4th of July Weekend!

Well, 4th of July has come and gone already. Bummer that it's all over, since it's the one holiday I always look forward to every year... but Malone and I had a good time!! Since Malone had to work Saturday, we waited until after he got off that evening to join his parents and sister's family in Island Park. They were camped out near the river, which was great except there were alot of mosquitos! Pretty thick too, but we didn't let that stop us from having fun! We had a delicious dinner, spent time together chatting, and Malone and I attempted to teach everyone how to play Mow with face cards. We're use to playing with Rook cards, so it was a little hard to adjust! But we all had fun and laughed alot. That night a few of us caught the Island Park Fireworks from our campsite. It was so peaceful, and the best part was the sound of the fireworks echoing against the mountains. We had the show all to ourselves since no one else was around. I think Malone really enjoyed that part! Parker and Malone throwing hatchets and knives

Tivo

A few of my neices and my sister-in-law's neice and nephew

(left to right) Ethan, Macey, Emily, Hannah, and Katie

My father-in-law Eric cookin us up some breakfast! The mosquitos attacked him the most... poor guy.



My neice Sarah, she's so cute!






Hannah

Macey and Katie

It was Tivo's first time ever camping. The mosquitos

bothered him ALOT. He kept barking at them, as if it'd scare them away. It didn't. He must have been really tuckered out because after we got home Sunday afternoon, he slept for hours and hours.

Despite our best efforts and spraying with bug spray, Malone and I were just covered in bug bites. It was pretty miserable for few days. Monday was the 4th, and of course Malone had to work that morning as usual, so I got together with my family and went to the Rexburg Parade. We had a great time! Marshall and Tiffany and the boys came up from SLC to spend time with family here in town, so it was great having them with us at the parade. Chan and Rowan were so fun to watch.

(Left to Right) Chandler, Mom, Parker, Ashley, Tiffany, Marshall and Rowan

Chandler squeezed in to sit next to his buddy Parker

Rowan taking pictures with his Mom's amazing camera

I didn't manage to take any pictures the rest of the day, but after the parade, we all got up to go home and suddenly Rowan puked all over the ground. Poor kid! Luckily we were right next to a building with a bathroom so Tiff could clean him up and I happened to have a plastic sack in my bag to put his yucky shirt it. Couldn't have been better timing really. He was fine later that day it seemed though. Later that afternoon after Malone got off work, we joined my family at my parents house and had a BBQ. We played games and just hung out talking and watching the dogs chase each other around. That night we caught the Menan fireworks, which were pretty decent! I like IF better, but that's okay. Next year maybe.

This week so far...

Well things are going well for Malone and I. Since my last post, I have been keeping a pretty good schedule of doing some exercise daily. I keep it simple and try not to overdo it ( which is what I have done in the past and has really discouraged me). Monday this week I did a run/walk for about a mile or so with Tivo, and afterwards I still had some energy so I did some crunches, leg lifts, squats, and lunges. I think I may have overdone it a little because I was so sore the next day! I could hardly squat down to sit on the toilet ( yes i had to add that). lol So I decided to take it easy Tuesday and not exercise. Today (wednesday) I am still really sore, and I know I probably won't feel up to running today so I jumped on the stationary bike at work for about a half hour during lunch and lifted some weights. It actually made my soreness not so bad, so that's a plus.

Malone has been working out too! He's been lifting weights at home, push ups, and all sorts of other strength exercises. He gets out and runs a bit too. We haven't been running together as much, I think I tend to overdo it with him around because I don't like looking like a panzie in front of him lol. Anyway, I am just happy to say that so far we are keeping up with the goal! I just had to share!

As for everything else, I honestly can't complain! I cleaned out my closet the other day. I put away my winter clothes and clothes I can't fit in to make room... I was a little shocked at how empty my closet was. It's sad really. But I told myself, if I'm good with this whole work out thing then I can buy cute fun summer clothes next year!

Work has gotten a little better. Working at Broulims doing the account payables has been a challenge, but I have come a long way in only a few weeks, considering I only work 2 days a week there. I am able to do the account payables for two stores and both their daily/weekly reports pretty much by myself in one day. Before I could only do about one and a half stores' payables in a day with ALOT of help. I do some bank reconciliations for my dad on Thursdays, which I have yet to master, but it's coming along. For the record, I have never done any accounting in my life, so considering that fact, I think I'm doing alright. Doing posters for Broulims a few hours a week has kept me busy! Everyday there's always new requests for posters. Yesterday I had about 10 new requests, and I did manage to finish most of them. I have a big order coming up requiring about 70 posters! Yikes! But I am enjoying the work. I enjoy being creative and working alone, which is what I do pretty much. Mobley's PT has been alright too. We're rearranging employees since one is leaving on a mission. We'll miss him! But business has been kind of slow lately, so the days feel long. I think everyone is out enjoying the lovely weather we've been having! I am so jealous!


Malone is managing to get through school and work this semester. He still has about 4 semester left after this one. His grades are okay, A's and B's, which isn't bad for him at all! We're hoping his GPA will be good enough for more scholarships, since we're not sure how the grant thing is going to work out for the rest of his schooling. But I am so proud of him. He works so hard! On top of school, he's also working about 30 hours a week, which isn't easy. He does most of his homework after class till about 9:30 at night or so. He has been working in a new department at Broulims and is able to be home with me at night, which is so great. I love having him home. He's been such a huge help. He's been so good about helping around the house, even when he's busy. I have such crazy hours during the week, I never know when I'll be home. He's done the laundry, the dishes, and makes dinner almost every night by himself. I am so blessed to have him in my life. He's a huge support and motivator for me. I love him crazy! Sometimes I can't help but think, what does he need me for? He's perfectly amazing all by himself lol.

Anyway, I hope everyone is having a great week! Love you all!

Goals

Malone and I have been talking about goals lately. I decided that for me, for a while I have been too undisciplined to ever stick to anything to accomplish a real goal. For example, I've had a guitar for 4 or 5 years and I have always wanted to learn to play it. Well I know a few chords, but that's it and I haven't really tried. Another example is exercise. I try a few times or a couple weeks with a new routine,and I end up getting lazy and slowly quit. It's happened millions of times. And lately I've been complaining to Malone about my weight and he's sick of hearing about it, so we decided to DO something about it. He and I both made goals to lose weight and get in better shape. I'm a little nervous about making this commitment because I just hope I don't quit!! But, because I know I dont' like to disappoint, I am posting it on here so everyone knows about it so I won't quit as easy.
I started an account with myfitnesspal.com and am keeping track of calories, exercise, and I have my goal set so I can keep track of where I'm at. I also added a little ticker on the blog here so everyone could see how I'm doing. So far, it's only about 4lbs, but it's a start I guess. Malone and I are trying to run a few days a week to help us get in shape. And I don't know about him, but it's a big struggle for me! I haven't had to run like that in years, so it's kicking my butt. However, I'm taking it slow for now and I'm working up. For now, I am working up to 3 miles or a 5k... maybe I'll enter a race sometime. I don't know yet. So we'll see how it goes. We decided that if I hit my goal, which is a secret right now, then Malone said we could go on a CRUISE! If that isn't motivation, I don't know what is! Wish us luck! Cuz I know I'M gonna need it haha.

Memorial Day Weekend

Malone and I spent some time together for memorial day weekend. He took off Saturday because we had originally planned on going camping. But since the weather wasn't cooperating, we just decided to do a little day-cation. We went to the Idaho Falls Museum to see the bodies exhibit. I've taken anat and phys classes and I've seen cadavers before, but I have never seen them on public display like that before. In a way it was a a little wrong to me that people would put these remains on display for the whole world to see as opposed to a private setting for students... but in any case it was still interesting. I was a little surprised to see young kids there since it was a little graphic. I was particularly interested in seeing the blood vessels in the entire body without any skin. That was interesting, as well as seeing the blood vessels of the heart. I remember when I took anat and phys in high school we dissected a cow heart, and it was probably my favorite dissection ever! I imagine if I had ever become a doctor or surgeon, I would have had a specialty in cardio. Anyhow, it was a neat exhibit and Malone and I enjoyed it.

The rest of the day was spent shopping, and on Monday we spent time with Malone's family. We always have fun over there! We play games and just hang out and talk. Malone and I ended up winning hand and foot which is one game we NEVER win at lol.

I have been working on some posters for Broulims and I wanted to share a little bit of what I've been doing! These first few posters were for St. Anthony. I guess they had a display for lots of different kinds of summer drinks like pop, gatorade, lemonade, whatever. I had to make a few to figure out which colors I liked best. But we ended up with this one.

The next one was for the new take and bake pizza at Broulims from Noble Romans pizza. They wanted me to use an ad that was already made and just edit it. I tried to do it on photoshop, but it didn't work. So I had to get creative. Turned out alright, I guess they liked it!

This 14' banner is for the new Noble Roman franchise in the Rexburg Broulims store. This time they didn't want any Noble Roman anything on it, but wanted it in these certain colors. They actually ended up changing it a little before they printed out the final, but I think it looks alright the way I did it.

So, I guess the poster thing is going well so far! I've been enjoying it and it's a step in the right direction.

Busy Bee!

Well, it's May 21st, and supposedly spring but it's still stinking cold out there. Once in a while we'll get the warm days with sunshine, but they don't last very long. Come one spring you can do it!!! Pull through buds! We have a ward social tonight under the pavilion outside, and I just know I'm gonna freeze my tail off!

So anyway, recently I have gotten a second and third job. A month or so ago, my dad asked me if I wanted to be in charge of making posters for the Broulims stores. It's a part time thing, a couple times a week or so. So I said yes, since I only had one job at the time and it left me with alot of spare time still and it's a step in the right direction as far as the art thing goes. The poster thing has been pretty easy so far. I find myself being pretty perfectionist as usual which makes projects take longer. I'm not a huge fan of the lack of creativity some of these posters require, but it's a step in the right direction I guess. I did get to design a poster promoting this health tour thing for the store and it turned out pretty good I thought. I never really thought of myself as the graphic design type, but it's kind of fun! I don't mind cross-training in the art field in the least bit.

Then a couple weeks ago, my dad came to me again and asked if I wanted to help out in the Broulims corporate office in Rigby. Turned out to be a permanent thing and I am now working there two days a week helping with the books (which is something I have never done before in my life). Having such a busy schedule has been great! I don't sit at home every other day all day anymore. I am out there making moola! On the other hand, working in the office has been a new challenge. I've never done this kind of work before and it's tough learning it all only a couple times a week. I am always asking for help and needing someone to practically babysit me all day. Which isn't a bad thing since I'm starting out, but I am the kind of person who likes to do things on my own and not ask for help. That part is a little humbling. But oh well, it's a good experience and I need the money. Right?

Outside of work I have been trying to focus on improving a few little things like making sure I am doing visiting teaching every month, exercising often, and making time to do some sketches. All these are not going as well as I had hoped, which is pretty normal for me. I tend to be very inconsistent with things I say I'm going to do. Self-discipline is lacking here. But I did do one visit this month with a sister so far, and I did exercise today and have been making an effort to go for long walks with Tivo. The sketches? Non-existent. It's unfortunate really. I haven't been doing it often enough and my "skills" are looking pretty bad!

Malone is still doing the school thing. It's going alright, I guess. He's not getting the test scores he wants so he's a little worried about how his grades are going to turn out. Working and going to school is rough! But I know he'll pull through okay in the end.

Muddy Mothers Day

Happy mothers day to all the Mom's in my life! Mom, you're an amazing lady who has had to put up with alot from me over the years! I appreciate your patience, your love, and your amazing example! Thanks for being the listening ear I need and my shoulder to cry on during hard times.

And Beverly, you're the best mother-in-law a girl could ask for! Thanks for being there for me and for your love.
AND for all my FRIENDS who are moms, Happy Mothers Day to you too!

So, to celebrate mothers day, Malone and I went to dinner at his parents house on Saturday night. It was so fun! Malone's sister Holly and her family was there as well as his aunt Laurie and her family, and his grandma and grandpa Argyle. After a delicious dinner we played games and just had a blast. I haven't laughed like that in a while! On Sunday Malone and I went to my parents where my dad grilled up some steaks and made a fantastic dinner. My brother Chris and his family came and Ashley and her new hubby came too. Malone and I brought our dog Tivo with us. I let Tivo out into the yard to run around and a couple minutes later, I realized that the gate was left open and Tivo was running around in the field!! I ran out there to try to get him to come and he just wouldn't. Malone and I chased him around our field, and he ran into the neighbor's front and backyard chasing cats and just being so naughty! It was raining so EVERYTHING was muddy. By the time I was able to snatch him up, we were both covered in mud. I was so mad!! He got a bath as a punishment and had time out for a while. lol Happy mother's day to me.

Someday when spring is here...

It's been a couple months since I've updated, but really there's not a whole lot to update on! Things are about the same except Malone is back in school. He started the semester about a week ago. So far he seems excited about his classes. He's taking 13.5 credits and is taking an Architecture class, Framing, Accounting, Economics, and a Construction Management Seminar class. There are a few buddies in his at least three of his classes so it's been nice for him to have a friend to do homework with. He's been very good about planning his time so he can get homework done and spend time with me. He works so hard on his homework, even when it's difficult to understand and sometimes gets frustrated. But he works through it anyway. I am so proud of him! He has also changed departments at work so he is now in the meat department. He gets to help package meat and such and stocks the shelves. It's new and different and I think Malone likes to learn new things. So the change has been good for him. He's on a different work schedule now so he is usually home in the evenings with me. It's been nice having him home at night. Since we've been married he has worked till 11:30 at night most nights, so having him home has been great. Now we just need to find time to get out of the house and do something fun together. He's such a good husband and works so very hard to make sure I'm happy.

Altivo has been himself lately... chewing on things. It's what dogs do right? Lately it's been his own toys he's destroying, but as long as it's his own, I don't care. Our neighbors have just gotten an new great dane puppy that Tivo just LOVEs. He's already bigger than Tivo, but they seem to get along well. Tivo loves other dogs to bits but never gets to associate with them often. Malone wants to get another dog to keep Tivo company... but I just can't imagine having TWO dogs in this house. I don't know how other people do it.

As for me, I've been sticking to a pretty boring routine for the last few months. I just work and sit at home. It gets really boring being at home sometimes, and I need to find new hobbies. Lately it's been cooking, baking, and making strawberry jam. Today my mom and I went out and bought three flats of strawberries, cut them up, and made pulp out of two flats and just cut up the rest for eating (which makes me want crepes with fresh strawberries or maybe angel food cake, or even smoothies!! YUM). Yesterday I made some delicious banana bread (which is almost gone already) and some home made stew! I am definately a better baker than a cook. But that's okay, it's a start right? I have also been trying to keep a steady routine of exercising (some days are much better than others) and am trying to work up the courage to start....running. again. Usually running goes in spurts for me, but when the weather decides to warm up I'm going to try, again.