In January I wrote a post about all my New Year's Resolutions for 2012. This being the very last day of 2012, I decided I would update all my good friends on all the progress I have made this year (notice how I say progress... and not shortcomings....)
I had 12 resolutions, and I will go through and tell you about each!!
1. Write a blog post every week.
I might not have done this every single week. But this is my 52nd post for the year. Fitting isn't it? I look back on all the awesome memories, and am so excited that I have these to remember for always. If anyone knows of a great blog printing website.. let me know!
2. Read through the Book of Mormon at least 1 time.
I finished today! I am so glad I did this. I know so much more about the Book of Mormon. There have also been many a times when I was reading, and then something would jump out at me because it was happening in my life at that moment, or I had just read something and I had an experience that related to what I was reading. It was awesome. I have to admit though I made it half way through Alma in about 6 weeks.. and then that was my downfall. I got lost in all the battles. But I finished! Hooray!!
3. Have family prayer/scripture/family home evening.
I have to say we did a lot better than ever before. We are not yet to the everyday goal, but we are on our way.
4. Read 20 Books this year.
I didn't make it to 20, but this is what I read. I got to 18.
Unbelieveable-Pretty Little Liars 4
Wicked-Pretty Little Liars 5
Killer-Pretty Little Liars 6
Heartless-Pretty Little Liars 7
Wanted-Pretty Little Liars 8
Twisted-Pretty Little Liars 9
Ruthless-Pretty Little Liars 10
Incarceron
The Secret Journal of Brett Coloton
The Kite Runner
Destined (Wings #4)
A Modest Proposal (Butterfly Box Series #1)
Hometown Girl (Butterfly Box Series #2)
The Perfect Fit (Butterfly Box Series #3)
Pillar of Light- Work & The Glory 1
Work & The Glory 2
Work & the Glory 3 (I am in the middle of this one)
Book of Mormon!
5. Learn 20 new things in photoshop/illustrator
I didn't keep track of this one, but I know that I did it. I mean just look at how much better my photos are! I also subscribed to lynda.com this year and have been watching like a mad woman, and applying the things I was watching.
6. Living the ABC's.
I know that I did not do this everyday, but I know I have been way better at it. I think that being called into the Young Women's program and then being part of the pilot program for the new teaching method for the church, has definitely made me better at this. My Attitude, Believing, and Courage has grown ten fold this year and I owe it all to the gospel.
7. Run a Half Marathon.
Well... cough cough.. didn't quite get this one done. Jordan and I did join a gym. Which was step one. We also ran a 5k a couple of times while working out. I didn't quite get there, but I am getting better. Maybe next year!
8. Give Someone a Book of Mormon
I gave one to one of my very best friends that I love dearly. I was so afraid. I was so afraid I would ruin our friendship or she would never want to talk to me ever again. It was one of the best experiences I've ever had. I gave it to her for Christmas, what better gift, that the gift of the Savior? I was gearing up for it all year, and praying about it. It all worked out. :)
9. Make 10 fun projects.
I know that I did this. I couldn't tell you what I did, but I know that I did it. Mostly when we redecorated our apartment.. we painted basically every piece of furniture we own. Hallie's birthday had the other half.. I worked on that for a couple months!
10. Be a good wife and mom
Again I have to thank being in Young Women's for this one. I think the program is actually about making the leaders better people! Just kidding. But it really does. I also have to thank Pinterest, for helping me be brave and all the crazy meals that I decided to make this year. I also have one smart kid, I mean that's my doing right?? :)
11. Make a budget and stick to it.
I think that this resolution is severely lacking in accomplishment.. but there were many steps that we made to make this one a little bit closer to reality. Hopefully next year will be even better.
12. Make one new friend.
Again, I have to thank YW!! I made friends with a ton of people from that, but especially my friend Brittany. She is awesome and I love her. She is such an inspiration to me and such a joy to be around. I love you Brittany!
Well that is it for the year of 2012... see you in 2013!!
Monday, December 31, 2012
CHRISTMAS
This year we spent Christmas in Colorado on the Dixon side. We weren't sure that it was going to happen this year, but we are so grateful that it did. Hallie was spoiled rotten and it was such a blast.
My parents bought her a "roller coaster." My little sister Kaylie had one of these when we were growing up, and even us older kids would play with it. Mostly we would take the car and ride it down the hill into the pool, but it was such a blast. When we all came up from the basement in the morning she spotted it and walked right up to it and made the "ooooooo" sound. It was almost as if she knew exactly what to do right away. She is a pro at it now, but at first it was scary to watch her do it. I have to remember that I have a big 18 month old girl now!! She has played with it everyday since, but I'm not looking forward to figuring out the car puzzle to get it home. Sitting around her watching her go down, all together was such a fun opening to Christmas morning.
My sister also spoiled her and bought her the Little People Disney Princess Castle. If you don't know what this is.. then you probably don't have a little girl aged 1-5. I guess this was the "Top Toy" of 2012 for girls this age. My sister told me she went everywhere to get her one, and all the little people accessories to go with it. Good thing Hallie is in love with it or I would feel awful for her doing so much work to get it!
Hallie also got a bunch of bath toys, mega building blocks, necklaces and bracelets, a unicorn, the blanket that I made her, clothes, shoes, and Princess slippers! I am sure there is more.. it seemed like she was opening tons of things!
I had such a blast watching her open presents. We had a warm up with the Sautter Christmas party.. but she didn't seem to really get it. But oh boy, did she prove me wrong! She was tearing things up left and right. She was also taking other people's gifts and trying to open them. It was awesome. Unfortunately, we were so caught up in the moment, we didn't take any pictures or videos, and when we did remember, it was at the end of gift opening when Hallie was starving and ready for her nap. So I have a video of her screaming... but none of the cute stuff.
Jordan and I got exactly what we wanted from my parents too: Assasin's Creed III (for Jordan) a leather jacket for me, and a bluetooth speaker system for at home. I love my parents and am so grateful to them. They always want to make your Christmas dreams come true:)
Which I have to share... Christmas 2009, my parents bought me my MacBook Pro. I remember opening it and just crying, so overwhelmed with emotion, surprise, and gratitude. I found out a couple days before Christmas that my parents bought my little sister, Kaylie, the brand new MacBook Pro. She is a Senior in HS this year, so it was also for graduation. It was so fun to watch her open it. It was probably very similar to when I opened it because everyone knew but me, and even though the size and weight of the present makes sense now... having no clue you are getting that gift throws it way off. I loved the look on her face. Of course, she cried.. It is like receiving a Christmas Miracle! I couldn't help but tear up too and remember how special it was for me.
The rest of the day was spent eating MEXICAN WEDDING BREAKFAST!!, playing games, hanging out, watching movies, Christmas dinner (HONEYBAKED HAM) and playing with all our new toys. It was such a wonderful Christmas. I love my family so much and making it possible for us to come to Colorado and spend time with them.
My parents bought her a "roller coaster." My little sister Kaylie had one of these when we were growing up, and even us older kids would play with it. Mostly we would take the car and ride it down the hill into the pool, but it was such a blast. When we all came up from the basement in the morning she spotted it and walked right up to it and made the "ooooooo" sound. It was almost as if she knew exactly what to do right away. She is a pro at it now, but at first it was scary to watch her do it. I have to remember that I have a big 18 month old girl now!! She has played with it everyday since, but I'm not looking forward to figuring out the car puzzle to get it home. Sitting around her watching her go down, all together was such a fun opening to Christmas morning.
My sister also spoiled her and bought her the Little People Disney Princess Castle. If you don't know what this is.. then you probably don't have a little girl aged 1-5. I guess this was the "Top Toy" of 2012 for girls this age. My sister told me she went everywhere to get her one, and all the little people accessories to go with it. Good thing Hallie is in love with it or I would feel awful for her doing so much work to get it!
Hallie also got a bunch of bath toys, mega building blocks, necklaces and bracelets, a unicorn, the blanket that I made her, clothes, shoes, and Princess slippers! I am sure there is more.. it seemed like she was opening tons of things!
I had such a blast watching her open presents. We had a warm up with the Sautter Christmas party.. but she didn't seem to really get it. But oh boy, did she prove me wrong! She was tearing things up left and right. She was also taking other people's gifts and trying to open them. It was awesome. Unfortunately, we were so caught up in the moment, we didn't take any pictures or videos, and when we did remember, it was at the end of gift opening when Hallie was starving and ready for her nap. So I have a video of her screaming... but none of the cute stuff.
Jordan and I got exactly what we wanted from my parents too: Assasin's Creed III (for Jordan) a leather jacket for me, and a bluetooth speaker system for at home. I love my parents and am so grateful to them. They always want to make your Christmas dreams come true:)
Which I have to share... Christmas 2009, my parents bought me my MacBook Pro. I remember opening it and just crying, so overwhelmed with emotion, surprise, and gratitude. I found out a couple days before Christmas that my parents bought my little sister, Kaylie, the brand new MacBook Pro. She is a Senior in HS this year, so it was also for graduation. It was so fun to watch her open it. It was probably very similar to when I opened it because everyone knew but me, and even though the size and weight of the present makes sense now... having no clue you are getting that gift throws it way off. I loved the look on her face. Of course, she cried.. It is like receiving a Christmas Miracle! I couldn't help but tear up too and remember how special it was for me.
The rest of the day was spent eating MEXICAN WEDDING BREAKFAST!!, playing games, hanging out, watching movies, Christmas dinner (HONEYBAKED HAM) and playing with all our new toys. It was such a wonderful Christmas. I love my family so much and making it possible for us to come to Colorado and spend time with them.
Sautter Christmas Party
This year Jordan's family decided to do a Christmas Party. All the siblings were going to be at the "other side" of their families this year, and Jordan's parents were going to be in Maine, so we all got together on the 22nd to celebrate Christmas together.
It was such a blast. Everyone made a breakfast dish. I made blueberry breakfast cake, it was really good... but I might be biased. We all wore our pajamas. Wearing your comfy clothes... who can turn that down? We talked and ate, and all the kids ran around screaming and playing. It was really a fun get together.
The best part was after eating we dressed up all the kids, and Grandpa Blair read a Nativity story. Hallie was an angel. It was the cutest thing ever. I just wanted to keep taking pictures of her because she was so adorable. When we put the wings on her, she could see them out of the corner of her eye, so she kept turning in circles, like a dog trying to catch his tail. I couldn't stop laughing. All the kids looked great, and all the little girls that were angels were patting Baby Jesus while Blair read the Nativity.
After the Nativity, all the kids got to open their presents from grandma and grandpa, and the families opened their gifts from one another. Spencer and Hillary had us and gave Hallie a baby stroller (which she has pushed around all day since she got it). The best part was when she opened it up she went, "OH! Wow!" and immediately started playing with it. They got us Bohnanza. This game is fabulous. If you haven't you should play it.
We also gave Hallie her "big" presents that were from us. We couldn't carry them to Colorado and back so we gave them to her at the gift opening. We got her a kitchen, and her own chair. She loved them both. It was so exciting to get her a present and have her love it immediately. Instant gratification as a parent.
It was such a great get together. I'm sure there will be some kind of tradition that is being started now for every year.
It was such a blast. Everyone made a breakfast dish. I made blueberry breakfast cake, it was really good... but I might be biased. We all wore our pajamas. Wearing your comfy clothes... who can turn that down? We talked and ate, and all the kids ran around screaming and playing. It was really a fun get together.
The best part was after eating we dressed up all the kids, and Grandpa Blair read a Nativity story. Hallie was an angel. It was the cutest thing ever. I just wanted to keep taking pictures of her because she was so adorable. When we put the wings on her, she could see them out of the corner of her eye, so she kept turning in circles, like a dog trying to catch his tail. I couldn't stop laughing. All the kids looked great, and all the little girls that were angels were patting Baby Jesus while Blair read the Nativity.
After the Nativity, all the kids got to open their presents from grandma and grandpa, and the families opened their gifts from one another. Spencer and Hillary had us and gave Hallie a baby stroller (which she has pushed around all day since she got it). The best part was when she opened it up she went, "OH! Wow!" and immediately started playing with it. They got us Bohnanza. This game is fabulous. If you haven't you should play it.
We also gave Hallie her "big" presents that were from us. We couldn't carry them to Colorado and back so we gave them to her at the gift opening. We got her a kitchen, and her own chair. She loved them both. It was so exciting to get her a present and have her love it immediately. Instant gratification as a parent.
It was such a great get together. I'm sure there will be some kind of tradition that is being started now for every year.
Traditions
I love the Christmas season, because it seems like you celebrate it the whole month. This is the only holiday that I actually decorate for. I love putting up our little tree and putting all our ornaments on it. All the fun activities throughout the month really put you in the mood to be cheery and bright!
This will be Jordan and I's 5th Christmas together. We only have a few traditions so far, but they are ones that I absolutely love!!
First there is the singing house. We have actually done this six times because we were dating the first time that we went. There is this house in Iona (right by Idaho Falls) the synchronizes Christmas music to their lights, therefore it is the singing house. They play seriously the very best Christmas songs, I might be biased because they play all of my favorite songs. The house isn't huge or anything, but the lights are fantastic. Every year we take hot chocolate and watch. We took Hallie last year, but she was asleep and didn't really get to enjoy it, being she was still a wee babe! But this year she had a blast! She was only into it for about 15 minutes, but in toddler time that is like 3-4 hours. She LOVES music, and she sways and dances to it. We gave her a sucker and she was swaying and enjoying the music. She got on my lap and put her face right against the windshield so she could take a closer look, and she would keep looking at me and point at the lights with a huge smile on her face. It was so cute. I love the singing house.
Second tradition would be ornament buying. Every year Jordan and I buy an ornament that has the year on it. Our first Christmas we bought a crystal ornament with "First Christmas Together" 2008. Last year we bought Hallie's "Baby's First Christmas." Every other year are just fun ornaments, but I just love ornaments. I love this tradition, and it always reminds me of a memory from that Christmas. This year we bought a sparkly snowflake, Jordan really had no say, I just thought it was beautiful. It really adds to our tree. One day our tree will be totally filled with ornaments, so adding slowly is ok to me!!
Third tradition would be to watch Elf. This is my ALL TIME favorite Christmas movie. It is fabulous. I don't care if you hate everything that Will Ferrel has ever been in, if you don't like this movie you are totally a Scrooge. We have watched it twice, and we will have to watch it at least one more time.
Of course we always have to go see Santa Clause. I was nervous this year because Hallie is kind of timid with people she doesn't know. I was so wrong. She did awesome. No screaming at all. I couldn't get a smile out of her, but she sat there. Too bad IF Santa set up is kind of ghetto... and they wouldn't let you take your own pictures, and their camera stopped working so I couldn't even see/buy one... But it's ok because the Santa reminded me of the one in Elf.. he smelled like beef and cheese... and wasn't necessarily jolly. But we did it and that is all that matters.
This year we have a new tradition, or Jordan's family has decided to have a new tradition. Every year when they were growing up they would go to their Grandma Sautter's house and have food, open gifts, and put on some musical numbers or skits. Well needless to say, that side of Jordan's family is HUGE and there is just not enough room for everyone. This year, since everyone will be scattered everywhere, we are doing a Christmas party at the house so everyone can see each other, open gifts, and all the kids will be doing the Nativity scene. Hallie is going to be an angel. I'll have to post pictures later.
I am just so thankful for the season and the warm feeling that it brings. I'm so glad that Jordan, Hallie, and me get to go to Colorado and spend Christmas with my parents. I am most thankful for the Savior, because he is after all why we celebrate this wonderful time of year.
This will be Jordan and I's 5th Christmas together. We only have a few traditions so far, but they are ones that I absolutely love!!
First there is the singing house. We have actually done this six times because we were dating the first time that we went. There is this house in Iona (right by Idaho Falls) the synchronizes Christmas music to their lights, therefore it is the singing house. They play seriously the very best Christmas songs, I might be biased because they play all of my favorite songs. The house isn't huge or anything, but the lights are fantastic. Every year we take hot chocolate and watch. We took Hallie last year, but she was asleep and didn't really get to enjoy it, being she was still a wee babe! But this year she had a blast! She was only into it for about 15 minutes, but in toddler time that is like 3-4 hours. She LOVES music, and she sways and dances to it. We gave her a sucker and she was swaying and enjoying the music. She got on my lap and put her face right against the windshield so she could take a closer look, and she would keep looking at me and point at the lights with a huge smile on her face. It was so cute. I love the singing house.
Second tradition would be ornament buying. Every year Jordan and I buy an ornament that has the year on it. Our first Christmas we bought a crystal ornament with "First Christmas Together" 2008. Last year we bought Hallie's "Baby's First Christmas." Every other year are just fun ornaments, but I just love ornaments. I love this tradition, and it always reminds me of a memory from that Christmas. This year we bought a sparkly snowflake, Jordan really had no say, I just thought it was beautiful. It really adds to our tree. One day our tree will be totally filled with ornaments, so adding slowly is ok to me!!
Third tradition would be to watch Elf. This is my ALL TIME favorite Christmas movie. It is fabulous. I don't care if you hate everything that Will Ferrel has ever been in, if you don't like this movie you are totally a Scrooge. We have watched it twice, and we will have to watch it at least one more time.
Of course we always have to go see Santa Clause. I was nervous this year because Hallie is kind of timid with people she doesn't know. I was so wrong. She did awesome. No screaming at all. I couldn't get a smile out of her, but she sat there. Too bad IF Santa set up is kind of ghetto... and they wouldn't let you take your own pictures, and their camera stopped working so I couldn't even see/buy one... But it's ok because the Santa reminded me of the one in Elf.. he smelled like beef and cheese... and wasn't necessarily jolly. But we did it and that is all that matters.
This year we have a new tradition, or Jordan's family has decided to have a new tradition. Every year when they were growing up they would go to their Grandma Sautter's house and have food, open gifts, and put on some musical numbers or skits. Well needless to say, that side of Jordan's family is HUGE and there is just not enough room for everyone. This year, since everyone will be scattered everywhere, we are doing a Christmas party at the house so everyone can see each other, open gifts, and all the kids will be doing the Nativity scene. Hallie is going to be an angel. I'll have to post pictures later.
I am just so thankful for the season and the warm feeling that it brings. I'm so glad that Jordan, Hallie, and me get to go to Colorado and spend Christmas with my parents. I am most thankful for the Savior, because he is after all why we celebrate this wonderful time of year.
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Rock On
Well I meant to post this forever ago, it happened in October, so I'm going to now. I know that all 12 of my avid readers would not want to miss out on this exciting snippet from my life.
As many of you know, Hallie is about 18 month old. When we did this she was 16 month old. She is an awesome sleeper and does really well when people baby sit her, so I have no clue why Jordan and I haven't done anything like it sooner. We went to a concert. The last time we went to a concert was John Mayer in 2010. It's only two years, but that is a long time to me when I used to be a concert buff. If it wasn't for our friends Ryan and Kayli we might not have ventured to Blackfoot for this experience.
The concert was Parachute, All-American Rejects, and Boys Like Girls. I was kind of skeptical to go at first, I thought there would be a bunch of random emo high school or even middle school kids there, and it totally turned me off. The last time I even listened to any of these bands was when I was in high school myself. I know that wasn't long ago, but when you get married and have a baby sometimes you just feel like you have to let go of being young and hip and start being an old bump on a log (If you are married and/or have babies, you know what I mean).
I'm not going to lie, I grabbed on to my adolescence that night and I rocked. haha. There were a bunch of teenie boppers, lesbians, emos, cake-faces, and even old people. I meant like they looked like grandparents. But I thought, hey if they like this kind of music, more power to them (or they could have just been babysitting their granddaughter....). I had so much fun. I didn't remember any of the lyrics. I just had fun hanging out with Jordan feeling the music.
The concert was in Blackfoot. Where you may ask? Well it's such a small.. um venue.. I guess you could call it, that not even Google Maps could pull it up. Or maybe Google Maps has a hygienic policy to be able to be searched out. Who knows. All I know is that it was in a place called El Centenario. I think El Centenario translated is dirty old condemned grocery store, that a few Mexicans decided to cut the locks off, throw up a stage, and call a venue. I think that's about right.
Even though it was dirty and disgusting, I loved it. It was so small and intimate, we were in the back, but only about 30 feet from the stage. We could have made our way closer, but I liked snuggling like teenagers in the back.
I do have to say my only complaint would be the lead singer of AAR. He is disgusting. I mean I would not be surprised if he is a registered sex offender. Besides that it was great!
It was so fun to feel young and free again. Even though I am young and free. I guess I am speaking metaphorically.
ps. look. I wore a necklace. Total throwback. The last time I did that was in high school too. haha.
As many of you know, Hallie is about 18 month old. When we did this she was 16 month old. She is an awesome sleeper and does really well when people baby sit her, so I have no clue why Jordan and I haven't done anything like it sooner. We went to a concert. The last time we went to a concert was John Mayer in 2010. It's only two years, but that is a long time to me when I used to be a concert buff. If it wasn't for our friends Ryan and Kayli we might not have ventured to Blackfoot for this experience.
The concert was Parachute, All-American Rejects, and Boys Like Girls. I was kind of skeptical to go at first, I thought there would be a bunch of random emo high school or even middle school kids there, and it totally turned me off. The last time I even listened to any of these bands was when I was in high school myself. I know that wasn't long ago, but when you get married and have a baby sometimes you just feel like you have to let go of being young and hip and start being an old bump on a log (If you are married and/or have babies, you know what I mean).
I'm not going to lie, I grabbed on to my adolescence that night and I rocked. haha. There were a bunch of teenie boppers, lesbians, emos, cake-faces, and even old people. I meant like they looked like grandparents. But I thought, hey if they like this kind of music, more power to them (or they could have just been babysitting their granddaughter....). I had so much fun. I didn't remember any of the lyrics. I just had fun hanging out with Jordan feeling the music.
The concert was in Blackfoot. Where you may ask? Well it's such a small.. um venue.. I guess you could call it, that not even Google Maps could pull it up. Or maybe Google Maps has a hygienic policy to be able to be searched out. Who knows. All I know is that it was in a place called El Centenario. I think El Centenario translated is dirty old condemned grocery store, that a few Mexicans decided to cut the locks off, throw up a stage, and call a venue. I think that's about right.
Even though it was dirty and disgusting, I loved it. It was so small and intimate, we were in the back, but only about 30 feet from the stage. We could have made our way closer, but I liked snuggling like teenagers in the back.
I do have to say my only complaint would be the lead singer of AAR. He is disgusting. I mean I would not be surprised if he is a registered sex offender. Besides that it was great!
It was so fun to feel young and free again. Even though I am young and free. I guess I am speaking metaphorically.
ps. look. I wore a necklace. Total throwback. The last time I did that was in high school too. haha.
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Someone kidnapped my baby.
Someone has kidnapped my baby and replaced her with a grown up little person! Hallie is two weeks shy of being 18 months (nursery age.. finally!!) and I can not believe it. I have just been staring at her the past two weeks in aw. She is becoming so independent and so grown up it baffles me. I can't help but wonder to myself where my little baby girl has gone! There have been a couple things the past months that I have wanted to share about my wee little one. So here it goes.
What sparked this post is what happened on Sunday. Hallie has been able to say "Grandpa" for a while now. Grandpa is Bishop of our ward, so whenever we go to church we come in and sit down and she points and says "papa!" We have been so proud of our little girl being able to recognize grandpa. Well this Sunday rolls around. We walk into church and Hallie doesn't do her usual "papa" ritual. Which didn't phase me. It wasn't until Grandpa stood up to do a musical number that I had forgotten. Grandpa sings in a quartet every couple of months. Well the first three speakers had spoke and now it was the quartet. Grandpa stands up to sing, and with out hesitation, Hallie starts yelling, and I mean yelling, "PAPA! PAPA! IT'S PAPA! PAPA! PAPA!" and she goes on and on. People start turning and just laughing. It is quite hilarious. The people behind us whisper to us, well at least she knows who her grandpa is! There were people coming up to me after Sacrament meeting, who were sitting near the back of the OVERFLOW, commenting on how funny it was. The mic must have picked her up. But as soon as they started singing, she quieted down and started swaying to the music. It was so funny, and my beat red face must have showed how proud I was.
Hallie is also becoming quite a talker. She babbles all the time, but she suprises me by how much she can say. For example, the other day I was up at my in-law's doing something and Hallie walks away and I hear quiet for a few minutes and then some crashing sounds. I walk into Gail's sewing room and Hallie is pulling everything out of her sewing drawers. I very sternly yell, HALLIE! Without hesitation she looks up at me and says, " I DIDN'T KNOW!!" I couldn't help but start laughing, it was hilarious.
Last week when she got up in the morning, had her breakfast, and had a bath she started walking around mumbling something. I couldn't quite make it out. I had never heard her say anything like it before. Suddenly she walks up to her crib points and says BLANKIE! I was floored. I didn't even know she knew that word, and let alone she knew where it was. It suddenly made sense all the events leading up to that that she was saying 'blankie' the whole time, but seriously where did she come from?
Every day she surprises me with something new. I am baffled by how smart she is. I love being her mommy. But can I say how excited I am to take her to nursery in T-MINUS 1 SUNDAY LEFT!
What sparked this post is what happened on Sunday. Hallie has been able to say "Grandpa" for a while now. Grandpa is Bishop of our ward, so whenever we go to church we come in and sit down and she points and says "papa!" We have been so proud of our little girl being able to recognize grandpa. Well this Sunday rolls around. We walk into church and Hallie doesn't do her usual "papa" ritual. Which didn't phase me. It wasn't until Grandpa stood up to do a musical number that I had forgotten. Grandpa sings in a quartet every couple of months. Well the first three speakers had spoke and now it was the quartet. Grandpa stands up to sing, and with out hesitation, Hallie starts yelling, and I mean yelling, "PAPA! PAPA! IT'S PAPA! PAPA! PAPA!" and she goes on and on. People start turning and just laughing. It is quite hilarious. The people behind us whisper to us, well at least she knows who her grandpa is! There were people coming up to me after Sacrament meeting, who were sitting near the back of the OVERFLOW, commenting on how funny it was. The mic must have picked her up. But as soon as they started singing, she quieted down and started swaying to the music. It was so funny, and my beat red face must have showed how proud I was.
Hallie is also becoming quite a talker. She babbles all the time, but she suprises me by how much she can say. For example, the other day I was up at my in-law's doing something and Hallie walks away and I hear quiet for a few minutes and then some crashing sounds. I walk into Gail's sewing room and Hallie is pulling everything out of her sewing drawers. I very sternly yell, HALLIE! Without hesitation she looks up at me and says, " I DIDN'T KNOW!!" I couldn't help but start laughing, it was hilarious.
Last week when she got up in the morning, had her breakfast, and had a bath she started walking around mumbling something. I couldn't quite make it out. I had never heard her say anything like it before. Suddenly she walks up to her crib points and says BLANKIE! I was floored. I didn't even know she knew that word, and let alone she knew where it was. It suddenly made sense all the events leading up to that that she was saying 'blankie' the whole time, but seriously where did she come from?
Every day she surprises me with something new. I am baffled by how smart she is. I love being her mommy. But can I say how excited I am to take her to nursery in T-MINUS 1 SUNDAY LEFT!
Monday, December 17, 2012
very very late... Thanksgiving
For some reason there was a part of me that forgot that I had a blog. Then I had to quickly make a portfolio website very quickly and linked my blog. AH! I have a blog! And I have not posted in forever! And oh my goodness the reading that I have to do to catch up. Maybe I should just stop having friends, and then it wouldn't matter to me what is going on in their lives. Just kidding. I love them so much and don't want to miss a thing. So I'm hoping that even though I am writing about (cough, cough) Thanksgiving, that you wanted to know about it!
The day before Thanksgiving started off with the preparation of food. I make this 8 layer jello every year, and it takes FOREVER. This year all of Jordan's siblings (that are around Idaho) were all going to be at the house this year, and we divied up all the food. I was making pies, I just love to make them. Don't ask me why. Then I was reminded to make my jello! Holy cow I couldn't believe I almost forgot. It was my very favorite thing growing up. And being Mormon and all, of course we need to have some sort of jello dish present. Crazy that all the time growing up Mormon this was the only thing that my family ever made out of jello, and it only comes out on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Anywhoo... it takes forever. But man it's delicious. I also attempted Black Bottom Pumpkin pie and the classic Apple. It all tuned out pretty good, but the black bottom I need to make my own adjustments to!
We started off Thanksgiving Day with bowling. This is another tradition passed from my adolescent years, and Jordan treats me every year. We always have a small turnout, usually Jordan and I and maybe 1-2 others. This year was awesome! We had Jordan, Me, Hallie, Mary, Sean, Hillary & Spencer! Seven people! So crazy. But it was such a blast. Hallie bowled and got two spares. She did awesome. She loved to push the ball down the roller coaster thing that helps children bowl. Plus she acted more like a child-well behaved. Which still freaks me out.
We then went back to the house were the Thanksgiving feasting began. I ate so much it was ridiculous. I felt like I had ten pounds lodged into my stomach. But then I just ate more, and more, and more! I guess that is what Thanksgiving is all about. Eating until you are as big as the turkey, so they have one for next year.
We finished the night off with games and a bootleg of Dark Night Rises. I know it's out on video now but hey the fact that we had an awesome copy before it came out and we all watched it in the theater room was very cool. Don't judge me. I didn't download it.
All in all it was a fantastic Thanksgiving. More importantly, I was reminded of the wonderful things that I have in my life.
I have a wonderful husband that works extremely hard. He caters to me all the time, and lets me win basically all our "disagreements." When we fall asleep, I am so picky, and he lets me adjust any way that I can to get comfortable. He watches Bachelor and Project Runway with me. He lets me hold the remote and control the TV. You might say that I wear the pants.. but this is not true... I know my limits.. haha. I am just so thankful for a wonderful husband.
I am thankful for Hallie. The crazy woman I like to call my baby, who is actually more like a child now than anything else. I am thankful she is gorgeous, smart, and ridiculously hilarious. I would have very hard time justifying staying at home if it wasn't for this beautiful person. She makes my dark days bright and turns my frown upside down! I am blessed to be her mommy.
I am thankful for so much more, but especially my family that surrounds me.
Happy Thanksgiving:)
The day before Thanksgiving started off with the preparation of food. I make this 8 layer jello every year, and it takes FOREVER. This year all of Jordan's siblings (that are around Idaho) were all going to be at the house this year, and we divied up all the food. I was making pies, I just love to make them. Don't ask me why. Then I was reminded to make my jello! Holy cow I couldn't believe I almost forgot. It was my very favorite thing growing up. And being Mormon and all, of course we need to have some sort of jello dish present. Crazy that all the time growing up Mormon this was the only thing that my family ever made out of jello, and it only comes out on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Anywhoo... it takes forever. But man it's delicious. I also attempted Black Bottom Pumpkin pie and the classic Apple. It all tuned out pretty good, but the black bottom I need to make my own adjustments to!
We started off Thanksgiving Day with bowling. This is another tradition passed from my adolescent years, and Jordan treats me every year. We always have a small turnout, usually Jordan and I and maybe 1-2 others. This year was awesome! We had Jordan, Me, Hallie, Mary, Sean, Hillary & Spencer! Seven people! So crazy. But it was such a blast. Hallie bowled and got two spares. She did awesome. She loved to push the ball down the roller coaster thing that helps children bowl. Plus she acted more like a child-well behaved. Which still freaks me out.
We finished the night off with games and a bootleg of Dark Night Rises. I know it's out on video now but hey the fact that we had an awesome copy before it came out and we all watched it in the theater room was very cool. Don't judge me. I didn't download it.
All in all it was a fantastic Thanksgiving. More importantly, I was reminded of the wonderful things that I have in my life.
I have a wonderful husband that works extremely hard. He caters to me all the time, and lets me win basically all our "disagreements." When we fall asleep, I am so picky, and he lets me adjust any way that I can to get comfortable. He watches Bachelor and Project Runway with me. He lets me hold the remote and control the TV. You might say that I wear the pants.. but this is not true... I know my limits.. haha. I am just so thankful for a wonderful husband.
I am thankful for Hallie. The crazy woman I like to call my baby, who is actually more like a child now than anything else. I am thankful she is gorgeous, smart, and ridiculously hilarious. I would have very hard time justifying staying at home if it wasn't for this beautiful person. She makes my dark days bright and turns my frown upside down! I am blessed to be her mommy.
I am thankful for so much more, but especially my family that surrounds me.
Happy Thanksgiving:)
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Boise Temple Dedication
Two Sundays ago (the 18th) we had the privilege of watching the Boise Temple Dedication in place of church. The temple went under massive renovation and was recently completed. I think most of Idaho got to watch the broadcast. This doesn't happen very often in an area, or really in a lifetime if you don't live in an area where you are around lots of temples, or there is already one built.
I have been to two dedications, the Nauvoo Temple & the Rexburg Temple, and one open house, the Rexburg Temple. The Nauvoo was broadcast church-wide (if my feeble mind remembers correctly) and I was in my second semester of college when the Rexburg Temple was dedicated. Unless they plan to build another Idaho Falls temple, I probably won't have the chance to see one again until there is a Colorado Springs Temple. One day. One day.
It was very special because President Monson came to dedicate the temple and brought along with him Elder Bednar, one of the 12 Apostles, Elder Walker, in the Presidency of the Seventy, and someone else... who I wish I could remember his name! But I'm pretty sure his job is to work on temples.
The first couple of talks, which were mostly testimonies were so beautiful. Some shared about losing their children, and how the plan of Salvation works. The temple is real, and the sealing of forever is real. We got to hear from the Assistant to the Temple Matron (The Temple President's wife=Temple Matron, 1st Counselor's wife=Assistant to the Temple Matron, etc...I think this is how it goes...), a couple others, and President Monson's Secretary. After the Secretary was done, Elder Walker got up, almost in tears and thanked her for her service to the Prophet. He said her service to the prophet is more a service to the whole church and she will never know how much she has affected the people. It was very cool to hear that, mostly because you never even get to see the background of what happens to make the church run. I didn't even know President Monson had a secretary, but it makes sense doesn't it?
Elder Walker talked about an experience that President Monson had when Spencer W. Kimball was President of the Church. President Monson was visiting South Africa and the people there insisted that he try and get them a temple. He said he would do what he could, after all it is the Prophet's decision. He got back to Salt Lake and read the minutes of the meetings he missed. He saw that President Kimball had decided they were to build a temple in Johannesburg, South Africa. He was so excited an knew the people would be too. After the temple was announced, he said he got telegraphs from people in South Africa saying, Great job Elder Monson! You Got us a temple! He said he would have loved to taken the credit, but it was all President Kimball. The summary of the story... The prophet has final say in each and every temple. Where/When/Who/Why/How. What a responsibility! I love President Monson.
Elder Bednar, I love this man, probably because of my connection to BYU-Idaho, and all the wonderful times that I have been able to hear him speak in person. Which I think is totaling near 5. Crazy! (That doensn't include General Conference at all). He talked about the temple being a house for the Lord, a place where he can reside on the Earth. He talked about Kirtland and related how marvelous it was when we finally had a temple on the Earth again.
President Monson then spoke, he got right up, pointed at a boy in the room and said, "Right there is a future missionary!" And gave him a goofy look and wiggled his ears. Jordan and I couldn't help but bust up laughing. He has such a personality and loving nature. I can't even remember what he talked about (I started writing this the day after... and now trying to finish it two weeks later.....) but I remember crying, and thinking, this man walks and talks with Christ, but he is meek and humble.
I loved the whole experience, and that I got to experience it with Jordan. I love that families are sealed forever. Which was the main message from the meeting. It strengthens my testimony of family and forever. I get to be with my whole family forever.. wahoo!
I have been to two dedications, the Nauvoo Temple & the Rexburg Temple, and one open house, the Rexburg Temple. The Nauvoo was broadcast church-wide (if my feeble mind remembers correctly) and I was in my second semester of college when the Rexburg Temple was dedicated. Unless they plan to build another Idaho Falls temple, I probably won't have the chance to see one again until there is a Colorado Springs Temple. One day. One day.
It was very special because President Monson came to dedicate the temple and brought along with him Elder Bednar, one of the 12 Apostles, Elder Walker, in the Presidency of the Seventy, and someone else... who I wish I could remember his name! But I'm pretty sure his job is to work on temples.
The first couple of talks, which were mostly testimonies were so beautiful. Some shared about losing their children, and how the plan of Salvation works. The temple is real, and the sealing of forever is real. We got to hear from the Assistant to the Temple Matron (The Temple President's wife=Temple Matron, 1st Counselor's wife=Assistant to the Temple Matron, etc...I think this is how it goes...), a couple others, and President Monson's Secretary. After the Secretary was done, Elder Walker got up, almost in tears and thanked her for her service to the Prophet. He said her service to the prophet is more a service to the whole church and she will never know how much she has affected the people. It was very cool to hear that, mostly because you never even get to see the background of what happens to make the church run. I didn't even know President Monson had a secretary, but it makes sense doesn't it?
Elder Walker talked about an experience that President Monson had when Spencer W. Kimball was President of the Church. President Monson was visiting South Africa and the people there insisted that he try and get them a temple. He said he would do what he could, after all it is the Prophet's decision. He got back to Salt Lake and read the minutes of the meetings he missed. He saw that President Kimball had decided they were to build a temple in Johannesburg, South Africa. He was so excited an knew the people would be too. After the temple was announced, he said he got telegraphs from people in South Africa saying, Great job Elder Monson! You Got us a temple! He said he would have loved to taken the credit, but it was all President Kimball. The summary of the story... The prophet has final say in each and every temple. Where/When/Who/Why/How. What a responsibility! I love President Monson.
Elder Bednar, I love this man, probably because of my connection to BYU-Idaho, and all the wonderful times that I have been able to hear him speak in person. Which I think is totaling near 5. Crazy! (That doensn't include General Conference at all). He talked about the temple being a house for the Lord, a place where he can reside on the Earth. He talked about Kirtland and related how marvelous it was when we finally had a temple on the Earth again.
President Monson then spoke, he got right up, pointed at a boy in the room and said, "Right there is a future missionary!" And gave him a goofy look and wiggled his ears. Jordan and I couldn't help but bust up laughing. He has such a personality and loving nature. I can't even remember what he talked about (I started writing this the day after... and now trying to finish it two weeks later.....) but I remember crying, and thinking, this man walks and talks with Christ, but he is meek and humble.
I loved the whole experience, and that I got to experience it with Jordan. I love that families are sealed forever. Which was the main message from the meeting. It strengthens my testimony of family and forever. I get to be with my whole family forever.. wahoo!
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Bite you, Apple!
If you don't already know, I have been trying to write one blog post a week for the entire year. Well I am falling a little behind. Not because I haven't wanted to, but because my computer, of course, has been broken. Well sort of.
My charger has been acting wacky for weeks. I knew that it was about to be kaput. And one day, I go to use my computer and bam- can't turn it on because it is totally dead. I was kinda wondering if my battery inside my computer was also dying. I would charge it forever and it would last maybe 1 hour. I remember my first generation iPod mini doing this when I was a sophomore in high school. I would charge it all night and in the morning I could play exactly 15 seconds of one song. They replaced my mini with a 1st generation Video iPod. For free. The batteries in the minis had a defect (remember this word later, it's important).
Luckily, I don't live anywhere near an Apple store to fix my computer. And even more lucky, I thought I had three years protection on my computer, when I only had two. So to my happy surprise, when I pulled out my files and saw my computer was completely out of warranty, I couldn't help but thank my lucky stars. Catch my sarcasm there?
I look up on the Apple website how much it is going to cost to fix. Jordan has a church calling that requires the computer to be fixed immediately, and he also has a wife that feels naked without her Adobe Suite attached at her hip. Total cost about 250 dollars. This doesn't seem like a lot to some people. Heck I don't care who you are. That is a lot to fix the computer.
I am determined to find out if my battery is dead or just the charger. My Father-in-Law bought a Mac last year, so I borrowed his cord. I am able to charge my computer. Hooray! But too bad the computer is like a person and tells you something is wrong. So my little battery icon tells me that I need to service my battery. I bet you can guess that service actually means replace. Awesome. The full 250 down the drain.
We do have a Simply Mac store, a store that is more like a a copy of Apple that can sell their products but can't have their name. They were able to check my battery and charger to make sure that they were officially dead. Which they were. Awesome.
Here's the real kicker....
The guy helping me looks at my charger and is like, "is this the charger that you had the whole time?" and I'm like, "uh...yes? Why?" And he then goes on to explain that I have a 60 watt charger, for my 15 inch mac, which is totally not enough wattage. He then goes on to explain that because the wattage wasn't enough, it slowly ate away and killed my battery, and possibly some other internal damage. I needed the 85 watt charger for my type of computer.
Not only was it not my fault, it was Apple's manufacturing mistake!!! I took my computer into Best Buy (where my computer was bought) at least FIVE TIMES and asked them to check my charger and battery because whenever I charged my computer it was ON FIRE. They never did anything. And I had to pay for their mistake.
Apple, I am mad at you. You made me pay 250 dollars for YOUR mistake.
Best Buy, I am mad at you because I knew something was wrong and you NEVER DID ANYTHING. Your "Geek" people who have that name because they are supposed to be smart, are complete morons. I had to pay 250 dollars when I never should have.
Well that's the end to my story. I just needed to rant a little.
My charger has been acting wacky for weeks. I knew that it was about to be kaput. And one day, I go to use my computer and bam- can't turn it on because it is totally dead. I was kinda wondering if my battery inside my computer was also dying. I would charge it forever and it would last maybe 1 hour. I remember my first generation iPod mini doing this when I was a sophomore in high school. I would charge it all night and in the morning I could play exactly 15 seconds of one song. They replaced my mini with a 1st generation Video iPod. For free. The batteries in the minis had a defect (remember this word later, it's important).
Luckily, I don't live anywhere near an Apple store to fix my computer. And even more lucky, I thought I had three years protection on my computer, when I only had two. So to my happy surprise, when I pulled out my files and saw my computer was completely out of warranty, I couldn't help but thank my lucky stars. Catch my sarcasm there?
I look up on the Apple website how much it is going to cost to fix. Jordan has a church calling that requires the computer to be fixed immediately, and he also has a wife that feels naked without her Adobe Suite attached at her hip. Total cost about 250 dollars. This doesn't seem like a lot to some people. Heck I don't care who you are. That is a lot to fix the computer.
I am determined to find out if my battery is dead or just the charger. My Father-in-Law bought a Mac last year, so I borrowed his cord. I am able to charge my computer. Hooray! But too bad the computer is like a person and tells you something is wrong. So my little battery icon tells me that I need to service my battery. I bet you can guess that service actually means replace. Awesome. The full 250 down the drain.
We do have a Simply Mac store, a store that is more like a a copy of Apple that can sell their products but can't have their name. They were able to check my battery and charger to make sure that they were officially dead. Which they were. Awesome.
Here's the real kicker....
The guy helping me looks at my charger and is like, "is this the charger that you had the whole time?" and I'm like, "uh...yes? Why?" And he then goes on to explain that I have a 60 watt charger, for my 15 inch mac, which is totally not enough wattage. He then goes on to explain that because the wattage wasn't enough, it slowly ate away and killed my battery, and possibly some other internal damage. I needed the 85 watt charger for my type of computer.
Not only was it not my fault, it was Apple's manufacturing mistake!!! I took my computer into Best Buy (where my computer was bought) at least FIVE TIMES and asked them to check my charger and battery because whenever I charged my computer it was ON FIRE. They never did anything. And I had to pay for their mistake.
Apple, I am mad at you. You made me pay 250 dollars for YOUR mistake.
Best Buy, I am mad at you because I knew something was wrong and you NEVER DID ANYTHING. Your "Geek" people who have that name because they are supposed to be smart, are complete morons. I had to pay 250 dollars when I never should have.
Well that's the end to my story. I just needed to rant a little.
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
I voted today.
I did this today.
Voted.
Go me.
I have only voted twice in my life (for president) but this vote really means a lot for our country.
I am so thankful for our founding fathers, being lead by the spirit of God, who laid the path for everything that we have today and the freedoms that we all enjoy. I love that we can all express ourselves.
I wish that we wouldn't put others beliefs or thoughts down because they do not match our own. Right now I live in a place where I don't really experience that very often. I have been sheltered from the political craziness going on in the world (unless I get on Facebook...) in the forms of ads and other things, so I'm not tired out of being excited for the Presidential Race.
I am a little bit disappointed because I did not get my volunteer shirt from the Romney/Ryan campaign, mostly because I wanted to wear it today. I hope that doesn't give away who I voted for....
Which reminds me of a funny story...
I was trick or treating when I was little, somewhere in the 8-10 range. We knocked on a door in my neighborhood. The lady was dressed as a witch and had her "I voted" sticker on and was telling us young kids how important it is to vote. Then I said, "who did you vote for?" The lady said, "That's none of your business!!" and slammed the door in our faces. As a young child, I was stunned. How rude. Now that I am older, I guess it is a sticky subject to talk about...
Go Romney.
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
I don't know what to do with my life.
I have had a lot of things on my mind lately. What better way than to rant about it on my blog? Maybe it's not so much of a rant, but that Jordan and I are in a dilemma and I have no clue what to do.
Last year in December, Jordan graduated with his Bachelor's. We were so excited. What an accomplishment and what a feat! We had such high expectations for the future. What was going to happen next??
Well fast forward one year and we are doing everything the same. Minus going to school. We have been job searching for OVER A YEAR. We've probably applied somewhere between 500-1000 jobs in that time. I'm not even kidding. And I'm not thinking in just Idaho either. Some of the states that we've tried are Idaho, Utah, Colorado, California, Texas, North Carolina, Tennessee, Nevada, Nebraska, etc, etc. We've probably heard back from maybe a handful of those jobs, and only a couple of face to face interviews at that. We keep thinking what are we doing wrong? What do we have to do to make things different? Why a whole freakin year? I'm hoping that the Lord is ready to smack us in the face with something, because my patience is wearing very thin. But then I think to myself.. maybe the point is to have patience. Who knows..
I see all my friends moving on with their lives. Moving away, starting new jobs, having babies, doing something. I feel stopped, unmoving. Just sitting, not knowing what we should do. I try to be the best stay at home mommy that I can, but those creeping in feelings of... I should be helping with money, I should get a job, I should be doing more....keep attacking my brain. I mean Satan knows where to hit me where it counts. I've always been goal driven and wanting to accomplish things. Again, stopped. All these feelings stem from not finding a job. We have been living in the same place for almost 5 years and even though it's a very nice place to live, something needs to change.
I guess that is where my rant comes to a close... or some kind of monologue that is leading up to where Jordan and I are now and what we should do.
Jordan has not wanted to go further to pursue his masters. He is not a school kind of man. I told him that if we didn't get a job, we would at least start school. After a lot of research we narrowed it down to two schools. University of Wisconsin for a Integrated Supply Chain Master or Indiana Wesleyan for an MBA. They are both online (so if we do get a job we can still move or do whatever is needed). We applied and waited. IWU send Jordan an e-mail telling him he was accepted, and a letter about a week later. UW sent the acceptance letter and we got UW's and IWU on the same day. Super exciting.
Now comes the drama. Which one do we pick? Do we even really want to do this? I mean they both come out to be about 24 THOUSAND dollars. Is it really that much needed to go so far into debt to do this?
After we get the acceptance letters suddenly Jordan gets a phone call from a company we applied for in Utah. They do a semi-formal phone interview right then and they want to meet him. So last week we drove down to Utah for Jordan to have his interview. On the way down... We get a phone call from a company in American Falls (about 15 mins from Pocatello). They want to set up an interview too. And just this morning Jordan sets up a Skype interview with a company based in Wisconsin but with locations for this certain position in either Utah, Texas, Arizona, Wisconsin or California. On top of that Jordan gets offered the job in Utah (but it is an extreme risky job....)
I am overjoyed with the opportunities. I am overjoyed that something is finally happening for us. But with the happiness comes all the crazy uncertainty. If Jord gets one of these jobs should we move away? Away from our comfort zone, away from Jord's family and my brother's family, away from our whole married existence? Cost of living anywhere else we go will be hugely different for us, and we will have to be a lot more careful with our money.
There are so many options/opportunities/failures that could be awaiting us. I just hope that we can make the right decisions. Lots of prayer right now for us... I hope we get an answer. I hope Jordan gets offered more than one of the jobs so we have a choice, I hope we are strong enough to possibly make a difficult choice.
There lies my dilemma. Any suggestions would be glorious. Hearing how other people got through things always makes it a little easier for me.
Bottom line. I guess we need some good ol' fashion faith.
Last year in December, Jordan graduated with his Bachelor's. We were so excited. What an accomplishment and what a feat! We had such high expectations for the future. What was going to happen next??
Well fast forward one year and we are doing everything the same. Minus going to school. We have been job searching for OVER A YEAR. We've probably applied somewhere between 500-1000 jobs in that time. I'm not even kidding. And I'm not thinking in just Idaho either. Some of the states that we've tried are Idaho, Utah, Colorado, California, Texas, North Carolina, Tennessee, Nevada, Nebraska, etc, etc. We've probably heard back from maybe a handful of those jobs, and only a couple of face to face interviews at that. We keep thinking what are we doing wrong? What do we have to do to make things different? Why a whole freakin year? I'm hoping that the Lord is ready to smack us in the face with something, because my patience is wearing very thin. But then I think to myself.. maybe the point is to have patience. Who knows..
I see all my friends moving on with their lives. Moving away, starting new jobs, having babies, doing something. I feel stopped, unmoving. Just sitting, not knowing what we should do. I try to be the best stay at home mommy that I can, but those creeping in feelings of... I should be helping with money, I should get a job, I should be doing more....keep attacking my brain. I mean Satan knows where to hit me where it counts. I've always been goal driven and wanting to accomplish things. Again, stopped. All these feelings stem from not finding a job. We have been living in the same place for almost 5 years and even though it's a very nice place to live, something needs to change.
I guess that is where my rant comes to a close... or some kind of monologue that is leading up to where Jordan and I are now and what we should do.
Jordan has not wanted to go further to pursue his masters. He is not a school kind of man. I told him that if we didn't get a job, we would at least start school. After a lot of research we narrowed it down to two schools. University of Wisconsin for a Integrated Supply Chain Master or Indiana Wesleyan for an MBA. They are both online (so if we do get a job we can still move or do whatever is needed). We applied and waited. IWU send Jordan an e-mail telling him he was accepted, and a letter about a week later. UW sent the acceptance letter and we got UW's and IWU on the same day. Super exciting.
Now comes the drama. Which one do we pick? Do we even really want to do this? I mean they both come out to be about 24 THOUSAND dollars. Is it really that much needed to go so far into debt to do this?
After we get the acceptance letters suddenly Jordan gets a phone call from a company we applied for in Utah. They do a semi-formal phone interview right then and they want to meet him. So last week we drove down to Utah for Jordan to have his interview. On the way down... We get a phone call from a company in American Falls (about 15 mins from Pocatello). They want to set up an interview too. And just this morning Jordan sets up a Skype interview with a company based in Wisconsin but with locations for this certain position in either Utah, Texas, Arizona, Wisconsin or California. On top of that Jordan gets offered the job in Utah (but it is an extreme risky job....)
I am overjoyed with the opportunities. I am overjoyed that something is finally happening for us. But with the happiness comes all the crazy uncertainty. If Jord gets one of these jobs should we move away? Away from our comfort zone, away from Jord's family and my brother's family, away from our whole married existence? Cost of living anywhere else we go will be hugely different for us, and we will have to be a lot more careful with our money.
There are so many options/opportunities/failures that could be awaiting us. I just hope that we can make the right decisions. Lots of prayer right now for us... I hope we get an answer. I hope Jordan gets offered more than one of the jobs so we have a choice, I hope we are strong enough to possibly make a difficult choice.
There lies my dilemma. Any suggestions would be glorious. Hearing how other people got through things always makes it a little easier for me.
Bottom line. I guess we need some good ol' fashion faith.
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Squatch sighting.
Jordan and I spotted the squatch. I am not even kidding. If you have seen the video on youtube from like the 60s or 70s... it is the same exact squatch. We saw him at a football game last week. If you haven't seen the video here is a frozen pic from it.
Prepare yourself. For this is crazy.
haha. just kidding. We did spot a little Hallie Bug and she was running around the football game like mad. I took this picture to remember how wild she was. As soon as I took it I turned to Jordan and asked what it reminded him of.. for some reason we both thought... squatch. So we spotted him.. or a bit of his character in our little girl.
I always want to write some amazing post about all the things that Hallie is doing. All I ever end up doing is just listing everything and when I read back over it.. It reads frantic and a little bit insane. I think I want to try to remember all the little things that she does that I don't want to forget to write about it in a post. My thoughts come and go so easily that it comes out frantic and crazy. I hope I can slow it down a little so you can get a picture of what Hallie is really like.
My child is a genius. I'm sure all the parents say that. This is legit. She is genius material. Alright maybe I'm just a little excited about my child. She is super smart though without a doubt. To preface, she is super observant. Ever since she was born. She never had that crazy eyes baby thing. Right when she came out the womb she knew what was up. Now for the examples.
1. Her Grandpa Blair was sitting with an empty cup on the couch (This was about a month ago) Hallie came over to him like, hey you with the cup! Give me a drink please! He handed her the cup. She stuck her little nose in the cup and looked at Gpa like, "um excuse me sir, this is empty." She immediately walked over to the fridge, stood up on her tippy toes and held the cup as high as she could to reach the cup to the water. I was a very proud mamma at that moment. I mean come on! Genius!
2. She is talking up a storm. I mean real talking. She babbles most of the time, which is freaking adorable but when she looks at me and actually talks, it melts my heart. Even when she has been a bum. She has started the "what's that?" and "I don't know" and more that I can think of at the moment. Also, she is repeating almost everything I say to her. I seriously need to watch myself (sometimes I can have a wee bit of a sailor tone to my language.. I know it's bad).
Her first words were daddy and mommy and slowly moved to bye bye and doggie. Well now there are specifics. Hillary has a puppy names Axle (which Hallie & Ax are probably BFFs) and whenever she hears the dogs barking, she looks at the door and says, doggie! So we head up stairs to go see the doggie. Then when we get up there Ax comes and gives Hallie a big kiss and she yells, Axle!! Oh yeah I'm not even kidding. It kind of sounds like apple, but x's are hard!
Other words.. Kitty, wow, no, uh-oh, cracker, cookie, chip, fruit snack, etc.
3. She recognizes people. Her gpa Blair is the Bishop of our ward, and he sits on the stand. On Sunday we come in and sit down. Jordan asked Hallie where grandpa was. She looked around saw him on the stand, pointed and said papa!! Then she got a huge smile on her face while she jumped up and down on the pew.
4. She knows exactly where the fruit snacks and bananas are. When I sit her in her high chair she can see on top of the counters. If we have bananas, she can see them. She will point and scream until you give her one. And this girl loves bananas. I always give into her tantrum. AT least she always eats the whole thing.
Whenever we go upstairs to visit grandma, if her pantry is open, Hallie goes right over to it. At first she would just stand there and stare at the box. Now, if you aren't fast enough, she will take the whole box out and bring it over to you and try to fit as many in her hands as possible. There is something about fruit snacks... At least when she is done, I can tell her to put her trash in the garbage. And she does it. Genius. I'm telling you, genius!!
5. Hallie knows exactly what she wants. She is starting to feel all these new emotions, and frustration is one of them. She gets frustrated kind of easily. When she does, man watch out. She hits decibels that only dogs can hear. Not only that but she will hold them out too, so this high pitched, long drawn out scream. Which she usually demonstrates during the passing of the Sacrament on Sundays.
6. She blows kisses. And I don't mean put her hand on her mouth and move it. She actually puts her hand to her mouth, kisses it, drops it, and blows it. The whole, real, blowing kisses process. She is amazing at it. It's the cutest thing I think I have ever seen. I can also get her to put her hands under her chin like she is posing. I don't have a picture of it yet, but when I do it's going up on the blog asap!
Well that's all I got for how much of a genius my child is. I'm sure there is more, but I'll just have to post more as I remember I guess! I just have to say, that she is such a joy. I can be so angry at her for acting out (which she knows when I am mad at her, see another thing about my genius baby!) and she will come over and won't leave me alone until I give her a hug and tell her that I'm not mad anymore. That just melts my heart. She gives the best hugs. Little arms around my neck and she squeezes until I feel like I can't breath. It is the best. I am blesssed to be her mommy!
Prepare yourself. For this is crazy.
haha. just kidding. We did spot a little Hallie Bug and she was running around the football game like mad. I took this picture to remember how wild she was. As soon as I took it I turned to Jordan and asked what it reminded him of.. for some reason we both thought... squatch. So we spotted him.. or a bit of his character in our little girl.
I always want to write some amazing post about all the things that Hallie is doing. All I ever end up doing is just listing everything and when I read back over it.. It reads frantic and a little bit insane. I think I want to try to remember all the little things that she does that I don't want to forget to write about it in a post. My thoughts come and go so easily that it comes out frantic and crazy. I hope I can slow it down a little so you can get a picture of what Hallie is really like.
My child is a genius. I'm sure all the parents say that. This is legit. She is genius material. Alright maybe I'm just a little excited about my child. She is super smart though without a doubt. To preface, she is super observant. Ever since she was born. She never had that crazy eyes baby thing. Right when she came out the womb she knew what was up. Now for the examples.
1. Her Grandpa Blair was sitting with an empty cup on the couch (This was about a month ago) Hallie came over to him like, hey you with the cup! Give me a drink please! He handed her the cup. She stuck her little nose in the cup and looked at Gpa like, "um excuse me sir, this is empty." She immediately walked over to the fridge, stood up on her tippy toes and held the cup as high as she could to reach the cup to the water. I was a very proud mamma at that moment. I mean come on! Genius!
2. She is talking up a storm. I mean real talking. She babbles most of the time, which is freaking adorable but when she looks at me and actually talks, it melts my heart. Even when she has been a bum. She has started the "what's that?" and "I don't know" and more that I can think of at the moment. Also, she is repeating almost everything I say to her. I seriously need to watch myself (sometimes I can have a wee bit of a sailor tone to my language.. I know it's bad).
Her first words were daddy and mommy and slowly moved to bye bye and doggie. Well now there are specifics. Hillary has a puppy names Axle (which Hallie & Ax are probably BFFs) and whenever she hears the dogs barking, she looks at the door and says, doggie! So we head up stairs to go see the doggie. Then when we get up there Ax comes and gives Hallie a big kiss and she yells, Axle!! Oh yeah I'm not even kidding. It kind of sounds like apple, but x's are hard!
Other words.. Kitty, wow, no, uh-oh, cracker, cookie, chip, fruit snack, etc.
3. She recognizes people. Her gpa Blair is the Bishop of our ward, and he sits on the stand. On Sunday we come in and sit down. Jordan asked Hallie where grandpa was. She looked around saw him on the stand, pointed and said papa!! Then she got a huge smile on her face while she jumped up and down on the pew.
4. She knows exactly where the fruit snacks and bananas are. When I sit her in her high chair she can see on top of the counters. If we have bananas, she can see them. She will point and scream until you give her one. And this girl loves bananas. I always give into her tantrum. AT least she always eats the whole thing.
Whenever we go upstairs to visit grandma, if her pantry is open, Hallie goes right over to it. At first she would just stand there and stare at the box. Now, if you aren't fast enough, she will take the whole box out and bring it over to you and try to fit as many in her hands as possible. There is something about fruit snacks... At least when she is done, I can tell her to put her trash in the garbage. And she does it. Genius. I'm telling you, genius!!
5. Hallie knows exactly what she wants. She is starting to feel all these new emotions, and frustration is one of them. She gets frustrated kind of easily. When she does, man watch out. She hits decibels that only dogs can hear. Not only that but she will hold them out too, so this high pitched, long drawn out scream. Which she usually demonstrates during the passing of the Sacrament on Sundays.
6. She blows kisses. And I don't mean put her hand on her mouth and move it. She actually puts her hand to her mouth, kisses it, drops it, and blows it. The whole, real, blowing kisses process. She is amazing at it. It's the cutest thing I think I have ever seen. I can also get her to put her hands under her chin like she is posing. I don't have a picture of it yet, but when I do it's going up on the blog asap!
Well that's all I got for how much of a genius my child is. I'm sure there is more, but I'll just have to post more as I remember I guess! I just have to say, that she is such a joy. I can be so angry at her for acting out (which she knows when I am mad at her, see another thing about my genius baby!) and she will come over and won't leave me alone until I give her a hug and tell her that I'm not mad anymore. That just melts my heart. She gives the best hugs. Little arms around my neck and she squeezes until I feel like I can't breath. It is the best. I am blesssed to be her mommy!
Friday, October 12, 2012
Aaron & Candace Sautter
I know. I'm getting annoying. The only thing I post is pictures. But hey I guess that is my life right now. I could write another post about Hallie... sound good? :)
Well I had the privilege of taking Aaron & Candace's family pictures for the first time. I was so excited to do these because it literally took us a month to schedule the shoot. It got crazy busy for both families and weather here has been just a little unpredictable. We finally got them done, and I got them edited super quick because... drum roll... I have zero shoots scheduled, and zero photos to edit!! It's insane. I always feel like I have something. But now I can relax.. Not too much though, Christmas is just around the corner (and I literally have a million things to do).
Back to the pictures... It may look nice outside... and it started nice out, but it got freezing real quick. I am so proud of my little nieces and nephews for being able to stick it out through the "bite." Kinzy (who is 2) had the hardest time, so we took her individual picture the next day when it was a little warmer.
Oh and just throwing this out there... I'm thinking of doing little "mini" shoots for families that need a pic for their Christmas card. Seriously just a short little shoot for a discounted price. Let me know if you want one... AND... if any of my friends know how to work a canon camera... I would love to trade pictures with you. You shoot me I shoot you sort of thing? I also need a family picture, but I can't be in front and behind the camera at the same time. Plus Hallie needs a pretty face to look at.
ok back to the sautter's...
FAVORiTES:
Well I had the privilege of taking Aaron & Candace's family pictures for the first time. I was so excited to do these because it literally took us a month to schedule the shoot. It got crazy busy for both families and weather here has been just a little unpredictable. We finally got them done, and I got them edited super quick because... drum roll... I have zero shoots scheduled, and zero photos to edit!! It's insane. I always feel like I have something. But now I can relax.. Not too much though, Christmas is just around the corner (and I literally have a million things to do).
Back to the pictures... It may look nice outside... and it started nice out, but it got freezing real quick. I am so proud of my little nieces and nephews for being able to stick it out through the "bite." Kinzy (who is 2) had the hardest time, so we took her individual picture the next day when it was a little warmer.
Oh and just throwing this out there... I'm thinking of doing little "mini" shoots for families that need a pic for their Christmas card. Seriously just a short little shoot for a discounted price. Let me know if you want one... AND... if any of my friends know how to work a canon camera... I would love to trade pictures with you. You shoot me I shoot you sort of thing? I also need a family picture, but I can't be in front and behind the camera at the same time. Plus Hallie needs a pretty face to look at.
ok back to the sautter's...
FAVORiTES:
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Laney Sautter
This is the busiest time of year for pictures. So I have so more for you! Hooray! My niece, Laney will be turning 8 in December. What a birthday!! She will be getting baptized the very beginning of January. Her mom wanted to get her birthday/baptism pictures done early because of the freezing weather here in December. Also we wanted to get them done early because Laney is not a big fan of cold weather, and in tends to show in the pictures... if you catch my drift. haha.
I was so excited to do these pictures, and October came around and we were still having 70-80 degree weather. On the Monday of the week we decided, it was 75 degrees. In my mind I am thinking, "heck yes." Then Tuesday rolls around. 50 degrees/wind. Are you kidding me?? That much of a change!? In one day!!?? We had the pictures decided for Thursday. I was praying weather would be alright. I think every time I have scheduled a shoot with Macy it has been changed due to weather. Every time.
Thursday came around, and it was freezing in the morning. Luckily, it warmed up through the day. Although it was a bit chilly when we were ready to do pictures, it was warm in the sunlight. The shoot went so good, and Laney was a champion. It's early for her pictures, like I mentioned earlier, but I am so happy we did them. She is in her baptism dress and when the day actually comes it will be fabulous!
Thank you Laney for doing amazing!! Plus she is gorgeous so how could it go wrong??
Favorites:
I was so excited to do these pictures, and October came around and we were still having 70-80 degree weather. On the Monday of the week we decided, it was 75 degrees. In my mind I am thinking, "heck yes." Then Tuesday rolls around. 50 degrees/wind. Are you kidding me?? That much of a change!? In one day!!?? We had the pictures decided for Thursday. I was praying weather would be alright. I think every time I have scheduled a shoot with Macy it has been changed due to weather. Every time.
Thursday came around, and it was freezing in the morning. Luckily, it warmed up through the day. Although it was a bit chilly when we were ready to do pictures, it was warm in the sunlight. The shoot went so good, and Laney was a champion. It's early for her pictures, like I mentioned earlier, but I am so happy we did them. She is in her baptism dress and when the day actually comes it will be fabulous!
Thank you Laney for doing amazing!! Plus she is gorgeous so how could it go wrong??
Favorites:
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Kaylie Dixon
I finally did it. I finally edited my sister's photos. I took them back in June! I was waiting on her to tell me which ones to edit. And as a crazy Senior in high school, I never got a list. Well I have two photo shoots this week and I need some memory cards freed up... and I always pick all the pictures I edit anyways.
I love these pictures. I had so much fun shooting my little seester. I can't believe she's a Senior and applying for colleges. I am honored that she would trust me enough with her Senior photos. I mean these are serious. They go in the yearbook... FOREVER! haha. I think it was the most fun because I am totally comfortable with her. So if she looked stupid, I could just tell her and she would change her face. And I got to try things that I hadn't before because for some reason, sometimes I get embarrassed as the photographer. Silly right? She was such a trooper. BOTH times we took pictures. Yes she is a special client, and I traveled all the way to Colorado to take another round of Senior pictures.
Here are my favorites. Hopefully she likes them. She is gorgeous in them all I don't see how she wouldn't!!
Kay I will be sending you a disc ASAP!
I love these pictures. I had so much fun shooting my little seester. I can't believe she's a Senior and applying for colleges. I am honored that she would trust me enough with her Senior photos. I mean these are serious. They go in the yearbook... FOREVER! haha. I think it was the most fun because I am totally comfortable with her. So if she looked stupid, I could just tell her and she would change her face. And I got to try things that I hadn't before because for some reason, sometimes I get embarrassed as the photographer. Silly right? She was such a trooper. BOTH times we took pictures. Yes she is a special client, and I traveled all the way to Colorado to take another round of Senior pictures.
Here are my favorites. Hopefully she likes them. She is gorgeous in them all I don't see how she wouldn't!!
Kay I will be sending you a disc ASAP!
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
BYU Football
This last weekend we had the opportunity to go to the BYU vs Hawaii football game. It was a blow-out game (we won 47-0) but it was still really fun. Pretty much every year since we have been married Jordan's Dad buys the tickets and we all drive down for one game. We love to watch BYU football, so to actually go is awesome.
All the couples (minus Hyrum & Chalai) got to come this year. Which is a butt load of people. 8 couples, plus Hallie and her cousin Reese. We went to Tucanos for lunch/dinner or linner before the game. It was so delicious. Jordan had never experienced the Brazilian grill in all its awesomeness. Let's just say he is a fan.
Hallie was pretty good through the football game. She had a fever, was extremely tired, and wanted to climb up and down the STEEP stadium stairs. I can only remember her screaming a handful of times. We bought her a t-shirt with a baby cougar that says BYU. It is adorable.
One of the best parts was that I got to see one of my very best friends, Bonnie. We have known each other since we were ten years old. It was so fun to sit and talk (and barely watch the game). You know when you are just in a poopy mood for a couple weeks because you feel like you just need a little bit of "home?" Well Bonnie does that for me. She just perks me right up. We are extremely different, but somehow we just make sense.
After the game we got to stay in a hotel. Driving back is insane. The hotel was only about 5 minutes away regularly, which turned into a 30-45 minute ride back. Hallie had fallen asleep at the very end of the football game, so she slept the whole time. Which I might add is unheard of. She never sleeps anywhere but her crib.
In the morning we took Hallie swimming in the hotel pool. She loves the water. She has no fear. She would walk in herself without us watching, she did walk in alone, but luckily we were watching. I have to be careful with this one! We forgot a swim diaper so we just used a regular diaper. Holy cow. Never doing that again. The diaper held up for a good ten minutes, and then the two liners came apart and Hallie's bathing suit was filled with goopy clear crystal stuff. It was hilarious to watch her try to walk in the full diaper, but the clean up stunk. I hope that nobody minded that Hallie probably peed in the pool after we took her diaper off to swim.
(I have pictures but they are on the hubbies phone... check back later!)
We also got to visit the City Creek Center. It is the most gorgeous mall/shopping center. I wish I lived in Utah just so I could walk around there everyday. That might be a bad thing though because I would just end up spending a ton of money. We ate at the food court, but I didn't want regular food I could get in IF so I went to Kneaders, a bakery kind of like Panera... but a million times better. Seriously it was so delicious. But maybe my perception is skewed because I was about to eat my arm at the time...
We got home late Saturday. I was kind of sad because I missed the General Relief Society Broadcast, and I heard it was amazing. Hopefully I'll get to re-watch it online or something.
Overall the trip= SUCCESS! I feel like I've gone to Utah way too many times recently. Maybe we should just move there.... :)
All the couples (minus Hyrum & Chalai) got to come this year. Which is a butt load of people. 8 couples, plus Hallie and her cousin Reese. We went to Tucanos for lunch/dinner or linner before the game. It was so delicious. Jordan had never experienced the Brazilian grill in all its awesomeness. Let's just say he is a fan.
Hallie was pretty good through the football game. She had a fever, was extremely tired, and wanted to climb up and down the STEEP stadium stairs. I can only remember her screaming a handful of times. We bought her a t-shirt with a baby cougar that says BYU. It is adorable.
One of the best parts was that I got to see one of my very best friends, Bonnie. We have known each other since we were ten years old. It was so fun to sit and talk (and barely watch the game). You know when you are just in a poopy mood for a couple weeks because you feel like you just need a little bit of "home?" Well Bonnie does that for me. She just perks me right up. We are extremely different, but somehow we just make sense.
After the game we got to stay in a hotel. Driving back is insane. The hotel was only about 5 minutes away regularly, which turned into a 30-45 minute ride back. Hallie had fallen asleep at the very end of the football game, so she slept the whole time. Which I might add is unheard of. She never sleeps anywhere but her crib.
In the morning we took Hallie swimming in the hotel pool. She loves the water. She has no fear. She would walk in herself without us watching, she did walk in alone, but luckily we were watching. I have to be careful with this one! We forgot a swim diaper so we just used a regular diaper. Holy cow. Never doing that again. The diaper held up for a good ten minutes, and then the two liners came apart and Hallie's bathing suit was filled with goopy clear crystal stuff. It was hilarious to watch her try to walk in the full diaper, but the clean up stunk. I hope that nobody minded that Hallie probably peed in the pool after we took her diaper off to swim.
(I have pictures but they are on the hubbies phone... check back later!)
We also got to visit the City Creek Center. It is the most gorgeous mall/shopping center. I wish I lived in Utah just so I could walk around there everyday. That might be a bad thing though because I would just end up spending a ton of money. We ate at the food court, but I didn't want regular food I could get in IF so I went to Kneaders, a bakery kind of like Panera... but a million times better. Seriously it was so delicious. But maybe my perception is skewed because I was about to eat my arm at the time...
We got home late Saturday. I was kind of sad because I missed the General Relief Society Broadcast, and I heard it was amazing. Hopefully I'll get to re-watch it online or something.
Overall the trip= SUCCESS! I feel like I've gone to Utah way too many times recently. Maybe we should just move there.... :)
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