My Life.. As Makenzie

Rolling with the Punches

2012-02-06T14:17:00.001-08:00

Life has been hard lately.

more than I could put into words.

and I feel all alone.

I really wish my mom was here
she would know exactly what to do..
she can only tell me so much over the phone, text and skype.

:(

Kyle and I have been presented with a few new...... stresses? ..if you will..

There is nothing we can do about said stresses, so we are accepting them as they come and trying to make the best out of things.

And once again, I am sick.

This time, I am thinking it's the flu

I can't eat or drink anything without feeling like I am going to puke it back up.
I could lay in bed and sleep the days away.
I could be sweating but feel like I am freezing at the same time.
I have zero energy which means going to school, doing homework and working two jobs pretty much takes everything out of me.
I haven't clean our apartment, made dinner or put laundry away in about a week.
I don't even want to shower.

sick.

Don't mean to be a "Negative Nancy".... things just really suck right now!

Thanks to the wonderful hubby I have for catering to my every need.

Thumbs up for Rock & Roll

2012-01-19T12:23:00.000-08:00

This kid is awesome!

Anniversary

2012-01-07T11:04:00.000-08:00

The Mr. and I celebrated our very first anniversary on the 7th

We had been talking for months about what we wanted to do, but we didn't have a lot of extra money and we didn't really like the idea of spending a big chunk of change on a fancy hotel to just sleep there for one night!

We looked and looked online but nothing caught my eye & the weather wasn't really on our side for traveling.

Last minute we just decided to get a hotel for two nights in Salt Lake.

Then we both got sick.

We contemplated about canceling our reservation but decided to go anyway.

We left Friday evening, made a few stops & ran some errands before arriving

Checked in, grabbed a little something to eat at a diner in the same parking lot as the hotel and then watched movies and stayed up late reminiscing about our time together.

Saturday morning, the day of our anniversary, I felt like death was about to knock on my door!

We ate breakfast at the hotel, took our sweet time getting ready, went to a movie & a light lunch, did a little shopping then headed back to the hotel where we watched more movies and cuddled in our giant bed :)
(oh, how I wish I could bring that bed home with me!)

We wanted to go somewhere a little fancy for dinner & wanted to go somewhere we have never been, but also wanted to get our money's worth.

We looked online and saw tons of great reviews for this Chinese restaurant.

COMPLETE FAIL!

it was horrible!

it wasn't very good and it was so spicy that we could not even eat it.
So we went and got ice cream to make up for it.

Went back to the hotel to just hangout but I fell right asleep!
Walking around all day while sick took every ounce of energy out of me.
I slept until 9:30 the next day!!
(That doesn't happen very often)

We took our time getting ready Sunday morning, made a few stops to see the grandparents on our way home and jumped right back into the real world.

It is so strange to me that we have already been married for a year.

It has gone by in a blink of an eye.

People keep telling us that we made it and that "the first year is the hardest"

I would have to disagree. It was a piece of cake! :)

Now to many more happy years with the man of my dreams!

♥

Oh Brother

2012-01-05T09:01:00.000-08:00

The husband and I haven't started our New Year very well.

We have both been sick and it's just getting worse.
Which means we haven't been as strict on our goals as we should be

We are supposed to leave for our anniversary get away tomorrow afternoon...

I hope we enjoy at least just a little bit of it. We might just be sleeping ourselves away at our hotel.
And yes, we will really be sleeping for you who have dirty minds.

We have both called into work multiple times this week.

I feel really bad because we are poor and we should be working but I feel like death!

Yesterday I was NOT in the mood to cook dinner so I told the Husband that we should go to this place called Pizza Pie Cafe with my two brothers, sis-in-law & nephew
(they had just gotten back into town the night before)
We were there for like 10 minutes when I hear this dry heaving sound
I look at everyone and say, "Is that guy throwing up?"
Then you see his son (13 or so I am guessing) trying to give him the Heimlich.. and his dad was a big guy so he wouldn't have been able to do anything
Our whole table stood up
(mind you, we were the FARTHEST away from them)
Then I yelled "Holy Sh*t! That guys is choking! Should we call 911?"
Sorry for the cursing... when I get really scared they just tend to slip out! :/ my bad!

then the guy is hitting the table and turns around and yells out "Help me!" in a raspy voice
My brother, Cameron, ran over there and started giving him the Heimlich
We aren't sure if the object popped out or if he swallowed it all the way but within a few minutes the guy was walking to the bathroom with drool all over his face and shirt
Came out, shook my brothers hand and said thank you.

It was scary!

I laid in bed forever trying to fall asleep but kept replaying it in my head.

I was actually quite pissed that NO ONE in the whole restaurant tried to help him.

There were two FULL tables next to him and his son and not one person stood up to help him but my brother ran across the restaurant to help him.

Thank goodness we decided to go.

I really hope we don't have to experience that again.

New Year

2012-01-03T12:50:00.000-08:00

Boy oh Boy!

2011 went by in a blink of an eye but I am so excited for 2012

I don't have a clue what this new year will bring but I am anxious to see what happens.

Here are a few highlights

January
We got hitched for time & all Eternity

February
Early Valentines Dinner Date at Mr. Husband fav restaurant
CHUCK-A-RAMA ;)

March
"Mustache March"
(so glad that's over)

April
Went to Vegas for Spring Break

May
Enjoyed all the amazing weather in Idaho

June
Went to Vegas for Kyle's brothers homecoming
They had not seen each other in 4 yrs

July

Spent 4th of July in Idaho Falls with our friends

August
Moved to Utah
Celebrated Mr. Husbands 24th birthday
&
went "camping" at this gorgeous cabin

September
This precious little boy was born (nephew)
&
We went to our first Aggie homecoming game as USU students

October

Carved Pumpkins
&
enjoyed all the leaves

November
Thanksgiving at my grandparents house
&
The Forgotten Carols
(New Christmas Tradition)

December

Temple Square w/Mr. Husbands Mission friends

Christmas Lights in Vegas

Shooting in Vegas

Kyle & I have had quite the year with our fair share of trials but it has only made us better people and closer as a couple. I couldn't ask for a better man to grow with, learn with and love.
Her is to another great year together!

Our goals for the New Year:
-Read Scriptures Daily
-Say Prayers Daily (Morning & Night)
-Go to the temple once a month (or more)
-Exercise
-Eat Healthy
-Have a meal plan for the month (try new recipes)
-Set a budget
-Put $25 away from every paycheck
-Go on a date once a week ($50 budget for the month)
-Eat out only once a month (can be a date or just because)
-No swearing (Mr. Husband!)
-Don't spend change in change jar
-No more soda!
-Don't procrastinate homework/projects
-Study more

Much Appreciated.

2011-12-29T10:10:00.000-08:00

I know I have asked you nicely before, but I will ask you one more time before the devil in me comes out.

To all my husband's ex girl friends, friends that are girls, old kissing "buddies",
whatever category you may fall under,

Please STOP trying to add us on facebook.
It's bad enough you want to "be-friend" my husband again, but we have SHARED fb account and I honestly want nothing to do with you.

He wants nothing to do with you.

You are all married.
happily?
I don't know.
That's your own problem.

But we on the other hand are EXTREMELY happily married.
and I don't want you messing that up.

There is an unsaid rule when you get married..
I'm guessing you didn't get the memo

but when you get married, all the people you have dated, kissed, had any sort of romantic relationship with are left in the past.

deleted from facebook, myspace, twitter, etc.. (whatever tickles your fancy)
deleted from your phone
No texting
No calling
No messaging via internet

Actually, when you get married, all existing friends pretty much disappear.

I don't like finding out about you
I'm pretty sure MY HUSBAND
(not your boyfriend, just in case you forgot)
doesn't like hearing about my past either.

We don't talk about it.

We trust each other.

Whatever may have happened in the past has been taken care of and we don't want the reminder.
(that's YOU)

But when you pop back up into the picture, it just makes both of us mad.

So, if you would stop, we would both greatly appreciate it.

Sincerely,
A pissed off wife

Apology

2011-12-19T09:28:00.000-08:00

Dear Mr. Husband,

I would just like to apologize for how I have been acting lately.
The past few weeks have been hell for us and I am probably not making it any better.
I'm sorry for hardly making dinner, for not doing laundry, for not going grocery shopping, that the house is a pig sty, for being ornery and snippy, and for looking frumpy!

The 14 hour shifts and tiredness that we both feel is the cause of all of this.

I'm sorry

I was much prettier before we got married
Now I walk around in jeans, a hoodie, a ponytail and no makeup
You still tell me I look beautiful but
I promise that once this week is over I will look pretty again for you.

The talk we had on the way home last night was very nice.
I'm glad that we can talk like we are best friends but also as lovers.
I'm excited for the new year and our new goals
and to celebrate our FIRST anniversary together.

I love you!
Thanks for loving me when I'm hard to love.

Love your wifey.

Hell Week

2011-12-12T13:39:00.000-08:00

I refer to Finals Week as Hell Week.
I think it's an appropriate fit.

I am lucky enough to have only two real finals this week
one which is online (booya!) open book/open notes..now that is my kind of final!
Then my second one, I'm procrastinating all the studying I need to do because I am just retaking the class next semester so it doesn't really matter if I bomb the final or not.
catch my drift?

But as for Mr. Husband.. he has some tough classes and has been stressing out and studying every minute of every day for about two weeks now!

On top of that, we are both trying to get as many hours as we can at both jobs before we head off to Vegas for Christmas.

My two brothers, sis-in-law and nephew are driving to Arizona tomorrow to spend Christmas with my family.
I am VERY jealous to say that least

I'm having mixed feelings about this Holiday Season.
I kind of feel like Scrooge.

We have been so busy we haven't hardly put up any Christmas decorations,
we haven't done any of our family traditions,
we haven't even been Christmas shopping.

FAIL!

As soon as this week is over, I will be able to breath and sleep once again.

Thought

2011-12-06T13:19:00.000-08:00

I just thought you all should know that I am insanely & completely, madly in LOVE with this sexy man!

Thank you Mr. Husband for all the sweet things you do for me
for making me smile when I don't want to
for letting me cry in your arms
for letting me vent to you about things you could care less about
for randomly texting me sweet nothings
for doing the dishes because you know I hate it
&
for choosing me to spend Eternity with!

I love you Kyle!!
♥♥♥

Weekend.

2011-11-21T13:30:00.000-08:00

Let the Vac-A being!!!
Wahoo!

I officially do not have school for one week due to awesome professors who cancel class for Thanksgiving break! :)

I have been so overwhelmed lately with midterms, working two jobs, household chores, & all of the other fun crap that comes along with growing up that this week break is VERY needed.

Mind you, I still have to work (boo), but I am so happy to spend lots of time with the Mr. of mine!

This will be the first Thanksgiving that I have spent with my extended family in 5 years!
I am soooo excited.
Minus the fact that my parents won't be here :(

I am in charge of making a cheesecake and 2 chocolate pies.
which you can get the recipes on my food blog here

It's going to be quite the par-tay
and
I will get to love this little man to pieces ALL week.

The more I am around him, the more I think he needs a cousin ;)
...all in due time

Today

2011-11-03T16:10:00.000-07:00

Today I have really been missing these people :(

Emotional.

2011-10-09T15:16:00.001-07:00

The past 3 weeks or so I've been really ornery.
I don't know why? Everything just seems to get on my nerves.

I get sad really easily.
example: I was in my communicative disorders class and we were watching a movie about a family that had twins and one of the babies was born deaf and the mom was having a hard time coping with it, etc, etc.
It made me cry a little.
Thank goodness that lights were off

And NO, it's not PMS.
I hate that people use that as an excuse or when someone says
"what's wrong with you? Do you have PMS?"
ughh, girls can be emotional or upset without having PMS.
really. grow up.

My family was here for a week and a half because baby Cooper was born
They left on Saturday afternoon.
We had to say goodbye on Friday.
I bawled my eyes out
I had to go to work shortly after they left which took my mind off of things for a while

I spent last night crying...
over a lot of things.

I'm so overwhelmed it's not even funny.

Mr. Husband & I both have two jobs and we are going to school.
We don't see each other a lot
it's hard.

i hate it.

I'm not taking any really hard classes but I've failed two tests already.
not miserably failed. just by a few points.
I have test anxiety.
No matter how much I study, I look at the test and forget everything.

I like school but I hate it at the same time.

I know that I need to go to school if I want to get anywhere in the world but I'm seriously debating if I want to.

With all the pressure the world gives you with having a baby, going to school, working, paying bills, etc.
seriously stresses me out!!!

Which brings me to my next point.

It drives me insane that people my age go on all these nice vacations, buy all these nice things/clothes/shoes, have new 'toys' all the time, etc
when the husband and I scrape pennies to pay bills & buy groceries.

How do they do it?
Are they just in debt?
Or do mommy & daddy still pay for everything?

I have friends whose parents pay their rent.

When I was old enough to work, my parents told me I had to get a job and pay for my own things.

clothes, phone, gas

Don't get me wrong, they will help us if we need it, but they aren't going to pay our freakin rent!

ugh, growing up seriously isn't as fun as I thought it was going to be.

Sorry this entry is all over the place

Just had to vent a little.

BABY!!!

2011-09-26T07:44:00.000-07:00

Introducing the cutest nephew in the whole wide world!

Cooper Matthew Carter

Oh, how I love this little baby!
I'm obsessed!

Crystal was induced on Wednesday September 21st.
I went to the hospital as soon as I got out of class
I went home at 8pm when the Mr. finished class/study group
ate dinner and hit the hay.
Told Cam to call me when Crystal was ready to have him.
You see, she stayed at 3.5 for like 5 hours!

At 3am I woke up to 3 missed calls, texts and a voicemail
I woke Kyle up and we drove to the hospital
We got there right before he was born.

Cooper was born September 22, 2011 @ 3:42am

I spend every second I can loving that sweet boy and admiring all of his HAIR!

Uncle Marky

Happy Little Family!

This little man has my heart!

♥♥♥

I cried.

2011-09-08T16:38:00.000-07:00

Vanessa Bentley.
She was an amazing person.

I first met her when we moved to Tucson 5 years ago and went to our new ward.
I was not excited about moving, going to a new ward, making new friends, etc.
But she was so loving and welcomed me the instant she met me.

She made me feel comfortable in my new surroundings
Got to know me personally
Invited me to activities to make more friends
Sat with me at lunch at the "Mormon table" so my brother & I weren't alone.

Everyone knew who she was.
She was a pretty amazing person.

I found out yesterday morning that she passed away last Tuesday.
I cried as soon as I read the text from my mom.
bawled actually.

She was serving as a Missionary for The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints in New York.
She was involved in a car accident and was put on life support but passed later that evening.
read more here , here or here.

It's kind of mind boggling that she's gone
Even though we have the knowledge through the Gospel of Jesus Christ that will see her again, it's still hard.

I laid in bed last night wide awake thinking about her.
She was such a good person.

Its hard to think that two of my friends, both so young, have died this year.

Mr. Husband keeps telling me, it's because they were so righteous that Heavenly Father needed them more in Heaven then on this earth.

I try to think of that instead of them being gone.
:(

Welp!

2011-09-04T13:05:00.000-07:00

The first week of school is over!

And what a week it was.

It went by quite fast but at the same time VERY slow.
if that makes any sense?

I had some very long days!

You see, I have my first class at 9:30 and then my next one doesn't start until 3:30
I get to spend a few of those hours with Mr. Husband but most of that time is spent
sitting
people watching
reading
daydreaming
trying not to fall asleep in front of hundreds of students
etc.

I took 3 or 4 naps this week.

I'm the type of person that hates naps.
I feel like I am wasting away my day.

But as soon as I got home from school, I told Mr. Husband to come snuggle & talk to me.
5 minutes later, I was asleep.
tired much?

You betcha!

When I'm not at school, I'm working and doing homework.
Oh...the joys of being poor and in college.

I don't know if it's because my body is so exhausted or what but today I started to feel sick at work.
And it was BUSY!
The girls that closed Saturday night left a lot of things for me to do on top of the normal routine

So customer after customer came in, I was feeling so sick to my stomach saying little prayers that no one would show up so I could sit down for 5 minutes.

Well, then I started to feel dizzy, light headed, and barfy!!!

I hate feeling barfy

it would come and go, then when there was a HUGE line.... I could feel my face getting pale, I was shaking, and seriously was trying not to throw up my breakfast.

When I got my first break in between customers I ran to the back room to the nearest garbage can and up-chucked!

SICK!

I hate, absolutely hate throwing up.

And, no...I am not pregnant.

Funny how when you are married and sick people automatically assume you are prego.

Nope.

sorry to disappoint.

Speaking of prego.. my sis-in-law is gunna pop out that lil nephew of mine soon and I can't wait to get my baby fix!!!

woot woot

School

2011-08-29T07:57:00.000-07:00

Today is my first day of school at USU

I am sitting on a bench waiting for my first class to start.

I'm really nervous.

I came early with Mr. Husband because his first class is an hour earlier than mine.

but thankfully, we get to have a few hours together
(during my FIVE hour break between classes)

So he can calm me down and tell me everything is going to be great.

You see...I've only taken a couple classes at a community college when I was living in Arizona.
People basically call it 13th grade because of how easy it is.

So, I'm nervous to be attending a REAL college with GIANT classes!!

But I'm excited to be doing something with my life.

Well, I'm off to my first class
Wish me luck!!

:/

Last Hoo-raw!!

2011-08-27T13:33:00.000-07:00

Kyle's Birthday turned out pretty fun...but it wasn't what I expected.

We started the morning off grabbing a few last minute items for everyone to come over.
Kyle's dad, brother (mitch), Lim & Lim's brother showed up around noon
**Lim is basically another brother. He was a foreign exchange student from Korea that has lived with the Hawk family for 4 years now.

Everyone snacked on the treats we had out, then we went and moved Mitch into his apartment,
Went to Wally World to see if they had any tubes, because the boys all wanted to float the canal.

Turns out, summer is "over" and they don't sell them anymore...but it's still 95 degrees outside.
LAME!

Then we went back to the apartment where Kyle opened his presents which consisted of:

USU Sweats
Jeans
T-shirt
Belt
Backpack
Cologne

He picked them all out...I just told him to act surprised ;)

Mark got him a game for his xbox 360 that he has been wanting.
I made him promise me that it wouldn't consume his life.

Then his parents got him some really nice waders so he can go fly fishing without getting soaking wet.

We all just hung out...(well, more like sweat to death in our apartment..we don't have AC) until 8pm when we headed to The Bluebird Restaurant
(**Thats where we had our very first date)

Birthday boy in his new outfit

I had previously talked to family and friends about meeting us at Bluebird to surprised Kyle because as far as he knew, it was just going to be me, him, his dad, brother, lim & lim's bro.

Well, it didn't turn out quite like I had imagined.

They sat us back in this room, where our guests couldn't really see us
Then our guests either couldn't come, canceled LAST minute, couldn't come til later....so, it was disappointing for me but Kyle still had fun.

We went back to our place, had cake, pie, treats, etc. and played some games.

Then yesterday, Mark, Kyle, Me, Mitch and Shae all went to 7 peaks
We were all stoked!
We got up early, drove down to Ogden to wait for Shae to get off work
Drove down to Provo, got there around 1:30pm just to find out that it was closed until 4.
We walked around the mall for an hour and a half then headed back to the Peaks

It wasn't as fun as I remember.
I mean, we still had fun, but definitely not worth the price.

We all start school on Monday.
I am really scared.
We have walked around campus a few times now, so I think I know where all my classes are.
We bought books today.
I don't know how college students survive with bills, school, working, etc.

ughhhh

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

2011-08-24T14:34:00.000-07:00

Today is Mr. Husbands 24th birthday.

Kinda crazy that he is 24
{he doesn't act 24 ;) hehe}

Last year, I really went all out for his big day, because he was going back to Nevada and I wasn't sure when I was going to see him again.

Here are a few pics from last year

I started out by "heart attacking" his car

Woke him up with a few kisses & his favorite donuts
then gave him this candy gram

When I got home from work, I hurried and got ready, picked Kyle up and we went to dinner at
The Cheesecake Factory
Where we shared some "Stephanie's Cheesecake" for his birthday dessert,
which later was the way Kyle proposed to me and it was our wedding cake

It was a really fun day!

Too bad they don't have a Cheesecake Factory in Logan or we would make it a tradition
I'm not sure if I topped it this year.
I guess we will see
:)

Proposal :)

Wedding Cake

Home Sweet Home!

2011-08-02T19:55:00.000-07:00

We are here in Logan.

It's been quite stressful and we haven't had much sleep.

I won't lie, when we walked into the apartment I was a bit taken aback.

It didn't look like the pictures...
or maybe I had just pictured it differently

Now that we have started to put things in its place, it's growing on me. ;)
{It's going to have to because we have a yr lease}

I just have to keep telling myself Logan is an old town and we live in an old apartment

We have spent a lot of time on campus trying to figure everything out.

I haven't changed my name "legally" and this lady was telling me I HAD to change it to my married name for school records and for my financial aide/loans but I would have to drive down to Ogden and then it would take at least 2 weeks to get my new Social Security Card and then I would have to pay for my classes if my loans didn't come through
blah blah blah!

I had a little melt down on campus.

It was a long time coming

I've been so darn stressed with finding an apartment
packing
moving
clean checks
unpacking
school
registering for classes
work
etc

that it all just finally hit me

Well, we went and talked to the financial aide peeps, they said it was all good.
No need to rush and change my name
I can do it for next semester.

Then I had to meet with my adviser, which was very helpful.
She had outlines for all the classes I needed to take freshman, sophomore, junior and senior year.

Yes, I am 22 years old and still a freshman in college.
Don't judge.
At least I am going.

Well, I got home to register online and almost ALL of the classes I needed were full!
all of them.

I had another little melt down.
hmp! :(

As for now, I am just waiting on one class and then I will be good to go!
woot!

I didn't know moving was so expensive either.

We had planned to buy a washer & dryer when we moved here because coin laundry was getting to expensive.

But then, we also needed a new bed since the one we are using now is about 20 years old and has been passed down to us from my grandparents to my parents to us now to Mark.
yeahhh......... enough said.
plus its a bit small for us

So, we bought a bed today.
we bought for a great price!!
I'm pretty excited

But now we are super poor!
haha

I start work tomorrow.
I'm nervous to work with new girls.
I really hope we get along.

I've been needing some girl friends to do girl things with.

anywhooo... that's all for now folks!

Until next time.
♥

Logan

2011-07-27T14:29:00.000-07:00

Boy we have been busy!!!
Sorry for the lack of blogging.

Just a little update..

On the 4th of July, Kyle and I got to be in the local parade for my work

Some friends invited us to go to Idaho Falls to watch fireworks

this was the only decent picture of the night

The next week my family flew to Utah from Arizona.
I was ecstatic!
Kyle & I picked my parents and little sister up from the airport
I was so excited I could hardly contain myself.

We spent the next week just hanging out, apartment hunting, shopping, etc.

Kyle had to come back to Idaho for school, but he came back later in the week to go fishing with all the boys and spend some more time with everyone.

My aunt Jalene took our family pictures.
They turned out great.
I will post some soon

After 3 months of apartment hunting we finally found one!

We are very lucky and very blessed to have the apartment we got.

It's big, has covered parking (yes!!), HUGE kitchen, storage shed, a back patio & a lot more.

My brother Mark is moving in with us to save him and us a little money since we will all be going to school full time and working.

Mr. Husband and I have been working our tooshies off trying to put all that money back into our savings account that we had to spend for the apartment and for the washer/dryer we bought.

I start at the Twizl in Logan next week.
I'm nervous.

Kyle's dad, brother and my brother all came into town yesterday to help us move.
They have all been very patient with me.

You see...I'm quite a neat freak
I love to organize things and put them in their proper place.
I had to pack everything in the boxes because if not, things were just getting thrown into random places.

We all woke up around 7a.m. made a nice breakfast and then the work began.
We are just about done
[yessss]
We are leaving tomorrow morning.
I am kind of nervous.
okay, really nervous!

I'm scared to start all over...even though I grew up in Logan I am still scared.
To work with new co-workers,
new ward,
going back to school (on a bigger campus),
Making new friends all over again....

Say a little prayer and cross your fingers for me.

Loves & Doves
♥

Food Blog

2011-07-20T11:40:00.000-07:00

I started a food blog!

You should check it out here

:)

Apartment Hunting

2011-07-19T10:50:00.000-07:00

As many of you know Kyle and I are moving the end of this month.

We are so happy to get out of Rexburg and have a more permanent place to live and really start our lives.

We've had quite a hard time finding an apartment.
We have been looking for months!
But people want to leave or have tenants in at a certain time..
we just couldn't swing paying rent here and rent in Utah.
We have about 2 weeks to find a place.

I'm stressing.

We have a few places in mind but NO ONE calls us back.
Talk about horrible customer service.

We both start school the end of August.
I am a little nervous to go back to school. It's been a while.
But we are excited to finally get on a 'career path'

Kyle is majoring in Biology and plans to get his Ph.D in Toxicology
I am planning on going into speech pathology
but I still have a lot of work to do before I can even start taking those classes.

We spent the last week with my family.
They flew up from Arizona. It was sooooo nice to see them.
We all had a hard time saying goodbye.

My little sister starts her senior year next week.
She's a senior.
weird.

While they were here visiting, my Aunt Jalene took her senior pictures.
She's so pretty.

It's kinda sad when you LITTLE sister is so much cooler than you ever were ;)

I miss them already and wish we were closer.

We will see them in October when baby Cooper Carter comes!
I can't wait to be an Auntie!!

vent session

2011-07-02T11:25:00.000-07:00

I am fed up!

Fed up with Rexburg, the people here, my job, 'sunday mormons', etc.

To the point where I am just done
with
e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g.

I'm so sick of the fake people here who pretend to be my friend just to get something then talk crap behind my back

I'm sick of being 'the nice guy' but then when I need something, no one is around to help or only when it's convenient for them.

I wish so bad I had the guts to call people out & believe me...
When I get mad enough I will.
and it's not pretty!

I don't know why every single person I work with doesn't like me
(except one)
I don't ever see most of them??
I never did/said anything rude to them?

I'm not a mean person.
I hate contention.
I keep to myself.

So what is so bad about me that I only have 2 real friends in this dumb town?

27 days til we leave this place and I couldn't be happier!!

Today is a ponytail day

2011-06-30T20:09:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I didn't work

and the weather has been AMAZING

so Mr. Husband & I wanted to do something fun

We invited some friends to go to a place called "Monkey Rock"

The water was freeeeezzziinngg!

But we had a lot of fun
{& some sweet sunburn lines}
;)

Once we got home, we showered, ate dinner and I passed out on the couch while Kyle finished his homework.

I guess being inside & in bed trying to get better for a month, then being in the hot sun all day took a toll on me

It's been pretty warm here, especially at night
We don't have AC
so it makes sleeping pretty uncomfortable

We both woke up around the same time this morning completely exhausted
dragged our feet to work/school
and made it through the day.

it was a ponytail kind of day.

t-minus 10 days til I get to see my fam!!
wahoo

excited.

2011-06-29T07:57:00.000-07:00

Kyle & I are heading down to Utah next weekend to get some work done on my car.
My cousin, Ryan is an amazing mechanic and about the only one I trust!
check him out here.

Come to find out..

My parents are flying into Utah that SAME weekend!!!

I'm ecstatic!
I took a couple days off of work to spend some time with them, but I'm also a bit sad because mr. husband has to come back to Idaho and go to school while I'm having fun w/my fam.
boo.
:(

June has been a pretty hard month for me seeing as I have been sick for 3 1/2 of the 4 weeks.
and I've been missing my family like nothing else.
I wasn't supposed to see them until October when baby boy Carter comes
(that would have been 10 months without seeing them)
But, because my dad is amazing at his job, he gets to come to UT to train one of his athletes, Jill Camarena-Williams.
And because she is amazing at throwing, she gets to travel ALL over the world therefore she has a billion flier miles and offered to give my parents & lil sis a ticket to Utah if my daddy-o could work with her for a few days.
Which makes me one happy girl because I NEED to see my family. Hopefully they can help me get over this little depressed hump in my life.

Then when I get home, I've gotta pack!
Only about 3 more weeks of Rexburg.
wahoooo.

homesick

2011-06-21T08:59:00.000-07:00

I moved to Arizona my senior year in high school.

to say the least, I HATED IT!

I hated the rock front/back yards (no one has grass)
I hated the cactus
I hated that they didn't have big trees with leaves that changed colors in the Fall
I hated all the wild/scary animals & bugs
I hated the heat
I hated that we NEVER had snow on Christmas
I hated that HUGE culture shock

People think that just because I grew up in Utah I was a 'sheltered Mormon'

I was not sheltered, I was naive.
I didn't want to know the gross or sexual things, so I didn't

I didn't use cuss words because I didn't want to.
It's not like I never heard them when I was in UT because I did

And yes, I turned my head when I saw that the high schools didn't have a dress code so girls came to school practically naked, or when I saw that kids my age (or younger) were covered in tattoos and piercing on every inch of their body or when I heard my teachers & fellow students drop the F bomb

It was a culture shock for sure!
For all of us.

BUT

I really miss it.

I miss my house
I miss my room
I miss my family
I miss my animals
I miss the roads I drove on everyday
etc, etc.

I have been very homesick lately

I spent most of Sunday crying.

Little ol' Rexburg is quite a depressing place and I want to leave!

I have recently been blessed with a very needed friend.
I've felt very alone living up here
and then out of nowhere we became insta-friends!
It's been nice to have some girl talk
(I think Kyle gets sick of me telling him everything!)

We have been able to help each other out the past few months

But I am still incredibly homesick.
:(

Growing up stinks sometimes.
no money.
no time.
blah!!!

Happy Fathers Day

2011-06-19T12:22:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to do a shout out to my daddy and wish him a

HAPPY FATHERS DAY!

HERE is an interview my dad did
and remember how I told you my dad was named Assistant Coach of the Year for the indoor season?
he was also named the Assistant Coach of the Year for the OUTDOOR season
AND
He was just named the National Women's Assistant Coach of the Year
read more here

he is pretty cool, right?
I think so.

LOVE YOU DADDY!
I miss you and can't wait to see you!!
♥♥♥

On The Mend

2011-06-18T13:03:00.000-07:00

Kyle and I were talking the other day.
We have been married just over 5 months now & from the very first day we were married one of us has always been sick.
It's like we haven't gotten a break!
it's quite annoying.

I am getting better.
very slowly, but I am.
Still have some soreness in my mouth, a cough and some sinus gunk lingering
The antibiotics the doc gave me have caused a few other heath issues, but we won't go into those
a bit personal if you catch my drift

We got into Vegas last Friday around 9pm and were greeted by Kyle's family.

This was the first time Kyle has seen his brother, Mitch in FOUR years
He left for his mission a month before Kyle got home

Kyle was getting really nervous on the plane & we basically ran to see them.

Here is picture Kyle's mom snapped of us

Saturday we spent the whole day with Kyle's aunts, uncles & cousins
Sunday we went to hear Mitch's homecoming talk then we started our long drive back to Idaho.

The drive went by pretty quickly

When we got home (around midnight) Kyle realized he forgot that he some homework
oops!
We had to watch a movie for his class and fill out a paper

We didn't go to bed until 4am!
Woke up at 7 to take Kyle to class

Once Kyle was done with school we took his brothers to this cupcake shop we discovered not too long ago called
The Cocoa Bean Cupcake Cafe
and we LOVE it!

We are a bit addicted.
We go there are least once a week.
So we decided to take Kyle's brothers there.
they loved them too :)

They have over 40 different flavors and we haven't been disappointed with any of them

We went and saw "Fast Five" at the cheap theater later that evening
way good movie!

Then on Tuesday we went bowling & played miniature golf
that's the Hawk boys for ya

Mr. Husband & myself

My friend Cortney & I
w/Mitch in the background

Wednesday we went to a local campsite/park
we roasted hot dogs and marshmallows and just had a good old time together

Thursday we went rock climbing

Friday we just hung out at our apartment, watched movies & ate treats

Then this morning we made a huge breakfast, the boys went off to get a few things while I stayed home and cleaned up the mess! ;)

then we went rock climbing again.

We have had a great time while Garrett & Mitch have been here
We are sad that they have to leave tomorrow
but it will be nice to FINALLY get back into a routine of things

Hope all of you had a great week also

My Immune System

2011-06-09T17:21:00.001-07:00

My immune system pretty much sucks!

In my last post I told you I went to the dentist because I was having A LOT of pain, even though it had been about 5 days since the extraction.

On Monday we went in, the assistant and the dentist just acted like we were SO dumb!
They made me feel like I was just being a big wimp & they made Kyle feel like he wasn't doing a good job taking care of me.

I think the one reason I got dry socket was because the dentist 'forgot' to send us home with a syringe to rinse my mouth/sockets out when I ate something
therefore, Kyle went to Wal Mart where they gave him one, but it didn't have a 'hooked tip' to get down in the sockets and it just kinda squirted all over the place & squirted too hard.
when we told the assistant what kind we had she just gave us a "huff", rolled her eyes & walked away.

WELL IT'S NOT MY FAULT YOU DIDN'T GIVE US THE RIGHT ONE!
ya mean lady!

The Dr. just slabbed some dry socket paste into the holes and sent us on our way.
It fell out the same day!

Monday night, no matter what I ate or drank all I could taste was that nasty crap!
I was feeling a bit congested, so I used some nasal spray..the next morning I woke up to a sore throat, lots of pressure in my left ear, and a HORRIBLE sinus infection
I was still having a little bit of pain, and a lot of sensitivity/tenderness in my mouth also

It just got worse as the day went on. That night I thought I was dying!
We have used a total for 4 rolls of toilet paper just blowing our noses..
we both have pretty raw noses.

I was scheduled to work the next day but one of my very good friends/coworker came in and saved me.

We made appointments to go to the doctor and to a NEW dentist

We called our bishop that morning (who is a dentist)
Told him what was going on, he squeezed me into his busy schedule and I went in the same day.
He told me that my blood clots fell out, so the bone was being exposed so the tissue couldn't form/close up over the bone.
He put some more dry socket paste into the holes, BUT, he actually pushed it down into the holes, put gauze on top of them to help push it down, came back pushed it down MORE so it wouldn't fall out & he actually told me what I should and shouldn't do to help it so it stayed in.
*which the other dentist didn't tell us ANY of those things.
just shoved us right out the door!

He also did it for free!
How awesome, right?
He is a GREAT dentist
anyone between Idaho Falls & Rexburg need a good dentist. Go to him ;)

Now on to the my doctor's appointment.
I could SWEAR to you when we made the appointment, the lady said to come in at 3:3opm
We walked through the doors at 3:25
I told her my name and that I had an appt. at 3:30
and she gave me a glare and said
"Actually it was for 3:15 and you needed to be here early to fill out paperwork"
(she did not tell us that on the phone)
then she asked for my insurance card, I gave it to her and she said
"Is your insurance a provider for us?"
I was just thinking to myself
'......aren't you supposed to know what insurances you accept?'
I said, "uh, I don't know?" she gave me a look like I was a complete idiot
then she said "Well, because it's from Arizona I don't know if they will"
I just wanted to tell her she was so dumb!!!
It doesn't matter what state the card is from. I've gone to doctors in a whole bunch of different places with that insurance card and NOT one office has had a problem.

THEN!

Where it says "Person responsible for bill" I put my info because HELLO! The bill is coming to me.
Then she told me because I am still under my parents insurance I have to put their info.
I asked if I could have another paper because I was going to have to scribble out everything
She just stared at me! STARED!
So I just scribbled it out.
I just wanted to walk out she was being so unprofessional.

Anywho.. The Dr. said I have a viral infection, there isn't anything he could do.
I just have to ride it out.
He did prescribe me the strongest antibiotic he could
I'm hoping it starts to work soon because I am feeling like garbage.

We fly out tomorrow night to Vegas.
I am crossing my fingers it won't be a miserable weekend because of said sickness

I will post pics when we get back.

loves.

update

2011-06-04T13:35:00.000-07:00

Well, there isn't too much to update on about my wisdom teeth.

I won't lie.
It sucked.

I was really nervous up to the moment I walked into the dentist office.

They had me take a second Valium to calm my nerves, gave me the laughing gas and turned on a movie.

The Dr. started to give me shots all over my mouth and within seconds I couldn't feel my face.

He came back in 10-15 minutes later to start.
He began with the top two which popped right out.

literally.
in like 5 seconds.
It was awesome!

Then he started on the bottom.
This was the sucky part.

I couldn't feel any pain, just a lot of pressure.
A LOT!

After about 20 minutes or so, they got the bottom right one out. They asked if I wanted to take a break and I told them no I just want to get it over with.
So, they moved onto the bottom left
which was the worst one
I had 3 roots that were all going separate ways in a 90 degree angle
So..they had to dig!
Thank heavens Kyle was there holding my hands (and watching) through the entire thing.

I kept hearing the Dr. and the assistant telling Kyle how tough I was and they couldn't believe how good I was being.
They were about 85% done with the bottom left and I felt the urge I had to pee!
really bad!

I sorta signed to Kyle that I had to go to the bathroom
so the nurse and Kyle helped me walk to the bathroom..I mumbled to Kyle to turn around so he didn't see me going to the bathroom. But he did have to help me pull up my pants!
hahaha *blush*

We went back in, they broke my tooth in a few pieces and after the two hours, I was done!
I was so relieved.

I know I promised you a video, but I wasn't too loopy so I didn't really say anything funny.
sorry

I thought the healing process would be faster than this but I still have a lot of pain and soreness

I actually went back into the dentist today and found out I have dry socket
:(
(only in the bottom two)

Who knows how the heck I got it???
We were being so careful so this would not happen!
Kyle has to spray salt water in the holes after every time I eat which can be sorta gross

The Dr. put some NAS-TAY brown stuff into the bottom sockets that is supposedly supposed to help heal faster but that is all I can taste, no matter if I eat or not.

I am supposed to go back on Thursday to have him put more of that nasty brown stuff in them, but we will see how I am feeling

This is how I have been icing my face so I don't have to hold the ice packs there
I literally iced my face 24/7 so I had no bruising and very little swelling

----------------------------------------------------

Like I told you in my last post, Kyle's brother came home from his mission in Peru
They called us at the airport, so we got to hear everyone freak out.

This is Kyle trying to contain himself. He hasn't seen his brother in 4 years!

We got to skype his brother the next day, it was not the best first impression because I was in my Pj's, with messed up hair and ice packs on my face
And I threw up 10 minutes before

We are flying out Friday evening to go see him and go to his homecoming talk then he and Kyle's other brother, Garrett are coming back to Idaho with us.

I hope all this pain is gone by then.

--------------------------------------------------

Kyle and I didn't get the chance to celebrate our 1yr anniversary of dating
not that it's a big deal or anything
because we were both in bed sleeping the day away trying to get better
(he is still sick too...poor guy)

But tomorrow is our 5 month anniversary of being married!
:)

We want to go out and do something fun but I can't really eat real food yet and I get nauseous if I stand for a long time.
but we will figure something out.

It's kinda crazy how fast it has gone by
and that we have already been together a year.

I couldn't be happier!
He is my best friend & my entire world.
I still love him like I did the very first time we met
He is the most amazing man in the whole wide world and I am so grateful he chose me to spend eternity with!!

I love you babe!
♥

Here is a yummy recipe we tried tonight...well I nibbled
haha
but it was really good from what I could eat

blah.

2011-06-01T10:40:00.000-07:00

We haven't been getting much sleep at our house lately.

Especially last night.

1. I got home from work late so it took me forever to fall asleep
2. I had to go to the bathroom
3. Kyle is sick, so he was coughing ALL night long
4. Kyle's alarm went off at 3:30am for work, then he didn't even end up going because of said cough
5. More coughing, finally got up and got him some medicine, water, vicks, etc.
6. Couldn't stop thinking about getting my wisdom teeth out (t-minus 4 hours)
7. And my brother-in-law (who I have never met) comes home from his mission today!

Kyle & I are way bummed out that we couldn't be at the airport to see him, but we just couldn't swing missing school and work.

We are flying out next Friday to hear his homecoming talk, then we are making the LONG drive back to Idaho with Kyle's two brothers who are going to spend a week with us.

I'm excited.

In other news:

Kyle had a lump in his leg
by his hip
we went to 3 different doctors, the last one said he wanted to do a biopsy just to make sure it was all good.
I was sort of freaking out, because I didn't want to find out my husband of only 5 months had cancer!
We went to the surgeon yesterday and everything is fine.
It's just a fatty tumor that is not cancerous, but if it gets bigger we need to go get it cut out.
phew. that was a relief!

and for the record, I am freaking out (on the inside) about getting my wisdom teeth out!
I know I'm most likely over thinking the whole thing
I tend to do that

hmmmpp...

:S

ps. Tomorrow is the one year mark since Kyle & I first met! awww ♥

teeth

2011-05-28T13:25:00.000-07:00

I am getting my wisdom teeth out TOMORROW

I'm freaking out a bit.

I am not going to be 'put out' because I am a poor newly married, college student who has no money
and to go to an oral surgeon would cost 2-3x more money

We are just going to a dentist here in town. He assured me everything would be fine.

he perscribed me some valume to relax me, then they are going to numb me and give me the 'laughing gas'

I'm still freaking out.

Kyle said he is going to video tape it..
I know, all of you out there are probably excited for that..
I just hope I don't say anything too embarrassing.

But above that, I just hope I don't feel it.

ahhh!

I'm so nervous!

Say a little prayer for me, mmmk?

What is my problem?

2011-05-23T15:21:00.001-07:00

I have been feeling so tired lately.

like..

ALL
THE
TIME

It's getting quite annoying.

Even if I get a full 8+ hrs of sleep, I still feel so groggy and have zero motivation to get things done.
or write on my blog

I have a lot to catch up on.

so please bear with me.

#1. Our trip to Vegas.
It was a very needed getaway.
Kyle & I spent most of the time at his parents house waiting for everyone to get home from work & school.

We went to a couple movies (Hannah & Source Code)

I tell ya, he can never take a serious picture ;)

We rode the roller coaster "speed" at the Sahara

went to a sushi buffet...well, Kyle ate the sushi.. I just ate the other stuff.

This is Lim.
He is a foreign exchange student who has lived with the Hawk family for like 3 years now. We just see him as another Hawk boy. He is Kyle's Korean brother

We also went 4-wheeling

and just had a good time hanging out with each other.

#2. My dad was "offered" a job at BYU to be the throws coach like 9 months ago.
literally.
The job wasn't offically 'open' until a couple months ago. BYU basically told my dad that he already had the job & to start packing up our house.
Well...they were REALLY slow...i mean, pathetically slow, at the whole process.
My family had pretty much been planning on moving.
I left about half my stuff in AZ when I got married thinking my parents were moving back to Utah 6 months later and would just bring it with them.
Well...LONG story short, BYU didn't step up and offer my dad what he deserved. They actually offered him LESS than what he was already getting paid. Which is kind of an insult seeing how they BEGGED my dad to coach for them. (because, remember how I told you he is amazing! and the best throws coach in the USA)
UofA realizing what an impact my dad has had on their track & field program the past 5 years offered my dad a pretty nice raise to stay.
So..that's what they are doing.
My parents and little sister are staying in Arizona for who knows how much longer?!
But, it's whats meant to happen. I know that, I am just being a little selfish because I miss my family. A LOT!
I have a little cry fest to myself a few times a week because I miss them so much.
Mainly because, I don't know when I am going to see them next? And, once Kyle & I decide to have kids, both of their grandparents are going to be far away :( hmmmp...
(Here is a cool article that was just written about my dad and all his amazing athletes)

#3. Easter
We spent Easter alone this year.
We made each other a little Easter basket with some of our favorite treats.
We also spoke in Church.
I was scared to death.
It was the first time in about 4 years since I have talked in Sacrament Meeting
but it went well, just glad it's over ;)
We got to skype both of our families which was very nice!

#4. Some exciting news.......................

I AM GOING TO BE AN AUNTY!!!!
My brother Cameron and is wife Crystal are expecting their first little baby in October.
Yay for little baby boy Carter! I am going to spoil him rotten!

#5. I came home from working all day to a clean house, and a surprise candle lit dinner with "our song" playing in the background.

Now that it is getting warmer outside, Kyle & I try to be out in the nice weather as much as we can.
Kyle has been wanting to go Canoeing forever now, so we finally went.
Because of all the rain we have had, the rivers were extremely high
I was freaking out a bit

We went to the park later that day to fly our kites

This past weekend we drove down to Utah because my cousin, Justin was coming home from his mission!
He was originally called to the Peoria, Illinois mission, but it later was split and he was changed to the Des Moines, Iowa mission.
I had girl cousins kind of close to my age growing up, but Justin, Mark (my twin bro) & I were really close. I haven't seen him in a good 3-4 years so I was REALLY excited to see him again.
I felt like I was more excited than his own fam. hahaha!
Gma & Gpa C.

Proud parents & lil bro
(minus Austin who is serving in Uganda)

Kyle & Mark being themselves

We all went to dinner that evening and just listened to all of Justin's stories
It was so nice to be around my brothers and my extended family.
I got a little sad driving back to Idaho because I just wish so bad that my parents were closer and that I could see my family more often.
Come July, we are moving to Utah so we will be seeing a lot more of my family.

And last but not least, I have gotten better at cooking dinner when I find a really yummy recipe

Here are a few I got off some recipe blogs that Kyle and I really enjoyed.

"Heavenly Ham & Potatoe Casserole"
This one was really easy and really yummy.
Plus we had leftovers that lasted us like 3 days! ha ha

I have always loved salad.
No, not because I am a girl
I really do love it!!!
So I kind of put my own spin on things between this salad and this one.
It was DELICIOUS! My mouth is watering thinking about it. yum!

then last night we had "Tuna Casserole"
This is a dish my mom makes.
Kyle LOVES it and asks for it all the time

Here is the recipe
2 cans of tuna (drained)
2 cans for cream of mushroom soup
1 cup of cheese
1 box of noodles (cooked)
Mix all together, put in casserole dish
Sprinkle cheese and crushed saltine crackers on top
bake at 350 for 30 minutes
and ta-dah!
yum!
My family puts Catalina dressing on top just to add a little more flavor

Hope you enjoy!

What's for dinner?

2011-05-14T18:45:00.000-07:00

I've been at a loss lately about what to cook for dinner.
I usually end up making like the same 10 things over and over

So, I've been stalking recipe blogs to try and find some new ideas for dinner

Tonight we had 'Rosemary Ranch Chicken' for dinner.

I found the recipe here

It was delicious!!

I think you should add it to your recipe book

because i sure am.

:)

Mean Girls

2011-04-26T13:46:00.000-07:00

I wouldn't consider myself pessimistic

But I wouldn't say I am the most optimistic person either

Today I am just in one of those pessimistic moods.
Not towards everyone
or everything

Just a handful of individuals
Mainly one

A girl.

girls are so mean, don't ya think?
i do.

I would say I am so glad to be out of high school to escape the brattiness and back biting
but, sadly, it still happens when you get older

Shame, isn't it?

But what I am pretty upset about today is the fact that women
(NOT ALL WOMEN)
could care less if a man is married or not these days.

And it's really sad when that woman is married herself.

When Kyle and I were dating/engaged/first married I had this jealously that I had never felt before.

From every girl that looked at him, checked him out, smiled at him, etc.
all while I would be holding his hand or kissing his face, mind you.

Because he was MINE! And I was NOT going to share him with anyone!!

It got worse when the ex's started popping into the picture

calling
texting
FB chatting/messaging
saying hi to him at school
or the occasional running into them at the same place.... AWKWARD!
or worse, when they pretended to be my friend and add me to FB saying they were one of Kyle's really good friends..then I found out later they had dated.
Stupid girls!

I love Kyle more than words could ever explain.
I still get butterflies when he walks into the room
& smiles that smile that I can't resist.
I miss him terribly when we are apart for more than an hour
I know with out a doubt in my mind that he is my one and only!
The man I am going to have babies with, create our own memories/traditions with and grow old with
He is my everything!!

And for that very reason I know for a fact that he would NEVER do anything to jeopardize our relationship.
NEVER!

it's not him I am worried about.
It's them!!

So I ask you nicely, if you are one of those girls, please leave my husband alone.

You KNOW he is married

happily married

TO ME

FOR ETERNITY!!!!

You are supposedly 'happily married' also..
to your eternal companion
in the TEMPLE
where you made COVENANTS!

So let me remind you...even thinking those things are considered adultery.

so please get over your high school relationship you had 5+ years ago with MY HUSBAND
..it was nothing more than a simple crush!

Try to focus on YOUR MARRIAGE and YOUR HUSBAND

and then
LEAVE US ALONE!!

forever.

thank you.

Here is a pictures of US smooching just to make you more jealous!
♥

So happy

2011-04-08T00:11:00.001-07:00

Remember this post?

When I bragged about my daddy???

Well, THIS article was published this week in the church news!

My dad is pretty freaking awesome!!
Enough said.

again, I ask the question..

Why aren't people knocking on the door asking for his autograph or offering to pay him millions?

Boggles my mind.

in other news..things around here are still crazy
I have been working my behind off.
I feel like I have been at work more than I have been at home.
Which is fine.
It pays the bills.

We leave TOMORROW for our vac-a!
so stoked!!

It snowed today.
I can't wait to be in mid 70's for a whole week!

And I get to spend Saturday afternoon at Sego Lily Spa
(Bridal shower gift from my Aunt)
to pamper myself for our get away!

ahhh..

I am one happy girl

Spring Showers bring April Flowers

2011-04-04T13:25:00.000-07:00

Here in lovely little Rexburg, winter just DOES NOT want to give up.

It has been pretty B.E.A.U.T.I.F.U.L lately
too bad I've had spend the majority of the time at work

Then out of nowhere, wind, rain and snow!
:(

We spent most of the weekend inside watching General Conference which I absolutely loved! (especially Richard G. Scott's talk)

Kyle came home from work one morning and surprised me with these beautiful flowers to bring some color into our home

I really can't wait for Spring to come!

OH!
and as you all know, April is finally here which means Mustache March is
OVER!
yyyyyessssssssssssssssssssss!

Kyle wasn't too upset to shave that creeper stache off, it was starting to bug him I think he is so much more handsome without it
Before

After

(He was pretending to be sad)

Things around the hawk nest have been crazy to say the least
We have been trying to sell our apartment contract which was a PAIN!!
we had a couple commit to us then they all of a sudden said they changed their mind.
I was not a happy girl, but thankfully we found another couple to take over our contract

We are moving into my friends apartment..her husband got a job in Arizona selling food storage and they didn't want to lose their contract for their apartment so we are just moving in while they are gone
It's bigger and cheaper!
we are very excited :)

The semester ends this week
(thank heavens!!!)

We are leaving for Utah early Saturday morning to see some family then we fly out of Salt Lake City to go to

VEGAS!!!!!

For a whole week!!!!!!

our original plan was to spend some money from our tax return go on a cruise, go to disneyland or six flags for our honeymoon that we never went on but the timing and everything just didn't work out.

We have both been missing our families so we decided to go to Vegas and go to some shows on the strip and visit Kyle's family at the same time.
When we bought the tickets we thought my family might be able to drive/fly up from Arizona but that won't be happening either
I am really sad that I won't be able to see my family
I have been missing them sooooooo much!
Hopefully in about 3 more months we will all be living in the same state though
*cross your fingers*

I'll post pictures when we get back.

I did it

2011-03-31T16:35:00.000-07:00

Welp...

I did it.

I CHOPPED my hair off!

My plan was that if my hair was long enough to donate to locks of love I was going to do that.

It was long enough..but the stylist said that because my hair was dyed they couldn't donate it which I found out later, wasn't true!
So..I'm a little upset that my hair is sitting in the garbage can and I couldn't donate it to help someone.
:(
_______________________________

I am very excited for my new hair-do though
It's perfect for the spring/summer
(if winter ever decides to leave)

Which, by the way..

WE ARE GOING TO VEGAS
for spring break/honeymoon since we didn't go on one

I'm so excited I can hardly wait.

Hair

2011-03-29T08:46:00.000-07:00

Today I am getting a very needed hair cut

I'm still not sure what I want to do with it???

Which is bad, because when I get in the seat I just tell the stylist to do whatever she wants just make me look beautiful.

I've been wanting to CHOP my hair off for so long now
for spring/summer

But I am scared because my hair grows SOOOOO slow

It has taken me about a year and a half to go from

HERE

(my nose looks huge in this pic)

to here

Pretty please help me decide what to do
I am not good at making decisions

To explain this last picture, Kyle picked me up from work one night, he gave me the keys to open the apartment door and i walked in and saw
this:

When I turned around he was on one knee with a ring pop and asked if I would marry him all over again.

It was very cute!

♥

Hawk Happenings

2011-03-23T15:50:00.000-07:00

This is what's been going on over at our house the past 2 weeks

3 dr. visits
Filling prescriptions
Sinus infections
Coughing
Throwing up
Stuffy/Runny Noses
Sore Throats

plus the both of us working our butts off

We don't get much sleep

We...... I...... am EXHAUSTED!

I find myself dozing off
all.the.time.

And with the semester coming to an end, Kyle is stressing out
+
Getting all our FAFSA information & filling out all this paperwork to transfer to USU

I swear, the whole staff knows who we are now because we call so much.

I think we finally have it all done!

This weekend is the first weekend in a LONG time that both Kyle & I don't work
So we wanna do something big and fun!!!

I hoping all this sickness doesn't ruin it!

Mustache March

2011-03-22T09:23:00.001-07:00

I'm sure many of you have heard about "Mustache March"

Have you seen a lot of men lately with some sick creeper staches?

I HAVE!

Here at BYU men are not allowed to have any facial hair

with the exception of a mustache.

So now that they have a whole month dedicated to the fact that men can grow out their 'moose-staches'
they are all taking advantage of it.

Including my husband.

pretty nasty if you ask me.

----------------------------------------

On Sunday we had some time to kill before church started so we started to play on photobooth!
Here are a few more pics of the nasty thing growing on Kyle's upper lip

This was about the only good picture we got

Always need a kissy picture ;)

Kyle can't roll his tongue, look at him try haha

You can expect that sick thing to be gone on April 1st
:)
ahh.. only 1o more days

Getting married?

2011-03-09T12:12:00.000-08:00

Do you remember how I told you my Aunt, Jalene is a photographer?
And that she took our wedding pictures that I LOVE?!

Well, she is doing a promo over at her blog.
You can also check out her photography blog here.

So if you are getting married this year, you should book her as your photographer!

You can email her at:
jalenetaylor{at}gmail{dot}com

That's her with her hubby on my wedding day.

So...
I think you should contact her right now before you're too late

Shout out

2011-03-08T09:18:00.000-08:00

I am just going to brag for a little bit........

My dad is basically the coolest guy ever!

Yep! It's true.

And he is basically THE BEST track & field coach in the United States.

Yep! That's true too.

--------------------------------

When I was born, my dad was on a Track & Field Scholarship at Utah State University
He competed at USU for 4 years earning many awards some being:
Athlete of the Year &
the Wayne Estes Award
*Which exemplifies people that have shown outstanding things in family, school, athletics & the community.

Immediately after he graduated, he started to help coach there.
A few years later he became the head coach.
He has been coaching ever since then.

Here is a fun article that gives you a little more background
and it even mentions me ;)

When I was 15, we moved from little Cache Valley down to Orem where my dad got a job at the Utah Valley Hospital
He worked there doing a Sports Acceleration Program.
He was really missing coaching so he started helping out a little bit at BYU and UVU.

When I was a senior in high school, my dad had the opportunity to interview for a assistant coaching job at the University of Arizona
It was his dream to coach at a collegiate level again

I had mixed feelings about moving my senior year
and to be completely honest, I didn't think we would

BUT!

I was wrong.

In October of 2006, my twin brother, me and my dad packed up a few things and headed for Arizona

We were there about a month (living in a hotel) while my mom and little sister stayed in Utah trying to sell our house

In November, we packed up our house and made the move permanent.

A few months later, Jill-Camarena Williams
An outstanding athlete that my dad has coached for many years now,
followed us to Arizona so she could continue training with my dad

They then traveled all over the world to places like
Greece
Japan for the Olympic Trials
and China for the Olympics in 2008

This picture was the day before they left for the Olympics
Jill, Ragan (my lil sis) and my Dad

______________________

Well... on Monday my dad was awarded the
Western Region Assistant Coach of The YEAR!!

I told you he was awesome! ;)

He had a meet in Seattle two weeks ago where he had 3 of his female athletes beat their personal records!
One of which, who is from Canada and will now be competing for Canada in the Olympics

All 3 throwers also earned All-American Honors
at ONE meet!

"No three throwers have earned All-American Honors at one NCAA Championship in the Women's School History"

You can read more about that article HERE!

Ask me why he isn't getting paid millions and having people knock on the door for his autograph?

I do not know?

But I think he is pretty cool..

And he's my dad!
So that makes in pretty DARN cool!

Mine & Mark's Baptism Day

This was when we first moved to AZ

My dad w/his proud parents

My dad on his bday last year

aw, cute parentals!

I LOVE YOU DADDY!!!
♥

Wedding Photos

2011-03-02T10:46:00.000-08:00

Hey All!

I haven't been in much of a "blogging mood" lately in the worry I would get more RUDE comments from more RUDE people

But, It's time to post WEDDING PICTURES!!

Yay!

My Aunt Jalene is a photographer and she offered to take our pictures as a wedding gift
(such a HUGE blessing)

I told her the only thing I really cared about regarding the wedding were the
PICTURES!!
and I told her I wanted a lot

is that selfish?

Well, I got the cd's in the mail about two weeks ago
We got about 1, 000 pictures total!!!
That's a lot!

It took me a few days to look through them all.

I would love to post all of them on here but it would take HOURS!

So, I will just post a few of my favorites from the day
..and just so you know, its really hard to only pick a few :)

Me & my daddy

Here are a lot of us..Not everyone stayed to take pictures

Hawk & Norton Family

Carter & Bouwhuis family

Kyle's Family

3 of the 5 Hawk kids

My Family
(minus Cameron & his wife, Crystal)

Just a funny one..

My siblings
(minus Cam)

The parentals

Twins!

Sisters

My parents
_______________________________

That's all for now peeps.

I would just like to give a HUGE thank you to all of my family and friends who helped us.
Thank you for making my day that best day EVER!!

♥♥♥

To Anonymous

2011-02-22T08:31:00.000-08:00

Wow!
I don't really know what else to say?
I'm a little hurt by the 3 anonymous comments that were left on my previous post.

It's not like I don't know
who. you. are.

The least you could do is not hide behind the title "Anonymous"

and have the guts to leave your name.

Before you go saying "once a cheater, always a cheater", I suggest you get your facts straight!!

I never cheated! I never will!

I'm not that kind of person!

HE and I ended our relationship before Kyle & I started dating!!

If you think otherwise, then you are sadly mistaken.

----------------------------------------------

The relationship I was in before I met Kyle was not real.

We both knew that.

It was falling apart LONG before it actually did!

I know I stayed in it longer than I should have.

I will take the blame for that one.

I should have ended it months before I did.
It's not like I didn't TRY talking to him.

I expressed my feelings, thoughts, emotions to him MANY, MANY TIMES

and he would NOT LET ME GO!!!!!!
He was adamant that we were supposed to be together.

It got a little scary actually!
Hence the reason:
I LEFT THE STATE

Things were not the same between us as it was in the beginning.

Friends & Family could see that right in front of their faces.

They tried talking to both of us.
Even the ones in different cities and states saw it.

If you were being honset with yourselves, you would admit that you saw it too.

After it finally ended one of HIS BEST FRIENDS wrote me and said, "thank you. I could see your guys' relationship wasn't going anywhere. You both deserve better."

I KNOW FOR A FACT,

THAT HE KNEW IT WAS GOING TO END FOR A LONG TIME

We were NOT meant to be together.

I'm sorry that hurt you

You have no idea how much I prayed and asked for help.
I would kneel at night, crying, asking what I should do!!!

I knew what my answer was

but every.single.time. I tried to talk to him about it, he would dismiss me and my feelings.

Then I doubted my own inspiration.

(one of the scarey parts)

And you all know how many times I left AZ to get away and try to find an answer without the surrounding influences.

I knew it was going to crush him, that's why I stuck around so long.

HE told me that if I broke up with him, "His world would simply be crushed."

I thought I could make it work.

I tried to force it to work.

But in reality, I was just making myself more miserable!

I couldn't love him the way he needed to be loved.

I told him that a million times.
I was saving us both.

Yes, Kyle & I found each other pretty quickly after this whole thing unfolded
but that is the way GOD had planned it out

NOT ME!!!

But, if you are going to be mad at me, then delete me from your blogs so you can stop stalking my every move and creating all this unwanted/unneeded drama!

Unless you and everyone else

wants to continue to spread rumors about me and my family.

Go ahead-
It doesn't hurt us.
Only makes us stronger.

I just cannot believe people of the same religion

with the same beliefs can cause so much drama to other people.

Mormons on their self-righteous high-horses claiming to exhibit Christ like love to everyone.

whatever.

I don't blame people for hating Mormons.

It's no wonder why other people believe Mormons to be so judgmental.

Especially when situations like this

are made so public by comments like the ones you left for me.

I was just trying to do what was right for the both of us.
Yes, it caused pain.
I'm sorry.

But it had to be done.

If you haven't noticed...
You are the only ones that are still having a big fit over this.

PEOPLE BREAK UP EVERY SINGLE DAY!

Yes, I cared about you all..but, I wasn't going to spend the rest of my life with someone I couldn't love to the fullest! HE deserved more than that.

So, let's all grow up.
really.
Hurry and get all your phone calls made so

the little circle of people

that are all still so hung up on this

can read it.

Then leave me alone.

Our Story

2011-02-18T11:49:00.001-08:00

A lot of people have been asking how Kyle and I met.

So instead of telling the story over & over again, I decided I would just write it down.

Once Upon A Time...

I was living in Arizona with my family. I was going to the singles/student ward for a few years but once my twin brother, Mark left on his mission, I just didn't really like going there anymore so I started to go to my home ward with my family.

There was this lady named Stefanie, who was one of my little sister's Young Woman's Leader
Her son also went to my mom's pre-school
That's how we started to get to know each other
She kept telling my mom that I needed to meet her brother, who had just gotten home from his mission in Africa
(I thought that was cool because Mark was in Africa)

My mom would bring it up every now and then but I really was not interested
*Every lady in my home ward was trying to set me up with their brother, brother-in-law, cousins, friends..it was getting crazy
Stefanie told me to look him up on Facebook
So, after a few days, I finally did.
I still was not interested!

A few months passed, no one really said anything about it anymore

Then out of the blue, Stefanie told my mom after picking up her son from pre-school that she REALLY wanted me to meet her brother because she disliked the girl he was dating!!
(That makes two of us)

So..then the bugging started once again!

I finally just added him to facebook and sent him a message saying
"I'm Makenzie, I know your sister Stefanie, she keeps telling me to add you, hope that's okay"
(I still have the messages saved *blush*)
About an hour later there was a reply.
Come to find out, Stefanie had been telling Kyle to add me and that we needed to meet
He told her that he didn't want to because I was "too pretty" for him.
Lame excuse, right?

We started messaging back & forth for a few weeks
And when I didn't reply to him fast enough, he asked Stef what was going on.
I wrote him back and told him I didn't get on FB that much and if he still wanted to talk he could text me and gave him my number.

We started to text...
which led to calling...
which led to 5 hour "skype dates"
(Yes, we skyped one time for 5 hours!)
He was quite the sweet talker!!
That went on for about.. 3 1/2 months

I was moving back to Utah to go to USU that coming Fall
My mom and sister were also up there because my Aunt was getting married

Before we had even left to go to Utah, I asked Kyle if he wanted to be my date to my Aunt's wedding.

We made plans to meet up in Logan & I would go back to Idaho (where he was going to school) with him and stay with one of his friends...that's a girl...
who is now one of our really good friends and live right next door!

The day finally came and to say I was nervous is a complete understatement!
I was freaking out!

We met at the mall
Right when my mom, sister & I got there my phone rang
It was Kyle asking where I was.

We had pulled up the exact same time!!

I was walking into the mall and he said,
"are you wearing a white shirt & standing by a girl in a yellow shirt"
I said, "NO" and hid behind a car.
HAHAHAHAHA!

He just started laughing, then he told me to turn around and I saw him get out of his car
We walked towards each other and gave each other a huge, long hug!
(it was nice ;) haha)
I felt sort of awkward because my mom and sister were just standing there watching us!

I told Kyle I would treat him to late lunch/dinner because he drove all the way from Idaho to pick me up and then drive back later.
*side note: He held my hand when we were walking into the restaurant..he said he tried like 3 times but kept missing! Haha

And just let me say this...
When I first meet someone or go on a date with a new guy, I am pretty shy and quiet at first.
But with Kyle,
It wasn't weird
I didn't feel embarrassed
It wasn't awkward
I was totally myself
I wasn't afraid to say or do anything in front of him
It felt like we had known each other for a long time!

We did a few things around town, then headed back to Idaho

I felt really bad because Kyle had a sick stomach and we had to stop a few times for a potty break.
Poor guy.

We got to Idaho and just hung out at his apartment
He asked if I wanted a back massage
Random, right?
But I was thinking, 'Heck ya I want one!'

I sat on the floor in front of him & he started rubbing my shoulders..then he moved my hair and kissed my neck!!!!

yes, my neck!
I turned around kind of like.."umm..??"
Then he kissed me!
Smooth, right?

silly boy.

We spent the next few days together. He showed me around campus and I went to a few classes with him.
Friday came and we drove back to Utah for my Aunts wedding dinner
That night when we got back to my grandparents house..it was just starting to rain
We were standing there talking, waiting for my mom to get there
when Kyle looked down at me, touched my cheek and said
"I Love You"
awww....romantic, right??
We spent the next day at my Aunt's wedding dancing the night away ;)
This was our very FIRST picture taken together

He, my mom & my sister all left the next day.
It was pretty hard.
I was sad.
I actually cried.

Kyle and I spent the next 2 1/2-3 months driving back & forth to see each other
I ended up not going to USU because I would be going to school when he was 'off track' and living in Nevada with his family.

After A LOT of talking & trying to figure a way out so we could date
We decided to both go to Arizona and work, work, work!
I moved back home & he moved in with his sister.
We did that for 4 months!

Then we got hitched!!

Yes, things happened pretty fast.
and yes, our situation was really weird.

Before I even met Kyle, I knew something big was going to happen
I didn't know what it was then.
I did know that we each had really strong feelings for each other before we even met.
Which scared us both.

But everything happens for a reason.

Now I finally know why we had to move to Arizona 4 1/2 years ago..
to meet Stefanie so she could introduce me to her amazing brother
who is now my amazing husband!!

Funny thing is, we could have met soooo much sooner than we did!
In so many different places

That's why I know the Lord has a plan for all of us.
We both had to do a lot of things and go through a lot of crap to get ready for each other and when we did
EVERYTHING
fell.right.into.place!

I didn't have any doubts about being with him
I thank the Lord every single day that he came into my life!!!

.......And they lived Happily Ever After

The end!

Have You Laughed Today?

2011-02-16T11:00:00.000-08:00

If not...watch these videos of my silly husband!!!

He cracks me up :)

This was when Kyle and I spent the day sledding. He decided he wanted to try and snowboard down the hill on a sled.

AND

This is of Kyle dancing while we were making dinner. I was laughing so hard that I had to stop cooking and make Kyle start over so I could film it!

ENJOY!

Lovers Day

2011-02-14T10:59:00.000-08:00

I just want to put this out there.....

I HAVE THE MOST AMAZING HUSBAND!

Hands down!

As you know, if you read my last post, the week started out kind of rough

Kyle & I had talked trying to figure out a way to see each other with our totally opposite schedules but couldn't come up with much..

He came and visited me at work every night that I worked
and every night I got home there was a surprise waiting for me!

Night #1

It was a long letter telling me how much he loved me and all the reasons why

Night #2

I came home to these ALL over our house and windows.

Night #3

Silly boy made me promise I would call me when I left work Friday night
I called and walked through the door about 1 a.m. and found THIS!
He made me call him so he could light all the candles then he hid and watched my reaction
We stayed up and talked for about an hour when he had to be to work at 3:30am
He came home about 7am and we slept in until 10:30!
Neither of us have done that in a long time
We made waffles and just lounged around until we went on our Valentines Dinner Date
I wanted to take Kyle out for Sushi
(even though, I'm not really a fan)
Or make steak but I knew something even better
......................................

CHUCK-A-RAMA

Kyle was so excited when I told him we were going there.
He loves that place!!

Side note: When Kyle & I were getting married, we were sitting in the celestial room just being all nervous and junk..
then out of the blue he said
"I can't wait to go to Chuck-a-rama"
(we went there for lunch after we got hitched)
I just started to laugh quietly and said
"we are about to get married and that's what you are thinking about"

So you see...he REALLY loves that place!!
Funny story to tell the kids someday ;)

This was the only decent picture from the evening

Sunday, we forgot it was Stake Conference until 15 minutes before it started!!!
We both threw some church clothes on, put my hair in an up-do
and ran out the door.
We spent the rest of the day watching movies, making dinner together and dancing, singing and laughing the night away

Which brings us to today!
LOVERS DAY!

just like every morning, Kyle's alarm goes off at 3:30am
when he was all ready he came and kissed me goodbye

I set my alarm for 5 a.m. to start my surprise for him
I'm not really sure why I woke up so early?
It didn't take that long

I know, don't you just love our rubber made TV stand.

I went back to bed, set my alarm for 6:45 so I could start making breakfast
I don't know if I turned in on or if I just slept through it but the next thing I know, I hear Kyle open our bedroom door laughing and telling me what a good surprise

We exchanged gifts
our limit was $10-$15
He was so excited!!
and so darn handsome
♥

Fun fact: I love markers, crayons, colored pencils, pens, etc.
We went to wal mart the other day and I told Kyle we should get some coloring books, but then I decided we didn't need them

I was definitely surprised!
ps. don't mind the ugliness. I just woke up

We made breakfast together and talked for a little bit then Kyle had to go to school

No fun plans tonight...I have to work!
BOO!!

That's okay, we had a GREAT weekend!!!!

I hope you have a great Lovers Day!

♥♥♥

Here is a sneak peek at our wedding pics!!
Love, LoVe, LOVE it!!
Photo taken by: Jalene Taylor

bad mood

2011-02-09T08:44:00.000-08:00

I am not in a very good mood right now

I feel like everything has been bugging me lately

Right now, it's the fact that:

#1. I only get to see my husband for a total of 2 hours today!

T-W-O!

Don't get me wrong, I am very grateful that we both have jobs
and that Kyle is able to go to school and work 2 jobs

But, I'm not going to lie...I am REALLY hating it right now!

I clean our tiny house all morning
which really only takes like an hour

then I wait all day
Well..until 4:30, but it feels like all day
When Kyle comes home just to make us dinner and then leave to go to work

Which brings me to:

#2. I am also really hating cooking at the moment

I never ever know what to make for dinner!

I look at my cook books
I look online
I watch the food channel
I stalk other people's recipe blogs

But we don't have all the money in the world to spend on ingredients we don't have or that I have never even heard of.

So can I ask YOU, my blogging friends,

What are some of your favorite, EASY, but HEALTHY recipes????

Then:

#3. It's freaking freezing here
(-11 at the moment)

The cold, snow and dark clouds just make me want to lay in bed all day and watch movies!
..oh, but wait, I don't have Mr. Husband next to me to keep me warm.

hmmm....

Anyway,

thanks for letting me vent

Monday

2011-02-08T14:31:00.000-08:00

I hate Mondays.

That's the day when Mr. Husband has to go back to school and work.

It really sucks after spending basically every second together on Saturdays and Sundays.

it doesn't help that Mondays are his long days at school either

meaning he doesn't get home until about 4:30pm

LAME!!!!!

Yesterday was our 1 month anniversary of being married.
I can't believe it's already been a month.

Kyle didn't have to go to his first class so we got to spend a little bit of time together in the morning
I went to work at 10:30, got home about 3:30, cleaned a little..
Kyle got home, we made an early dinner then I went back to work at 7
I didn't get home until after midnight!!

Kyle & I joke around that we are already an 'old married couple'.

Because of Kyle's job, we go to bed really early... like 8-8:30pm!!!
I know, we are lame! But when he has to wake up at 3:30am, ya gotta do what ya gotta do.

I was just getting used to the routine when I got a job..(which is a blessing!!)..but I work from 7pm-11pm and midnight on the weekends.
Lets just say I am REALLY tired today..my body is all confused about whats going on.

Kyle also received a call yesterday for another job!
(which is ANOTHER blessing)
The hours are 3pm-8pm

So we are NEVER going to see each other :(

that made Monday an extra bad day!

But like my Mom told me, this is what we have been praying for. To find jobs that work with our schedules. I can't complain too much.. I just miss my cute husband!!

I hope you had a better Monday that we did

Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not

2011-02-08T08:19:00.000-08:00

I heard this song today

It gave me butterflies

It reminded me of my sweet hubby and our dating days
♥♥♥

psst...He kissed me the first day we met
{blush}

CAKE

2011-02-03T08:11:00.000-08:00

Last night Kyle & I headed over to our friends house for dinner.

I asked if I could make anything
they said a dessert!

As a bridal shower gift my cousin gave me this recipe for
"Darn Good Chocolate Cake"
and a few ingredients to make it.

OH MY WORD!!!!

It was D-E-L-I-C-I-O-U-S!

It's your lucky day, because I am going to share it with all of YOU!
(it is THAT good ;) haha)

So get your pens and paper out and

Write
This
Down

...............................................................................................................................................

Darn Good Chocolate Cake
--------------------------------

Prep Time: 10 Minutes
Baking Time: 45-50 Minutes

Ingredients:

Vegetable Oil for misting the pan
(I just used non-stick spray)
Flour for dusting the pan
1 box of plain devil's food or dark chocolate fudge cake mix
(I used devil's food cake)
1 package of chocolate INSTANT pudding mix
4 large eggs
1 cup of sour cream
1/2 cup of WARM water
1/2 cup of vegetable oil
1 1/2 cups (12 oz) of semi-sweet chocolate chips

1. Place a rack in the center of the over and preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly mist a bundt pan with vegetable oil spray, then dust with flour. Shake out the excess flour. Set the pan aside.

2. Place the cake mix, pudding mix, eggs, sour cream, warm water and oil in a large mixing bowl. Blend with an electric mixer on SLOW speed for 1 minute. Stop the machine and scrap down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula. Increase the mixer speed to MEDIUM and beat for 2-3 minutes, scraping the sides down again if needed. The batter should look thick and well combined. Fold the chocolate chips, making sure they are well distributed throughout the batter. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing it out with the rubber spatula. Place the pan in the oven.

3. Bake the cake for 45-50 minutes (until it springs back when lightly pressed with your finger and just starts to pull away from the sides of the pan). Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool for 20-30 minutes. Run a long, sharp knife around the edge of the cake and invert it onto the rack to cool completely for 20-30 minutes.
OR
Invert onto a serving platter to slice and serve while still warm.
(I prefer warm!!)
We also topped ours with a little powdered sugar
;)

ENJOY!!

Nie Nie

2011-02-02T08:40:00.000-08:00

SHE!

Is simply amazing!

She is so positive about the trial that has presented her.
I feel like such a 'negative Nancy' about my little life sometimes

So...
My goal is to SMILE and to find the positive in all.
every.single.day.

Thank you NieNie
You are one amazing and beautiful woman!

Valentines Day

2011-01-31T08:10:00.000-08:00

As we all know, Valentines Day is approaching pretty quickly..

I've always been one that doesn't really like Valentines Day.
Not sure why?
I always seemed to receive a little something from friends, family or 'secret admirers'
I just quite honestly think it is a dumb holiday!
You don't need one day a year set aside to tell the people around you that you love them.
Is it just me??

BUT!

Now that I am married, I want to do something fun!!
Kyle & I are both HOURS away from any family so I want to make it special.
I just have no clue what to do in this itty bitty town we live in.

So, I am asking YOU for help!
pretty please..

I wanted to do one of Kyle's favorite foods for dinner, but it doesn't help when his favorite food is also the most expensive.
(steak & sushi)

so tell me..

What are YOU doing for your special someone??

I Miss..

2011-01-30T14:59:00.000-08:00

These two beautiful girls!

Macy & Maggie

We aren't allowed to have animals in our apartment
Not like we have the means to take care of one right now anyway
But..
I want a dog SOOOOOO bad!

I saw a sign on the side of the road that said
"Adopt a dog. Saturday 11am-3pm at Wal Mart"

When 11 o'clock rolled around
Kyle and I drove to Wal Mart just so I could look at the puppies.

I find myself only watching Animal Planet all the time!
(the shows with the cats & dogs)

Hopefully this job will come through so I won't be so lonely and "puppy hungry"

at least it's not baby hungry ;)

My weekend

2011-01-24T09:46:00.000-08:00

Do you remember my last post?
When I told you I had an emotional break down?

Well, the next day...my wonderful husband brought me these...

Along with my favorite candy bar

(Kit Kat)

He is too good to me
:)

I had spent the whole morning cleaning the house, doing laundry & washing the dishes

Because Friday night is DATE NIGHT and I didn't want to worry about anything else

We ran a few last minute errands then went to dinner at Applebees
Then went back to our house to have treats and a
Prison Break
marathon!
I am hooked to this show!

Saturday, we just bummed around all day.
Dropped off a few job applications/resume
We looked everywhere for a darn sled so we could go sledding but can't find one anywhere
(that isn't like $40)

We did Kyle's homework and watched more Prison Break
then we made home made donuts!
We got a deep fryer as a wedding gift & wanted to try it out.
They turned out delicious!!!

Yesterday before church
(we have 1:30 Church!!)
Kyle and I went over to one of his family friends house
He owns a Elk Ranch on 40 acres

Kyle has been wanting to show me these Elk forever now

Let me just tell ya, it was a BLAST!!!!
I can't wait to go back.

I told Kyle I want to live on 40 acres and have loads of animals like they do!

I definitely got my animal fix while we were there.
They have:
2 brand new calves
4 horses
2 ducks
some barn cats
3 dogs
a guinea pig
and a ton of ELK
2 of which are like their dogs
They just love you and rub against you so you will pay attention to them
I got a few elk kisses while we were there
This is Bonnie
She is the sweetest thing ever!

What did YOU do over the weekend?

reality check

2011-01-20T17:05:00.000-08:00

I have officially had an emotional break down!!!

Now that Kyle and I are settled in our tiny apartment with everything squished in its place
Reality has hit me!!
Like someone punched me in the stomach.

I've been sort of down....
like.....depressed :(
And you shouldn't be depressed after just getting married, right?

Here are my reasons why:

1. I miss my family more than anyone could comprehend!!

2. I have had a mean bladder infection/yeast infection that has me running to the bathroom every 5 minutes and feeling like total crap! YUCK!!!
(the joys of women hood)

3. Trying to have a healthy meal plan set up
(I lay awake at night wondering what I am going to cook for dinner the next day)

4. Trying to find a job in this tiny town

5. Figuring out how much we have to pay in bills every month and how we are going do it

6. One of my good friends passed away :'(
Shane ♥
Miss you buddy
I'll never forget all the good times we had

6. I just found out one of our very good family friends..her daughter, who was my young womens leader has very bad breast cancer
She is just a young mother of 4 kids

So, yesterday when Kyle got home from school.. after talking for a bit, I broke down.
I sat on his lap while he held me and I cried for a good 2 hours.
The past two weeks have been so over-whelming and things don't seem to be slowing down.

BUT!!

What do I have to complain about?
I have a friend who is getting buried tomorrow.

A family friend who is most likely going to have to bury her 2nd child, when she has already buried her husband, father and brother.

I came across a blog today, where a young man died of testicular cancer & leukemia
His wife was pregnant with twins
All he wanted to do was hold those babies before he died
and he didn't get to.

It immediately brought me to tears
(I'm surprised I have some left)

So...
I think I have it pretty good.

I have a nice apartment to live in
A bed to sleep in every night
Food in the refrigerator
2 cars to drive
A husband who loves me
We are both healthy
we have enough money in the bank that we can pay our bills for the next month-2 months

Kyle & I try to do the little things every day.
We aren't the best yet..
but we know the Lord will bless us and help us find jobs and provide a way that we can do what we need to do.

When we say our prayers, we don't ask for anything anymore except to keep our families safe.

So...I would just like to say, I'm sorry for all the complaining I've done or the feeling bad for myself when I know I have it pretty good.

Please forgive me.

Today

2011-01-15T08:01:00.001-08:00

...My husband made me breakfast in bed

And

then we danced to our wedding song in our bedroom

I love him!!

One Week

2011-01-14T08:14:00.000-08:00

I have officially been hitched to the man of my dreams for ONE WEEK!!

....And has it been one crazy week!

We arrived to our apartment Saturday night right when it started to snow.
Kyle insisted that he "carry me across the threshold"
Once he did that and showed me around we went back outside to start unloading our cars.
When everything was brought inside I just stood there and looked at the big pile of "crap" that I had to unpack and put away.
I started with one box, got about half way done then started with another.
Sunday morning we didn't go to church because I had no idea where my clothes were all packed.
We just bummed around sorting through more boxes and trying to find places for everything in our little home. We made our first dinner together
SPAGHETTI!!!
My favorite :)

Yes that is an emergency candle as our "candle lit dinner" and my bouquet as our centerpiece..oh, and don't forget the homemade (burnt) garlic bread ;)

Bright and early Monday morning, Kyle went to school and I was positive I was going to put everything away!! When Kyle came home for lunch around 1pm I had most of it in it's place with a few boxes here and there.
Later that evening we went to dinner and had FHE at our friends Shae & Troy's home.
(we watched the Oregon & Auburn football game ha ha)
Tuesday Kyle gets out of class really early..(which I love :) )
we ran a few errands, bought a few more groceries and then went to dinner & played games at our friends Jon & Nan's..they live just a few doors down

Don't we have great friends who invite us over for dinner when we just move in!
LOVE YOU GUYS!

Wednesday was another one of Kyle's long days at school so I cleaned and organized some more. I also made some banana bread.
I was really nervous at first, because I had never made it before but it actually is really good if I do say so myself
and the hubby loves it!
That's all that counts, right? ;)
I know, you love the paper plate!

I went and dropped my resume off then I got to go to class with Kyle!
As soon as we got home, we had the maintenance guy come fix our leaky disposal and repaint some bad patching on our walls
we then ran over to wally world to return a few wedding gifts that we got doubles of or already had
Came home made dinner, did Kyle's homework then watched a movie and went to bed.

Thursday as soon as Kyle got home from class we went to donate plasma!!!
Wahoooooo!
(not)

Let me just put this out there.. we aren't scratching for pennies..just yet anyway, but its nice to have a little play money at the end of the week to go on a date ya know?

So, when it's your first time (me), you have to schedule a physical appointment thing
The whole process takes about 2 1/2-3 hours
I was doing great til I had about 15 min left.
The nurse guy came over, he said he had to move the needle a little bit
I was thinking to myself "oh great this is going to hurt"
ps. I hate needles
As soon as he did, I went from being just fine to as pale as a ghost and going to throw up within 5 seconds!
He called 2 other guys over:
1. to hold the garbage can
2. to get me and ice pack & some water
It was quite embarrassing actually, with everyone staring at me, waiting for me to hurl into the garbage can.
They were asking me questions, but all I could do was nod because my eyes kept rolling back in my head like I was going to pass out
..I just did NOT want to throw up!!

They were putting my blood back inside of me, he told me I should start feeling better in about 3 minutes.
I just thinking: "3 minutes!!! I feel like I am going to die right now! I am never doing this again"
Okay, okay, that's an exaggeration, but right then 3 minutes felt like forever
but boom!
I felt the color run back into my face and throughout the rest of my body and I was just fine
The nurses reassured me that it happens all the time & they've had people throw up all over the floor and pass out as soon as they stand up
so, I felt okay about myself.
For the record, I did not pass out or throw up!
yay me!

We went home, I started to put dinner together as Kyle did his homework
We ate... I was feeling really tired and kind of sick
due to the plasma

I felt bad I couldn't stay up and help Kyle with his homework but I could not keep my eyes open

But ToNiGht..we have a date!!
Kyle doesn't know, it's a surprise...shhh don't tell! ;)

What a week right?? I don't know if most married people's first week goes like that but because of school, we didn't go on a honeymoon. Which is totally fine! :)
I just love to be with Kyle!!

I have had my emotional moments, some in front of Kyle (sorry love!) and others when I am alone.
This is my first time being away from my family...
20 hours away!
(by car)

I will get to see them in 6 months though.

I know that these first 6 months being away from both families are going to be the hardest for Kyle & I but also the most fun.

If everything goes like we are planning, all of us will be together in the same state in this 6 month period!

Cross your fingers!!!

WOW

2011-01-09T15:25:00.001-08:00

That is all I really have to say.

SOOOO much has been going on, that the days just seem to fly by!

As I said in my last post, my brother Mark came home from his 2 year mission in Uganda, Kampala Africa.
To say it was an anxious day is an understatement.
We were all trying to keep from freaking out!
We had family fly and drive into town Thursday and Friday. We tried so hard to stay as busy as possible so it didn't feel like we were sitting and watching the clock all day.

The time finally came to drive to the airport.. I don't know about anyone else, but I was having a little panic attack I was so excited! :)
We got to the airport..ran to the terminal thingy....whatever it's called, where they walk down the escalator.
Every person that we saw on the screen with suit pants on we all jumped off our seats with our signs in hand.

Well..little did we know that Mark's fight was delayed an hour!

So we all settled down in the very uncomfortable couches and chairs
Each taking our turns running to the bathroom (because of our nerves) and to the board that says whether his flight had landed or not.

My dad came over with a huge smile on his face saying, "His plane just landed!"
We all jumped up from our seats, our hearts beating out of our chests & took our position at the line that we weren't allowed to cross
We then saw HIM on the screen and screamed so loud people probably thought we were CrAzY!

I promised my mom that I wouldn't post the other video..
we all look really silly..
crying our eyes out, not really knowing what to do..people staring at us..
Oh good times! ;)

We went straight to the Stake President's to have Mark released as a Missionary for The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints.
Our Stake President is an amazing guy! When everything was done, it was midnight.
All the g-parents went to their hotels and the rest of us stayed up until about 2am-3am listening to Mark's stories and looking at all of his souvenirs.

The next day, I was able to go through the temple for myself & receive my endowments.
It was an amazing day!

After a few days of just hanging out, everyone made their way home.

Kyle celebrated Christmas at our house this year

We had a great day opening presents
Went to the park
(yes, we went to the park on Christmas..it was about 70 degrees)

Made cookies
and played the WII

The next day we started packing up my room.
I felt like it took forever, throwing some things in one box to stay in AZ
and throwing the rest of my stuff in bags & boxes to take with me

We left a few days later and drove to Vegas
We spent the night on the strip

Got up early the next morning and drove to Utah

I was really nervous to drive in the snow again
(since it's been about 5 years)
And it didn't help that when we got to about Nephi we ran into a snow storm+crazy construction
With my knuckles clenched around my steering wheel, I was saying little prayers to myself the whole way!

We finally made it safely to my grandparents house
But things never really settled down
we were always busy doing something

My Aunt Stacey threw me an awesome bridal shower the next night

We were buying last minute things and borrowing other things from family members up until the night before the wedding.

With our small budget, the wedding turned out AMAZING!

I have the best family in the entire world!
Everyone stepped in and helped to make the day perfect.

so..I wanted to say...

Thank you everyone for all of your love & support.
We couldn't have done it without you!

♥♥♥

(pics to come soon)

It's the Final Countdown

2010-12-17T06:55:00.000-08:00

I know when you read that you immediately sing the song...
I do it too, don't worry ;)

You all should know by now that today is the day that MARK COMES HOME!!!

Can you believe it's been 2 years already? It has gone by so fast.

He arrives kind of late tonight...which means we have to sit around ALL day waiting.

This is going to be the longest day of my life.

I will post pics ASAP

T-Minus 13 hours until he gets home!!

Last E-mail from our Missionary

2010-12-13T06:35:00.000-08:00

This morning is Monday, as you all know..
Monday's are Mark's p-days
So, we usually write him Sunday nights.
I'm not going to lie, I haven't been the best sister.
I have forgotten to write a few times..one being LAST NIGHT!
I feel horrible, because..It was his last p-day.
His last e-mail to us as a Missionary for
The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints

But it was so amazing that I wanted to share it with all of you

Grab some tissues because it's kind of a tear jerker

Good Morning Everybody!
Today is my last p-day. It is a wonderful opportunity to know that two years is up, I have accomplished my duty as a missionary and I will be coming home to continue on the journey.
This weekend in particular was one of the most spiritualexperiences of my mission. It was the final Zone Conference for theEthiopia Zone as well as Elder Watson, Davis and myself. On Saturday, we had a marvelous Spirit accompany the meeting. As missionaries, we get together, and things tend to get a bit rowdy. Speaking, laughing, and for a few of us, crying as well. This meetingwas a little different. Before Pres Jackson showed up, we prepared the meeting room, and for some reason we all decided to sit down and study from the scriptures. With this start, the Spirit was invited in through the reverence, and we began a meeting with soft voices, and cheerful hearts. The programs were passed out, and fortunately, I saw that once again, I would start the farewell testimonies of the departing missionaries. I spoke a little about it to Elder Davis and I asked him, "don't missionaries usually only give one farewell testimony?" He responded with a simple answer- President told me to. :) I began to prepare some thought about what I should say, especially to the new greenies that had just come onto the mission. Especially my second son, Elder Kyuvi (he had thoughts of going home this week) The meeting carried on, and the Spirit grew stronger. It reached about 6 o'clock and President called a break for dinner. He treated all 18 missionaries to a dinner buffet at the Hilton. Which by the way, was amazing! I had salmon sushi, barracuda, and morechocolate mousse than a man should have. Not to mention the usual fried Maryland chicken, with the occasional baked potato. I had my moneys worth. ;) By the end of everyone having there fill, it was almost 10 pm. We all thought we missed our chance... but he rescheduled for the afternoon on Sunday. Luckily, we had a district conference in the morning, we were all gathered together and we met immediately after the conference ended. With only two short trainings we thought that the meetingwould be over in time for us to be able to get back and have a dinner appointment. We were wrong once again. The first training was from the Assistants. One of them, Elder Steeb, gave a powerful commitment to us, and his statement of which he closed his training was, "Im not asking you to do something, I am asking you to change your life!" It really got me thinking again about my advise to those missionaries who were staying in the field.This is when I actually bowed my head in prayer, after 1 and a half very spiritual days, I was half asleep, and half in prayer. After about 10 minutes, I was 80 percent asleep and 20 percent coherent...President Jackson knowing my "status" called on me to participate, and luckily, I answered correctly. (phew) Then, like a faucet my mind was open, information began flowing advise for every single missionary individually as well as a group. I reflected upon my notes from the previous day, particularly Alma 5 again.. something about verse 7 made me begin to choke up a bit. It says: "Behold, he changed their hearts;yea, he awakened them out of a deep sleep, and they awoke unto God..."As I read this, I believed that, that is what my mission did for me. I started to bear my testimony by reading that scripture. I then stated that I have awoken unto God, and the importance of being obedient to the Lords commandments. I then said, through out my mission, as I did the work, I cant say I'm going home with any regrets, but I am going home with out asking myself, "What if...?" There were too many "I'll try's" and not enough "I will go and do." It was then, when I quoted Elder Steeb by saying, remember me for who I am now, not what I was then... Im not asking you to do something, I am asking you to change your life. I testified about the Atonement, the healing effect, and the power that it has to change lives. The power of the Priesthood, and the leadership and direction we receive from a living prophet, and overall the testimony which I feel most strongly about is of the Book of Mormon, information, and testimony of prophets old and new, blessing our lives hundreds of years down the line. I closed my testimony with tears in my eyes, and a heart beat, pounding through my chest, vibrating my tie, and shaking knees.. giving the statement that Christ said in the preexistence, "here I am, send me" Except mine was "here I am... you don't have to send me home" I began to cry as usual,but.. overall a sense of accomplishment and gratitude for the decisionI had made to come on a mission. Elder Watson followed, and in his first sentence stated, "that, (pointing at me) is a changed man."
Later after the conference ended with kneeling prayer, hugs all around and goodbyes from a few missionaries that I may never see again, three of which were my companions (Elders Andika, Omondi, and Kyuvi) The last person to hug me was President Jackson. As he did, He began to cry a bit, As we stepped back from one another, he said that was the second most powerful meeting he had been in since he had joined the church. I agreed that it will be something I will never forget... He stopped me and said, "you reminded me of how it would have been at the Pentecost, as you bore your testimony a glow of light surrounded your head and then flowed down until your body was surrounded with light... tears began to fall down my cheeks, then he just said, "you did it." We hugged again and I turned to Davis and Watson, we also hugged and the night began to come to a close.
President Jackson interviewed me very last, and it was at 11 o'clock at night. He kept it short and asked me if there was anything that I had to tell him, or anything that he could do for me. I asked for a blessing. In which, he said, "the Lord is pleased with the work you have done, as well as the sincere desire to be strengthened through Him" He also quoted my patriarchal blessing where in it states my opportunity to be in a "position to uplift and help others recognize who they are" [by opening up the scriptures unto them for comfort and hope]. He then closed his blessing through the name ofJesus Christ, after which, he lifted me up by the arm (I was kneeling) and said "well done, thou good and faithful servant" Hugging once more, and then leaving the room together. I am very thankful for all of you who have supported me while being here, through the trials, the sicknesses, and the worry. I am upset to be leaving a people that I love so much, but I am privileged to have a family that loves me as much as you all do. Iknow we are going to be together forever. I love you all very much,and I cant wait to see you on Friday. This is my last email as Elder Carter, but forever, I will be your son and brother.
In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen
Love- Elder Carter

ISN'T THAT THE GREATEST E-MAIL EVER??

I kind of feel bad for being so excited for him to come home, that I didn't think about the people of Africa and all the people he helped. That was his home for 2 years and I know he is going to miss it terribly, but I can't wait to see him.

I love you Mark.
You are amazing.

Just to let you know....

2010-12-11T20:22:00.001-08:00

5 DAY S TILL MARK COMES HOME!!!!

I can count that on one hand!!!

Weird!

This pic is from the day he left.
It's not the best..
We just got done crying our eyes out

BUT...

Then next family pic at the airport will be when he gets home!
:))))))
I can't promise there won't be tears,
but this time around they will be happy tears!

YAY!!!
We are soooooo excited!

Can you believe it?

2010-12-08T20:56:00.000-08:00

To say things have been crazy around here would be an understatement.
I feel like my days blur together, we have been so busy.

The day after Thanksgiving we broke out all the Christmas decorations and the tree
we have a tradition in my family that each kid gets a new ornament every year
One that reflects something that we did that year or just something cute ;)
and then, when we get married we will have our own collection of ornaments to start out with.

While hanging up the ornaments I came across this one

It made me a little sad.
That's my sweet old Rudy doggy.
We got him when I was about 5 yrs old

we had to make the heart wrenching decision put him down in July of '09
It was a very sad day

My Grandma Carter gave us this ornament the following Christmas.
I miss that old boy!

We also celebrated my little sisters 17th birthday. I can't believe it. I remember when I was 17...and to be quite honest, I feel like it was just yesterday.
Man, I am getting old too fast.

We have been getting ready for some of our family to come to Tucson
Because...
Mark is coming home in 9 days!!

N-I-N-E!!!

I am so excited that we actually already made the signs & everything for the airport.
Pathetic?
I think not!!

Then..

the wedding planning

I don't know how people do this.
It's really not the funnest thing in the world.
It's quite stressful.

But on a good note

I have found a dress
I just can't gain ANY weight before the wedding or I might be in trouble lol

Things finally seem to be coming together
My mom and I have made a huge dent this week.
It's definitely relieving some stress
I feel like there aren't enough hours in the day to get everything done

There are still a handful of things that need to be done all before Mark gets home.

All in good time though

.......

Here are a few of our engagements

And here are a few pictures Mark sent home that I thought I would share

Man, I love that kid!!
I can't believe I will get to see him in almost a week!!
A week.

wow!

I can't promise I will have much time to blog within the next month, month in a half, but I will do my best.

...Until next time

Ahhh!!

2010-11-25T19:49:00.000-08:00

HOLY COW!!!

Get this.....

My cousin who I love so much
His name is Austin

Got his mission call yesterday
but
He waited to open it tonight so all the family could be there for Thanksgiving
(minus us because we live in AZ)

They called us & we put it on speaker phone

We all took guesses
1 out of state
and
1 state side

I guessed England and New York

I was WAY wrong!!
We all were.

I bet YOU can't guess where he is going.......

...................

...................

....................

UGANDA, KAMPALA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

yep!
you heard me right, people!!
The EXACT same mission Mark went to!

Crazy right?

We thought he was playing a joke on us.

Mark is going to be sooooo excited

............

Mark gets home in December and Austin leaves in February.

We are going to see the family right after Mark gets home so he will be able to tell Austin all about it. He will probably want to go back with him!

Austin will get to have the same Mission President and be able to see/teach the same people that Mark did!

Isn't that totally awesome????

Ahh!

We are all freaking out a little bit if you can't tell ;)

Sad thing is, Austin's older brother is on a mission right now in Illinois and doesn't get home until June.
Hopefully Austy will be able to fly there and see him before he goes!
:)

Welp! That's all for now..

Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving!

ps. I think I found a dress!! :D
Cross your fingers!!

First of all...

2010-11-24T10:29:00.000-08:00

I just want give a big thank you to everyone for all of their advice re: the dress situation. I have a handful I am looking at, so just cross your fingers and say a little prayer one of them works!

In other news, my family and I just got back from VEGAS!!! We went there for a little "couples shower" for Kyle and I since we won't be having two receptions. It was soooooooooooo much fun! Kyle's parents worked really long and hard for it, So THANK YOU GUYS!!! We were surrounded by our friends and family, we had EXCELLENT food, and lots of music & dancing. The weather was supposed to be rainy with 30 mph winds but right when the party started the weather calmed down and it was perfect!

Here are a few pictures of the evening

My sister really isn't that much taller than me. She had heels on ;)

Me & My daddy

My parentals

Kyle & his little bro, Garrett
love them!

Kyle & I

We also got some great gifts for our place..when we find one! ;)

We had a very nice relaxing weekend.
We really did NOT want to come back to AZ.
But we did and now we are getting ready for a big Thanksgiving Feast!!
YAY!

Oh and guess what else???

22 DAY TIL MARK GETS HOME!!

That's less than a month people!
Holy cow!!

HAPPY TURKEY DAY EVERYONE!!!

help?

2010-11-17T13:43:00.000-08:00

To start off.. i'm just gunna say this is a little bit embarrassing..

I hate asking for help

But I feel like I have run out of options

And if I had a steady job that I worked 40+ hrs a week with good pay then I would not be in this predicament.

But I am asking all of YOU, my blogging friends/family for help.

I need a wedding dress. And I am sort of freaking out (on the inside) that I cannot find one.

1. Because in Arizona they don't sell anything but strapless
2. I'm scared to order one off the internet
3. I don't have a lot of extra money to buy one
4. I don't really want to buy one if I am only going to wear it for a few hours
etc.
I am sure you all know what I am talking about..
especially in this darn world we live in.. no one has any extra money!!

So, I am asking YOU....
Does anyone out there have a dress they are willing to let me borrow or rent?

Time for a cool story re: this situation.

I have some family that is really involved and helping me with this wedding and they know i've been looking for a dress, and my aunt who recently got married has a friend that also just got married and this friend (who doesn't even know me)....was going to let me wear her dress!! I was soooooo excited and saw the pictures and couldn't wait to try it one.
Well...UPS dropped it off at my house and it was even more gorgeous than the pictures.. I was praying that it would fit (because it had a corset)!!

But..... It didn't :( It was just too big in the shoulders

My heart sunk! I've been a little bit discouraged since then.
But THANK YOU "friend".. I don't even know her name.. for your act of kindness to a total stranger!!! You are amazing and your dress is gorgeous!

So, I'm sorry that it has come to this..

But please help..

Thank you <3

As of late

2010-11-17T08:33:00.000-08:00

Nothing too exciting has been happening actually...

I have been coaching volleyball at a high school not too far from my house.
I was in charge of the freshman team.
we had 14 girls on the team... (which is a lot)
I came in to coach kind of on short notice. I was actually only in AZ for a day when they asked if I was interested.
Their previous coach got an amazing opportunity to go help coach college ball on the East Coast.
But, the girls and I clicked very well and became very good friends.

The season ended a few weeks ago..
I believe our record was 10-6 which isn't too bad for a freshman team
Actually, they were really good for a freshman team

We had a banquet this last weekend with all 3 teams (frosh, jv & varsity)
Where I got to hangout with all of them again.
My mom and I made blankets for all of the girls and attached a "goodie bag" with some lotion and candy in it.

(we were missing 5 girls)

I really do love those girls and am so grateful for the opportunity that I had to coach them and get to know them as friends, students, athletes and individuals. Even though I won't be here next season, I am anxious to see where the future takes them (the joys of facebook ;) lol)
I am also very grateful for this opportunity because my little sister was on the Varsity team so we have been able to spend a lot of time together and bond before I move away.

This is her with her team
She is on the back row in the white shirt and the grey & white jacket

We have also just been trying to get everything ready for my brother coming home in

30 DAYS!!!

I know, I know... you are all probably sick of hearing about him coming home and my constant countdown. But I am sooooo excited!
As many of you already know, Mark and I are twins. Being a twin is the most amazing thing ever! I love it! He is my best friend, hence the reason why I am so stinkin' excited!
Growing up Mark was always the outgoing, loud and funny one. He always made all my friends for me because I was so shy. When he left, it was really hard for me. I had to break out of my shell and discover who I really was. I did a lot of things that I was scared to do on my own, but I did it. This whole experience has just made us grow closer together. But I am ready for him to come home ;)

My mom and I are also trying to plan a little something something for my sister's 17th birthday. But we have been stumped on what to do for the party? Kids these days don't really like to play games or just sit and watch a movie.... Does anyone have any ideas???

...Until next time

introducing

2010-11-11T14:53:00.000-08:00

The most amazing man ever!

his name is Kyle

We met a few months ago and things immediately clicked
I don't think either of us were expecting anything to happen
But..
It did and now this amazing man is going to be my amazing husband.

It all happened pretty fast, but...
When ya know, ya know, right?
What's the point of wasting time.

We are both just working, saving our pennies
(because we are going to be very poor)
and try to find some fun, inexpensive things to do in our free time.

What are some fun things you and your "partner" do in your free time?

&

Just incase you wanted to know..
t-minus 36 days until Marky Mark comes home!!

..Until next time

I'm back

2010-11-09T14:55:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone

sorry the blog 'renovation' has taken longer than expected.

I am here. I promise.

Nothing too exciting has been going, hence the lack of blogging.

But guess what??

38 days til my brother comes home!!!!!!!

yep! Can you believe it?

I can't sit and think about it too much because it weirds me out.

It's not like I've forgotten about him.. I think about him every day.. but it will be weird to have him back home ya know?!

I seriously can NOT wait to see his handsome face again!

(sorry this is so short and so lame.. I've gotta run.. some exciting news next time.)

...LOVES