August is Ending

So, I say this every month, but it's almost the end of the month all ready! Time is sure flying by, and you'd think with as many pictures I take, I'd have something super exciting to share, but, alas, I do not. I'll just walk through the last part of August.

One of the sweet girls in my ward, one of my young women, volleyball player, and friend was sealed for Time and All Eternity. I can't believe she is married. I've known her since we moved here, and being in young womens, I got the opportunity to spend time with her, and watch her grow up, spiritually, and physically. She has always had a strong testimony, but it still just makes me so happy to see her so happy, and to make such an important decision to be married in the temple. She lookked so beautiful and their happiness was just radiating! I love you Sarah!

Since my latest stupidity, Greg has decided that I need to start lifting weights and exercising. Do you want to know how I've felt about it? Well, I'll make a separate post about it, as it is one of my 28 by 29 goals.

The weather has been kind of strange this year. It luckily hasn't been super hot, but lately it's been storming, and has been a bit chilly. The mornings are the worst. Luckily I bought myself a new hair dryer that actually blows hot air. It's been very helpful.

Sometimes I joke about how awesome I am at my job, but in reality, I'm not really joking. I really am quite good at my job. I'm totally humble about it too. Since March, one of the other tellers and I were put in a group that helps with web apps (loans). We have been a bit bombarded, but honestly, I wouldn't have it any other way. I absolutely love it. I love being able to help people and having them thank me. Sure it sucks letting people know they've been denied, but if you get one that was denied, and you can work out a way to help them out, it's pretty great. I wish I knew my actual numbers. I could tell you how much money I've done in loans this month due to this pretty sweet email I received from our corporate sales guy.

Greg and I were shopping one day, and I saw some fruit roll-ups, and decided to get them. I love fruit roll-ups. They remind me of Grandma. She always bought them, and we always ate them all. I was super excited to eat this, but was a bit bummed that they no longer do the cut out shapes. Lame!

It's been so beautiful when it storms! Don't tell anyone around here, but I'm kind of looking forward to winter and snow storms!

There was a day at work where there was a bit of negative energy floating around. I don't know if it's my medication, or I have just changed my attitude a lot, but it really gets to me, and makes me feel really sad and weird. So, I sent this picture to everyone. It was nice to hear some laughs.

Greg officially officially started school this week. Lucky him! It's been a pretty busy week for him, but he still enjoys his job.

I went to the dentist for the first time in 10 years! My bishop is a dentist, and since he knows about my condition and lack of being able to open my month, he was very willing to help me out. He was great, and said that I had great teeth, and they weren't too bad for not having been to a dentist in so long. I did however, have a couple of small cavities that I had to go back for. He put me on laughing gas. and at first I didn't notice any difference, but after a while, I started thinking about it, and nearly busted up laughing. I seriously had to try not to smile. It was pretty funny. Thats when I knew it was working. He numbed me up, and was able to get it filled pretty quick. My face was numb for quite a while after. It's a strange feeling. It really has been forever. I have to go back in about a week and half to get the other one done on the other side. Awesome! My right side is completely numb in this pic.

Work....SIGH....We have the best Wednesday morning meetings. It wouldn't be so awesome without me and Danny getting into it about different things. I actually raised my voice a few times, but they were about legitimate issues, so I don't feel TOO bad.

My friend Lindsay has started selling LuLaroe skirts, and she did a party out in Hyrum. My mom, Lindsay's mom and I went out there. I haven't seen Linds since December, and she has since moved to Arizona, so it was really great to see her. There were a few other Cokeville people there, and it was really great seeing them too. If you are looking for super cute skirts, contact Linds. She's got them!

And lastly, I did some last minute visiting teaching. I am so terrible at it. I don't know why I have such a hard time doing it. I love the sisters I visit, and my partner is awesome. I just need to do it. I bought them some treats at the pharmacy when I was picking up meds. That's how you know you're a true spoonie!

Not too much else has been happening. Well, in real life. There is a lot going on in my head, but I have to be a bit emotional in order for me to get my thoughts and feelings out. Right now, I feel like I'm on top of the world. Thank you Zoloft (and no, that isn't a God that I worship!)

Halfway Through August

I kicked off August in the hospital. I had a Right Heart Catheterization that you can read all about {here}. That was an exciting adventure. It was quick, easy, and I got to lay in a hospital for about 5 hours. I survived with just a tiny stab wound.

One of our August highlights happened late at night, as Greg and I were reading before bed I noticed a spider on the wall. Now, let the record show that all I said was, "There is a spider." I did not freak out, or scream. I literally said that and it was done. Greg is the one who shot up and then proceeded to strip the bed in search of Mr. Spider. We had to take the entire mattress off before finding the little guy and giving him a swirly. It was late, I was tired, but it was funny.

Greg got to start school early. He actually started going in towards the last part of July, but I officially had to start dropping him off, and picking him up about two weeks ago. I can't believe it's already school again. What happened to summer?

So, as you know, I love my job, however that doesn't mean that sometimes I get extremely frustrated and just want to quit. The reasons for me being so frustrated probably wouldn't make any sense to anyone, so who knows if I ever get into it. I might over on my Sclero-what? blog, but I don't know. I'm still torn as to how I really feel. Love my co-workers, and the job itself. Just.....frustrated!

Anyway, after one of our morning meetings, I was ranting to Greg about it, and since he very rarely just lets me complain, he sent me this text:

He's the best!!

I've spent a lot of time this summer out on our porch swing. I spend so much dang time indoors, and it's quite difficult for me to do anything outside alone, so the porch has been a great place for me to go and relax. Of course, I still have to have Greg nearby as I can't quite get out of the swing by myself. It's been great though.

This last Thursday we had our Relief Society activity. We did an ice cream social to celebrate the end of summer. We had a decent turnout, which is always nice. It was fun talking with the older sisters. They have some great stories and personalities.

And Greg got to be my big helper this activity. Thanks hun!

Let's see. Controversial topics coming soon...
How to properly raise your children.
Breastfeeding in public
Leggings

Just kidding. We'll have to see what type of mood this week brings, I do have some thoughts on motherhood that I'd like to share....

April Showers

April has been an interesting month. I feel really weird and out of it. I don't know what it is. Maybe the random weather. We haven't actually had many April showers, I just couldn't think of a title. This post may be a bit off because, like I said, I feel really weird, but oh well.

Work has been really good lately. We upgraded our online banking system about a month ago. Let's just say it hasn't gone as smoothly as we anticipated. The phones have been ringing like crazy...still. I won't say what I feel about why the call volume has been up, but people just need to calm down and check their emails, and follow the instructions. But because of this, I was lucky enough to be put into a group of MSR's (Member Service Representatives....have I told you the whole we are no longer tellers anymore? That's a fun story.) that were taking web apps. Holy bombarded. Because of some shingles issues, I actually missed the entire week after the launch, but even still we're still getting a ton of loans. Right now, I have 13 assigned to me. But I really enjoy it. I still am learning, and I ask Steve a lot of questions, but I am really enjoying it. Now I just need my own office and an assistant to get me juice boxes. But really, work is great. I get really worn out by the end of the day, but that's because I don't take time to sit and relax. I have to be standing and going.

Anyway....I've had some fun things happen to me over the last month. It's been quite humbling. I am extremely blessed. I'll share more details on my Sclero-what? blog, but I have to show you my new favorite hair tool that my in-laws got for me. It's called Curl Secret, and it's amazing. You put your hair in it, and it sucks it in and curls it. Greg can use it, and it takes maybe 15 minutes to do. It's pretty amazing...

So, I was supposed to have a Pulmonary Function Test done, so I scheduled to leave work early to go do it. However, due to my life being the way it is, I was not able to perform the PFT. Since we already had work off, Greg took me to watch Divergent. Here's my review:

I REALLY liked it. Maybe because Four/Tobias is super nice to look at, but I love the books, and the movie was really good. I feel like it left out a lot of important things, but it was still really  good. I would definitely recommend it, even if you haven't read the books. No, I don't really like the main girl, but Four/Tobias kind of takes control of your mind, so he's all you can think about. It's about time one of my movies has a hottie in it.

My leg looks soooooo much better.  The shingles post is coming soon, I promise.

Pretty Little Liars has been another obsession of mine. I started watching it while bed ridden with shingles, and I can't stop watching. I actually read the books a few years ago, and it is the weirdest story ever, but it's addicting, plus Caleb.Umm, yummy. So yeah. I'm half-way into Season 2. Netflix rocks, by the way.

Also, we have started watching The Walking Dead. Not gonna lie, I'm not a big fan. It totally drags. The "walker" parts are fine, but the rest of the crap that goes on is just blah. We're in Season 2, and quite bored. Hopefully it gets better. I've heard a lot of great reviews, but I'm not impressed.

So, that's a small catch-up. I need to move my pics from my phone to my computer so that I can show more interesting ones, but it just hasn't happened. Such is my life!

The End of March

So, March has kind of flown by. Wow! It's been a good month. I think...so let's do a quick recap of March.

I got my hair done. We have the cutest couple who come into the credit union, and I have her do my hair. She always is so sweet, and does an awesome job. We just trimmed it up, then did a blend. (Dark on top, slowly fades to lighter brown with hints of blonde throughout). It turned out super cute. Too bad I can't ever do it as cute as she can.

Had our Relief Society Birthday dinner. We had a great turn out, and had lots of fun cleaning and washing a million pie tins and mason jars. (Okay, I actually slowly walked around gathering things, but could only carry so much so I didn't drop anything). I was on my feet all night so my hip hurt me throughout the next few days.

My credit union finally rolled out it's new online banking and mobile app. Yes we're a bit behind the times, but they finally did it, and we are so happy about it. It was a slow few days,  and it was actually kind of nice.

We have started watching The Walking Dead. First season totally dragged on, and there were only six episodes. Hopefully the next seasons are better.

Last, last Friday, I opted to stay home due to massive pains in my back and leg. Turns out I got shingles. Hooray for immune suppressing medicine! Yeah, that hasn't been fun.

I stayed home all this last week, and finally on Wednesday I decided to get Netflix so I can watch Pretty Little Liars, since I was in bed so much. I read the books, and they were weird, and I kind of feel like this first season drags on. But I'm into it, so I have to watch. I'll post more about my shingles experience over on my Sclero-what? blog.

And that brings us to today. I decided to stay home again, because I plan to go to work tomorrow, and need all the strength and energy I can muster. Hopefully it doesn't turn out too bad. We shall see. Happy spring everyone, even if the crazy weather doesn't agree.

Oh, and just putting it out there, if anyone wants a blog makeover, let me know. I get bored sometimes and would love to create the fun "about me" graphics and headers. Just let me know! (FB me or something.)

January-ish

And another month has flown by. Crazy how that works. Especially since in the moment it seems to be taking forever. It has been a good month, though. Work is good. The two new people are great, and they fit right in. There is an entirely different atmosphere, and it's great...Unless we have the red vs orange debate, then I have to plug my ears and ignore them. Apparently no one knows what orange or red look like.

But really, it's been really good. I love my co-workers. We have a lot of fun. Plus, I've been learning a lot about doing loans. I'm still not sure how I feel about having to do them, but it's been kind of cool to learn new skills.

All my Instagram photo taking has paid off. I won a $10 gift card to Coldstone. Heck yes!

I decided to splurge and purchase a Studio Calico subscription. It's basically some awesome scrapbooking supplies. I'm really excited about it. Now to just create some fun projects.

Relief Society is going well. For our January activity we had a lady come and show us how to do Zumba. I, of course, just sat around, however we had a great turn out, and the ladies seemed to really enjoy it. It was good to see so many sisters out. We've got a fun activity planned for February that I'm excited about. I have to teach this coming Sunday, and I'm pretty nervous about it. I am still not 100% sure what I should teach on, so we'll see if inspiration hits.

It has been pretty cold around here. My hands aren't loving it so much. I had a Dr. Appointment on Wednesday that was good. I'll post about it later.

And I think that's about it. Nothing has really happened. Just same ol' stuff. Hopefully it doesn't stay super cold. I don't mind if it snows, but just don't be super freezing. Life is great.

As of late...

Crazy how time goes so slow...and yet so fast at the same time. I can't believe it's been almost a month since my last post. It's funny how at my sister's wedding I had multiple family members say how much they enjoy reading my blog, and how I need to blog more. The problem with that is there really isn't much to blog about. Seriously. Unless you want a play by play of my day, but even then it's going to be the exact same day after day. Got up, went to work, was annoyed with (insert any name here), came home. Really, that's about it. Not too much going on around here. Just work, and chillin'/being bored at home. We don't do much.

I had this last weekend off. We sat at home...watched the Hobbit (longest 3 hours of my life...how can there possibly be two more of those movies coming out?) and pigged out on junk food. (Not really, though we did go get shakes and fries from Arctic Circle.) That was the highlight of my weekend.

We don't really have any big plans for summer. I get to work all summer, so that should be loads of fun. It takes me 3 months to earn enough time off for 6 hours, so, needless to say, I don't have much time off to play this summer. Depending on if Greg gets a job or not, I might plan a vacation for us. We haven't had a real vacation in, well, ever, so we'll see if I can convince him to leave the Shire. I know I need a vacation.

But, that's really about all. Seriously. My life is boring. I don't even have any fun stories from my days. Here's to another long week.

Favorite Sandwich

What is your favorite sandwich and how must it be made so it's perfect?

To be honest...I'm not a fan of sandwiches. I can do like Subway, or Jimmy Johns, but there is something about bread, mayo/miracle whip, and sandwich meat that kinda makes me gag. I can do grilled cheese and grilled tuna, no problemo. I can also do sandwiches as long as the bread is toasted (like BLT's, or sometimes if we just have meat, I'll toast the bread anyway.) Sam's club has these hoagies that are actually pretty good, so I can do them with meat, cheese, and mustard (no mayo). When I was in HS and had to pack a lunch for ball trips, I would make the sandwich with just bread and meat. No mayo. I don't know if its because it's soggy, and I don't like the feel of it sticking to my teeth, but I just can't do it.

I need to stop being picky.

it's amazing...

...what 6 years of marriage can do to a couple.

I know I've mentioned this before, but there are so

many times that Greg and I think the

EXACT SAME THING.

It's kind of creepy to be honest with ya.

But I can't even name all the times Greg has

said something, and I've said,

"I was just thinking that."

Now this is random, but here's what brings

this up.

Saturday Greg told me I had to decide on

what to eat for lunch. Since it was Fast Sunday

I told him I wanted something that would 

more more filling than greasy fast food...

so we went with Cafe Rio. We got it to

go, and though I thought we were going

home...instead we went to McDonald's

to get french fries! I swear, this guy knows

what I'm thinking at all times! 

Like I said...creepy....but I do love him!

best weekend....

EVER....

or at least best weekend had in a LOOOONG time!

Let's just say having one Saturday off a month kinda
sucks...and even then Greg has to work still....but not
this weekend!

Greg took Saturday off...and we had fun...

Not that we did anything exciting (we really didn't!)

Didn't even hit up the Willow Park Zoo, or second
dam. But we did hit up Arby's, made two julius's
in one afternoon, and chilled at home.

I miss weekends like this one...it was pretty much
the best!

25th B-day & More

I celebrated my 25th birthday this year. It's kinda crazy to think that I'm that old. A quarter of a century old! That is old for sure.

Since I am writing this post more than a year later, I don't remember all the details of this day. All I know is that I turned a year older! I don't even really remember WHAT I got for my birthday. (This is why I need to do a better job blogging.) If I do remember right, though, I'm pretty sure Greg took me shopping...which I hated. I hate spending money on clothes, and I hate picking clothes out for myself. I would gladly give someone the money and send them shopping FOR me. But I do appreciate the gesture, as I'm sure I complain a lot about having no clothes to wear! Greg also got me some pretty flowers.

We planted some lily's outside our house. It's what I look forward to every summer. Seeing them bloom. They are so gorgeous! We have some orangeish ones, then we have these ones. (They color is off in these pics, but they are so pretty!

The week after my birthday was a Saturday...and we were bored. For whatever reason, Greg and I decided to go for a drive. We ended up driving over to Brigham City, and boy was it a ride. It started raining like crazy! I have never seen it rain so hard here. We couldn't see the road, and it was just pounding on the windshield. It was awesome. Greg has video on his phone, but since we don't have them fancy iPhones, we can't upload for you to see. It was awesome though.

Another favorite summer activity is getting shakes from Arctic Circle. We usually go once a month after we get coupons in the mail. Unless there is a seasonal special (Moose Tracks or Huckleberry), I'm bound to get a cookie dough shake.

(Pretty sure this is Greg's. Mine was probably half gone by the time we got home!)

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!

slc marathon

I am super late posting this one.

But, a little over a month ago, my sister Shari and her family made the drive from Omaha-ish area (I don't know for sure where they live) to our end of the world so my brother-in-law Ben could run the SLC half. It was on a Saturday...the only Saturday I had off that month, so I decided I would make the trip down to hang out with them. It was a perfect day for driving. Not too hot, and only a little rain. The worst part was trying to find a place to park. (The finish line was by the Gateway). Anyway, I got down there a little after 9 (i think...it's been so long!) And made my way through the crowds to find Shari and the kids.

I arrive to find the boys strapped in the stroller and Lilli tied to the stroller to keep her from running off. (haha, not really, but Shari must have threatened her because she was actually sitting calmly next to the stroller) Of course when I show up, the first thing I do is release them all from their bonds and let them run wild. Shari was waiting for Ben, so I thought it would be okay for me to let them run around.

Of course the first thing they want to do is go where they're not supposed to. Don't worry. we caught Aidan before he made it too far into the lane of traffic.

Alex was a little grump-o-la! (if you can't tell) He wanted to run around like a maniac, so of course I let him.

The drama queen herself insisted on having the umbrella, even though it wasn't raining, and kept smacking everyone around her with it. You'd never guess where her younger brothers get their attitude from...never...

I was there for maybe 20 minutes before we spotted Ben. So we all cheered him on as he came down the last stretch before rounding the bend to the finish line. I have to admit. Watching all those people running (old and young, fat and thin, fast and slow) kinda almost motivated me to do a half (or at least a 5K). I just need to find someone to wear matching running gear with me and either tutus or colorful wigs. But it was still pretty cool to be a part of that and to hear all the cheers for these people they didn't even know. Very motivational!

While we waited for Ben to find us, the kids took me on an adventure. They climbed rocks, ran on fake grass, started yanking on the chains that are supposed to be "keep out" markers, and almost got in trouble by the security guards. Good thing when I spotted the security dudes I acted responsible and said, "NO! get back here!" then when their backs were turned let them do it again.

Ben got back and brought with him some creamies and other treats and goodies. The kids loved the creamies, and made huge messes. The saddest part of the day was when Alex's fell off the stick. It was picture perfect. You see it all the time on TV, but it's even better when it happens in person. He of course started crying, and I had to try not to laugh...especially when he tried to eat it off the ground. Don't worry. it was totally sanitary!

After cheering runners on for a little while longer, we decided to head back to the hotel. Lilli and I brought up the rear of the group and she kept me pretty entertained with her, "and this my friend..." stories. I learned that dandelions turn into sunflowers, and Jesus owns some parking lot in SLC.

The course runs right by the entrance of the hotel, so we stopped out front to cheer on some more runners (we were actually watching for some of Shari & Ben's friends from Georgia who were also running the race.) There was some music playing on some big speakers, and I look over to see Alex with his ears plugged. I don't know if it was too loud, or if he just didn't like the music. Either was it was pretty cute.

Inside we chilled in the room while Ben showered and got ready to go out to eat. The boys ran around and were crazy while Shari cleaned up their stuff. Lilli was content to watch her weird cartoons and draw me pictures, while Alex found the one button on the alarm. It was pretty funny. He was just messing around and all of a sudden some loud Spanish music came on. He jumped and looked at us and then started laughing. He thought it was pretty funny. Let's face it. It was! Alex had laid down with his blanky, but once Alex got bored with the alarm, Aidan decided it was his turn.

Once that got old, they decided it would be funny to attack me. Aidan is a lot nicer, but Alex can be brutal. He would pinch my cheeks and my nose and my eyes, so i would pinch his back. He thought it was so funny, and got me pretty good a couple of times. He's a funny kid!

Aidan wouldn't sit still for me to get a picture of us. I'm surprised I got Alex!

Once Ben was ready we headed over to Rodizio Grill, and boy oh boy was that delicious. The last time I had been there was after Shari and Ben got married. A lot pricey, but super delicious! I even tried chicken something (i want to say heart, but now my mind is blank) Some random body organ, and it was kinda gross. But I did try it! Anyway, thanks Shari and Ben for treating.

After lunch, I took Lilli to the bathroom where she spent about 10 minutes telling me story after story (while she was in there) about all the pets she wanted. (a dog that was brown and could talk just like scooby doo!) Quite entertaining.

When that was done...the kids were a bit restless after sitting pretty still for about 30 minutes, so we went out front where there was a fountain. I gave them all the change I had in my wallet so they could throw them in the fountain. When I ran out they started picking up rocks, twigs, grass, cigarette butts, etc. etc. to throw in. Don't worry...the fountain wasn't clean to begin with...right...It was pretty funny. The kids were able to release a lot of energy while I did my best to keep them from falling it. (Though I have to say it would have been quite funny if they had...and to be honest...the kids probably wouldn't have minded too much!)

totally funny if he had fallen in, right? (I can't remember if it is Alex or Aidan...haha...but funny either way!)

Don't worry...she didn't drink the dirty fountain water out of that straw she found on the ground...okay, she totally did!

And then we ended the day running through the bushes.

All in all it was a super fun day, and I retained my status as the favorite aunt! Thanks for letting me hang out with you guys! Love you!