The Soumphonephakdys

G's 30th Birthday

2012-01-31T08:52:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago we celebrated my friend, Gina's 30th birthday. I know, I've been slacking on blogging but it's my busiest month at work and after work I'm so tired that I don't want to do anything! Anyways, I can't believe Gina is 30. It really seems like yesterday that we were living together! Sothy, her husband, made her a photo book and as I was looking through it, I realized how much time has gone by.

Sothy did a wonderful job with her party. He rented out the stage area at the Gallivan center. He decorated, got a photographer, a DJ, bartenders, and even had food. I was very impressed. Good job, Sot! Gina had the DJ play all old school songs. It reminded me of when we were in our early 20's. It was a great time but I'm happy to move on with my life and be where I am now.

My Favorite Redhead Katie, Me, and Miss India

Som with the Cambodians, Kunthana and Sothy

The pictures below were taken by Devin Jordan. Check out his website, Devin Jordan Photography

Worth A Thousand Words

2012-01-24T14:44:00.000-07:00

I've had the same picture as the wallpaper on my phone for about 9 months. Today, I looked down at it and realized that a year ago, our life was so different. We spent as much free time as we could in Provo with Som's side of the family and in the hospital. Every day was filled with sadness but gratefulness that there was another day. Every day gave us more hope. It was an extremely difficult time. It was also a time where I learned a lot about my new family and my husband. I learned the incredible strength that my mother in law and my husband both posses. I learned how much respect and love my father in law had for my husband and me. I learned how strong their family bond is. I'm so blessed to have married into such an incredible family. This family has amazing heart, character, and strength.

I think I will keep this as my wallpaper for awhile. It is one of my favorite pictures. To me, this picture is worth a thousand words.

Bring On 2012!

2012-01-23T07:23:00.000-07:00

Happy Chinese New Year! It is the year of the dragon and I'm excited for it because the year of the dragon is supposed to be a better year for this rooster. Last year, the year of the rabbit was predicted to be a bad one for me and it was! I don't believe everything about the Chinese signs but it does give me some hope that this year will be better. This year, I'm ready to make some changes in my life. I have to take responsibility for my own well being and happiness.

On another new years note, I didn't post pictures from New Years Eve yet. A group of us made dinner at our place and went out to Opium Lounge.

This is the dress Som bought me for Christmas. He also gave me the earrings. Jeannie Mai, who Som has a celebrity crush on, said that sequins dresses were all the rage for New Year's Eve. Apparently, it was because JRun wore one too!

Kunthana's Birthday @ Maxwells

2012-01-12T07:07:00.000-07:00

For Kunthana's birthday we went out to eat and have a few drinks at Maxwells East Coast Eatery. Last year, Poonam picked a place called Sea Salt and it was awful. The service was bad, people didn't get their food and they wanted to charge us $2 to cut up and serve a cake that Poonam brought. Just awful! So this year, I got to make suggestions and Poonam went with the Maxwells suggestion. I've actually never been there before this but I had heard good things about it. I like it. It was chill. It's a great place to grab pizza, a drink, and watch some sports! On the weekends, they have a DJ so maybe we'll check it out one day.

Birthday Cake Made By Kunthana's Sister
Sweater Vest from Som and Me

Christmas at the Poks'

2012-01-11T07:37:00.000-07:00

Playing With Their Beyblades

We went to Mama and Papa Pok's house on Christmas Day. When we got there the house was already packed! The little boys were playing with their beyblades. There was one beyblade that was clearly better then the others and it was the one that kept winning. But they still kept playing even they knew which one would hold out til the end!

Later Jennada, Uncle Ron, and Chantha played Just Dance on the WII. That was pretty entertaining!

We also opened all our gifts. The siblings also draw names. Chanthoeun got me and she got me some hot nude patent shoes. LOVE 'EM! We skyped with Chanthoeun and Casey while we opened presents so they could be a part of it. Technology is great. Som also got some shoes from Sythan. They were ones that he's been wanting. Som got Syna shoes as well. Our family must love shoes! I got Sythan a bar tool set and cocktail glasses.

Just Dance

Office Art

2012-01-10T06:36:00.000-07:00

My boss told me that my office looked too empty and I needed some art so I got this. I love it but my boss says it looks funny cause it's small compared to the empty space on that side of my office. Well he has decided that I need to move that to a different side and get a bigger piece. Any suggestions?

Christmas at the Soumphonephakdys

2012-01-06T07:01:00.000-07:00

Posing in their new Gap hoodies from Grandma

Christmas Eve was spent in Provo at Mama Soumphonephakdy's. We opened presents that night because Judy and the kids could not be there on Christmas day. The kids went first. Sophie was excited about everything she got. Steven was being picky and I swear hated half the things he got.

Som and I got him this Star Wars car and Star Wars action figures. He didn't seem to like it. Later that week, I was talking to him on the phone and he told me that he really liked it. Apparently, after he got it out of the box and saw what it could do, he thought it was really cool.

Judy and I went shopping on Thanksgiving and while I was there I got Sophie's Christmas present. She begged Som and me to give it to her that day. We gave in. It was a Disney Baby Princess and it came with a car seat, stroller, high chair and bed. She loved it. So to open on Christmas or in our case Christmas Eve, we got her this Tinkerbell doll.

Mama Soumphonephakdy loved everything she got. Som and I got her a collage of her and Papa Soumphonephakdy printed on metal. It was the first Christmas without him and the pictures helped us to remember he was there in spirit. It was hard for all of us but we were glad that we could be there together. Sophie was the only one that verbalized that she was sad after seeing the present we gave Mama Soumphonephakdy.

For the siblings, we draw names. I got Cindy. She was so excited when she unwrapped her present and saw a Jessica Simpson logo. Then the excitement faded when she noticed that they were Jessica Simpson slippers and not shoes. After the shock, she saw how cute they were. But from what I hear, she's not wearing them very much because Mama Soumphonephakdy fell in love with them and has been wearing them around the house.

Sadly, Steve (Judys' husband) had to work and could not be there with us to celebrate.

While we were there, Som and I opened are presents from each other. I got Som a bottle of YSL cologne, a beanie, and a vest. Som got me a dress and earrings. It was a great dress for NYE!

Happy Holidays from the Soumphonephakdys and the Blacks!

Christmas Part 1

2012-01-05T06:08:00.000-07:00

We started celebrating Christmas on Friday the 23rd. We had dinner with some friends at Ichiban not the one that's in the old church, a new one on about 3300 South and State. It was not good. I was sick the next day. Thankfully, we were in good company and had some sake! They can't mess up sake, right?

After, we exchanged presents. Som and I got these awesome Bluetooth headphones from Sanyo and Cham. I've been using at the gym and I love it. I can just set the iPod down and not have to worry about cords. Randy got me this beautiful bracelet and Som a nice sweater. Jack got us a Mr. Coffee Keurig machine. We loved everything!

Som's Art - Tian Tan Buddha

2011-12-24T22:15:00.000-07:00

This is a picture that Som drew of the Tian Tan Buddha located in Hong Kong. He says it's his favorite thing he's ever drawn. I love it. I think he did a wonderful job. I still have yet decided on a place to show off Som's artwork in the house but once I do this will definitely be one that goes up.

Inconclusive?!?!

2011-12-22T10:37:00.000-07:00

I had a doctor's appointment on October 3rd. The results of the testing came back a little funny so they took another look and sent the sample to other labs. They call me back today and tell me that the results are inconclusive and I will have to go back in and get more testing done. SERIOUSLY?!?!?

I need a drink...

Or I just need to look at this, positively. Maybe my body cured itself? Even so I could use a drink.

Jack's Birthday - Kristauf's

2011-12-22T07:02:00.000-07:00

For Jack's 23rd Birthday, we had dinner and enjoyed great martinis at Kristauf's Martini Bar. Kristauf's is definitely one of my favorite little bars in Salt Lake. My drink choice of the night was the New York, New York (pictured below). It is Hennessy, orange brandy, lemon juice, and sprite. The birthday boy was also having New York, New Yorks. Som introduced Sanyo to the Lotus Blossom and now it's both their favorites. The Lotus Blossom is peach vodka, sake, peach schnapps, blue curacao, pineapple juice, Red Bull, orange juice. JRun loves all the dessert martinis like the Key Lime Pie. Nang claims he has an allergy to martinis. Maybe it's not the martinis... maybe he's allergic to Hennessy! It was a good night with good friends sipping martinis.

Oh and Jack, classy girls drink martinis too!

New York, New York

Next Door Having Dinner At Takashi

Birthday boys Jack and Mike with their brother David

Holiday Party

2011-12-20T18:07:00.000-07:00

Every year, I always say that I'm not having another Christmas party and some how every year someone talks me into having one. This year was no different. Despite some drama between significant others and one guy getting really rowdy. It was a success and a lot of fun. And we also celebrated Carter's Birthday.

Souk made some yummy noodles, Randy made his to die for mussel stir fry, Syna made some delicious oreo cake pops (she knows that I love oreos), and I made meatballs, chicken, and stuffed mushrooms. It seemed like everyone brought a bottle of wine. Usually when people come over, they bring beer. I love that most people brought wine!

We had a white elephant gift exchange. Everybody was after the present Miss Amy Jones brought. It was wrapped so pretty that no one could resist stealing it! Som ended up with an Magic Eight Ball and I got the movie It's Complicated.

Som and I with the Birthday Boy and his Wifey, Tavie

All The Crazy Men

PS. Som has decided that we have the crazy bunch of friends ever. I think he is right.

Som The Artist

2011-12-04T11:21:00.000-07:00

Since Som's been back in school, he's been drawing a lot more and loving it! He has such a passion for art. The above picture is from a workshop we went to during Design Week. Som was showing off his graffiti skills. Below are some pictures that he recently drew. The skull is kinda creepy but really good!

Turkey Bowl

2011-12-02T12:04:00.001-07:00

Thanksgiving morning, the boys spent four hours playing football. I think I only spent one hour watching them. My old men played against some young guys. Guys that were half their age. So I guess they would still be boys! The boys were probably a little quicker than them and didn't get hurt as easily but my old men had passion. Well except for Sam. He'd catch the ball and would not even run after. The second picture below was the only touchdown he got because he caught it in the end zone! My hubby got a few touchdowns. GO SOMPHONG!

The old men after the games. Most of them in pain!

Make Gin and Tonics

2011-11-29T06:21:00.000-07:00

I love the quote below. I would definitely make Gin and Tonics!

London Lemonade Gin Cocktail

Ingredients Per Cocktail

1 part gin

1 part triple sec

1 part fresh lemon juice

Preparation

Fill a shaker with ice and add ingredients.

Shake vigorously for one minute.

Pour into a Collins glass.

Garnish with mint leaves and serve with a straw.

This and other gin and tonic recipes can be found at The Nibble

Another fun thing is Gin and Tonic Jellies

Ingredients

4 gelatine leaves
125g caster sugar
125ml gin
150ml slimline tonic water
Squeeze of lemon juice and thin lemon wedges, to decorate

Preparation

Put the gelatine into a bowl, cover with cold water and soak for 15 minutes, until softened.
Meanwhile, heat the sugar and 225ml water over a low heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Bring to the boil, then boil for 5 minutes, until syrupy. Set aside to cool slightly.
Squeeze out the excess water from the gelatine and stir into the sugar syrup, until melted. Stir in the gin, tonic water and lemon juice. Strain into a jug – remove any froth on the surface.
Divide between 8 x 50ml shot glasses. Chill for 4 hours or until set. Rest a lemon wedge on each jelly to serve.

Recipe from Delicious Magazine

I Am Thankful...

2011-11-22T06:29:00.000-07:00

After a year full of disappointments and heartbreaks, it's not the easiest thing to find things to be thankful for. I know, it sounds completely sad. I hate being the sad girl but sometimes it cannot be helped. I did come up with a few things that I am grateful for.

1. My Husband - For standing by my side and for all the love that he's shown me. I'm thankful that no matter what we are going through, we are going through it together.
2. My Family - Both sides have been a great support system for me. The Soumphonephakdy side has been a great support for each other. Our experiences this year have made our love and bond stronger.
3. My Friends - They remind me to smile and enjoy life.
4. The Wonderful Kids - I may not have my own kids but I'm thankful for all the wonderful kids in my life. They are a joy to be around.
5. My Job - First, I am thankful for having a job at all. Second, I'm thankful for being able to work at a good company.
6. Wine - Because when all is said and done, it's nice to sit back, relax, and enjoy a great glass of wine.
7. Takashi - My favorite night of the month is when Som and I have our dinner date at Takashi. Not only do we love the food but we have had fond memories there. It holds a special place in our hearts.
8. NCAA Basketball - There is no NBA. The players and owners are greedy and selfish. They play for money. In the NCAA, they play because of passion. I'm thankful for their passion.

Striving To Be Like My Dad

2011-11-15T20:32:00.001-07:00

My dad is a great man. He is someone that I am proud to look up to. My dad is part of an activist group called the Khmer People Power Movement. Last month, he and a group of other Khmer people went to France. While there, they had meetings, marches and met with the UN all to help Cambodia become a better place. I love that he had that much passion to go to France to help a cause and a country that he loves dearly. He makes me want to be a better person. I want to find ways that I can also help Cambodia and Laos.

Pictures from KPM Facebook Page

Sneak Peek - Crate and Barrel Utah

2011-11-10T07:59:00.000-07:00

It seems like everyone in Utah is excited for the openings of H&M and Crate and Barrel. Yesterday, I was fortunate enough to attend a party and see Crate and Barrel before it opens. Here is a sneak peek at the furniture section of the store. There is some great stuff! I'm definitely have to go shopping there. Go to the store this weekend and you can enter to win a $5000 giveaway.

Below are some party pictures. We had a great time.

I Heart Salt Lake is also having a Crate and Barrel giveaway. Check it out!

Strong Souls and Massive Characters

2011-11-08T07:21:00.000-07:00

I have some strong people in my life; my mother, my father, my mother in law, my grandma, and my wonderful husband. They've all been through a lot and have strong souls This quote is about them.

It is one of my favorite quotes and it reminds me to be strong. One day, I hope I have as much strength as them.

Give Kim K A Break

2011-11-07T07:16:00.000-07:00

Give her a break people. She's not ruining the sanctity of marriage. There is, in my opinion, a very high percentage of people that get divorced. If you're going to blame her then blame all those other people too. She is just a woman that wanted love like many other woman out there. She is already rich and successful and all Kim wanted was to find love, get married, and have a family. I don't fault her for that. I believe that she wanted it so badly that she jumped into the marriage. I'm sure many woman have done that too. She may be rich and successful but she has not been lucky in love. I feel bad for her. I would take love, a good marriage, and kids over being rich and succesful any day. I'm lucky enough to have a great marriage to a wonderful man, my soulmate. I hope that she can find that one day too. Every girl deserves to experience the love that I have with Som.

My heart goes out to her. It couldn't have been an easy decision even if it's only been a short amount of time. Sometimes one has to fail at love before they can succeed.

Saying Images

Dear Dad - 6 Months

2011-11-03T11:55:00.000-06:00

Six months have gone by. It doesn't seem like it's been that long. It's just gone by so fast. Maybe it's just because we are trying to get through it still. Next couple months will be hard with the holidays coming up.

I know Som misses you so much. Some days, I don't know how he bears it but he pulls through. He's strong. He wants to make you proud. Right now, that is a big motivating force for him.

Sophie did the cutest thing the other day and said she did it cause Grandpa used to do it. Those grandkids of yours miss you a lot as well.

Everyone else is doing the best they can. They all miss you greatly. I miss you, too.

I promise to do the best I can to help take care of this family.

Love,
Your Favorite Daughter in Law, Sothea

PS. I bet your wondering what's going on with the NBA. I'm wondering that myself.

Home Sweet Home

2011-11-02T18:00:00.000-06:00

People tend to gather at our place. I'm not sure why. It's not very big so we get a little squished but it always is a good time. Our friend, Sam will have get togethers and BBQs there. One time, he had one and we didn't even know he was going to have it until a the morning of. Anyways this is what happens...

Mad Hatter and the Queen of Hearts

2011-10-31T17:42:00.000-06:00

Halloween has to be one of our favorite times of the year. We love dressing up. This year, Som was the Mad Hatter and I was the Queen of Hearts. Som went all out. He even wore fake eyelashes! I'm not really all that good at doing make up but I think Som's actually turned out pretty well. People were very impressed by him.

This year instead of the chaos of downtown Salt Lake, we went to the Vuda Bar in Draper. The food there was really good and we didn't have to stress about the place being overcrowded. Great time with good friends.

Not The End

2011-10-27T18:38:00.000-06:00

I love Giuliana Rancic. I think she has a great personality She's a good role model. She's a strong and independent woman. On her Tumblr, she has a quote on the top that became one of my notes to self.

The List

2011-10-25T19:14:00.001-06:00

I've created a list of things that I want to accomplish. I'm just going to call it The List. I don't want to put a time limit on it or even stop at a certain amount. I know that there are things that I'll probably want to add to the list.

Click The List to see it