You're the milk to my cookies

my little lemon drop...

2012-01-16T16:55:00.000-08:00

Oh happy day! I am 14 weeks along, one day until 15 weeks, but whose counting right? ha..

We are already in love.

Dental school

2011-12-02T13:11:00.000-08:00

This past month in a half has been quite the whirlwind of adventures, some good and some horrible. I'll try and do a summary of the main events..

1. After much praying, Ben and I felt it was time to leave little Astoria and return to Washington. We realized there are just more job opportunities here, and we drive up to see family at least every other weekend, well less then that but close enough, so now we will be saving a lot on gas, and we know we made the right decision to move when a couple days later the hunting accident happened.

2. My daddy was in a serious hunting accident and after two life flights, 11 blood transfusions, and lots of surgeries and prayers he is healthy and alive, but he did have to have his leg amputated. We were told by the surgeon that if the emergency team had gotten to my dad 3 min later he would have died from blood loss. This was such a hard thing for our family to go through, but my dad is the strongest person I know and he has been recovering so well. Since he is so incredibly active we just know he will make it through and do all the things he did before with his new prosthetic he will be getting. He has had Such a strong and positive attitude, I love him so much.

3. Ben was accepted to Marquette school of dentistry! This has been one of the hardest trials yet, waiting to be accepted into dental school. But he did it! Apparently we needed to learn some patience and perseverance. I think we have grown a lot, and we are at a better place now to be going into dental school then before. Heavenly father knows what's best, and what timing is best! So come august we will be moving to Wisconsin! Ben is beyond excited and I am for him as well! A little nervous to live so far from home but it's nothing new for us to live in new places so it will be a great adventure!

We have been experiencing lots of change, which can be stressful, but I know the only way to grow is to experience change. We are going to welcome it, and let it strengthen us.

A lot more has been happening but I will have to write these things later.

Happy holidays!

It's a habit!

2011-10-18T20:40:00.000-07:00

So I have formed the habit of running 5days a week. Sometimes they have to be shorter runs, 2 to 3 milers, but that is ok, because I am making it out, almost 5days a week. I got really sick with a fever, sore throat, hacking up a lung and drowning In my snot (I know that was discusting). That is the worst while working as a hygienist, bending over the patient with your nose draining everywhere, all I can say is thank goodness for my mask! (tmi, o well)! Anyways, I did not go out for 4 days in a row, and last week I missed two days during the week. But I have been pretty good. Eating on the other hand, not so good. I just love to eat, and to eat a lot. My portion sizes are large, I love carbs. I love to eat after 8pm as well. So, I'm going to eat, I do always eat whole wheat, and brown rice, and i love fruit and veggies, eggs, and oatmeal. But, I've been eating plenty of cookies, and pumpkin things too (glorious fall foods, clam chowder, soups, pumpkin cookies and shakes, ECt.) I just wanted to be in the habit of working out 5days a week, and making sure I'm getting good foods in me. I will continue to work on eating right. But, since iv formed my exercise habits and I can continue on my eating habits, but iv decided to stop blogging every day about it. I liked having something to have to report to, but now I don't think I need it! So cheers to forming habits!!!

Things that warm my heart...

2011-10-11T20:08:00.000-07:00

Today I have just felt so happy and thankful for all I have.. So, I decided to make a list of all the things I am loving today

Home made peach jam
Benjamin
Long lost besties phone calls :) (love Amanda sue)
My kitten, rainy, who has been extra amusing today
My little boy scouts, even though they drive me crazy every week
Benjamins pancakes
My sisters
My legs, and healthy body
Yummy food
Cozy clothes
The rain, and crisp air
My job
Bens job
What our future holds...

I love days like today,

Day 16

2011-10-05T22:49:00.000-07:00

Day 16

So... Yesterday I ran the big 6 miles.. And I thought my legs would be super sore today but they weren't to bad... Which kind of really annoyed me! My knees were hurting though, but that's not such a good thing. I decided to take it a little bit faster today and run my normal 4 miles. (weird to say that's my normal now, ha). It felt good, but really my knees are killing! I definitely ran faster today, and I also did an insane abs video work out that worked out my quads and belly. It was super hard, I was sweating and grunting through the whole thing.. Kinda pathetic I know. I guess I need to start doing that one a couple times a weak. It was different because he doesn't.t believe in doing crunches so it was lots of high knee jumps, and sitting on the ground at an angle lifting your legs and things. I already feelmit in my quads so I'm happy about that! I had a low fat yogurt for breakfast today, half a whole wheat chicken and tomato sandwich for lunch with a bowl of teriyaki veggies, a protein shake for snack, for dinner peanut butter curry chicken with brown rice and steamed carrots, and later I was STARVING so I had a few frozen blueberries and a peach. Needed to get my fruit in anyways right? Those were definitely after 8 but my stomach was growling and that means I won't be able to sleep. Overall an ok day. I still don't drink enough water and I struggle with not eating past 8.

Anyone know a cure for hurting running knees? How to prevent them?

this was my weekend...

2011-10-04T20:27:00.000-07:00

love these kiddos

I don't mind waking up to this view

this is what my weekend looked like. I love the weekend. And I love lake wenatchee.

day 12, 13, 14

it was saturday today, and we were at the cabin.. I still managed to run two miles out in the woods with ben and my MIL, Ginger, but my IPOD was not charged so it was tough! I have to have my music! I did not eat well at all this weekend, ut that is ok. I knew that I would be letting myself have saturday and sunday since we were with family at the cabin, and it was actually good for me! I ate so much crap and I felt extremely sick all weekend. I had little energy, and I actually felt grouchy too! DOn't worry, I still had a blast, watching conference and staying up all night playing games and all. No one plays boulderdash like us beesons. I love playing games with the family! But I also learned how much better I really do feel when I am eating correctly.
On monday I had a very long day of work, and since I am just trying to make sure I run 5 days a week I took monday off too. I ate healthy on monday though, oatmeal for breakfast, a banana, backed chicken with tomatoes and a hard boiled egg for din din.

day 15

So today I was NOT wanting to go exercise, but of course I did, and it is funny because I ended up running 6 miles today! yes, 6! and it felt so good! the first mile was a little rocky because it was pouring down rain, and I was freezing, and wet, and my muscles were super tight, but once I got through that mile each mile after didn't feel so bad. I actually enjoyed it today. Plus I found some songs that just fit perfect for a long rainy tuesday run. LOVED IT! I had a small bowl of vanilla sunrise, gluten free (healthy) cereal for breakfast, some cherry tomatoes for snack. I had a half of a whole wheat chicken tomato sandwhich and a manderine orange jello cup for lunch. After my run I had a peanut butter banana protien shake, and it was AMAZING! love it. Later, after scouts I had a bowl of carrots and a couple more cherry tomatoes. It was a good day. My legs are a little stiff now, but I like it!

saturday..

2011-09-29T18:20:00.000-07:00

this past saturday was a pretty chill day, the kind where we had no plans, no prior appointments, just a lot of time to spend with each other. These are by far my favorite kinds of days. We went on a long drive looking at cool houses we had not yet discovered, and we found this cute little beach.

I had time to do a little project where I took some boring, kinda ugly ikea mirror squares and changed them from this...

to this..

its amazing what a little spray paint can do!

day 11

today was very very difficult for me. My legs were feeling very stiff today, but I somehow made it through and still got in a 4 mile run. It blows my mind how true mind over matter is. I really was thinking, just make it to 2 miles and we will call it a day. But then I was like, hey, I know I can run the full 4 miles. Even though my legs were crying a little, they made it all the way through. I think that my body is starting to change, just a little, but I can tell the difference. It really is not that hard exercise 30 minutes a day, you just have to make the time, and make the effort and you can do it. I have really come to realize that there really is no excuse for ME to go on a run one time a day. Im not doing anything amazing or anyhting, just getting out on a run one time a day. I can make this a habit, and I am choosing to do so. Eating was a little easier today. I have been trying to cut my portions down just a little, and focus on eating more vegetables. I had a small bowl of oatmeal this morning, part of a 6 inch subway for lunch with apples (ben surprised me for lunch and we went on a picnic, hence the subway sandwhich), for snack a bowl of veggies and half of a banana with pb, and dinner was a salad with teriyaki chicken and one hard boiled egg in it, no need for dressing! yum. I'm pretty sure ill be eating a 100cal personalized bag of popcorn too. :) overall a good day. I am changing for the better and I like it.

Day 10

2011-09-28T19:07:00.000-07:00

Day 10

Woke up and ate an omelet with green peppers and a little bit of cheese. Went on a 4 mile run, plus a lap. Had an apple and a salad, later a bowl of teriyaki vegetables, then one pumpkin chocolate chip cookie at my friends house (yup), a banana and a bowl of sunrise cereal. It was an ok day! I feel good today, not amazing but good.

Day 9

2011-09-27T19:52:00.000-07:00

Day 9

Today was a great day. I woke up and made some super yummy steal cut oatmeal with cut up apple, peach, and banana, and some cinnamon and a dash of brown sugar. For snack I had an apple. I went out on a 4.25 mile run today and did it in 40 min... Not to bad. It felt amazing. It was very sunny today so I was sweating like a popsicle on the 4th of July! I mean, even my eye lids were sweating! I got home and had a bowl of brussel sprouts, and soe more oatmeal, did some stretches, jumping jacks, a few push ups and sit ups. Later for dinner I made brown rice and peanut chicken curry again, so good and super easy. Then I had scouts so I had dessert there, one oatmeal raisen cookie, also a cup of steamed milk.

Having to report somewhere has really helped me to keep doing this every day. I mean I'm just doing it for myself so it's easy to just not do it. I'm not trying to lose weight or anything like that, this is simply me forming a habit to be healthy. Iv actually gotten bigger so far because I'm eating more then normal. 5 small meals through the day. Sometimes they are still not so small. Sometimes I know I need to eat again but I'm not hungry, but I know I should get some fruit/veggies/goodness into my belly! Anyways, I am liking how iv been feeling. I feel so much more energetic and happy. After last weekend I really noticed a difference in how I feel on days when I am doing what I should compared o the others..

Making progress!

Day 6,7,8

2011-09-26T20:06:00.000-07:00

Day 6

Today was Saturday, and I really didn't want to work out, but I made myself anyway. Ben woke up at 6 in the am to go surfing and I should have went with him for part of my workout but he went with his buddies and one of the buddies always borrows one of our boards, so I got up and went on the normal run instead. It was just a quick run, I just wanted it to be over. Just did a couple miles. I was still proud of myself for going though because I was NOT wanting too! I had a whole wheat pancake again, and blackberries. I wasn't very good with my eating today. I just kept justifying that it was the weekend. I had brownies, non fat frozen yogurt from Costco, and a ton of samples from costco, and for dinner brown rice with peanut curry chicken,( which was super yummy). I did not drink a ton of water either, I just kinda failed this weekend! It doesn't help to hang out with friends because I want to eat the yummy food (brownies) that everyone else is eating!

Day 7

Today was Sunday, which equals my day of rest, which equals NO work out. I ate three brownies, healthy cereal, hot chocolate, we went to our friends for dinner and had a good for you dinner, and then steamed milk and muffins. Like I said, I failed this weekend! I really felt sick to my stomach too. Especially after the brownies and hot chocolate earlier in the day. My body is not used to sugar anymore and I thought I was going to lose it. Kinda funny how the body changes. Iv been doing this for only 2 weeks now but my body can tell the difference.

Day 8

Good thing I worked out on Saturday, because I did not make it out today. Work was a killer and it has been POURING rain alll day. I will have to make up for it tomorrow, I'll go running two times maybe. I did however eat great today. Tons of veggies, lots of fruit, and a little chicken. Still had a flour tortilla, not so good. Trying to figure out substitutes for bread, tortillas, grains... I don't want to eat these as much as I do. My main goal is to workout at least 5times a week because I know I will miss a few days here and there, so I'm still on track. Here is for tomorrow!

astoria

2011-09-23T17:33:00.000-07:00

I have been going on a lot of hikes lately, and walks, bike rides, what have you. I have some pretty cool pictures of our little town. They are just snap shots with my digital camera, nothing special. Enjoy!

Might as well get this done with ha,

Day 5!

Today I woke up and had a yogurt and half a banana, later for snack fat free cottage cheese with sliced peach, and for lunch half a veggie enchilada. Went on a 3.25 mole run in 36min, not to bad for me.. Did ab work out, need to do arms, will do after my date with Ben! Had brussel sprouts, and now I'm going out to din din, I'll have a nice salad!

Cabin

2011-09-22T19:56:00.000-07:00

Excited to stay here for general conference again with these people! I have the best in laws ever.

Continued..

2011-09-22T19:46:00.000-07:00

Day 3 continued..

Went out running again, but didn't make it out until 730pm... So it was dark out. Blast the shorter days, only draw back of fall, but I still ran a couple more miles, and I kinda liked it in the dark. Plus 2 deer came out to play with me during my run and they just stayed there with me during the whole thing until I finished. I was kinda cute, and I liked them. I made up an amazing recipe tonight with peppers, onions, chicken, egg whites, apples, and a little but of garlic grilled and wrapped in a tortilla with cheese. Super yummy, even the hubster loved it. I made a protien shake today, a recipe for one from someone else's blog and it was not so great. I don't really like protien powder.

Day 4

Today I woke up and had one whole grain pancake with blackberries again, and a yogurt. For my work out I decided to go biking to mix it up a little. I went for an hour long bike ride with Ben and I loved it, except for the fact that my butt is NOT used to that horrific bike seat yet, still, it was a good ride all around the fort Stevens trails, lots of hills and such, and I kept it in the hardest gear the whole time, except for one time up this super steep bridge... I just would not have made it on that one without making it anlittle easier. I did a lot better at drinking water today, but I hate how much I have to pee now! Ha.. Had half a nectarine and who,e wheat grilled cheese, and for dinner vegetarian enchiladas and steamed carrots. Yum. I'm off to do some eb work out now.

Fit

2011-09-21T15:01:00.000-07:00

So both of my entries where just erased. Bum-mer. Welp, here are some very condensed versions of them, I'm not writing it all over again! But first, I just wanted to say that I am posting these fitness journals for myself mostly. It's good for me to write out what I'm doing and feeling through this whole process of getting on a work out schedule and forming healthy eating habits. It's good to have a place that I know I have to report to. It makes it a little easier to stay on track. Also, I started doing this whole thing because I was inspired by someone else's blog to do it, so maybe mine will help someone else, (who knows!) anyways,

Day 2

Today I woke up and had 1 slice of whole wheat toast, with no butter, (I don't like butter on toast) and 1egg over easy. I also I had 1/2 cup of cooked oatmeal. Later for a snack i had a nectarine. I went on my daily run today and felt amazing for the first mile and a half. At two miles I felt like I could not breath, and by mile three I still felt like I could not breath and I was getting dizzy, kinda weird. So, i ran three miles today. I am still really struggling with drinking lots of water, I really need to work on this. I had a banana and steamed fresh carrots and then headed to scouts. For dinner it was whole wheat grilled cheese with homemade tomatoe soup. I am trying very hard not to eat after 8pm, but I did not do it tonight, I'm such a late night snacker. I am going to get rid of this habit, self control! Tomorrow I will do better. I think I need to eat a more filling dinner so I don't feel the need to snack.

Day 3

Today I awoke and made myself some whole wheat blackberry pancakes with a little bit of homemade peach jam on top, with an apple. I went out to do my run and there were tons of these nasty little bugs flying all over the track and they kept landing on me,(it was grossing me out), so I made it to one mile and I couldnt take it anymore so I will go back later, probably after writing this to finish running. I also did a great ab work out, and some more work outs that focus on my bum. I need to find some different cardio work outs to switch my routine up a bit, and I need to find some good arm and leg work outs too.... I have only drank one bottle of water so far so I need to get on top of drinking some more ASAP. I'll finish this post at the beginning of my post for tomorrow.

Ode to fall

2011-09-20T13:13:00.000-07:00

We are being graced with one last summer week here on the coast, at least that is what it feels like. But even with the gorgeous blue skies and the warm sunshine there is a slight chill in the air, that crisp, amazing feeling that comes with fall. All of the green, glossy leaves are starting to metamorphose into a kaleidoscope of colors, and I LOVE it. So much.

Fall is amazing.

As much as I love those long summer days, gliding along the promenade, melting tillamook mudslide or perhaps mountain huckleberry ice cream cone in hand. Swimming in the ocean, wishing I could be a mermaid with my Benjamin, or just spending a warm breezy evening walking through the streets admiring the old architecture of our town.

Last week I went on a hike up saddleback mountain and boy oh boy, it was Astounding. It was a perfect fall day, but cloudy, with a drizzle of rain, (my perfect kind of hiking day). There was a lot of fog which just made it even more impressive. As we were earnestly ascending to the submit of this mountain I just could not expound enough how beautiful it was.
So captivating.

On that day I especially welcomed the fall.

I have discovered how to make the perfect steamed milk, hazelnut steamed milk that is. It is so delicious and it warms me up like a big oversized sweater on the rainy days. It's the perfect fall treat. I could consume 5 mugs of it a day if I let myself, ha.

Basically, I love the fall and I'm welcoming it whole heartedly. Welcoming the leggings, scarves, long jackets, and boots. Pumpkin flavored desserts and drinks, soups of all flavors, bread bowls, and steamed milk, Carmel apple cider, and hot coco. Welcoming fall runs where it's cool enough to not die from heat exhaustion. Going to the pumpkin patch, and corn mazes, haunted houses, and Halloween parties. Lighting candles and snuggling up to watch a movie. SO thrilled!

Fit

2011-09-18T14:31:00.000-07:00

So I have an old classmate that started doing a fit sort of journal where she writes her feelings and challenges with a 12 week fitness challenge she is doing. I thought this was a great idea! So, I will be doing the same thing. I started this last week, but only started writing in my "fit" journal this last Friday.

Day 1

Today I woke up super sore from my very difficult hike i did yesterday, particularly in the gluteus Maximus. So, I was a little hesitant to go on my run, but I knew if I chose not to do it today, then I would choose not to do it the next day as well and so forth. So, I dragged my booty to the track. I started running but i was really dragging, I felt like my legs were moving in slow motion, compare it to the dreams when your trying to run away but you can't because you can't lift your 500bls legs up off the ground. I felt like this for the first mile but I just kept telling myself that I would be done after the 2 mile mark. once I got to 2 miles my legs were feeling good, and I felt a surge of extra energy so I thought, just run until 2.5 miles. This happened a couple more times until I reached 4 miles, and I still had energy but I thought it was time to pick Ben up from work, (which when I got to my car I saw I still had 50 min until I needed to go get Ben, dang it).

I can feel my body getting used to exercising and I like it. Iv only been exercising daily for one week now, and I already feel changes. It is insane to me how fast my body can get back in shape, and I cannot take this for granted. I know I need to continue working out daily.

The area that I need to work on now is making sure that I am eating nutritious, wholesome foods. I have already completely dropped fast food out of my diet a couple months ago. This last week I have done well at eating fruits and vegetables daily, and luckily I really only like whole wheat bread, but my weaknesses are yummy desserts at night, and I am a HUGE snacker, like, I have a serious problem with snacking. I feel like I have no control ofmy habits. This Monday i am going to begin breaking my habit of snacking, and I'm going to eat more small, healthy meals through the day.

I am also needing to find a different workout plan, still running everyday but doing different cardio as well. I am no longer sore on the days after my runs. Iv tried picking my speednup and running longer, but I need something new...
I'll post more tomorrow when everything is brought together and started officially.

Lovey dovey

2011-09-09T11:10:00.000-07:00

according to Greek mythology, humans Were originally created with 4 arms, 4 legs, and A head with 2 faces. fearing their power zeus split them Into 2 separate parts, condemning them To live their lives in search for their other halves.

-Plato s The symposium

Pillow talk

2011-08-18T10:13:00.000-07:00

The other night while laying in bed we reminisced about the excitement of seeing each other when we had first met, waiting in anticipation for our first "real" kiss, the sudden flow of adrenalin every time we received a text from the other. It wasn’t that long ago that his love notes, written on old torn up pieces of cardboard, sent a surge of tingles erupting within me, or when stealing a kiss on the porch of brookside made us soar into a high that should have been illegal. At times it feels like a dream. But would I trade that for the serenity of falling asleep every night with your arms around me tight? Trade it for the confidence, trust, and support we recieve from each other as we battle through this sweet, but sometimes unforgiving world? Trade it for the comfort and love that comes when i have broken down completely with uncontrollable feelings of failure and dissapointment? If I could interchange another first glance, first touch, first hello for a second of what we have now, I would not take it.

It is funny, and sometimes surreal how love effects us, as humans. The first initial jolts of "love" (more like infatuation), and then the deep, sometimes hard, exhausting love. What I would not do for Ben.

In the 5 and a half years of being with you, I still feel those initial tingles but in a much deeper, more meaningful sense. I am deeply, madley, insanely in love with you. I really would not ever trade a day of what we have now to a day of what we had then.

a "real" bed

2011-07-07T12:25:00.001-07:00

So... I was crawling into bed last night and realized our "bed" is still a mattress and a box spring. haha.. I mean I always knew this, but last night I remembered it. Kinda pathetic since ben and I have been married for 4 years! So I officially decided its time to buy a real bed, frame and all.. and this is the one I want!(of course a bigger version of it) isn't it so adorable!? Now I just need to find one and buy it.. anyone know where to look????

weekend happenings

2011-06-30T13:46:00.001-07:00

This past weekend we were able to go up to sammamish to see BROCK!!! He has been serving a full time mission for the church in the West Indies. So it was great to see him after two long years!! (Actually those two years went by SUPER fast.. it is kinda scary how fast!) We are so proud of brock! Families are so important and we are so glad that we could come and have an event packed weekend with the beesons.

I was able to sneak away for a second to go and see this little bugger too.. can't get enough of her.

Since family is so important we are just going to have to go to seattle this next weekend now too to see my big brother and his family for the forth of july.. darn it :)

hair...

2011-06-22T13:31:00.000-07:00

(I posted like 4 new posts today.. no big deal! ha)

I have been REALLY bored with my hair lately.. I went to get it cut not to long ago while visiting in seattle at Seven. They are an amazing hair place and they tell you what they think would look best with your face shape and I was told to leave it how it is.. sad.. so I just got like 2 inches cut and I still have no bangs... thus the new hair things I am trying to do.. what do you think? any new cute hair ideas that are not to hard to do?

Also, I have not put any sort of color, blonde, anything for about 2 and a half years now... So It is all natural right now..should I put some blonde back in my hair?

anyone remember the fish bone braid??

back

side

: . our lives . :

2011-06-22T12:41:00.000-07:00

WARNING: Picture overload!!!!

and the sunset from last night

our bon fire last night

Goonies jail house

the flavel house

town

the town

you think san francisco has big hills! this one isn't even the steepest!

pictures of our little town and us

picture on one of our walks.. i can't believe how beautiful it is here

the roads around astoria used to be brick and they paved over them.. but most of the roads you can see the brick coming through.. i think it looks cool

the astoria column

another view from the column

our town (veiw from the column)

Im in love with him

bon fire

at the beach

ok... So we have done SO SO SO many things since living here in Astoria! We love this cute little town, and we love that there are beaches EVERYWHERE, and we are surrounded by water. One of our favorite things to do is to go and have bon fires on the beach, we have done that like 10 times already, ha. WE live right by the river and there is this cute little boardwalk that goes for miles and miles. We love to take walks and runs along it right next to the little trolley tracks. We also live right in town so we often go on walks through town to see the cute little shops, and the old cool houses. We have just started to go on walks from our house up to the astoria tower.. its a good up hill walk, and the tower stairs go FOREVER! we love how much there is to do outside here.

Last weekend we got to go to the annual sandcastle building competition in Cannon Beach. Its a pretty big deal, there were people from all over the place who came to compete. I'll post just a few of the castles that we liked best.

New baby Niece!!

2011-06-22T12:17:00.000-07:00

Introducing Savana Marielynn Burns!

My new little baby niece. My beautiful little sister cari gave birth to this sweet heart on sunday, June 19th. I was lucky enough to have been able to be there to witness the birth. It was definetly LONG and scary, she had some complications. Her labor was 36 hours long! And i watched little savana come out, but she was completely limp and blue, in other words dead. the room was instantly silent and tears were everywhere. I was so scared, but cari was still trying to get her very wide shoulders out so we were trying our hardest not to let her know so she could continue to push her out.. there were four more doctors who rushed to the room to help and as soon as she was out they gave her CPR and after about the longest 40 seconds EVER we heard her beautiful cry. I have not felt so much love, and relief and excitement as I did at that second!

She is so precious and Cari and Alex will be such amazing parents. I already love her so much and I barely have even gotten to know her, ( since we had to leave right after to drive back to astoria for work the next day). and I was the FIRST auntie to hold her! :)

surprises

2011-06-22T12:07:00.001-07:00

I came home from work to find this today :) I love my husband.. a just because I love you present and card.

So this is supper sappy, and no one has to read it. But this is my blog so I do what I want! ha.

Things I love about ben:

*his crazy personality
*his love for the outdoors
*his love for adventures
*how when he smiles he gets his big dimple crease
*his patience
*the way he is so detail oriented (even though this can drive me insane sometimes too!)
*he is always there to support me
*his optimism
*he is so genuine
*he is a great friend
*he has and will always find a way to provide for us
*he is hilarious

to name a few..

Im one lucky girl.

trip down memory lane

2011-06-16T12:28:00.000-07:00

So I saw this picture on littlegreennotebooks blog and it totally reminded me of Ben. When we were first married we were unpacking and moving into our first little nest. At the time I did not know that ben had a secret little collection of not only these framed dead butterflies but of HUGE tarantula's too! So I walk into the kitchen and he has them all set out on the shelves right in the KITCHEN of all places, and he was not joking, he really thought they looked good in there! ha.. lets just say they did not make the cut. spiders and other dead insects do not belong in the kitchen.. in my opinion! haha.. love my benjamin.

currently...

2011-06-15T20:51:00.000-07:00

I can definitely say that ben and I have been staying busy! life has been so good to us! I have been working as an RDH at a new dental office that I absolutely LOVE for about two months now. They offered me a job and I just could not say no. The office is VERY nice, the people all communicate well, and I get paid more! I am so so glad that I made the switch!

This last week Ben and I got to go to California for a fun filled disneyland, california adventure, beach filled vacation! We met my best friend Harmony and her hubster Bobby (they live in Arizona) and had way to much fun catching up, soaking in sun rays (I really needed that vitamin D, I don't think Astoria got the memo that its summer), staying up playing games until all hours of the night, and eating at many different delicious restaurants. The trip was a success and I am SO glad that we got to go!!!

Now we get to look forward to the following:

* Bens brother Brock is coming home next week from his mission in the West Indies!! I am SO excited to have a little brother around again! He is the best and makes things so very fun!

*My baby sister CARI is having her baby anytime now! little savana, and I know she is going to make SUCH a good mama.. I can't wait to go, Ill leave the second she tells me she is in labor!

*More bon fires on the beach.. this is basically what we do around here and we LOVE doing it. We have made some good friends over here and its been so nice to be able to go to the beach (and there are so many different beaches to choose from), and make a big ol fire and roast smores and hot dogs over the fire! We love it.

*having my family come down here for the annual cannon beach trip! My parents came down a couple weekends ago and it was SO much fun. They spoiled us rotten, took us paddle boating, ben and dad went surfing, we went on a hike, got icees and amazing waffle cone ice cream, had a bon fire on this awesome hidden beach that is Gorgeous, and went out to eat at a really cute delicious italian restaurant.

I have so many stories and things that I have not been putting on here which is sad.. I'll have to post some another time! but for now I will leave it at that and put tons of pictures up from the trip and things.

surfing with HUGE surf boards.. i don't like huge ones!

all of our favorite ride

t-i-double gereeeerrr

splash mountain!

hmo and mlo.. i just said it.

Ben and dad surfing :)

did you know?

2011-06-09T19:31:00.000-07:00

I was reading this the other day and it made me really think. Growing up I feel I was very aware of the importance of exercising and eating right, but since being married I have really seen mine and bens health habits going down hill. The past couple of months I have been a LOT more aware of our health, and I have been purchasing healthy foods such as only whole grains, fruits, vegebables, nuts, legumes, ect.. and we have been trying to go on runs/walks, and doing yoga and pilates on the days we don't go out. But we definetly have lots to improve on. I'v been reading womens health magazines, and articals online trying to learn more about nutrition and health and I found this...

Sitting is killing you
As we enter the second decade of the 21st century, there is one thing nearly all modern Americans have in common: WE SIT ALL THE TIME. Though our great shift towards computer-based work has done great things for productivity, it has, unfortunately, done terrible things for our health. From increased risk of heart disease and obesity in the long term, to sharply hampered cholesterol maintenance in the short term, the negative health effects of sitting are starting to weigh heavily against the benefits. Even the medical field – the greatest advocates of reducing sitting time – is plagued by this new health issue. Though doctors and nurses get plenty of walking time, it usually falls to the secretaries, billers, and coders to do all the sitting. And, as we can see, something has to change.
Whether tending our crops or hunting wild boar, most of our lives as humans we lived on our feet. But with the advent of computers, tv's, and the desk job, we're sitting down more then ever before in history, 9.3 hours a day, even more time than we spend sleeping (7.7 hrs). Our bodies weren't built for that, and it's starting to take its toll.
Go to this website to read the whole thing
http://www.medicalbillingandcoding.org/sitting-kills/

this kind of scares me because as a dental hygienist I do sit a lot. And that really is how many, if not most, jobs are out there these days. Read this and follow the tips it has to help improve your body, and your health.

My best friend...

2011-05-07T11:49:00.000-07:00

On May 4th, ben and I celebrated our 4 year anniversary! I cannot believe we have been married for 4 whole years! But at the same time I look back and think of how much we have done and accomplished since we've been married. We have lived in 5 different states, utah, then Idaho, then Utah again, then Colorado, Washington, and currently (for now) Oregon. I have graduated with a bachelors of science in Dental hygiene, and ben with a bachelors of science in Biology. I have had a real grown up job with a couple of different offices now too. We have brought a little kitten into our lives and now life would never be the same with out our little rainy. We've got to go on lots of random, sporatic vacations together, the next being a trip to california in less then a month with my best friend and her husband!! so excited! And we have grown so much together in the gospel and in our marraige. Ben knows everything about me, the good and the bad. I love him and would have absolutely NO CLUE what I would do without him in my life. We have been able to make many friends in our life, some have come and gone, some are still very close to us, but ben is my constant friend and support system.

Happy 4 years to us!

...

2011-03-17T19:17:00.000-07:00

I get to see this beauty tomorrow!!! yay!!

So... 4 months of work at this dental office later we are officially moving to ASTORIA OREGON!! woo woo! It is really SUCH a relief. the last four and something months have been insane. living in astoria during the week while I work and live at a hotel, and then driving four hours back to seattle for the weekend has NOT been very thrilling. (big understatement). but now it is officially over!

I have officially decided that I am happy I have chosen to be a Dental hygienist. The first few weeks were a little rocky, not becuase of the transition from school to an office because I thought that was not a transition at all, but becuase all i did was clean teeth all day.. luckily, I have learned this is not true. I have made some great friends while working. Being a dh is a very social job and its great to interact with people and learn crazy new facts all the time from them. I make $40.00 an hour, which is pretty cool right out of school. I work normal hours, (no crazy night shifts or anything), and if i need a day off or something its not to hard to request it off. One problem with DH is there are TOOO many people going into it so its becoming over saturated and its hard to find a job these days, but that is a different topic.

Ben has found a full time job in astoria at U.S. bank which has amazing benefits, and it works for us for now. We went apartment shopping, which was a crazy experiance! Can I just say, everything there is OLD. Like OLD OLD. its a little run down in parts but I still love the style of the houses, they are all victorian, and craftsman style houses. We found quite a gem. its 101 years old, and I love all of its character. K, so it does not have a washer or dryer, a dishwasher, and it has a pedistal tub with shower hooked to it like the picture i will post.. but it has TONS of BIG windows, and all hardwood floors that are super distressed and cool looking, and its very spacious and open, which is perfect! Ill post pics of it when we get all moved in, which is on saturday!

Anyways, I have been super lame posting LONG posts that I know aren't very fun to read, but its an update, and I will read it someday and be like, I rememeber that time of my life :) So its good to me!

i wish..

2011-02-16T12:20:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I wish I could re-live/re-do my wedding! I feel like I was so young (I mean I was only 19), and I was so passive about the details and everything. I know exactly what I would have done now.. but alas, it has come and gone. Don't get me wrong, I LOVED my wedding day.. just sayin is all. check out this new anthropologie wedding line, www.BHLDN.com. A-MAZ-ING.

its been awhile..

2010-11-29T14:56:00.000-08:00

I have had absolutly no motivation to blog lately. I don't even have a good reason why. All the way up until the last two weeks I have not had a ton to do and I have learned to really dislike not being busy. I thrive off of being busy. I feel like when I am not busy I have a harder time getting things done then when I am crazy running around like a chicken with its head cut off busy.. does anyone else ever feel this way, or is it just me? ha.. kinda funny how that works. Maybe its just because when I am busy I am already out and motivated so its easier to do just one more thing...
Ben and I are embarking on a new adventure tonight. We are going down to Seaside, Oregon and I get to start my new job as an RDH in Astoria. I am VERY excited. I still do not know all of the details of my job or anything, but I feel very enthusiastic and lucky to have found a job! I have only met the Dentists once but they seem very friendly and laid back, and I guess I will see tomorrow how the office runs and everything! We are moving to Long Beach, Washington and I will just drive across the bridge to Astoria when I go to work. It is going to be an adjustment but Im super stoked about living on the coast. I love the coast so much. I will go on runs every morning becuase we will seriously live right on the beach.. so if anyone wants to come visit...
I was looking at some old power points back from when I went to school and it really made me miss school. I was even missing midterms and finals.. I know, so weird. I think after tomorrow when I start working some of this will fade away but i really can see myself going back. I crave knowledge, and being tested, and having school friends. Ben and I joke sometimes about me going to dental school, but its only kinda a joke. Of course I would have to go take a couple more prerequisites to apply, and I would have to take the DAT.. but who knows! Its really just a thought I like to play with for now I will work as a Dental hygienist. I have also thought about doing something else too like PA school or something else in the medical field, expand my knowledge some more. In DH school I already had to learn so much about the body and diseases, and pharmacology, and genetics, and anatomy and physiology, I really already have a great base set up for it. But we will see what the future holds...
This last week Ben and I got to go to Utah. We went on a final run to get all of our stuff that we have had stashed in our friends basement for the summer. We got to go to our cousin, Brocks, wedding. It was great to get to see family and everything. It was supposed to be just a quick two day trip but we ended up getting snowed in on the day we were supposed to leave (wednesday), and so we stayed for thanksgiving, and then left on friday. I LOVED being able to see all of my siblings. Five of them live in Utah right now with their spouses/kids. I miss them more now though after seeing them, especially since I don't know when I will get to see some of them again.
well.. now that I have blabbed awhile I will end this with some pictures.

Long Beach, Washington

Astoria, Oregon

Brock and Sammi! it was all snowy out and I felt So bad for the freezing bride but she still looks GORGEOUS!

we LOVE jet city improv

Trip up the SPACE NEEDLE with these lovelys

Never posted our halloween getups ha

Happy halloween!

2010-10-29T12:16:00.000-07:00

Can you tell he wants to be a dentist? haha.
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

what you don't know about your chicken nuggets...

2010-10-07T19:36:00.000-07:00

Say hello to mechanically separated chicken. It’s what some fast-food chicken is made from—things like chicken nuggets and patties. Also, some of the processed frozen chicken in the stores is made from it.

Basically, the entire chicken is smashed and pressed through a sieve—bones, eyes, guts, and all. it comes out looking like this.

There’s more: because it’s crawling with bacteria, it will be washed with ammonia, soaked in it, actually. Then, because it tastes gross, it will be reflavored artificially. Then, because it is weirdly pink, it will be dyed with artificial color.

Not all of the chicken is made like this but some of it is. SO be careful!!!

My new FAVORITE

2010-10-06T10:20:00.000-07:00

I found this new treasure and I have been obsessed. The pumpkin smash from jamba= Amazing! I could really drink it ALL DAY LONG if I was allowed. A perfect fall snack. mmmmmmm

My baby Sisters are married...

2010-10-04T17:25:00.000-07:00

So both of my little twin sister are married now.. which means ALL 7 of us kids are now married.. each one in the temple for time and all eternity. Wow. Mom and dad, you did good. It was so cool to all be in the sealing, the whole entire family, all the siblings, my parents, in laws, grandparents, everyone. My grandpa Rex said something when we had left, he said that this is exactly how he pictures things when we reach the last days. All of us coming together, sealed together forever.

The wedding was so much fun. Her colors were so great! Red and aqua. Her and Alex are going to have the cutest kids, and they are going to have a great life together. They are perfect for each other.

doo da doo

2010-09-13T08:38:00.000-07:00

We are here in washington!! O how I have missed it here. The green everywhere is so divine. We've already been to pike place, the space needle (and everywhere around Seattle), edmonds beach, the ferry over to kingston, gotten a pedicure, and moras ice cream. A good start for only being here since thursday!

Ben and I were thinking about it and we realized it has been 6 years since we have been in washington in september. That makes me feel old. ha.

We have not lived in our own house with our own stuff since the end of april.. since we went out selling... So I am starting to miss having my own things.. I HATE living out of a suitcase. But we still do not know exactly what we will be doing as far as where we are moving, ect, ect. so we may be homeless for a while longer :(

Its fun to see our parents and siblings that still live here, but it does just feel like vacation still. When we get our own little place I think it will feel normal again. I can't wait for everything to feel normal again. its definetly been a crazy summer. I can't even wait to just get a job and have some sort of schedule in my life. But until then, I am going to keep trying to enjoy life without anything to do.

p.s. check out bens beard!! and it is still going strong.. its kinda weird cause I kind of like it.. which is weird.

in Seattle

A lady painting at pike place.. it was cool to watch how easy this was for her

moving!!

2010-08-30T15:12:00.000-07:00

We are officially moving back to..... WASHINGTON!! At least for a little while. We will be in Seattle area for a couple weeks starting sept. 9th, then off to Vancouver Wa. Both of us are officially graduated and ready to start working. Ben is still in the process of applying to dental school and we are hoping for UW to be the winner so we can live by family for awhile. I will be working in Portland oregon as a Dental hygienist until I get enough hours to get my license to practice in Washington. I am very excited! We are so glad that this summer of selling is over and we can once again spend some quality time together. We enjoyed Denver Colorado, but not nearly as much as Washington. We will see though, we have not lived in washington for over 6 years, so it might not end up being where we want to settle after all. Either way we are very excited to move from idaho, utah, and colorado and get to finally live in washington next to family for awhile. yay!

Veronica Mars

2010-08-04T18:35:00.000-07:00

Has anyone seen this television series? It brings me back to my freshman year of college with the p-krew. Miss you girls! I have recently started rewatching it from the beginning, I have only seen the first season, and part of the second. I am addicted.

summer

2010-07-31T10:35:00.001-07:00

I have had a very relaxing summer, for the most part, and I have been able to make some fun memories. Some people have been asking me what I do all day since my benjamin is working all day everyday and I will not be working until september when we move to a more permanent location. Here are some of the things I have been able to do this summer...

I've been surprised by my benjamin whose taking me to DISNEYLAND for my birthday..

I have been reunited with my best friend..

made friends like kerry.. :) who just had her baby jaxon!..

went to a couple rockies games..

went go carting..

played with these lovely ladies..

played lots of ninja tag..

went to the zoo..

went to eliches. So fun..

went to a cute little place called tiny town with the girls..

we have gone to water world a couple times...

right after seeing carrie :)...

Got to go see the amazing Carrie underwood in the best seats for jessies birthday..

We have spent a lot of time in boulder..

I have spent lots of time by the pool reading and such..

we went to see body world with these silly people..

And much much more. It has been a fun filled, and sometimes a busy summer. I am glad we have had the opportunity to come out here. It has been a blessing in disguise. I won't lie though, I am excited for this last month to go by quickly so that I can spend time with my one and only again.

ah life..

2010-07-06T18:31:00.000-07:00

Warning: long blog with lots of blabbing.. I have decided to make my blog like a journal. I used to write in my journal every single night from 6th grade all the way through sophmore year of college. Once I got married I stopped. So, this is a way for me to sit down and write out my feelings. To figure out who I am and where I want to go.

life is good. Sometimes it can throw curve balls but then other things turn around. Iv liked having time to sit down and figure out who I am and what I want to accomplish. I did not have a lot of time to think of things like this before because I was always preoccupied with other things. I have realized that I am a much stronger person then I think I am. I have learned to humble myself, and I am learning to be less critical and hard on myself as well. Lately I have been thinking about ways that I can progress in my life. Here is a list of things I have been wanting to accomplish sooner then later,

-I want to spend my time being productive.
-I want to notice the good things in people and not the bad.
-I want to better myself and make myself stronger so that I feel more confident in starting my family.
-I want to keep in better contact with the people I love.
-I want to start playing the guitar again. I want to sing again. I want to dance again, and share those talents with others.
-I want to find some new hobbies. Maybe (I can't believe I am saying this) sewing, and tennis?
-I want to start exercising regularly (that always makes my day better).
-I want to become a better friend to people. I want to reach out for help when I need it and not be to proud to do so.
-I want to have a stronger foundation in the gospel. I want to learn more about the scriptures and about the history of the church.
-I want to be myself again. For the past two years I Have not been the fun spontaneous person I used to be. This summer I have notice myself becoming that person again and I am loving it. It is crazy what other peoples opinions and actions can do to change someone.

To achieve these "wants" I am going to start reading preach my gospel every day, and I am going to study my scriptures instead of just reading them.
I am going to start finding some new songs I want to learn and the guitar, and maybe start composing some songs again.
I will start calling the ones I love more often so I know what is going on with them, and I can build stronger relationships with them.
I have already figured out a lot of the reasons why I have changed my personality so much and I will continue to let it change back to how it used to be.
I am going to keep my thoughts around positive things and I will not dwell on the negative. I am going to read "The Secret", its a book that one of the guys who sells out here swears by. Its all about positive thinking.

I figure that while I'm out here with ben, instead of wasting my time I should be growing and learning. This is one thing that I have always loved. I love to learn. So now I am going to focus on learning more about myself and what I need to do to become a better person.

Sorry this is such a long post. I have never written a post like this in the past, but I am sure this will not be the last.

horse piss

2010-06-30T20:46:00.001-07:00

life has just been throwing me lemons. but what do you do with lemons? Make lemonade.

and another...

2010-06-15T17:18:00.000-07:00

So I really have had some time on my hands... :) Just some thank you cards I made.. The flower is so easy to make. If you want to know how just ask me :)

crafty crafty..

2010-06-12T14:25:00.000-07:00

While Iv been in Colorado I have had some spare time.. (so weird not being in school!). So for some of this spare time I have decided to be a little crafty.. Here are just some fun things I have done. The first is a wreath I made out of felt. The next is just a flower ribbon belt. They sell these at J Crew for like 34 and I made mine for maybe 10. :) The last is just some fun flowers I put together. Its been fun having time to do things that I would normally not do. Iv also had time to do some really fun things with the wives that are out here selling too. Ill have to post about that soon.

Catching up...

2010-05-07T12:10:00.000-07:00

Wow.. time seriously has been flying by so fast! Hence all the pictures! I feel like so much has happened since my last post. Well, ben and I are officially graduates.. Bens dad sam and my parents were all able to come down for graduation. Bens mom Ginger really wanted to be there to but Bens sister in Texas needed her help so she sadly had to miss the graduation, understandably so. We missed you Ginger! But we had Such a fun weekend with Our parents. I am pretty positive I gained at least 10 pounds while they were here.. no joke. ha.. but that is ok.. it was so worth it. I have some pictures of some of the things we did with them. I feel bad becuase I wanted to be able to play with them the whole time they were here but the following week I had three more boards so I was studying for them every night. But at least we could play during the day!

My little sister Alayne was married on April 10th. The wedding turned out beautifully and we had a blast with the whole family.

My boards went well, I passed both of the anesthesia ones and I have not heard about the clinical one yet. My patient for clinical boards thought she was really funny though. On the day of boards I called her to see if she is on her way and she would not pick up her phone so i left her like 5 messages. She had been used for a patient the day before so I was getting worried that she might not come. So it gets to be the time that she was supposed to meet me at the school and now when I call her phone is going straight to voice mail so obviously she is ignoring me. I am FREAKING OUT because if your patient does not show or does not qualify you automatically fail. So that is just 1400 dollars down the drain. So its a BIG deal for them to be there. So i run into the school and I am bawling my eyes out to Jenine at the front desk and we are scrambeling to find a back up patient. Next thing I know my patient texts me and is like o sorry i just woke up (HA!), and she lives 2 hours away. then a second later she texts again and is like, im here. I call her and she is laughing and has been sitting in the parking lot the whole time. I could have seriously wrang her neck right thhen. At least she made it and she qualified as my patient on the first submission. Serisouly, I have NEVER done anything so stressful in my life. all during this last semester I just kept asking myself why I had to pick the only major that has 4 boards to pass before you can practice... ha..I guess its done now so woohoo!

Ben is selling this summer in Colorado, So right after I finished my Clinical boards around 6 pm we packed up our whole apartment, moved our stuff to store at our friends house (thanks Rob and Jessie!) and drove to colorado. I NEVER EVER thought I would say this, but I really miss Utah. It was so fun to have family around. I have two sisters and two brothers and their families living in Utah and I miss them so much already! So we have been in Colorado for almost a week. Bens very first time ever selling he got a sale and has gotten one or two sales a day since then.. so he is doing really well for his first week of ever knocking! Im so proud of him. It is hard a times having ben gone all day EVERY day except for sundays though. I miss him a lot. And I honestly don't know what to do with myself with out school, or homework, or something to do. Luckily I have some friends here to keep me sane.. ha. Jessie and I have been doing P90X every morning. It has been great! I have been SOOOO sore, but I like getting back into the exercising mode. Hopefully we will be seeing some results soon.

Mine and Bens three year anniversary was on May 4th. I still cannot believe that it has been three years. Sometimes I feel like it has been so much longer then that, but then at other times it feels like we just got married yesterday. Time is a crazy thing. but ben had to work but he surprised me and got off early! He took me to the Bonefish resturant which was really yummy and then we went to Aloft hotel. It was a new modern hotel that was really nice. It was a good night and fun to spend some quality time together. I love ben so much and I am so blessed to have such an amazing husband. He is so kind, funny, and genuine. He is really my best friend.
I am going back to utah on May 17th to see one of my best friends who just got back from her mission in Leeds, England. I am so excited to see her. I love and miss her so much. I also get to go to one of my hygiene friends wedding! Kandace and Joey are getting married on May 21 st. They have been waiting for so long so I am very happy the day is almost here!

Also, we got our kitten rainy back! YAY!! she is not really a kitten anymore, but still just as cute. We have re trained her to play fetch and plays it like a pro now. She keeps me company through out the day. Seriously, she follows me WHEREVER I go. So cute. She is sitting on me as I type this. She helps it so I dont get to lonely while Ben is gone all day.

Well, I feel like I am Rambling, a lot.. so i will spare you (whoever you might be) have a fabulous day!

I PASSED!!!

2010-04-13T16:43:00.000-07:00

So I took my National written Dental Hygiene exam and I did not feel to great about it,;..so it was literally a SHOCK when I saw my score! WOO WOO! Only three more exams to go and I am finished for GOOD!

2010-03-12T13:52:00.000-08:00

We also Got our butter dish back from Color Me Mine! We are definetly still learning how to paint as you can tell... but its still fun!

This last week we were able to spend some time with these little gems. They are so darn cute and they say the FUNNIEST things. We took them on a date to see princess and the frog.

Mock Boards!!!

2010-03-04T19:40:00.000-08:00

So I officially graduate in 1 and a half months. April 26th to be exact. WOO WOO!! Just last thursday I took a mock written board and then today I took mock anesthesia boards.. SO STRESSFUL! but I actually survived and it helped boost my confidence for the real ones coming up. Next thursday I have mock Clinical boards, and then I have Mock Anesthesia written boards on april 14th. So much to do in so little time. Not to mention the rest of my Hard quads I have to finish cleaning and competencies to pass. I will take the real written board on April 2nd. Then Anesthesia written and Anesthesia clinical, and the real clinical board sometime between April 28- May 1st. Right before mine and bens 3 year anniversary!! If I pass everything it will be such a relief!

Ben graduates on April 23rd and we are still waiting to hear from USC to see if he has gotten into dental school. If he does we will be moving to sunny california, the LA area. we will be moving out of utah no matter what! yay! Its so exciting to see things falling into place. We are actually moving on in life. Even though it is very exciting it is almost a little sad to think that this part of my life is over. I will no longer be a student. Its a little sad, but probably a little more exciting right now. ha. So this is what has been consuming my life as of late. I am now officially starting to study more then I have ever studied in my life. its very thrilling.

Ben has been studying hard too with his hardest classes yet, finishing his Biology major. He is doing well and we try and keep each other motivated. To bad its not the end for him.. haha.. :) but he doesn't mind.

This is pretty much our lives as for now. So many changes coming in just 2 months! I can't even wait!

give kids a smile

2010-03-02T18:30:00.001-08:00

I got to volunteer for this charity called give kids a smile! We scaled, took radiographs, gave sealants, and polished for six hours. It was fun helping people who are really in need. It was also fun celebrating marlas birthday. :)

Seattle...

2010-01-23T10:32:00.001-08:00

We LOVE seattle

sister time

Missy moo moo and I
My goofie daddy and I
The twinners, mamma, and me!
3D avatar movie with bens family...
Laynies bachelorette party!
K so these are a little random.. but here are a few pictures from our trip to Seattle!

he loves me... he loves me not.. he loves me...

2010-01-22T21:34:00.000-08:00

So today I drove down to byu to pick up benjamin. When I get there he comes up to me riding on his bicycle holding this adorable flower for me.. So simple but so cute. I love him.

WOO WOO

2009-12-16T11:12:00.000-08:00

Im officially done with Finals week!! AHHH YEAHHH! guess what this means...

*I only have ONE SINGLE last semester of school for my life
*I get to go home to Seattle
*Soon I will be making some mula :)

Can you tell I'm just a little excited?

cheers to the amazing girls at UCDH and almost being done with school.

bangs or no bangs?

2009-12-04T09:45:00.000-08:00

Ok... so I have been putting off getting my hair done for WAAAYYY to long.. so today is the day!
but I can't decide if I should do bangs or not, and Iv been itching for a new style so Im thinking I MIGHT chop it...

I can't decide! Give me some opinions please!!

...

2009-11-10T17:58:00.000-08:00

So Ben has been gone in California for his Dental school interview. We have only been apart for one night and a day and I am realizing how dependent I have become upon him. When I think back to high school and college I was always a VERY independent person. I did things my own way. I really didn't notice how much I need ben until really now. ha.. I mean, I have always known that I need him, but he really is my best friend. he is the person I come home and tell my funny stories about things that happened at school or in clinic, or who I come home to and vent to (poor guy). I am a pretty lucky girl. I can't even wait to go and pick him up in an hour. I miss him. :-D Its really kind of pathetic. One day and a night.. and Im so excited to go get him!

halloween fun!

2009-11-02T15:23:00.001-08:00

My friend brittney threw a murder mystery party and it was so fun! I had never been to one of those before so it was fun to try something new!

We were also able to go to a really fun pumpkin carving and game night dressed up as white trash, we wore worn out clothes with white beaters, and ben drew on a handle bar mustache and side burns with a wig, and I pretended to be pregnant with a beer and bright red lip stick.. it was an easy costume to put together! but we don't have pics.. sadly

We also got to go to an eighties halloween party on saturday night, it was way fun too! we played 80's scene it and mofia.. we also do not have pics for that night either..

So this halloween was pretty fun! Thought Id share a few pics anyways!

Can I make it to april

2009-10-27T11:18:00.001-07:00

I am SO sick of school. I just have to keep telling myself.. only 1 and a half semesters left and you are done FOREVER! the tests, the early morning class, the rediculous rules, the requirements, the homework, studying for boards, never again. Whew.. I can do it.. ha. the thing is I know that once I am officially done and out working in my real job I will miss it a little. Whenever I have a break from school, like way back in the day when I actually had summer break, I would always end up missing school. Not the homework, but being able to learn. I love to learn. I could see myself going back to school just to continue learning. Maybe, but for now I like the thought of never returning to that life again. :-D anyways.. I' m rambeling. I feel much better now that this is all out in writting.. I think I might be able to make it to april.

new pictures!

2009-10-24T20:19:00.001-07:00

So our friend took family pictures of me and ben. She is pretty much amazing.. There are a few of the ones she took of us plus some other pictures she has taken of other couples/families. Check out her blog.

Chelseajohnsonphotography.blogspot.com

Thanks Chelsea!!

my best friends wedding

2009-10-23T11:08:00.000-07:00

After her bridal shower

Walking down the aisle

My niece and nephew were her flower girl and ring boy

M-lo and H-mo

Introducing Harmony Jean Arnold! Love you mo mo!

kitten nugget

2009-10-23T10:55:00.000-07:00

This is rainy! Isn't she adorable?

: . Bear Lake! . :

2009-09-29T17:06:00.000-07:00

This last weekend was seriously such a BLAST in half! Our friends Lizzie and Rob were so nice to invite us and a whole group of us friends from school to come and stay at robs parents cabin for the weekend. We had SO much fun. We were able to do tons of things. There was never a dull moment! We got to go ride around on 4 wheelers, went boating for a day, horseback riding, Bon fire in the back while we played mafia all night, and we played TONS of games. We learned a couple new games that I had never played before and I really liked them because they had lots of interaction. Every meal was amazing too! We each took different meals to make and I loved all of them! Overall we did NOT want to leave back to reality on sunday.. but sadly we had to. Thanks so so much girls and boys for such a good time!

Ben and I on the first night up there during the bon fire...
Us girls minus Kandace on the first night there..
Little Kandi and Joey... such a cute couple
Matt and Caitlyn.. they are a riot.
Callie and tyler.. lookin all cute on the boat!
Brittany and Parker on the boat... seriously a model couple
Ben surfing it up behind the boat
us again....
Lizzie and Rob.. soooo fun!
Ben has never gotten to ride a horse before.. it was SOO cute becuase he was seriously like a little kid up on the horse! He couldn't stop smiling, and afterwards he was like... now i want a horse ranch when we grow up! haha.. it was pretty funny
Here are a few of us before going up the mountain on our ride!
Riding the rambler.. we got to 4 wheel and ride these around the hills, and it was way fun!
This pictures a little blurry but I like it anyways, us girls standin on the porch! Love these girls..

The Fair!

2009-09-17T17:02:00.001-07:00

This cow had 6 legs... no joke.

At the Rodeo!

caitlyn and I... Love her

This last weekend we were lucky enough to go to the Utah State Fair with some friends! It was a blast. We ate home made ice cream, and visited all of the cute animals, and the freaky ones too. We had so much fun, and I even got to go to my very first Rodeo! It was way cool! Loved it!

im in love im in love & i don't care who knows it...

2009-09-08T18:33:00.000-07:00

This boy makes me laugh harder then anyone else can make me laugh... he can make any sad hard day into an amazing day... he knows exactly what I like and spoils me... he is the most genuine person I know... he understands every quirk and div it in my personality... he is happy almost 24-7... he makes me smile everyday...I l.o.v.e. him more then anything or anyone.

xoxo

2009-05-28T13:54:00.000-07:00

Dental Hygiene School

This is the story of my life these days! In just about a week or so we will start doing anesthetics.. AHHH!!! We have to give EACHOTHER 27 different shots.... a little scary. So Ill be walking around numb every tuesday and thursday.. haha.. so fun! Its crazy to think about how fast everything has been going. I graduate in LESS then a year!! I can't even believe it! and Ben takes the DAT next friday! he has been studying his brains out...every morning he leaves around 8 am and studies all the way until about 4 pm or so. We are hopeing and praying for at least a 19.. ah! So scary... Its just so exciting right now seeing our plans actually falling into place. Im on my way to being a dental hygienist and we will find out soon enough if ben makes it into dental school! Then who knows where we will be going... boston, Washington, Kentucky (haha), Arizona who knows! I don't want to get to excited just yet, most people have to apply at least twice, but ben is pretty smart.. not to brag or anything! :-D.. Anyways, life is good. I can see a future and i like it.. thats all! have a fabulous day!

not very good at this game...

2009-05-28T13:22:00.000-07:00

Our Family VACATION!! woohoo!

Ok, I am not a very good blogger... not AT ALL! ha.. but thats ok, I don't even know if anyone really reads them anyways so its all good! But... I decided to post a little somethin somethin...

Ben and I have been so busy with school, but about a month ago we had a two week break!! amazing it was!! We went to California, and Arizona, and then stayed a night in Las Vegas. It was SOOOOOOO SOOOOOO fun!

We went to California with Bens family, and they spoiled us. We went to Universal studios, and boogie boarding at the beach, had amazing ice cream, and just had time to visit with eachother. We were there with the family for 4 days, then we stayed an extra day, and then we were off to Arizona.. I got to see my BESTEST friend in the whole world.. she is basically my sister, Harmony! she is getting married in october and so we went wedding dress shopping and she found the perfect dress.. we went swimming there and got burnt, played mini gold, had bbq's and went to harmony's graduation. It was very nice.

On the drive home ben and i were about to die from heat stroke becuase the AC in the truck is broken.. so finally we had enough... so we stopped at lake mead and took a dunk in the water! ha! it was a ball.. Our two year anniversary was the next monday and I had school and a HUGE end of 1st year test on that day so we stayed at a hotel in Vegas for the night and went out to a nice resturaunt and just spent time together to celebrate. :-D

all in all it was a much needed trip! Loved every minute of it.. enjoy the pics!

How much does ben know me?...

2009-04-04T20:09:00.001-07:00

So Ben and I were bored and decided we would actually do this thing. So... I wrote about ben, and then Ben wrote about me! enjoy.

Him:

1. Sitting in front of the tv, what is on the screen? Fringe, House, The office, Man vs Wild, History or Discovery

2. You're out to eat; what kind of dressing does he get on his salad? ceasar

3. Whats one food he doesn't like? Mexican Corn bread

4. You go out to a restaurant, what does he get to drink? Flavored Lemonade

5. Where did he go to high school? Eastlake High, Washington.

6. What is one phrase he says all the time? He goes through phases but, "get that corn outta my face", or "stupid sluuut". (not to me of course :-D)

7. If he was to collect anything what would it be? Thomas kemper root beer.. haha

8. What is his favorite type of sandwich? Turkey sandwhich, with pepper jack cheese, and with lots of jalapenos and banana peppers, and like 6 different types of sauces.

9. What would he eat everyday if he could? Pizza, Sour patch watermelons, and fruit snacks

10. What is his favorite cereal? Rice checks, with like a cup of sugar

11. What would he never wear? a bra

12. What is his favorite sports team? doesn't have one

13. Who will he vote for? depends but probably republican

14. Who is his best friend? Me! :-D and probably rob...

15. How many states has he lived in? 3, Washington, Idaho, Utah

16. Does he have any nervous habits? pacing

17. What could he spend hours doing? Playing games on the computer like seal hunter, and Tg motorcross. Probably skiing too.

18. He is: AMAZING! He is very smart, and hard working. Once he sets his mind on a goal he will make it happen. He is also a dare devil.. part crazy really..He is one of the most genuine people you will ever meet.

Her:

1. Sitting in front of the tv, what's on the screen? House, the office, Americas next top model, So you think you can dance, Dancing with the stars, Gossip girl, Desparate house wives.

2. You're out to eat; what kind of dressing does she get on her salad? Ceasar

3. What is one food she doesn't like? Spagettii with red sauce.

4. You go out to a restaurant what does she get to drink? Straberry lemonade or water.

5. Where did she go to high school? Mountlake terrace High school.

6. What is one phrase she says all the time? "What it is"

7. If she was to collect anything, what would it be? Shoes, purses and perfume

8. What is her favorite type of sandwich? Turkey, provolone cheese, lettuce, tomato, and olives, light mustard and mayo.

9. What would she eat everyday if she could? Lots of fresh fruit and yummy vegetables. Melody really likes variety so the same thing everyday would not be very desirable.

10. What is her favorite cereal? Honey bunches of oats with almonds.

11. What would she never wear? An outfit that clashes. Although Melo is so hot she can pretty much pull anything off!

12. Who will she vote for? Whoever she thinks is best.

13. Who is her best friend? Benjamin. Besides me, Harmony.

15. How many states has she lived in ? 3

16. Does she have any nervous habits? Melody giggles when she is nervous. she is soooo cute.

17. What could she spend hours doing? Playing outside, surfing, studying, playing on facebook.

18. She is: My best friend and such a great wife. She does so much for me and is so good at supporting me in all I do. She is supper smart, pretty much aces all her tests. She is very adventerous and spontanious. She always makes me laugh. She is an amazing cuddler and sooo beautifull!

Weekend ness..

2009-03-30T14:34:00.000-07:00

This weekend was so great! My sister Laynie came up from Idaho for a little visit! It was quite fun. I love my sisters! We went out to dinner and then had a group of people come to our house for a fun night of games and food. The next morning we got up early to Root ben on for his TRIATHLON! He did SO well! It was a sprint triathlon so not the full one but he did it in an hour and 11 minutes. That a boy. This is great since he barely trained for it! I was very impressed and I have officially decided that on the next one he does I am going to do it with him.. So its to the pool tonight! :-D we Did some other crazy stuff this weekend too but this does not need to be a journal entry! ha.. till later...

our first vase..

2009-03-04T18:52:00.000-08:00

Here is the finished project of our vase we made at color me mine! I said I would post a picture so here ya go! Hope you all have a fabulous day!

Color me mine

2009-03-03T14:38:00.000-08:00

So this past weekend ben and I went to this treasure of a place called color me mine. SO cute. After much thought, we decided to paint a vase together!! Since our front rooms colors are cream and brown with accents of turquoise we decided to paint the vase turquoise and brown.. We get it back tomorrow night and i will put a picture on here of it as a finished project.. that is if it turns out ok! ha.. but we took a couple pictures... Ps.. My hair is brown now.. Its not just the picture. :-D

pay it forward

2009-03-01T15:21:00.000-08:00

So, I got this from a friend. The first 3 people to leave a comment on this post will receive a hand made gift from me during this year. When and what will be a surprise! There's a small catch...You knew there would be didn't you? Post this on your blog then come back and leave a comment, telling me you're in. Fun, huh? Remember, only the first 3 comments receive the gift. Let's see who likes surprises!!

i heart my family

2009-02-17T14:12:00.000-08:00

My family came into town this weekend! I love it when they come. We had fun hanging out and taking the kids to go to fun things.. I even got to have my twin sisters come stay at my house for a girls night. Love it. Family is the most important thing in the world. Its true. I really don't know what I would do without them. :-D

be my valentine..

2009-02-17T14:03:00.001-08:00

I woke up valentines morning with ben giving me kisses on my forhead.. then when he saw me open my eyes he ran out of the room to bring me in some presents.. haha.. he got me some adorable red flats.. red of course because its valentines day, and some cinnomin kisses... sadly he had to go to class in the morning but at 4pm he came home and took me out to dinner, and we went to see "He's just not that into you" becuase I had been wanting to see it! After that we went to cold stone to seal the deal.. Cute huh.. he still loves me! yay!~ ha..

wal mart

2009-02-08T11:47:00.000-08:00

So..... Ben and I are at wal-mart last night and we're walking down the cereal aisle and we pass by this dude with really long mollet hair and ben says,

"Did you see that!! Now that is the One benefit of coming here!"

pahahaha..... so classic

its been awile..

2009-02-02T16:41:00.000-08:00

Cheescake factory with ben

My macey jane My gorgous issy cari and me

daddy and mom some friends... Girlies..

Its been quite some time since i last blogged.. Basically my life consists of school, ben, cleaning the house, more school.. But hey! At least I get to start seeing patients now! Tomorrow I even get to clean benjamins teeth!!! how exciting! :-D

This last weekend I actually got to go back home to Seattle! I got my new license and passport while I was there and I got to spend time with my familia, especially my sisters lena and cari, and my mom and dad. I also got to see some old friends of mine, and bens family, and even my grandparents!! All in one short little weekend. So fun, and so busy. The weather was amazing there and I absolutely did not want to come back to utah.. well, except to see my benjamin! anyways, here are some snapshots from seattle and over the last few weeks!

home from holiday..

2009-01-06T15:19:00.000-08:00

The heart my wonderful husband made for me on my window!
Brandi and darrens new years smooch! cute!!
New years/Bens birthday!
The girls after watching the nutcracker...
Ben and my nephew Kaden!..
Baily and ben wearing the wigs ben won in the white elephant exchange.
My silly dad and my mom with her eyes part way closed! ha.. while we were caroling
The snow man we built!

We all say it, but really... this holiday went by WAY to fast. It was so nice to be able to go back home to Seattle and to see our family and friends. We got to go to the Nutcracker Ballet and Anthony's with my family, as well as sledding, caroling, and building a snowman that was over 13 ft. tall!! At Bens house we played many games such as Rummycube (sp?), watched movies in his in home theater, played lots of scum on the pool table, and we got to go up to an amazing cabin to go snow mobiling and such. We also were able to celebrate bens 24 th birthday! yay! That doesn't even sum up half of it! It was fun doing all of those things but what I think I enjoyed most was just being able to talk and chill with our families. I have been more home sick then I think I have ever been. I can't say exactly why.. but I am very greatful for being able to have the time and transportation to make it home for the holidays.

We left Seattle a little early so that we could help my little sister Alayne get settled into her new apartment and life in Rexburg. She was attending University of Washington, but decided that she wanted to transfer. She got accepted to both Byu Provo and Byu Idaho and decided on attending school in Idaho. We helped her move into the Ridge and showed her around campus. While we were there we visited some old friends! So fun.. It made me reminise on all of the amazing memories I had had there. It is so crazy how fast life zooms by! We stayed there for a few days then we returned to Utah.

Now that we are home with a fresh new year we are trying to set our goals high for the upcoming months. So much to do! Ben will be taking the DAT soon, and he has a very full schedule this coming semester. I am still just going along with my Dental hygiene school and hopefully this semester will be as great as the last! I get to start seeing patients on February 3rd which is very exciting! Anyone who wants to get there teeth cleaned for free you know where to go! :-D

One more thing I want to say.. Recently some of our very best friends got in an accident. I just want to write how greatful we are for them, and how thankful we are that they are ok. Heavenly father was for sure watching out for them. They are some of the most amazing people you will ever meet. I don't know what we would do if something had happened to them. Just want Rob and Jessie to know that we love you and cherish your friendship very much!

Thats all for now!

DONE

2008-12-17T14:47:00.000-08:00

So today about an hour ago I finally finished the most heckish week of my life!!! I had 7 finals, and 6 of them were all taken in the last 3 days. It was scheduled 2 finals a day. Not only that, but they were ALL comprehensive, and all 40 % of my accumulative grade in each class!! Need I say more? ha.. but guess what.....

IM DOONNNEEE!!! ahhhh! I have never felt so relieved! not only that, but I am pretty sure I kept my A's!! So I could possibly get a scholarship.. and who doesn't want that?

Im definetly very very greatful for prayers, becuase thats what really helped me get through this week. As well as my loving, patient, happy husband. I could never ask for anything more! I love him more then words can express. :-D

Now I need to remember to be patient, and happy for him while he finishes up these last few days.... and then...

WE GET TO GO HOME TO SEATTLE!

life is good...

Adventure to the Hot springs.

2008-11-30T15:12:00.000-08:00

The amazing hot springs..

In the hot spring......

The most beautiful hot springs I've seen.

On our hike on the way up to the hot spring.

A pretty little waterfall on the way.

During our thanksgiving break Ben and I decided to go on a hike up to these really cool hot springs! We were told it was less then a mile hike but really it was at least three miles to get there. I probably would have worn better shoes if I had known that. Anyways, the hike was well worth it. I have never seen such a beautiful place! the water was aqua blue in some parts, and then a clear green color in others. You can kind of see it in the pictures, but a picture never quite grasps how great it really is. There is also a big water fall but we didn't get to take a picture of it because there were some naked boys over in that area! haha.. i didn't see them but ben did! ha.. it was a pretty cool adventure!

Frozen Yogurt..

2008-11-27T18:33:00.000-08:00

our favorite frozen yogurt place is.....

So Ben and I decided to go on a frozen yogurt adventure the other day. We already knew that we loved hello yogurt, but we wanted to try out a few others. So first we went to......

It definitely was not what we expected. We had heard from so many that it was amazing.. but we did not think so, at least not compared to hello yogurt. At spoon me there are only three flavors to choose from and they have a weird texture and we thought the yogurt was bitter. So we decided to try out .........
Now this one was a little better then spoon me, but they only had the one flavor of yogurt and it was a little bitter too. It tasted alright with the fruit, but it just could not compare with hello yogurt.

So I decided to blog about my favorite frozen yogurt place in the provo/orem area. At hello yogurt you have 6 different flavors of frozen yogurt to choose between and they change the flavors EVERY day! So there is always something new to choose. You are allowed to sample them on your own, and you can take as much as you want becuase you serve yourself. Then you can load the yogurt up with as much stuff as you would like. SOOOOOOO delicious! So try it! its off of state street in orem right next to burlington coat factory on the otherside of outback steak house!

halloweeny!!

2008-10-31T11:27:00.000-07:00

HALLOWEEN! Matt, caitlyn, Rob, Lizzie, and Ben, and I! Don't we look adorable! :0)

Hey! yes, I am going to do Two blogs in one day.. is that allowed? haha.. I don't know the blog rules but I say it is allowed. So last night we went to this waayy cool halloween party. My friend lizzie from school invited us and a few other of my friends from school. It was such a good halloween party. They had it in a barn and got someone to help decorate for it! We played games like mummy wrapping contests, and danced, and Ben and I won the costume contest! we got a 25 dollar gift card for i tunes and some silly string and fun stuff like that! We were Adam and Eve if you can't tell from the pictures! haha. We danced, and ate soup, and bread had soup and bread sticks, and all sorts of goodies.. SOOOO fun! thanks lizzie for the amazing time! :0)

2008-10-31T11:02:00.000-07:00

Hello! So we have had such a BLAST this last week. Being done with midterms, and time to play is so nice! I love it. So a couple of days ago ben decided it has been to long since he has officially asked me on a date. So he surprised me by telling me that the whole entire day was going to be spend together, just me and him doing whatever I wanted! :-D I love it when that happens! So, first we just went to IKEA to return a few things, and we ended up getting just a couple things too.. opps! Next we decided to drive down to Salt Lake. It was just a really chill day and thats all I wanted. We just went down to the gate way mall and looked around at the different stores.. I got these cute little towel hangers for mine and Bens bedroom bathroom.. Cute huh!? Then we just played by the fountain and just goofed around. Later we started getting real hungry, but we couldn't decide where to eat. So we ended up just going to The Spaghetti Factory. YUMMMi! we both got the spinach tortillini's with alfredo sauce. My favorite. And ben got me an oreo milkshake... also my favorite. It was just a nice relaxing day for us, which we really needed. Here are just some pictures from our exciting adventure! :0)

Some pictures of our recent activities

2008-10-24T20:42:00.000-07:00

we did it!

2008-10-24T19:59:00.000-07:00

So, we have finally done it! We got a blog!!! yay! so here goes..

Ben and I have been married for 1 1/2 now... crazy I know! It seems like we are still month old newly weds! Married life is amazing, and I could not have found anyone more perfect for me. Right now we currently live in Orem Utah. I am going to school at UCDH (utah college of dental hygiene) to obviously become a dental hygienist. I have 18 more months to go! Ben is attending BYU and loving it. He is so smart! Last week he got the highest grade on his Organic Chemistry test!! Im so proud! He is pre dental.. and planning on taking the DAT this spring.

We have absolutly LOVED it here in Utah so far. It is such a blessing to have so many friends around us. The girls at my school are amazing, and being close to bens best buds/family has been great! Im going to see if i can figure out how to put some pictures up of us from these last couple of weeks. Thats all for now!