Utah Valley Magazine

Top Ten

mbennett — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 19:08:11 +0000

1. Blue Spruce
Not only is the Blue Spruce Utah’s state tree, it also brings year-round foliage and color to drab winter months. While other Utah Valley trees are rebuilding energy to burst out in April, the Blue Spruce stands tall and keeps spirits high from November through March.
The Blue Spruce is a beautiful, slow-growing tree that can eventually overtake small yards — so be thoughtful when you dig that hole to plant it.

2. Scrub White Oak
Although this tree is rarely “planted” in Utah Valley (it grows natively along lower mountain slopes), it is an important tree to Wasatch Fronters. This native tree grows in clumps, has fantastic-looking leaves and is often planned around by those building and landscaping homes on bench areas. It’s also a prevailing tree along mountain hiking trails. Drawbacks of this tree is that it reproduces vigorously and can be fire-prone if not thinned.

3. Quaking Aspen
As some Utah Valley residents have discovered, this tree also naturally grows in clumps. Sprouts from the tree’s root system will emerge and begin growing new trees if homeowners do not clip stems before they get too large. Although more comfortable in Utah’s higher elevations, this tree will survive in valleys. This tree will also endure the occasional “Tony loves Tina” etched into its bark.

4. Weeping Willow
The Weeping Willow is easily identified by its sweeping, low branches that droop to create its familiar “falling” canopy. Those suffering from “spring fever” have come to enjoy the Weeping Willow because its leaves appear early in the spring, before almost any other tree. The willow is fast growing (up to 10 feet per year) and provides excellent shade.

5. Norway Maple
This tree has become as common as Cougar fans along the Wasatch Front because of its ability to withstand a wide range of environmental conditions. Many varieties have dark purple and bright green leaves. This tree has gained in popularity mostly because of good summer and fall color.

6. Tulip Poplar
Sometime soon this spring, you’ll leave for work in the morning and notice a handful of flowers on your Tulip Poplar. Then, when you come home that evening, your whole tree will be smothered in thousands of blooms. You’ll have the brightest tree in your neighborhood.
Later, during summer months, your tree will transform into a well formed green shade tree.
Again, in the fall, leaves on your Tulip Poplar will put on a show, turning into a bright yellow shade. Make sure you give this magnificent tree a proper showcase in the front yard.

7. Cleveland Pear
Of all the trees in our “top 10,” this one wins for “best-shaped tree.” Your neighbors will think you secretly prune this tree at night.
The Cleveland Pear takes on a semi-perfect oval shape with leaves filling in any gaps.
This tree is often planted to line roads and entryways. As a bonus, this tree sprouts long-lasting pure white flowers.

8. Boxelder Maple
The Boxelder Maple is not only native to Utah, but it is also a very tough tree that will survive poorer soils and dryer sites. This tree is fast-growing, provides plenty of privacy and gets wide and bushy. It is also sturdy in high winds, which comes in handy for neighborhoods near blustery canyon areas.

9. Common Chokecherry
Attractive flowers and its small size make the Common Chokecherry a popular Utah Valley tree. This tree is known for its purple-red foliage, upright canopy and usually a bird nest (popular with wide-eyed elementary school children).

10. Summers Red Maple
This tree is unique because of its red leaves that last all summer, then turn a golden color that lasts late into fall. The Summers Red special leaf colors will contrast against other trees you might have in your yard with more common green leaves. This tree is fast-growing and extremely adaptable to Utah’s sometimes-harsh climate. In summary, Summers Red Maple is a great looking shade tree throughout the year.

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(Thanksgiving) Point Well Taken

contributor — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 19:06:16 +0000

Restaurant reviewer Mary Crafts invited me (Utah Valley Magazine editor Jeanette Bennett) to share lunch with her at Thanksgiving Point’s Harvest Restaurant. The idea? We would review the food as a duo.
I was excited to spend an hour with Utah Valley’s first lady of food, but I was a little intimidated to share my culinary opinions with the woman who has “perfect spice” (the ability to name a flavor when it touches her tongue — like “perfect pitch” for musicians). My usual description of food is along the lines of, “That tasted really good.” (You can see why I’ve delegated restaurant reviews to Mary.)
When we arrived for lunch, we were promptly seated at an elegant, large table for two in the quiet dining room.
We both remarked on the location of Thanksgiving Point — easy freeway access, a good mid-way point for Salt Lake and Utah Valley. As two business owners, “convenient” rates high on our list.
As we looked over the scrumptious lunch menu, Mary remarked on the variety.
“This isn’t just soups and salads — there are heavy choices at a great value,” she says.
Our helpful and happy waitress recommended the Rock Shrimp Nachos as an appetizer. I seconded the idea. When the nachos arrived, Mary commented first on the presentation.
“Beautiful,” she says as she takes a bite. “These homemade tortilla chips are delicious, and the sweet chili sauce gives flavors you aren’t expecting. It’s a fusion between Asian and Southwestern.”
We could have easily cleaned off the plate but chose to leave room for our entrees. After considering more than a half dozen deliciously described choices, Mary ordered the Seared Beef Medallions and the Spinach Salad, and I selected the Grilled Salmon Sandwich and Butternut Squash Soup.
Our waitress brought honey whole wheat bread, which we each sliced (Mary’s slice was much more even than mine — I hurried and ate my triangular piece before she noticed).
We each tasted my soup, which Mary described as “autumn.” I may have licked the bowl if I hadn’t been with Mary. Mary loved that her salad was not overdressed.
“There are a variety of tastes across the palette,” she says. “With the blue cheese and balsamic dressing, this is a great salad.”
When our entrees arrived, we were already full but couldn’t leave the beautiful presentations on the plate. Mary started with her parmesan and herb fries, rustic cut with skin left on.
“These are so flavorful there is no need for ketchup,” she says.
Both of our sandwiches exceeded our expectations. Mary was especially impressed with the breads. Her beef medallions were served on ciabatta, while my salmon was served on foccacia. The only complaint was that my sandwich was almost too big to bite.
Mary described her sandwich as being “packed with flavor, tastes like summer with wonderful melted brie oozing out the front.”
“We’re going to need boxes,” we say simultaneously. The boxes came in handy so we could leave room for dessert. Our waitress informed us the chocolate cake is the most popular, so we tried it first. We also tried the Banana Boston Cream Tart, which we liked even better, although the crust was a bit thick.
As we savored our last few bites, we came to an agreement that Mary shared most eloquently.
“Everything was a delightful surprise,” she says. “The baker is doing an excellent job with the breads. This is a perfect place for groups of friends or business colleagues to come for a peaceful, pampered lunch. I’ll be back!”

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Spring Hiking in Moab

dblackhurst — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 19:03:42 +0000

Red rocks, clear blue sky, warmer temperatures, no crowds. Is this paradise? OK, it might not be paradise, but it is definitely Moab in March. On my quick trip to Moab in March 2009, I left Utah County at 7 a.m. and was wandering the red rocks outside of Moab by 11 a.m. That’s a fast start to a great getaway.
The trip to Moab is closer than St. George and will give you a chance to explore without the crowds. Here are three hikes near Moab that will tempt your road trip spirit.

COURTHOUSE WASH
This hike starts a few miles above the entrance to Arches National Park. Park your car along highway 191 at the turnoff to Dead Horse Point. Hike east at this junction and head down into the deep canyon. After a mile or so of hiking you will be traveling inside the national park.
The hike continues to follow a stunning red rock canyon for several miles until you meet up with a small stream. Follow this stream for eight miles until you reach the mouth of the canyon. From this point you are at the bridge crossing over the Colorado River. Leave a car at the end or figure out a shuttle to get back.
Don’t forget to stop and enjoy several different waterfalls and pools. There are also a few rock art panels along the way. Keep your eyes open and look to the alcoves toward the bottom of the canyon.

MOAB RIM TRAIL
Just outside Moab along the
Kane Creek Road lies the Moab Rim Trail. The trail is three miles one way.
The trail starts on a 4×4 slick rock trail steep up the canyon side. After about a mile you will reach a viewpoint that overlooks Moab. Continue following the trail past several large sandstone features until you reach the sand hill. Skirt your way up the hill and continue to the second viewpoint that overlooks the Spanish Valley of Moab.
This hike has stunning views, and in the spring it gives you a chance to soak up a little sun. Don’t forget to wander a little on this trail. There are many different routes and side canyons to explore.

HUNTER CANYON TRAIL
This is another short hike along the Kane Creek Road. There is a free flowing stream that only flows in the spring. The large cottonwoods and small pools give you a chance to relax in desert style.
Don’t forget to take a look at the large arch that is located a half mile from the trailhead on the right side of the canyon.

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Six Ways To Keep Retirement On Track

contributor — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 19:01:59 +0000

Whatever your age or stage in life, now is a good time to evaluate your Individual Retirement Account and other retirement assets in order to maximize potential results.

Finalize 2009 IRA contributions
If you act before April 15, you can still make contributions to your IRA and may be able to deduct it on your 2009 tax return (if you are eligible). Contributing to an individual IRA may give the benefit of a tax deduction in the short-term and increased retirement savings for the long-term. If possible, make the maximum allowable contribution to your IRA each year.

Consider Roth IRA options effective in 2010
For the first time, beginning in January 2010, taxpayers with adjusted gross incomes of more than $100,000 will be allowed to convert a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA1. Roth IRAs allow non-deductible contributions to grow and be distributed tax free if certain requirements are met. An advantage to converting in 2010 is that you have the choice of either reporting the taxable income in 2010 or delaying the tax payment and reporting the taxable income equally in 2011 and 2012. Converting to a Roth IRA may be advantageous to you, but there are many factors to consider. As with all tax-related decisions, consult with your tax adviser to see if a Roth IRA makes sense for you.

Roll over 401(k) dollars
If you left a job in 2009 or have 401(k) dollars in a past-employer’s plan, consider incorporating the funds into your overall financial plan and combining it with your other investments. A direct rollover into an IRA may help you avoid the mandatory 20 percent withholding, in addition to other taxes and penalties, and keep your retirement planning on track. If you cash out of a 401(k) retirement plan before age 59 1/2, you will pay a 10 percent penalty and income tax on those dollars in addition to reducing the balance in your retirement fund.

Adjust monthly retirement savings
Review your retirement goals and confirm that your monthly 401(k) or IRA contributions are on track to reach those goals. Employer-sponsored 401(k) accounts, especially those with matching funds, are a great way to save consistently and grow your assets. Update your calculations on what you need for retirement and increase your retirement savings where possible. The annual review with your financial representative is a good time to discuss how best to invest the funds for long-term gain.

Confirm beneficiary designations
As circumstances change with time, it is important to update the beneficiary designations of your 401(k), IRA and other investments. Unfortunately, most IRA holders give this issue little thought after initially opening their accounts. Many life events could prompt a change in beneficiaries, such as a death, birth of a child, a marriage or a divorce.

Plan mandatory IRA distributions
People age 70 1/2 or older who own traditional IRAs are required by law to take minimum withdrawals from these accounts and pay resulting income taxes. (Although the government temporarily suspended required minimum distributions in 2009, unless future legislation is passed, they will resume in 2010.) These rules also apply to simplified employee pension (SEP) accounts and Simple IRAs, while Roth IRA owners are exempt from the minimum withdrawal rules. Create a gameplan for these financial distributions, in consultation with your tax adviser and financial representative, and be aware of the income and tax implications for the year ahead.

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Handled With Care

gbennett — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 19:00:21 +0000

An estimated 72 percent of American women and 42 percent of men will experience varicose veins symptoms by their 60s. Right now, 25 million Americans suffer from venous reflux disease, the main culprit for painful, swollen and ugly varicose veins.
“Some people think varicose veins are simply a cosmetic issue, but they can be much more serious than that,” says Jon Woozley, PA-C, with Utah Valley Vein Clinic, a service of Utah Valley Heart and Lung Surgical Associates. “If left untreated, the condition can lead to more serious health concerns.”
A patient suffering from varicose veins — or who thinks they might be — can visit Utah Valley Vein Clinic and receive a comprehensive diagnostic examination that includes ultrasound testing.
“We clearly identify the problem,” Jon says. “The ultrasound enables us to determine the cause of superficial issues and also informs us of any deeper issues. This gives us the best chance to successfully treat the problem.”
Varicose veins can appear in any vein, but are most commonly found in the legs. They appear more often in women but do occur regularly among men. Women who have had more than one pregnancy have a higher likelihood of suffering from them. In fact, while the Utah Valley Vein Clinic won’t perform the procedure on women who are currently pregnant, Jon points out that women don’t have to be done having children to treat varicose veins.
“A lot of people think they have to be all done with having kids,” he says. “That’s simply not true. Between pregnancies is a great time to have the procedure because it will improve vein problems in subsequent pregnancies.”
Other increased risk factors include being overweight, a family history of varicose veins and working in a job where you’re frequently on your feet (teacher, flight attendant, grocery store clerk).
The Utah Valley Vein Clinic offers comprehensive vein care including sclerotherapy with ultrasound guidance, endovenous ablation and ambulatory phlebectomy. The clinic uses radiofrequency (RF) endovenous ablation, which is a minimally invasive treatment procedure that uses radiofrequency to heat and seal diseased veins.
“The RF treatment has fewer complications than lasers and completely avoids general anesthesia and hospitalization, unlike prior varicose vein treatments such as vein stripping,” Jon says. “It’s still a heat-based procedure, but the RF treatment operates at about 120 degrees Celsius, while the laser treatment heats to 700 C.”
Lower heat means less bruising and quicker recovery. In fact, the treatment is usually done with only local anesthesia, and patients can often resume everyday function immediately.
The Utah Valley Vein Clinic’s association with Intermountain Heart and Lung Surgical Associates means the professionals at the clinic use the finest in equipment, have vast experience in vein surgery and couple this with a friendly staff committed to extraordinary care.
“We’re used to harvesting veins for bypass surgeries,” Jon says. “Frankly, ablating a vein is much easier than harvesting one to attach to a heart.
“The best part of this is that we’re helping our neighbors,” Jon says. “We live and work in Utah Valley and we like seeing the joy this brings to patients. Some of these people have been suffering from varicose veins for way too long.”
The clinic is supervised by John Mitchell, M.D., a heart surgeon with Intermountain Utah Valley Heart and Lung Surgical Associates.

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2010 Fitness Challenge

jpeterson — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 18:58:47 +0000

Tayva Lynn Bushey
Family 5-year-old son • City Orem
LOST 17 POUNDS
Age 24
Occupation UVU student and legal assistant at
Bartholomew Silva & Associates
Current Weight 248 (down from 265)
Height 5 feet 11 inches

My program is going well.
Making time to go to the gym is the biggest challenge. I am in school full time and working part time, so I make a very specific effort to schedule the time to get to the gym or a Pilates class with Loriol.
I am enjoying Pilates. I have never done any type of Pilates so being able to work with Loriol has been great.
Also, the other people in the Pilates session have been very supportive and friendly.
In the beginning we had a small hiccup in regard to nutritional counseling, but now that I’ve added a nutritional trainer (Dan Wilcox at Total Health and Fitness), I believe I will be able to meet my goals by the end of the year.

Alan Houtz
Family Married, 4 children • City Mapleton
LOST 17 POUNDS

Age 46
Occupation Production manager at Barlow’s Wood Classics
Height 5 feet 11 inches
Current Weight 202 pounds (down from 229)
Inches Waist 40.5 inches (down from 45)
Current body fat 30.3 percent (down from 41.5)

Wow! I can’t believe it’s been two months. I feel so much better already. It’s really been amazing. My back is feeling better. I can feel the strength that I’ve gained when doing heavy lifting at work. I’m really excited about the results I’ve seen so far. I’m enjoying the workouts with Zac, running at home, and it’s been easier than I thought it would be to eat better. I’m actually enjoying working on my diet.
In the past, I’ve always hit a plateau at about 200 pounds. I’m motivated to break through it this time and look forward to the feeling of being lighter than I have been in 20 plus years!

Kim Haynes
Family Married, 3 children • City Provo
LOST 3.5 POUNDS
Age 34
Occupation Stay-at-home-mom
Height 5 feet 4 1/2 inches
Current Weight 171.75 pounds (down from 175.25)
Inches Waist 38.8 inches (down from 41.25)
Hips 42.4 inches (down from 43)
Body Fat 32.7 percent (down from 33.9 percent)
Fat mass 56.1 pounds (down from 59.4 pounds)
Lean body mass 115.7 pounds (down from 115.9)

Being chosen for the 2010 Fitness Challenge has led to an exciting first two months — and some major changes. Prior to becoming a “Fitness Challenger,” I was never a morning person. I would sleep in until 8 a.m., if not later. Now I wake up at 6 a.m. to be at EXL Fitness by 6:30 a.m. or 7 a.m. I really don’t miss sleeping in because I love going and working out! Matt is the most supportive and awesome trainer. The standards and atmosphere he has set at his gym are like no other I have seen before. Everyone is so happy to be there and so supportive of everyone’s goals. I’m not just talking about the trainers, I’m talking about the clients, too! There is no competition or showboating. Everyone is there for different reasons, and everyone wants to see you meet your goals. I love that after every boot camp workout Matt “brings it in,” and we do a team cheer. Thanks, Utah Valley Magazine, for giving me this opportunity!

Angie and Frank Daybell
Family 5 children • City Springville

Angie
LOST 20.4 POUNDS
Age 37
Occupation Cosmetologist and mom
Current Weight 192.8
(down from 213.2)
Body fat 38.8
(down from 44.1)
Total inches 200 (down from 213.5) Waist, 37 (down from 40) Hips, 45 (down from 48)

Frank
LOST 40.3 POUNDS
Age 37
Occupation Principal for Taylor Elementary in Payson
Current Weight 299.5
(down from 339.8)
body fat 48.7
(down from 56.9)
Total inches 238.5 (down from 260.75) Waist, 53 (down from 57) Hips, 48 (down from 54)

Wow! What an experience this has been so far. For the past 10 years we have had a joke in our family that this is going to be the “Year of the Body.” Finally we have help making it happen. We’d like to thank Utah Valley Magazine and especially Dan Wilcox from Total Health and Fitness for making this dream become a reality. Dan has made himself available 24 hours a day 7 days a week by phone, text or email to answer any questions we have had. We have never met a more fun, energetic motivator.
Dan has taught us so much about nutrition and exercise and what it takes to find success. He has mixed up our menus and exercises each week so we are never bored. It’s exciting to find out what we are going to do from week to week.
We also want to say thank you for the letters, visits and phone calls from former students, clients, friends and family. We appreciate all of your encouragement. We look forward to meeting our goals.

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Simple success

gbennett — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 18:55:11 +0000

Owners Barry Smith and Jeff Walker don’t have any amazing secrets to the success and solid growth of Timberline Heating and Cooling in Orem — despite being in an industry ravaged by the downturn in the housing market.
“Our business has been driven by doing a good job and getting referrals,” says Barry.
“We could probably get more referrals if we’d ask for them,” Jeff says, laughing.
While not many heating and cooling companies have enjoyed tremendous success in the past three years, Barry and Jeff have continued to thrive, despite being a brand-new company only three years ago.
The pair met while working with another company and eventually decided to start their own venture. Barry had experience in service and maintenance, while Jeff was adept at installations and replacements.
“A lot of people warn against taking on a business partner, but I can’t imagine doing this any other way. In fact, I wouldn’t have done this without Barry,” Jeff says.
The company has kept things simple (when you call, you will still get either Barry or Jeff), which has allowed them to keep close tabs on expenses and what profit they need to make on a project for it to be successful.
“We received good mentoring advice when we started,” Barry says. “Our mentor told us to keep good records and know what those records meant.”
The combination of good service — enabled through continuing education and smart business practices — has meant relatively good times for Timberline.
“We value the relationships that form from doing work for someone,” Barry says. “We don’t look at people as simply a job number or a piece of installed equipment. We look at them as friends.”
And that’s made the difference.

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Spring into beauty

jbennett — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 18:52:15 +0000

Camille O’ Driscall
Camille wanted caramel highlights with melted black cherry throughout. She also wanted to pump up the volume on the sides of her hair. The stylist created a three-dimensional look by adding caramel highlights through her crown and sides. Hair extensions add volume and length.
Stylist: Kerensa Pfaff
Makeup: Trista Bowman

Sage Christensen
Extensions are a great option for the spring and summer seasons because they are low-maintenance. With extensions you don’t need to wash hair as often — hair with extensions holds curl for days and creates a cute style even with a simple pony tail. Extensions last about a year, but you’ll need to come in every six to eight weeks for maintenance.
Stylist: Carrie Stroshine

Annie Kitchen
Annie started with Remedez’s Foot Relieving Pedicure, which includes proper maintenance of nails and cuticles, exfoliation, hydrating treatment mask, massage, and finished with a peach polish and hand-painted spring wild flowers. Spring 2010 is all about pastels! Then Annie had Remedez’s Hand Relieving Manicure, topped off with a mint green polish.
Esthetician: Erika Scholz

Michelle Coy
Michelle wanted to go short for spring and have a style that suited her face shape. It only takes a little product (We used Aveda Light Elements Texturizing Cream) and very little styling time to create a look that is bold and feminine. A good short haircut that is cut to your bone structure will grow out well and sometimes even “morph” into another wonderful style.
Stylist: Danine Imboden

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Larry & Karen Salisbury

gbennett — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 18:45:57 +0000

What have you taught your children about money?
We’ve taught them from a young age to save a percentage of their earned money for “later” needs like college, missions, marriage, etc. Each of them had money saved when they got married. It’s helped them get a good start.

What principles influence how you use money?
We are savers and have taught our children and grandchildren to save as well. We set up accounts at UCCU for each grandchild in his or her first year, and they get a yearly birthday CD from grandma and grandpa to help them save for their future college expenses.
We also give them our pocket change for their savings. They put it in their personal piggy banks at home and when the piggy is full, they take it with their parents to deposit it in their accounts. They love it, and so do we.

Why did you join UCCU?
We joined UCCU because they offered services that our current credit union didn’t, like home loans and a Visa. They also had many convenient locations. We’ve found, though, that it’s the ongoing service that has made us keepers!

Given this recession, have you felt safe and secure with UCCU?
We feel very safe being a part of this community credit union. We know they have our best interest at heart.

What is your favorite aspect of banking with UCCU?
They are personable and kind and eager to help with any concerns.

How do you typically use your accounts?
Besides using regular savings and checking accounts, we also use money markets, IRAs and online banking.

What online banking feature do you like the most?
We love the online banking. With online bill paying services, we’ll never buy another stamp or worry about a payment arriving late again. In addition to the convenience, it’s secure and we feel completely comfortable.

UCCU is a community credit union. What are the benefits to you?
UCCU doesn’t have extra fees and gives us personal service. The staff members know us and what we like. You don’t get that at a lot of places anymore.

What do you know now about money that you wish you would have known when you were 18?
It’s not what you earn, but what you spend that makes the difference. We have been able to be successful by managing a modest income in an efficient way.

Happy Couples

kchristenson — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 18:41:45 +0000

Erin & Bobby Swenson, Cedar Hills
Erin and Bobby Swenson want to do it all, and they want to do it together.
The couple met in summer 2008 and were married August 2009. A cousin unintentionally crashed Bobby and Erin’s first date at Sushi Ya in Orem, and he now takes full credit for the Swensons’ marital success.
When they first met, Erin was working at Telos, a treatment center for teens, and Bobby began working there shortly thereafter.
They now work together at the Hale Center Theater in Orem where Bobby builds sets and Erin, who grew up dancing at various studios in Utah County, teaches dance classes.
Humble about their individual accomplishments, they love to brag about each other.
“He’s really creative,” Erin says. “He was cast as the dentist in ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ this past fall.”
But Bobby was not about to let his wife get away without praise of her own.
“Did she mention she started the dance program?” he asked. “She doesn’t just teach there. She started it all.”
The pair also shares a common interest in triathlons. Erin competes in XTERRA triathlons, which involve off-road expertise.
After winning nationals in September in her age group, Erin went to Maui to compete in worlds in October. She placed sixth in her division, with her husband cheering her on every stroke and step along the way.
Although the couple loved Hawaii, they also enjoy exploring places close to home. After a honeymoon in Sun Valley, the pair spent time exploring Moab and relaxing at Bobby’s family ranch near Capitol Reef National Park.
They hope to visit Italy one day and are excited to try the food there, especially Bobby who is the family’s head chef.
“He is amazing at cooking,” Erin says. “He comes up with the best dishes. I try to repeat what he does but I usually end up burning it or it doesn’t taste right.”
The family dinner table also includes Fletch (named for — you guessed it — the movie), who is Bobby’s Italian Mastiff that Erin become “mom” to when they married. The couple recently purchased a pair of snow boots for the four paws of the gigantic dog, who likes to keep Erin and Bobby company when snowshoeing around Utah Valley.
The Swensons stay happy by being active and keeping open communication.
“We make sure we talk about everything,” Bobby says. “Everything is on the table. And we hash it out.”
Although they have been married less than a year, Erin has advice for couples thinking about tying the knot.
“Make sure you are honest with each other,” Erin advises. “And just get to know each other. And, lastly, always have fun.”

Steve and Dianne Miller, Alpine
When Steve Miller first saw Dianne Whitelock, he wanted to ask her out but thought she was way out of his league. Now, almost 40 years later, they are the best of teammates.
   Steve and Dianne met when Steve was in the University of Utah’s Air Force ROTC and Dianne was in the ROTC’s support group — Angel Flight.
   “I used to watch her walk down the hall and think, ‘Woah, would I love to ask her out!’” Steve says. “I almost asked her to a dance, but chickened out at the last minute.”
   Their paths wouldn’t cross again until 30 years later at an Angel Flight reunion. They say they were too shy to talk much at the reunion, but they started e-mailing each other soon after.
   “You really get to know someone when you’re just writing to each other like we were,” Dianne says. “I really got to know Steve’s heart.”
   Dianne, who is a member of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, invited Steve to a concert in Fort Worth, Texas, where Steve was working as a programs manager for Rockwell Collins, a leading manufacturer of communication and aviation electronics for government and commercial companies. Steve was not a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and had never been to a Mormon Tabernacle Choir concert, so he figured getting tickets would be easy. But when he called, they were sold out. After a few desperate attempts, someone turned their ticket in and Steve was able to go.
   “That concert changed my life,” Steve says. “I knew I would join the church and marry Dianne someday.”
   About a week later, Steve flew to Orlando to see another Mormon Tabernacle Choir concert. Afterwards, Dianne left a message on Steve’s phone saying, “Let’s go play!” (Which would become the couple’s motto.) Steve and Dianne spent the next day “playing” together at Disney World. That night, Steve told Dianne he was falling in love with her.
   Within five months, Steve was baptized into the LDS Church, and he and Dianne got married. Steve didn’t think twice about leaving his lucrative job in Forth Worth to join his wife in Alpine.
   “I was given a gift that I never believed I would deserve or ever have,” Steve says. “Sometimes I look at her and say, ‘I married Dianne Whitelock. Can you believe that?’”
   Now, both Steve and Dianne are teachers. Steve is in his fourth year as a science teacher at American Heritage School in Pleasant Grove, and Dianne is in her 17th year as a music teacher at Shelley Elementary in American Fork.
“Everywhere we go, we’re greeted with an excited ‘Mrs. Miller!’” Steve says. “It’s like being married to the American Fork Chamber of Commerce.”
   One of the best parts of being teachers, Steve and Dianne say, is the time they get to spend together.
   “We wanted the same schedules, so we’re both teachers,” Dianne says. “We get summers off, so we take off.”
   Between trips with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and their own vacations, these adventure-seekers have visited more than 30 states together.
   “We are prone to simply pick up and hit the road when the opportunity arises,” Steve says. “We seldom plan exact routes or make reservations, because we enjoy the spontaneity of heading a different direction because it looks fun.”
Their all-time favorite vacation spot is the Vandenberg Air Force Base just north of Santa Barbara.
   “There are 32 miles of Air Force coastline, so on that beach, the only footsteps are ours,” Steve says.
   Although Steve and Dianne got married at 55, their love would put plenty of 20-something newlyweds to shame.
“We decided since we took so long to get together, we want to make up for it by spending all the time together we can,” Dianne says. “So we do.”
   And they manage to do that, even with a blended family of 10 children and 18 grandchildren to keep up with.
   “My kids call Steve ‘Dad,’” Dianne says with tear-filled eyes. “Before we were married, I spent 18 years trying to deal with an abusive husband while raising eight children. I didn’t think I’d live through it, and I didn’t care if I did. But love can heal wounds. Now that I’m with Steve, I have my confidence back.”
“The girl I married was very fragile,” Steve says. “My purpose is to heal her, care for her and love her. I jokingly call myself her ‘Prince protector.’”
   One of the ways Steve and Dianne express their love for each other is through love notes they leave on a stuffed monkey on their bed. Steve also likes to surprise Dianne with presents.
“Last year, he bought a car for my birthday,” Dianne says.
    Between the surprises, trips and daily expression of heartfelt love for each other, Steve and Dianne have built a marriage to last. And although Steve still feels like Dianne is out of his league, he tries to win her heart every day.
   “I pretty much ask her to marry me every day,” Steve says. “The answer has always been ‘yes,’ but if she ever says ‘no,’ I’ll know I have to do something about it.”

Mark and Robyn Bretzing, Orem
For Mark and Robyn Bretzing, life’s a dance. Whether it’s dancing the night away at The Dance Club in Orem or holding their own dance party in the kitchen with their four sons, dancing is their all-time favorite family activity. After all, it was dancing that brought them together in the first place.
   Mark and Robyn were introduced by a mutual friend at The Palace — a dance club that used to be on 9th East in Provo. Mark had sworn off girls, and Robyn was almost engaged. But when Mark cut in and asked Robyn to dance, they both felt the chemistry.
   “She had an energy about her,” Mark says. “She had a great smile and bright eyes. It wasn’t hard to have a conversation with her.”
   Robyn was impressed with Mark’s dancing skills and wanted to spend a little more time with him, so she asked for a ride home — secretly knowing she had driven to The Palace herself.
   Had Mark known she was interested, he wouldn’t have felt so discouraged after calling Robyn for the next two days and not getting a call back — especially when he had canceled two dates that weekend in hopes of taking her out.
   But on the third day, the call back finally came. Although Robyn’s invitation to attend a 7 a.m. LDS sacrament meeting at the Utah State Hospital in Provo was not what he expected to be their first official date, he obliged. He knew better than to pass up a date — any kind of date — with a girl like Robyn.
And despite being proposed to by three different men while she was dating Mark, Robyn knew a good thing when she saw it.
   After dates and dancing, Mark and Robyn tied the knot. And even though they’ve been married for 18 years, they feel like they met just yesterday.
   “When we look at where we were then and where we are now, it’s 10 times better,” Mark says. “Our love grows stronger every year.”
Their secret?
Always doing what makes the other person happy. For Mark, that means making sure Robyn gets her 15 minutes of mandatory “snuggle time” every day. For Robyn, it means giving Mark his “Mark time.”
   “I love to take her out,” Mark says. “We have date night every week — sometimes twice a week. I love to do things with just us, even if it’s as simple as dinner and a movie.”
   By night, Mark is a sergeant with the Salt Lake City International Airport Police Department. But by day, he can be found happily doing the laundry, the dishes or baking bread for the neighbors while Robyn works as the physical education specialist for Alpine School District and a physical education teacher at Timpanogos High School.
Robyn has received numerous Teacher of the Year awards and was runner up for the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (AHPERD) National Teacher of the Year for drastically improving physical education curriculum.
But her achievements don’t stop there. After playing soccer for BYU and the U.S. National Women’s Soccer Team, Robyn founded the Celtic Storm, Utah Valley’s premiere soccer club for girls, and was the first woman to be inducted into the Utah Soccer Hall of Fame.
   But Robyn knows none of those things would have been possible without Mark’s help.
   “I’ve always been pulled a lot of directions with teaching and coaching,” Robyn says. “And Mark has never complained about being home or helping when I’m busy.”
   When they’re not busy, Mark and Robyn love to go snowboarding, skiing, wakeboarding, wave running or camping as a family. But Robyn hasn’t always been a fan of outdoor sports.
  “My dad is afraid of water,” Robyn says. “All the outdoors stuff was a fear for me. I had to learn to like what he did.”
   And Mark has had to do some compromising of his own.
   “I wasn’t used to the commitment involved with soccer,” Mark says. “I played in junior high but wasn’t that into it. Now I am fully indoctrinated into soccer — I feel like I could coach.”
   But what they won’t compromise is putting each other first.
   “We always stay involved in each other’s lives,” Robyn says. “We’ve supported each other in whatever we’ve done. Too many times you get involved in things that are separate from each other.”
   So when Mark and Robyn were given the advice to remember what brought them together as newlyweds, they looked at each other and said, “Dancing.”
   And even though they don’t claim to have a perfect marriage, their goal to stay involved in each other’s lives has kept their marriage strong.
   “We’re not perfect,” Mark says. “What I do know is I can’t imagine what life would be like without Robyn, so we’ll work through whatever comes at us because it’s worth it. We have four beautiful boys, and we’re trying to set an example for them to follow. Robyn’s parents have been married for more than 50 years, and we hope when our kids grow up, they’ll follow our example and work on their marriages.”

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