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