Lately...

Why, hello! Long time, no see.  This is partially because I have to hook my phone up to my computer to get the internet and posting from my phone app sucks, thus, no posts for a while.  What has been happening you might ask? Well, probably the most exciting thing for me was the dedication of the temple! WOOHOO! If you know me, there is a tender spot in my heart the size of Texas for the temple.

Sorry for any Insta-repeats, my phone is my camera too, so all these pics have probably been seen before.  I went to the Gilbert Temple for the first time today, and it's huge! the ordinance rooms seat probably 100 people and there are three ordinance rooms! The weird thing is that you stay in one room throughout the entire presentation, where in Idaho Falls and Rexburg you get to move to different rooms.  It definitely makes it harder not to fall asleep, but for now, I just focus on taking in every detail of that room.  

Most recently though, probably the most fun thing we have done is go down to Tucson (about 1.5 hour drive) to hang out with our friends Nathan and Holly.  A few weeks ago, they wanted to go hiking up a nearby mountain.  I don't think I've been on a hike since...uh....girls camp, and this was super crazy.  Nathan had us climbing like a 45 degree angle up this mountainside.  But let me tell you, it was worth it.  (Again, sorry for the Instagram repeats)

We all thought Nathan was crazy for making us hike all the way up here.  And then we saw the view.  And that made it all worth it. It felt like we were back in Idaho just cruising through the mountains.  Definitely a reprieve from the every-day life of working and studying. Well, that's all for now I guess.  I will try not to be so lazy and post more, even if our lives are painfully boring to read about.  Hoping to bring back some Awkward&Awesome, and going to start working on a FFF (that's Fun Fact Friday for all you non-bloggin folk) for tomorrow so maybe you can get to know a little more about us, so keep an eye out!

10 Pet Peeeeeves

We've all got them, right?  Some more than others.  Me? I'm one of those "more than" others.  Let's talk about them. 1. Unknowingly being kicked out of automatic bill pay and finding out when the renters insurance company sends you "termination of coverage" notices.  Then getting the bill on the 29th that was mailed on the 22nd but due on the 17th? I hope they have a time machine for me to borrow. 2. babies with name that have more than two vowels next to each other.  For example. Masaiah. Huh? This is coming from a teacher: If you love your children, make their name pronounceable. They will be less bitter as adults. I promise. 3. People that come into work hung over and all but useless. If I ruled the world, hung over people would be sent home and asked to not come back. 4. Arizona traffic when there is an accident on the freeway. 5. When your spouse eats all your Christmas chocolate. And then finds your secret stash of Dr. Pepper. 6. Paper cuts. 7. Small, creepy, eight-legged monsters living under my appliances. 8. Coyotes waking me up in the middle of the night howling at the ambulance siren (I don't know where they live, but yes, there is a pack of coyotes nearby.) 9. People who cannot alphabetize. 10. empty container left in the fridge/cabinets.  JUST THROW IT AWAY, DANGIT! Ten's a lot, and believe me, I have more.  However, I don't want you all to think I'm totally nuts, so we'll stop there.  What are your pet peeves?

Resolutions

I know I'm a little behind, but I just now decided I wanted to make some resolutions for this year.  I can't usually remember what they are by the end of the year, but, oh well.

Resolution 1: Get in at least 2 hours of exercise a week.  That's 30 minutes 4 times a week.  Or something like that.  I'm a terrible exerciser, and it's probably been a month or two since my feet have hit a treadmill.  I need to work out more for the sake of my poor, confused, messed-up body.

Resolution 2: Go to the temple at least twice a month.  I really don't live all that far away from the Mesa temple.  It's not like when we lived in Rexburg and I literally lived down the street from the temple, but I have good, reliable transportation and a current recommend, so there's no reason why I shouldn't go.  Plus, the Gilbert temple will be dedicated in March and since I live within the boundaries of that temple district, I will have two temples within 10 miles of me.

Resolution 3: Get a teaching job.  Or at least apply for my reciprocal licence.  I can have a hundred million interviews and no one can offer me a job, but I can at least be prepared if they do.

Resolution 4: Continue learning.  There's a lot I've missed about the education world since I've graduated (like common core), so I need to research some things and become better acquainted with all the new stuff that's going on.  Plus, it's hard for your students to be motivated to learn when you aren't willing to learn new things yourself.

Resolution 5: Read the Book of Mormon, ALL THE WAY THROUGH.  I don't know the last time I did this.  I always start, but like so many I'm sure, fizzle out around Alma.  I really want to study and become more familiar with the scriptures this year.

Five's a good number, right? I better stop now before I get too carried away.  I would like to say that I'm sharing all this with you so that I can remain accountable, but the truth is: you're going to forget it quicker than I am.  So, you know what they say.  "A goal unwritten is only a wish."

**UPDATE**

I forgot one of my other resolutions that I was going to do before I even thought of these other ones.  It's called Facebook Free Friday.  Fridays are my date night days with Brennen, and I used to not work Fridays.  Since I can get Facebook on my phone now, I kind of get on all the time.  So, in an effort to not appear addicted, I implemented Facebook Free Friday as a day where I can focus on my family and home and not be distracted by social media while spending time with Brennen.

Here's to 2014

I see all of you have written something about the new year, so here I am, too. Ah, where has the year gone? 2013 has been full of so many little surprises and ups and downs. In January, I started my very last semester at BYU-Idaho. In March, I turned the ripe old age of 23. In April, Brennen and I celebrated our 3rd wedding anniversary, and I completed my student teaching and "officially" graduated from college (remember, I walked in December?). In June, we made the biggest move of our lives: 14 hours south to sunny Mesa, Arizona where Brennen began the 27-month Physician Assistant program at ATSU. In August we made a week-long trip back to Idaho to visit family and take the new boat out on the reservoir. We also made one of the biggest purchases we have ever made-a new car! In November, we headed to Vegas to spend Thanksgiving with the the Larsens, Brennen turned 28 and we went to a Phoenix Suns/Utah Jazz game. We also expanded our family-by 8! We committed to caring for 8 live fish. In December we headed back up to Idaho where the Christmas holiday was spent with family and friends. 2013 has been good to us, but we hope 2014 will be even better. Our lease is up in May, so we may be making another move! (I really, really want to find a house to rent in Gilbert!) Brennen will start rotations in August, and hopefully I will be able to quit my day job and be a teacher. I have a feeling that this year will be a big one for us with lots of growth and changes. And I'm excited to see what it will bring our way! And, my motto for the year. While I have a feeling it's going to be a big year for us, that doesn't mean it will be easy. Hoping to make the most of ever moment-good or bad-and keep moving forward.

Girl Probs

So, I know you are all wondering how my doctors appointment went, right?? Ok, maybe not, but I'm going to tell you anyways because I don't believe in keeping secrets or pretending that my life is perfect. Because let's face it. There is only one person who had led the perfect life, and it is most definitely not me. First of all, let me tell you what prompted this doctor's visit. Brennen and I have been married for over three and a half years...if you get my drift. If not, its my subtle way of saying that brennen's not getting any fewer gray hairs and we need to start thinking about starting our family. Since I haven't had a monthly in over four months, we figured I should get the green light from someone who knows about this kind of thing before we start trying. The last thing we want is a string of miscarriages or somthing equally devastating. So I made the appointment. She did some exams and pap smear for good measure. We also talked about a few things that need to be resolved before my follow-up visit. First: blood work. To test for my thyroid, prolactin, glucose, and insulin resistance. Second: an ultrasound to confirm the possibility of having PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome). Third: my weight. I weighted 101 lbs at my appointment that day. Her concern was that my low body weight and BMI might be causing me to skip my period. No period=no ovulation=no pregnancy=no baby. Well, I am happy to say that my pap smear came back normal (as I knew I would) and I have already gained 4 lbs since my November 26th visit. As for the results of my blood work and ultrasoud, I will have to wait until my follow-up appointment to see what the results of those are. I'm not really sure how to feel about this at this point, but I'm just going to enjoy the holidays and worry about it when I get back. Honestly, I'm not the worrying type. What will be will be.

Giving Thanks

Well, what'd'ya know! I'm back.  I said I might be, so...fair warning.  Now if only I can figure out how to get all my pictures to my phone that doesn't involve emailing them one by one....dropbox would be good if they didn't take for-freaking-ever to upload onto my computer due to my S...L...O...W... internet (which comes by way of cell phone).  So, what can I tell you about Thanksgiving?  This year we spent it in Las Vegas with Brennen's family.  We stayed with Matthew and Nicki and their three kiddos.  We headed out about 7 a.m. Wednesday morning and arrived around 1 p.m. Las Vegas time.  We hung out with Meaghan and Dustin and Mom and Dad Larsen for a while until Matthew and Nicki were ready for us to come over.  Then Brennen went to the hospital with Matthew to shadow him while I basically just sat around and did nothing.  Then Nicki and I took the kids to Wal-Mart for a few things, and ended up at the pet store.  Brennen got home around 1 a.m. and then we both crashed.

Thanksgiving day was a blast.  Everyone slept in (which was so nice) and then we all pitched in to help make the food (well, the women did at least).  Then we pretty much watched football and played Candy Crush for the rest of the day.  I was getting pretty tired of it.  That evening, Brennen went Black Friday shopping with his mom and sister.  I HATE Black Friday.  That's why I stayed home and played with the kids while Brennen spent our money.

Friday we had family pictures (hopefully to come soon).  We were able to get a few of just the two of us so maybe there'll be Christmas cards coming soon?  After pictures, we ALL packed up and left for Mesa.  My, what a wild ride that was.  I stayed awake the ENTIRE time...which was no fun at all.  We almost got in a wreck when Brennen was making a left turn onto the freeway and didn't stay in his lane, and almost got a huge speeding ticked when he tried to pass a semi that was already going 75 in a 65.  The semi sped up as we were passing, and ended up topping out at 94 mph, and passed a highway patrolman in the process.  Talk about an adrenaline rush! For some reason he didn't come after us, for which we will be eternally grateful.  In Arizona, going 20 mph over the speed limit is considered a misdemeanor!  We finally got in around 11 pm, and we were all exhausted.

 The next day was Brennen's birthday and the day we had planned to do everything, so, prepare for pictures!!  Our day started at the Phoenix Zoo.  Before we left, however, Brennen thought it would be funny to upload this picture to my Instagram:

Unfortunately, it doesn't mean anything.  He just thought that since it was his birthday, he could do whatever he wanted.  Really, one side of the blocks says "BOO" for Halloween and the other side says "JOY" for Christmas.  Little bugger. 

Remember how we went to the zoo when we had just barely moved down here? and it was about 110 degrees?  Well, turns out if you go to the zoo at the end of November, it's a whole lot better!!  There were a lot of animals out.

After the zoo, the boys went golfing at a course by our apartment, and the girls and kids headed back over to my place for some swimming, napping, and shopping.  After we got back, we headed into Phoenix for the Suns/Jazz game!

There was some random famous guy I didn't recognize at the game, but I thought I'd get a picture just in case it was worth a million dollars someday.  The Jazz ended up winning, and then we went home for cake and ice cream and a quick game of Apple to Apples.  Then everyone went home, and we returned to regular life. It was a super fun weekend, though, and we're so glad we got to spend it with family.  Here are a few other random blips from this weekend that don't really fall anywhere...

We managed to put up the tree last night! Still have those ugly red and blue ornaments.

I'm not entirely sure how I managed to take a screenshot of my phone at 5:30 in the morning.
Yes, my alarm says, "Wake up! Time to get ready for that job you hate!"

Looking fabulous.

Grandpa and Jane.  Just having some relax time together

Already into heels!

Passed this truck on our way out of Glendale..so full of stuff, it was crazy.

It's almost Thanksgiving.

It's almost Thanksgiving, and it doesn't even feel like it because here, it's still green, and warm, and sun-shiney.  There is long green grass on the ground outside and there's still green leaves on the trees, and it only gets down to 55 degrees at night...It's so so weird. But, ya, Thanksgiving is next week, and then on to Christmas?! Where the heck has the time gone?

 Brennen and I have been down in Mesa for almost 6 months now! And time has just flown right by.  Nothing really new to report, just the same old, same old.  We need a little excitement in our lives, seriously.  No kids, no pets, just working and going to school ALL DAY EVERY DAY gets old really quick.

Oh, here's something new.  I have a doctor's appointment next Tuesday with an OB/GYN.  Thanks for asking, but no, I'm not growing a human (I've really wanted to write that). Truth is, I haven't had a period since August (again, NOT growing a human).  TMI? Well, I figure that since I only blog once a month, you can handle it.  Besides, all my blog-lovin followers are female, so you can relate.  Or maybe not. Either way, there you go.  A little wrinkle in our predictable lives.

I have been to the temple a few times here (one of my most favorite things to do), and I am loving it.  It was built in 1927, so it's all really old fashioned on the inside.  I have no idea where I am going most of the time, but it's really pretty inside, for the time period anyway.  There are only two rooms. An ordinance room, and then the veil room.  And the new film is PHENOMENAL.  If you haven't had a chance to see it yet, call me up, and fly me back to Idaho so I can watch your kiddos while you go do a session or three.  Nothing is different doctrine wise, or even script wise, but just the way it was put together I have already learned so much about Heavenly Father's plan for me.  Speaking of temples, we finally got word that the Gilbert, AZ temple is almost finished!! That's the temple district that we will be living in once it's operational.  The open house dates are January 18- February 15 (or close to that), the cultural celebration will be on March 1, and the dedication will be on March 2.  If you are going to be in the area during that time and want to go, let me know and I will get you tickets! And make you dinner! and probably never let you leave, because let's face it, we don't get out much around here.

We have been exploring the mountains more and finding more lakes and places to be in "nature." But it's not the same.  There are cactus-es and scorpions and tarantulas that will jump up your leg and attack you.  And the fish never bite.  I miss the mountains of Idaho.  Brennen wants everyone to know that he's getting an inflatable kayak for his birthday...or a fish tank.  He still hasn't decided on one yet and is really quite torn about the whole thing.  If he doesn't decide soon he won't be getting anything because his birthday is next Saturday.  I need to find some sort of cake to make him.

Speaking of foods that are sure to make you gain a few friendly pounds, I found this recipe on Pinterest that I think may be good enough to die for.  You remember how I have this obsession with Oreos? Well, have you ever had cookies-n-creme cookies? No, not Oreos, but Oreos inside another cookie? These are made with crushed Oreos, Oreo pudding mix, and Hershey's Cookies-n-Creme candy bar.  It's all I've eaten for the last 4 days.  You think I'm joking, but I'm not.  Once you eat one, no other food sounds good to you, at all.  And although they start to make you sick after the 6th or 7th one, you just can't stop eating them.  They should call them crack-cocaine-heroine-cookies.  I had to take the remaining 6 to work and give them away because my body started rejecting them.

Well, I guess that's all for now.  I let you all get back your lives.  Sorry you'll never get that five minutes back.  Thankgiving sounds promising though, so maybe you'll hear back from me before next month.