silver lake--camping trip '09

Will and I made our second trip up to Silver Lake. We hiked two and half miles in to our camp site. No, I did not want to do this a second time, but being the wonderful wife that I am, I planned this trip for Will's birthday! He had no idea until he found a little sticky note sitting on the table, titled "Will's Awesomely Amazing Birthday Camping Trip!" Yeah, I'm that lame and didn't realize this note had fallen out of my purse. Don't ever ask me to put on a surprise party for anyone because I will fail you. Will was adorable and acted as if he had "no idea" what I was going to do for his birthday. He told me he knew the day before we were going to head up American Fork canyon. I felt sheepish. He couldn't tell me enough how excited he was to do this for his birthday, that helped. The hiking portion did seem a little easier this time around because I knew what to expect, the first time...well, I wasn't a happy camper. Heh, get it, happy camper. ANYWHO. It turned out to be an awesome trip. We pre-made T.F.D's (ha! Bet you can't guess what that acronym stands for, whoever guesses right will win a virtual hug from me), and these bad dawgs were tasty. Will, of course, pulled out his man skills and made us a toasty fire which he of course was proud of, and we brought blow-up pads this time around so I slept like a baby (minus the fact that I am freaked out when it comes to bears). Don't worry, we bagged all our food and walked it a mile away from our campsite. I'm glad I was able to create a memorable birthday for Will, because we obviously didn't make an impression on our 2nd anniversary because we still cant remember what we did to celebrate. Pathetic.

farewell aptos, ca

Some may know this, others may not, but my dear Meema (grandma) is from the beautiful (busy) state of California. Aptos, California to be exact. My family and I made annual trips to visit her because she lived in this trailer that was inside an awesome old people neighborhood and we were literally five minutes from the beach. I don't remember one time kicking and screaming because we HAD to go to grandmas house. I only remember counting down the minutes til we got to visit her. My Meema always made our visits worthwhile, she would call each of her grandkids up and ask what our favorite cereal, cookies, and ice cream was before we made our trip to see her. Who wouldn't love that? I adore my grandma more than anything because she has always thought of everyone (literally everyone, not just her kin) before she thinks of herself. Selfless lady. Sometimes she's a little too selfless. Can you be too selfless? Eh, I don't know the answer.


This is us taking a break from driving down to California-->

                                                          

Anyway!

(Summer before I got married. Jeremy, Meema, and me in her darling Mercedes)

(Boardwalk)

(About to get on the Giant Dipper)

(The Warf)

(Santa Cruz Beach)

(You can kind of see my grandma'a garden, it is bee-you-tee-ful!)

Will and I made our last trip to Aptos, California this last summer with my grandma living there because it was time for her to move to an assisted living facility, because she wasn't able to take care of herself no mo! What a sad trip! I mean, it was enjoyable because we were with my grandma, mom, sister (Lindsay), brother (Chris), and sister-in-law (Becky), but definitely hard to say our goodbyes. We made sure we would make a traditional, special trip to Eriks (the best sandwich place in the world), the Boardwalk (Giant Dipper), the Warf, O'neill shop, and the Santa Cruz light house. We tried to enjoy every minute. Except when we'd take our anger out on each other not realizing that it was because we were so sad to leave this beautiful place. A place we had visited since we were munchkins. Will and I still want to make traditional annual trips in memory of my Meema, but it just won't be the same without her there. She made up 98% of the trip. SO, maybe we shouldn't go if the level of fun is 2%. I'm just glad we were able to be there when my Meema handed the keys over to the new owner of her adorable trailer. Oh, how I'll miss my grandma teaching me ALL about her flowers she grew in her garden, my, she had the most beautiful, large garden of flowers. I'm going to miss watching movies with her while we ate our orange sorbet, the smell of the beach that was barely two miles away, and just the wonderful feeling of being there with my grandma in her home.

Wow, excuse my chapter book, but this definitely hits close to home. Both Will and I love making this trip, it definitely won't be the last for us.

oh boy!

My nose is glued to my chemistry book for the entire day, literally. Last final is tomorrow morning, I can't breath until I take that last step out of the testing center. Will and I have a numerous amount of fun activities in-store in celebration of school being out for a couple weeks.

-Snowboarding
-Work Christmas parties
-movies, lots of movies
-gym time...tis the season to be shedding
-Christmas at Bear Lake--yippi
-family time
-Hot Cocoa with Tim Tams (what happened to shedding?)
-Ice skating
-CHRISTMAS--Santa is coming, peeps!
-Depressing farewell 

 

 Such fun we were having!

 You can't tell, but Melissa was really happy! :)

Me, Sandi, and Melissa

(Not pictured: The Babe (aka Juliet)

The worst part about this month coming to an end is my dearest friend that I love above ALL :), is moving all the way to Los Angeles, CA. I couldn't be happier for Melissa, Dan, and the babe, but I'll miss being so close and wish I had taken advantage of the close distance. But, I'm supper happy they get to move closer to my other awesome friend, KaRynn that moved to Los Angeles not too long ago. Disneyland this summer, we're staying with you, Melissa!

*tis the season*

Christmas is coming and I'm feeling jolly. Being a LeBaron and all, I come from a family that loves tradition. I mean, we go all out when it comes to the holidays. Christmas time is when my family goes nuts. But, now that I'm married and we are combining our family traditions...it gets tricky. William loves Christmas, but doesn't feel we should decorate a month in advance or listen to any Christmas music until the week of. He feels he will go loco if he listens to Christmas music too soon. I understand where he is coming from, but being raised to listen to it the day after Thanksgiving, I've developed an immunity to listening to 'too much' Christmas music. I'm still sane.

(Christmas last year)

Yesterday, I started singing a Christmas tune, and I got it stuck in Will's cranium, he whistled and whistled and whistled. Great fun. Any who, I'm mostly glad I get to share all the great holidays with the guy I love. (Blah, I know. Chee-zay).

state-wide warning...pssh

Last night I was at work taking care of old people for a living. Oh no big deal. And I get about 20 calls and texts from my mother. Yes, my mother has taken on texting. It's shocking, really. I don't even like texting. Not my thing, but I guess it was an emergency, because my mom doesn't typically text me for no reason at all. This is what she sent me:

Message 1- Honey, if it's too bad of a blizzard tonight, you should just spend the night with Meema. (aka Grandma)


Message 2-There is a statewide blizzard warning. They haven't done this since 2001. It may be a complete whiteout for six hours. They said it could be worse in Utah County. I know you have snow tires but others might not. The Idaho border is closed.. DO NOT DRIVE IF IT'S AT ALL DANGEROUS!!!!



This is what I was expecting to see last night since Utah is "NEVER" wrong about their weather predictions:

This is what I ended up driving home to and waking up to in the morning:

I wish. Only kidding.

This is what the weather people were freaking out about? Sheesh. I betcha, the entire state of Utah was covered in white, except the little green dot that is Provo and Orem area. What do you think? Because I was tricked into thinking I'd get to have a slumber party with my Granny. Shame on you weather peeps.

sick as a dog.

I haven't felt this sick in over two years. World record for Marci Mckay LeBaron Watson. When I was a youngster, I would get sick as easy as 1...2...3...it was horrible. I lived in Washington which is the state of rain, moist, and mold. My lungs weren't strong from the beginning, I was diagnosed with asthma when I was three years old and of course we moved to asthmatic attack central. Camas, Washington. I was basically raised in the hospital. Every year, I would develop the common cold, it would turn into acute bronchitis, then pneumonia, then I'd have an asthma attack, and for the finale...I be admitted to the hospital. One year, my lungs actually collapsed, worst year of being sick that I can remember. Year after year I would get absolutely sick of being sick. I actually took steroids. Not the muscle enhancing supplement you're thinking of. It's an anti-inflammatory drug that helped aid the recovery from pneumonia.

I dealt with this ritual for almost 18 years and right when I moved out to Utah, my entire life changed. The dry weather cured me of my repetitive visit to the hospital. I haven't been back to the hospital since I lived in Washington. Well, I have once, because of a castor oil incident...but, we won't go into that. I also haven't used my inhaler in two years.  I'm just grateful I'm feeling extremely ill without the risk of an asthma attack or pneumonia. I mean, there is a risk, but it's nothing like it used to be.

My throat feels like I've swallowed acid, but I know I'm on the road to feeling better. People...wash your hands! Warm water, soap, scrub for 30 seconds, rinse, and be cautious.

Ps. My husband should be a nurse. Nah. I don't think he'd survive with the whole needle part, but he sure knows how to take care of his woman when she's under the weather. He's awesome!

boreeng

                               We worked at a call center two summers ago. What can I say?

Inspiration..

We are given trials every day of our lives that bring us down, but we must get ourselves back up again. Stephanie Nielsen (aka nienie) is the greatest example to me of someone who fell down, hard, but she had to get herself back up again. I want to be more like this wonderful woman.

For the love of all drivers.

When someone willingly allows you to merge into their lane, what do you do?

Do you kindly wave your hand to let them know how appreciative you are of them?

Or do you rudely ignore them and go about your day as if someone wasn't kind enough to allow you to enter their lane?

I find that when someone is thoughtful enough to make some room for me to get over, it makes my whole day-you never know, I might need to urgently get off at the next exit or take the next right. It would really stink if I missed an exit just because some bozo wouldn't slow down enough for me to move into their lane.

Give me your opinion if you wish, but do you think Utah drivers are rude and inconsiderate? I know that we've got inconsiderate drivers all over this country, but Utah seems to be the breeding grounds for rude drivers. I'm from Washington and I don't remember any drivers that wouldn't allow you to merge into their lane. It just gets under my skin when drivers don't allow other drivers into their lane to the point that you have to squeeze yourself in their lane and then there is no room for a "thank you" at that point. "Who made that driver King or Queen of that lane? Hmm. Whooo?"

I need to take a chill pill.

I hope I'm making myself clear.

I have my moments, I am definitely not a perfect driver. I have the occasional road rage experience, but overall I am aware that I don't own the road and need to be considerate of those driving in front, behind, or next to me.

My rant has ended here.

guilty pleasure

 Did you know that Nutella has a day to itself, "World Nutella Day," who would've thought?

 Studying makes me hunger. That's why I made this. Nutella Pumpkin Bread.  I got it off of Two Peas and Their Pods blog. So tasty. Nutella is the greatest invention ever made. I want to swim in a pool of Nutella, actually that would be awkward...but I could eat it everyday if Nutella were a weight loss program. Absolutely, I would.


I did something goofy last night. Will said to me, "Can you make me some Nutella bread?" I said, "Absolutely, poopsy." Just kidding, we don't use pet names. So, I walked myself into the kitchen to make Nutella+Devine French bread= Nutella bread. I hand him the plate of deliciousness and he starts laughing. I began to ask in confusion, "What's so funny, Mr. Humorbox?" Will goes on to tell me that he had in mind some Nutella pumpkin bread and assumed I knew what he meant when he said, "Nutella bread." I felt sheepish. You'd think that being married for two years you'd know each other well enough. I am the kind of person that will make exactly what you tell me to make. I don't read minds for heaven's sake. From now on, I am going to have Will fill out a survey before I prepare him a meal. Ok, we won't go to that extreme of a level.


You have got to make this recipe, it is delectable. But, if you don't like Nutella or Pumpkin, then you probably shouldn't try this recipe and we probably shouldn't be friends. Kidding on that last part. Enjoy, I know you will.

Aww Shucks..

I love my husbands idea of a birthday gift. He knows exactly the way to this woman's heart.

  I like to run. A lot. My knees are taking a hit due to the shoes I've been wearing. No longer will that be an issue, because my husband took me to this store: 26.2 (running-everything store) and they tested the pronation of my foot by recording me on a treadmill running, and used some fancy tools to measure my pronation. For those of you who do not know what pronation of the foot is, (i had no idea what it meant until the nice lady told me.) Pronation of the foot:  The pronated foot is one in which the heel bone angles inward and the arch tends to collapse. (Thank you Wiki). This is the most common foot type. It's kind of confusing, but all you need to know is normal pronation is between 3-6, but I ended up measuring 10 on leftie, and 14 on rightie. This is what was causing my knees to feel like silly puddy when I'd run long distances. Anywho, my husband is the bom dot com and surprised me by taking me to 26.2 to pick out the best shoe to help my knees from not hurting so bad when running. I picked these out of the grand selection of fancy schmancy running shoes. 

Nike.

Employed.

I work at Courtyard at Jamestown as a CNA, and I think it's a pretty awesome job. It's something I enjoy doing, making people's lives easier. By people, I mean the elderly. The only downfall with this job is I work the graveyard shift. Only two days a week, so it's not too detrimental to my sleep. It feels really weird staying up that late. It's like I'm doing something wrong, almost as if I'm disobeying my parents for staying up past my bedtime. Nope, that couldn't be right, because I am an adult. Anyway, I just really wanted to work at Jamestown because it's #1 Assisted Living facility in Utah. So, that's why I took whatever I could get and graveyards is what I could get. My grandmother lives here, so that makes it enjoyable. Except I don't see her at all because she's usually sleeping when I'm working. I didn't appreciate how healthy and with it my grandmother is until I started working at Jamestown. She is one spry cookie and full of life. I just adore her. That's pretty much the update in my life.

A Lot Like Love

Could possibly be my favorite movie.

 

I miss home.

My home has always been Camas, Washington. Home of the Papermakers. I think it's nuts that our school mascot is a Papermaker machine monster.

If you're familiar with Washington, it rains, it's green, and there are lots and lots of trees. Therefore, in order to make paper, you'd need trees. Camas is known for it's stinky Paper Mill. I wonder why they decided to make our mascot the Papermaker machine? Hmm? Beats me. Anywho, I honestly loved where I grew up. We lived in a residential neighborhood, that produced good people. My closest friends lived in that neighborhood with me. I remember our late (late being, 9:00pm for a 13 year old) summer evenings playing "kick the can" with my fellow neighbors.

I don't miss having to wake up at 4 am every morning just so I could enjoy a hot shower before my siblings toook over and used up all the hot water. Plus, seminary was at 6 am every morning...SIX O' CLOCK in the MORNING, I've forgotten what 6am looks like. I miss my old house, it was a great house.

Definitely could have used my own room during my adolescent stage, though. Sharing a room with my twin sister was not ideal in my mind. I was clean, she was messy...is messy. Picture living with someone that is the complete opposite of your entire existence. That is exactly how it was living with my twin. But, the funny thing about that is...I miss it. I miss sleeping in my twin bed, next to my twin sister's bed. We had matching quilts and pillows. So, twinnish. I miss our beanie babies basket catching game that we only played when we were supposed to be asleep, (Kelli, you know exactly what I'm talking about), ohh and I miss playing hang man!

The day I got my driver's license, I had never felt so cool in my life. I could do anything, I was free. Well, almost. I still had a curfew and enough change to buy me a Taco Bell bean burrito and double decker. I was finally able to drive to my Best Friend, Chelsey's house almost all the time. My girls, Chels, Emily, and I would get all cute for the Stake dances and we were be able to drive ourselves. Never felt so good. We were party animals at those church dances.

 

It's not what you think. 

Sparkling cider is the only way to go.

Excuse my sweaty pit. We danced the night away.

Everything about Washington is grand. Yes, it rains buckets a day, and you'd think you'd get tired of the rain and the cloudy weather. I never did. When I graduated and moved out to Utah,  I loved it. But, Utah will never be Washington. I think it's beautiful out here in it's own special way. I just don't want to end up here. Although, I don't know where Will and I will end up in the future. I do know that Will would love to move back to his home in the South. North Carolina, if it were his choice. I would love to be in Washington, if at all possible. Who knows. It's just exciting that we get to create our future together. I've decided that my home is where Will is. Whether it's in Utah, Alaska, or  Maupiti (now wouldn't that be a peach) or even Canada, eh?  I know that we will be okay because we're in this together.

Grateful

I'm grateful for my life. I'm a pretty lucky girl. I've got parents that raised me right. At least I think so, and I'm pretty sure Will agrees with me. Or else, he'd be sleeping on the couch every night. Nah nah, just playing. I've got wonderful parent in-laws that are great examples and raised such a great man, that I love. I love my siblings, all of them. We are all so very different in our own ways. It makes life that much more interesting. Like I mentioned, I was blessed with a husband that makes me smile every day. He is thoughtful, sweet, Hi-LAR-EEEE-US (makes me laugh every time I'm with him), always wants to be happy and make everyone around him happy, and he wants nothing more than to do what is right. I'm getting all cheesy, but I feel the need, the need for speeed, ok ok, not speed, but the need to express how happy I am. I swear I'm not on any drugs or anything. I'm just getting enough sleep, eating right, and exercising...so that could possibly be the reason for all the happiness-talk in this post. As ya'll know my brother got hitched this weekend. It was a beautiful day. I love Jeremy and Sarah together. They are the best of friends, thats a good start to their journey together.

Let me tell ya, for each of my siblings weddings Ive had bad luck. Chris's wedding, I was 9 years old...I was too young to do anything or remember anything. Therefore, not a grand ole time. I mean, it was an awesome wedding, but you know...as a kid, weddings aren't your cup of tea. Mike's wedding, I was 12 years old...I started my p-dawg. That's the day I became a woman. Bad timing womanhood. Sheesh. Jordan's wedding, I was 12 years old (My bro's weddings were a week apart---my poor poor mother) Our dresses were made from scratch and yes, my dress did rip at the reception in front of everyone. The attention suddenly shifted from Jordan and Marie, to my little nudie of a body. And last but not least, Lindsay's wedding, I was maybe 14 or 15...the night before her big day, I had been attacked my mosquitos. I don't just get a little itchy when theses bugs bite. I explode. I turn into a marshmallow. Get this, I had just gotten over pneumonia and I had about 30 massive infected mosquito bites all over my body...PLUS I mayor may not have been overdosing on Benedryl. This was the worst experience of my life. I don't even remember being at Lindsay's wedding, it's all a blur. I saw pictures for each of these weddings, they were all amazing. I just don't remember them too well because I was preoccupied each time. It will be cool when we're in heaven to re-play the video for each wedding.

I'm grateful my wedding and Jeremy's wedding was such a blast. It's always a good time seeing family and friends. This weekend just gave me a burst of appreciation for my life and the future that awaits us. I hope you all are having a great Monday and every day this week gets better!

Jewemy Bwyce LeBawon

My big brudder is getting married! Oh, happy day. I grew up idolizing everything Jeremy did. He thought I was some pest, following him around, and just wouldn't leave him alone. I actually thought that he thought I was cool. Kinda, sad. So, basically I was a loser. Don't worry, I didn't think I was a loser, my braced-face-self thought I was pretty freaking awesome.

I admired my bro for his sense of humor, testimony, he is such a peace maker--(its almost annoying how peace-makerish he is.) For instance, Kell and I would be fighting over something legit, like who gets to use the only straightener in the house first. See, I told you it was legit. But, Jer would find some way to spoil our fighting fun and we'd kiss and make-up (ok ok, we didn't kiss, but there was hugging) things turned back to being hunky dory. He thinks I hated those moments when he was right, but I just just he was cooler. There is something to be said for trying to be a better person.

When he went on his mission, I thought I would die. I missed him A LOT. I got over it and just waited the two years just like any normal person. When he came home, it was surprising to hear what he thought of me before his mission. Yep, he said it...a PEST! Definitely helps my self-esteem decline every time I hear I was a pest. We became such good buddies when he arrived to the states from his long journey in Bulgaria. I showed him the ropes, how college works, how dating works, and just how to have a good ol' time. I'd like to think I brought Sarah and Jeremy together because I lived at Raintree, (Dating Willy-boy at the time), Jer thought he was pretty cool so he moved in to Will's apartment. Sarah lived at Raintree too and that's where they met. Raintree is just full of matchmaking. There is a lot of love going around in that complex. Maybe a little tooo much love. Ok, I'm just kidding. Kinda.

 Commercial break. 

If you are looking to find your soul mate or you just want a little romance in your life, well then Raintree Apartments is the place for you. You will be married in less than 2 months. If this sounds like the romance you're looking for, please call us now: 1-800-Raintree.

Where was I?

Oh right!

What I'm trying to say is, he is the best brother a girl could ask for. He never EVER picked on us, even though he did consider me a pest. I'm grateful he's met a girl like Sarah, that makes him so happy and I know she's going to make his eternity a blast. She is an awesome addition to our fam. I don't think I've ever been so excited for a wedding that's not mine. I can't wait to see my brother get married. He got to see me, therefore,  it's only fair that I get to see him. I love you Jer Bear! You're one of a kind.

Big Day: Saturday August 21, 2010.

Ps. Look at those dimples. They're going to have some good looking babies.

Certified Nursing Assistant--That's Right!

It's been quite sometime since I last posted anything. I figure it's got to be something really good and juicy for it to be even considered as a posting. Well, I've got something good. I'm a CNA, friends! I took a short course in October of last year and I've put off taking the test for the longest time. Well, I finally came to the conclusion that I want to be a nurse. The program that I plan to apply to in January requires applicants to become certified as an NA. So, I took the dang test. I passed. I literally jumped 4 feet in the air. Is that even considered high? Do I care? No. Because I passed and I can get a job that pays better and it's something that I love to do. Assist people that are in need of help. Now, I just need to get my resume out there and apply to some jobs. Should be a piece of cake. Let's hope so. 

Peacin' Out

My time has come to go on a road trip with the all time favorite man in my life. . .if you were wondering, it's Will I'm speaking of. A vacation, yes, I have forgotten what that feels like. It hasn't hit me that we are going to have a week to lay on the California beach and get some sun for our white tushies (we won't be tanning European style--for the record), we get to visit my Meema everyday, take a traditional trip to the Boardwalk, and walk along the Warf. Things you don't typically get to do everyday, living in Ewwtah and everything. 

I'd like to inform you that this woman, my Meema, is the most thoughtful, selfless person in the entire world. I owe everything to her. She is moving to Utah (Assisted Living), so my family is helping her move while we're in California. I'm thrilled to have my Grandma Meema closer to us--she deserves a daily visit at least. I love her. 

 

                                                  

Pain You Enjoy? Really?

This last Saturday, June 12th was an unusual day for me. It was the day of my half-marathon. I had to be up by 2:45am so Julie (Super-hero running buddy) and I could make it to where the buses pick you up for the race at 3:30am. Luckily, we made it to the start line in time. . .although we had to use the bathroom (or should I say porta-pooty--yuck) before the race, but the line was too long for our liking. We waited and waited--15 minutes went by and we had 3 minutes until they shot the gun for the race to begin. We are the fastest bathroom goers EVER! It was amazing, my friends. I know all you people think I'm a nut job for running that far, but it's pain you enjoy. But, that's not what I was saying the day after the race. Anyway, Julie and I made good time, we paced ourselves through the whole race so that we wouldn't end up stopping. Our first mile was awesome! When we hit the 1 mile mark, Julie looked at her stop watch and we ran that in 8 minutes. We were so proud of ourswelves. We usually just maintain a 10 minute mile pace...not the first mile baby---8minutemilewooot. We did stick with the 10 minute miles throughout the race, because it didn't get easier, especially when I hit mile 9. Being my first half-marathon, I was having a great time. Every two miles I kept seeing the light at the end of the tunnel--volunteers for the race were handing us: water, oranges, bananas, energy gelly raspberry thingy, powerade...it was all so wonderful.

I had to use the ladies room as I got to the bottom of Provo Canyon, I guess my first visit to the porta-pooty wasn't enough. So, I ran ahead of Julie so that we could meet up after I went to the bano. As I was waiting in line behind these girls that didn't act like they were running a race, I felt like I was at a sleepover for a second. The line didn't seem to shrink, and I saw Julie pass right by me. Immediately, I told my bladder, "You can wait!" So, I just skipped going to the bathroom and kept running. I wanted to get a decent time, it being my first race and all. I booked it for a little while. The last 3 miles were the death of me. My legs were throbbing, and my buttocks felt like someone/something was pricking me with little needles. I'm telling ya, pain you kind of enjoy. Man, when I finished that race, I had never been so happy!

 I was looking everywhere for my Will. No sight of him. Get this, so he wakes up with me @t 2:45, makes me a wonderful breakfast, all hearty and healthy, blah blah for the race, and sets his alarm to wake up in time for me to get done with the race. Poor guy, his alarm didn't go off. Willy-dawg missed my race! He felt terrible, oh and and I felt terrible too. I ran that race for that dude. Ok ok, I ran it for me, but was so excited to show off my running skills to the man. I forgave him for missing it. Anywho. I got a medal and free food after the race, totally worth 13.1 miles. Not really, I ran to get a t-shirt. They told Julie and me that they'll send it to us. Well, thanks. I'm never running 13.1 miles again. Just kidding.
I just might do it again.

I have never been so sore in my entire life. Ok ok ok...so it was pain I ended up not enjoying. Will had to carry me around for a day, not the worst thing in the world. He made missing my race up to me, by taking me out to Kneaders, hot tubbing, going to see a movie. It was the longest/most awesome day of my life (I was awake at 2:45am), just like this is the longest post of my life. WOW. I probably should quit while I'm ahead. THANKS JULIE for being an amazing friend and running that long-butt race with me. You were amazing! We did it!!!!

Crawling in My Skin

This was in my room, under my most precious blanket when I got done watering the garden. . .

  Sneaky, he decided to come home with me, without my permission!

  If I had known there was such a thing as a garden centipede, I probably would NEVER have taken up gardening. I don't think he's the kind of pal you want to garden with.  I hear, their bite is pretty gruesome. And, I killed him. 

  I don't scream very often, unless someone is chasing me or tickling me. This was like no other scream. It was shrill and just plain awful. I took the oldest shoe I had and I was a mad woman as I crushed every inch of this insect. Man. I had to blog about this because I'm still on edge and needed to release my angst. 

I feel better now.

Evil centipede. Evil. . .

Variety

For some reason my husband and I can not grasp the meaning of variety. What I am speaking of...is the fact that when we sit down to eat some grub, we always have to pop in a movie. We don't just have one movie, people. We have at least 30 different movies that we could choose from. Not a whole lot of pickings. After watching each movie three times since we've been married. My goodness, it gets old. We find ourselves reciting line after line! And, my husband...is a whistler. I know some of you who read this blog know exactly what I'm talking about. He hears a tune that he "thinks" is catchy, and whistles until he can't whistle no mo. It's really great, just WONDERFUL. Can't tell you how much I love it. K, I do love it. Even if it sometimes makes my ears bleed. Oh, I'm just kidding. The movie that we seem to pop in the most is, Far and Away. 

Can't seem to get enough out of that one. We have watched that one 20 times since we've been married. So you know, when it is my job to pick the movie for the night. I do not pick Far and Away. I bet you could guess who does. Sweet, sweet husband-o-mine. I love him to pieces, I just brace myself for when the movie is over and the whistle begins it's departure. I can only handle so much of John Williams! But really, if I don't hear Will whistle something has got to be wrong. He usually whistles all the time, so that tells you something about him. :) Hulu is the next greatest invention. This is where we watch Lost. We do NOT have cable, I repeat we do NOT have cable. So, we just watch our favorite shows for free. It's great. So, I guess it's not all that bad. Life is good my friends!

Refresh

The time has come. . .FINALS are over! That's right! I couldn't be happier. This semester was definitely not my hardest nor my last semester I will have to face, but it's been a busy few months. It's that time to sit back and pull out my favorite book, or even take up sewing. By the way, my sweet mother-in-law fixed up a sewing machine that I am very excited about. Bernina 530. It's a beauty. Can't wait to learn the many techniques that go into sewing. The only problem that I have is, it truly hasn't hit me that the semester is over. You know the feeling, I'm sure. The feeling that you have something unfinished, that you still have a project or test that you need to prepare for. Nope, I am A-OK to partay! Whatever that means. On another note, Will and I are moving! We couldn't be happier. We've lived in our little piece of nothing for a year and a half. We are moving into Joseph(brotha-in-law) and Jen's(sista-in-law) basement. It's a great deal and we couldn't ask for better neighbors!! We are just so excited for this summer and what our future has in store. I'm getting all touchy feely & teary-eyed. So, I best be on my way. Have a splendid day!!

. . .

I need a new blog design...something's coming to me. Nope it went away. Ooohhhp..it's coming. Nah nah, my creativity has officially left the building and won't be back until further notice..

here comes the sun...doo doo doo doo

Ooooh. Im bursting with excitement, literal excitement. I seem to squeal when i think of swimming in the sun, or just taking walks as the sun is setting. THE SUN! It is summer time, people. The most wonderful time of the year. I love christmas and all, but they picked the wrong song for the wrong season. Summer is where it's at. I don't have to put layers and layers of clothing on my back. I just need a t-shirt and some shorts to survive--maybe some thongs to go with that. I just said, thongs. what what! I hope you can all take a moment to squeal with joy for this upcoming glorious summer. Ok, you dont have to squeal, do your thang, but take a minute to enjoy the beauty that's about to be unleashed.


       Side note: we are ashamed to say, we are kind of into Lost! But, this is not the Sun I was talking about...

THIS IS...

                                            

death week.

My least favorite week is upon arrival. Finals week is what it's most commonly known for, I like to call it, "The Week of He**!" I'll keep it G-rated, for the kids. (because so many children read my blog!) Any who, I'm getting prepped for my projects and tests that are slowly creeping up on me. I always wondered why my face would break out or I'd have random crying episodes during the week of torture. Stress! It's made up, this said stress. It's not real, and I need to conquer this made up feeling so that I can make it out of this hole, aka college. Maybe I would do better if I just took a chill pill. Who prescribes those anyway? Anyone?!?

K. It's not this bad. But, you catch what I'm putting down.

Thems just jokes!

My brotha from the same motha, has a great tendency to make a joke pretty much about everything. I like to joke, I think things are relatively funny...I think my husband is funny. Funny looking! (Could not resist) With that being said, I didn't find my dream funny at all last night. As most of you know, today is April Fools Day and that is probably why I had the dream that I did. It was a random dream, with a whole lot of randomness. I'll just make this short, because I believe this dream lasted the remainder of my sleep. So, let's just say about...8 hours. Long booty dream! Basically, Jeremy and I were arguing about school or something, so Jeremy (my dear brother) the peacemaker he is, pulled out a bomb and want to blow up our argument, literally blow it up. Don't ask me, my dreams are just magical. He decides to blow it up and ends up blowing himself up. Surprise, surprise. At this point, (On the other side of reality) Will says, I was flailing my arms around, shouting, "Noooo, NOOOO, Jeremy's gone!" I might have been crying, Will and I can't recall. After, that little episode, Jeremy miraculously pulls his body parts together and says, "April Fools!" That's so funny, hilarious, I'm holding my sides because I just can't control the laughter, 6 pack here I come! Really, it's disgustingly not funny. I had this dream because my brother is really this way. He thinks this sorta stuff is funny. Maybe it is. I just don't find my brother dying and then joking about it, very funny. Yes, it was a dream. Yes, he is still alive today, and Yes, I will NEVER celebrate April Fools. My husband fits into this category as well. 

My boy.

           Mack Attack, he is my pride and joy. My nephew to be exact. I love him to pieces. This is my older sister, Lindsay's lil' boy and I have been bound to love him forever and ever. I hope I'm right on this sister, my little nephew of a man will be turning 5 in July. Cuuh-razy. I remember when my sister was pregnant with the miniature man. That was the main thought going through my brain, baby boy, my very own nephew, yikes. At this point I had become an aunt to quite a few children, but it was my sisters first baby. Just a miner difference in the way I felt. I love all my nieces and nephews the same, I just was so excited for this one. 

           The day my sister gave birth to Mack, I was there every step of the way. I saw everything, that's right. I am a true, and loyal sista. I held up Lindsay's left leg, while Tyson (my awesome, bro-in-law) held her right leg, the entire process of getting Mack into this world. It wasn't necessarily my favorite thing to do, but I was so happy to be there for her and her little man. This kid has the biggest heart and he just keeps getting sweeter and don't forget unbelievably hilarious. I crack up at everything he says. I'm glad my sister moved from San Diego a couple years ago to Bountiful, Ut, and now I get to see them more often than not. You did a good job sis, and I'm glad I've been blessed to be an aunt to such a great kid. 

          Let's not forget about Mason the man. That is Mack's baby brother. He is just as cute in his own delightful way. I just have a kick when I get to spend the day with those adorable peeps. You never ever know what's going to come out of there tiny mouths. I'm talking about you too, Lindz! 

Sister Love

My sista and I went on a Jamba Juice run because the sun was shining, and there was a warm breeze informing us that summer is on its way. Just so you know, my twin has been taking pictures of everything since she was in middle school and loves every minute of it. Hence, we got a little carried away with her camera. Good times, good times.

Are we really twins? 

                                   

                                 I'm stealing your glasses, I hope that won't be a problem, sis.

                                   

Edit much?

                                    

Just look at that bundle of joy.

                                                  
                                              Orange Dreamsicle: it's a favorite.