Birthdays

It's that crazy time of year where we celebrate lots of birthdays. In fact most of my families is right around now--and Nick and I are no exception to that.

First on the agenda was my birthday-August 24th. Let's be real-birthdays as an adult just aren't too exciting. I got up at 6:30am, worked 9 hours, rushed to leave to make it to activity day girls for church by 5pm, got home and by 7pm I was spent! My co-workers were great and in fact we had a two day birthday fest that was quite the caloric splurge! Nick and I did decide last minute to go to Red Robin for dinner where he went out to the car and came back in with the biggest gift bag I had ever seen. Inside was a Michael Kors purse that he said he picked out himself! It was nice, but being that he spent some money on it, I knew I was going to take it back and getting something I really wanted. :) But, more than the gift itself I love the mental picture I get of him going all over town handbag shopping-all with me in mind. A few days later after a return purchase I got this lovely bag that gets to call my left shoulder its new home! I went to bed that night exhausted--and feeling a year older for sure! Happy 28 to me!

Next up was Domenic's birthday-Sept 8th. He had an even crazier day than I had. He was up at 5am, in class by 7am and got to spend 14 hours on ASU's campus listening to lectures, going to labs, participating in study groups, and a 3 hour night class to top it all off. He came home around 9:30 to pizza (gluten-free, of course) and a home made gluten free chocolate coconut cake from me! I must say it was pretty good! I reminded him that his gun Judy is the gift that keeps on giving (hence why there were no presents for him to open), and he spent the rest of his night watching his favorite show-Storage Wars. Yep, Nick's 29th birthday was spent fully as an adult; having to be responsible!

The next night Sept 9th we planned some birthday fun. We went to dinner, the ASU game with some friends, and enjoyed ASU's win in overtime, 75 degree weather, and a light rain shower even.

September 11, 2001

I was a freshmen at Brigham Young University in Provo, UT on that day that changed America. I was living in Helaman Halls and had just made the walk up the hill pass the Cannon Center up towards the Marriott business school. I noticed a crowd of students gathered around a TV hanging in the lobby. I glanced over and saw what looked like a building on fire and huge clouds of smoke. Not wanting to be late to class (because having an 8am class my first semester of college was not smart), I kept walking to class. I continued to walk noticing people around me were emotional. My first class that morning was Book of Mormon with Rex Reeve. As I sat there with everyone in the class talking about what was going on in NYC we were all shocked. We started class that day the same way we did every session--with a prayer. It was that prayer that made me knew I was right where I wanted to be in that moment. We talked about having faith not fear, and read scriptures to help comfort us. I'm pretty sure class was officially cancelled, but no one wanted to leave that room that was giving us solace.

It was a Tuesday, which at BYU meant devotional. I remember being packed into the Marriott Center to hear the President of BYU, Merrill J. Batemen give this message. It was a message of hope and peace. It was short, powerful, and a message for all the world not just us BYU students. “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27).

I really don't remember too much else about that day except for calling family, watching the television, and thinking how could this have happened. My freshmen year roommate, Jesicah, had family that lived in NYC. I remember seeing how upset she was and not knowing what to say to her or how to comfort her. It just didn't seem real. It really is hard to imagine that it has been 10 years since the terrorist attacks on our country. I've been glued to the TV watching the memorials, hearing the stories, and being grateful for a country where our freedom equals courage when it mattered the most. Truly, I'm proud to be an American.

The Great 8

As my mom would say because she is oh so cool, "What's the haps?" So for the two of you who read this blog here is the great 8 happenings these days.

1.) Nick and I are officially back to living under the same roof. He came home to an unkept promise on my part that he could sit on the coach for a week and do nothing. Sorry, 3 months worth of honey-do's were waiting. So we were crazy enough to do yard work is 114 plus weather smack in the middle of the day, organize every inch of the office, and wash every piece of clothing that touched a suitcase this summer.

2.) Our ward split (again) back in May of this year, but with travels and Nick being gone it goes without saying that we haven't been there much. We've snuck under the radar and gone without callings until now. I'm over the 8-9 year old activity days. Thankfully I am one of 3 leaders because there are 18 girls in that age group! So far it has been so much fun, despite being so stressed out at work every other Wednesdays because I have to leave on time (which is a mere impossible thing to make happen). Nick just got called as the 7 turning 8 year old primary teacher. He was hesitant being that his last time in primary was 11 years ago and after 3 weeks of chaos he decided that he was going to start attending the singles ward! I reminded him that he can't use that as an excuse these days.

3.) Nick is back in school. He is taking 18 credit hours this semester, but if that is not enough he is in every club, group, or activity that ASU construction has to offer! He is head of ASU heavy civil construction team that competes in RENO each February with other schools throughout the country. So he is interviewing people who are trying to get on the team, meeting with companies to sponsor them, and spending hours starring at blue prints of constructions projects. Not to mention he is the industry relations rep for AGC (American General Contractors) association. He's probably told me what that means, but I can't remember--all I know is it means he has a lot of meetings.

4.) In honor of this being Nick's last year at Arizona State University we thought we would have some school spirit and get season tickets to football. Supposedly, they are good this year and the home games include playing Missouri, Oregon State, USC, and Arizona. It should get exciting. The home opener was this last Thursday night, but of course Nick had class so I took my friend, Amy. They said on the news that at the 7:30pm it was over 110 degrees still. I believe it, I was so sweaty nasty and sitting in a massive concrete stadium didn't help.

We took the Light Rail to the stadium for some good people watching

At the game trying not to melt

5.) Going Gluten-Free! I don't know why I felt so compelled to put an explanation mark after that, there really is nothing very exciting about it. After 8 years Nick is ready to figure out what is causing his horrible excema. From talking to people and different things we have read we think he has a gluten allergy. He has seen a few primary care doctors and dermatologist, however they all just give him oral steroids to stop the immune response so the rash improves, give him a steroid cream and say see ya later, but the minute he goes off of that stuff it comes right back. Hence, why this has been going on for so long ;) Sidenote--I have little trust in 'doctors and their prescription handing out selves' these days.

So after talking to a few patients I see and my chiropractor I found a naturopathic doctor that sounds perfect. Nick will have the blood tests done, but of course it is a 2 month wait to get in to see her. Until then we are on week 3 of no gluten and Nick is so good about being very strict. My grocery store trips sadly take over an hour now to read all the labels and are you sitting down--our grocery bill last month was almost $900!!! Gluten is in everything, so I have been quite the chef these days making everything from scratch. No cream of chicken soup in this house anymore!

6.) I've been working at lot due to the other full-time hygienist in the office being on maternity leave. It's the nice time of year where all the kiddos are back in school, the snowbirds are still not back in town--so it's all the nice, average, and easy patients. Since January I've had 3 assistants! They keep leaving to go to hygiene school, so I've been busy training new assistants and hygienists and unfortunately that leaves me at work way later than I'd like to be.

7.) We've been hooked lately to the Discovery Channels commerical free series on Thursday nights called, "Rising: Rebuilding Ground Zero." It is a documentary about the year of construction going on before the 10th anniversary of the attack on the WTC. It is produced by Steven Spieldberg and has been so great to watch. Nick loves watching all the construction on the the new Freedom Tower (which is the first building in the US of its kind) and I love all the personal stories that are shared about the connections that these workers have to those who died. There are not to many shows that we sit down and enjoy together, but this has been the one series that everyone should watch. It's hard to believe it's been 10 years. Here is what the new memorial park on ground zero will look like when it is complete. The architects thought of everything-literally. They even calculated for the sun to be at the same angles each year on Sept 11th to give off the same degree of light off the buildings representing the time the first tower was struck to when the second tower collapsed. Seriously--go watch this series!

8.) Finally, couponing. I want to do. I need to do it (as you can see from my earlier post about our $900 grocery month for August). But where to begin? Talk about overwhelming. I've read a few blogs with advice, but even still I'm lost. Any thoughts, suggestions? Does anyone suscribe to couponsense.com?? I need YOUR input!

Bracelets and Judy

Happy Anniversary to Us!

August 16th

As usual Nick was up to his romantic ways and had a beautiful bouquet of flowers waiting when I got home from work. We ate dinner out Outback (thank you David and Jo). Nick got me bracelet that I had my eye on with a heart pendant that has our wedding date on it with our family monogram. I love this bracelet because the charm goes on the toggle, but the toggle can open and other charms can be worn or put on another bracelet. I wanted the sterling silver bracelet, however Nick surprised me by also getting the pearl bracelet with the toggle that opens so I can wear the charms on either bracelet. He's a clever one! I loved it.

And then there is Judy! No, that is not a nickname for either one of us, rather it is the name of Nick's new rifle. He named her Judy after Judge Judge-meaning all verdicts are final! haha. Too funny. I hate to be any animal in his path because I don't' think it is going to be a good outcome for the wildlife. So yes, Judy is now in our home and all of Nick's other guns are jealous of the attention she is getting. With all of you as my witness Nick now says his life is complete and he will never ask for anything else again. :) We will see how long this lasts! (It better last for a while considering this is for our anniversary and his upcoming birthday). Just look at his big grin. I think he is happier in this picture then on our wedding day!

I tell you what. Mr. husband can sure write one sappy love note! I keep thinking that one of these days I am going to scan them all and make a book. I hate that I just stick cards in a box and never re-read them. Maybe one day when I'm retired I'll get around to making that. It was a great anniversary spent with the one I love the most.

Three.

3 years and counting...

I look at this photo everyday on my computer desktop. I'm one lucky girl!

This is what the past 3 years have been for us! Life is Beautiful!

08-16-08

A True Texan Summer

Three months of Texas Adventure and not a dull moment. I was lucky enough to go out several times to visit, so we were sure to do it all! This could turn out to be the world's longest post if I tried to write it all, therefore I will let the pictures tell the story.

When Nick heard he was going to Texas I was so excited because I had a few close friends from over the years who lived nearby. Julia and I lived on the same floor our freshmen year at BYU and I have been spoiled rotten that despite she living in Tx and myself in AZ, I have seen her 5 times in the last year (which is a ton considering it had been 7 years since I had seen her at all). Ian and Nick loved talking construction (they have the same careers) and guns! It was so great meeting all of Julia and Ian's kiddos for the first time. So adorable, so entertaining, and man do they sure know how to pose for a camera! So great seeing them and a BIG thank you for all your hospitality and great food. Love you guys!

The Farmers: Kate, Ian, Julia, Wesley, Gracie

Gracie, Me, baby Wesley

I cannot remember what this game was called! But it was fun and addicting. (It looks like scrabble, but it wasn't)!

Oh, how I love this girl-Taylor! I've known her since I moved to Kentucky and can honestly say she is a keeper in the friend department. Taylor has lived in Houston for a couple of years now and I was so glad that I got to see her and she certainly showed us how to eat our way through that town! This is after we stuffed our face with mediterranean food.

Even Paul came to visit! So much fun that weekend and the Fishin' Fiesta is the place to be if you are ever in Freeport, TX the first weekend of July. Here are all the winning catches of the day.

We visited nautical antique shops on The Stand in Galveston where Paul and Nick showed the store owner the proper way to fold a ships flag :)

Enjoying the shops

We had a beach day in Galveston at Stewart Beach. The water felt great, the sun rays were beating down, and I actually went in pass knee level (which is a big deal for those of you who know me).

We toured the Bishop's house in Galveston. It is a crazy huge house that survived the 1901 hurricane. It was so great to see how the extremely wealthy people lived back then.

We toured a retired oil rig and an attached museum. Nick loved this. It was pretty neat to see how big all the drill bits are that are used! After touring this place I'm convinced we need to start using all the resources off our coast! Forget all those crazy environmentalists, we need to be energy independent. (Okay, I'm off my soapbox).

Oh, Texas! Thanks for being so good to us this summer. Nick loved you and even thinks he likes all your humidity! He loved that he got to be a cowboy, shoot guns, wear his boots and hat around town, and talk with a southern drawl with no translation necessary. I loved that you have a beach (a key element to any summer), HUGE mall (thank you, Galleria), kolache shops on every corner, and pistachio almond blue bell ice cream. It was a great summer with a little piece of Texas pride (a brass belt buckle) taken home for the memories.

Hope Ya'll had a great summer too!

Visting Home-Kentucky!

In planning my husband-less summer I knew I wanted to head home to Kentucky for a few days to see my family. I lucked out and was there in between the heat waves so it was high 80's-mid 90's and gorgeous!

My parents are in the middle of a 3-4 month remodeling project of their kitchen (finally, my mom has been waiting ten years to do this), bathrooms, and family room. Up to this point my parents have re-done on their own all the bedrooms, living room, dining room, a bathroom and just finished updating the basement a few months ago. But now for the big stuff the pros were called in--- You name it, it is being done-raising the ceiling in the kitchen, moving lighting, plumbing, knocking walls down, and steam room shower, one of a kind cabinetry, moving sky lights, new doors, and so on! I think you get the drift that this place is getting a make over! I can't wait to see what it looks like when we go back at Thanksgiving--hopefully it's done!

When I walked in this is how the kitchen looked!!

We spent Saturday going to Louisville's Homerama where you walk through 20+ homes that were all custom built and decorated from top to bottom. You walk through, see all the latest design trends, get ideas about things that might look good in your home, see paint colors, different fabrics and materials, landscaping, and everything in between. This year it was at Norton Commons-where all the houses are 2-3 stories plus a basement! Needless to say walking in 20+ houses up and down each story--my calfs were so sore the next day!

Here are a few of the 2011 Homearama homes

Of course one of my favorite parts of the trip was seeing my nephews. They are so funny and are the best of friends. My mom planned a FHE that week about the pioneers and my dad told a story about one for our ancestors crossing the plains to head to Utah. So, my mom had the great idea to make a handcart with the boys. The LOVED it!

Here are the boys helping grandma figure out the proper height for the wiring

We all got to wear bandanas that showed we were all in the same family--just like the pioneers did. The little boys were the only ones who looked cute in theirs (which is why you don't see my picture here)!

Here the boys are ready to go out on the "Trek"

The boys all hot and sweaty after the Trek. I think I'll stick to riding inside the car in the background!

Liam wanted to be sure everyone knew he was strong enough to pull it himself.

Driving to the airport I saw this building---wow--I spent wayyyyy tooo much time here!

And lastly, I made it back to Phoenix--only to see this dust storm! No this wasn't the big 'haboob' dust storm that was all over the news--but don't worry I was in that one flying two weeks earlier! One thing about traveling so much this summer is that it has made me afraid to fly! Every flight was late, every flight was bad weather, and every flight I thought was going to lose my breakfast!

As always, such a great visit! Other highlights were seeing my good friend-Tasha, eating Grater's ice cream twice, staying up watching food network until the late hours of the night with mom, going to calypso cove with the little boys, seeing my family, and seeing all the green trees! Sure does make me homesick to fly back to AZ to see clouds of dust and brown blah! We will be back soon enough hopefully!