lately...

....brief re-cap of the past few months...

+ celebrated anniversary #6
+ watched my baby sis graduate
+ watch my baby cousin get MARRIED
+ rear-end an Idaho driver because I thought she was going, and i was looking the other way and went...she didn't...(then got yelled at by the old lady passenger for "being on my phone"...for the record, I WAS NOT! It was in my lap and when i got out of the car to check the damage grabbed it)
+ endure the heat of both a semi-working swamp cooled house, and a broken air conditioned car
+ enjoyed some fireworks from the roof of my house
+ turned the big 2-5 (i'm super old now!)
+ work average of 35 hours/week (hired on at 25)
+ joined a Biggest Loser competition (lost 8.2 lbs the first 8 weeks)
+ joined round 2 of the BL comp (week 1 - lost the 1.2 pounds I gained in my week off)
+ been working out 4/7 days (consistently)
+ been WORKING 17/20 days (consistently!)
+ found out I'm the only person in my ward who doesn't do her visiting teaching...well, me and my partner apparently...(I don't know whether I should feel guilty for not doing it...or if I should be proud that I'm the only one who doesn't lie about it...)
+ enjoyed getting shakes from Arctic Circle
+ enjoyed some McDonald's fries and their frozen strawberry lemonades
+ made Greg a Texas Roadhouse fan
+ made AND enjoyed some DELICIOUS strawberry/rhubarb crisp (don't ask how I lost any poundage...I still eat like crap!)
+ found out some good news....found out some bad news
+ done a couple of fun photo shoots
+ hung up some pictures around my house
+ organized a few areas of my house (just a FEW!)
+ got in a bit of digi scrapping
+ spent too much time on my computer
+ didn't take enough pictures

+ and...I'm going to enjoy tomorrow off...and next Saturday-Tuesday off!

Moose

So I mentioned in my last post that Greg and I went to Star Valley a few weeks ago. While we were there, not only was there a TON of snow...but we also got to see some moose. Only in Wyoming can you see some moose in your "backyard". (Okay, I'm sure there are other places...but for the sake of this post, I'm saying only in Wyoming!)

From the porch...you can barely see them, but they are there...

We got in the car and followed them to the neighbors where they stopped to get some food.

And just cuz...

happy new year!

I had the wonderful privilege of working New Year's Eve. Yay me! Though, it was okay because I got paid for the hours I actually worked, plus pay for an additional day. So that was positive. After work, Greg and I got to pick up some new tires for our car, and then I headed to Cokeville.

Ben, Shari and the kids were visiting, so of course I had to go see them. I have to say I am pretty much the best aunt ever. Alex and Aidan love wrestling and running around, and Lilli just thinks I'm the coolest (unless their is an iPod touch in the room, then I'm pretty much non-existent.

Not to mention Shari and Ben's dog Syd. Yeah, we became friends real fast...a little TOO fast, and soon I had to yell at him to stay away from me. He had a tendency to get a little close (if ya know what I mean. Yet another reason I despise animals!) It became quite comical actually...(though super annoying!) But seriously, this dog would follow me around the house. Not even lying. I tested it a few times. I would stand up, walk to the kitchen, and sure enough, the dog would follow. Then...I'd walk around the island, and the dog would follow. Seriously! If I wasn't paying attention he would come to me and start doing...umm..stuff..to my leg. Stupid dog! Not cool!

But anyway...it really was a lot of fun. I love those kids. It's so crazy to see how big the boys are getting. There were a couple of times Shari had to remind me that they weren't babies anymore. (like when I asked if they could have drinks in a cup...last I knew they were on bottles!) But they are cute as ever, and I love them lots. It was good to spend some time with them. Here are some pictures from the weekend.

Aidan

Alex

Miss Attitude

And a cute one of me and Aidan

Happy New Year!

Christmas 2010

Yes, it's finally time for my Christmas post...kinda...

So, due to the fact that I have a real job now, I don't get a lot of time off around the holidays, but I did ask for the 20th off so Greg and I could go get our car (FINALLY) from Star Valley that weekend before. This car has been a headache since the beginning! Dang you dishonest people! (a story for another day...if I ever simmer down enough to talk about it!) Anyway, it was a nice relaxing weekend. I love going up there, and the fact that it was beautiful covered in snow made it all the better. I have such a hard time thinking of things to get Greg for Christmas, so Sunday evening when we were getting ready for bed I had a thought, so the next day I took my camera out and took a bunch of pictures of the land up there, because I know how much Greg loves it up there. Anyway, so I had them printed on shiny paper and framed them. I really like them...lol, he doesn't really get into the excitement of everything, so I don't actually know if he likes them or not, but they are up on our wall anyway...lol..

Anywho...here are a few of the pictures that I love....



Christmas was awesome. I got Christmas Eve, Christmas day, and the day after off, so that was great. Christmas Eve we spent doing some last minute shopping, then spent our evening playing XBox. Super fun! Christmas day was pretty great too. We played a lot of Xbox, ate a delicious ham dinner, and opened presents throughout the day. He got me some clothes that I love! (thanks Shaina for helping him!)

a foot massager (which is totally awesome after work!)
and the movie Charlie St. CloudHe also let me get the 6th book of the Vampire Academy series. (LOVE IT!!!!! Read it 2X already!!) and a few other random things. Then he took me shopping after Christmas so I could pick some stuff out for myself, and I got some super cute jeans and a few shirts.

Ben and Shari gave us some gift cards to go to the movies, and cafe rio, we got pajamas from Greg's parents, a Scentsy warmer and some desserts from Shaina, and my parents gave me some boots and Greg a hoodie.

I got Greg a bunch of just random things (He really is SO difficult to shop for!) and some Xbox games, and some shirts and the pictures.

Our car was the most spoiled (as we spent the most money on it!). We got it 2 new tires, and a new ignition! Lucky car.

Anywho, of course I didn't take pictures, but it was a wonderful Christmas, and I loved the time I was able to spend with my hubby! We don't get enough of it as of late.

Hope you all had a fabulous Christmas as well!

Thanksgiving 2010

So, I'm totally late posting this, I know. But really, better late than never, right?

I totally love this time of year. I love November-December, almost as much as I love July. One of the reasons I love this time of year is all the days I get off for work. I get 2 days in November, and THREE in december. Totally awesome, right?

The week of Thanksgiving, however, seemed to drag on. Tuesday there was supposed to be a massive snowstorm come through. UDOT wanted business to close down early so their employees could get home, but to better serve our members, our bosses decided it was okay for us to stay at work. It was kind of an interesting day, because there were blue skies for a little while, then it kind of clouded over. Nothing major, so I went on my lunch around 3, and when I got back to work, it was just kinda flurrying. It was honestly crazy to see the change in that storm. As soon as the wind changed, it really was a blizzard. Kinda cool. It's been a while since I've seen anything like that.

The higher ups decided we could have people leave every half hour, and Courtney and I being the dedicated employees we are, got to stay til the very end...for that one member who just might come through. Oh joys. It really was pretty bad, but being from Wyoming...I've seen worse! It was pretty great...until we had to work again the next day...oh well!

Thanksgiving day was pretty good though. It was just Greg, me and Shaina this year. (Shaina wasn't able to go home, so she spent the day with us.) We had some super delicious food (like always!) and totally pigged out. I do wish, however, that I would have eaten more turkey, because cold/reheated turkey makes me gag, and it was a super delicious turkey. We had turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, rolls, yams MSUHROOMS (i'm obsessed! So delicious!), rolls, jello, cranberry sauce, shrimp (cold), and 7-up. And Shaina brought that yummy breadsticks/bacon stuff and a lemon pudding/dessert type thing (sorry I don't know it's official name! )

Oh yes it was delicious! We spent the day just lounging around, watched some football, did a little shopping, and then watched some movies. We watch "The Lovely Bones" first (which Greg likes, but I really don't. I read the book a long time ago, and really didn't like it). Greg and I had seen it before, but Shaina hadn't, so we watched it with her. Then Shaina and I chose to watch "The Last Song" while Greg opted out. Umm, yeah. I totally loved this movie!! Sure Miley Cyrus is kinda ugly, but I thought it was such a cute movie! Dang that Nicholas Sparks! He always has to have someone in the movie get an uncureable disease and die! (Sorry if I just ruined this for you!) But I loved it...and I want a grand piano. Just so you know!

So that was our Thanksgiving. It was wonderful, and a lot of fun to spend a day just relaxing...of course, then it was back to the grind the next day! Gotta love being a responsible adult!

The Pajama Game

Back in November, I was able to get a little time off work to go watch McKenzie in the high school musical back in Cokeville. She had a lead role, so I wanted to watch her. I had always known that she could sing/act. I remember when she was little, she had a solo in a "Sunshine" (is that what it was called, lol) performance. Holy wow, that tiny thing could belt it. Brady and I sat on the front row screaming for her (even though we weren't supposed to!) But it was a lot of fun, and i was excited to see the performance.

I have never seen/heard of the Pajama Game, but really, how many of the musicals the high school has put on have I actually seen? I was in 3 musicals when I was in HS, and it was always fun times. My senior year of "Annie Get Your Gun" was the best, and like I said, super fun, so I knew that even if the play itself was lame, it would still be fun. And it was.

Kenz played the role of Babe, and Beau Petersen played the lead across from her. They both did a great job, and fed really well off each other. Both could sing, and both could act, and it was a lot of fun! It was fun seeing all the kids who were still in Elementary all grown up. I didn't recognize a few of them, but it was still fun.

Kenz really did a great job. She is so incredibly talented it's not fair! ;) She can sing and act, and really the only thing she can't do is walk in high heels! (haha, jk Kenz!)

Here are a few pictures I took. I was too into the play to really take a lot..lol, super cute costumes and wigs all around, right?
Beau and Kenz....
The entire CHS student body....almost!

Like I said, they fed really well off each other. It was cute to watch. This song was the cutest of the night (well, the first time they sang it...but this was still cute.) See THIS Youtube video of the original song...Kenz and Beau were a lot better, I thought..lol

And sorry to post this picture Kenz, but I think it's so cute! You're a babe!!

It was a lot of fun watching her and seeing how grown up she is! i can't believe it, but she's amazing, and I love her lots! Great job Kenz!

And on the way home, the roads were pretty crappy, but when I got around the lake, it was actually really pretty, so I thought I'd stop and take a picture.

30 Days of Gratitude - Day 11

I don't think that needs any more explanation! How wonderful it is that we get to live in such an amazing and beautiful country!

And because today is Veteran's day, I'm grateful for the many men and woman who serve our country. Who risk their lives for the freedoms that we enjoy everyday. I have many family members and friends who have served, and I am so grateful for each of you....

especially my bro-in-law Ben!
What an amazing brother, husband (to my sis, of course), father (to my adorable niece and nephews...as if that needed explaining). He has been serving in the military for at least the past 6 years (pretty sure it was before he and Shari got married). He recently spent some time over in Afghanistan, and while it was a long 6 months (probably longer for Shari), I'm grateful for the time he has spent serving our country. I am proud to call him my brother.

His little girl is so proud of her daddy too. When I was visiting my sis in Georgia, one of the nights we went out to eat the manager came to our table and Lilli proudly told him that her daddy was an Airman. (pretty much random, out of the blue! love her!) But we are all so proud of him, and grateful to have him in our family. We love you Ben! Thanks for all you do.

And because I love this picture......

30 Days of Gratitude - Day 8

FaLL!!!

I think a lot of times, living in this area we sometimes don't get to enjoy fall. It's almost as if the snow hits as soon as summer is over and so everything is already covered in snow, but this year has been awesome for fall. We haven't had the sudden snow, so the trees have been able to take their precious time changing their leaves and falling to the ground. So pretty! I think fall has some of the prettiest colors!

Greg has to drive to Kaysville every Thursday for class, and he always talks about how cool the trees are, so we decided to take a little trip to get some pictures. Enjoy!

This one was Greg's favorite. It was this bright orange tree in the middle of all these grey ones. Pretty sweet I must say.

my fave...

Mama?

With all the announcements of pregnancy amongst many of my friends, I thought it was time to announce my recent little surprise....


There is a certain photographer that I admire, who also happens to sell photo actions. She totally rocks, and not too long ago she was doing a giveaway for a Lensbaby. Always loving an awesome giveaway, I decided to enter. Like any giveaways there were certain things I had to do, "like me on fb" "mention this giveaway on fb" "purchase something from my shop" etc. etc. So I did those things. Now, I have entered many giveaways in my lifetime, and never won anything. So I didn't expect anything.

Imagine my surprise when about two weeks ago I check my email and see an email from Sarah of My Four Hens Photography. Even more of a surprise when the email read, "Congrats!! You are my LensBaby Composer Contest winner!!" I was super duper excited!!! I received my lensbaby about a week ago, and took it out to play for a minute just yesterday. It's a super cool lens, and I'm so excited to play with it a little more!!

Here are a few of the pics I took with it yesterday. This little grasshopper was the perfect model. Was perfectly still until I was done!

And of course I had to edit some of the pictures with Sarah's FABULOUS actions! I used her "Glory" collection on both of these. (I think! lol)

(Canary Fairy)

(Fantasia)

Needless to say Greg and I are both excited about this unexpected surprise. Me because I actually WON a giveaway (and an AWESOME one at that) and I can't wait to use this lens more, and Greg, because now he doesn't have to buy me another lens!

I've been busy!

Really...besides working my real life job, I have been busy taking photos, editing photos, and trying to keep my house clean (good thing we don't have visitors!) So until I have another 10 minute break to blog about stuff...here's a peek at what I have been doing. (to clarify...that would be EDITING this little guys' photos!)

You can see more on my photog blog or my facebook fan page

and one of my many favorites...(mostly cuz he's winking at me!)

nothing new...

so...yeah....

I did post some of a somewhat recent photo shoot...

just nothing going on around the aullman household!

happy summer!

a hike, the airport, birthdays & bowling

So, if you're my friend on facebook, you've probably seen these pics, but for those of you who aren't, and who care...here are some older pics.

Kennan's 13th birthday was March 27, so I headed to Cokeville for his big birthday bash. Shari and the kids are home for the summer, and since I hadn't seem them in OVER A WEEK! I was excited to get to play with them again. We had a blast as always...the kids just love me! hehe...anyway...when the boys went down for their nap (I hate naptime!) Brady, Lilli and I decided to go on a hike behind the house. It's been a long time since I've been back there, but it was fun. Here are a few pics of our adventure.

she claimed she had something in her eye, but I think she just didn't want to walk.
We took a walk over to what we call "the airport". It is in the field next to Gram's house, and why we called it that...I really don't know, but we had a lot of fun out here. We had cups and all sorts of different thing to play house with, and guess what...they're all still there...lol, it was pretty funny. We always had so much fun out there and thought it was the coolest thing ever!! (yes, it is a bunch of rocks!)
Later that night we head over the Montpelier to go birthday. It was Kennan's birthday, and Brady's birthday was three days later, so that's how we celebrated.
Lilli had so much fun bowling. Despite the fact that it took 20 minutes for the ball to get to the pins...it was still fun. She was super cute.
Aidan wanted to participate...poor little guy!
Shari bowling
Alex & Kennan...
Kennan thought he was pretty cool

Slow-motion bowling (I sometimes don't claim them!)
Papa keeping Aidan happy.
Something sure was FUNNY!
Finally Aidan got a turn! He was so happy....
I let Alex have a turn too...lol, he was pretty funny...both the boys seemed to know where they weren't supposed to go, because they'd take off and get as close as they could to the bowling lane before someone caught them...they thought it was pretty hilarious! What cute kids they are!

So...apparently McKenzie has some boyfriends from all over who send her lots of stuff. Well she got this package from a boy from a certain town where I'm sure all us cokeville girls had a boyfriend or two from...But inside was this shirt (that totally smelled like cologne!) and some ring pops. We decided to have Lilli try it on..

So those were the my adventures from a couple of weeks ago...

and this is random, but Kennan didn't even tell me about this...So, Santa gave Kennan some Jazz vs Suns (my fave team) tickets for Christmas, and the game was April 14 i think....Well, they showed up early and went down courtside to see if they could get some autographs....and Kennan got STEVE NASH'S autograph (he's my fave player)....and Kennan didn't even tell me! How totally unfair is that? I think I'm going to have to steal it from him!!!

Anywho....so yeah, that's a bit of an update...Things here are good. Work is good. Training was 4 days of super boringness, but it wasn't too horrible! Friday was my first day at the branch here, and let's just say I made a really good impression!! I'll update this a little more later...but it's going good so far, so I'm glad about that! :D...So yeah...that's all!