Spontaneous Weekend

Last weekend we did something totally somewhat spontaneous, which is not me. I discovered however that being spontaneous made me really happy. On Monday I called my friend Alyssa to see if by chance if we went to Utah if my kids could spend the night on Friday. Alyssa said they could and that her kids would be very excited. I told her we weren't 100% certain because of Lou's craziness at work but I wanted to make sure it was a possibility. I wanted to go to the Jerry Sloan retirement ceremony at the Jazz game on Friday. That night I talked to Lou and said we should probably decide because every time I looked at tickets they were going up in price. Lou said he couldn't commit 100% because a lot was going on at work but to get the tickets to be safe. I thought the worst that happens is none of us go, the second worse that happens is that I go with the kids and take a friend with me to the game and the best outcome, we all go to Utah together.

The next day I bought the tickets for me and Lou. They were the cheapest I could find so not fantabulous seats but I was just so happy to be going to the game. Lou worked very hard all week to be able to take this little trip on Friday. Lou was on the phone as far as his phone had service while we were driving, or had me sending texts to work people, which was a sacrifice on my part because of my motion sickness, but anything to help Lou since was doing all this for me.

We left Boise a little before 11 and arrived at Alyssa's about 4. The kids were so excited to see their friends and I was just as excited to see my friend.  Lou and I didn't stay long at Alyssa's, because Lou had to get to the hotel to do some work before dinner and the game. Oh yeah did I mention that we stayed in a hotel. I found an absolutely amazing deal for Little America online so we did it.

Driving into downtown Salt Lake with Lou was a blast, we listened when we could to the Jerry Sloan press conference that featured Jerry, John and Karl.  (we could listen when Lou wasn't on the phone, have you noticed Lou is always on the phone?).  We checked into the hotel. The room was very pretty, it had english carpet, real glasses instead of plastic cups. a vanity with a chair, where I totally did my hair and makeup sitting down! I couldn't believe how nice it was for how little we paid. Thank goodness for internet deals. Lou did work and I had fun texting my Jazz BFF, Moni. We texted about the press conference, the excitement of the game and ceremony and texted that we wished she could be in Utah for it.

I loved all the details in the hotel, like this soap dish, and that our soap was from London! 

Before the game we met some of my SLC Dunk friends for dinner. We took the TRAX to the Gateway where we ate at La Jolla Groves. La Jolla Groves is my absolute most favorite restaurant in Provo,  when I saw that they had opened one at the Gateway I knew we had to eat there.  Dinner was so great, the food was delicious, the water was amazing and we couldn't have asked for better company.

Our view of the ceremony

We walked over to the ESA and got there in time to say hi to another Jazz friend. We made it to our seats just in time for National Anthem and the player intros. The arena was decked out all honoring Jerry, showing pics and stats on the new screens. The game was pretty fun to watch (for this year's Jazz team). The halftime ceremony was amazing, they did such a good job honoring Jerry. The Jazz unfortunately lost the game but being there with Louis and watching Jerry's ceremony was worth it. After the game we met up with some different Jazz friends and talked for awhile, they are super nice couple.  We finally took the TRAX back to the Little America. On the way back to the hotel, Lou said I could get used to commuting like this, I thought the same thing. It was so fun to just be in the city for the night and be like a city person.

When we got to the hotel we decided to walk around the lobby a little bit (our hotel room wasn't in the tower but in one of the smaller buildings). the lobby was so beautiful. They had a nice fire going so Lou and I sat in front of the fire and talked.

The welcoming fire in the lobby

The next morning Lou woke up and did work once again, and I slept.  We made it to Alyssa's to pick up the kids around 11:30. We stayed for a few hours. It was great to talk with Alyssa and Jared. They are such good friends, some of our oldest friends.

On our way home we went to Lou's grandparents house. We called them earlier and said we were in Utah and wanted to stop by. We went to a grocery store to pick up a box of chocolates and a flower for Grandma, since she had had surgery earlier in the month. The grocery store is named Dick's. It reminds me of Day's in Provo. Its much larger but has the same feel and everyone is so friendly. Everyone smiled at us, I love that small town feel in not a very small town. When we got to Lou's grandparent's house they had pizza for us, chips, and other yummy foods. They are the best hosts. We always love spending time with Lou's Grandma and Grandpa Allen. They are so kind and loving.

Billboard we saw leaving Bountiful

We finally had to drive back to Boise. It was very hard to leave Utah with all the love we felt from friends and family. On the way home we listened to Primary songs which invited great conversations.

It was such a perfect weekend. I love our family. I love that our kids are old enough to to do fun things like take somewhat spontaneous trip to Salt Lake.

Gratitude Corner:

Maybe I'll have friends soon :)

Yesterday I received an email from a member of the stake Relief Society presidency. She came to visit with a member of the ward relief society a few weeks ago. She was super kind in the email and we are planning a dinner or a movie night.

A few weeks ago BYU played Gonzaga. A family in our ward invited us to watch the game. The same day they invited us we found out we were visiting teaching companions.  The game was a ton of fun even though BYU lost.

Odds and Ends

Its been nearly two months since I've written. I think there a lot of reasons for missing on writing.

• Not really happy living here- so its hard to write.
• Busy- well kind of not always 
• Feeling like there isn't anything to write about. 

I have tried to be happy, I really have. I am happy just not about living in Boise. It doesn't feel like home. I don't see us being here long term so its hard to be fully invested ™.  I miss my friends a lot. I wasn't one to see friends or talk to friends everyday but I miss knowing that I can go to lunch or dinner with Robin or Rachelle. I miss going to Alyssa's house for playdates and marathon talking sessions.  I miss my hot chick nights with Bridget and Robin.  I miss walking to Days and ALWAYS seeing someone from my ward. I miss my Edgemont ward and neighborhood so much. I loved going to church and having so many friends.  

Okay that is enough of what I miss. Lets get onto what's been going on.

• Last week we attended our THIRD ward in the FOUR months that we have been here.  When we first came to Boise we were faced with the decision of attending the ward that our apartment belongs to or just go to the ward where we are building our house.  I opted for the apartment ward, Lou wanted the house ward. I was wrong. We went to the apartment ward for a few Sundays, we knew it wasn't where we we were suppose to be.We started to attend our ward within our house boundaries. We both felt at home.  Last week we found out that our Stake was changing ward boundaries and we would be attending a new ward once again. We went this past Sunday to our new ward. It seems nice enough, its quite large,(apparently it was very small before the changes) it was really loud during Sacrament meeting but maybe that was just the excitement of changes.  Lou and I were lucky enough to talk in our ward the last week we attended. It was funny it was like a welcome talk and a farewell talk (even though we didn't find out until that night that we would be part of the ward that was changing) .  Its so funny when we were looking at houses one of the reasons I wanted Southeast Boise and not a growing place like Meridian is because I didn't want changes in our ward!! Silly me.

• The kids have had this entire week off. I LOVE it. In Utah they always just had the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Friday after Thanksgiving off. Its been so fun to get ready for Thanksgiving and have the kids around.  

• Speaking of Thanksgiving. We will be spending Thanksgiving in Boise this year. It will be the first year I'll make the meal. I am so so excited. We'll miss Lou's family but it will be so fun to be just us too.  I have been planning for a few weeks the menu and the day. I have some fun ideas, that I'm really excited about it. We'll have turkey (I found a copycat recipe for the Honeybaked Ham turkey recipe... that we love) , ham, homemade Lionhouse rolls, mashed potatoes,  green bean casserole, stuffing (lou and josh like it, me and kira don't), stuffed mushrooms, a cranberry- apple pie relish, salad and of course pie.  I bought my family's traditional snacking food to eat throughout the day too.

Beautiful flowers Leann and Jeff sent me for Thanksgiving, saying they are going to miss us but wishing us luck :)

• We are starting a new tradition on Thanksgiving.  After dinner and pie we'll open our Christmas season box.  I thought it would be fun to put a box together to welcome us to the Christmas season.  I bought a few Christmas movies, books and candies to put in the box.  I am sooo excited about his box, like beyond excited. I think the kids will love it.  It will be fun to think of new things to do every year with it. I almost bought Christmas shirts for the kids to put in but the movies and books were adding up :)

• So I was going to take a mediation class this fall. I was pretty excited about it. But as I looked more and more into the training. Every training class is held on Sundays. You have to take quite a few courses before you are certified. I didn't feel right about that at all. So I won't be doing the mediation training anymore.

• Our house is delayed again but that's okay. We need things to be done right, there were a few major things that the inspector and Lou didn't like when we had the inspection. So hopefully CBH will agree to fix those things, the way we want them fixed.

That's our update for now.  Hopefully I'll write more than every two months!!

Hello Monday

Hello, Monday.

Hello to living in our new city and state for nearly four weeks.

Hello to summer ending and the fall beginning.

Hello to school starting tomorrow.

Hello to missing home and friends.

Hello to lots of reading and finally reading the Hunger Games. 

Hello to crocheting.

Hello to hopefully making new friends soon.

Hello to a smooth adjustment in a new school

And hello to hopefully seeing Sharon this weekend.

Sometimes You Just Have to Get Wet

I thought it would be fun to go on a bike ride with the kids. I thought you know we haven't ridden to the Riverwoods lets do that today.  Kira and Josh were super excited about the idea. Kira had the fun idea of inviting her friend Eliza.  Eliza's mom was watching Kira's other friend Ellie, so Kira was lucky enough to have two friends come with us. We had a ton of fun riding our bikes despite having to go further down University Ave than planned because they repaved part of the intersection of where we cross to get to the Riverwoods. Its OK because with our tiny detour we saw a fun pond with lily pads that we wouldn't have seen if we went our normal way.

The first stop was to get some ice cream. I didn't get any but Kira let me have a few licks of her cone.  (Sharon can you believe I didn't get an ice cream cone?!)  The kids of course then wanted to go to Blickenstaffs. They played for HOURS!  They played on the horse, on the little riders, they played house, it was fun to watch. We then walked over to the Zion's Merchantile. The girls loved looking at the bonnets.

We were then going to go home but we tried to find a water fountain that took us to Provo Beach Resort, then after that we walked right by the splash pad so the kids kicked off their shoes and went right in even though we didn't bring swim suits. Kira and Eliza went all in, Ellie and Josh were a little more conservative.  Kira then suggested we go to Bath and Body Works so we did, we all had fun trying on different lotions (Joshy in the mens section) I found a new smell I love. Its a new one, its berry sugar something and its on sale for $5! All their new summer lotions that they just got in are $5. I'll have to go back.  The girls tried on a ton of different lip gloss. Finally we decided after around four hours we best be heading home.

It was such a spontaneous day but so much fun! Gotta live it up in Provo while we have the chance!

A Visitor in Your Own Town

Thursday was an absolute fabulous day!  Rachelle had the brilliant idea of going to City Creek over Spring Break so we did.  We planned on just a few hours but ended up being gone all. day. long.

We left Provo around 11 am and didn't return until after 9:00 p.m.  The kids were so good for the long day. We hit a little traffic on the way up to Salt Lake but I didn't mind, I loved talking with Rachelle.

We did a ton of walking around, we had lunch at the Cheesecake Factory. We did some more walking around and looking around, we got shakes from Godiva. We did some more walking around, we bought a little souvenir for the kids from Papyrus Papers. I got the kids scented pens, Rachelle got Daniel the biggest turtle eraser you'll ever find.

Daniel had swimming lessons but Rachelle decided we were having too much fun so we kept on going instead of going home. We went to Temple Square. I haven't walked around Temple Square in a long time.  I mean we go at Christmas but then we're just looking at lights we don't go into the Visitors Center and stuff. We decided to do it all. We went to the Christus. It was so peaceful. Kira observed as we were walking up to the Christus that the rail was like the Iron Rod leading us to Heaven.  We enjoyed a presentation on families. I felt the Spirit so strongly. It made me miss Louis a lot. It solidified many feelings lately I have been having about the importance of marriage, eternal marriage.  Our kids were so attentive during the presentation. The presentation was a video about a family. You walked into different rooms for different parts of the video, following the timeline of the family's life. It was good. Kira said that she wants a copy of the Proclamation in her room.

After Temple Square we went over to the Conference Center. I had never taken an official tour of the Conference Center, it was nice. We started on the roof. The kids loved looking at the city. My kids of course were very excited to point out the ESA.  We were able to go to the auditorium where General Conference takes place.  Earlier we were at the Tabernacle, it seemed so small, its hard to imagine that is where General Conference was held for so many years, and immediately seeing the Conference Center you can see how visionary the Church is.  The kids liked the auditorium though disappointed we weren't able to go to the podium.  We saw paintings of the Book of Mormon, we went through the Hall of the Presidents.  I looked looking at the paintings with the kids in the Conference Center and the Visitors Center. I loved hearing which one were the kids favorites. Josh loved the painting of Christ on the cross. Josh told me how much he loved Jesus and the atonement. Kira loved the painting of Christ visiting the Nephites, she says its her favorite scripture story.  My favorite was Christ coming into Jerusalem on the donkey and the one of the baptisms at the Waters of Mormon.

There were a few other people on our tour one of them was a RM who served in France, Kira and Josh spoke some French with him, it was cute.  The tour guide loved Kira, he told her she was smart enough to give the tours. She responded with an exited "really!" "can I mom, please!" It was cute.

We then walked back to City Creek. We had dinner at the Blue Lemon.  Oh earlier in the day I accidentally put down my bag with my leftovers and the kids pens. I noticed when we were at the Visitors Center. We didn't make it back to City Creek till hours later. I found it! Josh told me earlier when we first realized I didn't have it to say a prayer. I did. It was nice to find it and see Josh got excited about a prayer being answered :)

We walked around some more, the kids enjoyed the fountains, we enjoyed the fountain shows.  We finally decided to leave around 8:00 pm.

It was such a fun fun day. I loved talking to Rachelle, seeing the kids having fun and enjoying time with the kids.  It was fun to be a visitor in my hometown.

Busy December Saturday

We had a fun Saturday.  We  were invited to a Christmas party from our good friends the Uffenorde's.  We are so lucky to have them as our friends.

Poor Joshy had a headache at the party so he spent a lot of it cuddling up to me on the couch. (I didn't mind that at all)

After the party we went to the new outlet mall at Traverse Mountain.  It was snowing crazy hard in Herriman but by the time we reached IKEA there was no snow at all. I was happy I wasn't looking forward to driving in a huge storm around point of the mountain, so thank goodness I didn't have to!

We had fun at the mall. Leann invited Mandy and Jake, and Cassidy and Mark. I didn't know they were coming so that was fun.  Kira was excited to see Claire.  The kids got to see Santa. They happened to be standing there right when Santa returned so there was no waiting!

Josh got sicker throughout the day. By the time we ate dinner at JCWs he felt so bad he fell right to sleep.

So happy we were so busy today. Saturdays are the hardest with Lou gone (Saturdays and Sundays). next weekend Lou will be home and the weekend after that!  Last night I missed Lou so much that I cried. After watching the Jazz game. I went upstairs looked at the tree, listened to Pink Floyd and just sat there thinking about my Lou.  I love that guy so much. I am so blessed to be able to feel that kind of love in my life. 

Peaceful Snow

It snowed.  The kids could not be happier!

All they wanted to do after school yesterday and all today was play in the snow! The made snowmen, angles and castles. I love that they don't get bothered by the cold.

I preferred to watch them through our big front window, where it was warm.  

The snow is so peaceful and relaxing.  Last night I sat just sitting, not on the computer or my phone, no music, just sat and felt the quiet as the snow fell.

I like our view very much.

Yesterday I didn't want to go out and drive in the snow but Kira had a playdate and Josh had a birthday party so my quest to be home all day was foiled by busy kids.

Today the roads weren't bad at all so we ran a few errands including going to the Creamery, we scored free lower bowl basketball seats for going. And I bought some yummy chocolate milk. We also got to go to dinner with Jeff, Leann and Mark.  It was fun.

Now to go enjoy the quiet and view again.

Togetherness

We get to see Lou in a few days. That's all I can really think about! This is the longest we have been apart our entire marriage.  Its hard knowing he'll be home for such a short period of time before he goes back to Boise.  We will sure make the most of and enjoy the days we do get with him.

Saturday will be me and Lou's 11th anniversary. 11 years is a long time but it is really hard to remember what life was like before I married Lou.  In 11 years Josh will be 18.  That is weird to think about, that in the same amount of time that we've been married, all my kids will be adults.

Today I went visiting teaching. I sure love my companion and the sisters we visit teach. It has been such a blessing in my life.  I love that the sisters we visit like to be visited and make it so easy for us to visit.  I like that my companion is the same way.  I have visited the same sisters for the two years we've been in the ward.  We are all in different stages of life, my companion about the same age as me has three young kids at home none in school yet.  One of the sisters we visit teach has three kids ages 12-18.  The other sister we visit has two kids, both returned missionaries attending BYU.  I enjoy talking with these sisters, I like that I am able to learn from their life experiences. Having friends that are not your age and not in the same circumstances as you is a great experience.

I have felt so much love from my friends this week. Robin came over Saturday night, we watched Felicity.  Rachelle has called and texted. Alyssa invited us to spend Saturday afternoon at her house and we ended up having dinner together.  I have such good friends. I don't know if I have ever had as good of friends as I do right now on a whole.  (there it is getting so comfortable with how life is that Heavenly Father makes you pack up and start over again)



I also have been talking to my mom much more frequently on the phone, same with my sister Sharon. Talking with family although they live across the country is so nice. Although it would be much nicer to see them every week, talking will have to do.

Service and Friendship

Isn't it funny how you want to do something nice for someone because they always do something nice for you and you actually get your chance to serve this person and the very next day they out serve you once more.

So my wonderful friend Alyssa is ALWAYS doing stuff for us, always. Alyssa has watched my kids countless times, she has made us countless dinners, she cleaned my bathrooms when I had Josh, she made Kira's blessing dress among many other acts of service over the years.

This week Alyssa called asking if I could watch her kids on Wednesday. Wednesday was a super busy day for Kira but there was no way I could say no. So we got it worked out so I could watch her three oldest kids. We had a grand time, Josh and Isaac immediately turned on the Wii and played Legos Harry Potter. Kyah entertained Ahsha (Kira was at a French class). After the kids played we walked and got Snow Cones at Surf-n-Slurp. We had fun walking in the light rain. We didn't expect the huge line so we were in a rush to get Kira after we got our treats.

Kira and Kyah went to our neighbor's house for a gymnastics class.  They came home very excited taking about cartwheels and handstands.  Ahsha was my little buddy most of the day, cuddled with me while watching My Little Pony and Strawberry Shortcake, held my hand whenever we walked somewhere and accompanied me to pick up Lou.  We had a great time :)

So I was so happy to watch Alyssa's kids. Then the very next day Alyssa outshined me again. Lou called me from work saying he didn't feel well and he thought he should go to the doctor. I was worried Lou never wants to go the doctor, never complains about anything. I told him to come home first so I could go with him.  We left the kids thinking we wouldn't' be that long. As we were at the doctor and finding out that we would be awhile.  I called Alyssa asking her if she could pick up my kids and watch them, without hesitation despite a very busy time for them, she picked them up. The kids ended up spending the night, Lou and I didn't get home till pretty late.

Alyssa and her family are moving to Herriman. I am so sad, I think I am kind of in denial. I told Sharon and she kind of laughed and said Herriman wasn't that far. I agree its not that far but its way too far for Alyssa and family to live from us!

Small Things of Joy

Remember my Word of the Year, JOY.  I have been trying to refocus on that word again, its always in the back of my mind but not upfront where it should be.   Today I woke up and decided I spend TOO much time online, I don't want to anymore,  live a real LIFE not an online life.   I've *gulp* spent too much time focusing on the Jazz, on blogs, on things that don't really matter.  Things that are fun but shouldn't be the main FOCUS.  Lets regain my focus on FAMILY, FRIENDS, things that count!

So today for JOY I cut roses from our yard, put them in a pretty vase and have looked at them.  Grateful that although our yard is not ANYWHERE near how I want it to be yet, we HAVE a yard, our own yard!

I cleaned JOSH's room.  I know that doesn't sound like JOY but it is to me.  Josh does not keep things as clean as I like, so I once again organized his room, making it as SIMPLE as possible for my little boy to keep things clean.  I watched episodes of the 1st season of GLEE whilst cleaning.   Joyful event for me.

I made CREAM of WHEAT for breakfast and ate breakfast with my kids.  I watched FULL HOUSE with Kira and Josh.  Laughed when Kira got all serious and said "mom, I have been wondering this for awhile, on TV how do they get old and then young again"  (explained to her how reruns work.. that they don't refilm them every time they show)   Cream of Wheat, Full House and the kids= JOY


Mopped the kitchen although its not Monday=JOY, texting with Rachelle= JOY, looking out at the mountains from my living room = JOY  and emails with my a friend back and forth this morning=JOY


Looking forward to the weekend with LOU and the kids and looking forward to FOCUSING on things that matter= JOY


Now I'll get back to playing, Litte People Airport/Park/Parking Garage, and Handy Manny construction with my boy Josh!

JOY!!!!!

Friends

Last week was Spring Break for the kids.  I think it was a good warm up for me for the soon to be summer vacation for the kids. We had such a fun time staying home and also going out and playing with friends.   I also got to go to the last Jazz game of the season (boo hoo)

We played with our friends the Uffenordes a lot.  We went to the Kangaroo Zoo on Thursday.  When I told the kids the morning of that we were going Kira kindly implored.. whats a KANGAROO zoo?  My sweetie honestly thought we were going to look at kangaroos.  When I reminded her what it was she said oh its called the Kangaroo Zoo because we jump and bounce around like kangaroos!

Kira, Josh, Kyah Ahsha, Isaac

Joshy one of the many many times he asked me to "watch Mom!"

Kira, Kyah and Josh all coming down together

as you can tell Kira had a fun fun time!

The girls of the Uffenorde and Allen clans also got to play on Friday. We had a girl scout activity at the library, then of course that wasn't enough time for the girls to be together so we went to the park followed by a fun trip to Baskin Robbins (treated by Alyssa... Thanks!)  That would have to do but it still wasn't enough time for the friends since birth Kira and Kyah (they often tell other friends, "hey did you know I've known Kira since I was born!")

I got to see some friends besides Alyssa.  Jessie is in town and we all went to dinner on Thursday ( I picked her up so we could have that extra talking time)  We spent a good 3 hours at Chilis. Tons of talking, good laughs, good times but not good service (our waitress was kind of annoying).  It  is always so fun to be with Jessie.  We also had a picnic at my house on Saturday. the sun was shining the kids were good, what more could you ask for!  We missed Rachelle on both days. Rachelle is ALWAYS busy with school or work.

Robin, Jessie, me, Bridget

Wednesday was the last game of the season. As a Jazzbot some of us were given tickets and a pass to eat in the VIP room. It was such an incredible night besides the fact of the disappointment of the season ending early. The dinner was great, the company was also great.  No spouses were invited. It was kind of nice because we got to talk to each other.  Its kind of amazing that some of these people I hadn't "met" before but because of our contact on the website and twitter it was like chatting with old friends.  The Jazz played a great game and won!

Here is a video not related to that night but I found it today. Don't know how I never saw it before or how I didn't remember it but hello the best NBA commercial for a girl who loves Friends and who loves John Stockton

Four Square

Rachelle tagged me I think its fun. I haven't done a tag post in a LONG long long time. So here it goes :)


Four Places I Go

1. Church-  every Sunday. I guess it comes to mind since today is Sunday.  I love our ward its nice to be in a regular family ward again.

2.  Barnes and Noble- I LOVE walking around the bookstore.  Whether it be with Robin or by myself during the day just sitting and reading I love it! Lou and I have often gone there for date night.

3.  Edgemont Elementary- I used to walk the kids to and from school everyday and then it got cold and the kids like walking with their friends.  Now that its getting warm I'll probably walk to pick them up.

4. Library- I love the Provo Library. sometimes I go there just when I have nothing else to do during the day 


Four Smells I Love-hard to do I usually think of smells I don't like

1.  Airwick Apple Cinnamon plugins- I know its more of a Fall type smell but I love the smell and usually have it in my house at most times.

2. Clean house- everyone knows I like things clean, on Mondays I do my deep cleaning.  I love the smell of the house after that cleaning is done.

3.  Sweet Pea lotion from Bath and Body Works

4. homemade bread or homemade pizza- very close so its a tie.

Four Favorite TV Shows

1.  Gilmore Girls- I love this show. I discovered it on ABC Family when Kira was a baby and I was home all the time.  I now own all the seasons on DVD.  I just love the banter, the characters, the storylines, everything.

2. Friends- was the first show that Lou and I started to watch together. I can watch it countless times and always laugh.

3. Lost- no explanation needed!

4.  NBC Thursday Night shows- for awhile it was the Office, then 30 Rock and now Parks and Rec.


Four Recommendations

1.  journal writing- I love reading past journals. I need to start being more consistent again.

2.   a little exercise every day- whether its a walk, a little yoga before bed I find I am much happier even with just a little exercise.

3. smile

4. do something for you everday

I think those recommendations are WAY more for me!

I had fun doing this so I recommend it to anyone and everyone :)

Last Day to be 33!

Tomorrow is my birthday!  I love my birthday. Lou on the other hand doesn't think birthdays are very big deals , he and his brother Mark talk about how well we didn't do anything to get born, so why is it special.

Lou does know however that I love it so he treats me very special and spoils me on my birthday and basically all week before my birthday! I am like Loralei for all my Gilmore Girl loving friends I love to celebrate all week before my birthday, seriously it only comes once a year just to celebrate you why not enjoy it!

33 was a good age for me.   Some highlights

• We bought our first house bonus its in a FANTASTIC neighborhood!
• Josh started Kindergarten so that means I am home a lone all day.  I never thought that day would come when I had Kira nearly seven years ago. 
• Many ups and downs with my thyroid.   I have though for the last few months have felt better than I have since before being pregnant with Kira!
• I am the assistant troop leader for Kira's Girl Scout troop.  I love it because I get to see my friend Alyssa every week, one of my all time favorite people!
• I got a job at the bookstore.  
• Got to see my sister and spend time with her,  when I'm 34 I'll spend time with her in Florida :)
• I became an aunt again, when Roman was born and found out my three sister-in-law are pregnant and due in July, August and September! 
• Spent a lot of time with good friends and have a new tradition of Glee Night with Robin and Rachelle!
• Robin, Bridget and I still have bookclub although we changed it to "Smokin' Hot Sweet Chicks Night" since Robin discovered she isn't a reader and Bridget has four kids, countless pets and is now home schooling her kids!  
• I love Blogger Book Club, I still get a chance to read and discuss a book and chat with such cool girls. 
• Lou and I started our service mission last Monday.  I have a missionary tag again its cool!  Lou is now Elder Allen as a missionary which is awesome since he didn't get to do that at 19.
• I discovered I love being busy but not so busy I don't get my quiet alone time. 
• I lost an uncle who I love.  We miss you Uncle Bob.
• I got to see and renew a friendship with my cousin Tiffany when she and her cute kids came out for Bob's funeral.
• Got a piano from Lou's aunt and uncle
• lots of walking to and from Edgemont Elementary 
• discovered work out videos on Netflix
• went to a movie by myself for the first time in my life (HP 7)
• Made new friends in my new ward
• Fell in love with Jimmer like the rest of the nation (though I liked him clear when he was coming off the bench when he was a Freshman)
• Saw my Jazz team make more changes in a month than they have in twenty years
• discovered many new yummy recipes (curry chicken, buffalo chicken dip, bread machine recipe, oatmeal cookies are among the top)
• didn't leave the state of Utah :(
• Seen my kids grow by leaps and bounds.  Especially Joshy coming out of his shell and Kira' learning French and piano
• Fallen more and more in love with Lou!

Alright probably more than you wanted to read but I really did love being 33 and there is probably more that happened that I just can't think of right now :)

alright here I am

Ok I promised weekly creation posts so sorry that didn't happen the last two weeks.  I have been working this week at the BYU Bookstore again doing inventory (yes  I love it, my need to organize things and count are being fulfilled and who doesn't like using a scanner!) and last week Josh was sick and home much of the week so nothing got done on the creative front. I have been cross stitching a Pooh Bear bookmark for Kira hopefully gets done this weekend.

These last few weeks have been full with the good and the bad

• Sharon's Birthday- although she lives thousands of miles away from me.  I LOVE Sharon's birthday. Yes it helps that its Valentine's Day. I love a day to think about my sister and all the happiness she has provided me over the year.  
• I was asked by the Custom Specialty Orders Department if I might want a regular part time job helping with sewing and filling orders.  I said yes and the lady asked me to come talk to her about it after my shift (on Wednesday) and she would tell me the details. I went to her office she wasn't there, I looked for her on Thursday and left a phone message and she hasn't called back. So I have no idea what will happen but it would sure be cool if it worked out.
• Kira is  now reading at a 3rd grade level, she never ceases to amaze me.
• ok I know it shouldn't matter but I have had a really hard time with the resignation of Jerry Sloan. I knew at the age of 69 and coaching the Jazz for 23 years it would come sooner than later. I don't however like how it happened. I don't like that Greg Miller no longer had Sloan's back and that he put the players above the coach, especially a HOF coach who put the Jazz on the map.  This is not to say I'm not excited to see what Coach Corbin can do. I am but it doesn't rest well for me of how it happened.  Jazz are a small market team and cannot afford to cater  their franchise to a star player. Look what happened with Cleveland and Lebron, it never ends well.  I am grateful for a husband who didn't laugh at me when I had to talk endlessly about the situation, who just held me when I cried hard for a good five minutes to let it all out.  I am grateful for Lou who understands that Sloan leaving was more to me than just a coach leaving a team but represented another constant from childhood changed/gone in my grownup life. I am grateful for friends who called/emailed me to see how I was doing when they heard the news.  Its silly but it shows me my friends really do accept me for me and know me oh so well.
• We had a party with the kids in our Sunday School class last Saturday it was so fun, they came to our house and played Rock Band for hours, they are such good kids. They do think its cool that I have met Jimmer quite a few times (who am I kidding I think I'm cool for having met Jimmer)
• Most of the week I worked (we were in partners) with a lady name Mariann. she is my Mom's age and is super nice (we worked ecommerce together this Christmas). I loved talking to her and hearing about her kids/grandkids.  Today however we did things a little different. One of my partners was a student recently returned from his mission.  We had been working for awhile and he said you live up in Edgemont right?  Surprised I said yes, how do you know. He said he remembered seeing me at the ward building, he goes to the single ward where we go to church.  I asked him if he graduated from Timpview he said yeah a long time ago in 2007. that made me giggle.  He asked what highschool I went to I said Cottonwood. he asked what year I graduated that made me laugh. I said well i've been married nearly 10 years so its been awhile. He looked shocked that I have been married so long.  He said well I know you're older than this because I saw your kids with you at Church.  But honestly when I saw you I thought you were maybe 23 at the oldest but that didn't make sense with your kids. That made me feel great.   I also had a weird moment at work when I realized that another boy I was working with who was a Freshman at the age of 18 was closer to my Kira's age than to me. ugh I'm getting old.

So the good and the bad a recap of my last couple of weeks :)

this weeks happenings

Ok I thought of many things to blog this week but can't remember any of them right now. its just been a week and I've trying to be more consistent in things.

• I have been SICK since Friday. the kind of sick where you can't get out of bed.  Its a real bummer since I have been doing so well with my thyroid issues.
• We had blogger bookclub this week. It was lots of fun. They are such fun girls, there is always an interesting, fun discussion.
• I found a piano teacher for Kira. I am really excited. its a girl in our ward, she is sixteen but really talented, she isn't charging us much.  Kira is already so talented at it and has so much interest in it. Kira starts this week on Wednesday.
• Josh is getting better at reading and the sounds of letters, Randomly yesterday he said Mom, uncle starts with u. 
• The Jazz have lost 4 in a row it really bums me out. I am trying and have been successful in not letting the Jazz influence my mood negatively.  Has all to do with my joy.

                                                           

• I went to Harry Potter this week. I went all by myself. first time ever. it was tons of fun. I sneaked in a can of caffeine-free Pepsi, some microwave popcorn and M&Ms.   Good times all by myself- another activity to do with my operation Joy this year.

                                                   

• I mailed Sharon's baby gift for Roman this week 5 months late but hey its cute and homemade.

                                                             

• I made some Love blocks for our shelves.  I took a picture but feel to sick to grab the camera from the other room to download the pics onto the computer.So sometime this week.
• Robin, Rachelle and I had a Glee night a week ago Saturday, we are having another one this coming weekend. I am very excited. Such good times with dear friends.

                

• Lou is almost done with Josh and Kira's rooms in the basement, can't wait the goal is that the basement will be done by the end of the month.

Well thats all I can think of right now.  thanks for all the comments last post, makes me so happy :)

Weekly Update- My Christmas Job and More!

I was dedicated to writing on our blog more and here I go a few weeks without writing.  I think because I have been writing in my journal more and being busy and tired it just hasn't gotten done. Plus it feels overwhelming thinking I have to "catch up" but hey is my blog so I am saying I don't have to catch up.

• The kids had Wednesday and Friday off due to Thanksgiving. Its been so fun having them home.  They are soooooo excited about the holidays.
• We had Thanksgiving with Lou's parents, its fun but it is different than my family growing up. I loved Thanksgiving with my family.  The food was always delicious but simple so it didn't seem my mom had to be working constantly.  We would eat snacks, chip and dip, fruit salad, cookies, veggies and dip. We would play games while watching Christmas movies.  I loved it.  Grandma Field would come it was great.  Lou's family celebrates a little different. Seems like no one is really allowed to eat before the meal (so I brought chips and dip for us) and we brought games but no one seemed to want to play with us.. kind of meh kind of holiday good but not the best.  I read my  friend Robyns post about their family's Thanksgiving it seemed so cool. The kids did a talent show, they played Turkey Bingo, played games, sounds like fun, how I picture Thanksgiving.
• I found my camera... yippee!!! So from now expect pictures with my posts.
• I got a temporary job at the BYU Bookstore for Christmas filling their online orders.  I have worked twice now, its hard work but fun. It will be nice to have the extra money this time of year. Plus it turns out a friend from my last ward Jessica Wilson is working there too :)
• Last week Robin and I went to our friend's Bridget's step-dad's funeral. He died at 59 of a heart attack.  I feel so sad for Bridget. She was close to her step-dad he was her dad. I am happy Robin and I could go to the funeral and support our dear friend.  Robin lost her mom 2 years ago this time of year.  Its nice they can support each other and truly understand what one another is going through.
• I have a follow up appointment with my doctor on Tuesday.  He did a bunch of blood work 2 weeks ago. Hopefully we figure out why I feel so hypo all the time.
• We want to do the 12 Days of Christmas with our Sunday School Class. We are having them decide on the family. If you have any good ideas of what we can do for the days, please share :)
• Jazz beat the Lakers on Friday. It was awesome!
• I have an idea for gifts for my friends and sisters I am excited about it.
• Its hard to believe its less than a month till Christmas.  I love my kids' ages they are so excited. I am always excited about Christmas. December is such a fun month!

Alright that is all I can think of to write about. Hopefully it will be sooner than 2 or 3 weeks when I update next!

Goodbye Again

If your name starts with Jess you need not apply to be my friend. Just kidding of course. But this is the 2nd time in about a months time that I have had one of my dearest friends move. One named Jessie and the other Jessica.
Jessica and Kenny Hammond left for Chicago yesterday morning. We went to Chili's with them on Wednesday for dinner. Lou and I were joking that Chili's is now our officially our goodbye restaurant. We went there the night before Timm and Jessie moved and now with Kenny and Jessica. If you're our friends and you're planning on moving plan on going to Chili's. Dinner was great we always have such a good time with them. No matter what the situation we know that we're going to laugh and laugh with Kenny and Jessica. Kenny and Lou have very similar senses of humor so they just play off each other so well and Jessica is also very funny. It was great but of course hard.
We've known Kenny and Jessica for a very long time. Kenny's older brother Ben was our first home teacher when Lou and I got married. Ben and his wife Kerri are also our very good friends. Ben would come to home teach and be at our house for at least 2 hours. Ben and Lou always had so many things to talk about. Their love of Star Wars, Lego's, both having brothers growing up, growing up in Idaho etc... Well quickly we became very good friends with Ben and Kerri. About 2 years or so after we met Ben, Kenny got off his mission (Miami which was awesome for me since Sharon lives there) and wow Kenny and Lou just hit it off. Then when Kenny and Jessica started to date, we just loved her. Kenny and Jessica started doing things with us all the time. It was great. I just love Jessica, she is my Jazz friend. I love having a friend that knows about basketball and loves it too. (She played in high school) One of my favorite memories with Jessica is when we went to a Jazz game together. Jessica's old work had a suite so we went together. It was so much fun. We've watched a lot of games together. What girl friend of mine now will watch Jazz games with me? We've had countless game nights with the Hammonds, dinners out, movies. I love Kenny and Jessica, I know this isn't the end of our friendship. We've been friends for too long and too good of friends to let distance change things. I feel like we're almost apart of the Hammond family with all of the family events we've been to of theres (weddings, baby blessings etc). Chicago is a great place to visit. Her mom lives here in Provo, so I know we'll soon be laughing together again.