Another Fun Weekend

I got really lucky last weekend and had a last minute little family get together. Darren was coming to town for work (which by the way he does a couple of times a year and Michael and I always love when we get to see him), and Steve was out of town, so I thought Em should come hang with us in Provo. And she went for it! YAY!! It was quick, but it was worth it. I enjoy any opportunity to spend with siblings and family. They are always so good to me and we have a good time. And not to mention the fact that it was the best treat to get to see Easton and Carly! 2 babies in that little tummy!! I was with Em and Darren when I called Steph and I could tell that she was hiding something, so she spilled it! We freaked! If you can't tell, she did Em's hair and then we watched sister wives... don't even get me started on them. Ugh. Ew.
I tried to be more prepared for my babies this time. Last time I had ZERO for them to play with. Here we are doing sidewalk chalk. I accidentaly let them get covered in chalk... sorry sis :) But seriously look at them. I love them.
Bridal veil falls! It was BEAUTIFUL and cold. Easton wanted to go in the water, so of course I went with him. But good heavens, my toes were FROZEN for the next hour hahahaha! But it was really fun to go up in the canyon and see how beautiful it was. Carly was such a trooper. It was fun to watch Uncle Darren and Easton play. Where is Michael, you ask? He was working his little tail off all weekend. And we were bummed he missed the fun!

I really had such a great time keeping Em up too late and talking. We had a great weekend and I wish that she was still here. We totally convinced Darren to delay his flight until Saturday night. Jill went into labor Sunday morning. WHOA! Good thing he didn't delay another day! But we are SO happy to have baby Erica in the family and I can't wait to meet her! Basically, thank you guys so much for coming and spending time with us. It was so fun!

1 year at work

Well, I've been working at Utah Physiatry for a year and I'm still happy there. I've never worked somewhere for a full year, funny huh?! But it's gone by really fast. I've been blessed with some FABULOUS co-workers, funny/kind/rude/ridiculous/fabulous patients, and a lot of great learning and experience. I'm truly thankful to have such a great job while Michael and I are here in Provo. Of course there are days when I think I have tons to complain about, but really- I have it good and I enjoy myself, so I try to keep any whining to a minimum. I thought I'd show you around a little bit. We'll start with this very cheesy picture of me hahaha!

This is my space. Well, a small portion of it. But this is where I teach folks their exercises and then there are little side rooms off this main room for all the other stuff.

I wanted a bigger picture of my area, so I made steph get on the elliptical hahaha! She looks totally tough working it out up there! It's pretty nice having that there though, I get to work out after work without having to go to the gym. Perfect!
These girls brighten my day every single day. I seriously mean that. Eliza is one of those that was destined to be friends with Steph and I. hahaha! We get along really well. She's just a gem. With girls like this around everyday, it's easy to have good days. I've been blessed with lots of other great co-workers during the year. They weren't all here on picture day because some don't work here anymore, are about to have a baby, or were off work, but seriously- I couldn't be happier with the company I've had at work.

Do you see what I mean? hahaha! Who needs office chairs when exercise balls are good for your back and so much fun. And Eliza's bow just made the situation so much better.

Anyway, that's work! If you are having back, joint, nerve, etc. pain-- come on over, we'll take real good care of ya' :)

I may have a small television watching problem...

Are you sick of me posting about TV shows? You all must think I'm a total loser. Before I go on to do my nerdy TV talk, I would like to start by saying that I promise I have a life. I clean, cook, do laundry, exercise, read, scrapbook, etc. BUT- my husband is ALWAYS doing homework, so I still have a lot of free time. The weekends, late nights, lunch time, I'm free as a bird. SO-- I choose to watch my shows.

Friday Night Lights. EXCELLENT TELEVISION. Jill and Darren were the first ones to tell me that this was a show worth watching, but I've been so obsessed with 24 that I haven't watched anything else. I finally decided to start it from the beginning on NetFlix. Best Decision.

This show is so great. Teenager drama. Adult drama. Parenting drama. Comedy. Love. Football. Motivation. I love it. I'm about half way through the 1st season now, and I already love my characters. For those of you who know them (Jill mostly), these are my feelings... Lyla- adorably confused, but I somehow still love her and Jason together. Jason-Bitter, but who can blame him? I think he's trying and I love him and Lyla. Tim Riggins-WHY do I love him and Lyla's secret relationship? It's sick and wrong, but I can't help it. He has so much potential, I hope he stops drinking. Coach and his wife- best ever. I love them. I hope I'm that awesome of a parent. Julie and Matt Seracin- SO adorable! I hope my daughters date that nice of boys (I'm hoping he stays nice). Landry- hilarious, awesome best friend, I wish I knew him! Tyra- skanky and dragging julie down.

One of these days I'll post about how much I love my books and how cute my scrapbook is and my exercise routine and all that good stuff, but for now, it's the weekend and it's time for a little Friday Night Lights baby!

Working On Our Creativity

Back in June we moved into a new place. We love our neighborhood, our new ward and calling (16 year old sunday school teachers), our lawn, our parking spaces, all our windows, our washer and dryer, etc. It is a 4plex and we are really liking it so far. It's 2 bedrooms, much more spacious than our last place, and we've had a lot of fun making it our own. We've had a lot of fun working on this place together! Here are some of our projects. We are beginners, but learning together has been a blast!

These are the chairs we found with a table at a garage sale many moons ago and we were inspired by all of you redoing everything you set your eyes on. So, we gave it a try. These chairs would not be possible without the many phone calls we made to Emily, Mom, and Dad that day... thank you kindly for your help guys!

Can you tell that I'm a little bit terrified of a staple gun and don't know what I'm doing?

There they are! We are pretty pleased with them. We did 2 different fabrics. This isn't the best pic, but it's the one I had. As I said, we are definately not pro's, but for our first time, we're satisfied.

ohhhhh the shelves. I must show them, because I have waited a full year for shelves until FINALLY my father came to visit and showed Michael how it's done. And while we're at it... my fall decor-cute or dumb? Seriously- I suck at decorating. I need tips.
We painted a couple of different rooms. That was such an adventure hahaha! It was fun. If you ever come visit, don't worry about the spots on the ceiling... we learned our lesson.

Anyway- those were our summer projects along with a couple other things. So, keep all the good ideas coming on your blogs so I can keep copying you. Thanks :)

Our Last Hoorah

I've mentioned previously our friends David & Alaina who we love so dearly... well- their wedding was in the Oakland temple, only 2 hours from my sister Melanie's house. So, DUH we knew immediately that we must go! It just turned out that Michael's mission buddy decided to get married that weekend as well is Sacramento. So, we planned our final summer adventure together and packed a lot of fun things into 5 days. Here are some pictures and details for my last weekend of freedom with my husband. WHAT A TREAT it as to spend time with the Sorensens at their home. I haven't been there since high school and that is far too long. I love each of those children so much and it is seriously a blast to see them growing up. I used to love them as my babies and now I get to love them as my friends. Although- they'll always be my babies :)

I love this picture! Melanie and Andy spoiled us rotten. We had home made tortillas (and if you have ever had Andy's, you know this is a huge treat), cheesecake, a deluxe bed set up in the living room, and mostly I enjoyed the fun conversation and catching up.
Uncle Mikey is always popular. We loved getting to know Joshy a bit. He is seriously a doll face and I felt like I'd known him forever! I love it when they're not shy.

Rock band, baby! This is our band, The Vipers I believe is what we were called. Please take a look at these boys- they are big kids now. WHAT!? Nicholas is seriously handsome and we were so lucky to be there on the day he was ordained deacon president. Don't worry mom, I took care of the crying for you. It was very sweet.

Mr. & Mrs. Ainsworth at the Oakland temple! WHAT A BEAUTIFUL TEMPLE! The sealing was absolutely beautiful and these 2 were glowing. Michael and I are so thankful that we made the trip because it was so worth it to see these two so happy. We wish we lived closer to them. Don't they look GOOD?! The reception was a blast too! We danced the night away and Michael hung out around the cold stone catering a lot.
Temple #2, Sacramento was beautiful as well. Dexton and Randi were yet another stunning couple. Dexton was a groomsman of Michael's, so it was really fun to see him married as well. AND- special treat, I ran into Jill Newell in the temple :)
Chinese-Speakin' homies.

phewph! That was a quick, whirlwind summary. But take it from me, it was a wonderful weekend and we were both really sad to see it end. I was sad to leave Mel's house, especially knowing that I was coming home to the end of summer! Atleast it was jam packed full of fun! And honestly- we're ready for school to start. We've waited a long time for the accounting program. We'll keep you posted!

Married Life... so far so good!

Michael and I have been married for 1 year! Can you even believe it? I know 1 year isn't that long, but it's just so crazy. I seriously feel like we got married last month. But at the same time, it feels like it's been forever! And it has truly been a fabulous year. Michael and I have been having so much fun. We have worked hard this year, we've been insanely blessed this year, and I can honestly say we've fallen more in love this year.

Michael suprised me with a Park City get away for our anniversary. It was perfect timing. He found us this adorable condo and the suprises just kept coming. It felt like we were back on our honeymoon, which is how I think an anniversary should feel. I never wanted it to end.

In our condo. Park city is such a great town, and the outlet mall isn't bad either! We got michael a pretty smokin hot first day of school outfit. My actual anniversary gift was tickets to Lagoon! We've been wanting to go all summer and it was SO FUN!The slides are giant! It took me a minute to warm up to them. But I eventually got brave and was so glad that I did. Michael was braver-- he went on the really scary slides. michael and I also share a love for roller coasters so we had a blast in the rest of the park as well. We were just like kids! Running around the park, playing, and laughing. It was SUCH a great day! We thought this alley way was very "24 ish", so we felt the need to document our time spent there. There was cool street market downtown on Sunday and we went to check out the live music and yummy food at the farmers market. It was an over all WONDERFUL and romantic weekend and I couldn't stop thinking about how lucky I am to have such a fun husband. So-- Happy Anniversary, Mikey! Thanks for a great year and I can't wait for the rest!

The 24th Weekend is Awesome in Utah!

On July 24th, Pioneer Day, I have fond memories of stake picnics at the Thurston Chapel. There was usually some softball, hamburgers, tug-of-wars, and I remember looking forward to it. But I also remember my mom talking about how that was weak sauce compared to the 24th where she grew up... the beautiful Beaver Utah--home of the country's best tasting water. It's a big deal here in Utah. I mean, I got the day off of work! Emily had the genius idea of checking it out for ourselves this year since Beaver is right in the middle of Em and I. Oh man, was it EVER worth the trip!

You all know that Beaver is a special place to me because it is where my sweet Grandma Fern lives and my mom was raised there. So half of the fun of being there is spending time at Grandmas house and visiting with the family that still lives there. And just to add on to it all, the parade was FABULOUS and the games and exhibits in the park were wonderful as well!

Grandma was not happy with me for taking this picture, but I told her I'd get in trouble from my mom if I didn't.

The origional plan was for Michael to go stand in the street with Easton so he wasn't alone, but I think it became Easton standing with Michael so that he wasn't alone. I couldn't tell who was enjoying the candy throwing more. They were both adorable.The highlight of the parade was the grand marshals- Uncle Val and Aunt Ila! They were so adorable. I was sad my mom missed it! I'm seriously always amazed at how EVERY single person in that town knows my aunt and uncle. They deserved their moment of glory! And it was fun to watch them with their kids and grandkids- my cousins! I love this picture of Em with Caroline and Andrea, but I'm sad that I didn't get more of everyone else. They were all so sweet to us! They let us just barge in and play with them all weekend long-- thanks, guys!After all of the festivities in Beaver, Michael and I got to take the Rogers clan home with us :). Ohh it was so wonderful. I was slightly concerned when Easton asked "Jenni, what kind of toys do you have at your house?". But luckily, our grass was good enough to entertain him, because we quickly learned that our apartment is not kid friendly- sorry about that guys! Spending time with them is so special to me. Carly is giggling and walking and talking and I can't seem to get enough of her. I absolutely adore Michael and Easton's little friendship and love every second I get with Em, so a wonderful weekend it was indeed!