Tis the Season!

~This really is the best time of year. Although, I hate the cold weather and snow, I love Christmas time. It's fun to get together with family, reminisce on the old days and share fun stories. Traditions galore fill the air: Christmas Vacation, snow angels, hot cocoa, chex-mix(mmmm), snuggling up under a warm blanket, snow ball fights, staying up late, going to movies, fighting off the crowds at the mall, holiday pick-up basketball...and much much more.
This is also the time of year for watching fun holiday movies. Christmas Vacation, A Christmas Story, It's a Wonderful Life, A Christmas Carol, The Family Man. I got to thinkin...Home Alone 2 really gets the shaft. Nobody remembers this holiday treat and I think it's even better than the original. Nod if you agree....here's a fun clip from the movie..."little moe with the gimpy leg!"


MANDA & I WISH ALL OF YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

~This has been a crazy and fun NFL season. It's been filled with injuries, surprises and disappointments. Who would have thought the Miami Dolphins would be at 9-5 when the same team went 1-15 last year. Also, the Atlanta Falcons have bounced back from the Michael Vick dragging them down. Tom Brady's injury shook up everything but the Patriots are still sitting atop their division. In short...FOOTBALL IS GREAT! We're coming down to the home stretch and I thought now is a great time to make my predictions. As you know, I'm big on predictions and like to put them out there before the rest of the world does. (Phillies!)

Parody is the name of the game and it is tough to pick winners in the NFL but I feel the Carolina Panthers will beat the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Super Bowl. They both have excellent defenses but Carolina is clicking on all cylinders, at the right time. I just don't think they are going to lose. Take it to Vegas now!

~Colin Cowherd, of ESPN Radio, had the following to say about what's a sure thing to make a woman look good. I thought it was funny..."I love a woman in a cowboy hat. Every woman out there if you're wondering..'do I look good?' Go buy a cowboy hat! I guarantee you will turn heads. There's nothing better. Honestly. Nothing."

~Alec Greven is a 4th grader from Colorado and he has written an ingenious book, "how to talk to girls." I first saw him on the Today Show and his stuff is brilliant! It's basically a book filled with "what and what not to do" advice. Here's a sample: Comb your hair and don't wear sweat pants when you talk to a girl. Act smart and they'll like you. Really pretty girls are like cars that need a lot of oil...just stay away. Needless to say, his stuff is hilarious! If you haven't heard about him or his book then check out this video.

~One of my most favorite hobbies is going to the gym and exercising. I've been accused of having a disorder for the amount of time I work out. Although I spend a lot of time there, I assure you...It's a healthy hobby. Anyway...being at the gym allows many opportunities for some great people watching. I have many funny stories I could share but I want to focus on just a few...

The other day I was jogging on the treadmill and a very nice lady was about to get on the machine right next to me. I thought it was odd because she started the treadmill before she got on and stretched for a minute. After her stretch session, she stood on the platforms while the belt ran underneath her....I thought to myself..."what the?" She then hopped on and fell face first to the floor! I suppose the speed exceeded her ability and I'm sure she was pretty embarrassed. I remember my natural instinct was to reach down and try and catch her. I stopped her treadmill and she looked up at me with a look that can only be classified as..."do you think anyone saw that?"

I had just finished up a work out and was gathering my belongings in the locker room. I was just about to leave when I noticed a man, about 35 years old and in good shape, sitting on a bench near me in only a towel. He was shaking and started shouting! "Hey! You! Do you have any crackers?! I'm about to pass out!" I turned and was blank. "I have some water!" I uttered. He said..."No, I have water! I need carbs!" He was clenching his fists and looked as if he was in real pain. I didn't know what was going on. He started yelling louder. I grabbed my stuff and ran out to the front desk. Explained the situation and a bunch of Gold's gym workers ran to the locker room. One of them looked completely horrified. Now, I can only assume everything went ok with the mystery towel guy but I didn't really want to go back there again. (I did the right thing. right?)

Another instance...I was minding my own business...like I always do....and was stretching. I noticed a nice old lady trying to get my attention. Once I looked at her, she was pointing at the stair master, the kind that is a revolving stair case...ya know...the one that I made famous? anyway...I, being the nice person that I am walked over to her. She pointed again and said, "what does this thing do?" "I said, it's a stair master." "A stair what?" she said. "It's a machine you use to work your cardio system." I said. She looked at it up and down and then let out a very subdued chuckle.

...til next time...

Enchant Your Soul

Music is one of those powerful things that can touch your emotions unlike anything else. It can bring tears to your eyes, love to your heart, passion to a workout or peace to your mind. In short...it's a great thing!


If you haven't already noticed, this blog features an ever-changing array of music. We have the music to (a) make your sanchezthoughts experience more enjoyable and (2) show you the music that we enjoy and just maybe persuade you to like it for yourself.

This is our personal invitation to you....Turn up your volume, check out the playlist on the right hand side and have a listen. It may change your life. and as always, feel free to comment as to what tunes you like and/or any you suggest.



Spread the love...

A Utah Man Am I

This post is about a week over due but nevertheless...here it is...

This college football season has been classic. Probably the most enjoyable I've ever been a part of. When the season started, everyone was on the BYU bandwagon and thinking they were going to go undefeated and the whole "quest for perfection" thing. Now, I could use this lovely blog as a platform for dogging cougar fans...but...that's not my style. Plus, I remember "Harline open in the endzone" and "4th and 18". Oh, the sadness! Instead, I'll just revel in the Utes Success.

The Utes had a few close calls throughout the season but overcame everything on their way to a perfect season.

First, there was Oregon State and the Utes scoring 11 points in the final two minutes to win the game!

Manda and I after the game. We were practically forced to rush the field by all the crazy fans. Probably the most exciting game I've ever been to.

Next, there was the game against TCU. They had just blown out BYU and nobody was giving the Utes a chance to win this game. It was the blackout game and the crowd looked awesome sporting their black gear. I had 4 near coronaries throughout the game but the Utes did it again and won in the end!
The game against BYU could have been the biggest game in the world. But,the Cougs had to go and lose to TCU and take a little umph out of this match up. But, it was still fun. Here's a few pictorials that tell the story...
Manda with her game face on before our walk to the stadium...

To keep fans happy random things get thrown into the crowd. Despite the cold, Amanda really wanted some Ice Cream. We screamed and screamed then they threw us some ice cream. and look how happy she is! Lt. Dan..ICE CREAM! (I'll take any chance I get to quote the amazing Forrest Gump.)

It gold cold in a hurry...good thing I was there or she would've froze completely. The game was close throughout the first half and then Max Hall decided he was tired of being good. He threw 5 Interceptions and had 6 turnovers in all. It was so exciting and fun to be there. One of the best parts is when the BYU fans headed for the exits at the start of the 4th quarter. Sweet Redemption!

Doug and Molly...our MUSS buddies!

In the end...the Utes dominated 48-24 and went undefeated, again. Bring on Texas!

Quote of the day

Our fridge wasn't working for about a week and all of our food went bad. Not fun. Not fun at all. Anyway, we needed to go to the store so we could replenish our barren fridge...

An exchange of dialogue between Amanda and I...

"Honey, we definitely need to get milk and eggs. What else can you think of?"

"Umm, toilet paper and gum..."

Gotta love it!

He Shouldn't Be Eating So Much Pizza....

As humans, we have our parents to thank for most of our crazy ways. They pass off their characteristics and traits onto us, their innocent offspring. Though some traits are mimicked and perfected over time, others are passed on via genetics.

One such genetic quality that I would like to focus on is that of...dreams. Not dreams as in being a Sportscenter anchor or playing in the NBA but unconscious movies that we make up in our minds while we lay around.

My father has had some pretty crazy dreams, most of which make you shake your head and think..."what the?" Remember the infamous "black bull" incident? Case closed. My brother Jerry was a legendary dreamer. He had dreams about some of the most random events but what made his dreams special were the length and detail in which he dreamt. On more occasions that I can remember, Jerry would sit and describe his dreams to me and literally go on for 30 minutes or more at a time. I often encouraged him to write down his dreams so everyone could enjoy the organized craziness.

I, a descendant of Jerry Lee Sanchez Sr.,(above) also have the ability to dream up some funny stuff. Here's another dream that's short and sweet. Cheers!

I was working as a Little Caesars Pizza Man. I started receiving threatening text messages, from a number I did not know. The messages told me that I must deliver free pizzas to random addresses or physical harm would fall upon me. They were sent to me sporadically and went on for about a month. I began to get tired of the blackmail and refused to take the pizzas to anybody or any place. The texts kept pouring in, but I did not care.

Then! Amanda and I got home one night, to a luxurious house. A house that I couldn't believe I could afford on my pizza wages. In the middle of the living room sat an empty pizza box with a message inside...it read..."you don't want to do it like this. we need pizza." Amanda started to get angry and upset. She yelled..."just give them the pizza!" and stormed off. I was torn. I didn't want to live like this but somehow this random pizzaburgler knew where we lived, so I had to go through with it.

The next day...I was walking through a crowded city square when I received a text. It said.."75 pizzas." I yelled aloud, "75?!!" Just then...I thought I knew the phone number of the assailant. I walked up to a stranger and said..."Isn't this LeBron's number??!!" He looked at me and said, "yup." I couldn't believe it. LeBron James, the best basketball player in the world was blackmailing me for pizza!

Just then I shouted, "He shouldn't be eating so much pizza!" I began to get worried about his physical health and decided to start cooking him healthy meals instead of the greasy/amazing pizzas. I wasn't going to tell LeBron about my idea and just went out and bought a car-full of chicken and rice. I took the food to my mother's house for preparation. It was a disaster because I had never attempted to cook 75 chickens at once. My mom was freaked out and at one point was covered in rice. I apologized to her and got the meal ready. As I was driving to deliver the food.....I WOKE UP!

As I stumbled out of bed, I had this very un-easy feeling until I realized it was all a dream. I then felt relieved and happy. I quickly told Amanda the story and the entire time she was shaking her head with a look on her face that can only be defined as, "what the?"

I'm a crazy dreamer. Thanks dad! Here's the explanation...I was cooking chicken last night at about 9. I was also watching basketball as I fell asleep. and, I'm always thinking about pizza. There ya have it. :)

"That guy from Princess Bride was so big..."

It has been 6 whole months, to the day, since Amanda and I were married. Married life is great and I wouldn't trade it for anything! A lot has happened since May 14 nd we've learned a lot about each other. In honor of our half-year mark, I give you some insights on some things I've learned...

Top 10 things I've learned since being married...

10. I should learn to squeeze the toothpaste from the bottom.
9. When I get in trouble...all I need to do is touch my shoulder to my smile.
8. My jokes are not seen as jokes.
7. The TV in the bedroom is for looks. Not watching.
6. Not everyone shares the same love of 80's movies that I do. (sad)
5. Eating all the food is frowned upon. :(
4. Using the kitchen sink to get ready for church on Sunday is not that bad.
3. Ice Cream and Hugs can cure anything.
2. When Amanda is venting, it's ok not to speak up.
1. Sports isn't the ONLY thing on TV.

Top 10 things I love about being married...

10. Inside Jokes
9. No longer flying solo while performing a prank.
8. Having someone that will watch me dance. (I dance randomly when I'm happy.)
7. The opportunity to teach the world of sports each and every night.
6. Always having someone to laugh at my lame jokes.
5. Sleepover every night!
4. Vegging out, pigging out, laughing til it hurts then sleeping in can be a date.
3. Making and sharing the same memories.
2. Knowing that all we really need is each other.
1. L.O.V.E.

Ouch my side! Ok...now that we're all done laughing. I reiterate that the married life is good. I highly recommend it...it's so choice. (anybody know that quote?) but yeah...the first 6 months is in the books and has taught me a lot. Can't wait to see what happens next!

Celebrate Good Times...

This past Thursday, October 30, gave us a lot to celebrate.

First of all, we welcomed in the newest member of our family.


Brooklyn Kate Sanchez was born Thursday afternoon at a solid 6 lbs 8 oz and 19 1/2 inches long! She is the first girl to be born a Sanchez and has already upped the family's beauty factor. Brooklyn is the daughter of my brother and sister-in-law Jeff & Kristin. Good Work you two!

Manda and I love taking pictures with cute kids that are not our own. :) Here's the proof!
Mr. Goo

Samantha

Finn

Ashy (Sorry Stef) :)

Hayden...and my pretty green tie


The other great event that went down on Thursday was Amanda getting extended at her internship. Manda Bear is working for an Advertising Agency & Public Relations Firm, Richter7. The company is the industry leader in the state and is giving her amazing experience. Positions for this internship are ultra-competitive and very hard to come by. Positions for college students only last a few months and then they get passed on...BUT! Richter7 likes my amazing wife so much that they asked her to keep coming back. That's a great accomplishment and her hard work and dedication is paying off. She is one motivated chica and I know she won't quit til she's at the top! To celebrate...Amanda wanted to go to our favorite Italian Restaurant. The place where you go when you want to feel like family. The One, The Only...Olive Garden!

Here is a lovely snapshot of Amanda showing her approval


Til next time...

If you're as excited as I am...then your giggling right now...

In a world full of "experts", analysts, Colin Cowherd and Puxatony Phil, the prognosticator of prognosticators, I give my sole opinion.

It's no secret...I love sports. and even though football is amazing...basketball has my heart. The season starts tomorrow and the following is my annual list of what will happen....enjoy!

*Injuries and/or mid-season trades could drastically alter outcomes. All of which is impossible to be seen by yours truly.

Also, I would like to preface my predictions with this picture. Just a reminder that I love the Jazz more than anyone on the planet.


Division Winners:

Atlantic Division- Boston
Central Division- Cleveland
Southeast- Orlando

Southwest- New Orleans
Northwest- Utah
Pacific- L.A. Lakers


Playoff Teams:
1.Boston
2.Cleveland
3.Orlando
4.Detroit
5.Toronto
6.Philadelphia
7.Washington
8.Miami



1.L.A. Lakers
2.New Orleans
3.Utah
4.Houston
5.San Antonio
6.Phoenix
7.Dallas
8.Portland

Teams that made the biggest leap from last year-Portland, Miami
Drastically improved teams but not there yet-Minnesota, NY Knicks

Most promising teams but will under achieve- Philadelphia, L.A. Clippers
Teams that will ask themselves... “What happened?”-Phoenix, Detroit

NBA Finals- L.A. Lakers over Cleveland Cavaliers in 6

Most Valuable Player- LeBron James
Rookie of the Year- Greg Oden
Defensive Player of the Year- Kevin Garnett
Coach of the Year- Jerry Sloan (finally)
6th Man of the Year- Shane Battier
Most Improved- Danny Granger

Player most likely to be traded- Lamar Odom

Players that will make themselves household names- Mo Williams, Ronnie Brewer, David Lee

Players that will take the step from pretty good to wow!- Rudy Gay, Danny Granger, Brandon Roy, Jose Calderon

You heard it here first!

Comments!

So, this blog is meant to share thoughts and stories from our lives. We try to think out of the box and give humor to random occurrences that may happen. We love blogging and hope you enjoy reading.

Recently, we had a friend think he was commenting too much on our blog. Preposterous! We want comments! They let us know what you're thinking and even better...let us know that you are reading. Comment Comment Comment! The longer the better!

The World's Greatest Pumpkin Contest!

Autumn.

It's in the air, in our minds and in our tummy's. It's a great time of year, if not the best. I am not looking forward to snow though. Freaking snow and ice and bad driving conditions and shoveling and scraping your car and cold and snow!

anyway...sorry...autumn...

What's autumn without a good old fashioned pumpkin carving competition?!?

This past weekend we gathered at Casa De Horne (my old house) and we all put our skills to the test. Let's let the pictues do the talkin'.


Gotta love that authentic pumpkin spice!

Dave and Nicole talked a big game but could they deliver??

We all knew Ricky and Bree wouldn't compete for the title but they sure did boost the overall prettiness. (Is that a word?)

Let the designing begin! We wanted to be sure and give the voters something to talk about. I call this one..."Focus."

She's the creative one...I'm the tall one.

Let's take a look at the finished products...


Dave went classic on us with this pretty face. He wanted to be sure and avoid the typical "triangle eye" look. Not bad Dave. Not bad at all.

Jooge, our diva, turned in this excellent likeness of his fastball. It just looks like it wants to be on fire!

Richard and Bree did a great job. Bree won the award for "free spirited" while Ricky won the award for "most liberal." (Sadly this snapshot doesn't show the "Obama" carved into the side.)

Here we are! We went Old School on 'em with the original Jazz Logo! It took much time and effort. When I married her, I did not realize that Amanda was so skilled with a blade. Breathtaking.

There ya have it...The display to end displays!

And the winner is....?