Closing another semester

The semester ends this Friday...then it's finals week. But I have two of my finals over the weekend, and then only one during actual finals week. I think I like that idea a lot!

I don't think you understand how READY I am for this school semester to be over! It was smooth sailing for the first half of the semester. Then all the presentations and projects started. I just turned in one of my BIG papers yesterday. That helped with alot of stress - and sleep...considering I pulled an all-nighter to write it. And I have another BIG paper due on Friday - but it's a bit easier to deal with writing.

Sadly, I am already stressing over NEXT semester!!! I have to do practicum hours to get work experience in my field. No biggie - I already have two options picked out that have both said it would be great for me to work there. BUT my work schedule depends on others' school schedule. And OF COURSE they are being normal students and waiting until the last minute to say they need transcribing for classes and stuff. So I'm stressing waiting to know what my work schedule will look like for spring. And I have to have all my practicum stuff finalized and ready to start BEFORE the spring semester begins.

Soooo...hopefully I'll know how that's going to work out in a couple weeks. I'm just trying reeeeally hard not to think about it at all until finals are over for me. Then I can get serious about it.

Well - THAT was fun to listen to, I'm sure.

Want something funny to hear?

I am LOOPY when I get no sleep. I already knew this, but I am always amazed at my non-sleep skills in classes the next day. I did not fall asleep or doze off in class at all. Except for when one teacher turned off the lights to watch a short movie.

Good times. I was rambling about the new phone I want to get. I was doing the robot at work. I laughed at EVERYthing. I think I was great entertainment for all my co-workers yesterday - that's for sure. Until about 4:00. It was sad. You would have thought I hadn't slept for 10 days. People were talking to me and I couldn't keep my eyes open. But don't worry! I slept for 10 hours last night! But I fell asleep in my class today. And I was still doing the robot this morning - and Steve told me, "You need to go back to bed!"

Also, I'm hoping it snows soon! That's weird to hear from me...but school is almost over, so why not?!?!

Also - BAZINGA...

10 Awesome Life points if you know what that's from. :)

I think the loopiness is still wearing off....

Stress is a mess

I figure I'd tell you about my fun mess in all this stress for school.

My semesters finally exploded. I have 2 giant research papers due within three days of each other. So that means I won't be getting much sleep for those 4 days in a row...

So far in the semester I've gotten away with not having to do any homework on the weekends. But the last two weeks I've had to actually do homework on Saturdays...UGH. Haha. I got used to that way too quickly.

However, I am still determind to not study/do homework on Sundays - mostly because I have FELT the difference. I've worked diligently to make sure I finish as much as I can ahead of time to keep that goal.

I just had my meeting about practicum for next semester. So along with 2 classes, and 30 hours of work per week, I have to fit in 9 hours of service hours per week at a different site. THAT will be interesting. Especially with only one car between us. But I know we can do it. I have two good options lined up that would both be great. I just have to figure out which would be best for my schedule and needs for the assignment.

We are putting an offer in on a house TOMORROW! That's exciting. I'm not sure why we are doing the whole house hunt now during the crazy semesters....but we are doing it. I'll keep you updated on that. :)

HalloweenTime

I've reeeeally been enjoying the cool mornings and evenings, with the middle of the day still being pretty warm! Although it does make it hard to dress for work when I go at 7:00AM (amazing that I wake up that early, I know) and then have to be there all day long. But I make it work.

I made my second yarn wreath for Halloween. I have really been enjoying the googly eyes this year, and I wanted an excuse to use some on a project.

The image is kind of stinky - because of the blackberry phone...but here ya go. It's really simple, but that's how I like it. Usually when I try to go all out I end up hating it. So I go for simple because it always turns out great!

I wanted to add some letters to spell out "BOO" but the only letters I could find were giant. So I need to find some that will be a good size for the wreath. Then maybe I can add them.

Hopefully I can get some pictures of our Halloween "costumes" in a while. We still aren't quite sure what we are going to be. But we'll see what happens!

We also have yet to pick out some pumpkins - so hopefully that will come soon as well.

Have a ghoulish week!

Bali Hai

It's so cool to wake up to clouds almost in my backyard. All I could think of was the Bali Hai song because it looks kind of like that on the South Pacific movie. But the mountains peeking out of the clouds just looks sooo cool!

And I'm enjoying hearing the walls rumble a little bit while Steve is enjoying his new FREE surround sound system watching good ole Indiana Jones: The Last Crusade. I'm a sucker for Indy!

And not just the movie... ;)

Get reeeady!

That's my cool title... :)
And I kind of chose it because I know that my semester is about to explode with midterms and group projects starting!

It got REALLY cold REALLY fast out here, and I'm not sure how I feel about it. Although I think the weather people are "predicting" it to be in the 70s this week, so I'll take that. That is my favorite temperature. I hope it's enjoyable.

I have enjoyed being all snuggly with Steve and our 20,000 blankets - until he got strep a couple days ago...so there hasn't been much snuggling, even though I've been freezing my buns off! But it's been over 24 hours, and the doctor said he's not contagious anymore. But we went for 48 hours just be safe. So now we can snuggle. YAY

A couple weeks ago Steve went fishing with the men in his family and he had a blast! He was sad his brothers couldn't be there with him, but he was still glad to go be manly without me around. hehe.

I'm having another itch to be crafty again - I think it's because of my addiction to pinterest.com. But I don't really have the time (or extra play money) to make the cool crafts that I want. Also, I'm going to start looking for a cheap sewing machine and start playing around. That should be an adventure.

I'm still waiting to hear about that staff position. I think someone said it should close this week. Soooo we'll see!

Have a good autumn-time!!!

quickie

I realized I really need to give a quickie update.

School started and we are still living on. It hasn't gotten too hectic yet, but I'm SURE it will in a week or two when the tests and projects start.

Transcribing at work has been alot of work, but I'm still learning alot. And I still enjoy it. I applied for a staff transcribing specialist position, so we'll see how that turns out in a little while.

Steve went with two classes to get used to school and a 40 hour work week. It's all working out really well right now.

I'm still amazed that we've lived for 3 years married and working with only one car. But I'm strangely proud of that small fact.

FAAAACT! We discovered "Kid History" on youtube and we've been peeing our pants laughing every since.

I'm figuring out how to balance school, work, and my new Mary Kay endeavor. It's working out much better than I imagined. But there is always room for improvement.

My birthday is in TWO days. And I'm very excited about it!!!! But it is weird to think about saying I'm 24 years old. I still don't even feel like I'm 20...

Fall is approaching and weather has been absolutely PERFECT the last week. It has been incredibly enjoyable.

Sarah came for a visit and it was refreshing to think about home. I'm glad we all hung out for a few hours. Good times.

Now I realize this was more of a short rambling session. But I hope you enjoyed.

2

2 seconds until I drop into bed

2 minutes until I jump out of bed freaking out that I am totally unprepared

2 days until school starts

2 semesters away from graduating with my Bachelor of Arts in Family Studies

When you break it down that way...it seems soooo much closer!

I can't believe I am only 2 short semesters away from being school work free! And Steve doesn't have much longer! Seeing the light at the end of the tunnel is very motivating.

So here's to another [my last] beginning of a school year!

Summer Fun

Well, even though I said we had been relaxing with barely any classes, I have been lacking in my motivation for blogging. But we have been having alot of fun, even though we have had alot of family and friend activities to attend.

Here I am with my friends Candice, Lola, and Chelsey. Chelsey just got married and we all met at her reception (only partially planned). It was so fun to see my old roommates/friends! It is sad that they are all so far away. But hopefully we all get together again soon!

My mom came into to town to visit and have some fun with me, Monica, Dallin, and Maggie. It was alot of fun to take a little time off work and spend time with her. We went to the Gateway Mall in downtown SLC. Mom REALLY liked all the Olympic stuff all over the mall. So, she had to get a picture under the Olympic Legacy Plaza sign.

I LOVE this store! It is really vintage and stylish. And it's at the Gateway...that was my main attraction for the day. However, I only got one little thing that was on clearance because almost everything in that store is EXTREMELY expensive. Far too much money for clothes I can find in regular stores for a fraction of the price. However - I still enjoy looking at the clothes and home decor for inspiration and cool ideas. :)

We made a stop for lunch at the food court. wooooo.
While Mom was here, I decided to tackle a crafting project I'd been waiting and waiting to do! A yarn wreath. It seems like I see them everywhere lately, and I think that they are adorable! After I started the wreath, somehow I managed to get the yarn into a HUGE knot. So we had to spend a day fixing that before I could continue.

Here is the finished project! I LOOOOVE IT!!!!! I realize not everyone would like something like this (mom), but I think it's cute and can't wait to make another one!

The flowers are made of felt. I had some flowers left over and made a necklace. It is really cute. But I'll have to put up a picture another time since my camera is currently out of commission. I'm planning on making another one, and possibly a headband. We'll see what happens. :)

The 4th of July was also pretty fun. Bigger fireworks are now legal in Utah, so we saw ALOT of fireworks in the air as we drove. Unfortunately, people are crazy about them and they did not limit the fireworks to the few days around the 4th. But I guess we just have to deal.

We have also seen some great sunsets in the last month or so. Here is one we saw that really makes me grateful for the beauty of the earth. The rays are beautiful, and I'm so grateful for nature and this earth we have to live on.

...aaaah summer

Well, our crazy half semester block ended. Steve is done for the summer. But for me - it's another half semester block. But I am only taking ONE class and it is online. That will decrease my stress level alot!

I am so excited for summer! It's finally consistently warm and sunny! So enjoyable! Now I can actually pack those long sleeve shirts into the back of my closet and buy some shorts that actually fit! (considering I only have one pair at all right now...)

And to top it all off, my mom is here and we are having a blast! We have lots of fun things planned with Monica, Dallin, and Maggie - and I am SUPER excited to finally play!

One more

After tomorrow - our crazy half summer semester is over!

ONE MORE DAY!!!

However, I am starting another class for the second block. But it is ONLY one class and it is online. So it definitely won't be as bad.

ONE MORE DAY!!!!!

The need to craft

I have not had ANY time to craft/make cards/scrapbook or anything lately -- and it is KILLING me inside!!!

I have been totally obsessed with yarn wreaths lately ( here is the link -- http://steamykitchen.com/14280-make-yarn-wreaths.html ), and I really want to make one because it is extremely easy. I just need the time.

Only one more week of school!

So hopefully next week I can get going and get some of this craftiness out of my system!

ONLY ONE MORE WEEK OF THIS CRAZY SEMESTER!!! :)

Literally

This is LITERALLY all we have been doing lately. For some strange reason we decided to take summer classes to try and get our degree quicker. But most of the summer classes are the same amount of work crammed into 7 weeks, or about 1/2 a semester. So we have been going IN-SANE trying to fit in all the reading, paper writing, and test taking. It's nuts.

See that little letter right above my books? ^^^^ In the right upper corner of the table? Yeah - that's my letter from the university president saying I got on the honor roll for last semester. I'm proud...I won't lie. Steve would have gotten one as well if his teacher hadn't lost his final project and marked him down for "turning it in late"...

Steve being very studious. And silently going nuuuuts...

Absolute delight

I had the MOST DELIGHTFUL surprise yesterday!!! You will never believe it. I found a place, just a few minutes from our house, that sells the Vanilla Bun! The most delicious candy bar EVERRR!!!

If you haven't had this, go to that old-fashioned Farr's ice cream place across from the grocery store on Washington. Then buy one. Then enjoy! If you end up hating it, bring it to me to finish! What a fantastic surprise. I never thought I would find one in Utah.

Steve and I were taking a break from our hectic homework schedule by growing mustaches. ;)

A couple weeks ago we went to The Pizzeria..Pizzaria... I'm not sure which way is correct. But we decided to try their chicken alfredo pizza. It. Was. Delicious. So I decided to make my own a few nights ago. And... it. was. delicious. I was very proud that I made something really good that is a play off of 2 of my favorite foods - chicken alfredo and pizza. YUM!

Steve even asked for seconds! That means he liked it too!

Despite the insanity that is our life right now, we still find a little bit of time to enjoy the little things. Especially now that it is warm outside! Hooray!

It's the cheesiest

The One & Only: Macaroni

It's interesting to think at 23
I am still crazy about thee.
I'll think about you all day long
Until I just burst out in song!
A childhood love so good and pure,
This will last, I'm very sure.
You help me through my picky eating,
This love will not be fleeting.
I'll cook you up and put you in a bowl
Because your cheesy goodness feeds my soul.
Oh the cheese! So warm and yummy!
You fully fill my empty tummy!
I cannot wait until next time we meet.
I can only imagine it will be SO sweet!
A yummy dish for all to enjoy.
I almost love you as much as my boy.
At 23, such a simple treat.
You warm me from my head to my feet.
I love you Mac N Cheese -- you are the best.
You are simply better than all the rest.

Some special ladies

Mother, I love you.

Mother, I do.

Father in Heaven has sent me to you.

When I am near you,

I like to hear you

Singing so softly that you love me too.

Mother, I love you, I love you, I do.

Of course I need to express our love and appreciation to our mothers today. And I chose my favorite mother's day primary song to do it.

I'm so grateful for all the things we learned from our mothers' examples. They taught us how to be courageous, loving, and cheerful.

I'm grateful for Vicki and how she raised such a wonderful son, so I could marry him! She is an ever-enduring woman of faith, and she continues to amaze me.

I'm grateful for Melody and her best-friendness growing up, even if I was a snot. I'm especially proud of my mom right now for being a seminary teacher, because I know I inherited her lack of of being a morning person. ;)

And I'm grateful for all mothers that we are related to and that we aren't related to. You all do such an important job, and I'm so glad I have amazing examples to learn from everyday.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

[I was going to crop me and Grant out of that picture with Steve's mom, but I figured I'd leave Grant in since his birthday is the same day. So happy birthday to Grant!]

Spring has finally sprung!

And I'm hoping it's here to stay!!!

We've been dying of constant cold all throughout April. [As seems to be the case with alot of people throughout the country...]

This week has been the first week of true warmth. It's been so exciting to not have to bring a jacket to school!!! Yes, we are going to school this summer. We are trying to plow through to the end! It's in sight.

Since the warmth of the new season is so delightful, I thought I would share some other things with you that I find absolutely delightful right now.

My favorite sandals.

Bright, painted toenails.

Dandelions.

I remember when I was younger and I thought that dandelions were the most beautiful flower. My friends and I would pick bouquets at recess and give them to each other. Then we'd pick out all the petals and write on each other's hands and arms with the yellow from it. It was some good times.

Now I just enjoy picking them and singing, "mama had a baby and her HEAD popped off!" and pop its top off! That's fun too.

I also enjoy these "popcorn" trees that seem to be all over Utah. I never truly noticed them until this year. They are so fun to see because it actually looks like popcorn when you drive by.

I love our beautiful WSU campus as well. I'm sure there are prettier campuses, but I sure think ours is pretty! I love the fountain and our bell tower. Despite the constant construction that seems to plague our campus lately, it's awesome.

I feel like you all ought to know that I ate some of an apple all by myself today. I was proud because it didn't take any coaxing from anyone else. Yay! I had to document it for all to see.
And now you can all see my beautiful pre-ready face & hair. :)

I hope you are all able to find the little things to enjoy about life right now. It can be hard sometimes, but there are always good things around us.

I am thinking about and praying for Steve's brother who is in the hospital right now. I hope he continues to improve. We love you guys!

OKLAHOMA!

As you all may have heard, I just finished a community production of Oklahoma at the Terrace Plaza Playhouse. I was trying to satisfy my hankering to perform, and the auditions were at the perfect time, and it all just worked out! :) I was so excited to be back on stage!!!

I was a little bit nervous because all the practices and all the shows would stretch through an entire semester of school. I was just worried I would not have time or energy to do all my homework. But I learned alot about time management and got everything done on time. And I actually did a lot less procrastinating! Awww, I'm growing up!

Anyway, I wanted to show a few pictures from backstage with my friends. I obviously couldn't post all the pictures I wanted to, so I tried to just get a few group pictures up.

This is Erik, my show husband.

Here are a bunch of the girls, and Erik [who is doing the SPLITS right there, you just can't see it!]. The girl right next to me is one of our Laurie's in the show [the lead girl]. They were double cast.

Here are actually, alot of the same girls, and a few boys.

And again!

I had such a blast and made so many new friends!!! I am so glad I made the decision to do this show! Steve and I sacrificed quite a few date nights for me to do this, but we just improvised with date days. :) This was truly the lift I needed to satisfy my fix. I may have to get into another show at some point. Maybe in a year ish when they do Joseph!

This cast was OK!!!

In the meantime...

While you have all been diligently working your blogs and documenting your fun times, we have been going INSAAAANE!!!!

But since we are on a week break from school, I thought I would catch you up on our lives -- even though I won't have any pictures up yet.

School started in January and we didn't waste any time getting busy with everything else in our lives. I auditioned for the musical Oklahoma right before Christmas break. I made the cast and I was suuuuper excited since I had not been in a show for a few years! And rehearsals started the same day as school started. However, that same day, my body decided it would get strep throat for the first time ever! I cannot convey how much I HATE missing school/rehearsals -- especially when it's the first week of them! But I had to miss any entire week of both. I guess it was pretty important so I didn't get everyone else sick around me.

But we immediately got a TON of homework and alot of stuff to get started on for school. Both of us were taking a Research Methods class, and we knew it was going to be a tough semester. Luckily I got to do my research project/paper with a group, but Steve had to do it all by his lonesome...with a teacher that did not explain anything to him. But we ended up being pretty successful in our projects and finishing up well.

Oklahoma rehearsals were Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays for almost 2 months. It was a little stressful with homework, tests, and papers. Not to mention our only having one car. Somehow we made it work and I always got to rehearsal and Steve always got home from work. Then when the shows started, it was from February 25th through April 9th, every Monday, Friday, and Saturday. A VERY long run for a community show, but it was enjoyable!!! I made so many new friends and loved dancing and singing all the time. I had almost forgotten how much I really enjoyed being on stage. We also got a TON of great reviews from people saying it was a really great show -- even though it was Oklahoma. So I'd say we did a great job.

Sadly, we did not play the Wii much -- even though we were so excited we had it! At most we'd play for an hour a month. But that's not to say it wasn't tempting. We used alot of self control in making ourselves do our homework instead of playing games.

As the semester wore on, our schedules and projects became more and more insane. We definitely learned alot about time management in the last few months. We had so many papers and projects to finish just within a few weeks. SOMEHOW we did it all. And I was lucky that my show ended the week before finals week. We're waiting for our final grades from a couple other classes, but so far we've seen that we pulled out some A-'s where we were expecting a little lower of a grade. We're satisfied so far! :)

We have been enjoying our week-long break before the summer semester starts. May 2nd -- here we come! Full force again! And we've been lucky in getting financial aid to pay for almost all of our semester's expenses.

Steve also celebrated his birthday this past March. We just had a couple friends over to play our Wii and break it in. I got him (us) a down pillow and an apple corer! The second one is an inside joke about our unhealthy eating. :) So hopefully now we'll eat more apples, right???

I hope you've had a good beginning of 2011!