Para Siempre

Pregnancy Update

2011-10-23T18:18:00.000-07:00

Well... first things first. I am alive. I heard of morning sickness and figured I could handle that once a day. Try, at 7 weeks I was so sick everyday all day I literally wanted to die. I kept having to remind myself that I wanted this child. Even after Zofran and B vitamins and Unisom and eating every 2 hours (and barfing it all up), nothing has helped. I am still sick everyday although it has lightened up within the last 3 weeks or so. I still throwup about once a week and nights come early as I get barfy around 7:30. I am still keeping the pharmasutical companies in business (You're welcome, Lamar :) with my 8 hour Zofran and Phenergan regimin, but I am alive and feeling better.

Feeling better and worse at the same time...getting bigger and my body is diong things I never imagined...like growing!! 12 weeks

15 weeks

19 weeks
Don't mind that I look like a troll.

We also found out this past Monday that my suspisions were correct. We are having a girl.
She's as onery as her mother but finally cooperated in showing the ultrasound tech her parts. :)
Everytime they would try to get a picture of one of her legs, arms, etc she would roll away. Finally towards the end, we got some good shots.

These have really made this come to life for me. To see her move in there and now feeling her move, has given me more hope that I can make it through while feeling like garbage.

Here she is in all her glory...the last shot of the day. She didn't want to show us her face. Even though she's still kinda mutant...she is so beautiful to me. Dan and I are excited that we are almost halfway to meeting our little girl.

Secret Donut

2011-08-15T12:41:00.001-07:00

My uncle Jesse makes the best donuts in the world. Period. Everyonce in a while we drive to the M&W in Nyssa, OR to pick up a dozen. They are sooooooo good. The other day I went to pick some up but Bobbi wasn't going to be there when we handed them out so she asked me to save her one for after we all went swimming.

I love this picture of my sister and her little boy, Wilson. They are hiding outside on the lawn with the donut I saved her so they don't have to share.

It was fun to watch them share this "secret donut."

I am so excited to have moments like this with my little kid. Secret donut time. Lol.

And...you're not that far along

2011-08-08T10:01:00.001-07:00

So lets say we were a little off on the due date. After my second doctors appointment Friday it was concluded that I am NOT as far along in this pregnancy as previously thought. So today was another ultrasound to figure out exactly what my due date was. They took me a month backward! LOL! I'm ok with that really, I was just excited to be done being sick this week...no such luck. I am only at about 8 1/2 weeks. So when we found out that we were prego, we were BARELY prego. Funny how that works sometimes, but we are still so excited none the less. Our due date is March 17th. St. Pattys Day. Good chances are this little bugger is coming out with some gnarly red hair too. :)

Here is our little gummy bear!

Home

2011-07-27T07:28:00.000-07:00

Last weekend my wonderful family came to help us turn our weed patch into a lawn. Dan and I bought a forclosure so no one had taken care of the lawn for about 2 years. The guy that built the home only used it for 2 weeks before he was killed in a car accident...(yikes, right? but as long as he didn't die inside I'm ok. :) so the house is hardly lived in. It feels like a brand new home, but the lawn was something left to be desired. This is how it looked after my AWESOME family came and ripped out the old half dead sod and weeds that looked like a pasture. I should have taken some pictures before but it was just so ugly.

You can see the blessed sod truck down the road!!

As we were laying down the sod of couple of the deacons from Dan's class stopped by and helped and soon it seemed like our whole ward was there. We love our new ward and were so grateful for the help. Now I finally have somewhere to sit outside. --Now, if I can get my family to come back and pull out the backyard we'll really be in good shape. :)

We love our new little home!

Four Years Later...

2011-07-19T13:36:00.000-07:00

So Bobbi tells me my experiment didn't work. I agree.

A lot has gone on since the beginning of the year. Dan and I bought our first home. I was "promoted" if you call it that (more work same pay-more people to baby sit) Dan started student teaching Seminary, and four years after trying to have a baby...we made one. :)

About three years ago Dan and I did some testing after tying to conceive for a year. Basically they told us when you are ready for fertility treatments then you can have a baby. Well, we didn’t feel ready for that and have continued to not feel ready for that for a few years now. We just figured, like the rest of our life has been that when it’s time we’ll feel it…but I guess we didn’t feel this coming.

This has been an interesting week. Dan and I have never felt bad for ourselves for not having a baby. In fact we kind of enjoyed being fancy free… I guess this is what we get then, huh? After we had our testing done we honestly accepted our life like that. We have been at peace and have felt that the Lord has guided our lives for the best and it has been THE BEST!!

Last Wednesday I got the strangest feeling. It wasn’t my boobs killing me, although now I realize maybe that was part of it but I just had “this feeling.” I don’t track my period because we weren’t trying to get prego. So I tried to remember when I had my last period. I realized it had been in May..

If any of you have struggled to get pregnant you already understand what I am about to explain. To take or not to take the test…that is the question?

I HATE taking pregnancy tests. I hate feeling like I am going to be let down while at the same time being a little excited and then feeling stupid for being excited because you just KNOW the sure fire way to start your period is to take a pregnancy test. I was at work when I just felt like I HAD to take a test. I left work and headed to good old Wally World—and guess who I run into; my wonderful sister, Bobbi with 5 kids in tow. She smiled at me and I just started to cry. She laughed and gave me a hug and said “you’re totally pregnant.” I just felt stupid. I knew that I wasn’t pregnant but I just had to take this test t. I didn’t know why. Maybe this was the Lord’s way of showing me I wanted to move forward with further testing or something. I didn’t even tell Dan I was going to take the test because I knew it would be negative.

I drove back to work and went for it. I put the stupid thing in my desk and didn’t look at it for 10 minutes. I almost just threw it away…but then I looked and about passed out. Pregnant. (Enter freak out!) Totally out of the blue, surprise, crazy, whatever words I can describe. I just sat on my office floor shut the door, and cried. I called Dan who was luckily on his way back from Boise from a CES training and told him to come by my work. I was crying so he thought I got fired or something. When he showed up he was just as surprised as I was. He first asked me “How did this happen?” Lol! I could tell you but you already know. J

After this weekend and the initial shock and a couple more tests later (just to make sure-the picture) we are so excited to be expecting a little one. What a miracle and blessing for us!! I am about 9 weeks along according to the Dr. and I feel great.

Yay for us!!

Social Experiment

2011-07-18T10:35:00.001-07:00

MerryThanksChristmasAnniversaryYear!

2011-02-03T17:30:00.000-08:00

It's that time again folks!

Yes the grand three month holiday of

MerryThanksChristmasAnniversary Year!

I've been meaning to blog...but you know how it is. "The best laid plans.. gang aft agley."

Thanksgiving! This year Dan and I spent our first Thanksgiving with his parents. We have spent a few Christmases there, but never ate the bird with them. It was fun for me to find out more of Dan's family traditions he "forgot" to tell me about. :) Espeically his moms cranberry salad. Fur-eaking-del-i-cio-so! I am exicted to add this one to my menu. I was excited that Dan and I cooked the main course--the Big Bird. I wanted them to try my moms' smoked turkey. It was so good. I really think I could be a glutton if I didn't know any better. I love food.

We were joined at Thanksgiving by Dans' sister Meric, her husband Joe, and their two kiddos Emma and Little Dan. His name really isn't "Little Dan" but it get confusing for me. Dan's family has always called him Daniel. I love that they do. It's always fun to me. He introduced himself to me as Dan...so to me that's what he is, but he is Daniel to his family. Little Dan kept us going around and around and around the table until we were done eating saying things that we were thankful for. It was a great experience to be able to really count my blessings. A few things I was grateful for this year: Opportunity. I don't think that most people with opportunities really think about it, but I have sure been more aware of all the options I have to be happy, healthy, and safe. I am grateful for my education and that if I ever needed my family for anything, I know they would be there for me. I am SO grateful for my husband. Big Dan. :) - I will expand later in this post- during the anniversary section. :) It was great to be around such good company and just relax. Dan and I loved being bums, watching movies, and playing "Bookworm" on Merics iPhone. Thanks for the great time you guys!

Plus, we always get to show of our acrobatic skills at the Hunts house and they don't make too much fun of us. :)

Next holiday- CHIRSTMAS!!

Dan and I spent Christmas this year with my mom and dad at their home, with Nate, Logan and Tamyra and thier two kids Broc and Paige. It was fun to watch the little ones open their presents and for Broc to see his new bike. It was hilarious watching him try to figure out how to pedal that thing. His legs are still a little short.

I remember my brothers and sisters and I would stay up all night long on Christmas Eve and wake up my mom and dad at 5:00am to go open presents...its amazing how now, 8am comes early. Don't mind how lovely we look...and yes...I ate Doritos for breakfast. Don't judge me.

After we woke up a bit it was fun to play and unwrap gifts together.

A few days after Christmas was Dan and I's 4 year Anniversary...my favorite holiday off them all. :) Every year Dan and I go skiing. Well, Dan skis and I snowboard but we seem to make it work together. It was SOOOOOO cold this year. It was raining on our way up the mountain so we knew it would be snowing, but it came down so wet and hard. It snowed all day but we had a blast. I only ate it once. :) We saw a white weasel in the snow. It was kinda cool.

Can I just take a minute to talk about how FLIPPIN AWESOME my husband is? He really is, and I am not biased. If I had a dork for a husband I would tell you. I "for reals honest to goodness with a cherry on top" have no idea how I got so lucky.

You see this face I am making?

That is exactly how I feel every day with this beauitiful (hot) man. Still just as stinking good looking as the day I married him. I have never met anyone so kind. Dan is a rare one he is. I love him with all of my heart. I laugh everyday with him. I love that he is smart, funny, devoted, and he makes me want to be a better person just by his example.

I love you, Dan. Thank you for another wonderful year and a bazillion more to come. :)

Ok, Ok, I'm done. So then....we ventured south to U-tiz-ah to see the bestest friends anyone could ask for. Our other couple half, Devin and Marianne. They are now living in Salt Lake and we miss them so. We spent a few days playing and eating and catching up. We went to Jump on It in Orem (I think) and we had a blast playing like a bunch of little kids. We tried to get a picture of us all jumping at once but it was either me and Marianne in the air or Dan and Dev in the air and me on the ground....so this is the best it got.

Sorry I am covering your face, Devin. :) But I like your flying arms.

We celebrated the New Year and vowed to take a trip this summer to somewhere warm...like the good old days.

MerryThanksChristmasAnniversaryYear to you all!

Randa Sheldon and Crew Wedding

2010-11-27T10:49:00.000-08:00

The second week of November Dan and I flew to Arizon for his sister Randas wedding. It was so beautiful. I miss it there. It was so fun to see family and to watch Randa and Sheldon be sealed. We are so excited to have Sheldon and Crew join our family.

Mom and Dad Hunt

Future Americas Next Top Models
Dans sister LeAnn and I made Randas wedding cake. Lets just say it was quite an adventure and we were really glad to finally get it done.

Playing some weird game I can't remember the name of. Too much going on in it..but we had fun trying to figure it out.

"It stung you where?"

2010-11-07T06:53:00.000-08:00

Dan and I were riding dirt bikes yesterday. As we were driving all of the sudden I felt this pinch right on my crotch. I couldn't figure out what the heck just happened. I tried to adjust but the pain kept going. I finally had to pull over. I was in the middle of nowhere so I was going to pull down my pants but when I got off the bike I saw this.

Little fetcher stung me right on my you know what.

Yesterday marks the third time in my life I have ever been stung by a bee. The first time, I steped on one and it stung my foot. The second one I sat on and it stung my butt. The third one I must say has been the most interesting. I dont know how the heck it happened but by far the most painful.

The Pumpkin Patch

2010-10-29T08:47:00.000-07:00

Things to Do

2010-10-26T09:58:00.000-07:00

Since moving back to Idaho I have found/remembered that there's not much to do around here. I have had to keep myself busy so I don't drive my husband crazy. I LOVE furniture and will one day have my own shop of woodworking tools but until then I am learning to have fun re-finishing it. My projects include four dining chairs, two dressers, and a pair of wingback chairs. I spent five dollars on my OLD OLD dining chairs, one free side of the road dresser, one free work basement dresser, and two wingback chairs made of green velvet (gag) for 26 bucks total!! Gotta love craigslist. My dad and Dan helped me to re-enforce these bad boys because they were going to fall apart. I aaallllllmost threw them away mid project because I was thinking I couldnt save them but I am so glad Dan had more faith in them than I did. Here are the before pictures. Don't mind the ugly dogs.

Filling the cracks, sanding, painting

painting and glazing

and finally a new seat!

Don't they look cool beans? I have two in my office at work along with my next project...Basement dresser.

As part of my job I go to hospitals at ALL hours of the day and night to be with victims of sexual assault. Most times as part of the evidence collection the police will take the victims clothes and they areleft with a hospital gown. Part of the reason I am there is to bring them something that they can wear home. I needed a place to store all the clothes I had strewn around my office so I trudged off to the basement. ( i work in such an old building like 1920 old that the basement is like a treasure mine) I found this bad boy.

It was nasty. Smelled like pee and had a moldy gross linolieum type of counter top thing rotting away on top. I LUGGED this thing up the stairs to take home and this is what has transpired. TA -DA. I still need some knobs but I can't find ones I like.

My wingback chairs are in process...I have one stripped down naked and have found the fabric I want to put back on it. i am a little intimidated by this part. I dont want to screw it up. I am exicted to finally get started and see what they look like.

There's lots to do in Idaho if I get creative. :)

This Thing Called Life

2010-09-20T09:15:00.000-07:00

I have been thinking, and my dad would say "I thought I could smell something burning." A lot has happened in the last two months, not of huge significance but time passes none-the-less and as they say stuff happens. Dan and I have moved back to Idaho and coming back here has caused me to reflect more than I am comfotable with. :) I have seen a few people I have missed and four times as many people that I never missed. Its interesting to see what "everyone" I used to know is up to. Life is nuts.

I think of where I thought my life would be six years ago when I left Fruitland and its not at all where I planned. :) Normally, that would really upset me. I'm a type A, planning, red, controlling, raging, personality and when things don't go as planned I get a little grouchy. But today as I reflect I'm not getting that sense of urgency to get something accomplished.

I know this guy who had no idea what he wanted to do in life and who now "has it all" although he never planned for it. So much for that idea, right? Well I still have a plan and he did too really- but honestly who doesn't, and when did anything ever go as planned?

I visit taught one of my previous Young Women's teachers. What a great time I had. We talked about life and how it is never how you plan and no matter what is going on blessings or otherwise it is a constant, daily if not hourly task to stay focused and happy. I have been thinking about how I can better live in the moment and with happiness despite all these best laid plans.

As I look around at people I know who had plans, who didnt have plans, who are giving birth, who are losing babies, who are succeeding, who are failing, who got fat, who got skinny, who got married, who got divorced, who graduated, who is going to school, whos not going to school, who is happy, who is depressed....I just think what is this all about?

As I have reflected I have decided that I am grateful for my life not going as planned, because it has caused me to be a lot more dependant on the Lord, and in doing so have learned more and become a better perso than I would have been if I had gone by my own plan. Dan and I have learned to love the little thing and count our blessings. Its not easy and some days it really, really, sucks. :0) But I've had to learn that I have to make my own happiness. I have to make my emotions be what I want them to be.

How grateful I am to my dude, Dan. How grateful I am that things haven't worked out as planned. I am a new person everyday for that reason. A better person than I would have been, which suits my type A task oriented continally climbing personailty perfectly. and thats what it comes down to. The things that happen good or bad or the things we do or don't achieve or get, as long as we are striving, struggling, and desiring, the Lord will make us a better person than we ever thought about being.

There are a lot of things I dont understand that I wish I did. Joseph Smith once said that the three things he wanted to know the most from the Lord were never revealed to him. That hits me hard. But until I die...I guess I just have to wait it out.

There's my rant for the day. :)

Shout-Out to my Lunch Friends!

2010-09-17T10:40:00.000-07:00

My job is located about one mile from Bobbis' house and she is nice enough to let me come over for lunch. I really appreciate and enjoy having somewhere else to go during the day for lunch.

Thanks guys! You are the best!

Idaho!

2010-09-14T16:49:00.000-07:00

This one's called Blue Steel.

Another three months another update. A lot has happened. We've moved to Idaho. Its great to be closer to family...or is it? :) It is. Its hard to be back in some ways and great in others. Dan and I are working and hoping that Dan will be accepted to PT school for next year.

A lot has gone on!

I mowed my first lawn...ever.

I also watched Star Wars for the first time...ever.

Dan and I are closer to Dan's parents. We spent a wonderful week in Washington with them on the river and then I beat everyone at golf.... (yeah right).

Dan and his Dad are amazing...so is his Mom for that matter.

I work right next to Bobbi's house so she lets me come over for lunch. I need more pictures of the rest of the kiddos around here. Its never a dull moment with 20 of them running around.

I am excited for fall. I have missed that season even though my desert blood is already freezing. We miss our friends already...tear. But hopefully we will get to visit them in Utah soon.

See Jane and Bobbi and Devan Run!!

2010-06-21T18:58:00.001-07:00

I AM HOOKED!!! I ran my first half marathon on Saturday June 19th and it was amazing!! Bobbi has the pictures so check her blog for those. :)

http://goodfellowgang.blogspot.com/2010/06/we-ran-for-chocolate.html

What an amazing experince. I cried like a girl when I finished in just over two hours. 2 hours and 12 minutes of hard, hard work. It was tough, but I felt so good for accomplishing this goal. It was amazing to be there with my sister, Bobbi. She did great and was an inspiration to me! I can't wait to do another one with her and Casey in October.

Pinecone vs. Half Marathon

2010-06-12T21:10:00.000-07:00

Here is the villan...
Last week I ran at night and I stepped on a pinecone. My leg moved in a way I never knew it could. I am supposed to run a half marathon on Saturday... should be interesting. I had one knee surgery in high school and am thinking this knee is next. Blah.

Its amazing how something so small can do something so drastic. It just really bugs me that I am hurting so bad so close to race time. I have been training for months and this just...bugs me. I didn't do a long run this weekend and hope that by the time next Saturday rolls around it won't be so bad. Stupid pinecone.

Blog on a Log

2010-06-07T19:35:00.000-07:00

Here's to you Carrie and Bobbi. :) Some bloggage.

Let's see...we left off somewhere in March, so we start again in APRIL!!

Easter was fun. Dan and I had never decorated eggs together. We invited our friends over and this is the result of all of our efforts. Festive!

We love to camp of course and since it was already getting hot in April we went camping with our "family." We love our little spot even though there are hardly any trees.

I have no idea what these fools are looking at.

On our way home from camping we stopped in Fountain Hills to look at (of course) the "fountain." It's pretty cool this fountain shoots up over 100 feet in the air every hour.

The most important date in April was Dan's birthday. We both had the day off and enjoyed our dollar store adventure. We flew kites, threw the frizbee, ate burgers, ate ice cream, and played in the swimming pool with our new dollar store water toys.

In May I attempted a new baking venture. HA! I present...cinnamon rolls. Although they look quite pathetic they were in fact delicious.

I dont have a picture of our new friends Catherine and Joe, but they are our adoptive "adult family." I run with Catherine and Joe is the first counselor in our bishopric. They are awesome. We love to play games with them...and use their backyard. The grown-ups have a house with a lawn they let us borrow on Memorial day. We didn't want to drive to camp so they let us borrow thier grass. Thanks guys. Moist Loins & Ointment appreciate it. ;)

Usually we use our 8 man tent but we decided to cram into our 4 man tent. It was an adventure. The worst part was the devil birds chirping at 4 am...oh well. We had fun.

Last and most recently not least...was our trip to fossil springs. Its been getting quite HOT here latley which I suppose is to be expected in the desert and decided to get out of the norm (the pool) and travel north. It was a gorgeous day and we had a blast in the cool fresh water. It was amazing that this beautiful spring/river thrives out in the middle of NOWHERE.

It was gorgeous.

Its not a good day unless you jump off a cliff or two.

I'm sure I'll post all of our future adventures at the end of the summer. :)

So Much Fun...

2010-03-09T16:30:00.001-08:00

I figure if I blog every quarter that works, right?

Updates...let's see.

Dan and I celebrated our 3rd wedding anniversary in December. We stayed at a resort in Scottsdale just on the North side of Camelback Mountain and hiked it one morning. We ate to our hearts content at PF Changs (my favorite) and had a blast. It was so nice to be together. I sure love that guy. I don't know how I ever got so lucky.

My parents and brother, Nate came down to visit for Christmas and they were here for Nate's birthday too. We made Nate a cake out of candy. He loved it. It was great to have them here. I miss having them close. We had a great time.

We set up our first Christmas tree since we've been married. :)

My brother Matt and his wife Reagan came down to Phoenix to watch BSU win the Fiesta Bowl...again! Go Broncos. On their way down they stopped in Las Vegas for New Years Eve. Dan and I decided "what the heck" and drove up to Vegas to party the New Year away! It was nuts, but a really fun experience. There were SO MANY people but we enjoyed watching most of the weirdo’s. :)

Our physical therapy office took the day off from work and went to Flagstaff to snowboard and ski because of all the freak snow Arizona has been having. We had a blast! We got stuck in the trees one time and laughed so hard trying to find our way out of brush. So funny.
In February I got to fly to Idaho to spend some time with my mom and sisters. We had an awesome weekend together. Laughing, eating, shopping, shopping, shopping.

My birthday was the first of March. Dan took me to The Keg for dinner and we had some AMAZING steak with our friends. Dan also threw me a party with all of our Arizona family and our friends. I finally got a present that I have been wanting my whole life. A WAGON!!! I love my red wagon. I always wanted to get pulled behind a bike in my wagon, living the dream. :)

I started training for my first half marathon in December. My sister Bobbi and I are running in Boise in June. I am excited. I am up to 6 miles and really starting to enjoy my running time. I am running with a lady in my ward who is awesome! She's a great training partner.
Here are some pictures from all the events in the last four months. Hopefully I will do better at keeping you all updated.

Random

2009-12-17T07:57:00.000-08:00

So I was blog hopping and found a blog talking about all the different National Food Holidays. So dumb. I think I want to make today a National Holiday. National I want it to be the weekend early day!

Anyway...

I don't even like peanut butter but it turns out that March 1st (my birthday) is National Peanut Butter Lovers Day....so stupid. Why couldn't I get something like national Bacon Lovers Day? Probably March first is also National Pig Day...that might be a conflict of interest.

Dan was born on National Pineapple Upside-down Cake Day (April 20) also Hitler's Birthday. Looks like we strike out when it comes to being born on cool holidays. :)

Freestone Park- Where an adult can be a kid.

2009-11-04T05:48:00.001-08:00

We live near a park that has a little "carnival" type attraction in it. The weather in finally getting to where it's nice to be outside so we went on an adventure to Freestone Park. We have always wanted to go ride the train. It was so dorky. I'm glad we are both immature and this gave us some Saturday afternoon satisfaction.

I paid 50 cents to ride this ride, although I think I was a little too big. What a good looking man.
The dorky train.

I got a free pass!!! And I didn't do my hair. :)

Halloween Camping

2009-11-04T05:41:00.000-08:00

Since we didn't have any amazing plans for Halloween this year we went camping with our friends. We stayed at the same place as last year but this time without Meikel and Kelley. With their new baby it just wasn't going to work out for them. Plus the little ones wanted to trick-or-treat. We almost burnt down the "forrest" of castus and dry grass. Talk about a close call with federal prison. Yikes. We all went back to the car for some more stuff and came back to find the fire all over the dry grass!!! One more minute and we would have been toast. Luckily we weren't. We had a good time in spite of our "traumatic experience." :)

You can see to the right where some of the burning was.

Never mind how beautiful we all are in the morning...yuck.

It got down to about 30 degrees which is nuts for here, but we stayed cozy.

Pumpkins!!!

2009-10-20T13:42:00.000-07:00

I had not carved a pumpkin in years! Last night Dan and I had FHE with our friends Kelley and Meikel. So fun! I forgot how gross it is too though. :)

Look at that hot mama who just gave birth!!! Sweet Fancy Moses!

Happy Halloween!!!

Goodbye Jason & Angela

2009-10-20T13:37:00.000-07:00

Our good friends Jason and Angela Green moved to Indiana last week. We are sad to see them go but it is a great opportunity for them to progress! I am so grateful for terriffic friends and will miss them so much!

Kelley's Baby Shower

2009-09-22T06:57:00.000-07:00

Martha, eat your heart out. Yes, that's right. I succeeded in domesticity. Kelley's baby shower was this past weekend, and major cuteness won! And yes!! I made these suckas!!
My wonderful helper "Egor." :)

Oh the cuteness.

Thank you, Bakerella.

Congratulations, Kelley! We love you!

Labor Day "Campout"

2009-09-09T20:42:00.000-07:00

Its too dang hot to camp here so we improvised. We set up our tent in our living room, checked out some "scary" stories from the library (the lady asked how old the "children" were for the book level -LOL), and slept under the stars/celing fan. :) We love being so immature sometimes. We had a fun labor day weekend.

Hunt Family Reunion

2009-08-15T15:47:00.000-07:00

I was really bad at taking pictures at this reunion. I only took my camera golfing, so as soon as I get the mass photo share email I will post more pictures.

It was nice to get out of the heat and spend some time with Dan's family in Pine Top, Arizona. We golfed in Snowflake. The course is played around the temple there. Except for my severly burnt calves and horrible golfing "skills" it was a great day.

Dan and I played took our bikes and took on a trail where I thought I might die. It was nutso. Thankfully we both lived..

We spent five days up North. It's always great to spend time with family.

Dan's brother, Lamar searching for his ball. Ha! Ha! Although I lost my fair share of them.

The Snowflake, Arizona Temple.

Meric and Randa. Dan's sisters.

Lamar and Carrie Hunt

Joe, Meric, Bill (Dad), and Randa.

After golfing the whole family came to the temple. Too bad we are missing a tux and a white dress...that would have made a cool picture. :)

More to come...

Amen

2009-07-29T12:43:00.000-07:00

"Stop the pedestal, I want to get off."

- Professor Radke-Moss

Bake Family Reunion

2009-07-14T19:00:00.000-07:00

Did I ever tell you that I love Idaho? I love Idaho!! Oh I miss it so much. I miss air that I want to breath. Cool crisp mountain air!!! Ah....Home. It was so great to be able to go to Idaho the end of June to see my family. ALL of my family. All 32 and 2 halves of us. (The two halfs are Tamyra and Angelas babies that are still growing in the wooomba!) It was so nice to be in the cool air with all of my loved ones for a few days. Of course my now lizard blood froze. Arizona will do that to you I suppose. There are million pictures I want to share in no particular order.

What a blessing it was for me at this time in my life to see my family. They are my best friends. I love them so much and miss them all already.

My dork brother fishing from a docked boat. He must be getting old.

My Man Kobe on top of the world!

My strong mountain man. What would I do without those guns? LOL!

My best friends, my soul sistas!

Little Miss Ryen.

The world has welcomed a new blessing. This is Loghan. Matt and Reagans new little girl.

I love this big little brother of mine.
That water was freezing. WHAT was I thinking? I would have rather stayed dirty.

My Boys. I can't wait for a pack of my own.

Stinking shadows. I love these cuties. My one and only...Mom and Dad.

Ryen and her favorite uncle.

Cousins Broc and Maggie love to play on the rock.

I'd like to think that Heavnly Father created places like this for me.

Bliss...

My love, My life, My Dan.

I can't wait to be able to see my family more often. I can't wait to be able to visit "the country" again, hopefully soon.

Gross

2009-06-10T10:50:00.000-07:00

Today I saw something I wish I had not. Dan and I thought we would take a walk since it's been a little cooler these last few nights. We are walking near a canal when I look over and see an old man squat down and take a poo on the side of the road. I almost died. - What is this world coming to?

Melts My Heart

2009-06-05T16:54:00.000-07:00

This is a link to my sisters blog. My neice Maggie is such a doll. She gives a shout out to me at the end! :)

http://goodfellowgang.blogspot.com/2009/06/twinkle-twinkle.html

Bobbi!

2009-06-05T11:10:00.001-07:00

So my sister came to visit! We really did suck at taking pictures but we had a blast! We went out to dinner/family therapy at P.F. Changs and then watched a really dumb movie (Ghosts of Girlfriends Past), at least not my taste anyway. The next day we slept in and then went to get massages *yay*, pedicures, shopping, Bobbi scored us free lunch at Olive Garden, and we found cheap new dish sets at ROSS. On Sunday my friend Mare-Bear cut and colored Bobbi's hair. I don't have a picture of the finished product (You'll have to post one bobbi). Monday we shopped some more, visted the temple, and said a sad goodbye. It went too fast but we had fun laughing, talking, and playing games. We kept talking about how we needed our other tribe member (Casey) to make it complete. I can't wait until I get to see them both again at the end of the month and plan our sister getaway in Feb.

Thanks for coming, Buns!! I love and miss you!

Now I Understand What My Mom Meant...

2009-06-05T11:03:00.000-07:00

...when she said she felt like a momma grizzly bear defending her family.

It was kind of interesting. I've never felt like that before. It was in a way a testimony of something innate that just yearns to protect my family and marriage. I'm sure I'll understand it even more when I have children, but I found out that nothing will ever interfere with my eternal companionship and the man I love.

Personal History- Dans Health

2009-05-28T13:44:00.001-07:00

* I have permission from my husband to blog about this. :) And by the way I am so immature that I have to make stuipd sarcastic comments when talking about anatomy.

Prostatitis-old man bum disease right? Not so much these last few months. A royal pain in the nuts (buh-dum-ching). Dan has prostatitis. He's too young to have old man bum disease. With everything else that is "going on" in our life this is just annoying and distracting in Dan's words. For him its a distraction from school. While he is trying to pass classes to get into PT school, and try to fall asleep he has to sit for hours and deal with it. He has to be probed by doctors and has to deal with his wife forcing him to keep going until someone can tell us what is going on.

It's hard for me to see him in pain and there's nothing I can do about it. They have given him antibiotics that are supposed be strong enough to make his achilles tendon deteriorate. For five months we have been dealing with this pain. Family doctors, referrals, specialists, urologists can't tell us why he is still in pain. The doctors say that his prostate is "back to somewhat normal" but his pain is still there.

I think about what I would do if Dan were no longer with me. Yeah, I'm dramatic like that but I still freak out and want him to be ok. I love my buddy. I want him to be healthy.

This is something that I think has helped us be grateful for what we do have. It could be a lot worse than it is. I think it helped both Dan and I to ask for more help from our Father in Heaven. This experience has helped our faith grow. We look forward to good health and thank our Lord for the good things we do enjoy. This is just another test of patience and a test toward perfection.

Personal History- Graduate School

2009-05-28T13:41:00.001-07:00

Growing up I knew that I always wanted to be a therapist. I loved my major in my undergraduate studies and both Dan and I were excited to move to Arizona and to start my Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy program at Arizona State University. Before I started my program I started feeling a little uneasy. I had prayed and felt that going to Arizona was the right thing to do. Both Dan and I felt this is what I needed. After the first 3 months I was very unhappy. I didn’t look forward to going to school as I had before and I wondered if I really wanted to listen to people complain all day long. The style of therapy I was being taught was wonderful. It forced families to take responsibility and to look at their own behavior. Family therapy looks away from medication and DSM diagnoses and instead looks at cause and effect in a sense. I loved that, but there was something that was off. I didn’t want to quit school. Everything in my life up to that point was in preparation for this graduate program, but something in my heart and mind would not rest. I prayed to be able to feel better about school, that didn’t help. I think I secretly knew what the answer was but hated to do it. I think it was one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make to quit my program. I called my professors and dropped out. I cried and cried, however, I felt at peace. I haven’t looked back on my decision.
It’s crazy now because I have moments where I think “Man...I could be almost done by now, I could have a rewarding job!” but as quickly as those thoughts come, the peace of my decision comes too. I am not one to sit around a wait, so being patient and right now struggling to understand what I do need to be doing has been hard. I know I made the right decision, I just anticipate what is to come. I have an idea of what I would like to do, but for now it’s on hold.
Sometimes I have to remember that life is line upon line. I look for the little things the Lord is trying to teach me during this time and hope that I pass the test of patience.

Back to Brown

2009-05-27T18:03:00.001-07:00

Oh that was a fun ride....never again!! :) I do love a good adventure. So...for yesterdays picture blog I didn't take a picture, but I am greatful for Elder Worthlins last conference address: Come What May and Love It. To..."Just Laugh" was the best advice I could have had during my blonde phase. LOL!!

Blondes Have More Fun

2009-05-27T10:21:00.000-07:00

Oh...I wish this was a fake picture. Good thing we can fix it!

Personal History

2009-05-24T15:56:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful lesson in Young Women's today about keeping a personal record of what's happening in life and that to someone...someday...what I do might matter. :) So, in this recent light the next few posts are going to be what is REALLY going on in our lives right now. It may not be that spectacular...but hopefully someday it will be. Enjoy.

Count Your Blessings

2009-05-15T09:30:00.000-07:00

I know I'm not the only one who hits a point where they feel like there is nothing RIGHT in life at the moment. I have felt this way for the last week or so. Yesterday, Dan and I went to the temple and ever since then I have started to remember the things that ARE right in my life. So...to thank my Father in Heaven I am going to publicly share!

I am grateful that in this heat I have first, a car. Second, a car with air conditioning. I see people out in the sauna waiting for the bus and I have to be grateful.

I am grateful I didn't marry Tyson Shelley. I saw his relative at the temple and then searched for Dan across the room...ahhhh, at peace.

I am grateful for "My Boys" and Maggie. They sent me letters in the mail this week. I needed their sweet spirits.

I am grateful that I have a job lined up that won't make me want to slit my wrists.

I am grateful for friends that I have met in Arizona. K&M, M&D, J&A. Mike.

I am grateful for the pool I get to swim in and get a tan.

I am grateful that I get to see my sister soon, and my family after that.

I am grateful for an eternal perspective, because without it I think I would just give up, and I am glad that I have a reason not to.

"In the meantime" while things aren't going my way, I am glad for these things. I am thankful for my blessings that I do have, even if I don't have all the ones that I want. :)

BIRTHDAYS!!!

2009-05-13T13:40:00.000-07:00

So....I need to catch up. What's new? The last couple of months (March-April) there have a been a few birthdays around our house. My birthday was on Sunday, March 1 and Dan's sweet sisters threw me a sabbath celebration in the theme of "The Office." I love that show!

Marianne had a birthday later in March and I decided to get domestic and make her a fondant cake. Yes, fondant, homemade, and if I do say so myself it wasn't half bad for a first try.

Kelley turned 22 in April and doesn't like cake so I got a little creative with her favorite candy. She is still eating Reeces this day!

Dan had a birthday on April 20th!! I love spoiling that kid! I love him to death. Jason and Angela went with us to Texas Roadhouse for dinner on his birthday. There was a balloon man there who made Dan the coolest hat and accessories ever! :) Because Dan's birthday was on a Monday the Saturday before I threw him a suprise SUPERHERO party. My sister Bobbi made him a cape and all of our friends came dressed up as their favorite superhero. We had a blast.

PICTURES!!

Random Picture

2009-03-27T08:04:00.000-07:00

I've been tagged. Here are the rules:

1. Go to your documents/pictures
2. Go to your 6th file
3. Go to your 6th picture
4. Post it, and blog about it
5. Tag 6 people to do the same
6. Name your picture...I added this since thereis no official 6th rule...and since this is thewhole 6 theme...I thought it would be necessary

"I'm glad I don't live here anymore."

That's all I could think when I looked at this picture. So stinkin cold. This is at my mom and dads house this past christmas. Really pretty, but cold. I am glad I get to visit, but I really am enjoying the 75-80 degree weather...it kind of grows on you. However, in another few weeks when its 112 I will be wishing I lived here again. *sigh* The grass is always greener...

I tag...Kelley, Marianne, Camille, Tara, Kim, and Leslie.

California

2009-02-28T08:15:00.000-08:00

Ever since we moved to Arizona our friends and Dan and I have been planning a trip to California. We finally did it last weekend and HAD A BLAST! Here is our tale...

We left Phoenix late Thursday and got lost in the middle of the night in Escondio trying to find my aunt and uncles house. Kurt and Kathy were great at guiding us throught the night and we finally arrived! :) The next morning we had planned for my Grandpa, who is a sealer in the San Diego temple, to perform some family names for Meikel and Kelley, and some of Kathys names.

We sure loved staying with Kurt and Kathy at the "Bed and Breakfast." Thank you so much for letting us take over and interrupt your life. We all enjoyed your company and cooking. :) It was great to be in the temple with you also!

It was such a special time for me to be in the temple with my Grandparents and Aunt and Uncle. We were able to ask questions and discuss our thoughts and testimonies. I had such a feeling of "heritage" and "family" importance there. I am so greatful for family that taught my parents the gospel, and that I can be a part of teaching my children some day. It was such a spiritual experience for me. I loved it! Such a beautiful day!Someone else there loves potatoes! Idaho Pride!!!!! All of us eating a wonderful lunch at Kurt and Kathys. Thanks again! We love you!
Our next stop that day was to the beach. Even though it was freezing the sun was out and it was great to see and play in the ocean with my friends.
Aren't we amazing? We could be in the circus.We stopped at a local burger joint and enjoyed the sunset. Good greasy goodness. :)Kelley and Meikle GarrettDevin and Marianne Seale Fatty One and Fatty Two.Meikle thought it would be funny to throw some food by my feet so I could be attacked by some psychotic birds. Not cool.

We drove to Valencia to visit Six Flags. Kelley is pregnant so she and Meikel went to ride the baby friendly rides at Disney Land while the big kids got thrown around. WHAT A BLAST! Waiting for Six Flags to open...hurry up, not enthused.
I love roller coasters.

We topped off our day with dinner at Olive Garden, one of my favorites.

We had so much fun and hope to do it again in 9 months...or so...:)

Pay it forward

2009-02-18T19:45:00.001-08:00

Pay It Forward .....So, here's how it works: the first 3 people to leave a comment on this post will receive, at some point during the year (probably within the month otherwise I'll forget! :)), a handmade gift from me. What it will be and when it will arrive is a total surprise! The catch is that you must participate as well. Before you leave your comment, write up a pay it forward post on your blog to keep the fun going (or copy and paste like I did). Then come back, let me know you're going to play and sit back and anticipate the arrival of your gift! Please submit in the comment, your address, if I don't have it already. Remember that only the first 3 comments will receive a gift from me, so be quick!

RED! The Boss.

2009-02-18T14:16:00.000-08:00

So us "Bake" sisters usually call Casey "red" but it turns out I'm the true Red of the girls. I like the title it used for me too. "The Boss."

49% Red, 23% Blue, 3% White and 26% Yellow!

RED MOTIVE: Power

RED NEEDS: To look good (Technically), To be right, To be respected, Approval from a select few.

RED WANTS: To hide insecurities (tightly), Productivity, Leadership, Challenging adventure

SUMMARY: Reds are hungry for power. simply stated reds want their own way. They can be manipulative. Reds find it almost impossible to relinquish their power and freedom when they meet with authority figures. Reds want to be productive. Reds like to work - in school, in their their careers, and in their relationships. They are often work-a-holics. They will, however, resist being forced to do anything that doesn't interest them. Reds want to look good to others. Reds need to appear knowledgeable. They want to be respected even more than they want to be loved. They want to be admired for their practical and logical mindds. Reds shouldn't be taken too seriously. They often state the facts as they see them. They seldom say "in my opinion" before stating their opinions. Reds seek leadership opportunities. Reds are often called "control freaks." If a red can get an upper hand, she or he will.

Sounds kind of mean...so I hope I'm not a total beast.

Time to post YOUR results!

Mini Golf!

2009-02-10T10:13:00.000-08:00

Fun! Fun! Fun! Dan and I had never been mini-golfing together. I really stink, but it was a blast. We of course took our other half, Devin and Marianne. Here are some photos of the fun.

My buddy of buddies, Miss Mer-bear.

My crazy-amazing strong man.

Both Dan and I scored a hole in one here!

The gang.

Next time, I will beat him.

I...like to copy my sisters :)

2009-02-06T11:34:00.000-08:00

I...
I am… short
I think… about my future
I know… I am bossy
I want… a new car
I have… a crappy car
I wish… I had a new job
I hate… people who are rude
I miss…my sisters
I fear… that Dan won’t get better
I hear… a stupid song
I hate... ignorance
I smell… ramen noodles
I search… for a new job
I wonder… where we will live one day
I regret… my tattoo
I love… my family
I care… about making life easier for others
I always… sing in the car when I am alone
I am not… a girly girl
I believe… that my Heavenly Father love me
I dance… with Dan in the living room
I sing… at the top of my lungs in the car
I don’t… like peas
I write… a lot of my feelings down in a book
I win… the lottery in my imagination
I lose… when Dan and I play speed
I dislike… when people are mad for stupid reasons
I never…lie
I listen… to Alanis Morissette
I can usually be found… at work
I am scared… of the dark
I read… Harry Potter and Hugh Nibley
I am happy... when my family is happy
I dare… to do anything
I hope… that I will get to have kids someday
I notice… peoples shoes
I clean… not as often as I should
I express… my mind
I talk… to anyone who wants to listen
I go… to work…and then I sit in the hot tub
I drive… a tin can
I watch… The Office
I dream… of owning a home
I need… some new pants
I haven’t… been to New Zealand…YET!
I tell… funny stories
I pick… what I want to eat
I find… my own hair everywhere…blah
I run… when I race Dan in Wal Mart
I quit… caring that my supervisor is lazy
I jump… for joy when I play bocce ball
I learn… as many new things as
I can... memorize things quickly
I play… Monoploy and win
I own… my piece of crap car…and then it blew up
I make… Cookies and Chinese food
I live… with my best buddy
I bring… a different view to the table
I open… my squeaky apartment door…but then I fixed it
I will… go to the temple today
I suppose… I can tolerate people I dislike
I vote… for who I think will do the best job
I buy… Papa Johns and Panda Express J Waaaay to much
I fold… towels at work
I stand… up for my beliefs
I can… do anything I choose
I wear… sweats
I smile… as often as I can
I cry… when I’m angry
I care… that people are loved by someone
I pray… for my family and that I will love all people
I make… potatoes a lot
I like… action movies
I move… too much.
I swear… a lot when I’m angry
I try… not to swear
I find… joy in simple things
I draw… stick figures
I expect… people to be civil
I work… for an idiot
I admire… Strong Women
I adore… my nieces and nephews
I fantasize… about a trip to a warm beach
I look… for travel deals on the internet
I cherish… when Dan and I laugh together
I appreciate… My mom, and when Dan puts away my clothes
I treasure… Dans laugh
I could… be President of the U.S. one day

You Suck At Blogging

2009-01-31T11:48:00.000-08:00

Yep. That's true. I was talking with an old friend the other day and realized I needed to update this thing. So for my few valiant readers (Casey and Bobbi) and anyone else who happens by chance across my blog...here are the updates.

"Camping" in Arizona

2009-01-31T11:45:00.001-08:00

Marianne and Devin, Kelly and Meikle-Pickle joined us on a camping trip last weekend. How fun! Dan and I found a tent at Target for cheap and wanted to go. I never thought it would ever be warm enough to go camping in January. I dug up a cactus so we could put our tent down, (Which I found out is a federal crime) So I put it back. Not like I was used to in Idaho. No pine trees...no water...just prickly things. Even though it wasn't what I was used to, we had a great time. I almost beat Meikle-Pickle at 5 Crowns and demand a re-match. Marianne took the brunt by holding the trash on her lap for 15 miles. What a great girl! Many more trips to come.

Two Years

2009-01-31T11:45:00.000-08:00

Two years with my best friend, how good can it get?

Dan and I celebrated our two year anniversary while we were in Idaho. To celebrate we went snowboarding/skiing at Bogus Basin in Boise on a BEAUTIFUL coudy day. Good thing we've been practicing since we've been married. We had a blast on the mountain with Nate and Lindsay. She was such a good sport to go with Nate on his birthday the 23rd. Our anniversary was on the 28th of December, but we enjoyed it early.

What I love about Dan: The thing that initial attacted me to Dan was his pickup line, which is so not like me and he's been suprising me ever since. Dan is what we like to joke aoubt, and call a "sniper" when it comes to some of the great comments he makes. When I hurt my hand playing softball he said "You know, you don't have to keep hurting yourself to come and see me." SO CHEESY, but it caught me off guard and I couldn't help but smile. I think I actually blushed. He still comes up with gross stuff like that these days and I still can't help but be so "smitten".

Never a dull moment with my Dan. He is so willing to create and go on crazy adventures with me. He is weird like me too, and we are always laughing. Our neighbors get mad when we laugh at night. He makes me so happy and we love laughing together.

I knew that Dan was who I wanted to marry when I realized that he held nothing back from me when it came to his love. Dan loves me unconditionally and I appreciate that the most of all. I make mistakes all the time and he is there to love me anyway.

Here is to many more years to come! I love you, Daniel.

Elder BACHK! My big little brother.

2009-01-31T10:00:00.000-08:00

So maybe it's a good thing Nate never tweezed his eyebrows. He's going to be a hairy German. Nate recieved his mission call to the Munich Germany/Austria mission and reported to the MTC in Provo, UT on January 16th, 2009. It was fun to spend time with Nater as he was getting ready right before Christmas. It's been cool to get letters from him and see him start this chapter of his life. I have always looked up to Nate. He is going to make a great missionary. He has the ability to be friends with all types of people and has always been such a great example to those around him. I love and miss the little/big guy. Good luck, Nater!

Christmas

2009-01-31T09:45:00.000-08:00

I will start where I left off...Christmas. It was good to be in Idaho again. Even though I was freezing the whole time the snow was beautiful. That was the most snow I've seen in Fruity-land ever I think. Although it was cold it was great to be with family. We ,missed Casey and kids and hope to see them soon. I would have to say the highlight was playing rock band with everyone. Dad even watched! :) Mom played the guitar and sang. She also went bowling with us on the Wii. Here are some pictures of the event.

Bobbi and I sure missed Casey when Aaron drug us around on the four-wheeler. The reason I have a bag on my head was because Bobbi finally decided she wanted to go after I started with the curlers in my hair. :0)

We had a blast and he only threw us off once. It was great to be home.

To Idaho We Go!

2008-12-15T07:30:00.000-08:00

Yeah! Its been a couple of years since I have been able to me at my parents house for Christmas. I am so excited that we are going this year! We fly out Thursday morning! I am so PUMPED!

Ah...Praying for Charity

2008-12-04T05:15:00.000-08:00

I think that my Father in Heaven laughs out loud when I pray for charity. Lovingly, of course, but laughing none the less. I imagine that Heavens "bookie" annouces over the loud speaker that "That Devan girl is praying for charity again, place your bets now, get rich quick!"

Wanting to (or in my case it's usually "please don't make me I really don't want to") love someone we don't really care for is never easy. However, I've decided that it gets harder when I ask the Lord to help me make an attempt to love that person, or more accuratley, "persons."

I've come to realize that's how it works though. I say "Lord, help me." He says, "Oh really, ha ha ha! Sounds good to me you are a little meanine anyway you could use some help." But we all know it's never the kind of help we really want. I want the magical angel of peace and love to swoop from the rafters and fix the people I hate so that I can love them. Ah...if I ruled the world...(a longing pensive look into my future) :)

It's more like that person can't do anything but make me want to punch them in the throat, justafialby of course, as anyone with a brain could see that it wasn't my fault that this person is an idiot.

Our ward Young Women's President gave the lesson last Sunday about Charity and I realized that even though this week is the worst ever as far as these people are concerned...I need charity. Ah...I'm greatful that I can learn, even if its hard. Gotta love praying for things you know you suck at and having Satan right there to make sure you don't get better at it. :) Wish me luck.

The Zoo!

2008-11-09T08:02:00.000-08:00

I love going to the Zoo! We finally went to the Phoenix Zoo on Saturday and we had a blast. It was mating season at the zoo I guess and I'm sure from the screams of scared children parents had a lot of explaining to do when they got home. Thanks, Dad for teaching me about that one with the horses. :)We really liked seeing the animals that we haven't seen before. My zoo experince has been little sad Idaho Zoo's so this was really fun for me. We saw a Pumba (warthog),

rhinos, Dan's favorite was the elephant, and I really loved the giraffes. We both fell in love watching the oragatans. The little baby and Dad kept playing together and it was so cute. He would go and touch the dads face then roll backward with its arms and legs up in the air. The dad also chewed up the food and then gave it in a little ball for the baby to eat. Disgusting...yet...sweet. I loved this picture of them kissing. How fun are families?

"Well looky here, it's a Big Horn! Quick! You, me, staring contest now!" You don't even blink do you? That's why I come to the zoo... NATURE!

Dan made a monkey friend, they also had a staring contest.

I liked this sign. I was really hoping to see an agressive squirrel...no such luck.

True Love Is...

2008-10-16T09:50:00.000-07:00

When your husband picks the raisins out of Raisin Bran because he knows you hate them.

New Hair

2008-10-16T09:43:00.000-07:00

I forgot to add a picture of my new hair cut. Wal-la!

Big A Adventure

2008-10-13T12:23:00.000-07:00

It's finally getting cool enough to spend a Saturday outside here in the Valley o' the Sun so we decided to take the Big A adventure to Tempe Butte or "A" mountain. It's not a very long hike but it's a steep one. It's exciting to me to think that I'm acutally here in Arizona working on on of my life goals at ASU. It's great to have awesome friends and a supportive family.

Here are some pictures of our adventure. On top of the mountain.
This is looking toward Phoenix...

Go Devils.

Our buddies before the ascent.

This video was taken half way up.

It was so windy on top that I thought I was going to fall over.

Sorry if the footage is a little bumpy.

We have a lot on our list of weekend to-do's now that we can survive the heat.

KA-BOOOMSHHHHHH

2008-10-09T12:11:00.003-07:00

That's I guess what the sound of a bomb...or me taking one of my finals today would sound like. A big ugly explosion. This is what I felt like in class today.

See that little tank? Yeah...that's everything working against me. :) Oh well...I've done good on everything else so far. I just didn't put the time in that I needed to. No more Biggest Loser. :)

My Dan.

2008-10-09T12:05:00.002-07:00

I'm so glad that I have a best friend I get to spend every day with. He is my strength, my love, my everything. This was waiting for me when I came home the other day...just because.

Chop Chop

2008-10-09T11:58:00.001-07:00

Everyonce in a while I get sick of my hair and decide to chop it off. Right now I am busy as it is so dealing with a bunch of fuzz on my head is not helpful. My friend Marianne cuts and colors hair so she did this for me.

This picture is disgusting...but my hair before.

during...I tried to see if I could get a better signal...

I realized...I don't have a picture of my hair yet...coming soon. But, I love it. Thanks Mar-bear!

Friends

2008-10-09T11:52:00.001-07:00

It's so nice to have friends in a new place. I have been meaning to put this up for a long time but I have been out of control busy.

Devin and Marianne Seale are our new buddies. I'm so greatful for good friends. Devin is going to PT school down here so they just moved from the Salt Lake area. We have a blast swimming in the pool, eating food, watching movies, and going on adventures together.

Marianne is so helpful to me. She is always doing things to make my life easier.

Dream On

2008-09-25T07:18:00.000-07:00

I wonder what to think of my dreams sometimes. I have the most nut-so dreams. I need an interpreter. EVERY NIGHT I wake up from some random crazy dream. Last night I dreamed that an ex-boyfriend of mine was trying to round up some naked-streakers that were loose on BYU-Idaho campus....except where I was wasn't the campus Then-dream sequence flash change to driving a boat that I stole in some reservoir with some friends. So werid. Tell me your craziest dream.

Forever Incomplete

2008-09-20T14:56:00.001-07:00

Thank you, Alanis for the inspiration for this post. (you can hear the tune from my new blogging music) This song by Alanis is a sum up reflection of my feelings the past few days and I felt like journalistically writing about it.

Many-a-soap-box I have stood. Many times I have felt justified to hold on to, or hold out for my own selfish purposes. It's too hard, it's too easy, it's uncalled for, they deserved it, its just plain out of my hands and not my fault! We all have at one time felt owed, justified, un-accountable, less accommodating, and our feelings, are not asked for, but so disrespectfully heaved upon us, separate from ourselves.

We think that perhaps one day: I will let go of my bitterness, I won’t withhold my feelings, I'll wait until I have more money, until I have more time, more patience, when my kids grow up, or when I have what I truly need.

Our pride tells us that by desperately clinging to our weakness we have the power to feel justified in our current situation. We cower, afraid to offend, to admit, to face, to change, to own up, to be truthful because of what it means.

What does it mean and where are we headed? What are we doing? When does it end? How long can my body be strong enough to hold me dangling above the pit of so patiently ravenous alligators? Simply, just---not---long---enough.

I don’t know what the hell we are waiting for.

People are so sad, so hurt, so demeaned, so bogged down and afraid to take responsibility that comes from making it better for ourselves. It means work, it means tears, it means being wrong, and the scariest part it means we are out there.

We are all "running so sweaty" our whole lives, "urgent for the finish line." There is no finish line, even when we die it’s not over. This is it. Its time to start living. Let go of your pride, and live.

Taking responsibility for our lives I think is one of the hardest things to do, because its not a one time deal. There are events beyond our control, however currently, we are not beyond our control. If change were easy we'd all be perfect and perfection is not the goal, however happiness in our moments are.

We are "forever incomplete." So...what do we do in the meantime? We let go of our hurt, our anger, our fear. We become today who we want to be. We do what it takes to change and be happy.

Quirks Tag...

2008-09-18T08:57:00.000-07:00

So Trah tagged me... and you already know I'm weird so here is some more quirky stuff about me.

1. I love salt. I eat bullion cubes and drink soy sauce. I will probably die of hardened arteries and high blood pressure but at least my gultonous desires will be satisfied.

2. I really am messy person I don't like to clean, but when I put a bag together, like when I go to school I have to arrange my backpack just so or else I think about it until I fix it. I feel like it has to lay flat. I can't put trash in my backpack either. For example: If I tear out a sheet of paper from my notebook and there are little white edges I have to tear them off and throw them away before I put it in my bag. Lame huh?

3. Living with my brother and his wife I picked up one of Reagans quirks. I have to arrange my groceries in such a way that they are all together in categories when I go through the check out.

4. I don't like to mix my foods. I can't have them touch on my plate like a little kid. I don't know what it is but it's like the flavor will get contaminated.

Allllll righty....maybe I'm not a quirky as I thought...not very exciting huh?

I love my Diamondbacks.

2008-08-21T11:48:00.000-07:00

Dan and I got to go to the Diamondbacks game last night. It was a blast. They beat the Padres 8-6.

Getting Better

2008-08-20T13:48:00.000-07:00

Well, things are finally settling down around here. Dan started work on Monday and really enjoys doing what he does best. I am excited for him to be able to apply to school for next fall. I am still looking for a job but I've been enjoing getting tan by the pool. I start school next Tuesday and I am so ready. I thought I would post some pictures from our adventures in moving.

This one is taken on top of the confrence center in Salt Lake.

This one is at the resort in Arizona where we stayed for Dan's family reunion. Highlight of my trip. :)

We are finally settled and enjoying life for the most part now that most everything is in place. Our ward is really great. There were two other young couples that moved into the ward the same week we did. Both couples also live in our apartment complex so it's been nice to getting toknow them and have friends in the same boat as us. One couple couldn't use thier companies D-backs tickets tonight, and they knew that I LOVE baseball, so they let us have thier tickets for tonights game against the Padres. I am so excited to go. I will post pictures of that later! Things are looking up!

When it comes to my life...

2008-08-05T16:34:00.000-07:00

I swear it has all the ingredients for a pathetic reality TV show. I don't know where to begin except for that I am alive and finally some-what settled for life in Arizona.

Dan and I were able to spend a week with my family in Fruitland, which was a great part of our adventure down here. We had a great time with everyone. Dan and I took Bobbis Boys to an arcade. It was so funny to watch them go crazy when they walked in the door. They are nuts, but I love them. J

Sadly, we had to leave my family to make the rest of the journey, so we loaded up our Uhaul (Yes, Tara, I hate moving too…it sucks.) and started south.

On the drive down we stopped in Salt Lake to attend the temple and have a tour of the conference center. I had never been to the Salt Lake temple so that was really cool. After the session this old guy grabbed me and Dan and decided to give us the "private tour." He was weird but we figured "cool!" He showed us some pretty cool stuff inside the temple. It was beautiful. We also got to see the spiral staircase and went behind the "real" front doors of the temple. It was a great experience. It was crazy to see all the ornate detail.

On our way to St. George the timing belt on my car went out...how lovely. Not only did we have to get towed about 150 miles we found out that our engine was basically destroyed so we needed a new one. Dans family had some friends in St. George that let us borrow their van so that we could take all of our stuff that was packed in my car down. It was two weeks before they finally had the car finished. We just drove up two days ago, and switched cars. I wanted to drive the little sucker off a cliff, but seeing as how I just paid for most of it again…I hesitate. We also learned that my clutch was going out so we just said, “Put it on our tab.” It’s nice to finally be done driving.

While we were staying in St. George we we’re starving and tired, with one car packed to the gills and four people to try and drive around to find dinner before we got the van, so we decided to walk to find a place to eat. The two truck guy said that the best Mexican food was “just up the hill” from our hotel so we set out. We’ll three and a half miles uphill with blisters between my toes from my flip-flops later…we made it. Good thing the food was amazing or else I think I might have lain down in the road wishing for someone to finish me off. It was a rough day.

The next day we got the van and headed south once again. We made it to the valley late so we stayed at one of Dan’s uncles homes. Finally, we got to see our apartment the next morning. It’s small but cute and I am so glad to finally have my own space again. Once we unloaded all the stuff from the Uhaul we went with Dan's family up to Pinetop/ShowLow AZ for his family reunion and stayed at a resort up there. I was so sick of driving and being around people, but I was determined to have a good time. We went out to dinner and took the whole big ol' hunt clan too. This is when a "lady" asked if we were all 21. We all said yes, except for the few families that had kids with them. She then informed me that she needed to see my I.D. if I was 21 to be in the facility. There were little kids with us. I told her that I didn't have it so I would go sit in the little kid section. She said, “It doesn’t matter. If you are over age I have to check your I.D. or else you can’t be here.” I said fine then I’m only 20. She pounded the table and said this whole facility is a bar and if you are 21 then you have to have your I.D. But little kids can be there because they aren’t 21 yet.

No…this does not make sense, and even though I hadn’t been drinking it was starting to sound like a good idea to get really plowed and beat this woman up.

So I drove back to get my ID while the little children ate their meal. When I returned I let everyone know that the first round of drinks was on me. STUPID. I guess this is what happens when you become a big kid…but I still have to prove I’m old enough to sit with them.

I did get to ride this buffalo though…that was a highlight.

FINALLY came back to the valley and settled in. My sister-in-law Randa, bless her soul, helped me arrange everything in our pint size apartment. I really like it. She saved me from jumping over the balcony in desperation. J It had and continues to be a very exhausting and emotionally draining month. With moving, getting ready to start school, ready to be in my own space again, and just everything else all at once I wanted (and still have moments of thinking) maybe I should just jump in front of a train. J Not really.

Dan had a job lined up before we moved here but I guess they last minute decided to go with someone else. That was another punch to the gut for us, but the Lord was looking out. Two days ago Dan was offered a job at a Physical Therapy place that is going to be great. The guy that owns the place is in Beijing right now because he is the PT for the Olympic Gymnast Team. Cool Beans.

Well…that’s the update. I start my program on the 26th of this month. I think I’m ready. It’s all scary and new and has been quite the adventure so far. But I guess that’s life right? Right. Anything worth doing is usually hard and takes a lot of work…so here we go. Wish us luck!

Goodbye SARC Friends

2008-07-09T14:00:00.001-07:00

Every once in a while I get to meet what I call "my kind of person," well I hit the jack-pot of people that are "my kind of people" while working at SARC. I love the people I have been working with and will miss them so much when I'm gone. I never thought I would get attached to people in the Tri-Cities, but these are definitely the type of friends you want to keep for a lifetime. Des is my Seinfeld friend. I found this on my desk after lunch today.
For those of you who don't watch that show or don't understand this picture you're missing out. Des was trying to find a braided rye bread for me but couldn't find one. Kim or as I call her Kim-Ba. (Like simba) is my evil twin, except that she's not evil. We are so much alike and have a blast being weird together. Brandy just quit at SARC but she is who I worked with the most. She always laughs at my dumb jokes and is such a strong woman. Emily, was hired to take my spot and has been here for about a month training, but I will miss her too. She also laughs at my dumb jokes and is the other tri-cities "outsider." We like to joke about that. Anna is my hero. She is the counselor here at SARC and I admire what a good Christian woman she is. She is so stable and steady. I appreciate her strength.

I have really loved my opportunity at the Sexual Assault Response Center and I as much as I am looking forward to a new chapter in my life I will surely miss what I do here. I can't wait to be in the field once more after grad-school helping abuse survivors.

Goodbye SARC friends. I love and will miss you all!

Happenings...

2008-07-05T08:43:00.000-07:00

It's been kinda boring around here, so my blog suffers. There hasn't been much going on except for wanting the time to pass so that I can just get on with it. I know I shouldn't think that way but it's hard not to. My sisters and I decided to start reading books together so that we would have something else to talk about when we chat each week. We are going to start reading the Twilight books. I hear they are all the Mormon rage so we'll see if it's any good.

So, we are almost on our way to Arizona. Friday, July 11th we are heading to Fruitland to spend a week with my mom and dad before we head down. We have been packing and for all of you who have ever moved found that we have more junk than we thought we did. We stained a bookshelf we bought and repainted an end table. It made me grow a beard.

I am looking forward to spending a week with my family. I am throwing my first baby shower for Bobbi while we are there so wish me luck on that. Should be fun. Dan and I are also taking Bobbis boys to Chuck-E-Cheese. Barrett told Bobbi that I was taking him to China. Apparently that's where Chuck-E-Cheese is. :)

I am looking forward to starting school. I hope that I am still smart, and can be successful. It's kind of scary, but I am very excited...6 days and counting.

Not So Barf-itis

2008-06-25T16:09:00.000-07:00

So I was looking at my blog...and it still says that I am sick...but I'm not anymore. I guess my measels went away.

Measles

2008-06-09T10:48:00.000-07:00

I feel like Barfitis. For those of you who don't know what that is, it's barf...with and itis on the end. Turns out that I never had my second dose of MMR (measles mumps and rubella) when I was a kid and it's required for grad school so I went to get this little vile disease shot into my body. I guess the point of this is to keep my healthy but I feel like I was healthier without it. Ever since I got this shot I have had the worst headache in the world, a stuffy nose, and aches like I have the flu, but it's like a half-trash flu...meaning it's bad enough to make me feel like barfitis, but not enough to make me fall down or anything. Either way, it's lame.

Ready To Go...

2008-05-31T08:40:00.000-07:00

I am so ready to move. It's hard to be motivated to do anything but want to pack boxes. My professors sent my book list awhile ago and so I am ready my books and so pumped to start my program. We found an apartment that we really like. Dan's sister looked at it for us! (Thanks LeAnn!) I can't wait to go. Ahhhhhhhhhhhh.

My Moodra

2008-05-14T15:00:00.000-07:00

Ah Mother's Day!

I know im a little late with this post but it was in the making before mothers day...and it still needs to go up. So,......

A day of fun...a day of leaving off the pictures you know you're mom would hate you for putting on your blog. I guess I owe her that. :) (Yes, I'm talking about the scary stage hand photo, Mom.)

Let me share a few memories and things I appreciate about My MOMMA Michelle with you all....

My mom and I didn't always get along, I think that was mostly my fault, but I am greatful that she put her foot down in my life. I am greatful that she has a testimony that I could never find a loop-hole in, believe me, I tried. She is a great inspiration for me in her relationship with the lord and the church.
My mom is a go-getter. She never gave up on her dumb kids.
My mom has great ideas. She could make anything. I wish I had her artistic ability. I hope she will one day get to paint as much as she used to. I loved watching her paint when I was little and hearing "don't bump the table" :)
My mom taught me how to tie my shoes. I always liked that because she said that everyone else learned from Dad. I was the cool one that didn't. :) I was sitting on her belly as she was laying on the couch and I tied her shirt string that went around her waist. It was a blue shirt. I will always remember that.
My mom always brought my P.E. clothes or shoes that I would forget. thanks mom.
She would bring my dad and I lunch everyday. Thanks again.
Speaking of shoes, I could never find my church shoes on Sunday...but she taught me how to pray. I would always find my shoes.
One time I tried to wrestle my mom, we laughed so hard we couldn't really wrestle but she's pretty tough.
My mom mad a prom dress in one day (the day of prom) for me because the other one that someone else made for me looked like peterpan.
My mom can float in the water like nobody's business...to this day I can't float.
My my threw me in the pool to teach me how to swim, she swears she never did that but I was there. She would always swim backwards too when we were learning and trying to reach her. She would say "swim to me" and then back up. It wasn't funny then, but it is now...and I can swim!
My mom taught me how to cook. She is such a good cook. I miss having her meals.
My mom is a strong woman. She is so brave and solid. I wish I had the courage that she does to stand tall and immovable.
The more I get older the more I realize I look like her, she has great skin and is hot for her age, I mean for a 29 year old. Or something like that....I honestly don't know how old she is...
My mom was my source of comfort when I was "un-engaged." That was a really hard time for me. I'm sure she was emotionally exhausted from trying to comfort me when I called her three times a day. She would cry with me and I couldn't wait to come home and get a hug from her. She would come and stay with me in Rexburg when things were really tough. I really appreciated her during that time. I'm sure it was hard for her to be there constantly and talk on the phone (which she hates) but I know that she loved me and was there for me during that year! Thanks Mom.

Thanks mom for all you are and all you do.

Mi Hermanas

2008-05-06T18:40:00.000-07:00

Si...mi hermanas.

Oh I love them too. Bobbi posted first but she inspired me. (I think Dad was trying to get a little too creative with that "lost look to the wind" photo-barf) I couldn't find a picture of all of us either...lame. We need to take one. I always felt out of the sister loop when I was younger. We are so spread out I never really grew up with Casey and Bobbi and I just fought. But I have to say that our relationships have become strong and wonderful.

I love our chat night! We have so much fun making eachother laugh and sharing our hearts. Its great to know that these awesome women will love me no matter what. I am probably the most different of us three but everything they are I wish I could be... (is that a song?...anyway) I could fly higher than an eagle..and they are the wind beneath my wings.

To My Other Mother: Casey-

(she will hate me for using this camping picture :)

I will always remember when I stole her hair brush that I wasn't supposed to use. I got my ratty orphan hair stuck in it and couldn't get it out. I cried when I peeked around the corner and told her I needed to tell her something. She came around and saw the brush in my hair. I thought she was going to rip it out, but she didn't. She was so sweet, kind, and gentle as she untangled my hair and forgave me. She is so wholesome!!! Like homemade bread! She has the sweetest and most loving spirit. I wish I had her musical talent, patience, and love for others, even the idiots. She takes it all in and evaluates fairly. She is an awesome mom who loves her kids and teaches them right. (If I die you can riase Dan;) I love her and look up to her so much. I cried my little eyes out when Shane stole her away from me. Lucky for him he's a good guy and I'll let him keep her. You rock Chief Red!

To My W.Beast: Bobbi- I love you Enough.-

Oh what can I say? We fell in love under the Arizona sun! :) Even though she swore she'd "never come back" I know she'll come to visit me. I wish I was an artist like Bobbi. She is so talented as an artisit and dancer. She is a great mom with so much patience. I think she got boys because she was such a girl :) It's good for her. :) Joke. Bobbi is my bud, and even though I can still beat her up I admire her fiery spirit. She knows where she's going and is a very brave woman. She sticks to her guns. I love making Bobbi laugh, it cracks me up to hear her laugh.

I know I could these girls anything and they would give me the straigt answer...they would even give me a womb. :) I hope if I get to be a mom that I can be like these beautiful girls. I love our little colorful rainbow of red, yellow, and brown...it's like the desert...but pretty! :) These girls are my soul sisters. The Lord knew what he was doing when he put us in the same famliy. I am so greatful that we have bonded in such a wonderful way. I LOVE THESE BEAUTIFUL WOMEN! They have been great older sisters and examples to me.

Thanks Aunt Mel!

2008-04-23T16:50:00.000-07:00

I am inspired by my aunt, even though I haven't seen her in like a million years, ok I think it's been like three but anyway...Mel, you inspired me. Working with the people I do I have realized I have a lot to be thankful for and I need to start expressing that. So...I am going to list the things that I am thankful for....TAG ALL OF YOU......You're all it and you all have something to be grateful for!

I am grateful for a husband that doesn't beat me, and that treats me good.

I am grateful for parents who spanked my butt and gave me some discipline.

I am grateful that my family and my religion taught me some social skills.

I am grateful I don't have to live in Rexburg anymore, that I have the option and resources available to move and better my life out of the north pole.

I am grateful that I don't have a mental disorder (although my family might disagree :)

I am grateful that I can hear, see, smell, taste, sweat, walk, and run.

I am grateful that when I get up late I have curly hair.

I am grateful for the sun.

I am grateful for my education, the chance to do so, and the resources available to make that happen.

I am grateful for salt.

I am grateful for my brothers and sisters who have some of my best friends.

I am grateful for the peace that comes from knowing I have a Savior.

I am grateful that I have nieces and nephews that rock and get back at my brothers and sisters for giving me such a hard time. LOL

I am greatful to know that if I can't have kids in this life, I will be able to someday.

I am greatful for a job I love, and an income that keeps us comfortable.

I am greatful that I can learn.

I am greatful I don't ever have to take a math class again.

I am greatful that my brothers and sisters chose to be married in the temple, and that my little brother is going on a mission.

I am greatful for music.

I am greatful for "The Donk" (my Devan sized car)

I am greatful for my sisters and our chat once a week.

I am greatful that my brother Matt is like me.

I am greatful for stupid movies that make me laugh.

I am greatful for teachers who made me think.

I am greatful for Brandy, the great woman I work with.

I am greatful for single moms and dads who do it all.

I am greatful for women who sick up for themselves.

I am greatful for men who treat women with respect.

I am greatful for the women in history who have rallied for my rights...I would have been one who got shot.

I could go on and on....but there is always something to be thankful for. Thanks, Mel for reminding me.

Happy Birthday Dan!!

2008-04-22T17:36:00.000-07:00

Oh I love my buddy, Dan! Sunday, April 20th Dan celebrated his 26th birthday!

I love Dan! He is my buddy. He loves his new grill. I like that he will cook me food on it! :) I am so glad you were born DAN!!!

"This is for the people of the sun!"

2008-04-18T20:58:00.000-07:00

I got a call from ASU...I'M IN!!!! YEAH!!!

I lied.

2008-04-17T18:54:00.000-07:00

So, I don't do math...that's all there is to it. I found out that ASU isn't as expensive as I thought it was and they don't do any research. I just flew down to Arizona Monday and had an interview Tuesday. It was great! I forgot how much I love that place. I will find out sometime next week. Come on ASU!!!!! Wish me luck....

A Mile In Her Shoes

2008-04-03T17:11:00.000-07:00

So the great part of my job is that I get to do a lot of prevention work. I love what I do! The topic of sexual abuse is dear to my heart. It is so prevalent and so horrible and life altering to it's victims. Although my first job at SARC is to educate, I also help clients who have been abused to try and reclaim their lives. Some people say "what a hard thing to do" but it is so rewarding to see clients who become empowered again.

March 29th SARC's (sexual assault response center) Education department (Me and Brandy) were able to organize a community awareness event in honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month (April). This months theme in Washington, is "Because you'd do anything to protect them, start the conversation." I believe with all my heart that talking to your kids...YOUNG, is the most important way to protect them. Sadly...we teach our kids about stranger danger when in fact 90-95% of victims in the United States know their offender. 50% of victims of sexual abuse are under the age of 12, and 75% are under the age of 18. When I go and talk to kindergarteners, that is where I hear the most disclosures regarding abuse, and every single time it's someone they know. We need to teach our children that it can happen to anyone, by anyone, and that's it ok to say no to an adult or someone who gives them a touch that they don't feel good about. Almost every parent I talk to says " I never thought this would happen to my family." Talk to your children.

Enough of the sad side...LET'S PREVENT! One of our mnay community awarness events was a Men's March to Stop Rape and Gender Violence. Women and families were also invited. Our theme was "Walk a Mile in Her Shoes." Some men donned womens heels and shoes to walk a mile in support of this cause. 94% of sexual offenders are male, so this was a chance for the men to walk to make a change. It was great! We had a great turnout. Here are some pictures from the event.

My hubby and his dad...no women's shoes but at least I got them to wear pink bows! :)

It was such a great day. It was awesome to see all the support we had for this event. I encourage you all to support the same types of events in your communities.

Another event that I am in charge of is the Little People project. Although I swear this little wooden figures will haunt my dreams if I have to move them around town for much longer, we made a little wooden child for each case of sexual abuse reported in Benton and Franklin counties for fiscal year 2007-2008. We only have aobut 350 because we have no room to store the rest. So, for the total area of about 40 miles by 15 miles there has been over 500 cases reported this year so far! This is for people who say... "it doesn't happen in our community."

It's quite impactful to see them all in one place.

A to the S, U.

2008-03-27T16:05:00.000-07:00

Well...I heard from ASU. They want me to fly on down for an interview! I am so torn! PLU is cheaper, but longer, there is a lot of rain, but the program isn't really focused on research...WHICH I AM SO GLAD ABOUT. I hate research! Ask my letter grade D in statistics about that...

On the other hand...Arizona is warm, and beautiful. The program is 6 months shorter. But 20,000 dollars more. They also have a taaaaaaaad more emphasis on research. What to do, what to do.

My lame mom didn't have the answer. :) She used to always try to tell me what to do, and when I finally need her to make a decision for me...no dice. :) LOL!

Oh sauce... Vote on my poll!! Where do you think I should go? (pending acceptance to ASU of course.)

My" Lame" Mom

2008-03-26T18:45:00.001-07:00

Just for the record...I love my mom. She isn't lame. Love you Madre! :)

Catching Up

2008-03-25T19:26:00.001-07:00

I haven't blogged in a while...so here's a few things that have been going on. Enjoy!

Easter

2008-03-25T19:15:00.001-07:00

He is risen,
He is risen,
something...
something...
Easter Feast!!!

I love that song but I can't remember the words. We had a fun easter with Lamar and Carrie and thier kids at Mom and Dad Hunts. We hid the eggs for the kids on Saturday. I remember how fun that was to find eggs. It was great to gave family here. Meric and Joe also came over to play with thier kids. Here are some pictures of the kids with thier eggs and Dan hiding them. He thought we was clever when he hid the eggs in the grass and then covered them with grass...very clever...

Those kids looked mighty handsome on Easter. We actually bought stuff to dye eggs...but it never happend. We thought, ok we'll at least take a picture. :) It was a great Sunday filled with the Spirit.

Holistic Healer..It's a calling. It's a gift.

2008-03-25T18:08:00.000-07:00

In order to fully appreciate this post you need to watch the following segement from an epsiode of Seinfeld. It takes about 9 minutes.The parts with Elaine don't really apply, but George is me.

I am making that weird face on purpose just so you know... I don't usually look like that. :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnUmjGxRF64

I have Gallstones, and I really didn't want to have surgery. Dan's sister is really into "holistic" medicine. I'm not usually. But I thought, I will try anything if it means that I don't have to go to the hospital. Her remedy would "clean me out."

She told me to first drink 1/4 cup of Grapfruit juice with 2 Tbs of Epsom Salt... Here is a video of the preparation.

Here's the video of me actually drinking the Epsom Salt.

I didn't film the video of me drinking the oil,because I was so traumatized. I drank 3/4 cup oil with 3/4 cup lemon juice. It was so bad. It's like drinking paints thickness, and the taste of...I can't even descirbe it. You're supposed to lay down and go to sleep immediately after you drink the oil...I tought my insides were on fire. I kept swallowing so that I wouldn't throw it up. I woke up in the middle of the night feeling like George in the ambulance. I kept telling Dan. "i'm an eggplant." If you've ever been to Johnny Carinos they give you a loaf of bread and some garlic oil as an appetizer. I felt like shoving a whole loaf of bread down my throat to mop up this thick burning mass in my gut. I hurt so bad and I tried to force myself to throw up but it wouldnt come up. Even though I wanted to die I was so glad Dan was there to make me laugh by bringing up this episode. "How much does the healer charge?" " Holistic...that sounds right!" "I...am not a business man. I am a holistic healer. It's a calling. It's a gift." We laughed so hard...I wanted to throw up again...but no dice. It was the worst...but it was so funny at the same time. We lauged and cried, and laughed and cried. I am so grateful for my eternal buddy. He is my best friend. It was so bad the next day too. I wanted to get it all out...but it wouldn't come...adverse affect or something. I felt like I had rocks in my intestines. Finally...I felt better. I haven't felt any pain from the gallstones so hopefully it worked...but it was definately a lesson in "holistic healing."

Grad School Interview

2008-03-25T18:02:00.001-07:00

So...di...do. I had an interview with Pacific Lutheran University on Friday. At the end of it, one of the professors asked me "On a scale of 1-10, 10 being the best, how would you say you did on this interview?" That was the worst question I think I've ever been asked by the way...however...I said, " Well, you have answered all of my questions with the answers I liked to hear, and I was honest with you in my responses so I would say a 10." He then said, "Well, I don't know what the perfect number would be, but as of this moment we are going to admit you to our program!" Ye-HAW! One school down, one more to hear from...hopefully. I would rather go to ASU but I am grateful to know that I have what it takes to at least get into one program! I am grateful for my education. I am grateful for the professors and employers that have helped me in my experiences. I am grateful for a supportive husband and friend, and a supportive family. I am nervous and excited to see what the future holds as I fulfil one of my dreams. Its really cool

Birthday-Whoo

2008-03-25T17:55:00.001-07:00

It remember swearing that I would always care and have the gusto for holidays unlike my lame parents, but it turns out they weren't so lame and holidays aren't what they used to be, especially when they deal with "you." Although I wasn't super psyched for my birthday it was very fun and I enjoyed it.

I turned 22 on March 1st. Dan made me a strawberry shortcake that was delicious. He taped a puppet show for me that was hilarious. I am so greatful for a fun husband. He cracks me up and we have a blast together. We went to dinner at P.F. Changs and I got the DAN DAN noodles...how appropriate. I love them and him. :)

I don't feel old, I still feel like a kid, probably becasuse I still am. :) I had a great birthday thanks to my husband.

Cross your fingers...

2008-03-16T18:50:00.001-07:00

Well...all is in for grad school applications. I hope someday to be a marriage and family therapist, so pray for me. :) I applied to 2 grad schools...I know, I know, not a lot of choice but hopefully it works out. I do have an interview with Pacific Lutheran University on Friday and Arizona State University's deadline just closed Saturday so hopefully I will hear from them too. Arizona is where I really want to go. Warmth...and warmth and sun!! Ye ha! I am really anxious now that everything is so unpredictable and out of my hands. I will keep you "posted" Ha ha...get it post?

I've been tagged!!

2008-01-27T20:54:00.000-08:00

Thanks Tara...I never knew Wyatt so well! :)

All you ever needed to know about my Husband:
What is his name? John actually... John Daniel Hunt. He goes by his middle name.
How long have you been together? Total: 1 year and 5 months
How long did you date? Ha...ha!! Uh...not as long as I swore I would date someone before I married them... We dated for 2 months and were engaged for 2 months... Ah
ha ha ha ha.
How old is he? 25- he will be 26 in April..."halfway to 50 old man"
is right!
Who eats more? No one believes us until they see it but we both eat the same..I am a horse. I would eat all day if I knew I wouldn't get fat.
Who said I love you first? He did. While I was driving...It really suprised me but I liked it!
Who is taller? Well...considering I'm about 5 feet tall...he is.
Who can sing better? He can. I don't sing.
Who is smarter? Depends on the subject. He knows all about the body and bones and things, but I know more about how to start a debate.
Who does the laundry? I do. That's actually one chore I enjoy doing.
Who pays the bills? I do. I could spend all our money and he would never even notice.
Who sleeps in the right side? We switch sides a lot. We don't want to get tied down to a side. :)
Who mows the lawn? We've so far been in apartments...someone else mows the lawns, but I can say that he will. I have never mowed a lawn in my life...not that I wouldn't but I always had brothers around. I don't think I ever will...it's something they can put on my tombstone.
Who cooks dinner? Depends on who comes home first...that's usually him.
Who drives? We both love to drive so we take turns taking our own cars and whoevers car it is...drives.
Who is more stubborn? Me. Hands down. He's such a mellow guy. That's probably why he can stand me.
Who kissed who first? Ha ha ha...well I thought he wanted to kiss me...he said some cheesy line and I thought it meant he wanted to kiss me...not so much...but he did anyway. It was akward. But it all worked out!
Who asked who out first? He asked me out. Got my phone number from a mutual friend.
Who proposed? He did-at the softball field where we met...my dream place to be proposed to. It was awesome.
Who has more friends? We both have a lot of friends but we have been so busy in Washington that we haven't met a lot of people yet except for those we work with.
Who is more sensitive? Well... I have a cold heart. I guess I can be sensitive but Dan is so sweet and caring that he probably is more than I am.
Who has more siblings? I do. I beat him by one. He has 5 and I have 6. But we are both the 6th child. He is the baby and everyone in his family knows it... :)
Who wears the pants? That would be the one with the bigger butt...me.

Alright Buns and Red...my lovely sisters....you're turn!

What's the de..de..de..deal-i-o???

2008-01-27T20:50:00.000-08:00

Ok...so we moved out of Rexburg to get away from the weather...but all of the sudden this area is having the worst weather in like 75 years! A freak ice storm last night and a foot of snow today (so far) they even cancelled church today!! I am beginning to think that the weather REALLY did followed me here.

Almost As Bad As Being Sick

2008-01-26T18:07:00.000-08:00

So...everyone is sick at our house and I don't want to be so I am taking Airborn...if It didn't work I wouldn't take it but it does...but man it tastes like a craft store smells...they thought it would be funny to record me drink it...barf.

YEAH! I got a Job!

2008-01-09T17:10:00.000-08:00

So I was waiting to hear about a job with SARC a sexual abuse response center about a position as an Education Coordinator. I had a couple of interviews with them and I am excited to say that they offered me the position! I am so excited as this is something that I have always wanted to do. I will be presenting to schools, church groups, and various community groups about preventing sexual assult. It's a good day!

http://www.charityadvantage.com/sexualassaultresponsecenter/Services.asp

Once There was a Snowman, Snowman...Named Poncho

2008-01-08T22:37:00.001-08:00

We had a (huge for this area) snow storm last night and all day today. What started out as shoveling the driveway around 9:00pm ended up as a snowboarding lesson and a monster snowman..named Poncho. Next Wednesday we are going skiing and Dan's mom Chanda is going to learn how to snowboard. So...because there is a little slope to thier lawn she wanted to practice before she hit the slopes. She did great! Then Dan and I built a huge snowman and Chanda found lots of fun stuff for us to put on it. It was a great time in the snow...it helps me not hate it so much!

A sister at church said she blamed us bringing the snow.

Rexburg followed us to the Tri Cities.

My snow bunny...I mean Buddy.

Gearing Up for her ride...

Learning how to get her balance.

Here is a video of one of her GREAT RUNS Down the double black diamond. :)

The beginnings of "Poncho"

Mom's got all the right stuff...

Precious little Poncho!
We love our little Poncho!

We had a blast in the snow!!!

Maybe we miss Rexburg weather.....not.

I miss it...

2008-01-02T17:26:00.000-08:00

So I had my first episode today. I never thought that this would happen. I had a "I miss high school moment." Ok...not really a "high school" one, but an "aspect of high school one." We are in a new ward with Dan's parents. My mother-in-law is the Young Womens president so she asked me to help her and coach the ward YW basketball team. I was so excited and today we had our first practice. I miss high school sports. The girls I coach are great and they let me play with them. I had a blast. It was a highlight of a rotten day...so I am counting this as a blessing. I miss basketball. I can't wait to sweat next week.

Oh Yeah...Christmas

2007-12-30T19:41:00.000-08:00

Dan and I celebrated Christmas with his parents. It was fun to have our sister Randa here. I think we all gained about 40 pounds but I sure liked the way it tasted. We also made some zuchinni bread that was as hard as a rock...hence the milk. Here are our Christmas hats (dan thinks he's a big ol thug) and our little christmas loot video. I hope you don't get sick watching it, I'm no camera crew.

Bored

2007-12-30T19:33:00.001-08:00

I am so bored. This is what happens...I did a craft...I must be getting old. I actually didn't give up either...I thought about it but I didn't. I stole the idea from Deseret Book. I like mine better. When I am bored I also like to take pictures. Fun stuff. I am so bored.

Graduation!

2007-12-17T12:29:00.001-08:00

WE DID IT! I never thought that we would leave "Ice"burg...but we did it. Friday we walked in our graduation ceremony. Logan also graduated with us so that was cool. Both our parents were there to see us. Casey also came which was great. We stuffed everything we owned into two cars, my dads truck and Dan's parents van. We were packed to the brim. I had to carry a present on my lap and we left all our cleanging stuff with neighbors. It was quite an adventure. The drive to the Tri-Cities was long and boring, but we're finally here and have almost everything unpacked. Dan and I are excited to start this new phase and celebrate our one year anniversary. Time flies when you're having fun.

The Last Days...

2007-11-05T08:14:00.000-08:00

My sisters are so inspirational...so we are starting our own blog. Today marks the last day of our undergraduate education. Dan I and I just both finished our final test and are officially done!! Wahoo! I love looking at all the fun pictures on thier blogs and this will be a great way to keep in touch. Graduation is tomorrow and then Saturday we will be headed to Tri-Cities Washington to wait to see where we (keep your fingers crossed) have been accepted to Grad-school. We are hoping to go to Arizona and get out of this snow. We both hate the cold! It has snowed about a foot this week...gross. We're almost to the real world now! We are excited to both start the schooling that we love. Dan is starting his new job on Tuesday as a Physical Therapy Aide, and I am waiting to hear about a postition as a Sexual Assult Prevention Educator...say that 5 times fast. We are glad to be done but it is bitter sweet. The Rexburg Temple is finally finished and we are leaving just before the open house, we'll be back to see it soon we hope!