yes every year
25. What do you want for Christmas this year? Big piles of Money!!!

Harken Kids and Grandma

2008-11-18T19:58:00.001-08:00

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The Actual Video Post

2008-11-18T19:45:00.001-08:00

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A Much Needed W

2008-11-10T20:57:00.000-08:00

The Tennessee Band Plays Cowboy Joe

2008-11-10T20:37:00.000-08:00

And the Winner is......WHAT?!?!?!?

2008-11-10T19:17:00.000-08:00

Quite frankly, I have no idea where to begin, so I suppose I'll start from the very beginning. Our trip to Tennessee started off EARLY Friday morning, 4:00am to be exact. It started off smoothly, we didn't hit traffic in Denver, the weather was fine, and somehow we had managed to wake up early. We parked our car at the Denver Airport and while riding the shuttle to the ticket counter, Randy realized that he had left his wallet back at the car. I ran inside to check our suitcase, and poor Randy was shuttled back to our car to retrieve his wallet. A couple of minutes later he called me back because I had the keys to the car in my purse...lol...The trip wasn't starting off on a good note. Finally Randy managed to get his wallet and we were off. Security wasn't too bad, and the next thing we knew we were boarding our first flight to Atlanta GA. We met up with Randy's mom in Atlanta, and we then flew to Knoxville. After arriving, we managed to find our bags (thank heavens) and we proceeded to the car rental desk. The man at the desk urged us to purchase the GPS due to Knoxville's confusing roads, however we thoughtfully declined...a decision that would haunt us the rest of the trip. Prior to the trip Randy had printed maps and directions to all of our destinations so we figured we'd be good to go...oops!
Our first stop in Tennesee was our hotel. It was a great hotel. Oddly enough, we had a maid unlike any other maid I've ever had for a hotel. Not only was the bed made, and your shampoo was replaced, but she actually cleaned your things. I walked into the room one morning to find all of my make-up stored away on a towel, my toothbrush and brushes all lined up in a row, etc. It was the oddest thing, and yet I wish that woman could come live with me! We weren't sure whether she had OCD, or was just a good maid. Anyways, so we left the hotel after settling in and went to Ye Old Steakhouse....well that was the plan to try and find it! We started off on the main road and couldn't find the road we were supposed to turn on. The rain was getting really bad, and we only had about two hours before the play we had tickets for would start. Randy tried his best to find our destination, but after many twists and turns, and utter confusion, we stopped at a Gas station, only to find that we were so close (and yet so far) to the restaurant. We eventually made it, where we enjoyed the best steaks I've ever had. Next we asked for directions (ha ha) to the Playhouse. Our waitress seemed well informed and directed us to it...however no trip would be complete without us getting lost. Ten minutes before the play began we finally found it. After the play we got lost, again, and finally made it home to our hotel. It was about 11:00pm Eastern time so we tried to hurry and go to bed so we could wake up early because we had to leave the hotel by 10:00.
It was a very early morning because we woke up at 8, which felt like 6 due to the time change. We hurried to get ready, had breakfast, and got on the shuttle for the Tennessee game! We had plans to go to a tailgate that the University of Wyoming was putting on. We were dropped off from the shuttle and told to meet the bus one hour after the game ended. Next we were to find the Restaurant where the tailgate was. A couple miles later of walking we found the Restaurant. We had a good ol southern barbecue and met up with over 700 Wyoming fans and Alumni from all over the country. Then we had to head back to the watch the game!
Neyland Stadium is unlike any other stadium I had ever entered! It holds over 100,000 people. An enormous number compared to the 30,000 Wyoming's stadium can hold (that doesn't ever fill up.) I don't know that I have ever been in a bigger crowd ever.
As most of you know, Wyoming went on to beat the SEC Tennesee Volunteers 13-7. Honestly we were in absolute shock. NO ONE expected a W, not even the Wyoming fans, however we enjoyed the moment and celebrated in our small numbers. After all the excitement of the game, Randy decided to purchase some Tennesee gear...even though they had lost. Then we looked at the time to realize we had to get back to the bus...lol....and we had forgotten where it was parked. We ran around the campus asking security guards trying to find our shuttle, but we were always told the wrong direction. Finally Randy found a shuttle that had been waiting for us. It wouldn't be our trip if something dramatic didn't happen.
Once we got back to the hotel, it was off to try and find Disney on Ice. The hotel manager gave us perfect directions, and we made it there with little to no hassle. It was wonderful, probably my second favorite event of the trip (the football game obviously being the first). Then we went and ate at Calhouns where I had bonefied southern fried green tomatoes. After very late dinner, we traveled back to the hotel. The next day we travelled home. All and all the trip was an absolute success!

Two Days and Counting!!!!!

2008-11-05T19:37:00.000-08:00

After much waiting, Randy and I will be leaving for Denver tomorrow afternoon. Then Friday morning at 4:00 am we will drive to the Denver International Airport where we will fly to Tennessee. We'll get into Tennessee around 3 so we're going to go to our hotel, change, go out to eat, and check out a neat play Randy found for me. Then Saturday (GAME DAY) we will go to the Wyoming tailgate party, and then....history will be made as the Lucks enter Neyland stadium for the first time. (For those of you unaware, Randy and I are traveling to Tennessee to watch the Wyoming vs. Tennessee game.) We have known about the trip since this summer and couldn't be more excited! We have decided to wear Wyoming apparel, however we will be happy who ever wins. After the game we will go to this really neat looking SOUTHERN SEAFOOD restaurant which I can't wait for (fried green tomatoes and everything). Then we will go to Disney on ice, I am totally jazzed! Randy got online trying to find things that they had in Tennesee, and he found that for me...I'm just too lucky. Anyway, we'll post pictures when we get back, I just had to put my excitement on paper...or at least type it!

A Harken Family First

2008-10-29T18:44:00.000-07:00

CALLED TO SERVE

Michael Dallas Harken (my brother), son of Harold Dallas Harken III (my daddy) and Whitney Brooke Harken (my mom) has just received his mission call to Busan, Korea. Michael will be the first Harken to ever serve a mission. This is a monumental step for our entire family. We couldn't be more proud of him. So far, we know that Busan is on the coast of South Korea. Michael will enter the MTC on January 14th, of 2009. He will be speaking Korean...which is all symbols so hope he has fun with that! Also, his mission President is Kenneth Jennings (the father of Ken Jennings who won 2 million dollars on Jeopardy.) President Jennings is a huge computer science guru who worked for Novell...a lot like someone else we know...my dad. I'm sure Michael will fit right in due to his love for computers and technology. My whole family waited all day after Michael checked the mail this afternoon to wait until we could all be present (at least via telephone) to hear the news. Around six this evening we all listened closely as Michael read his mission call. When Busan Korea came from his mouth the whole family started to scream. My mom cried, mostly because her baby was going on a mission, and somewhat because he was going to Korea. We are all ecstatic for Michael and know that his service will be a great one. For now, we ask everyone to pray harder than they ever have for the missionaries!

2008 Pumpkin Carving

2008-10-25T21:55:00.000-07:00

Randy and I decided to decorate our pumpkins for Halloween. We enjoyed the evening carving pumpkins, and watching football. I also posted pictures of Randy's Halloween decorations. He bought them at Walmart a couple of years ago. I am terrified of a few of them, however their heads are full of candy, so I'm okay having them around. Halloween is a fabulous season...I can't wait to decorate for Christmas!!!!

The Luck War

2008-10-25T21:37:00.000-07:00

Once a year, a dreadful day occurs in the Luck
household where Randy and I must agree to disagree. Tennessee plays Alabama every last Saturday in October and the two of us watch with great intensity because we like opposing teams. I am a true Alabama fan having lived in Prattville, and Randy jumped on the Tennessee wagon as a young boy because he liked the players. This year was like any other year. We got our game day gear on, and avidly watched as our teams began the war known as the Luck War. I was extremely excited for this year because last year Alabama won, and this year they are ranked 2nd in the nation. They should be ranked 1st, but I suppose I am a bit biased. Long story short, another year gone by, and another W for the good ol' Crimson Tide. Unfortunately for Randy's sake the Vols have increased their losing streak, they are 1 of 4 in the SEC. At least we know that either Wyoming or Tennessee will win on November 8th, which we are very excited to go to Knoxville for! All in all the night was a success...I suppose it depends on who you ask.

I had a wonderful evening! :)

Halloween of 2007

2008-10-22T18:57:00.003-07:00

Wyoming Alumni Basketball

2008-10-11T19:42:00.001-07:00

One of the old players from Wyoming was diagnosed with cancer recently, so another former player decided to host a fundraiser for him. The night consisted of a three point shoot out between the former players and the players that will start this season. Then the old players scrimmaged against each other. The whole evening was a blast, especially since we were coming off a horrible football loss from earlier in the day. The following are pictures of Randy with some of his favorite past UW basketball players. Theo Ratliff actually still plays in the NBA. My favorite part of the night was checking out his Louis Vuitton shoes. (He had a contract for 10 million a year....)

We Could have been Utah Fans.....

2008-10-11T19:23:00.001-07:00

Today Randy and I ventured out into the frigid weather Laramie had to offer for the football game. Hoping to get out of the losing rut, Wyoming played Utah (the 13th ranked team in the Nation). The last two games UW was scoreless, and today we figured would be no different. The temperature outside was 40 degrees, but the wind made it even worse. Needless to say it was quite a miserable game to go to, especially since we lost 40-7. We even left early, which is not normally acceptable in the Luck household. We actually weren't too cold at the game. The night before we decided to go to the Laramie high school vs. Green River high school football game and it was pretty much negative degrees outside. It was significantly colder. In preparation for the cold we bought awesome new Wyoming gear...which we wish we could burn now (j/k).

The Boys

2008-09-03T19:27:00.001-07:00

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My Family

2008-09-02T22:37:00.001-07:00

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I laughed so hard I cried

2008-09-02T22:09:00.001-07:00

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Randy's Cameo

2008-09-02T21:59:00.001-07:00

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It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year............

2008-09-01T16:55:00.000-07:00

Thank goodness for Football season. In order to kick off the football season right, we purchased a new television in order for Randy to enjoy all of his football games in High Definition. After much deliberation and advice from my father, we decided to go with the Vizio that would actually fit in our entertainment center. Although it is not the 46 inch I personally wanted, it is gigantic and makes football look even better. After finally choosing the television to purchase we went and picked it up around 11 pm Friday night. Unfortunately when we got out to the car, we had a brutal realization that the box would not fit in our timid little Nissan. So at 11pm we called our friend Guy who owns a truck to rescue us. After we arrived home we set up the new tv to realize we had forgotten HDMI cords. We went back to Walmart around 12am and when we went to checkout, Randy realized he had forgotten his wallet. We hurried home, got his wallet, and made a mad dash back to Wal-mart. Finally around 2am the television was installed with all the HD channels you could possibly imagine and we went to bed. The next morning we had a BBQ at our house before the first kick-off of the season. Tired and exhausted from the night before, we drank our redbulls and continued in the exciting day. Wyoming went on to beat Ohio 21-20. They look really awful, however as Randy would say, "A W, is a W." (In other words a win is a win....no matter how ugly it was to get it.) It has been an eventful last couple of days so we have enjoyed our Labor day weekend thus far. We are in the middle of cooking Hot Wings, and are looking forward to the first Tennessee game of the year in HD. (We have to brush up on their team so we know them when we go to Tennessee.) That's really all for now. We'll probably write again in a few months. :)---Love always the Lucks.

Homestretch: August

2008-09-01T16:34:00.000-07:00

August was a delightful month for Randy and I. One Sunday evening Randy got out his shoebox full of pictures and asked if we could start his missionary scrapbook. While down in Utah, my mom gave us a ton of new scrapbooking supplies. There was a store down in Utah that gave away two million dollars worth of inventory, and literally half of it sits in my family's basement. So that Sunday was the start of the scrapbooking revolution. In two weeks I scrapbooked over 80 pages. We have yet to find an album that will hold all of the pages. I had Randy go through all the pictures and organize them so I knew what I was scrapbooking, and then I would make the pages. Afterwards, he would type out a short paragraph or two for the pages to talk about the different pictures. It turned out to be a really fun activity for the two of us. I enjoyed something to pass the time and also enjoyed learning all the different stories from Randy's mission. He also enjoyed reading through his old journals and reminding himself of all the adventures he had forgotten about. It just so happened that my scrapbooking frenzy took place the same time as the Olympics, so I had a great time watching the Olympics and scrapbooking at the same time.

Later on in August we went down to Green River to celebrate Julie's birthday (Randy's mom.) We watched the remaining Olympic events...including the exceptional one-hundredth of a second finish by Michael Phelps. We lounged around eating pizza and having fun. We also ate at Santa Fe which is always a treat. Randy also cooked a fantastic birthday dinner...using the grill of course. The summer went by faster than it normally does. We had many great adventures, and many wonderful lazy days. Now that school has started back up we can at least look forward to the football games ahead. We are also excited to report that we have in our possession hotel reservations, plane tickets, and game-day tickets for the Tennessee vs. Wyoming game to be held in Knoxville November 8th. We will keep you updated on that. With the closure of summer we have many great memories to look back on to keep us looking forward to when I am finally finished with school, and we can start a family and get on with our lives. For now, it's "Back to school, back to school, to prove to dad that I'm not a fool. My lunch is packed, my shoes tied tight, I hope I don't get in a fight...Oh, back to school....back to school." (That's from Billy Madison one of my favorite movies.)

Snowy Range Mountains

2008-09-01T16:26:00.001-07:00

July

2008-09-01T15:51:00.000-07:00

July is always a fun month for the Luck household because we both have birthdays in July. It was an average month the first couple of weeks. We stayed in Laramie for the fourth and had the opportunity to watch the fireworks from our front porch. Later in the month we went down to Utah where I got Bare Minerals make-up from my parents (BEST MAKE-UP EVER) and Randy got his brand new xbox 360. We were only there for a day but we had a great time eating at Olive Garden and spending the day shopping and hanging out. It is always a party down in Utah no matter what the occasion. Since Randy's birthday, he and I have played a lot of Halo 2 on xbox live. Xbox live enables you to play with other kids (and I literally mean children) from all over. Halo 2 is a first person shooter game so we go around and kill people as a family. It's awesome. It reminds me of Family Home Evenings I use to have with my family where we would play James Bond, a similar first person shooter game. Our motto was always "The family that plays together, stays together." So far, we're all still close and happy. After Utah we went to Green River to celebrate Randy's actual birthday. We went and saw Batman for a second time, and enjoyed the Nine Iron Grill which is a restaurant owned by our dear friend Cory. We had the best stuffed lobster tail...yum yum!

We also had the opportunity to go on some hiking adventures in the Snowy Range Mountains, which are about an hour out of town from Laramie. While hiking there in July there was still some snow on the ground. It was a beautiful trek where we enjoyed the beautiful sites we have in Wyoming.

July was a great month, and the two of us were completely spoiled! I got more Sims games, make-up, clothes, and money. Randy got his xbox 360, clothes, money, and sports memorabilia.

June

2008-08-31T22:19:00.000-07:00

June was very interesting. I had Girl's Camp right after we got back from my brother's graduation. Girl's Camp started on Monday and was supposed to end on Thursday...however with the wonderful weather Laramie has, our plans were changed. Tuesday night around three in the morning the winds were so bad that many tent poles were broken in half, leaving many of the girls without shelter. We had them move into the lodge, and then had to get up early the next morning to try and go on the hikes. It was freezing and at some points in the day it even snowed! The hikes were supposed to last hours and were cut to less than half an hour. Then for about 5 hours the 60 girls were stuck in the lodge playing games and trying to entertain themselves, until we could feed them, and later in the evening have Testimony meeting. All-in-all it went fine, and I am VERY glad it is over. I met some really great girls, and gained a stronger testimony myself. The following is a picture of one of the signs my family and I made...Isn't it cute? I was very excited to arrive home Wednesday night to my wonderful husband Randy who had a dinner menu all planned out. I literally had a chef and my very own Restaurant. Other than a shower I couldn't have asked for more!While I was away, Randy kept busy with Softball. For the first time ever, Randy's team had a NON-loosing record. They were 7-7. In previous years they were lucky to win one game. The very first season their team didn't win a single game, so this was quite the accomplishment! Randy did really well. He hit great, and played a mean first base. I am also happy to report that all of his injuries were kept to a minimum of average scrapes and bruises.
After Softball and Girl's Camp, we had the opportunity to introduce Randy to "Harken" camping.

Day 1: My family has a tent trailer where they reserve the same spot at a KOA every year in order to watch the Manti Pageant. The first day we arrive in Manti we set up the trailer (with electricty of course) and then we eat at a Mexican Restaurant. After the restaurant we have to make the first trip of many to the Wal-mart. Then we go to a movie. The movie this year was Get Smart. The best part about it, was that for 8 people, my parents paid 13 dollars for drinks, candy, and popcorn....you gotta love small towns. Then after the movie the tradition is to go back home, sleep and get ready for the next day.

Day 2: First we have to eat the Campsite breakfast which consists of pancakes, sausage, and eggs. Next the two youngest children stay at the trailer playing their gameboys or watching television while the rest of us go to the Temple for a session. Then when we return it is lunchtime/bowling. A new tradition was added this year when we had an Air Hockey tournament. I am proud to say that I was the winner, excluding one loss I had that was a result from injury. After all the fun and games, the second to the top highest highlight of the trip is attending the world famous Turkey Dinner at the Manti Stakecenter. Don't ever ask my dad for Chinese food instead! Finally around 9 in the evening we made it to the pageant. It was really fun introducing Randy to Harken camping (we were roughing it without cable) and our lovely Manti traditions. We hope to make it back next year if I am not on rotations.

May

2008-08-31T22:01:00.000-07:00

Since it has been so long, and so many months have passed, we wanted to share some of our favorite moments from the Summer. We'll begin with May. At the end of May we went to Michael's (my brother's) graduation down in Utah.
With Michael graduating that only leaves one more Harken to graduate from High School....Rachel. Michael turns 19 this December. He has his passport already and will submit his mission papers this September. Michael will be the first Harken family member to ever go on a mission. We are all very excited and sad, and extremley proud of him! We had a lovely, yet short trip where we were able to spend quality time with the family. We even caught two movies in one day! Our last day there my mom, Rachel, my Grandmother, and I spent the day making signs for Girl's Camp, and Randy, Michael and my dad spent the day repairing our deck.

After the storms in Wyoming the month of May settled down. I finished my summer course which was much easier compared to the Pharmacy courses I'd been used to. Randy also started getting off work early to compensate the grueling tax season.

Be Prepared.....whoops.

2008-05-24T08:14:00.000-07:00

In the city of Laramie population 29,000 (including the 10,000 University students) it seemed like any other day. I was at home when the emergency sirens for the city came on. I quickly turned on the television to see what the emergency was. There was nothing. I called Randy and he told me that there was a tornado warning in the city of Laramie. The message said to stay away from mobile homes, cars, and THIRD FLOORS! (We live on the third floor!) I tried to leave the apartment in order to go to Randy's work but the storm was just getting bad at that point. The wind was so strong that I could barely open the door. I decided to stay and watch until the hail and wind subsided. (Check out the picture with the golf ball sized hail.) Finally I got in my car and went to Randy's work. We stayed there for 4 hours listening to the radio because we had already lost power in our home. Over 7,300 people were without power, including Wal-mart and other large businesses. The radio would come on every 15-30 minutes saying another tornado watch was on. Children were in lock down in their schools, and parents were unable to pick their children up until 4:30. Finally around 5 the warnings turned into watches, and so we ran to K mart for supplies. We didn't even have flashlights. Randy and I learned a valuable lesson about emergency preparedness. Because K-mart was the only supply store open it was mad chaos. We literally got one of the last sets of batteries. We didn't get power until the next evening! Our house was without power for over a day, leaving us with no heater for the night. (It was 55 degrees in the house...while it snowed outside!) It has been said that Laramie witnessed two tornadoes. I have posted pictures of the disaster. We were very blessed. We received no damage to our home, and we are both safe and well. There were no casualties in Laramie, but the wreckage in the pictures speak for itself.

We're Not in Kansas Anymore!

2008-05-24T08:13:00.001-07:00

FREEEEEEEEEEEEDOM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-05-14T15:23:00.000-07:00

Well I must say that Randy and I are not too good at this whole blogging thing. I have recently gotten rid of a lot of stress in my life (school) so hopefully I will have more time to write our history. I have finally made it to my P3 year. I really never thought the day would come. For those of you who don't know, each year in pharmacy school is designated a year with a p. So your first year of pharmacy school is your P1 year....I am in my third year, making me a P3. I have this one year left of book work and actual school, and then I will pay to work in pharmacies all over Wyoming, Colorado, and Nebraska my last year of pharmacy school. I graduated my P2 year with a 4.0. I could not be more ecstatic. Recently I was inducted in the Pharmacy RHO CHI, which is truly the club for nerds. You have to be invited to join, and to qualify you must be in the top 20% of your class....see I am a true nerd, what can I say? I am still rather proud of that accomplishment. I just laugh because I think, had I been a little bit more motivated in high school, I could have done REALLY well. Such is life I suppose.

Randy and I are currently enjoying our lovely summer...It snowed yesterday in Laramie. Today it will probably get up to 70 and then snow tomorrow. I am actually really concerned because Girl's Camp is less than a month away and I am praying it doesn't snow then. We are in tents....need I say more?

Life is good, I can't complain. I just wish the stupid Bachelor hadn't picked Shane....she's an actress.

Randy Writes

2008-04-27T16:12:00.000-07:00

Tax season is over!!! Yeah! It actually wasn't too bad this year. We are looking forward to a busy summer of traveling and studying! Yuck... I will have to continue to study for my CPA exam and Ashley is taking one summer class (Psychology in Health Care). She will also stay busy with her camp for the Young Women in our church. I will also be playing softball again which Ashley is not thrilled about for fear of me getting injured (injured bad!). Previous years I have had the following happen: 1. While pitching hit by numerous batted balls (including one too close for comfort if you know what I mean). 2. Many scars from sliding on the wonderfully groomed fields of Laramie. 3. And numerous other aches and pains. It should be fun!

We are already looking forward to another football season!! Hopefully UW will have a better team this year, we always enjoy going to the games and tailgating.

Ashley is almost done with her 2nd year in pharmacy school. Only one week left of classes and then finals! She will be glad when it is all over. Only two more years yea!

Easter

2008-03-23T14:17:00.001-07:00

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie......

2008-03-22T16:48:00.000-07:00

As a child I always loved the tale of a mouse that receives a cookie, then wants a glass of milk. And due to the glass of milk the mouse must have other things given to him. Today I feel like that story. A week or so ago we bought a foam topper for our mattress. (An expensive one, mind you.) After these past weeks we hadn't quite fell in love with it, and decided it was just time for a new mattress. Our mattress was made back in 1996...I believe after 12 years and many owners the time was right. Well in the lovely city of Laramie, the mattresses are sold in furniture stores. So after buying the mattress of our dreams....casually we walked through the store to find the most beautiful bed I've ever seen. Long story short, it now sits in my bedroom. Real cherry oak and everything. I was a mouse and received a cookie, glass of milk, and a bed. I don't think that words could quite fit the hilariousness of the bed, so I have to show it!

Nope your eyes have not betrayed you. Our new mattress alone stands one foot and four inches. Add the new bed and it stands OVER THREE FEET TALL! Our new bed now stands to the height of most kiddie pools. I'm so proud....For future notice I advise all of you NOT to give me a cookie!

La Da Dee La Da Dah

2008-03-21T08:33:00.000-07:00

I'm obviously not very good at keeping up with the whole blog thing. I have recently been enjoying my leisure spring break. Unfortunately, today is my last day of freedom, I am so disappointed. As for what's been going on....We were very excited to find that the Cowgirls did get into the NCAA Tournament. Not the best seeding, but for their first appearance to the big dance we can be proud. The game is tomorrow and I can't wait to watch it on television. It's going to be played in New Mexico, and believe it or not, after the last "Basketball trip" we really thought about flying or driving (8 HOURS) to watch it. Again I reiterate we are WATCHING IT ON T.V.!!! Of course I can't speak of the NCAA tournament without speaking about the men. Currently I can continue my pride being the #1 bracket holder in my all men group (excluding myself). For those of you unaware, brackets are the games during march madness and you predict who is going to win each game. I have missed two games, and the closest person to me has missed four. You get points for each game you predict correctly. (No money is involved, it is for the pride, and fun of course.) Hopefully my #1 ranking continues for me until the end. I love winning...but who doesn't?

On a different note, while enjoying my break I have been a movie fanatic. I have had the opportunity to watch a lot of movies that have recently come out. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised with "Dan in Real Life." I adore Steve Carell and he's just as fabulous in this movie. I saw "Enchanted" in theaters, but I had to buy it because I loved it! As embarrassing as it sounds, I actually bought the Cd also. Still to this day I run around the house singing the songs...Disney is magic. Finally my favorite movie of all was "August Rush". I won't spoil it by any means, but I must say that it is one of the best movies I've seen this year; unrealistic, but wonderful. (And I've seen a LOT of movies.) The trailers did not do the movie justice! I will warn you that if you rent it, give it about 20-30 minutes. I felt that it did drag horribly in the beginning, but trust me, it gets MUCH better!

Finally the last of my thoughts rests with this Easter. I am so terrified because as luck would have it, after choosing to go to New Mexico I found a substitute for the primary class I WAS SUBSTITUTING. Than after those plans were changed I called my new sub, and took the class back. Then that evening we were asked to speak in church! (Irony don't you think?) Generally I don't mind speaking in church, however with the subject...Easter....the Resurrection....the Atonement....I feel quite inadequate. I suppose I'll keep you posted on how it turns out, but please feel free to pray for me! I have been praying since Wednesday (the night we got that call). That seems to be all for the Lucks at this point and time.

Last Weekend

2008-03-11T09:03:00.000-07:00

Although this lovely story was a while back, I have to share our crazy adventure from last Saturday. Randy and I were attending a Wyoming Cowboy basketball game on Saturday when a friend of ours mentioned a road trip down to Utah to watch the Cowgirls play. At first the idea started out as a joke, and then grew into one of the most spontaneous, dumb decisions we've ever made. The Cowboy basketball game ended around 4:30, and so we drove home, packed, and were on the road down to Utah by 5:00. For those of you who are unaware...at 5:00, we were starting a six hour drive (not including food and restroom stops.) All was great until we were about an hour out of Rock Springs. (Four hours to go for the final destination.) All of the sudden the weather changed and it began to rain. Then in the blink of an eye the rain turned to snow, and then the snow turned into a white out. In a matter of minutes visibility was completely gone! Randy slowed down as we were driving on the highway, and became concerned himself when we couldn't see the road, the lines, the median, other cars, etc. So for a couple of minutes we all held our breath and drove on. Out of the blue in the distance we saw the most glourious lamp post. Randy pulled over to this light (which was to the side of the freeway) and we sat under the light praying that this awful storm would stop so we could continue on our journey. I personally prayed that another car wouldn't hit us. After about twenty minutes we could see better than before, so Randy decided to pull behind a truck and we followed it to Rock Springs. We literally drove 25 mph on the freeway or less. By the time we arrived in Rock Springs it was already 9:00. Randy's mom lives in Green River which is about 15 minutes away from Rock Springs. Julie (Randy's mom) kindly let us crash at her place. We decided to stay the night there, and depending on the weather we would go back to Laramie, or finish our pursuit down to Utah. When we woke up the next morning it was snowing in Green River. We checked the weather and although they were calling it another big winter storm the boys decided it would be "safe." The next three hours to Utah were not bad once we passed Evanston (about an hour and a half into the trip.) I was really glad we hadn't traveled all the way the night before because we saw a lot of accidents from that night. Trucks were on their sides, cars were in ditches, and I could have been rich if I received a dollar for every ambulance we saw. Finally arriving in Utah we had the opportunity to eat lunch with my family. After lunch we did it, we went to the girl's basketball game! Of course as irony would have it, we lost, and we didn't lose by 2, or 5, we lost by a landslide and played terrible. After the disappointment, we started our journey home. The next six hours ran as smooth as anyone could ask for. Minus some fog, the roads were dry and we made it home safely, Sunday at midnight. It was the fastest turn-around trip I have ever been on. I have decided that we get old for a reason. Spontaneous is not for the young in heart, who are older....Never again. But it makes for a fun story.

Our Wedding Photos (Unprofessional)

2008-03-10T18:09:00.001-07:00

Our First Family Blog

2008-03-10T17:08:00.000-07:00

3/10/2008

Where we're at....
Randy and I live in Laramie Wyoming.
Randy is currently working for Timothy Hearne Accounting. He loves his job, especially after tax season ends. Eventually Randy's boss Tim wants to make him partner, and ultimately turn the business over to Randy. I guess there is a good possibility you could see the Lucks staying in the great equality state, right here in Laramie...forever?!?!?!
I am currently working toward my Doctorate of Pharmacy degree at the University of Wyoming (in Laramie). There are two years of prerequisites and then four years of pharmacy school. I am in my second year of pharmacy school. Next year will be my last "book work" year. The fourth year consists of traveling to pharmacies all over the states and essentially working for free, with the additional payment of graduate tuition. (It's a good thing Randy has a job!!!!) I will eventually graduate in 2010. In the mean time, please feel free to ask any questions about medications, and health conditions in general....I am going to be a doctor you know!