Slacking

I know I have been a total blog slacker.

And I will continue to be a slacker.

Don't expect to hear from me on a regular basis, or anytime soon.

Nothing exciting has been happening

and I just don't feel like it.

Plus, considering the fact that I only blog while I'm sitting in my car outside Starbucks,

because we still don't have internet and gas is almost 5 bucks a gallon

I just don't drive anywhere.

Maybe one day I'll get a job and have money to pay for gas

or a phone that has internet, and then I'll be a regular blogger again.

Till then, it's time for a blogging break.

Day 27

What is your love language?
Words of affirmation, followed by physical touch 

Day 26

What is your favorite part of your body and why?

I like my eyes.  Sometimes they look blue, sometimes they look green, or sometimes both.  It’s funky and fun

Day 25

The month is almost over, and I promise that soon there will be normal posts.  We've got a few fun things coming up!

If you could have dinner with anyone in history, who would it be and what would you eat?

The first person that comes to mind is Queen Elizabeth. She ran a kingdom without taking any crap from anyone, and doing things she was told she’d never do.  We’d eat a magnificent banquet, true to what she’d have eaten

REI Garage Sale

This was the first year Kirk and I went to the garage sale, and maybe we really should have stayed home..

We got there about a half hour before they opened, and there were already about 70 people in line.  (I didn't count..they gave us tags that said what number we were.)

They herded us around the back, and let us free.  

It. Was. a Madhouse.

We were there for a couple hours, and managed to pick up a few very awesome, slightly used items.

Kirk and I both got hiking backpacks, originally $239 & 179 for $167 & $90.  Kirk's was still a little expensive, but mine was almost exactly half off! They're super nice and you can't even tell they were ever used.

We both also got hiking boots.  Kirk and I went a couple weeks ago to find a pair for me, and there was a pair of Merrills I had decided on.  As luck would have it, I Kirk found the EXACT same pair! Only instead of paying $130, we paid $50!!! Kirk got a pair of Keens for $36 instead of $100.

Kirk was browsing and found a hiking tent, that weights a whopping 5lbs 8oz that usually goes for $219 repriced to $90!!!!! All because of a tiny rip in the mesh that I can fix in about 60 seconds on a sewing machine. 

We were also able to find a spray skirt for my kayak, which we've been wanting to get for a while. It went from $50 down to $20.

While I was looking I found a camp chair that matches the 3 we got for our wedding, and we decided it would be nice to have 4, so we got it for $17, instead of $35. Now when we go camping with another couple, we'll all be able to have chairs.

Kirk also got a pair of hiking pants and a NorthFace sweater, and I got a 3 dollar pair of tevas!

I thankfully!  remembered to bring the store credits we had, and we were able to use Kirks dividend from this past year which helped some.

For those of you doing the math in your head, good for you (it won't really add up though because I didn't put the price of the pants and sweater).  For those of  you like me, who are to lazy to do the math in your head, our total should have been about $1,057 and we payed a grand total of $436.10!!!  

WOW!

We seriously made off like bandits.  You seriously can hardly tell anythings been used, and nothing (beside the aforementioned rip in the tent) is damaged. 

The only problem now is finding space to store all this stuff..

Day 23

 List your top 5 hobbies and why you love them.

1.      Reading reading reading.  Like I’ve said it stretches your imagination and helps you escape reality for a little while

2.      Dancing.  There is just something about it that is so joyful.  Dancing expresses what words can’t

3.      Crafting.  My grandpa says that crafting is creating, and that lets us become closer to the ultimate Creator

4.      Cooking.  I like eating, but I love cooking.  It’s so much fun taking what you want to eat, and making it your own. I’m a big fan of taking a recipe I want to try, and adjusting it to what I want

5.      Trying to amuse Kirk by doing activities he wants to do.  I’m no good at any of them, but it makes him happy.

Day 22

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years? 15 years?

5 years, hopefully we’ll have one or two children, enjoying the little giggles in the house.

10 year, 4 or 5 kids. Maybe living somewhere new, sending the kids off to school and being a rocking mom.

15 years.  Living with teenagers and getting ready to have kids that drive.  Helping our not so little kids with eagle projects and young womens awards

Day 21

If you could have one superpower, what would it be and what would you do with it first?

I’d like to fly.  I have so many people I want to visit, and places that I’d like to go and that would make it so easy

Day 20

Describe 3 significant memories from your childhood.

1.      The first day I saw my youngest brother in the hospital.  I was hooked instantly and kind of took over taking care of him as long as I could

2.      One day my little brother and I were racing into the house and I got there first and slammed the door.  He tried to grab the handle and put his arm through the window instead.  It sliced his arm and the fat was spilling out and I screamed “His guts are falling out!!!!”.  My parents were packing for a camping trip we were supposed to be leaving on, and had to take him to get stitched up instead

3.      One Christmas morning I woke up and my parents told me that Santa left a surprise from me on the deck.  I went outside to find a yellow motorcycle. Merry Christmas to me!!

Day 19

If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why?

Utah but only if it didn’t snow.  Almost everyone there is so kind.  It was so enjoyable to live there for the short time I was able to.  It doesn’t hurt that I have a lot of friends and family there.  Or Ireland.

Day 18

What has been the most difficult thing you have had to forgive?

I’d tell you, but it’s a little to personal.  Sorry guys

Day 17

What is the thing you most wish you were great at?

Playing the piano.  I’m alright, but not nearly good enough that I feel like I can play in front of people…which would be great since they always need a piano player at church.  I’d also like to be able to play songs for my kids

Day 16

What are your 5 greatest accomplishments?

1.      Getting my Young Womens Medallion

2.      Getting married in the temple

3.      Maintaining a good relationship with my mother

4.      Teaching dance classes
5.   Buying a car

Day 15

If you were an animal, what would you be and why?

A horse. I love that they run wild and free, but also can be tamed.  They’re fierce when they need to be, but gentle if it’s deserved.

Day 14

Describe 5 strengths you have.

1.      Organizing

2.      Taking control when a situation is flailing

3.      Connecting with almost any child

4.      Listening

5.      Following recipe directions

Day 13

Describe 5 weaknesses you have.

1.      When I have a new book..nothing gets done

2.      Anything chocolate sitting on the table usually ends up in my mouth

3.      That pair of Maddens on sale? Yeah…

4.      Ice cream and a hot bath.  I’ll agree to anything

5.      Holiday décor on sale

Day 12

Describe a typical day in your current life.

Well, that involves not waking up till after 9, reading, doing house work, and more reading. I don’t have kids or a job so not much happens.

Another Give-a-Way!

This time it's over on Pink on the Cheeks blog!

A custom made banner from Miss Tausha and gift card from Miss Lauren from Pink on the cheek

http://www.pinkonthecheek.com/

Check it out!

Day 11

 Describe 10 pet peeves you have.

            1. People that chew with their mouths open

            2. Incorrect use of your & you’re

            3. People that scratch their forks on their plates

            4. Not using your blinker!

            5. Going through a light when you can get all the way through an intersection

            6. Not putting the letter ‘L’ in Wolves. It’s not wooves!

            7. When peoples shoes look to big on them

            8. Bras that show through shirts

            9. Chubby bellies that aren’t covered

            10. When lights are left on in a room that no one is in

Day 10

Describe your most embarrassing moment.

I have so many that there isn’t really one that stands out.  So many times tripping, running into things, falling, hitting my head on things, etc. 

If YOU think you can remember an embarrassing moment of mine, feel free to leave it in a comment! 

Day 9

And finally my 100th post! I was hoping to have anything exciting to share about today, but I dont.. So here's my day 9 instead.

List 10 people who have influenced you and describe how.

1.      My mom.  There isn’t a way that she hasn’t inspired me.  She’s such an amazing teacher and example.  She always taught me to be the best I can and showed me what it meant to be a dedicated mother.  She serves like no one else I know, always thinking of others before herself.

2.      My aunt Kathalene.  She has been through so much and when she has reasons to complain or talk bad about people she doesn’t.  If I was in her place, I’d complain all the time, but she’s always so amazing.

3.      My grandma.  She is so talented.  She can do anything, and always taught us that we could do anything.  She taught us how to make flower arrangements for dances, helped me make our wedding cake, and is always willing to help with any craft that we were working on.  Not only does it save money, but it was always a bonding time, and a great learning experience.

4.      My good friend Kayli.  She is always so positive and gospel minded. She’s been through a lot so far with her husband being in the military, but she always has such an amazing outlook on life.  Thinking about everything that she goes through makes me realize that I don’t have anything to complain about.  When I’m having a hard time with something, I know I can text her and either she’ll help me with my problem, or she’ll remind me that I need to rely on the Lord more then I am.

5.      Most military members.  Holy smokes are they brave.  I couldn’t do anything that they do and I’m so grateful that they’re willing to do it so I don’t have to.

6.      My friend Miss Ash.  She’s a single mom at my age.  She juggles work, school, church, friends, a social life, and being a fantastic mom. 

7.      Miss K.  I am so excited for her to be a mom soon.  She has been through so much to get to where she is now, and even though she lost a lot she never gave up.  I know I’ll most likely never know everything she went through or how she really feels, I am amazed by her perseverance and dedication to being a mommy. I know she’s going to be such an amazing mom, and baby J is so lucky.

8.      My parents.  I know I already said my mom, but this time I’m counting my mom and dad as one person.  They’ve been married for 25 year, and that’s so amazing to me.  They’ve been through a lot and they’ve gotten through all of it.  They really are such an amazing example of what a good marriage looks like.

9.      Bailey.  My cousin is 17 years old, and I think has already done more in her life then I have.  She’s played almost every sport her high school has to offer and just excels.  She’s gorgeous and smart and charismatic.  I’m lucky to know her, and I’m so grateful that she’s going to be in my daughters lives.  I can’t think of anyone I’d rather have as an example for my children.

10.  My husband. Kirk had a very different childhood then I did, and from what he tells me, always made the best of it.  He was such a good kid that I can’t get any good stories from his parents. He got accepted to UOP, and then put his schooling on hold to serve the Lord.  He served a mission in Mexico where he at points of time didn’t have windows, warm water, washing machines, fresh drinking water, bug-less food, or protection from ‘devil dogs’. After coming home from his mission he put his social life on the back burner to finish college and start his career.  He passed 2 licensing tests on the first try that other people take 2, 3, or 4 (or more) times to pass.  He paid off all his student loans within 6 years of graduating, and bought a house before proposing to me.  I know I get whiney about how much time he spends working, but he does so much it’s just amazing.

Day 8

What are 5 passions you have?

1.      Dancing. Although I don’t do it with a company, or teach anymore it’s still something that’s in my life on a daily basis

2.      Reading.  I know most of the books are frivolous fiction books, I believe reading keeps your mind sharp and allows you to use your imagination in so many different ways

3.      The gospel.  I chose to live without it in my life for a while and now I realize how important it is to me.

4.      My family.  Don’t mess with them and we’ll be ok

5.      Shoes.  Yeah, I know

Labor Day Weekend

This year we got to go camping! Yay!  (We got all this awesome camping stuff for our wedding and hardly ever get the chance to use it!)  We were invited by my parents, who were invited by a friend, who was invited by a cousin..follow?  That means we weren't really invited but went anyways. You know you want us there..we're fun :)

Friday we left later then we were supposed to and my mom was getting ready to drive a couple miles down the road to try to call us, but we made it before dark so it was ok.  We got our massive taj mahal of tents set up and joined my family for an always delicious dinner by my dad.

Saturday was AWESOME.  A bunch of people on this camping trip are big into guns, so we drove out into the middle of nowhere and set up targets and shot for a few hours.  Kirk is much better with the shotgun then I am, but I rock the AR and handgun like he doesn't. (I told my brother to call me Annie, and he didn't get it.  I explained Annie Oakley. Nothing. Geesh little brother..)  At one point I was shooting a target about 160yds away with the AR and everyone thought it was my dad hitting it.  That made me feel pretty awesome, because my dad is a great shot.  I got to use the new PINK Winchester earmuff that Auston got me, and the PINK Winchester safety glasses Kirk got me.  I was stylin'.

Sunday we mostly just hung around all day and relaxed.  My dads friend hung up a couple hammocks and I think at almost any given time, you could find me or my mom in one with a book.  We played lots of Apples to Apples, and Kirk even answered some questions correct in Star Wars Trivial Pursuit.  He's very proud of himself.  My dad made dessert. That hands down wins everything.  It's called "Blueberry Awesomeness".  If that doesn't sound good, I don't know what does.  Its basically cake mix mixed with blueberries and a can of sprite, then a layer of cream cheese mixed with powered sugar and vanilla, topped with sugar cookie dough. When it cooks it melts together in this gooey, fruity deliciousness.  This time though, instead of just blueberry, he also made one with peach, and one with blackberries. I was in heaven.

Monday we were able to help my little brothers with their Kayaking merit badge for scouts.  They were fine with all the stuff you could do out of the water just sitting in the boat, but when it got to the "now you have to flip your kayak" part, we had some very unenthusiastic boys on our hands.  Bryce flipped it on his first try, but little Auston had to try so hard!  After our time in the water, we had to pack up and come home.. It was a sad part of the day. It was made better when my dads friend told me I was his favorite out of all my parents children. Yeah, I rock.

Day 7

What is your dream job, and why?

Being a mom.  That is such an important job and I’m so excited to eventually be able to take that on.  Moms take on a role that no one else can, and teach in ways that other people can’t. 

Day 6

What is the hardest thing you have ever experienced?

To this point, not being able to conceive. You might notice a theme about that.  Growing up thinking ‘get married then have kids’ and then not being able to get pregnant is a very difficult thing. I know there are women that know exactly how I feel.  I have a close friend going through something similar right now, and although I wish she wasn’t having to experience this, I’m grateful to have someone to relate to and talk to

Day 5

What are the 5 things that make you most happy right now?

1.      Books

2.      Silly things kids say in primary

3.      Dancing in the kitchen

4.      Being creative

5.      Being married

Day 4

List 10 things you would tell your 16 year-old self, if you could.

1.      Don’t rush to graduate early. Enjoy high school

2.      If you do graduate early, PAY ATTENTION at college and get good grades

3.      Don’t fight with mom so much.  She’s the only one always on your side

4.      Don’t break so many rules

5.      Embrace going to therapy. It helped

6.      Be nicer to your brothers

7.      Don’t spend so much time on the internet

8.      Learn how to save money

9.      Date lots of boys. Ask them out if they won’t ask you

10.  Dance more at prom

Day 3

Describe your relationship with your parents.

My relationship with my parents now is better than it’s ever been.  I was a stubborn, headstrong, defiant teenager and got in trouble a lot which made things rough and tense between us.  Now that I’ve grown up some, I’ve realized how stupid I was.  Between growing up, a lot of apologizing, and moving out of the house I think my parents and I are on great terms and we have a pretty steady relationship.

Day 3

Describe your relationship with your parents.

My relationship with my parents now is better than it’s ever been.  I was a stubborn, headstrong, defiant teenager and got in trouble a lot which made things rough and tense between us.  Now that I’ve grown up some, I’ve realized how stupid I was.  Between growing up, a lot of apologizing, and moving out of the house I think my parents and I are on great terms and we have a pretty steady relationship.

Day 2

Describe 3 legitimate fears you have and explain how they became fears.

1.      I’m afraid that we won’t be able to have children.  We’ve been trying for over a year, and my body isn’t working right and despite all the tests that have been done, we can’t figure out why.

2.      I’m claustrophobic.  I once was locked in a walk in fridge with no lights on, and someone stood on the other side of the door holding it closed so I couldn’t get out.  Since then small spaces and me don’t get along.

3.      I’m afraid that when I look outside at night, there will be someone standing outside my window.  One night as a teenager I looked outside my window and thought I saw someone.  My heart stopped. (Turns out it was just leaves. Yikes)

Day 1

So my adorable friend Miss Lisa (found here) found this 30 list of questions to answer and blog.  She asked if I'd be interested in doing with her, and it seemed neat so I said why not.  Unfortunately I still don't have internet at home, so I'll be posting several days at once.  It was a lot harder answering the questions then I thought it would be, but here we go..

1. List 20 random facts about yourself.
1. I fall UP stairs
2. I have this ‘after shower’ routine that if I don’t follow it, it just messes me up
3. I have Call Me Maybe on my iPod, and I enjoy it
4. I don’t like that they picked Michael for the Kelly show.  I’m kind of obsessed with that show
5. I’m also a little obsessed with Law & Order
6. I have a dentist phobia
7. I’m so afraid of heights that it makes me nauseous
8. I only have panic attacks when I’m kayaking
9. I love love bagpipe music
10. The list of places I want to travel only consists of European countries
11. Even though not many people call or text  me, my phone is always within a foot of me
12. If it didn’t snow in Utah, I’d move back in a heartbeat. I love it there
13. I’ve never been to Disneyworld
14. I got lost in Canada
15. I get a rush when I get new library books
16. I wish I was better at sewing
17. I once took Scottish dance classes
18. I have an irrational fear of alligators/crocodiles being rivers
19. I put ketchup on my eggs if someone else cooked them
20. My favorite church calling was teaching in Young Womens, which surprised me, because I hate public speaking  

And the winner is..

Jill Strobelt! 

Thank you so much for those of you who participated in this give a way!

If you're still interested in the bows, you can buy them from me for just a dollar for 2 bows

Jill, go ahead and send me either a message or an email at nikkibuell@gmail.com to let me know which colors you want, and where I should send them

Thanks again!

#100!

Not blog posts like some might think, but 100 books read.  

Yeah

100 books!

Since halfway through January

Not having a job all year has been awful for my bank account, but my library card is sure getting a work out

I knew I was reading a lot, so I decided to keep track of what and how many books I was reading

I was surprised when I saw the number. I knew I was reading a lot, but didn't realize just how much

Kirk tells me I have a problem when he sees all the books I've brought home from the library

stacked up against the wall in the family room

If reading to many books is a problem, then I'll be the first to admit I have a HUGE problem

*I was actually supposed to post this a couple days ago..I'm up to 105 books now

Bowling date take 2

You know how I told you the other day how I got two bowling Groupons? Well last night we used our second one..and let me tell you it did not go as well as the first time (although the scores say otherwise). I tried to get the same lane we had last time in hopes of getting those 4 throws per turn.  Sadly we couldn't get that lane but the one we did get gave us points we didn't really earn.  The first frame Kirk only knocked over 3 pins, and it gave him a strike. So not fair.  But, in all fairness he did get a strike that it didn't count. Sucker.  I did get a couple random points so, that's better then nothing. I felt like we were both so bad this time!

I'll let you be the judge of that.

Kirk:

First time  *108     98     89

*that includes MY strike that they put on his score

Second time 90     81     109

Nikki:

First time    *53     91     55

*that does NOT include my strike

Second time  51    69     90

We both got a couple strikes this time, which was awesome.  It really was a fun night, but we probably won't be getting invited to join anyones bowling team anytime soon.

Who likes free stuff?!

I sure do!  Last night Kirk and I went to Bodins after a trip to REI (I’m getting new Merrill hiking boots! Yay!) and we were there while they were doing their closing routine.  One of the employees came over to us with bags of rolls and asked if we wanted any of them.  I thought she was trying to get us to buy them and I told her we were ok, to which she replies “Well, if you don’t want them I’m just going to throw them away”.  Well in that case!!  We got 2 bags of free rolls! I learned a lesson last night…which is Always go to Boudin right before they close and you can probably get free food. Hooray! 

All that glitters is gold

Or in this case silver…as in silver anniversary.  My parents are getting ready to celebrate their 25^th, or silver anniversary.  Holy smokes that’s a long time!  In celebration of this milestone we decided to throw them a surprise party.  It started in February with the planning and everything and it ended this past weekend with an awesome party.  

On Friday I went to my moms house to paint her nails, then headed to Uncle B’s house where the party was happening, and we started setting up the tables and things.  Saturday we finished decorating and I went to my parents house to do my moms hair and make-up.  My brothers and I gave my mom a locket from Origami Owl (check it out here) (thanks Misty!!) so she could wear it to the party.  The evening turned out better then I could have asked for! Uncle B smoked chicken and tri-tip, Nana made potatoes and green beans, Grammie made baked beans, and we got rolls from Uncle T at Genova bakery.  Grandma Stone made a cake that looked like it was out of a magazine and tasted so DELICIOUS.  It was a smaller party with close family and friends and it was perfect.  I can’t believe that my parents have been married for 25 year, and wow is that such an example to me.  

Being the oldest child I think I remember the majority of their marriage and I know they’ve gone through a lot and have had a lot of ups and downs but they’ve worked it all out and have made the best of things, and have made it to a quarter of a century.  I know we live in a time where a lot of people get divorced with things don’t go how they want, or when things get hard and it’s such a blessing to me to have grown up seeing the hard work and perseverance they’ve put into their marriage.  

It gives me hope that if my marriage isn’t going the way I want, or when I feel like its to hard, I know I just need to push through it and work things out and that eventually we’ll get through it. 

  I love my parents so much and am SO grateful for them and all they’ve done for me and my brothers.  Happy 25^th Mom and Dad!

Dear Unnamed Friend,

I would just like to tell you how much I love that you feel comfortable enough with our relationship to send me a text with "It's TMI time".  I love that you can count on me to read your texts that no one else would read, and also that I know I can send you those same TMI texts and you won't block my number.  I know it's been a while since we've seen each other and even longer since we've lived close, but I'm so happy we're close.

Love you!

Lets have a Give-a-way!!!

Hello Friends!

I am so excited to be doing my first give-a-way! 

I started making these adorable baby bows for a friend

 and think they are adorable!

They're also super fun for me to make.

The winner of this give-a-way is going to get 

10 bows in 5 colors of your choice!!

To enter this give-a-way you just have to do 4 simple things

1. Follow my blog and leave me a comment saying you have

(If you already are, just leave a comment saying so.

You can also follow by e-mail)

2. Vote in my poll then comment that you've done that

3. Post this give-a-way on your Facebook or blog, and leave 

a comment when you've done that

4. Go follow my friend, awesome blogger

 and adorable mama-to-be Tausha over at The Wierlos

That's 4 easy ways to get some pretty bows!

The poll and this give-a-way close next Thursday, August 30 at 5 pm

 and the winner will be announced by 7 pm

Thanks so much friends!

The bows are on small alligator clips, and as of right now come in these colors.
If you're interested in purchasing bows and would like a different color, that can be arranged.
You can contact me at nikkibuell@gmail.com

Date night brought to you by the letter 'G'

'G' as in Groupon, that is.  A few weeks ago they had an offer for bowling at West Lane Bowl (which if you know where we live, and where the bowling alley is, you'll know it's a whole minute from our house) for 3 games, shoe rental, and a 5 dollar food voucher for 12 DOLLARS! Holy Smokes!  That was such a good deal there was no way I could pass it up.  Not only did I get one, I got 2. That's 2 date nights, for 24 dollars!  Kirk and I don't frequently go on dates, so I didn't really think twice about this deal.  

We used our first one last night and let me tell you, the universe was totally on my side.  We got a lane that the sensor must not have been working super great one, but that was great for me.  I used a lighter ball, and I guess I don't throw very hard which meant I could bowl 3, 4, or 5 times a frame! What?! After Kirk and I figured out what I was doing oh so very wrong, I was able to do a little better.  I even got a STRIKE!  Unfortunately that was one of the times it was going to let me bowl more than once, so Kirk went and told the people that it wasn't working right, and they manually input the score...under Kirks name! DOH!  I did get 2 more strikes, and a few spares. One time on my turn it didn't set all the pins up and Kirk asked if I wanted him to go have them reset it, or if I was just going to bowl.  Are you kidding me?!  I threw that dang ball, and it counted the pins that weren't there as ones that I knocked down. Thanks you, thank you!  The last frame of our third game, I was sucking so bad that even though I got to throw 5 balls I hit all the 0 pins.

 Yikes.  

Kirk was a super awesome bowler

Best picture we got..

I'm not sure what this look is, but it's one that
 I've gotten on more then one occasion.

*On a side note.. To all those people at the bowling alley who thought it would be a good idea to bring your kids (read infants and toddlers) to bowl at 10 at night, IT'S NOT!  Especially not with those pitchers of beer you were drinking.  I mean seriously, if you want to go bowling that late at night, either don't have kids or get a flippin' baby-sitter like responsible parents.  Come. On.

Craft Corner

As most of you know I don't have a job, and thus I sit at home all day long and try to figure out things to do. I saw this project on Pinterest (my bff) and thought it looked easy enough that I could give it a go.

I made the green and grey one first, to match our bathroom.  I used spray paint and I guess I didn't press the tape down enough because it bleed under the tape A LOT.  I didn't like that, so I decided to improvise and paint the lines in with the light grey to cover what I didn't like.  It turned out alright, but I was convinced I was still going to 'get it right'.

Michael's had canvas packs half off so I decided to go again.  This time I used acrylic paint for the black and red one that matches our kitchen.  The black didn't bleed nearly as much, and what little bit did bleed I was able to clean up with a q-tip and water.  The lines aren't perfectly straight, but I think it turned out a lot better.

Which one do you like better?

This one is in our kitchen

This one is in our master bath

Pinterest Night

My sister in law was having a ‘Pinterest Night’ with a couple friends from church, to which I was invited.  I was excited, because lets just admit, any excuse to eat and craft is great.  One of the other girls was doing the craft, so my SIL and I decided we’d do the food.  I made a Mexican Lasagna (here) and she made a Fruit Salsa (here). YUM!  The Lasagna was gooey and falley aparty, (probably due to the pan I used) and the Salsa that the SIL made was DELISH. All fruity goodness, with butter cinnamon tortilla ‘chips’.  Holy smokes it was a good dinner.  We made scarves from t-shirts bought at a thrift store. Kind of like this one.  We found out that some shirts work better than others, but it was still fun to meet some new girls, have a fabulous dinner, and get crafty.

You know that one friend…

That you had in high school (or longer) that was just your best friend ever, and for some reason you just went your own ways after graduation? Well I do. I have more then one of those, but recently I had the opportunity to have lunch with one of those friends.  I’ve known Miss S. since I was 3 and she was 4.  We were in primary, young womens, seminary, and high school together.  We were basically inseparable in high school but for some reason after I finished high school, and the year later she finished high school we had just kind of stopped talking.  Kirk and I went out to eat at the place she works, and she was our waiter and I told her we should go out to eat.  Weeks later, I decided to follow up on that, and we decided to get lunch.  I was a little nervous since I hadn’t really seen or talked to her in about 7 years, and we are both very different now than we were 7 years ago.  I was surprised and not at the same time that once we started talking and catching up, it was like no time had passed at all.  She was still mostly the same person I was best friends with at 16.  Of course we’re both different now, and have both have a lot of experiences that have changed us, but it felt like we were back in high school chatting.  We met for lunch at 12:30 and stayed till almost 3 talking.  We tried to think of why we stopped being friends, and while neither of us could think of anything we did decide that we shouldn’t wait 7 years to see or talk again.  I’m so glad I got to see her, and remember why she was my best friend.

“Aren’t dancers supposed to be graceful?”

Yeah, I got asked that question a lot when I was dancing, and my answer was consistently “I am when I’m dancing”.  For those who really have spent a lot of time around me, you’ll know that I am a VERY clumsy person.  I’m always getting bruised and banged up.  (I’m pretty sure I was about 2 seconds from breaking my ankle yesterday.)  A few weekends ago my SIL was spending the night at our house with her little girl and unfortunately our office/guest bedroom was nowhere near clean enough for her to stay in.  We set up an air mattress in the loft and I decided I was going to hang up a blackout curtain to try to cut out the sunlight some.  I grabbed a folding chair and I was in the process of hanging the curtain over the rod and I shifted my weight on the seat and the chair kind of collapsed under me.  I fell and hit the tv stand (and the tv! yikes!) pretty hard. As a result I was left with this lovely bruise. 

Now this isn’t the worse bruise I think I’ve ever had, but it’s up there.  I’m going to be in trouble, and debt if our kids are as accident prone as I am!

Visit from family

Kirks aunt and uncle and 2 cousins came out for a visit from Minnesota which was a BLAST for us! They (minus Kirks uncle) came out for our wedding, and we didn’t get to really visit with them which bummed us out.  We were so excited to be able to spend some time with them. We got to go visit them the day after they got in, and we got the watch the 49ers v. Vikings preseason game (San Fran v Minnesota) and have dinner.  It was an international night, nachos and Chinese food. Ray made texas sheet cake, and I made a raspberry peach delicious thing. 

Miss soph and I weren't really into the football thing so we played games.. Guess Who? has never been so much fun.  The Saturday they were here, Kirk was going golfing with them, but I’m not really a golfer.  I decided that maybe miss soph would rather have a girl day instead of going golfing.  Of course she was excited to go shopping instead of golfing.  Aunt A had a bunch of Kohls cash that was getting ready to expire so we got to go spend it all!  First we looked for things for miss soph, and she found a couple shirts she liked but then she insisted we look for things for me, sweet girl she is.  After we looked around for a while I ended up with a cute pink/purple floraly shirt, an adorbs grey/cream chevron maxi skirt, and mauve faux-suede LC heels to die for!  We had 70 dollars worth of Kohls cash, spent 71.05 and saved 177.24!  Can you say STEAL?! That’s sure what it felt like!  We had lunch at Moo Moo’s and ran a few more errands.  We came back to our house and had frozen chocolate dipped bananas (which she’d told me she’d be wanting) and blasted The Phantom of the Opera soundtrack while playing foosball.  I’d say it was a pretty fun and successful day!  Aunt A and Uncle K came over and they got to see our house for the first time, and more foosball ensued.  Hopefully sometime soon we’ll be able to go visit them, and visit the Mall of America!! Hooray!

(a video about shoes? hmm...)

Music in the Park

Last Friday we were invited to Music in the Park by a co-worker of Kirk.  Mr. S sings with a barbershop group here in Stockton, and his group was singing as the intermission act.  We frequently try to support Mr. S and go to things he and his wife are involved in.  They’re pretty awesome, and Kirk has been working with him for a long time.  I made some delicious sandwiches that were like Podestos but better, and some homemade potato salad (my MILs recipe).  We packed up the ice chest and the wonderful camp chairs we got for our wedding, and headed over to the park.  We enjoyed our dinner while I enjoyed the music.  We got too listed to Mr. S and his group sing some fantastic patriotic music, then got to chit chat with Mr. S and his family.  The weather was good, the company was good and it was so nice to be outside in some super nice weather.  

Siegfried Engineering night with the Ports

Every year Kirks work has some sort of bbq for the employees and their family, which is always a lot of fun.  This year they decided to go to a Ports game with dinner before hand.  Siegfried did some of the civil engineering for the Ports stadium and when the event was booked, that little fact slipped to the booking agent and Kirks boss got to throw out one of the first pitches.  That was pretty exciting.  One of Kirks co-workers has a baby that’s about to turn 1, which I got to spend most of the night holding and playing with.  She is so absolutely adorable.  She was getting restless sitting with us, so I decided to go for a walk.  We sat and played on the grass for a while which was fun.  She was crawling all over the place and was just fun to watch.  I figure if I can’t have my own kids yet I’m going to enjoy playing with other peoples kids.  Let’s be honest. I didn’t really watch any of the game, but it was a super nice night and it was fun to see people that Kirk works with, and be apart of his work family for a while.

Compliments

It feels like I’ve been getting quite a few of those lately, (I'm not at all trying to sound snobby or anything) and I’ve been really grateful for that.  Things haven’t been super around our house lately as I’ve been pretty distracted and upset about some stuff, and the compliments make me feel a little better.  I started feeling more comfortable in my primary calling when people started telling me I was doing a good job.  I’m not as sad about not having kids when people tell me how good of a mom they think I’m going to be (I just hope I can live up to that).  Mostly I enjoyed making dinner last night when Kirk told me the Creamy Shrimp Pasta I made tasted “As good as gourmet.  Like something you would get in a nice restaurant”.  Thank you Pinterest!!  Thank you to those of you that have shared little compliments and nice words with me.  You’ll never know how those nice little things help bring some happiness into my life on those days when maybe I’m not feeling so super.  You guys are awesome!

I like to laugh

Last night I was watching a little of Americas Funniest Home Videos.  There was a video montage of people watching those youtube videos where it’s nice and then a scary face pops up on the screen.  Holy smokes was that hilarious.  I mean it’s funny to watch one of those videos on-line, but to watch like 15 of them in a row…I was laughing so hard I was crying.  Who wouldn’t love that?!  I wish I had a tv that could rewind. I would have watched that over and over again. Seriously.  You know you would have done the same thing.  

Kinda like this...

Weekly 5

It has been a LOOOOOONG week...

1. Kirk has been sick since Tuesday night.  He came home from work and said he didn't feel well, then he came home from work Wednesday morning.  He's had a fever of a hundred or over since, and is on a regular tylenol/anti-nausea medication to be able to eat.  He's still not eating much, and when he requests food, and I bring it to him, he eats like two bites then he's done.  Last night was the first night since Tuesday that I was able to sleep more then 4 hours at a time before being summoned. He's going to be home from work for at least a few more days.

2.  This week is offically one year since we started trying to start a family.  It's been a long, relativly uncessful year.  Lots of unanswered questions, and unsolved 'issues'.  My last set of blood work came back normal, so we're back to square one again.  It's frustraing and it hurts and I know it'll happen when it's supposed to, but knowing that doesn't make it any easier.

3.  I made rolls! Homemade dinner rolls. They were just ok to me.  Kirk liked them, but they were better with jam.  I was just happy that I didn't kill the yeast.  That made my day.  I'll try a different way next time..when we get a bosch.  Our poor Kitchen-Aid motor just wasn't doing so well. 

4.  I hit 90 books read this year (since Jan 12th).  I know some people are just like psh...only 90 books? Lame. I'm pretty proud of it though.

5. Today during primary a 4 year old kept waving and winking at me.  Then on his way out his older brother was giving him a piggy-back ride and said "Oh..I have to carry my baby" and the little boy looks at me and says "I'm not a baby... And I love you".  At least someone does!

New blog design!

I have literally been trying to get this design to work on my blog for over a year, and just got it to work.  That makes me very excited, because I love this pattern.  Let me tell you why.

The day Kirk and I got engaged, I already knew I wanted our wedding colors to be yellow and grey.  I didn't know it was going to be trendy, I just like the way the colors looked together.  Thankfully Kirk went along with it without any hesitation.  At any point of time, he could always tell someone the wedding colors, even if he didn't know anything else that was going on.

Before my bridal showers I decided I wanted to see if I could find thank you notes that were grey and yellow, so off I went to target...where I happened to find the PERFECT thank you cards.  The cards were this exact same patter, and I fell in love as soon as I saw them.  I went to 3 different target stores, and bought everything they had!

A month or so after our wedding, my aunt sent me a link with this blog design in it, saying that she notice it was yellow and grey so I might like it.  I think I screamed a little when I saw that it was the same as my cards.  I tried that day to get it to work, to no avail. So I tried again and again, and never got it to work.  Tonight I thought I'd give it a try again, and success!

That just makes me so happy.

Weekly 5

We all know I'm not quite fantastic at blogging regularly, so I'm going attempt a top 5 once a week.

1. Today was my first Sunday as primary chorister and I didn't realize how many songs from primary I really just don't remember. Thankfully our primary sings REALLY loud, so they made up for my short comings.  Maybe next week it'll go a little better...

2. Kirk took a fishing trip yesterday up to Hogan.  He's still trying to get in the swing of things... Hopefully soon he'll be able to go fishing with my dad and learn some good tips.  He's really bummed out that he didn't catch anything, but he tries.

3. I've gotten the opportunity the baby-sit a lot lately for a couple that we're friends with who's work schedules overlap.  D is a fun baby, but he's figured out that when I come over, that means one of his parents is leaving. Every time I show up his fit gets a little bigger.  He goes to bed around 8ish, and his mom doesn't get home till after midnight, which gives me a lot of time to read, and catch up with my pinteresting.

4. I've recently found a lot of recipes on pinterest that I want to try for dinners, which makes Kirk very excited.  He likes it when I cook, and sometimes he likes trying new things.  So far the few things I've made have be actually really good!

5. Just over a week ago I decided to try to cut refined sugar out of my diet.  I went grocery shopping and I was AMAZED at how many things sugar was added to.  Even stuff that I thought was "healthy" has added sugar.  I managed to walk out of the store with a bunch of stuff with no added sugar. So far I've been doing pretty well, but I did have a cookie last night. Oh well.  The point was not to never eat sugar again, but just to eat less.  I ate way more sugar then I thought I did, without even realizing it.

Heritage Pride

Kirk and I watched the opening ceremonies of the Olympics and yes, we watched the whole 4 1/2 hours. While I enjoyed the show, I especially enjoyed the march of nations.  

There were quite a few countries that I'd never even heard of, and some countries that sounded made up.

Andorra? It sounds like where the princess from the Disney movie Enchanted is from.

As the different countries walked in, I felt more then American Pride.  Of course I feel pride as an American watching our athletes walk in (minus what they were wearing), but also pride as the countries of my heritage walked in.

It was Welsh from my maternal side and German and Irish from my paternal side.  And I felt a new sense of pride for my new family, too.  Kirks maternal grandfather came from Russia as a kid, and his paternal grandmother came from Serbia to attend college.  

Of course every metal the US wins is a wahoo! for me, but it was fun to have the pride for where my family came from.

Oh my primary

On Sunday, such a sad day,  I was released from my calling in Young Womens. I was called as....the primary chorister. Uh yikes?!

As I was walking down the hall after sacrament meeting people kept stopping to congratulate me. Uhm thanks? Kirk said only one person opposed to me having the calling. ** It was a 10 year old kid (maybe he just raised his arm to late?) although I think I may have almost subconsciously raised my hand too..

Our ward has about 20 little ones ranging from 3 to 12 years old, and lucky lucky for me they LOVE to sing! I'm pretty sure our tiny primary could out sing just about any other primary out there.

The primary program is in 3 months, and I have 2(?) new songs to teach before then.

I'm used to my 12 to 18 year olds who sit still, and mostly listen quietly.  We'll see how I handle the little ones who just squirm all the time.

Oh wish me luck.


**Upon further review, this small boy was in fact opposing my being in this calling.  Kirk, who saw it happen said he wasn't just late on the sustaining.  It was definitely opposition.

Love me some Anderson

On my non-cable/satellite television I have the chance to watch Anderson Cooper not once, but TWICE a day!  Today one of the episodes I watched was about moms who shoplift and moms who drink way to much. The best part of this very unfortunate episode, provided me with my all time favorite quote by Anderson.

He was interviewing the shoplifting moms, and he asked one how old she was when she stole her first thing, and what it was that she stole. She was 12.  The rest of the conversation went like this.

L: "Actually, it was a pair of Gloria Vanderbilt jeans"

A: "Seriously? Are you kidding?"

L: "That's really what it was"

A: "You stole my mom's pants?!"

And that my friends was the best part. 

"You stole my mom's pants?!"

That was my laugh of the afternoon

A little something to say

If there is anyone who objects to this, or doesn't think it's true then you can choose to not read my blog.

I know I'm not the only one of my friends to say something about this but it's really been bothering me, my poor husband has had to listen to me rant about it, now it's time for me to get it out.

I have a friend(s) who is pregnant. Congrats for her. Yes, I'll admit I'm jealous and have yet to say congratulations because I can't mean it just yet. So sue me.

The thing that really bothers me is that every pregnancy post on facebook is negative. It's all about how tired, exhausted, sick, they are.

Do you have any idea how many women would give anything to feel like that, just because it meant there would be a baby in the end?

I've heard pregnancy can really be exhausting and all that.  It comes with the territory.

Deal with it. Suck it up. No one needs and/or wants to know about how tired you are or how you don't think you're going to make it through the day.

After having been struggling for a year to get pregnant, I would love to have those symptoms if that meant I was going to be able to hold a little baby in my arms.

Please appreciate every moment you have feeling tired, sick, and in discomfort.  That means you have something coming that's totally worth it.

I could go on for a while about this, as Kirk well knows. However, that's all I'm going to say about this. For now.

Surprise Visitors!

Last weekend we were surprised to have Kirks brother David and his girlfriend Seika stay at our house for a couple nights.  Sadly, their aunt passed away a couple weeks ago so they make the trek out here for the funeral. It was probably one of the happiest funerals I've been to, which was nice.  It was so nice to have family here though.  Kirk called me Friday afternoon to tell me David and Seika were staying at our house, and I was so happy and thinking about the things I needed to do before they got to our house.  We were able to stay up chatting (till way to late) and catching up.  The next morning the boys thought it would be a good idea to strap our kayaks to the top of Davids car and head out to a lake in Merced.  The boys took a turn while Seika and I had girl time, then she and I took a little spin.  After the funeral we all went over to Kirks parents/grandmas house for some more visiting.  As we were sitting down for an awesome dinner which included some of Seikas AWESOME Japanese chicken, Wendy and her baby came over to drop something over and ended up staying the night.  It was a PARTY!  We had so much fun and stayed up entirely to late. David and Seika came to church with us, and Seika was able to come to my last young womens lesson :( (to bad I can't make that bigger!).  I'll post later what my new calling is.  After church Kirk and Seika fell asleep, and David and I got a chance to talk before they had to start their journey back home.  

It was a fantastic, albeit sleep deprived weekend!

Catching up

I am SO behind in my blogging that I don't even know where to start.

The internet is still down at our house which explains my absence in the blog world.


First, Kirk passed his Structural Engineering licensing exam. Holy smokes is that guy awesome.  He spent a lot of our first 9 months married studying, which was a bummer for me at the time.  I am SO so proud of him though.  He had a goal, and accomplished it on his first time which was kinda amazing. Less than half the people that took the test this time passed.  The people at his work had a celebratory lunch for him and invited me to come.  It was very sweet, and well deserved on Kirks part. Words will never be able to describe how proud I am of him.


Second, we had a visit from Kirks mom and a couple brothers which was so fun.  We hadn't seen them in a while so it was great to be able to visit with them for a while and hear about some of the adventures they've been going on.


Second, we had our one year wedding anniversary! We made it through one year without killing each other. I'm so excited to take our anniversary photos. (Those are to come..) For our anniversary we took a trip down to Southern California for a wedding of a friend, and a trip to Disneyland and Universal studios. We were able to see some of Kirks family, and go to the Newport Beach temple. We were also able to spend time with Kirks friend Doreen who went to UOP with Kirk. 

Third, we just got home from a week long family reunion in Tahoe with my mom's Stone side of the family.  Out of 93 people in our family, 86 people were able to attend.  It was HUGE and it was a blast! There was roller skating, kayaking, bingo, and almost a full on carnival, complete with hot dogs, snow cones, nachos, a photo booth, and games with tickets and prizes (big thanks to Crystal)!


Unfortunately there is still no news of a baby coming anytime soon, but we're enjoying our time together and trying to stay positive about things.
Our garden isn't thriving as well this year as it did last year.  We should be getting some squash pretty soon!
We were able to go spend a day with Kirks sister and her family at their new house in the bay area.  She made some awesome bread, and some absolutely fabulous cheesecake. 
We've been to 2 UOP friend weddings in the last months, which has been awesome. For Kirk that means seeing friends he hasn't seen in a while, and for me that means getting to meet Kirks friends. It's been a ton of fun getting to know the people he spent so much time with.
In a about a week I get to go to Utah for another family reunion, and to see some friends I haven't seen in years.  I'm going to be gone for 2 weeks, and as excited as I am to go, I don't know how I feel about leaving Kirk for 2 weeks.  It's going to be hard but I'm looking forward to see friends and family.

I know it's not much, but that's a little update in our lives.

Dancing through life

Life is flying..
Our internet still isn't working but hopefully will be soon. Just waiting for a part to come in the mail.
My mother-in-law is coming on Thursday, and we're looking forward to seeing her!
We're still on the countdown to our anniversary trip and I'm getting sooooo excited and ready to go. Kirk starting packing already, which makes me proud.  Usually he waits till the night before (which gets old) so this time he's on the ball. Go husband.
Kirk's test results still haven't come yet. We're still waiting and crossing our fingers.

And life goes on....