On the evening of the 12th, as we were getting ready for bed, I looked at Neal and said, "Tomorrow we'll have been married for one year...weird." He looked back at me with a sort of quizzical look and then replied, "Wow...that is weird..." We both agree that it feels like it has been longer than a year, but at the same time, so much shorter.
Yesterday was a wonderful day :) we received so many well wishes and congratulations for making it through the first year aka "the hardest year." It was so wonderful to look at each other and think, "hey...this year was awesome, and we're going to have many more awesome years to come."
So here's to all the awesome years to come!
Monday, May 14, 2012
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Certified craziness
The last month has been one word. CRAZY.
To start off...I did get a conditional job offer to be a dispatcher with the City of Fort Collins. I had to pass a drug test, hearing and eye exam, and a psychological exam. I'm pretty dang sure I passed all of them :) I should be finding out in the next week or so if/when I start. I will try and keep it updated on here. This opens up a LOT of possibilities for Neal and me, and well as opens the avenues for a lot of dreams we've had lately.
Now that that is out of the way.
In my Hunger Games annoyance, I forgot to post about the wonderful trip to Estes Park that Neal and I took. We LOVE Estes. It's kind of been our thing since we were dating. We went to a fabulous pizzeria and had a wonderful dinner. We also stopped on our way down and Neal showed me one of the climbs they do during the summer :) It really was a rather beautiful little hike!
Next came a Rockies game. Last season we lucked out: we went to a game where they were handing out vouchers for a free game THIS season. So, we got to go to the Rockies game for free, AND we sat in the pavilion! It was AWESOME! We were so close to the out fielders! It was also kind of entertaining to listen to the hecklers sitting in that area! Neal ALMOST caught a ball during batting practice (but of course, he didn't listen to me and did not bring his glove...)
Next came my birthday, and let me tell you, I got treated like a QUEEN!!!! Neal spoiled me! He got me presents that I'm SUPER excited about (The Princess Bride, a Rockies sweatshirt, and the most awesome sheet music anyone could ask for). He then took me to Red Lobster where we tried crab and lobster. The crab was delish, and the lobster was pretty good (a little chewy for us...). We then walked around Old Town for a while. It was SO much fun!!
A couple days after my birthday I had the grand priveledge of going to the temple with my friend Reyslla and being her escort. It had been almost exactly a year since I went for the first time, and seeing her excitement and hearing the things she learned that day was such a great reminder for me about how our attitude about the temple should be. I am so grateful she gave me this opportunity, and for her friendship!
Last, but not least, this week. Neal finished his finals for this semester and definitely passed all of his classes. Hallelujah!! He and Shauna and "the crew" (Colin, Jamie, and Tim) started loading in everything for Marilyn MaCoo and Billy Davis Jr. last night. Talk about craziness! They are performing Tuesday and Wednesday nights, and then we go back to our regular shows starting Thursday!
Neal and I also went and saw Avengers last night. Only one phrase can describe this move: holy freaking movie of awesomeness! I legit think I just found my new favorite movie! It was so funny and so cool! Totally going to see it again while its still in theaters!!!
To start off...I did get a conditional job offer to be a dispatcher with the City of Fort Collins. I had to pass a drug test, hearing and eye exam, and a psychological exam. I'm pretty dang sure I passed all of them :) I should be finding out in the next week or so if/when I start. I will try and keep it updated on here. This opens up a LOT of possibilities for Neal and me, and well as opens the avenues for a lot of dreams we've had lately.
Now that that is out of the way.
In my Hunger Games annoyance, I forgot to post about the wonderful trip to Estes Park that Neal and I took. We LOVE Estes. It's kind of been our thing since we were dating. We went to a fabulous pizzeria and had a wonderful dinner. We also stopped on our way down and Neal showed me one of the climbs they do during the summer :) It really was a rather beautiful little hike!
 |
| The climb is behind us |
Next came a Rockies game. Last season we lucked out: we went to a game where they were handing out vouchers for a free game THIS season. So, we got to go to the Rockies game for free, AND we sat in the pavilion! It was AWESOME! We were so close to the out fielders! It was also kind of entertaining to listen to the hecklers sitting in that area! Neal ALMOST caught a ball during batting practice (but of course, he didn't listen to me and did not bring his glove...)
 |
| Yup. We were that close. |
 |
| Excited to be there :) |
Next came my birthday, and let me tell you, I got treated like a QUEEN!!!! Neal spoiled me! He got me presents that I'm SUPER excited about (The Princess Bride, a Rockies sweatshirt, and the most awesome sheet music anyone could ask for). He then took me to Red Lobster where we tried crab and lobster. The crab was delish, and the lobster was pretty good (a little chewy for us...). We then walked around Old Town for a while. It was SO much fun!!
 |
| I am SO excited about this! |
A couple days after my birthday I had the grand priveledge of going to the temple with my friend Reyslla and being her escort. It had been almost exactly a year since I went for the first time, and seeing her excitement and hearing the things she learned that day was such a great reminder for me about how our attitude about the temple should be. I am so grateful she gave me this opportunity, and for her friendship!
 |
| Reyslla and me |
Last, but not least, this week. Neal finished his finals for this semester and definitely passed all of his classes. Hallelujah!! He and Shauna and "the crew" (Colin, Jamie, and Tim) started loading in everything for Marilyn MaCoo and Billy Davis Jr. last night. Talk about craziness! They are performing Tuesday and Wednesday nights, and then we go back to our regular shows starting Thursday!
 |
| And THIS ladies and gentlemen, is the craziness |
Neal and I also went and saw Avengers last night. Only one phrase can describe this move: holy freaking movie of awesomeness! I legit think I just found my new favorite movie! It was so funny and so cool! Totally going to see it again while its still in theaters!!!
My trip to the "Motherland"
I hate naming my blog posts. I always feel like the names I come up with are repetative and totally not creative. So, this one is untitled.
A couple weeks ago I flew out to Utah. Morgan, my best friend from high school, was having her baby shower, and I wanted to be there (especially since I couldn't be there for her wedding). Greatest part? She had NO idea I was coming!! Between her husbnad Mike, his sister Sally (who was throwing the baby shower), and my friend Kat, we were able to work everything out. I showed up at Sally's house, and Kat told Morgan there was a big present for her by the door. She walked around the corner and saw me and said, "What are you doing here?" I laughed and we hugged and I'll admit, I cried. I miss her very much. A couple days later Kat, Morgan, and I went out for dinner, and then Morgan and I started packing all the baby's stuff for their big move. We talked and talked, just like we used to. I miss it, a lot.
While I was in Utah I stayed with my Aunt Julianne. She is about 5 1/2 months pregnant (like 2 weeks behind Morgan actually...). She had an ultrasound while I was there, and it was the COOLEST thing! I got to see my little cousin before anyone (besides Julianne and Kirk obviously...). The cutest part is she was trying to suck her little thumb. SO cute. Maybe made me a little more baby hungry :)
I also got to see my cousin Hannah and her husband Justin. Justin and I actually had an awesome bonding experience over the show "Deal or No Deal"...no, seriously. We sat on the couch while everyone else was looking at all of the baby clothes for our soon-to-be newest little cousin, and watched this show. We complained about how greedy people can be (the contestant needed like $178,000 for pharmacutical school...she got offered $248,000 and turned it down...she ended up walking with only $98,000 or so). We also sat and laughed about random things we found on the internet that we found HILARIOUS (such as the website iwastesomuchtime.com...don't let the name fool you...its the most entertaining thing I've ever seen...it should be more like thiswebsitecausesmetowastetime.com...). I also got to see Hannah and Justin's new apartment. Very cute :)
After my grandma and I left Hannah and Justin's apartment, we drove around campus a little bit. My grandma showed me her old dorm, where my mom came home from the hospital to, where she took classes, etc. It was really fun and really neat to hear those stories from my grandma and to actually SEE all of these places! I will give BYU one thing...they have an extremely beautiful campus. I also got to see the MTC and the Provo Temple, both of which are also beautiful.
I also was able to see my sister, Tiffany, for the first time since she moved to Utah. She just moved into a new apartment (which is AWESOME and a beautiful place). We went to In N Out. I went to church with her (which, btw, was very interesting...going to a single's ward again...). She showed me where she works, and we went shopping :)
I had such a wonderful time. I missed Neal very much, but I was still kind of bummed to come home. It was nice to be out there with family and friends that I miss :)
A couple weeks ago I flew out to Utah. Morgan, my best friend from high school, was having her baby shower, and I wanted to be there (especially since I couldn't be there for her wedding). Greatest part? She had NO idea I was coming!! Between her husbnad Mike, his sister Sally (who was throwing the baby shower), and my friend Kat, we were able to work everything out. I showed up at Sally's house, and Kat told Morgan there was a big present for her by the door. She walked around the corner and saw me and said, "What are you doing here?" I laughed and we hugged and I'll admit, I cried. I miss her very much. A couple days later Kat, Morgan, and I went out for dinner, and then Morgan and I started packing all the baby's stuff for their big move. We talked and talked, just like we used to. I miss it, a lot.
 |
| Morgan :) |
While I was in Utah I stayed with my Aunt Julianne. She is about 5 1/2 months pregnant (like 2 weeks behind Morgan actually...). She had an ultrasound while I was there, and it was the COOLEST thing! I got to see my little cousin before anyone (besides Julianne and Kirk obviously...). The cutest part is she was trying to suck her little thumb. SO cute. Maybe made me a little more baby hungry :)
I also got to see my cousin Hannah and her husband Justin. Justin and I actually had an awesome bonding experience over the show "Deal or No Deal"...no, seriously. We sat on the couch while everyone else was looking at all of the baby clothes for our soon-to-be newest little cousin, and watched this show. We complained about how greedy people can be (the contestant needed like $178,000 for pharmacutical school...she got offered $248,000 and turned it down...she ended up walking with only $98,000 or so). We also sat and laughed about random things we found on the internet that we found HILARIOUS (such as the website iwastesomuchtime.com...don't let the name fool you...its the most entertaining thing I've ever seen...it should be more like thiswebsitecausesmetowastetime.com...). I also got to see Hannah and Justin's new apartment. Very cute :)
After my grandma and I left Hannah and Justin's apartment, we drove around campus a little bit. My grandma showed me her old dorm, where my mom came home from the hospital to, where she took classes, etc. It was really fun and really neat to hear those stories from my grandma and to actually SEE all of these places! I will give BYU one thing...they have an extremely beautiful campus. I also got to see the MTC and the Provo Temple, both of which are also beautiful.
I also was able to see my sister, Tiffany, for the first time since she moved to Utah. She just moved into a new apartment (which is AWESOME and a beautiful place). We went to In N Out. I went to church with her (which, btw, was very interesting...going to a single's ward again...). She showed me where she works, and we went shopping :)
 |
| Tiffany and me :) |
I had such a wonderful time. I missed Neal very much, but I was still kind of bummed to come home. It was nice to be out there with family and friends that I miss :)
Monday, April 9, 2012
Hunger Games: Why is it so popular...?
After weeks of refusing, I finally went and saw Hunger Games with Neal. Long story short, I owed Neal. So we went to the movie theater, and I sat down and watched the movie with him.
Now, if you love me, and you love Hunger Games, and you don't want to get mad or blah blah blah, stop reading, because I'm about to destroy it.
Back when I was refusing to see the movie/read the books, I was asked MANY times why I was refusing. My answer was always "it's about children killing children...why would I want that in my head?" The response would always be the following: "Ya! But it's about sticking it to the man, and standing up for your rights..." etc., etc..
Does anyone but me see something wrong with that statement? Anyone? Let me explain my thinking.
Here is a quote from Mary N. Cook in her October 2010 General Conference talk: "We must model that which is virtuous and lovely by our personal media choices. We must take care that the media we invite into our homes does not dull the sensitivity to the Spirit, harm relationships with our family and friends, or reveal personal priorities that are inconsistent with gospel principles."
A quote from M. Russell Ballard in his April 1989 talk titled "The Effects of Television": 'Volumes of research data show the detrimental effects of television, but I just say that television and videocassette viewing by youngsters has a significant impact on their behavior. We must not take lightly the confession of a recently executed killer on the impact pornography and violence in media had on his life. The Apostle Paul warned that men can become “past feeling … [giving] themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.” '
A quote from Joe J. Christensen in his October 1996 talk titled "The Savior is Counting On You": It is very unreasonable to suppose that exposure to profanity, nudity, sex, and violence has no negative effects on us. We can’t roll around in the mud without getting dirty."
Ok. Enough of the quotes. Does anyone see my point yet? That YES, the series may be about sticking it to the man, standing up for your rights, etc., but its STILL ABOUT CHILDREN KILLING CHILDREN!!!!! I bawled through the entire thing! There were a couple times Neal asked me if I wanted to leave the theater and wait outside, and honestly, I wish I would have said yes...because now I have those scenes engraved in my mind, and I will have to remember them throughout my entire life. I don't think it's far-fetched to say that watching murder happen (and yes, I mean murder...innocent people were 'killed') dulls our sensitivity to the Spirit, as Sister Cook talked about. I don't think it's a coincidence that when prophets, apostles, and other people called to preach to us talk about the effects of violence AND sex in the media. You wouldn't watch (or let your children watch) a movie with an explicit sex scene...so why would you watch explicit violence?
Its definitely not a movie that will be allowed in our house, and we definitely will never see it again.
Now, if you love me, and you love Hunger Games, and you don't want to get mad or blah blah blah, stop reading, because I'm about to destroy it.
Back when I was refusing to see the movie/read the books, I was asked MANY times why I was refusing. My answer was always "it's about children killing children...why would I want that in my head?" The response would always be the following: "Ya! But it's about sticking it to the man, and standing up for your rights..." etc., etc..
Does anyone but me see something wrong with that statement? Anyone? Let me explain my thinking.
Here is a quote from Mary N. Cook in her October 2010 General Conference talk: "We must model that which is virtuous and lovely by our personal media choices. We must take care that the media we invite into our homes does not dull the sensitivity to the Spirit, harm relationships with our family and friends, or reveal personal priorities that are inconsistent with gospel principles."
A quote from M. Russell Ballard in his April 1989 talk titled "The Effects of Television": 'Volumes of research data show the detrimental effects of television, but I just say that television and videocassette viewing by youngsters has a significant impact on their behavior. We must not take lightly the confession of a recently executed killer on the impact pornography and violence in media had on his life. The Apostle Paul warned that men can become “past feeling … [giving] themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.” '
A quote from Joe J. Christensen in his October 1996 talk titled "The Savior is Counting On You": It is very unreasonable to suppose that exposure to profanity, nudity, sex, and violence has no negative effects on us. We can’t roll around in the mud without getting dirty."
Ok. Enough of the quotes. Does anyone see my point yet? That YES, the series may be about sticking it to the man, standing up for your rights, etc., but its STILL ABOUT CHILDREN KILLING CHILDREN!!!!! I bawled through the entire thing! There were a couple times Neal asked me if I wanted to leave the theater and wait outside, and honestly, I wish I would have said yes...because now I have those scenes engraved in my mind, and I will have to remember them throughout my entire life. I don't think it's far-fetched to say that watching murder happen (and yes, I mean murder...innocent people were 'killed') dulls our sensitivity to the Spirit, as Sister Cook talked about. I don't think it's a coincidence that when prophets, apostles, and other people called to preach to us talk about the effects of violence AND sex in the media. You wouldn't watch (or let your children watch) a movie with an explicit sex scene...so why would you watch explicit violence?
Its definitely not a movie that will be allowed in our house, and we definitely will never see it again.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Babies :) (No, I'm not preggo)
Let me start off by saying that about a gazillion of my friends are either preggo or just had a little one come into their lives in the last year.
With that being said....I am ridiculously, unbelievably, baby hungry. Neal and I have been talking a bit about kiddos lately, and have come up with a plan. A plan that made me even more baby hungry. A plan that if it doesn't pan out, I might cry. We're coming up on a year of being married. For some people that's not enough time. They don't want to throw kids into the mix yet. But Neal and I were talking last night, and seriously...if the last year was supposed to be the worst year of our marriage (everyone talks about how the first year is the worst) then we are going to have one freaking awesome marriage because really, the last year has been amazing.
We just to get into arguments over having chitlins. Now we're both pretty comfortable with the idea of it. Both pretty relaxed. Hopefully our plan will pan out the way I am praying every day for it to, and we'll be able to be baby crazy instead of baby hungry :)
With that being said....I am ridiculously, unbelievably, baby hungry. Neal and I have been talking a bit about kiddos lately, and have come up with a plan. A plan that made me even more baby hungry. A plan that if it doesn't pan out, I might cry. We're coming up on a year of being married. For some people that's not enough time. They don't want to throw kids into the mix yet. But Neal and I were talking last night, and seriously...if the last year was supposed to be the worst year of our marriage (everyone talks about how the first year is the worst) then we are going to have one freaking awesome marriage because really, the last year has been amazing.
We just to get into arguments over having chitlins. Now we're both pretty comfortable with the idea of it. Both pretty relaxed. Hopefully our plan will pan out the way I am praying every day for it to, and we'll be able to be baby crazy instead of baby hungry :)
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Making new "friends"
At my new job, in my office, I have a white board. This white board is right above my computer. I glance at it a ton. I got a bunch of magnets for it, only to find out the white board is no longer magnetic. "So..." I asked myself, "...what in the world am I going to do with this white board?" Well, I thought and thought, and then remembered that in seminary I used to memorize scriptures by writing them down, and then erasing one word at a time, until I had the whole thing memorized. The problem? I only did this my freshman year. The other three years I "didn't have time" for scripture mastery. Then it clicked! I can use this white board (that isn't magnetic anymore) as a tool in memorizing scriptures! Elder Richard G. Scott spoke in the October 2011 General Conference about the power that comes from memorizing scriptures. He said they become a friend that cannot be separated by time or distance. I LOVED this concept, but had forgotten about it until now. I am excited to start this adventure of making new "friends." I have memorized Moroni 7:45 and 1 Nephi 3:7 so far, and am currently working on 2 Nephi 2:27. The greatest part? It only takes about thirty seconds to glance up, read the scripture once through, and erase a couple words for next time. I love it :)
Monday, March 19, 2012
We did it!
Guess what?!? I didn't die on Saturday! Robin and I both ran the entire 5k in 35ish minutes! We didn't get any pictures (I know, what the heck, right?) but I was allowed to get new running shoes after the race. My OLD Asics KILLED my feet, and my knees, AND my hips. So now I have a lovely pair of pink and gray Under Armor running shoes, and I'm VERY excited.
The other exciting news? Neal and I are both going to start training for another 5k. I felt so accomplished and great after the St. Patty's Day race that I now want to do another one, and Neal wants to join me! He got a new pair of Nike Shox just for the occasion.
Yaya!
The other exciting news? Neal and I are both going to start training for another 5k. I felt so accomplished and great after the St. Patty's Day race that I now want to do another one, and Neal wants to join me! He got a new pair of Nike Shox just for the occasion.
Yaya!
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