Sunlit Words

Curves

2012-01-29T11:02:00.000-07:00

I am now obsessed with the gym. It's been an amazing journey.

Since I've started college I've had a big gut. I was consistently asked when my baby was due and I'd laugh on the outside but obviously I wasn't too happy with it. My weight would go up and down, but I always stayed pretty consistent in my size. I was compact in my weight (the scale always showed a lot more than I looked). But after I got engaged I kept getting fluffier. Ian and I both lived and home so many of our dates involved eating out. My wedding dress fit perfectly when I got it but I had to do the slim-fast diet the week before the wedding to make sure it still fit when I came back from Florida. In October, I went to put on the dress I wore to the first valentines dance Ian and I attended. I also wore that dress home from the temple after we got sealed. It had been getting progressively tighter on me until in October I couldn't wear it. I cried and cried and cried. I threw it in the trash and put on some very stretchy skirt and top and cried at church. I realized then it was time to get my act together.

That Monday I started looking up gyms in town. Everything was really expensive and I knew I could go on campus for free, but I didn't want to go there. There are too many people there. And I don't tan so the unlimited tanning offers at World Gym was pointless, and anytime gym wouldn't return my phone call so poo-poo on them. But Curves, that seemed really good. And they offered me like a month free!

I went in on Wednesday and got the tour and did the weighing and measuring, but my anxiety got the best of me and my stomach was not up to a work out. Especially after the weigh-in. I went back on Friday and met my favorite woman ever: Cookie. "I'm the only cookie left in your life Beth." She has been my angel in more ways than one. She has never let me slack, she has pushed me further than I thought, and she is always congratulatory when I make even the slightest achievement.

After the first week I knew I was going to sign up for the year, but I didn't want to tell them because I was worried they'd end my free month early haha! I paid upfront for the entire year because I didn't want something like money to make me have to decide--gym this month or food? I knew we had it all right then, so why not get rid of the worry.

I need to get all my measurements written down but I've lost 14 pounds and tons of inches. I started in a 10/12, L or XL (dresses were even bigger than that) and I now comfortably wear 3/4 pants and medium tops. The girls aren't going anywhere so I can't go too small there haha. I tried on a dress at the Gap yesterday that was an 8 that almost fit (didn't quite zip at the top) but I'm not discouraged. Dresses are really hard to fit on me because I'm like an upside down pear, or triangle or whatever (my top is bigger than the bottom half, because my lady friends haha) so I have to get a bigger size. But it's still smaller than I have worn before. And it's all about fabric too. Some fabrics just aren't made for stretching to fit that last little zip.

Me at my biggest ;)

Just before we got married, you can't see how big (I manage to get rid of my big pictures) but let's just say I'm grateful that I'm leaning back some to flatten things out.

At Old Navy yesterday, size 5 skinny jeans (in my boots), a medium shirt and medium jean blazer. It's not the greatest picture, I'll do better later.

Sometimes...

2012-01-29T09:47:00.000-07:00

Sometimes...

It's hard for me to keep my mouth shut when I see someone doing something wrong. Not even dangerous wrong, just not the way I would do it. Sorry friends.

I'm reminded of how much I love my husband when he sits through endless girly television and gets the biggest smile on his face when I take him to man movies :)

I feel self-conscious when I go into a store first thing in the morning and all the employees kinda just stare. But I still prefer early morning shopping.

I am mildly dishonest when I blame my phone for not sending a return text when really I just didn't want to talk to the person.

I can't imagine a world without my husband and my jobs. They make my world go round.

I'm surprised that I still cry every time I see men crying on tv. Like. A. Baby.

I get a little too easily wrapped up in making sure my house is exactly how I want it. Unfortunately not decorating yet, just cleanliness.

I indulge in guilty pleasures like giant bags of twizzlers when I go to movies.

I wish all things in life were as wonderful as waking up next to my best friend.

>>>

As I was writing these, I thought, I wonder how other people would end these sentences....

So I decided to make it into a little game!

To play, just copy and paste the first, bolded part of each sentence and then add your own, personal ending.

Play along, link up, and make sure to leave the link to your post in a comment so I can check out your "sometimes!"

**I stole this from here**

Turkey hair clips

2011-11-17T22:49:00.001-07:00

I made these for a couple coworkers and a couple kids at work last night, the youngest recipient called him "Tango Turkey Bubbles"... I'm not sure why but it totally made my day!!

What you need:

Fall colored silk flowers (I used 2 and got 4 turkeys out of it)
brown felt
orange felt
eye balls (I like these tiny black eyes better than the googly eyes)
hair combs (my local craft store sells them for a quarter a piece, but if you have old ones you can recycle)
hot glue gun

The how-to:

Remove the stem from the flowers, then the plastic "caps" found at the base that helps hold it together.

Remove each layer of petal and sort by size/color

Cut the layers in half

Start layering petals together to make your feathered tail, attaching each layer with hot glue

Free hand a turkey body out of the felt and attach him to the petals at both the bum and the head, otherwise the "heavy" eyes make him droopy.

Attach eyes and a nose

Glue turkey onto comb with curved side up--that way he faces out when you wear him in your FABULOUS hair!

If you don't want to wear a turkey on your head, you can glue them to napkin rings, place cards, or whatever. They're very simple!!

I found the link from where I got the idea, so click here if you need step by step pictures!

Friends!!

2011-10-15T22:22:00.004-06:00

Sorry, I've been sick and busy and running around like a chicken with my head cut off!! I made the banana cake again which was delicious again :) And Cherie is here!!

We did pumpkins, did henna art, went out to eat (too much haha) and took pictures together! We've just had a really good, relaxing time.

BBQ Pork Chinese style (Char Siu)

2011-09-24T16:23:00.002-06:00

Hello my lovelies! Come over to my other blog and check out BBQ pork Chinese style. Last weekend we went for pulled pork, this weekend is all about the chinese food! Mmm, I've made the sauce and it smells delicious. I can't wait to cook it tomorrow afternoon!! I might not even invite others so I can have it all myself!!

Spicy Chicken with Peanut Sauce

2011-09-18T11:03:00.000-06:00

So I just posted this on the other blog I was talking about last week. I am so excited to eat it!

http://somanyspices.blogspot.com/2011/09/spicy-chicken-in-peanut-sauce.html

Get over there and read all the delicious recipes, and cook them! I hope you enjoy them all!

"Back to school...

2011-09-12T22:46:00.001-06:00

back to school, to prove to Dad that I'm not a fool..." Between Adam Sandler's song and the Staples commercial, back to school time is a wonderful time of the year. Even if I'm not actually going back to school, I still enjoy it!

We have made so many great things for our classroom (with so much being purchased at back to school bargain prices!) and it's only been a week!

Here is our awesome class tree. We had a paper one that a certain student loved to rip off the wall daily so we messed him up and painted it. He ran over the day it was painted and said "Oh! No rip!" (he's almost 4, but has the verbal skills of a younger child.) Now he sits at the bottom and looks at the acorns we have decorated our tree...almost like he's plotting how to get them down.

We've not got an owl I drew sitting on the branch. He was in the knot on the tree, but that was too low. Now he's watching class from the tree. And we move him around so the kids come in from school and have to go find the owl. It's adorable.

We are doing a lot of coloring activities now too so tonight while I waited for the laundry to finish I sat here and sharpened every colored pencil. Thank heavens for electric sharpeners! Now the kids can actually use the pencils. Novel idea, I know :)

Ian's started school today too. He really liked it which is awesome. I got him a desk this semester too so he's even more excited about that! Sad but true haha. He loves having a place he can put his computer and printer and papers that doesn't have to get cleaned up when company comes or when we want to have dinner at the table! I love it too. Between the desk, the gazelle, and the tv set up for a wii back in the second bedroom, it's a good thing we don't have a kid yet! I'm not sure where one would go! (Obviously we'd rearrange/get rid of stuff but it's funny to think of just putting a bassinet on top of the desk haha)

I hope you are all enjoying back to school time! Good luck to you!

Pulled Pork Sandwiches

2011-09-11T21:05:00.000-06:00

Last night I decided it was time for a party up in here. So I got myself a pork shoulder and a bottle of coca-cola, and some rolls.

I called all my friends because it was short notice and put it up on facebook.

This morning at 5 am I placed an onion I had chopped the night before, a pork shoulder roast (fat side up) that I had liberally salted and peppered, and a cup of soda in the crock pot and put it on high.

Around nine I added another 1/2 cup or so of soda. At about 12:30 (after church and inviting some more friends!) I pulled the biggest fat chunks off and started shredding the meat. It came apart with tongs and I left the bone in. I hear it has more flavor that way.

At 4 I pulled the bone out and added a bottle of honey bbq sauce. I've kept it on high this whole time, but turned it down to low when I added the sauce. It was amazing tasting before the sauce, but I love sloppy pulled pork.

I had another bottle of sauce for when it was served which was nice because it gave everyone the opportunity to make it even messier!! Ian had brought home some macaroni salad and potato salad, so it was a full meal! I also made my chewy lemon cookies again. I figured it was a nice flavor balance with that!

Recipe

1 pork shoulder roast
1-2 cups of coca-cola (any soda will work, it just has to be regular, no diet)
1 yellow onion, diced
salt and pepper
1 bottle of favorite bbq sauce

Lay the onions on the bottom of the crock pot and then put in the meat fat side up. Pour one cup of soda over the meat and put the crock pot on high. Let cook 4 hours and add more soda. Cook another 3 hours and shred meat. 4 hours later add the bbq sauce and put on low or warm until you are ready to serve.

Total 11+ hours

It was so much fun having people over today. And now that I'm going to start posting to this blog (go check it out!!) I'm going to be having even more recipes. A friend started it and it's going to be awesome! I can't wait to get cooking, though most of mine will probably be on the weekends, that's the easiest for me to have time to try new things!

End of Time

2011-09-03T18:11:00.000-06:00

How wonderful does this video make you feel?!

It's only September but I'm planning for November...

2011-09-03T11:56:00.001-06:00

I'm cast iron pan shopping today. They're some trouble, but I do love them. Macy's is having a Labor Day sale and it's only $25! Regular $55! I like that a lot. So now I have to decide if I'm healthy enough to go down there/convince Ian of the importance of the pan so he'll go get it. I want to go down on Monday for the museum or the state fair (also if I'm healthy enough) but they'll only hold it until tomorrow night. Unless I call tomorrow and have them hold it. I don't know what to do!

I am so ready to cook up soups and stews and roasts. I am already thinking about Thanksgiving dinner. I want to have Thanksgiving here in my apartment and invite people over that can't go home. But I want to cook the turkey and make the fixings. It'll be our first thanksgiving on our own. I am SO excited.

The only thanksgiving dinner I have ever made by myself was a stuffed salmon fillet with linguine and a bottle of sparkling cider. It was delighful but lonely.

Anyone have a good Thanksgiving cooking fail story? :)

Google Scribe...best friend...what? They're the same!

2011-09-03T02:29:00.001-06:00

I was thinking today about how I loved T9 on my old phone because I could start writing a word and it would finish it for me.

Then today while trying to fix my other post I read about google scribe. It is a text prediction "app" for lack of a better word. I will type out a word or two and it will start adding the (but giving me the chance to reject) other words following. Okay, let me give you an example. I'll start writing a sentence with "Today" and we'll see where it takes me...

Today I am going to... That's what it started. Like when you search in google for something and then it pops up suggestions. The tricky part is to accept a suggestion you hit space. But sometimes I just want a space, and not the word. But it's new, there will be kinks. And that is why proofreading is KEY! (Don't hassle me if I have something wrong haha)

I see this being my new favorite writing prompt. Kinda like this site... http://www.webook.com/911writersblock

Totally go there and try it out. I think between the two of these I might get back into writing. Remember back when I wanted nothing more than to be a writer? Yeah. I wonder why that never happened. I have written a lot, and people say it's good, it just doesn't seem good enough to me I guess. I submitted a poem to a publisher once. I'm pretty sure I still have my rejection slip. But it was hand signed :)

When I was living in Iowa I listened to a radio show every Sunday night. The host described it as "a radio drama show with radio actors, sound effects, and music and and everything?" It was incredible. To have your story on the show you had to submit the script AND your rejection slip. The more slips the better. It was awesome. I swear, publishers don't know what's good! I still remember the stories. I'm sure my parents thought it was weird that I would slip off to bed at 8:45 pm to make sure I got everything done and ready by 9 and got my radio set, because seriously, it was non-stop awesome for the next hour.

See, I told you this writing prompt stuff made you write more. I haven't thought of this show for years. Many, many I have got to find it somewhere. I-tunes saved the day! 27 episodes. Thank heavens this medicine has wired me. I am going to go listen. EEK! Ah, even the intro music is making me giddy. Please, go listen to one. Maybe even Artie Azzetti one. He is this precocious child who gets into trouble. Kinda the Dennis the Menace of radio? Love it. Toodles folks! It's time to listen to magic.

It's feeling a lot like fall because...

2011-09-03T01:48:00.001-06:00

1) I wore a sweater to work yesterday! It's green with a pink drangonfly on it. I love it!!

2) I've got my first bout of strep of the season. You could set a clock to my strep cycle...if you wanted a really slow, every 3-4 month clock. I woke up today and it was 46 degrees out, which felt nice for my fever when I went to the doctor. I told the nurse I had strep and she said, "Uh huh, you have a sore throat..." and then asked me all the other questions nurses ask. The doctor came in and in less than 30 seconds of examining me he said, "Wow, the nurse should have been able to tell this was strep, not just a sore throat!" He was amazed I could still sound normal while talking and that I hadn't come in earlier. It didn't feel like strep until this morning, but he said it must have been like this a few days (explaining the fever and other symptoms) for it to look how it did. And the last few days I've just kinda felt icky and haven't eaten much of anything that would have irritated my throat so I guess that didn't trigger anything either.

I looked for a picture online because I wanted to show you how yucky my throat was, but didn't want to take a picture of my own throat, but the ones online are WAY funky! Mine is gross, but not like those ones. It just looks/feels like someone took a knife and chopped little cuts at my ginormous tonsils. You're welcome for the mental image.

So I don't leave you on a gross note, now that it's feeling like fall, I am busting out my fall tunes.

3) This (and most of Ingrid Michaelson's songs) has been stuck in my head. Fall just reminds me of falling in love. I'm not sure why, since most of my relationships have been in the spring and summer, but I love the way this song makes me feel. You should also definitely check out "Falling in Love in a Coffee Shop" by Landon Pigg and "Love You in the Fall" by Paul Westerberg (not a real video, but just listen in the background haha).

Enjoy the end of summer folks, fall is coming and I am SO excited!

Banana Cake

2011-08-26T22:21:00.000-06:00

So good!! Dang, I am delighted. I scarfed two pieces before work.

The directions say to put it in a freezer after you bake it but I didn't have room in my freezer or time to do it. But all the reviews say that it is a great idea. Ok, all the reviews I read...okay, the two I read hahaha. Anyway, if you make this, try the freezer step and let me know how it goes!

I've copied this from the website Allrecipes, but I'll paste it here with the things I did differently.

Ingredients

3/4 cup butter
2 1/8 cups white sugar
3 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups buttermilk (buttermilk substitute)
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 1/2 cups mashed bananas
Glaze: (A recipe for pound cake glaze I found)
1 cup Powdered Sugar
3 tbsp. Milk
3 tbsp. Unsalted Butter
1 tsp. Vanilla Extract

Directions

Preheat oven to 275 degrees F (135 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch pan. In a small bowl, mix mashed bananas with lemon juice, set aside. In a medium bowl, mix flour, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream 3/4 cup butter and 2 1/8 cups sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in 2 teaspoons vanilla. Beat in the flour mixture alternately with the buttermilk. Stir in banana mixture. Pour batter into prepared pan.
Bake in preheated oven for 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Mine took about an extra 20 minutes but I hate my oven!
For the glaze: melt butter, add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla together and whisk until smooth. Pour over HOT cake.

And I didn't do the dries with the dry ingredients and then alternately add them with the buttermilk. I didn't mash the bananas either, I like them a little chunkier so I just broke them up. I used 3 large bananas. I have no idea how much that works out to.

It is so divine. Enjoy!!!

Anniversary and Willy Wonka

2011-08-21T16:05:00.000-06:00

So hello there friends :)

I went back to work on Monday and holy busy!! I am going to enjoy my weekends (which I have so far) because work is KILLA! But I'm so lucky to have a job and especially to be given a job back after I walked away. I discussed what I was having a hard time with and things have been or will be fixed (of what we can do). I feel so much better now. And, shame me if I must, but I'm happy there are like 3 people newer than me there...I like not being the new person!

Our anniversary was last Saturday. I can't believe it's been a year!! We did NOTHING haha. Well, I made homemade cinnamon rolls in the morning, then we rented a bunch of movies (Eat, Pray, Love; How to Eat Fried Worms; Mars Needs Moms; and Rango), and Ian set up tv in our room so we could just lay around all day. We had nachos for lunch with this AMAZING white cheese sauce and then we went out to dinner. There was lots of pepsi and root beer drank that day. It was perfect haha!

On Sunday Ian made beef wellington (with a few tweaks) and mint risotto. He is incredible! He really should cook more often because he's super good at it :) And of course some sparkly for celebration!!

Then yesterday I decided to go get a hair cut. Ugh Ugh Ugh! On the left is what it was supposed to look like, on the right is what she did! I was SO mad! I showed her the picture, showed her on me where I wanted it to hit, and she still cut it like a bowl all around my head. And I said to be sure there is no step in the back with the layers....guess what....THERE IS! It's not even like it's a random photo that she could have messed up...IT'S ME! ugh. And we're taking staff pictures next month. I am so mad.

I don't even know what to do to fix it. Any suggestions?? Should I cut it shorter so it looks like it's supposed to be short and not a bowl or how can I style this so I don't look like friggin Willy Wonka?!

Should I just get myself a top hat??

Phineas and Ferb!!!!!

2011-08-05T22:47:00.001-06:00

So, I have a confession. I love phineas and ferb! Today was the premiere of their movie and we have been looking forward to it's release for months!!

Ian even took the night off :)

We made brownies (just because yesterday the pan was dirty haha), and pretzels...in the shape of p's and f's!!!!! We also has pizza and fanta (he he he)!! It was a great night! We are so full but it was nice to have a date night that cost all of $6 and we are fed for days haha!!

If you didn't watch it, you are severely missing out!

Go!! Watch it now!!!

Best zucchini EVER

2011-08-03T13:14:00.000-06:00

Oh my gosh, I'm still smiling from this stuff and I ate it over 30 minutes ago!

I bought a yellow zucchini at the farmers market last week and I finally got around to cooking it today. I've only ever made it sautéed, which is cool, but it just doesn't have a big umph to it.

So I umphed it.

I took the zucchini and peeled it. I am not sure if you're supposed to peel them, but it worked well for this. After peeling off the top layer and throwing it away, I continued to peel. I peeled and peeled and peeled. It looked like fettuccine! I stopped at the seed layer. I am sure (now) it would work to go all the way through, but it was a big zucchini so stopping at the seed layer was plenty for the two of us. I sauteed them with olive oil and butter (I'm not sure why but it's just better that way). I put on a few healthy shakes of italian seasoning.

After they sauteed down for a bit I added a magical can of Rotel tomatoes. Oh. My. Goodness. I let it all cook together and then I dug in.

Oh, and I topped it with shaky cheese...um...I mean...parmesan cheese. I know it's wrong, but I don't like "real" parmesan. I like the stuff that comes in the plastic bottle with the green lid that you toss on spaghetti. mmmm... so good!

Chewy Lemon Sugar Cookies

2011-08-02T16:00:00.000-06:00

Thank you to my new favorite website, mybakingaddiction.com.

I was assigned to make a treat for the birthday of a girl in Relief Society today. I didn't know what to make but I know I always get a lot of chocolate on my birthday (not that I'm complaining!!!) so I decided to get a little bit of a fresher, cleaner taste.

I have made lemon sugar cookie before but it was crispity crunchity icky uckity haha... so I specifically looked for chewy. I HATE CRUNCHY COOKIES!!

Mmm, don't they look delicious?? Question...when I used my cheap practically paper thin metal pan they were puffy like the picture. When I used my expensive air insulated cookies they were thin. They are still good, but why do I have the expensive ones???

Anywho, here's the recipe!!

Chewy Lemon Sugar Cookies

adapted from Rock Recipes

Ingredients
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups white sugar
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Zest of one large lemon, finely minced
4 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup sugar for rolling cookies

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a small bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Set aside.
3. Using a mixer, beat together the butter and sugar until smooth and very fluffy.
4. Beat in egg, vanilla extract, lemon juice and lemon zest.
5. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients.
6. Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls, and roll in sugar.

Place on lined cookie sheets about 1 1/2 inches apart.
7. Bake 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until lightly browned.
8. Let stand on cookie sheet two minutes before removing to cool on wire racks.

Makes approximately 24-30 cookies depending on size

Cheesy Zucchini and Mint Risotto

2011-07-31T20:40:00.000-06:00

I had an emotionally trying day today so after church and a bowl of mac&cheese (seriously, that stuff is comfort food to me!) I took a long nap. I had a friend coming over with zucchini today and I really wanted to see her, but I just couldn't stay awake anymore! Seriously, why does crying drain a person so much?!

I woke up to the delicious smell of zucchini cooking. I couldn't place the other smells but I knew there was zucchini in there and that was enough to get me out of bed! Ian wouldn't let me in the kitchen, not even to clean up afterwards (win!!) so I waited in the living room trying to figure out what it was. I couldn't do it. All I had was zucchini haha!!

I found this on my plate. (Ok, not really. This is a picture I jacked from someone else's blog because I was too hungry to take a picture.)

http://fivechefsandamom.blogspot.com/2011/01/cheesy-zucchini-and-mint-risotto.html

And as long as we're being honest, I'm just grabbing what she typed about it too. I'm tired and it's already there!!

You'll need:
1 small zucchini
1 small bunch of fresh mint
1 4oz. of buffalo mozzarella
1 small red onion
1 stick of celery
5 oz. risotto
1 3/4 c. vegetable broth
1/2 cup white wine
1/2 medium fresh red chili
1 oz. Parmesan cheese
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Sea Salt
Black Pepper

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Place a large saucepan on low to med. heat.
Dice onion and celery
Add a tablespoon of butter to the hot pan with the onion and celery, a splash of olive oil and a splash of water.
Cook over a low heat for around 5 min., stirring occasionally, until softened.
Bring the veg. broth to a boil in a med. saucepan, the turn heat down to low.
Trim the zucchini ends and dice.
Pick the leaves off the mint stalks and put them to the side. Add the stalks to the saucepan of the broth.
Finely grate the Parmesan.
Once the veggies are soft (not browned) add the risotto to the pan.
Stir and fry the risotto for a min. until translucent, then add the wine and keep stirring until all the wine has been absorbed by the rice.
Turn the heat under the rice up to med. then add a ladle full of hot broth, avoiding the mint stalks (only in there for flavor).
Stir constantly and continue adding brother, a ladle at a time, waiting for the risotto to soak it all up before adding the next ladle full. Contunil until you've used 2/3 of the broth.
Finely chop the mint leaves and the chili. (keep seeds if you like it spicy)
Stir the diced zucchini into the broth and keep adding the broth by the ladleful until the risotto is just cooked and had a nice oozy consistency. If you run out of broth, use boiling water.
Take the pan of the risotto off the heat.
Tear the ball of mozzarella into pieces and stir into the pan with half of the chopped mint.
Stir through half of your grated parmesan.
Taste the risotto and season well with pepper and a pinch of salt.
Serve onto plate and top each one with the remaining parmesan, a sprinkle of chopped mint and fresh chili and then tuck in.
Enjoy!
(photo credit: http://www.imnojamieoliver.com/?p=460)
(recipe credit: Jamie Oliver 20 Min. Meals iPhone App)

Ian made some obvious edits to the recipe, like leaving out the wine, and he didn't know we had any broth so he used cream of chicken soup plus some water. He's so cute :) He also didn't have mozzarella so he used cheddar. He left out the onions because he hates onions, and we don't have any celery. And no chili because I can't do spice. And we don't have risotto rice so he used regular long grain rice. OTHERWISE it's exactly the same haha!!

I love my husband...he's such a good cook. He just doesn't do it very often! Maybe I'll start taking more Sunday naps!!!

Mmm pasta salad

2011-07-27T18:29:00.001-06:00

Today was a bit of a disappointment: I got rejected again from donating plasma! Every time I go in there is something else that happens. This time they said my pulse was too high. I HAD TO PEE!!! I was anxious because something always happens and I really had to go but they wouldn't let me! And then I was getting upset...not great ways to relax haha!!

But a great friend is staying with us so that's awesome, and tonight I made lemon pepper chicken pasta salad, so that's awesome too. So overall a great day!

Pasta salad

Lemon juice
Pasta (I used rotini, I think)
Chicken
Frozen peas
Cheddar cheese
Lawry's Lemon pepper marinade

Dice the chicken up into small bits and cook on medium heat, covered, in a couple splashes of lemon juice.

In a large bowl add the frozen peas with a couple spoonfuls of the pasta water to warm them up. Don't use too much water though!

Make pasta according to directions but rinse on super cold water. Like COLD!! Add to the peas, and drain of the liquid from the chicken. Add it to the pasta and stir quickly to cool it off with the COLD pasta.

Cut the cheese (hehe) into small, tiny, itty bitty pieces. Make sure the pasta and chicken are not hot and add the cheese. Squirt in some marinade and toss it all together. Chill it all for about 10 minutes our until you can't stand the wait anymore!!

Happiness

2011-07-26T16:25:00.000-06:00

So I haven't found another job yet...I'm a little nervous but it's only been a week and a half.

In this week and a half I have laughed more, smiled more, and enjoyed more time with Ian. We made a promise to each other that we will have gut busting laughter everyday and we have. Sometimes it doesn't come until 10 pm (sorry neighbors) but it comes and that's what is important. I'm so happy now. I've been feeling better about myself and better about life.

And I made DELICIOUS chocolate chip cookies the other day. I don't remember if I posted about the cookies I made after we moved here....they were awful. They were basically paper thin and all formed into one giant cookie. Very unpleasant!

Ian and his friend are doing storage auctions and won a couple this weekend and we've been moving stuff around and getting things sold. They have a website and are selling things on craigslist too, so if you need stuff for the house check it out :)

I'm thinking we're really going to enjoy this summer break....

The reasons for the leave

2011-07-17T13:18:00.001-06:00

I got a message from someone saying they wanted some details. So here you go.

The place was nice, for a while. I thought that I liked that it was more laid back than other day cares I've worked at. I thought it was nice that we had such a big classroom. As time went on though I found that I need structure. I need walls. Kids need structure. Kids need walls. Kids need to be with their own age group. Kids need to be with kids that have more in common than just the ability to go to the bathroom. As school let out even the bathroom wasn't enough to separate the kids. Many of the kids in our class were moved up from the younger class and still had to go in the other room to get diapers changed. When I get sick (which I got every week there--more often and worse than I've ever had to deal with before in daycares) I'd like to rest and get better, not try to get a hold of people to cover my shifts--and when I call people to cover my shift I'd like them to answer the phone. I feel the management should talk to each other, not just say "Wait until so-and-so gets back in the office and call her." There was no messages being taken or passed, and no help from then when we needed it.

I loved the kids. I liked a lot of the teachers. I mostly liked the management, on occasion. It finally came down to some really bad (in my opinion) ways to run the business and the fact that I would dread going in and I would be on the verge of crying when I left.

I am bummed that my nanny job is coming to a close because the semester is ending. So now it's full on job hunting. I've applied for a few jobs already, before I left. I'm grateful that it's the end of the semester because Ian is able to pick up more hours at his jobs to get us through this.

No worries folks, it's all going to be A-OK :D

Big day...

2011-07-16T21:18:00.001-06:00

I quit the daycare today. I feel so much better being out of there. Ian gave me a blessing last night after we decided this is what we wanted to do and it was clear to me that this was the right choice. I talked to the boss today and just told her what was what and I was gone. I didn't say goodbye to anyone. I don't like answering questions. So I left.

Ian worked all day today which was a bummer, but while he was gone I gave myself a polka-dotted manicure haha! It's pretty cute :) Well, my left hand is cute, my right hand looks kinda like crap hahaha!

Before Ian worked we went to a storage unit auction. It was a silent auction and there were only two units so it was a bit on the lame side, but his friend/business partner and Ian still thought it was cool. The other guy makes bucko bucks selling things like that all the time so Ian is getting in on the action.

And I got a couple books at the library today: Alas, Babylon and a collection of short stories called A Kind of Flying. I'm really excited to read the short stories, and semi-excited for the other one. I'm not a sci-fi fan but Ian says it's a good book. So I'll try it out.

Okay, that's just about it I guess. Maybe not such a big day after all. I guess leaving the daycare was big. So it's still a valid title!

Pineapple Rice and Pork Chops

2011-07-14T21:08:00.000-06:00

Yeah, that stomach bug SUCKED! I lost six pounds though!

Sunday to Wednesday...ugh had barely any food! But things are getting back to normal; I'm eating so that means I'm cooking!!

Today for lunch I made broiled pork chops and pineapple rice! I found out that broiling is basically indoor grilling (you get the same cooking results) so that is our cooking method of choice lately!

The sauce we got at the store a few weeks ago and I wasn't too sure about it at the time but it sounded delicious today. It's from Kikoman (my favorite brand of sauce) and it's the garlic and green onion flavor. And call me superficial but I think the bottle makes it look fancy too. What can I say, advertising works on me!

Mmm, doesn't that just look delicious??

thank you kikoman website for the fancy picture

Pineapple rice is easy to do! I learned how to do it with mandarin oranges when I was a kid. I make my rice at a 2:1 ratio of water to rice. I use a can of pineapples (fresh pineapples are great but canned come with the juice, unless you want to buy that separate) and separate the juice. Just replace the water with the juice until you reach your ratio or run out of juice, then use water. I use a rice cooker, I don't know how to cook rice on the stove without destroying the rice and the pan.

Like I said, I've done it with other juices like mandarin, and I really want to try different ones. A friend suggested coconut milk but I've had a bad experience with coconut rice. It was at a restaurant that was a semi-fast food place so it was not even made to order rice, but it was a little scarring. I bet lemon would be good, and a peppered steak or chicken breast. Mmmm. Or I wonder if I could do something like an apple rice for rice pudding?? Hmm, that would be good I think. Nice thing about rice? It's CHEAP! So if it doesn't come out well get rid of it. Or have your husband that tries anything eat it while you pout and have a bowl of cocoa krispies...um....yeah....that's happened a few times.

And for dinner? Boxed mac and cheese. Yeah. It was delicious. Deal with it ;)

So sick...

2011-07-11T22:22:00.001-06:00

Yesterday I made that yummy gorilla bread, but since I woke up at 5:30 in the morning I figured that's why I slept during church.
I felt a bit nauseas when I got home so I had some pasta. Then I took another nap and was out cold for like 3.5 hours. I couldn't figure out why my phone said it was 6:30 pm, I really thought I slept through the night.

Then the stomach cramps started. I won't go into the details but it was a long night! I fell asleep at 4 this morning. Went to my nanny job because she had a final to take but dropped her kids off with her after her test. Then I slept more this afternoon and had fevers off and on all day.

I have been trying to drink water but it cramps my stomach every time. I tried some soup, not good. I tried crackers, better than soup but still not good. When I realized it'd been 36 hours since I really ate anything I tried a slice of bread...the verdict is still out on that.

Sorry, not a happy or pleasant post, but thats life. Any suggestions on what to do? When should I go to the doctor, if I should?

Recipes

2011-07-10T12:06:00.000-06:00

So I updated some posts with recipes.

Go here if you want a filling dessert-for-breakfast Gorilla Bread!!!

Easiest Pizza recipe EVER can be found here!!

My mom's amazing homemade bread that I thought was going to be the hardest thing to make but it wasn't!!

Delicious lemonade can be found here!!

I'm sorry if I've messed anyone's readers up with reposting things. I thought I could tag posts without having to republish. But hey, it's all good right :)

Gorilla Bread

2011-07-10T09:00:00.001-06:00

So this morning I woke up grumpy as all get out. I decided that the only thing that was going to make me happy was if I started cooking. So this morning I made monkey bread. Complete with pictures for your viewing pleasure :D

I don't know what my computer is doing, but it said the pictures weren't actually on my computer after I uploaded them so these are unedited from my phone. Sorry!!!

So I took a couple recipes from online and made them my own. I got the dough here (baking bites) and the topping here (pioneer woman). I'm not sure if I'm allowed to post their recipes in here, so just go there and find it!

I added honey to the dough, just a squirt, because I think that yeast works better with a little sugar. Everything (and everyone) likes a little suga' hehe!

Our house is COLD in the morning! We leave the windows open at night and needless to say, it is not the ideal dough rising situation first thing in the morning! So while I was making the dough I preheated the oven to 200º and then when the dough was mixed I turned off the oven and put it in. It wasn't too hot to cook it but warm enough to get the most amazing rise ever! Oh, and don't forget to grease your bowl...it will stick!

If you're anything like me and you have a hard time with yeasty breads actually rising, take a moment to ooh and ahh over your bread. It's going to be amazing. Knead it a few times and think to yourself, "Dang, I did such a good job!"

Tear the dough into small bits and flatten. Then grab a little piece of cream cheese (use a knife if you're a wimp) and slap it in the middle. Then roll it up and stick it on the counter.

The recipe I used made about 35 dough balls, and almost an entire package of cream cheese.

In a gallon size bag mix the cinnamon and sugar like the pioneer woman recipe says and toss the dough inside. Be careful not to squish any of the balls too much, you don't want to squish the cream cheese out!! You'll have extra cinnamon sugar at the end, but that's okay. Just save it to put on top of toast!!

You're supposed to use a bundt pan, but I don't have one so I tried a loaf pan. Yeah, you should try two loaf pans or something else. Or a bundt pan haha! On top of the dough balls goes a mixture of butter and sugar (and the little left over bit of cream cheese). It boils over so you have to put a pan under. A smart idea would have been to line the pan with aluminum foil so I don't have to figure out how to scrub all that caramelized sugar off of it!

I HATE OUR OVEN! It burns everything, no matter the temperature, the height of the racks, the time I cook it, or anything! But yeah, it's okay. It's only the top that burnt.

Anyway, that is it. I loved the look on Ian's face when he bit in. He thought it was GRAND!! And it is!!

Doubly dute (I messed up but kept it anyway haha)

2011-07-09T19:06:00.001-06:00

WE'RE WATCHING THE FAIRLY ODDMOVIE! It's fantastic!

So how are you all? I am doing well. Yesterday was busy! I took the kiddos out for the boy's birthday, which is today. The big 5!! He's so excited about this; it's adorable. We did the splash park and the play land at McDonald's. Then I went to work at the daycare and there were only 14 of the kids there which was a pleasant change! I got home and Ian went to a movie with his man friends haha. I don't like going to sleep without him!

Today I worked in the morning and had an important meeting afterwards. But at work we did painting with straws, potato slices, yarn, pipe cleaners, and paint brushes. It was a lot of fun!!! I should have taken pictures but it was awesome to say the least.

Now we're just chilling for the rest of the day. It's nice to have some time with Ian...oye! It's already 7 pm! Well, it's been nice haha!!

Pizza night!

2011-07-07T21:56:00.003-06:00

I decided today that it was a baking day. I had the day off and started to make banana bread...my bananas were dead. Graveyard dead. (Funniest quote from an old tv show. It was like COPS but for ambulances. A mom calls another mom saying that the girlfriend killed her son dead, graveyard dead. Sad situation, but really, is there another level of dead I was not aware of??)

Anyway, after watching some Ugly Betty, LOVE THIS SHOW!, I decided brownies were a safe bet. And they were awesome! I love making them in a slightly smaller pan then suggested and have less thicker brownies. Why have more if they are wafer thin?!

For dinner I still wanted to cook but I didn't want to heat up the house too long so I made homemade pizza! It was amazing! I didn't wait the full hour for the dough to rise but it did great in the 30 minutes I gave it. We didn't have lots of toppings, ok any, so I did bbq chicken and pineapple. It was yummy! I've never cooked at such a high temp though and ended up burning the crust. I will try again though, it was so good and easy!

Well, I'm going to go read some more of my book, Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl. It's fantastic and sad!!!

Oh and cross your fingers and toes and eyes and whatever else, Ian happened upon a really great opportunity for me that would be life changing. I'll keep you posted if anything comes of it!

Recipe: (from cooks.com)

BASIC PIZZA DOUGH

Printed from COOKS.COM

3/4 cup warm water or flat beer (105-115°F)

4 teaspoons sugar

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon active dry yeast

2 to 2 1/4 cups bread flour

Combine the water, sugar, and yeast together, then then salt, oil, and flour (I only use 2 cups), and let it rise. Spread it on a baking sheet and top. Bake at 455º for about 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the dough is cooked.

Oh you prickly evil plant....

2011-07-06T21:59:00.000-06:00

I saw this plant today...

This evil....

horrid....

noxious weed...

This plant, thistle, was the worst part of my childhood. We would spend our summer days going out with loppers, garbage bags, and weed killer, and hitting the fields. We would have to lop off each purple head and put it in the bag. Then we'd have to chop it down to the roots and fill it full of weed killer. Over and over and over all summer.

Oh yeah, we had 160 acres!!!

I swear, if we left just one plant, shoot, just one purple head, the whole field would blow up in purple by the next week. And then we'd lose another few years off our lives.

I saw some today near my apartment, across the street. I drove by and immediately thought of those awful summer days when we'd have to carry those bags around--our hands sweating in the leather gloves that protected our hands--and walk all those feet of land. I swear, we'd walk back the same way we came and find a billion more plants.

So please Mr. Farmer, please chop down those plants and make them go away. You need to do it before I come do it. I don't want to do it, but I don't want to see them even more.

Burns

2011-07-05T22:52:00.001-06:00

So today I got burnt twice!! Once by flaming hot cheetos haha (those actually burned so good...a spicy food that didn't make me sick!!!). U also got a weird sunburn on my legs...complete with white patches. No, it's not like blister white, just like something was on my knees and I didn't burn there! Very odd...I'll try to post a picture.
Today our friends came over to play Quelf...a fun party game for those of you that didn't know. It was just 4 of us and it didn't get too wild because of the cards that were drawn, but I think everyone had a good time!
Afterwards Ian bought me a sno-cone because my legs hurt haha (who has seen the movie Evolution? "I need ice cream...for my butt" hahaha).
After that I found out another good friend of mine got engaged. I'm not sure when but congratulations to then and especially to my Cheeseburger and her Cheese for yesterday (don't worry of you don't get it haha).
Back to the daycare tomorrow...

4th of July

2011-07-04T16:06:00.003-06:00

Today we woke up late (ps, I didn't fall asleep until 4 am!! Not cool!) And then we had pancakes and bacon for breakfast. Ian made that while I made my very first loaf of bread! It's my mom's recipe and it was seriously the easiest thing ever!

Recipe from my mom :)

2 c milk, scalded
6 TBSP butter
4 tsp salt
6 TBSP honey
2/3 c boiling water
2 TBSP yeast (2 packets at .25oz)
8 cups flour

Combine scalded milk, boiling water, butter, salt, and honey. Cool to 100º (warm to the touch). Add yeast and let it get all bubbly. Add 4 cups of flour and mix with spatula. Add dough hook to mixer and add remaining 4 cups of flour. Oil the bowl and let rise for 90 minutes or until you just cant stand it anymore haha! Beat the bread a few times with your fists and separate into two loaves. Rise again for 30 minutes. Bake at 325º for 28 minutes. Don't mess with the time, my mom has perfected this over the years!! Butter the tops when they come out of the oven.

This is amazing, thick hearty bread. Try with some cinnamon sugar (like the extra from here) on toast in the morning. Or afternoon. Or middle of the night. It's PERFECT!!!

We were going to make burgers today but we filled up on fresh hot delicious bread :) Things could be worse haha! Tonight we are going to watch the fireworks from a spot I think my friend brought me a few years ago, but I don't remember exactly. But it looks like a good spot from the map anyway! I'm excited to go because Ian is...I personally don't like fireworks that much! But they weren't bad last year and Ian was there, maybe he's my good luck charm for fireworks too...he is for everything else!!

Sleep is my frenemy

2011-07-03T20:58:00.001-06:00

I went to bed early last night, but I had a hard time falling asleep. I woke up late this morning and after I ate breakfast I went back to bed and slept like 3 hours!!
I don't know why I am so tired! I think I'll go to bed at a normal time tonight too. But at least tomorrow is a day off too! I'm not sure how Tuesday is going to go though...late night fireworks and then work! Ian might skip work since we are going to get home a couple hours before he has to work! I wouldn't blame him at all. I'd be surprised if anyone shows up haha!!
Today we went down to the duck pond and fed the cute little ducks. They came up really close to us! Then we sat in a gazebo there and talked about how much we loved each other hahaha.
We caught up on America's Got Talent tonight too. I think last season was better than this one is going to be!! But I'll keep watching...it's what I do!
I just saw a commercial for The Lying Game on ABC Family. It seems like a knock off of Pretty Little Liars but I'm ok with that!!
I guess thats all for me, sorry. Boring day equals boring post haha!

4th of July flags!

2011-07-02T09:37:00.003-06:00

Ok, so I wanted to do the chocolate covered strawberries, but these are cheaper!
Supplies
7 popsicle sticks
White paper
Blue paper
Silver anything (I used present bows that I cut up)
Red crayon
Process
Color 4 sticks red on one side
Leave the other 3 plain, or color them white if you want.
Glue then onto a piece of white paper the same size as the sticks.
Glue a blue square in the top left corner.
Glue on silver *stars* onto the blue paper.
Add a stick in the back across the top for support and one as a flag pole.
They are easy and quick, especially if you have the pieces cut out before you start.
Yup, thats what we are doing at the daycare this weekend!

F-R-I-D-A-Y

2011-07-01T22:03:00.002-06:00

I guess it should really be fry-day because I'm slightly lobstery today! Took the kiddos to the park to meet their mom and stayed to chat with mom and watch the baby (10 months old) down a piece of pizza!
I raced to work, thinking I was 5 minutes late, but I ended up 25 minutes early! Oh well, i'll take the extra couple bucks!
It wasn't as bad today, at least when I had my older group. Sure, some of them have attitude, but I appreciate the fact that they can go to the bathroom on their own!
I came home exhausted and my feet hurt, so I let ian rub them. For those who know me well, thats a BIG deal! They really hurt!
I posted that I wanted to do the chocolate covered strawberries at work tomorrow but unfortunately we are going to not be doing that. Maybe i'll think of something else (aka cheaper) before tomorrow. I saw some cool things on other blogs I read, like a popsicle stick flag, but thats just not as cool :( We will do food coloring fireworks though! And it well be awesome haha!!

Thursday: my weekend

2011-06-30T21:16:00.003-06:00

So I generally work 6 days a week, with Sunday off. Tuesday and Thursday I only work a couple hours in the afternoon, so they become my weekend days. Ian and I both had today off of work today so after he finished class we went to the temple.
I went in for my friends' wedding back in April and I had been there when I lived here last, but Ian and I have never gone through together here. It was wonderful.
After we finished we took a couple pictures because we haven't taken any for a while, but they are still on the camera. We went to lunch and filled up on all you can eat pasta and salad and then hit the grocery store. I was painfully full (how come I never notice how bad it is until I start walking around?) but it kept it grocery buying to a minimum! We ended up saving almost 50% just with in-store savings and coupons. Go us!
We hung out around the house and all of a sudden it was 9! How does that happen? Where does the time go? Back to two jobs tomorrow for both of us! Two more days of work and then the 4th of July! I think I want to make chocolate dipped strawberries...white chocolate and then dipped in blue sugar. Maybe with the daycare kids!! I usually only have a couple on Saturday afternoon. Hmmm, I liked that idea!

Another day, but now with a scary story!

2011-06-29T21:44:00.000-06:00

Okay, maybe not scary, but certainly up there on the list of situations I never want to deal with!!

So after working this morning with the lovely kids, and then going to work at the daycare for a few hours and learning to deal with all that it is there...I went to the library to drop off some books the kids read last week. I had to wait till this really slow man got across the street before I turned the corner. He wasn't really stumbling, but it looked like he had to focus on putting one foot in front of the other (queue the movie "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" I think haha)

I put the books in the box and got into my car. I heard a little voice saying "Help me" but I wasn't sure where it came from. I turned and saw the guy sitting on the ground, in a parking spot along the side of the road. He kept staring at his shoes like he was confused by them. So I ask if he's okay and then a guy pulls up and jumps out to help him. I come around to the other side and saw SO MUCH BLOOD. Yuck. Now, less then a week ago I took CPR and first aid training so I knew what to do if I had to do anything, but yuck. I hate blood so much. So while the new guy is helping the guy to a seat on the bench I called for an ambulance for the guy. I figured with the staggering and the head wound I should get some professional help. The other guy left after he knew the ambulance was coming and I stayed close to the guy. I had an icky feeling about him though so I didn't get too close. I was close enough to do anything he needed, but I wasn't about to sit on the bench with him. So sue me :P

When the police officer came he FREAKED out on me. The cop hadn't even gotten out of his car but the guy started just yelling at me and said I was getting him in trouble. The cop got over there and told him to be quiet and after getting the story I was allowed to go. But I was so scared that he was yelling at me! I'm glad I wasn't close enough to him for him to smack me or anything. I think the worst in that kind of situation.

Hmm, well I think that is all. We're going to the temple tomorrow. Woot!

Hard day...

2011-06-28T19:13:00.000-06:00

I got called into work this morning (thankfully after I finished watching The Bachelorette from last night!!) I have never seen so many kids in one room in my life! We stuck to the ratio we need to follow but it's too many people in one room! I probably was super crabby in there too, so kids, sorry.

Then I went to my nanny job and the kids were wonderful. Maybe because there are only 3 of them. The baby, always a sweetie, was extra cuddly because he wasn't feeling well. The older two were playing so well together: they got married (they danced around in dress up clothes), they built their home (ALL the pillows stacked up around them and in front of the tv--it was off haha) and sang every song they could think of! they didn't fight at all today. I think they must have seen how tired I was. Love those kids!!

I came home to lasagna...mmm...Ian is a good cook (the house is now 80 degrees though). I love his lasagna. Then we had ice cream sandwiches for dessert. We're watching "I Kid with Brad Garrett" and it's weird. It's a little ADD haha, but I guess it adds to the effects of the crazy children.

Oh!! Today I saw a road blocked and as I went around and over an overpass I saw the saddest thing. Let me just say this: TRAINS AND CARS DO NOT MIX!!! DO NOT RACE TRAINS! You will always lose. I hope they are okay, but dang, some people need to learn the basics of the world.

Oh well, so that's all for today. I think. Pretty Little Liars comes on tonight so I might just post about that. I love that show!!!

It's not easy being green

2011-06-27T22:51:00.001-06:00

I have extreme, turn-me-green jealousy of other peoples' blogs, and in turn, lives. It's not on purpose, I just see all the great pictures they take and the stories they tell and wonder where I am lacking.

Then I remember that I get up, eat some breakfast and go to work, texting a "hello" and "good morning" to my husband at some point. Then I leave one job and go to my other job. My husband and I do our best to text or call throughout the day, but it's rarely a convenient time for both of us (or I at least feel like it's not...he's a better multitasker than I am). He just started another job, so today I saw him all of an hour.

I'm not used to that! And I do know there are people out there, maybe that even read my blog, that do not get to see or talk to their spouse for weeks or months at a time, but my husband and I are not you. We are not separated by the military or any other reason, and we don't plan on ever going through that. I applaud marriages that stand the test of time and distance. I realize it takes a certain person to go through that. I would not be that person by choice.

But it's not a choice for us right now so I have to buck up and enjoy my hour. We need to work hard before we have kids, I have to work hard so he can do well in school. If I could find enough work so Ian didn't have to do school and work I would do that.

Hmmm, I think I've lost track of this post. Maybe not though...if we weren't so busy with all this boring stuff I'd like to think I would have something more interesting for you to read. Stick with me (I wasn't sure which bare or bear it was, ask I went for stick), I'll come up with something!

So, catching up...

2011-06-26T11:12:00.003-06:00

I know I'm a baby, so don't feel the need to remind me haha! I had the "stomach flu" wednesday...it was really something else but it has the same effects haha. Then thursday I woke up with pink eye. Friday night I went to a drive in movie with chloe and ian and that hurt my bum. Saturday I went to first aid/cpr training and I bruised my hand.
I'm falling apart!!
But all is well, so no worries. Ian started his job at radio shack so I'll be able to get health insurance through there! It includes vision and dental!! Woohoo!!!
I had my birthday party last week. Ian surprised me (but it was too good a surprise and I stayed late at work). I missed the first 2 hours if the party, but they saved the cake til I got there!
And I made homemade lemonade!!
1.5 cups sugar
1 cup water
1 cup fresh lemon juice (with pulp)
6-7 cups water
Bring the sugar and 1 cup of water to a boil, stir to dissolve sugar, then let it cool to room temperature. Then cover and put it in the fridge to get cold. I'm not sure why both of those steps, just follow the directions ;)
Juice the lemons, scraping some pulp in there too, and mix everything together. It's not super sweet or tart, but it's refreshing. And it doesn't have the syrupy feel that concentrate has, or grit that powdered has. It's just delightful :)
Well I guess thats all.
Oh I don't know where the picture is going to show up (I'm trying a new app on my phone) but I made chicken parmesan for ian on fathers day and it looked like a heart haha

Spill Paint and other news

2011-06-13T10:08:00.001-06:00

Ian and I have been so busy with school and work and more work! He's doing a great job in school, I'm pretty sure he even has all A's!! This is a little project he did for his art class.

Here is the MOST adorable baby I've ever watched. He laughs like this all the time, but this time his brother was making him laugh and so I could get the camera out. Love them!

Hahaha, so my birthday is coming up and I would LOVE a pinata, but then I saw this picture and I feel so sad! I don't know if I can ever have one!

We got a Wii a couple weeks ago and we've been playing (Ian more than me, but I am definitely enjoying it!) It's just been fun to have something else to do while we're at home. It's an investment because we don't really go out that much here, yay Rexburg, but when we want something to do we can just go in the second bedroom and play video games! And 007 has been good for getting frustration out haha...that and Wii Resort basketball...I get very mad when I don't make my shot haha!

Today is our 10 month anniversary. I can't describe how happy I am :) You know the best part? I know we're gonna get to 10 years and that's even cooler!! Haha! I think the best advice I've gotten for marriage is from my friend Ainsley: "Don't say anything that will hurt the other person's feelings." I can't say we've been perfect at that, but it's such perfect advice. So here's to an infinite more 10 month anniversaries, always getting better!!

Random questions and my well thought out answers!

2011-05-30T22:15:00.000-06:00

Favorite season, and why? Fall, it's got crunchy leaves!!

How would you describe your personal style? I try to be cute, without being cutesy.

What's one weird thing you can do? (The stranger the better!) I can almost touch my elbows together in front of myself with my hands on my hips. Soooo close!

Rain or shine? I love rain if it's a warm summer rain.

Confession time... what's a flaw of yours? I've noticed lately that I get kind of "my way or no way" when something goes wrong. But for a while afterwards.

Favorite music? Anything that I can get my jam on with.

Have you ever made a decision you instantly regretted? What was it? Almost took too much medicine.

Who do you admire/look up to? My husband. He is so fantastic and calm and loving.

You've just won an unlimited lifetime supply of... what? TWIZZLERS!!! I love me some twizzlers

If you were an animal, what would you be? I'd want to be a penguin.

If you knew you were going to die in a year, what would you do with your time? Spend time with my family. I will take care of my business, and just try to do the things I've wanted too...like ride a billion roller coasters!

You're now a gazillionaire... where do you go to spend your money? Pay my bills, pay my family's bills, and start a daycare of my own and hire the best people in the world. And then adopt me some babies :D

Classical music: love it or hate it? I love live classical music. It makes my bones shiver!

Phobias? Haunted houses.

Hop on a plane and go live somewhere for a year... where is it, and why? Only one place? Um, Guatemala or Greece. Can I split the year up? Ian's had a dream of going back to Guatemala and Greece will always be a dream of mine!

Are you an extrovert or an introvert? Introvert...unless I'm with certain people.

Would you/do you perform on stage? Depends on how many people are in the audience haha!

Easter

2011-04-28T15:10:00.000-06:00

I'm so happy here in Idaho!! We had our first holiday alone here, happy Easter! It was super fun!!

We dyed eggs on Saturday after we both went shopping for each other's baskets. We have TONS of candy so come visit us haha!!

We also had a great egg hunt Sunday morning: we split the apartment in half and hid eggs throughout the two halves. I apparently hid them a bit harder than Ian did...he's going to get me back I'm sure!

Also when I was out I got some little pop-its (tiny little noise makers) and hid them under the toilet seat....I've apparently started an all out prank war...if Ian remembers :D

We also had a nerf gun war on Monday. I came out of the bathroom (I was really loading my gun with darts) and came out blasting him. It was a good time!!!

The fun of a long distance trip

2011-04-19T19:41:00.000-06:00

Just a bunch of pictures from the trip!

The trials of a long trip...

2011-04-19T19:23:00.000-06:00

I'm so stoked, we have moved!! The move was exciting to say the least! We started out at about 6 am on Saturday the 9th, and then stopped at dad's to get a few last things. They had breakfast for us too which was fantastic! After about three hours on the road the GAS PEDAL CAME LOOSE! Ian got us stopped and I called AAA. They sent someone out real fast and the guy was able to fix it right there. Apparently there is a spring that attaches the pedal to the floor. A couple bucks for tip and we were on the road again.

We spent the night with my aunt and uncle in Tennessee (I didn't get any pictures of their GORGEOUS farm, but it was awesome). They had peacocks! Did you know peacocks can get up in the trees? We didn't! In the morning our keys got locked in the car but AAA came again and got us on the road. We love AAA haha! About 45 minutes later Ian said our brakes were acting funny. We checked them out ourselves and then decided we were okay and it was from the rain or something. I fell asleep and woke up to the tires screeching as we tried to stop for a light. We pull off and I called as many repair shops as I could find. The only person that answered laughed at me when I asked if he or anyone around there could work on our tires that day: "Har har har, around these parts?! Ain't nobody works on a Sunday in these parts! We are church goers!!" So we decided we would try our hardest to get to Memphis, or a least within our 100 mile tow allowance.

A few miles down the road we saw a Auto Zone that had the most helpful people ever! They checked our brakes and concluded it was the Uhaul's brakes. 3 hours later someone showed up to check them and they didn't see any problem and sent us on our way. As soon as we left town and headed into the deserted-ness of Tennessee, our engine and overdrive lights came on, our brakes started messing up and I was getting scared! We saw a tiny town called Whiteville and they had a little transmission shop that didn't say they were open but there were people there and a hotel next door. If anything we'd have a place to stay and they could fix it in the morning.

Enter the most wonderful people we might ever meet. He took us right in and checked everything on our car (brakes, transmission, engine, tires, everything) for $65! He said we were just pulling too much weight and working our engine too hard. So I asked where there was a dump and he said he had a friend that just got an apartment and didn't have any furniture. So we gave them our mattress set, desk, chair, bed frame, and coffee table. As soon as we started up again we had no problems!

(Pictures don't necessarily coincide with the trip, but I know you won't read if I don't add pictures :P)

Umm, where did the time go??

2011-01-16T16:46:00.000-07:00

Hello world! So, I'm not sure where the time has gone, but here I am :)

I'm still waiting for my diploma, it should be here in a few weeks. So I don't know what else to write about today, I've just been working on keeping up with the boy I watch, who is making a ton of progress, and enjoying life with Ian.

Here are some funny pictures I found on my phone today. I got a new phone, the Optimus S, and it's SO much nicer than my old phone. I can actually see my pictures easily! So yeah, here are some pictures from my old phone:

Nice....

Is this what books are coming to? Really? A 3 year old told me today that he watched Twilight last night! Gah!!

Haha, that is just the funniest candy ever!!

Okay, I have put all the other funny pictures onto my blog actually. But yeah, these are funny :)

Have a good day!

Graduation

2010-12-18T22:20:00.000-07:00

So I finished school on Thursday! I'm super proud of myself. Yes, college took 6.5 years, but I made some amazing friends, learned a ton of stuff, and I'm done now, so what does it matter, right?!!

Here are a few pictures from when I was in school. They're not in chronological order because I can't think right now.

When does post-final brain drain repair itself??

Walking in a winter wonderland

2010-12-13T19:50:00.000-07:00

Tonight I was having a hard time focusing on homework so I decided to take a walk through town. I did it the other night too, but it was raining and only like 3 people in town had Christmas lights so it was uber-depressing...until I heard carolers. But it helped me focus on my homework!!

Tonight was gorgeous. The snow was resting perfectly on every surface, almost like no one went outside all day. I don't think anyone did because everyone is chickens when it comes to snow, but it was cool to see snow that hadn't been touched. Everything was perfect. I had great music on my iPod, and I thought about my assignments and organized in my mind how little I really have left. I just gotta do it!

Here are the pictures from my walk. Remember, Santa might be bringing me a camera so I am still taking pictures on my phone. No judgements :P

See, the snow just sat perfectly on the bush...okay you can't see what I saw, but it was pretty :)

This is Ben Franklin and he's sitting very lonely with no one beside him...

Here's a lovely couple that at least had each other :)

Here's William Rand Tavern, and Paula Dean has been here!

So the perspective is off, but this is a bench with three little butt prints on it. So much for untouched snow!!

This was supposed to be a nice shot down the street, but I do love that the sidewalks are brick. I do love this town!

First snow fall

2010-12-13T14:38:00.000-07:00

This morning we were greeted by snow on the ground. It's super wet snow that is perfect for snowballs!

Brenna and I were against Ian and we won. He ended up coming out with a shield (I'd describe it but he might be embarrassed hehe) but I am sure that even without the shield we would have won.

It's also our 4 month anniversary, which is cool. Like super freaking cool!! I was going to make Ian breakfast in bed but the snowball fight got in the way of that, so I made yummy homemade cinnamon rolls for lunch!!! They were SO good!

Last night we decorated gingerbread houses!!

This is Brenna's.

Me and my house

Ian's House

Popsicle's House (that's my father-in-law)

It was so much fun decorating these! Ian's mom made peanut butter cookies while we were decorating and she put Hershey's Kisses on them! Yummy melty goodness!

Free Christmas Cards?!?!

2010-12-08T10:01:00.003-07:00

I want to do *this*, but I don't know that I'll get them in time...but would people hate me if I got them out late? And do people want/like Christmas cards from newlyweds with no kids? I mean, you just got my wedding invitations a few months ago haha! I promise I'll use a "real" picture though hehe!

Even if I don't do it, maybe someone else can use them? All you have to do is post a blog about it and you'll get them. 50 free 5x7 holiday cards. Pretty awesome!

These are my favorite:

Ok, I'll admit, I'd like to use these with my wedding thank you notes....but is that so bad?? I mean, it's a GOOD idea! And that way if they're after Christmas it's not a huge deal because they're also thank you with a dash of Christmas...oh I don't know what to do?! Help!

Our first Christmas

2010-12-08T09:19:00.005-07:00

I'm getting so excited! This month is crazy for me: I finish school next week (forever!) and then we have Christmas! We were going to move also, but thankfully (and unfortunately, depending on the day) we are waiting until April.

Remember last year? It was crazy. I was *trying* to work and trying to figure out life on my own and I ran away from it all to move home. I remember standing outside the mechanic shop (read this for a better understanding) and just saying, "Daddy bring me home!" I wasn't sure if it was a good idea but I needed to get away. It was a good choice though, a perfect choice, because I met my wonderful and amazing husband after I got home!

I can't believe how fast this year has gone by!

Here are some pictures of decorations we made/bought for our room. They're from my phone, here's hoping Santa brings me a camera this year!!

Favorite Christmas Commercials

2010-12-07T11:52:00.003-07:00

So Target is doing an amazing job this year with commercials. I love their song "You'll Never Find My Christmas."

I was looking for the song and found this blog: click here

Not only does this blog have all the Target ones, but an homage to a ton of awesome commercials! Haha!

So anyway, on the blog there is also a link to the Target website where you can download the whole album for FREE. After getting the free VeggieTales Christmas album last week, I'm definitely excited to listen to this one. Maybe Ian will still like to listen (he wasn't a fan of the VTC).

Enjoy!!

I'm alive!

2010-12-01T14:20:00.004-07:00

So I post all the time on my religion class blog and I forget about this one. But...here I am!

Dang, I don't actually have anything cool to say.

I've been hanging out with people from Relief Society lately. That's been fun. We made some coasters!! I have another set in the car, they weren't done drying yet so I left them out there because I didn't want to drop them on the way in. I did something crafty!!!

I fell down some stairs like over a month ago. This picture is about 2 weeks old. I still cant touch my leg without it hurting super badly, but at least it doesn't look as gross.

I graduate in 17 days!! Which means I should be doing homework now but I did a lot this morning and I'm kinda tired of it. But I'm doing well. The other day I got some feedback on my work and the teacher said "I wish everyone turned in work like this!" Haha, it took me about 20 minutes to do it haha!

I gotta get back to work. Toodles!!

Wake me up before you go go...

2010-09-14T11:12:00.002-06:00

So married life is still good :)

I started a job last week nannying a sweet 6 year old. He's easy to work with most of the time but there are spurts of me really earning my paycheck.

I started school this week: last semester before I graduate!

My friend Ash just got married and Ian and I got all dressed up to go to the reception. It was nice.

We're getting closer to ready for Idaho too, which is very exciting!

I'd put a picture but I don't have any recent ones....

Wedding Excitement

2010-08-24T17:07:00.008-06:00

I had such a great week.

My friends Cherie and Whitney came in on Tuesday. It had been 3 years since I saw Whit and like 9 months since I had seen Cherie. It was as if I saw them yesterday, I loved having them back. On Wednesday Aly came in which was also fantastic!

Thursday, Ian met my mom and sisters and then we headed up to the hotel with my bridesmaids.

We got a call on the way saying the temple was without power and they weren't expecting it on Friday either. There were huge storms in the area. (I guess that's what we get for get married on Friday the 13th, huh? haha) When the girls and I got to our hotel we said goodbye to Ian and we went and got our nails done. Then we went to dinner and the awkward waiter gave me my drink and our appetizer for free since he wasn't allowed to sing a song for me getting married, and I suppose he didn't know one either! But free food is always better than a song.

I was actually able to sleep pretty well Thursday night, and got up around 5am to get ready. The girls and I got breakfast downstairs and then we did hair and makeup. We got to the temple right on time and it was amazing.

By the time we got outside the sun was peeking out from the clouds and gave us great light for the pictures. We only took a few because we knew traffic would be bad. The drive home took 6 hours! It normally takes around 4. Boo traffic!

The reception was lots of fun, though there were some problems getting the audio set up. It was nice to see everyone and we finally got to see our cake! There wasn't as much dancing as I hoped people would do, but Ian and I had fun and that's what counts right?

We went off to our honeymoon in Williamsburg and ate soooo much good food! Ian's uncle and aunt got us certificates for dinner and they were well used :)

Now back to the job hunt and life, but I am loving married life! It's pretty much amazing!

Mrs. H

2010-08-17T18:13:00.001-06:00

That's me!!

Pictures later!

Loves!!

Psst...

2010-08-08T22:28:00.001-06:00

I'm getting married on Friday.

YAY!!!

Giveaway!

2010-07-13T08:58:00.001-06:00

I found this from a friend, Lisa (the one that did the family photos with Ian's family). How cute is this stuff? I saw the aprons and thought of you Stacey! But if you, don't tell me :P

http://homemakerscottage.blogspot.com/2010/07/announcing-ultimate-homemakers-giveaway.html

Best blog-hopping night...EVER (Fairly wordy, but I think it's a good post)

2010-06-25T00:54:00.002-06:00

So tonight after I left Ian's house I felt so good. I am so excited to marry him and be sealed to him forever. I sent him a text from the first light after his house (no drive-texting for me!) and said "While I don't like the feeling of leaving you at night, I love the feeling of knowing that we are being completely good right now." We've been engaged FOREVER it seems and it could be very easy to mess up, but we both know it's not worth it so it's not going to happen.

So after I got home, feeling all good about myself and what not, I decided to do some blog hopping. I hit the lovely "next blog" button on the top of the screen. I was sent to a family from St. George. I ended up clicking on a friend of theirs, a photographer, because I wanted to see more of her work. After checking it out, I hit "next blog" again (what? You know you blog stalk too :P)

*This time I was sent to one with a quote in the sidebar about heaven.
*Then one with a tagline (that's what I'm calling that little line people put like over their picture) "We have been chosen to raise children of the King. A son and two daughters of the Most High. What a privilege...and a responsibility."
Again..
*Thanking Jesus for the men in her life
*A blog with a list of ministries and Bible commentaries in their own section of sites s/he visits.
*I was greeted with a picture of a man with a cartoony giant ear and the title "Listening to God today?"
*A blog titled "Moms United Prayer for Unsaved Family"
*A blog from a cancer patient who leads ministries around the world. His tagline is "Dave's point of view with a Christ-like perspective. "God said it, not me""
*A blog following a mission youth group's activities
*A pastor's blog
*A blog from a student who's just finished her first year at a Christian University who had an amazing poem of God as her top post. (Remember this one...)
*"Chocolate and Coffee, being a Pastor's wife"
*A mom wanting to update her friends on her daughter's Bible study*
*A religious works author, who is a convert to the Catholic Church and a former Episcopal priest.
*Another Father's Day post being thankful to all the fathers in her life, including in Heaven
*Looking at Truth, Looking to God's Word for real answers to all the questions life brings
*Lectionary commentary from the Massachusetts Bible Society
*Remember that blog about the student with the poem. It brought me back here...

So I decided to read the poem. It's the lyrics to a song called "In Christ Alone." There are so many versions of it on youtube. Here is just one I found...

I think it's interesting of all the times I hit "next blog" I ended up with a strong overtone of love of God. It's funny because I always feel weird talking about religion too much on here, but I'm not sure why exactly. Here's 20 some blogs that I just clicked on randomly that have no fear or regret posting these messages.

By the way, I thought I'd see where else it goes. The next one led me to a post about a solar oven. I thought I had finally run out my luck? Nope, I scrolled down a little further. The man was making a solar oven because he lives off the land so he can enjoy all of God's wonders. Let's see what else....

My bouquet!

2010-06-14T13:56:00.011-06:00

So I finished my bouquet! Yay me!! I wanted something original, something that wasn't silk flowers (real ones are $$ and they would die between the wedding and reception seeing as they're on two different days), and something I could be proud of.

And what better time than to come up with some sort of crafty skill to put in my book of things I know how to do.

My inspirations....

Aren't they FANTASTIC?!

I love them. So this is what I came up with. I can't wait to get some better pictures of them (like with me in my wedding dress haha!) I made "button-eres" for the boys and some to put on the tables as well.

Here's my basic approach:

100 ft of "clothesline wire" (I think that's like 9 gauge?)

800 buttons--slightly overkill if you're just doing bouquets, but I've made table decor, "button-eres" and jewelry for the Moms also.

Beads

Needle-nose pliers and wire cutters

Tape (floral or duct)

Ribbon

There are different types of buttons. Some have "shanks" on them and some have holes, either 2 or 4. I bent a 12-15 inch piece of wire at the top third and added a shanked button at the top. After bending the wire tightly around the shank (without breaking it off), I would add other buttons either by sliding them through two ends of wire, or alternating them with one button on one end and another on the other. I added beads to space the buttons out more. Then I wrapped the ends together and made it as small as I could so it would stay together. The bridesmaid bouquets have about 15 "flowers" and mine has 30. I wrapped them in tape to keep from getting poked and then added the ribbon to make it look prettier.

The great thing about these being on wire is I can bend it out wider or narrower as I want. The button-eres are single "flowers" and the bracelets for the moms have the buttons laying flat on the ribbon.

Mother's bracelets

Mixed in with the other table decor

"Button-eres" Notice the center one has a matching button as my bouquet. That's Ian's. Awww

All of the girls

Hardest project of all of them. I had to stack the beads, connect the ends, and loop them around so they'd connect. But I LOVE it now that it's done! This is something I feel like I can hang on my wall even after the wedding and be proud of!

I got to see my love!!!

2010-06-12T08:40:00.004-06:00

He surprised me on Sunday! I was supposed to see him on Tuesday of this last week, but when I got to church he was there!! I was shaking I was so happy! I spent all of Sunday-Wednesday at his house (coming home to sleep and shower and then I went back). It was absolutely perfect. Next time I see him for sure is July 28th! I'm hoping to go to the temple on July 10th, and I should be able to see him that trip. And I'd love to see him another time before that. We'll see though.

We've got almost everything for the reception and it's all sitting on my floor in my room. My room's a mess right now but I don't want to clean it up because I don't know where to put it all! I thought about putting it all in my closet, but that's really just hiding the problem haha! All we need to get now is a few more little containers to hold the centerpieces, the food (how much ice cream do I get?!) and borrow another punch bowl. I'm thinking I might want some white Christmas lights too, but I haven't decided yet. Ian is actually pretty helpful in all of this, but when both of us just don't care about a certain thing, like decorating, it's hard to make a decision.

School started for me on Monday. It's just one class, "Intro. to BYUI Online Classes", and it seems okay. Kinda just seems like busy work right now, but I guess it's getting me back in the mode of doing homework before I start my real semester in September. And it's required so I can't really complain about it can I? :)

My birthday is coming up and I don't really have anything planned. It kinda saddens me. I'm used to having huge parties with all my friends. But things are always so hectic/chaotic here and there are a lot more people's schedules that need to be considered around here I guess. We'll see how it goes. This is my last birthday before I get married though. Next year is going to be totally different :D

Our website is up!

2010-05-24T20:53:00.001-06:00

Hey! We're so excited, we have our website up! Check it out!!

www.ianandbeth.com

It's almost time!!

2010-05-24T09:04:00.002-06:00

So I'm finishing up the invite list. I'm still looking for some people's addresses, but not many! Of the 13 addresses we're missing, I'm only responsible for finding 7. Okay, so it's more than half, but I can do it :) We had a ton of help, so thank you all! And Ainsley, if you see this, you're one of the missing ones. And I can't find anyway of getting a hold of you. It makes me sad :(

Here is a link to the pictures we did as a Hornbaker family!! The photographers were absolutely amazing! I want to work with them again sometime.

So, let's see....I got my buttons so I can start working on my bouquet as soon as we buy the wire. I'm super excited for that. I still don't know what I'm doing as far as decorations at the stake center. I'm not really looking for anything in particular. I have a couple ideas here and there, but Ian and I would rather not spend the money on stuff that we don't really care about, ya know? I just hope when we look back at the pictures in 10 years we don't say, "Wow, that was boring!" hahaha!

On a lighter note!

2010-05-13T19:55:00.002-06:00

I spent a ton of time with Ian's family this last weekend. My parents and Ian's parents and us went out to dinner on Friday night. Then Saturday we hung out and cleaned up because of the plans for Sunday. On Sunday his brother and sister-in-law and their adorable daughter came to VA so the adults could go on a delayed honeymoon and grandma and grandpa could babysit. I also forgot I was teaching on Sunday, so I missed that (though I don't know if it's really forgot since I was sure I did it this next week. Oh well!)

On Monday we went and got family photos done. I was just about giddy that I count in a new family photo. Like, it's so cool!! The photographers were great too. I can't wait to see the pictures!

We also watched a few movies this weekend. "Paranormal Activity" gets a B- because Ian and his family talked it up a bunch more than it was. Though when I was in the kitchen getting a drink after and the water pump gurgled at me I admit I was a little scared. So maybe a normal B. "The Fourth Kind" was LAAAAAMME!!! Haha! It would get a B because it did give Ian and I something to talk about, but it was really super lame so it gets like a C. But, I wonder, are there really aliens? Hmm... I'm sure we watched another one, but I just can't remember.

Time to see what I'm made of...

2010-05-13T19:44:00.004-06:00

Ian left for Fairfax this morning. I'll see him next like on the 9th. Then at the end of July. Sigh....I can do it. I know I can. But dang.

Actually, I think if he left earlier in our relationship we wouldn't necessarily be here. And if he left later (after we were married) I'd be going with him so it would be a non-issue.

Yesterday I was crying and crying (PMS plus losing him was causing a lot of tears) and he was just holding me. He didn't even look that sad. It made me feel even worse and I asked him how he was so strong. Wanna know what he said?

"I'm not stronger than you. I'm stronger for you."

Yup, I'm totally in love with the perfect man for me.

Just before he left, after one last good cry, he looked me in the eye and said, "I'll miss you." I'm not sure why hearing him say it out loud was so relieving. But it really was.

And I'm going to be okay. Sunday's are going to be hard though I think. Maybe just to start with because I always see him on Sunday. But I have a lot to look forward to in these next couple months. I've got wedding stuff to put together, my birthday next month, a bridal shower in July, Disney with my family before the wedding, and hopefully finding some sort of temp work. So I'll be busy, and busy is good.

But please, if you see or hear me cry, let me cry. Don't try to fix it. I'll be done soon. Thank you.

Progress

2010-05-01T21:34:00.002-06:00

Today we made the invitations. A lady at church is part of Stampin Up and she's fantastic. We still need to get our photo printed and then we'll put them in the envelope and then we'll finish collecting addresses and emails and get the word out!

Ian had his last day at Domino's today; he heads up to Fairfax for the rest of the summer next week. So between now and then we need to finish with the apartment tours, picking out stuff for the apartment, family photo shoot with his family, the dinner of the parents haha, and just spend time together. I'm sure there is something else but I can't remember it now.

I'm getting married in 104 days....I'm practically to double digits :D

Burn the stamps!

2010-04-26T22:14:00.000-06:00

This is in honor of my friend Ellen who pretty much rocks at life.

She wrote a really nice post today that I feel like I can relate to. Granted, she was writing from the perspective of being married, pregnant, and her husband is in medical school, but other than that, I think I'm right there with her haha!

Here's part of her post:

We were told a thousand times "Just wait until you're married, then _______________ will change. That's just the way it is." Well, I hate to inform the world, but none of the things those people told us turned out to be true. It's NOT just the way it is. Sorry. [We] are, to put it plainly, a different sort of couple. That's not to say we are cool or anything, just different. We don't watch sports. We don't have "girl's nights" or "boy's nights" to have some time away. We've never had an argument or a fight. Disagreements? Yes. More in love than on our wedding day? Absolutely. ... My point is, life isn't a rubber stamp. One thing most certainly doesn't equal another.

I was told a while back that I needed to have a fight with Ian to know if I really wanted to marry him. I didn't like that. If Ian and I disagree about something we work it out. Sometimes we'll joke after we "fix" the "problem" that we should have let it become a fight just so we can get married. But that's all it is to us. A joke. We know how to be serious, but we don't have to fight to be serious. Maybe everyone gets it and I'm being boring, but hey, at least I'm posting, right? :)

Anyway, I hope that when we get married and Ian is eyebrow deep in school work and everything else is going on that I can be as cool and level-headed as my friend Ellen. Yeah, she might not be stressed but she doesn't let it rule her life.

Today's picture you get:

Yay for free circus noses!!

Oooh looky :)

2010-04-11T20:05:00.003-06:00

Yesterday was a much awaited date for Ian and I. He always plans our dates. He does such a good job and I wanted to plan one for him. I planned it from start to finish (well, I thought so anyway!)

After I picked him up we went to Williamsburg, via the ferry. I am so glad we got the big ferry that Ian likes. We also had a loaf of bread and we fed the ~~eagles~~ seagulls. There were people taking pictures too as soon as all the ~~eagles~~--seagulls came out. I like to think we helped :D

We got into Colonial Williamsburg and walked through there for a few hours.

I finally got to see the parade come through!

I like seeing all the old houses and thinking that this used to be a person's home. They had their all sorts of memories there and we just traipse through.

After Colonial Williamsburg we went to Pirate's Cove for some mini-golf. It was a blast!

He is such a stud :)

I died after the game. Yeah, apparently I didn't do it right, but I don't care.

We went to a gorgeous park to eat our lunch. Peanut butter and jelly, animal crackers, string cheese, and pudding! Ian brought the pudding. He handed it to me and the lid came off really easily. At first I thought it had melted in the car, but then I remembered it was in the cooler. So I stick my spoon in it and hit something hard. I thought, "Ooh, maybe it started to freeze! Cool!" Haha, nope, it was my ring! It was wrapped in plastic wrap and so I started licking it off and I was laughing and smiling and saying "yay yay yay!" over and over. Ian had a big smile on his face. I couldn't get it out of the plastic so he helped me out while I lamented (silently in my head) not touching up my fingernail polish before we left the house. I thought I knew when it was coming. I would have had my nails done then :)

It's on my middle finger because it was too big. I printed a sizer off the internet. Don't do that. We'll get it resized in a month (for some reason it'll be free then, but $40 now?) and then I'll wear it where it belongs.

I am SO excited to marry Ian. I can't even tell you. I never thought I'd be loved like this. I knew I deserved to be loved like this, but I thought it was a fantasy. I am so glad my friends and family have stopped me from settling for anyone else. We're getting married August 13th in the DC Temple and then the reception the next day back here in VA. Ahh I'm so excited!

**For whoever doesn't know about when he proposed, keep reading. But there aren't pictures here**

Ian and I had been talking about marriage for a while. We knew we wanted to get married really quickly, but it took us a while to say it to each other. "A while" is a relative term since we have only been together since January 23rd or something like that.

I knew he had been ring shopping and a couple weeks ago there was a fireside with Gladys Knight's choir. One of our friends asked if she could ride with us and Ian hadn't said yes. And he talked about us going out to eat after. I thought, "Oh.my.lanta he's going to propose after the fireside!" Well the Monday before the fireside I came up with this conclusion. I told my friend who proceeded to send him a text saying, "She's onto you!" "Onto what? "The fact that you're going to propose Saturday." "I wasn't going to propose Saturday." "Well figure something out, because she's expecting you to."

He didn't want to disappoint me so he sent a text to my dad that night and they met up at 6 am Tuesday morning to have the chat haha! He had sent me a text saying he woke up early and would love to come over whenever. I kinda slept through that and woke up around 9 or 9:30. When I got up people were acting weird. I was getting messages from my step-mom and his mom being VERY interested in how I was doing that day. By the time he came over I was feeling very confused and I told him, "Ian it's the weirdest thing, like everyone knows something I don't!"

After my mom took my brother to his playgroup we sat on the couch and I said, "Oh, you said you worked on a poem, can I see it?" He had written me a poem for Valentines Day and I knew he was really good at poetry. He pulled it out and started shaking. I was still confused until he told me the title of the poem was "Yes".

After many amazing stanzas of him asking questions like "Am I ready to be in love like this?" and ending each line with "Yes" I knew it was coming. The final stanza asked if I would marry him and I finished the poem by saying "Yes yes yes yes yes!" He handed me a ring (nope, he didn't even put it on me haha) and gave me a hug. I looked down and saw it was black! I was so confused but before I could say anything he said, "Don't worry, that's not the real ring." Then he handed me a pen so I could write "yes" into the poem itself.

He had woken his sister up at like 5:30 and borrowed a ring so that he'd have something to give me when he proposed. He wasn't planning on asking until he had a ring. I would have gone crazy waiting til now! I needed to tell people!

But he did great and I am seriously so lucky to be with him. And he's not even upset that I rushed him by a few weeks :)

You already know...

2010-03-29T20:12:00.002-06:00

I'm getting married and I'm so excited!

That's all. Time to get back to what I was doing.

Just a quick post

2010-03-07T02:09:00.000-07:00

Ian was talking, but i think it came out cute :)

Things are going great here. I've got an interview on Monday at Dollar General. Yay!

Friday we (mom, brother, sister, her kids, and Ian) were supposed to go to the zoo, but just as we got there they shut down because of a natural gas leak. Erin says "So did the monkeys fart?" Hahaha...silly girl :)

We went over to Nautilus instead so we could do something educational for the little ones. Ian and I went through on our own which was fun. Here's a couple pictures and then I'm going to bed!

USS Wisconsin, the last battleship

View of Norfolk from the bow of the Wisconsin

From the front, looking back. That boat was HUGE!

UPDATE!

2010-02-17T07:21:00.000-07:00

So much has been happening!

This is Ian, and he's the most AMAZING man in the world :D

He's made me the happiest girl, and treats me like a queen. I love every minute that I get to see him or talk to him. Shoot, I even love the times I get to think about him....which is ALWAYS haha!

We spend a lot of time at the house, a lot of that time is with my family. One day we took Aubrey out to look at the deer (that's where that first picture is from) and yesterday we took Aubrey to a park to play. He slept so well that afternoon! One day we decided to play with dominos. It was so much fun!!

He took me to my first dance since Prom on the Friday before Valentine's Day. Mom took me shopping for a new dress and shoes and jewelry...yay!!

I forgot to take any pictures at the dance, we were having too much fun! So this is at the fountain outside when we left.

On Saturday he brought me flowers and a teddy bear and a card. First off for the day, Ian took me to an incredible playground!!! Unfortunately it was not as springlike as this picture represents haha! It had been snowing but the slides looked pretty dry. I forgot to check the bottom of the slide though. HUGE PUDDLE! So as I went flying down the slide at a high rate of speed, "Weeeeeeee!!!!" I saw the puddle. What do I do?! Do I jump off the side? Do I try to lift up my butt before it gets........too late. I was soaked to the core. I didn't even have time to warn Ian who was right behind me. Luckily for him though I had taken the majority of the water upon myself. I'm just so nice like that :)

We played for a little while longer but I was so cold and wet that I had him take me to Target to get some new pants. Yay for more shopping!

After I got myself changed we went to 5 Guys for lunch and split a bacon cheeseburger with onions and bbq sauce. It was INCREDIBLE!

Then we watched Valentine's Day (it was entertaining but I'm good not seeing it again haha!) and went to his Grandparent's for dinner and dessert. It was delicious!

Long post, but at least there were pictures this time! Have an amazing day!!!

Recipe: Cranberry Orange Chicken

2010-01-20T09:33:00.000-07:00

So I made the most yummiest dinner last night. (I'm working on my humility haha!) Mom and I even said something about taking a picture, but I got distracted as I was reaching for the camera.

A warm, hearty, rustic meal that's easy enough to make at home but feels like you're eating out!!

5-7 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup orange juice
1 can whole cranberry sauce
2 TBS apple cider vinegar
1 small red onion, chopped
1/4-1/2 tsp ginger, chopped
1/2 tsp cinnamon
2 TBS brown sugar
2 tsp garlic powder
****
3 TBS flour
2 TBS cold water
****

Combine all ingredients in a deep cast iron pot. Cover and cook on high until it comes to a boil. Reduce heat to medium for 1 hour. Combine flour and water and mix into pot. Cook on low for 15 minutes uncovered.

Serve with roasted asparagus, mashed potatoes, rolls...

Te Kalliste

2010-01-07T21:05:00.000-07:00

To the fairest, the most beautiful.

My first book in my challenge to read 26 books by different authors (one for every letter) by the end of the year left me dying to read more. This was incredibly well written, though at the beginning I found myself nit-picking small details. I soon found myself so engrossed in the story that I no longer found small points like creativity in the naming of characters to be a big deal. I have found there are 3 more books about the main character, Emily (or Kallista). Unfortunately they will have to wait until the end of this quest of mine. I need to keep going!

As far as book "B" I'm thinking Dan Brown's "Angels and Demons" but I also think I want to just randomly pick someone else. This time I just started in the "A" section and browsed until I found one that piqued my interest. I may do that again and if I do not find something, I will go find Mr. Brown.

Busy busy!

2010-01-01T22:44:00.001-07:00

So we decided to go up to Washington DC to see the lights at the temple. I'm really glad we went, I hope my dad knows that. I was being a little sarcastic about it when he told me, that is something I need to work on.

After a long nap...er...drive haha, we got up the the temple. The parents went into the temple and my brother and I went into the visitor's center. How do you entertain a 5 year old for 2+ hours in a building? Elevators. Christmas Trees. A camera. And a secret mission to McDonalds. (I'd tell you more about that, but I can't. SECRET mission rules)

There were lots of nativity scenes there he enjoyed looking at. He told me every time he saw a wise man that they were the ones bringing baby Jesus presents. I asked him what he would bring, fully expecting something like "A train" or "A Power Ranger". He put his hand on his chin, tapped his finger once or twice and said, "I'd bring him a candle. That way he'd be warm and he could see." Then he walked away and started talking about something else. I truly have an amazing brother. I'm lucky to have him in my life.

He and I took a ton of pictures throughout the trip:

Okay, there were lots more, but I just don't feel like posting them :P

Moving

2010-01-01T22:31:00.002-07:00

I moved to VIRGINIA!! It was a crazy, kinda spur of the moment, perfect solution to everything going on decision.

I wasn't being scheduled at Macy's, and I had not heard back from ISU. Both of those were frustrating, but I figured, 'Well, I still have my car.'

Never say that about a car almost as old as you are. Okay? I'll save you the trouble and just tell you not to do it.

I got in my car after sending a fax and my brakes felt weird. I thought it was just because of all the snow that had melted and they were wet. But it got harder and harder to stop. That's never good so I took it in to Les Schwab and they checked it out. There were problems with all 4 brakes. Things I don't understand, except when it came to the money. I understand $340 really well. I went home to mull things over and decided to make myself some lunch. Well, sitting in my room while my food cooked I heard a bang. I went to find this:

So that was Friday afternoon. Saturday morning I was starting to pack. We were lucky enough to find a really good price for a flight and I was coming home on Christmas Eve! Sunday I had a bunch of people over to get my stuff (if you ever need something or want to get rid of something, go to here because it's pretty much amazing!!)

Yeah, it was a fast decision but sometimes I think those are the best. And I was so lucky to be able to be home for Christmas. And Christmas is always more magical with a kid.

Chicken stuffed with cream cheese, with 2 cheeses and salsa

2009-12-13T15:36:00.005-07:00

I made dinner for my friends tonight. Here are the recipes.

Salsa

1 green pepper

1 Anaheim pepper

½ yellow onion

6 Roma Tomatoes

½-1 clove garlic, minced

Fresh cilantro

Lemon juice

Olive Oil

Chop peppers, onion, and tomatoes (and save the juice that escapes). Add minced garlic, cilantro, and lemon juice to desired flavor. Mix together in a large bowl. Take ½ cup of salsa, puree in blender until it is liquid, and mix back into salsa. Pour into large mason jar, and let the flavors marinate for about 24 hours in the fridge. I had to add some olive oil the next day to keep it moist.

(This is my "Oh-my-goodness-I-just-made-salsa!" face)

Cream Cheese Stuffed Chicken

1 pkg cream cheese

cilantro

lemon juice

parmesan cheese, shredded

sharp cheddar, shredded

Salsa (above)

Preheat oven to 375. Blend cream cheese, parmesan cheese, some cilantro, and lemon juice together. Cut a pocket into the chicken and stuff with cheese mixture. Place chicken with slit side UP in baking dish. Top with generous amounts of two cheeses and a few spoonfuls of salsa. Bake until chicken is cooked thoroughly. Serve with more salsa and cheese if you want.

The kids LOVED this stuff. I wanted to take a picture but it was devoured, so just know, it's good. I did get a picture of the salsa before that was eaten though.

What's new....

2009-12-04T22:46:00.003-07:00

Hey kids, I just wanted to fill you in on the news lately!

I'm an advisor for Cierra Ashley home fragrances. I have a website :)

http://www.cierraashley.com/erichardson

I may be making a blog devoted to this as well, but I haven't decided how I want to do it yet. That'll be the place I'll have my drawings and such. Eek, can't wait!

Yes, this is direct selling, but no, it's not lame. I absolutely love the product. I spent about 4 hours at a craft fair in single digit weather (I'm not sure which side of the zero it was either) just to tell people about this product.

It's a fabulous gift idea, and they all smell so yummy! So take a gander at the site, ask me any questions you've got, and I hope I'll be able to help answer your questions!

But before you go, here are my FAVORITE scents (I'll add how you can search in the top left corner for it):

1) Cranberry Orange (CCOR)

2) Cinna-bun (CCIN)

3) Cinna-Vanilla (CCIV)

4) Lemonberry (CLEM)

5) Warm Cider (CWCI)

All images borrowed from Cierra Ashley website :)

New Job...again!

2009-11-27T21:14:00.003-07:00

I had my first day of work today and I loved it. It was so fast paced, but not terrifying. I just ran for shoes (getting sizes from the stock room) and kept the floor organized. I sold a pair of boots in like 5 minutes after starting. Sa-weet!

There's a girl there that I know, and she knows me, but we spent a good 10 minutes trying to figure out the connection and we can't find it at all! Oh well, at least I know someone! Actually I know another guy there, he's in my ward. He recognized me when I was there for my interview but I don't think he realized it was me today when I said hi.

I did my register training so I can start doing that tomorrow. I really hope it goes well. *Crossing my fingers!*

I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving. I most certainly did!!

Dinosaurs!

2009-11-24T22:49:00.003-07:00

I went to the museum at Idaho State University today with a friend and her family. It was lots of fun. I loved how excited her 4 year old was about all the dino-bones.

"Woah, it's so big!"

"Look, I'm almost as tall!"

A stegosaurus. Awesome!

We also saw a T-Rex head, but I was texting so I didn't get a picture. Oops :)

I finished my application, got my FAFSA done and my transcripts are en route to ISU. I pray that I will get in.

I like my new header photo, what do you think?

Current Temp outside: 17 degrees.

Current Temp in my room: 59 degrees.

Number of blankets on my bed: 5

Brrrr....

When I grow up...

2009-11-22T01:01:00.005-07:00

I think I want to be an editor or publisher. I don't have any idea how to make that happen though. Cheryl asked me today what I want to do with my English degree and before I answered she said I should be an editor. Pretty much read my mind, that's for sure!

If I ever became a publisher this would be the background of my business card:

I want my company to be called "Sunlit Words" if that's not taken or something. If it is, I have no idea what I want haha! And yes, this is why my blog is called Sunlit Words and why that picture is the header. But some people read in Google Reader or whatnot and they might not see the header. So anyway....

When this last paycheck from CFR comes through I'm going to finish my application to ISU. I've got to pay for the application and the transcripts to be sent. That'll pretty much eat that up. But regardless, I need to make plans. I need to finish my FAFSA too. So much to do!

I found these pictures when I was looking for the one above. I thought they were pretty:

Driving away from the sunset as Cherie and I left California.

The shore in California. Gorgeous. I miss it.

Olympic National Forest, water coming out of a rock. This was super close to my Aunt's house, before she moved anyway!

My nephew and me

2009-11-17T18:19:00.002-07:00

Haha, aren't we adorable?

How to get people to buy you a donut:

2009-11-17T18:16:00.003-07:00

Give up rights to your first born child.

Any other suggestions?

The story

2009-11-17T09:24:00.003-07:00

So you asked about the job. I applied there because I needed job that was closer to my new apartment. I wasn't getting enough money or pay at the job I had. I knew it'd be hard to leave because I had been there for over 2 years, but I got a phone call saying, "We want you and we would like you to start tomorrow." Well, after talking it over and thinking I realized I wasn't going to get another opportunity handed to me like that. So I got myself replaced and started my new job.

They.

Were.

Awful.

Everyone was so mean! I could understand if they were mean to the new girl, but no, it was everyone. I thought to myself I could be a good example and show them how NOT to talk behind people's backs and do the job these parents hired us for--loving their children a

nd teaching them.

We sat on the floor all day and the kids played with one center after another. They didn't do any sorts of teaching type things. I got in trouble for letting one little girl cry herself to sleep (it took about 5 minutes, but I was neglecting the girl), and in trouble for holding another when he cried (the opposite in my opinion....no, now I was coddling). I suppose if I was more capable (since the manager there said I was incompetent) I'd know exactly what everybody expected of me.

I asked for help because I really did want to do a good job. I was told that it wasn't a job people were trained for, people just had it or they didn't. I'm pretty sure I've had it for at least the last 2 years...but apparently not. They asked if I wanted the last day to be that day or give two weeks. I decided to wait til they replaced me. That was at 11. They had a new girl at 4:30.

So now I'm back on the job hunt. I've been spoiled for 2+ years having a job I knew I wouldn't work nights and I knew I wouldn't work weekends. It's hard to say "Oh okay, let me go work somewhere I work a different shift every week so I can make no solid plans." But I figure by the time the next bill comes in the mail I'll swallow my pride and hopefully find something new. I was going to donate plasma today to make a little money but instead I get to go to the doctor to get a prescription for pink-eye. Great.

Oh, and people seem to only read if there are pictures so I put in a few. And they had nothing to do with anything. But hey, maybe you read it :)

Weeeee!

2009-11-17T09:20:00.002-07:00

Hehe, I love these kids! The youngest kept trying to ket in the pictures too, but he didn't make it.

Nananana everyday

2009-11-14T13:11:00.002-07:00

I'm so happy. Which is surprising considering all the stuff going on in my life--having real bills to pay, not having a job, not being in school--but it's all going to work out.

I started my application for school yesterday. I've only got a few classes left so hopefully I can get done quickly. I also started an application to be a substitute teacher so that'll be good. It'll definitely keep me on my toes, but I am looking forward to it. I just need to get some professional reference letters done. I know of 2 so far that I can ask for, but I just need to think of a 3rd. And make sure they can all do it.

I'm going to Utah with Cherie for Thanksgiving. It's a blessing of not being in school and work. I don't have to get the day off. I'm looking forward to seeing her mom again. And finally spending some time with Schmee! We're having a sleep over one of these weekends. And going shopping hehe...window shopping though. We're poor.

That's all. Time to listen to some more music while I get ready for the day. And yes, it's quarter after 1 in the afternoon and I'm just getting ready. Don't judge. I'm an unemployed college drop out. And it's a snowy Saturday. I have full rights and privileges to this kind of behavior :)

No worries kids, I'm alive!

2009-11-12T01:06:00.003-07:00

I don't even know how many of you even follow me anymore. So, what should I tell you about since July? Wow...sorry about that guys!

I've moved, and I love my new place. I'm still getting used to living by myself, but I like the experience too. I wish I had oodles of money to decorate. Or even just oodles of money ;)

Halloween happened!! I carved a pumpkin, cool huh!?

And I was WONDER WOMAN!! I won the contest at work too.

I got a new job. And then I lost it today. You'd think that'd suck, but I'm glad to be out of there. They were not a good fit for me.

I have more to tell, I'm sure. Someone should send me one of those questionnaire things so I have a starting point. Or just ask a question and we'll see what happens :)

I'm back!!!

Awesome Possum

2009-07-30T20:15:00.007-06:00

That's me, except I'm not a possum. But if I were, I'd be an awesome one.

I went to a cemetery last week sometime. I was actually okay with it. I used to be so afraid of them. I think I walked on some people. Sorry.

I have absolutely nothing exciting to talk about that has pictures to go along with them anyway. My roommate and I occupied ourselves for an hour with a game where I'd say a word, and she'd say one that started with the last letter of my word. An hour people. We are awesome. And we never repeated a word. Have you ever wondered how many words you actually know? Too many my friends!

Oh, wait, I might have stories!!

Cherie went to California this last weekend for the break. That meant I was in Utah for the weekend visiting my friends. My first stop was Temple Square. After the semester I had I really wanted to go. I took a tour which was really cool.

Then I ran over to the Gateway Mall and surprised Jared. It was awesome. I got a very pretty dress and shiny gold shoes and shirt for $35 (all of it at original cost would have been over $200, yeah, I'm that good).

Then I went and saw Diana and Troy, then went to Meghan's where I promptly fell asleep after saying "no, I'm not tired..." Yeah, famous last words people. The next morning Kyle was super happy (their son) and I snapped a couple pictures.

His dad got some awesome ones later, but I really like this one, so I'm going with it.

Chloe wanted a new camera yesterday so we went to Best Buy and then over to the mall where I spent a gift card that was burning a hole in my pocket since my birthday. I got the cutest dress! Originally $44, I only paid $8 with tax. Yay to clearance and gift cards!!! :)

And here is a picture of my birthday dress, because I forgot to take one earlier. Look how SHINY it is haha! And the shoes, totally sexy!!

Oh what a day

2009-07-20T22:38:00.004-06:00

My first day of work and I slept until about 10 minutes before I had to leave. I got there in time though, because I'm awesome and I rocked that ponytail like no one's business. It went really well today, there were some tears (from the kids) and some blood (also a kid) but those weren't my fault. I was actually very good at fixing them. Shayna helped (or did all the work) for the blood one, but I would have if I had the ability!We made the cutest torn paper campfires today, which inspired the kids to draw bugs and one girl even made a can of bug spray. I was told by another kid as I labeled the can "Bug Spray" that I had to write "OFF" or it wasn't real. It was pretty funny and came out really cute. I forget what's on the plan for tomorrow but it should be fun!

After work I ate some spaghetti and had some ice cream. I kinda forgot to eat at work today, except for a small bowl of Cheerio's and half a cinnamon roll. Those kids kept me so busy! Even when they were eating I was busy. I'll get the hang of it before long. I hung out with some friends and then made delicious almond crusted chicken with a home made tomato pineapple sauce on a bed of wheat pasta. Now, this is a wordy entry, but I was told my picture was gross looking so I have no picture for it. I will probably take pictures of our campfires tomorrow, and add them, but nothing for tonight.

While sitting outside listening to music and blowing bubbles (and being attacked by birds---which may have been bats but I hope not) I decided I really wanted a cup cake. The Cocoa Bean was only open another few minutes, so I ran inside, told Cherie to put some pants on (she was in boxers people) and drove over real quick. Oh man, by the time I got home I wasn't actually all that keen on a cupcake, so I decided to put it in the fridge. But I decided to have a bite first. Well, that was the end of that! Such a good cupcake!! I love Cocoa Bean!

Oh yesterday we finally got pictures as an apartment, it's crazy how hard it was to get 6 girls together for just 10 minutes. Here are a couple of my favorite pictures:

Lesson Plans and Memories

2009-07-18T11:13:00.004-06:00

I'm sure the novelty will wear off eventually (probably the 2nd or 3rd time) but right now I'm very excited about the coming week. I really hope I help these kids learn and that they like me as a teacher and not just as the play mate I've been for so long.

In other news, I love the game Farkle. it's basically the greatest game ever!

I played it at work one day and then saw it on Facebook and have been playing every day since. Sad but true my friends. I asked a friend how to get a high score and I suppose he taught me too well because I'm currently ahead on the scoreboard haha!

Farkle is a fun word. Say it a few times. Ready? Farkle farkle farkle. Yeah, there's a smile on your face. It made me think of other fun games from my childhood...why, I'm not sure, but here are some of my favorites!

Pizza Party!!

It was like memory, but on pizza haha!

"He looks good in whatever he wears, but he

won't wear RED" ahahahahaha

"There's a sale at the FASHION BOUTIQUE"

Gotta love those hippos!

This is when I learned to spell "spaghetti"!

Seriously I loved this snappy robot!

Well that was fun. And I'm sorry the pictures weren't up before, they were when I saved it! But hopefully it works this time.

Paint War

2009-07-13T20:36:00.004-06:00

So Friday my dear friend Daniel came to visit. When I was in Texas I saw him, and now he came to see us! It was his birthday so we went to Craigo's (well, we would have gone anyway, it's our favorite place!)

Then after that we decided to have a paint war, because who wouldn't want to play with paint?!

The End

Yay!

2009-07-05T10:20:00.002-06:00

Okay, so it's been a crazy weekend! Thursday I got a new position at work, being in the baby room and I'm so excited! I get to make lesson plans and teach the kids things and I'm really grateful for the chance I get! Woohoo!!

Then we (Cherie and I) left for Utah. We got to Blackfoot and the car went ka-plooey. That was at like 2, and we got home around...9. The engine seized so her brother had to come pick us up and then bring us back to Rexburg until he and his wife left the next morning. Well the whole time we were there I was being logical and quick thinking and trying to help as much as I could. But unfortunately I never let it set in that there was a problem so by the time we put it into someone else's hands and I could finally stop, I got myself in such a panic that I decided to just stay here. I didn't want to be a Debby Downer for the trip if I couldn't get myself calm.

So Friday I hung out in Rexburg and then Blake came over and watched a movie. Then I went to the Farmer's Market and hung out with Alicia for pretty much the whole thing. I brought $20 and got: 4 mini cupcakes (one is a fluffernutter flavor, I'm SO excited to eat it!), Cranberry/Cherry Granola, a Corn on the Cob on a Stick, a chunk of fudge, some pomegranate hand/foot scrub, and an adorable bracelet! And I got a couple truffles from Alicia and some caramel corn, which I don't even typically like but she has a knack for making awesome food! Yeah, I'm pretty proud of myself. And I can't wait for next week!! I was out there handing out samples and just had an awesome time!

Then I went and saw Transformers again with Jon and it was awesome. I think I liked it even better this time. And I put together an adorable outfit too!

Saturday came and I went to the grocery store for cream cheese and yogurt. It took forever because the parade took up the important streets, but I figured it out. I got my food, drove around with Chloe, and then took a mini-nap. I went to the park to help Alicia sell more chocolates, and had an awesome time there too! I was thinking of wearing my lion suit, but it was so stinking hot and I looked cute in my dress so I was torn...and the dress won.

After the park, I headed down to Blake's family's lunch and played this game called ladderball. It was surprisingly fun, that is, until I broke the bolo (two rubber balls connected by a piece of string). Blake's dad pink carded me until I got it fixed. Well, I thought I fixed it, but apparently not well enough and when it got thrown it separated again. Then I tried to fix another one, and I was pretty much banished from the game haha!

I got the pink card taking away, finally, for carrying chairs to and from the fireworks spot. And guess what...I've been debilitatingly terrified of fireworks for I don't know how long....and this time I told myself, "Suck it up girl, it's time to be a grownup." And I had an AWESOME time! I was sad when the were over! And of course, I got no pictures because I left my camera in my purse at the house and then my phone died checking the score of the Arizona/Colorado game, but Arizona won, so that was good haha! But I have witnesses that I was there and I had no freak outs!

After the fireworks I had an amazing grilled cheese sandwich at like midnight and then headed back to Rexburg. All in all it was a good weekend. I wish I would have gone with Cherie, I miss her family and I was excited for the play her grandma was going to take us too, but I figured I had to make a decision when I did and that was the best one at the time. There will be other trips.

Phew, that was a long one. I'm gonna eat some of that granola now and try to remember to bring my camera with me to stuff so I can make these a little more exciting to read!

I'm a big fan...

2009-06-29T17:32:00.002-06:00

of Pom Pom Chocolates! This is a little shout out for my friend Alicia.

http://www.pompomchocolates.blogspot.com/

Holy yumminess! The orange is my absolute favorite, I wish I had a picture of me enjoying one, I'd post it here, but I ate them too quickly. Seriously, if you are in town, go to the Farmer's Market and buy some. Don't go for just one, you'll want more.

Dinah, Puddles, Luau and such

2009-06-21T01:07:00.007-06:00

Oh heavens to Betsy, I'm a terrible blogger. But, here for your viewing pleasure is a whole ton of pictures!

Cherie has a photo assignment for her religion class, and she dressed me up as Dinah from the Bible. I love being in pictures for Cherie...she makes me feel so pretty! Here are a few from that project:

I'm afraid the bad guy is going to find me.

So I'm running away.

Did I make it?!

Then one day we decided we had been cooped up from all the rain we have been having, so we went and played at the park.

Haha, Cherie likes to roll in the mud.

And to throw stinky mud on our sweet roommate.

Uh oh! She's coming after me too!

My war paint :)

She likes to kick the big puddles....she shows them who is boss.

Then Saturday we had my birthday party!

Yay! I love my birthday!

Melissa made the cutest cupcakes! Thank you so much! Everyone loved them!!

This is after the noodle fight...watch the video on facebook :)

Some of my lovely party guests.

Diana and I called Troy!

After we cleaned the house and yard, the girls and I went to Applebees. That's a Shirley Temple in a "fancy glass".

And that's a strawberry pina colada for the birthday girl!

Thank you so much to everyone that has made these last few weeks fun. It's been really hard some days to even get out of bed, (hence the lack of blogging---who wants to read about depression? Not me!) so thank you for your support. I will try to keep posting better too!

Hello

2009-05-01T22:05:00.005-06:00

So, I haven't written in a while. My bad. But I've been busy. The dress fit by the way!And while I was there I saw Daniel! I love him so much and I'm so excited for him to go on a mission so he can come back!

I came back to Idaho for a few days to work. It was so good to see the kids! I miss those kids whenever I'm not with them!

Then I went to California!!!! Here are some of my favorite pictures! The rest are on facebook.

I went to Disneyland and I made it through a fireworks show!!!!

I hate chickens! (This is in Mickey's house)

At the Corona Del Mar we found a starfish. And I didn't get a picture of it haha...

We're SO cute!

Oh Jimmy, how I love you!!
Outside the Getty Center, the best museum I've ever seen!
Haha, a silver butt on Rodeo Drive!
Me, Cherie, and Chris, chilling on Rodeo Dr.

THE HOLLYWOOD SIGN!!! Ah!!

And I'm in my new house. The ward is meeh, but I'm digging my roommates and FHE brothers. So really, what more do I need?

And school and work are going really well too. Pretty much love it all.

And I got cute new clothes! (No, I didn't take pictures this time haha)

So, are you going to comment this time? I was hurt there was NOTHING on the last one!

Travels with me!

2009-04-14T22:30:00.004-06:00

Thursday April 7, 2009
I get a week off. I need this week. I am sitting in Sea-Tac, waiting to go to Texas for Aly’s wedding. I’m so excited to see her! I hope everything looks great (aka, I’ve had some stress eating…PLEASE LET THE DRESS FIT!!!), and that I get rid of my cold.
I am on a mission to find little joys in my life. I need to stop stressing about things that I have no control over.
1) Moving my class folders on my computer from the desktop to the “Completed Classes” folder.
2) A really yummy roast beef sandwich on a delicious cheddar herb bagel.
3) Feeling cute in pictures.

Okay, that’s what I’ve got right now.

Sunday, April 12, 2009
I’m home from Texas and it was a beautiful trip. The wedding, while I wasn’t actually there for the ceremony, was still beautiful. I was sitting in the temple the whole time and I was so grateful. (PS, the dress fit!) We took wonderful pictures, but even more important than that was the happiness I saw in Aly and Garrett. They are not really “young’ but they definitely looked more mature when they came out. Sigh, I love those two crazy kids.

Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Okay, so I’m at the Laundromat wanting to have a dance party like you wouldn’t believe! But there is another guy here. So I cannot. Blah, boo on him.
I have had a fun couple days. I went to the temple today. I absolutely love being there. I think about all the changes I’ve made in my life from hiding when people asked me to go to church, to going every Tuesday regardless of anything else going on. I’ll have to figure out which day I can go to the temple next semester, but I will have a set day, no doubt about that!
I went to a Mary Kay party today. I LOVED IT! They asked me to be a face model, and I think it came out looking amazing. I bought some stuff, I should have gotten some other things, but I’ll wait for the next check.

T-minus 4 hours til I leave for Califonia!!!

(pictures to come later when I have better internet)

Help...I'm half serious too in that plea...

2009-04-06T20:56:00.005-06:00

I woke up this morning thinking I really needed a new entry. Well, this is not what I was going for.

TRUE STORY. Please don't think I'm doing this for attention. I'm a little worried.

I was sitting in the bathroom, minding my own business, staring at the wall. You know how some walls are done with a rough paint coat so sometimes its like looking at clouds and you can almost see designs or something?

Well, I thought I saw a shoe. Then all of a sudden, the shoe got bigger and kicked me in the head. I moved my head to dodge it!

IT'S PAINT ON A WALL!!

I've officially lost it. Help me. Please....

I'm thinking it's the cold medicine, stress of school, the need of a good kick in the head, and probably the fact that today I've had a Jamba, a chocolate muffin, hot cocoa, and trail mix.....Yeah, that might explain it ;) But what if it doesn't?

(PS: The paper that I just quit working on because I didn't know what else to do...it totally got accepted. There is hope for this semester yet!)

The goings on..

2009-03-29T16:24:00.002-06:00

It's been a crazy week. But things are so good too! No regrets people, that's the only way to live.

I have so much due right now for school, that it's getting to the point that I just don't care. Which is bad. I know. But I haven't received a single grade for anything I've done in my english class, except for the little quizzes and submission points. But the papers, the meat of my class: nothing. So I have no idea how I'm doing. Which means I am doubting everything I have. Which is why I submitted a crap paper this time. It's too short for the requirements. It doesn't have enough sources. And the editing group seems split on whether they like it or not. But it's not worth it to me to stress about it anymore.

But my friends have all been so supportive of me. I love them all to pieces. I got really sick this last week, I'm pretty sure my uterus was going to just die. I have never been in so much pain in my entire life from cramps. I've only had cramps like twice....and this was awful. I'm pretty sure the stress of work, school, moving, and the stress of dating just took its toll. But I feel much better now, so yay!

Friday I realized just how cool I really am. Haha, that sounds a bit egotistical, but I promise you'll agree. Spencer and I have broken up. I have not cried. I have not been angry. I have not been hurt. When I was talking to him Friday night, I held my own. I said my peace and some of the things I said surprised me. I have "bounced back" really well. The hardest part of this whole thing is that since I have moved on so well, I don't want Spencer to think that I am glad we broke up or that I didn't really care when we were dating. He made me ridiculously happy. I giggled a lot haha, that's not really me. But I learned a lot from the relationship. I learned I need someone to say, "You look great!" when I don't. I need someone that will laugh at all my jokes, even when they're not that funny. I need someone that I can show off, and he loves it. I want someone to call or text me in the morning just saying, "Have a good day." Spencer did all of this at one point or another. And that's why I know I need it. Because those are the things that I remember and make me still smile.

But I also need someone that will tell me honestly how they feel when I ask. I'm not going to ask if I don't care. I snowball situations. I think the worse there can be when I don't know all the facts. It's something I need to work on, I know that. But at the same time, I need someone that understands that and works with me on that one.

But it's all good! Everything is going well. I'm going to be in Texas in like 11 days, California a few days after that, and then school will start in a new ward, new house, new summer.

Sorry

2009-03-14T23:45:00.001-06:00

I've been pretty busy this last week. I've been cooking at work all week, which pretty much rocked. I wish the cook hadn't been sick though, because that made me sad. But it was fun to get to be the cook.

I went to Utah today. Just a day trip, but it was fun. I took a bunch of pictures in the car and at Temple Square, but I forgot to take any with Jared or Dan and Alice and baby Daniel! What kind of dummy am I??

Don't answer that :-P

I'm sleepy. Goodnight!