Happy Anniversary!

It has now been 2 years and one day ago that Luis and I have been married. I know it isn't that long, but it seems like it has gone by so fast! Yay for us! Unfortunately we weren't able to see each other because Luis has been in Utah for the past week, but he is coming home tomorrow! (Which seems just as exciting as being married for 2 years). Lately I have been reminiscing about when we were dating because lately we can only talk to each other over the phone. But I kind of like it because for some reason I get jittery feelings when he says something a certain way, or he tells me that he loves me. Now I have the best of both worlds!

We're HERE!!!!!!!

It feels like this move has taken a long time to complete. Of course we don't have pictures on the walls yet, but our kitchen and bedroom are functional. We are now living in Pocatello. The current plan is that as I am in school from 8-5 monday through friday (which Iam sure will feel like 24/7) Luis will go down sunday night to University of Utah for their polysci program and come back Wednesday. THANK YOU Rob and Beth for letting him stay over. Without him this plan would get even CRAZIER I can guarentee it. I have met all of my classmates and have been very impressed with how diverse this group seems. And everyone it seems loves to be active, which will keep me motivated. I am super excited for this program to start (which is tomorrow...eek!) and I also feel a little nauseous thinking about it. What have I gotten myself into?! I think sometimes. I know this will be worth it, no doubt.
I will be posting pictures of our new 2 bedroom apartment soon. It feels huge compared to our last dinky place. And we are so happy to have more than walmart to choose from for groceries. That's right. We have a WINCO! By far the smallest one I have ever been in, but who cares?! And Natalie- the roads are better here.
We have both been waiting so long for this moment in our lives it seems. And now it's here!!! Sooner than we know it, it will be over. So we must soak it up :)

A week of new recipes

It took longer than a week for me to come up with a weeks worth of new recipes that I thought would be worth trying and making, but here is what we came up with:

This one is called orange chicken. Best part of it is it is made in the crock pot. Nothing is better than coming home from a long day and having dinner be ready when you get there!

Arroz Con Pollo

This is a favorite dish Luis' mom Isabel makes, and we were abole to FINALLY find the turmeric seasoning that we needed to make it. And I couldn't get the picture to rotate. Fajitas. It was tough for me to bite into an onion but they were good, nonetheless. Homemade waffles with strawberries and bananas. Someday I will make this with oregon berries.

Jambalya. I love the view of this picture.

BBQ chicken with broccoli bacon salad and pasta salad. I do not like cauliflower except for in this dish. Thanks Angela!Egg rolls with fried rice. We make fried rice pretty often, but egg rolls were a first. We made some with pork and some chicken, with cabbage and carrots. Turned out great for our first time.

How it all began...

This last week marks 4 years since mine and Luis' first date. CRAZY! We have been together for 4 years (and 3 days now)...each one of them getting better than the year before it. It is so amazing how time flies by. We graduated high school together, will soon both be graduated from BYU-Idaho (one semester apart) and this August we will both be starting graduate programs together. We have been through a lot these past 4 years together. And I know these next few years of grad school will be even crazier than any we have experienced, but we feel it is what the Lord wants us to be doing right now. I thought I would share with everyone how it all began...and of course mine and Luis' stories varies on the details, but here is my version...

Luis was in a fit to compete PE class and I was in a weight lifting class our junior year of high school. One day our classes played a game of dodgeball against each other. Let me just say that dodgeball in the dumbest game ever invented. I love exercising, but whenever our class would play dodgeball, I was willing to do anything but get hit in the face with a ball. My teacher said I would lose points if I didn't play and so I decided to stand in the back and pout about having to participate. Out of nowhere, for a split second I see a volleyball come flying from outer space, right into my face! I was so ticked off! That is why I don't play stupid games! Because it hit my nose, tears were rolling down my face, (and no it wasn't because it hurt really bad, although that may have been part of it). I went and sat out for the rest of the time, despite my points that would be lost for the day. At the end of class, I see a brown prince charming coming to rescue me and to see if I was okay. I was really impressed that someone would admit to hitting me in the face (maybe it was becasue I was awestruck at his beauty...hehe). That was the first time we officially met each other.

Third trimester of senior year I see him again. we were in an anat and phys class together. Luckily we had a mutual friend that was able to make the "hanging out" phase a little easier to start up. We started going out to lunch with our friends together and then he asked me out to a movie (He was using me for a ride because he didn't have a car, nor a license). But I didn't mind. We saw The Da Vinci Code and because it was a really late showing, I fell asleep. To this day I have no idea what that movie was about, but I do remember having a great time. We went with different people to the prom, but we did manage to get to dance with each other. I left for college a few weeks after graduation and he went to WSU-vancouver. We talked on the phone just about every night and spent lots of time together during summer breaks, holidays, and my off track. Almost 2 years later from out first date in May, he proposed on April 13th 2008. Then we were married August 23rd 2008. Now it's almost been 2 years that we have been married, totaling 4 years! From day one he has been sweeping me off my feet (first by a dodgeball).

And it has been the best 4 years of my life.

Conference Weekend

One of my favorite traditions I have kept of my grandma's is making cinnamon rolls on conference weekend. I got this recipe from my friend natalie. The first time I made them last year I killed the yeast and put WAY too much cinnamon and sugar mixture in them. Can you blame me? It's the best part! Anyways, this year they turned out great. And we even had some friends over to enjoy them with us. John and Nycole actually got married this last weekend. We were sad we couldn't make it, but are so excited for them! The talks were amazing too! We learned so much, but have realized how much more we need to be doing with the knowledge that we have.

Graduation!

I have finally graduated from BYU-Idaho! Now I have about 4 months to get a job before school starts back up again. Graduation was so much fun because a lot of family was able to make it. My brother Travis and his family, My borhter Chad and his family, my brother Rob and his family, and my parents! Luis and I aren't very used to having so much company, so the time went by way too fast! Most everyone was here by friday afternoon, and so we went to Big Judds. I hadn't ever been there but people say you HAVE to experience before you leave Rexburg, so we went. My brother Travis ordered the Big Judd, but shared it with his family of 4. He was trying to get Luis to eat one by himself, but luckily Luis didn't think it would be the greatesdt idea. I didn't either.

I think the girls liked it. Passion NEVER lets me take a picture of her, so this picture speaks a thousand words. And this is ice cream on her face, before lunch. Vacation spoils all of us :)My brother got a hotel room and so we all went swimming that night. no pictures :( But the next day I got to stand in a long line and pick up this funny looking blue cover.

And here is Jaedyn. I just want to squeeze those cheeks! It was more exciting than I thought it would be. I think it was because whenever family comes into town, everything is just so much better. Here's to the man that has believed in me and has supported me on those late nights and early mornings. Thank you Luis for driving me to early classes, picking me up, making me lunches, and especially for agreeing with me when I was mad about a grade, at a teacher, or a classmate. And NO-thank-you to making it so hard to wake up every morning and leaving your bed head, and know I wasn't going to see you for so many hours. I am glad to be the dumbest smart person you know.

Luis celebrated by not shaving for 5 days. Sometimes it's nice to not have to shave every day. This picture is dedicated to you, Chad. You are his inspiration. It's just too bad that BYU-I has strict grooming standards. Darn.

A Typical Day in RexBURRRRg

We looked out the window in the beginning of the second week of April, only to find this...

We were a little disgusted to see this since my parents and other family were driving into town just a few days later. But luckily, when we got home that evening, we saw this...

Just another typical day in Rexburg.

A GREAT DEAL (unless you live in Denver)

So...Luis and I just got back from Albertsons to get some tomatoes and crackers (we're having company for dinner!, very unusual) and we left the store with much more than anticipated. Another FANTASTIC deal was found. When we got there, there were PILES of cereals at the front of the store, just waiting to be eaten (I'm sure Luis was jsut thinking "oh, great. Not again!"). I thought to myself..."why are there SO many people buying cereal at 1.59 a box? Don't they know that just over a month ago they had QUAKER oatmeal squares for 1.00?" But then I read THE SIGN. It read...

BUY 5 BOXES AT 1.59, GET 4.00 COUPON ON YOUR NEXT PURCHASE.

This meant that each box came to .88 CENTS when you buy 5, including tax! Just thought I'd give you a heads up on the AMAZING steal. Cereals consist of honey bunches of oats (all varieties), post selects, fruity/cocoa pebbles, and raisen bran!!!!

Since I'm going into the Medical field, I figured I'd better Learn about the ethics...

A long Process is Coming to an End

I know for the most part the people who read this blog already know, but I like to use this blog as more of a journal to keep track of mine and Luis'adventures. Well...the results are in...





I GOT ACCEPTED TO PA SCHOOL AT ISU!!!

I am still in a bit of shock, but I am so excited! It has gotten difficult to study for my last few classes that I am in currently (reason I am posting in the middle of a weekday), but I wouldn't have it any other way. It's amazing to me how quickly life changes. Soon we will move away from this bitter cold Rexburg and have some sort of credentials behind our names. There are some things about Rexburg that I don't think I will ever miss like:

-scraping the windshield every day of the year!(which I know probably won't change for a while)
-not having my favorite season: fall (maybe we'll have to visit my brother in Logan Utah more often- the greatest place for fall)
-all the POTHOLES in the roads (you'd think after the city started charging for parking that some of the holes and divits would be fixed)
-the closet doors that never stay on their track (ugh!)
-The mud that gets tracked onto our beautiful linoleum floor
-The library that is the loudest library in the world
-The redboxes that NEVER have the movies we want to see
-the dryers that don't actually dry your clothes

But there are definitely things I will miss, like:

-Experiencing the small town feel
-Always having support
-The first snowfall of every winter (there isn't one of these in every town, you know.)
-the snow path the Luis and I made to the mailbox and laundry room
-our cheap date nights that would cost more anywhere else
-our cozy apartment (it's small, but it will always be our first home together)

Next month I graduate with my bachelors (still crazy!) and then in August I will start the program. I am already getting nervous about the LOADS of information I will be getting, but I know it will all be worth it. After my internship at Leavitt Women's Healthcare (which involved a lot of following my PA sis-in-law Angela around everywhere) I just knew I wanted to be a PA. We are still unsure about all of the details of where we are going to live, what Luis will be doing, and other important details, but hopefully we will know soon. Life is amazing, and we are so blessed. Just a side note. I was reading my patriarchal blessing the day before my interview and after reading it I wondered how long I had had it. I looked up at the top and noticed it said "february 26th" which just HAPPENED to be the same day as my interview at ISU. Luis thinks I am sign seeker, but I don't think this is just any coincidence, do you?!!!

You Tube Favorites

You need to watch all 3 for the full effect...and Thanks Phlup for helping me finally figure this out!!!

The Pecking Acrobats

We got to see the coolest show EVER! I was a little hesitant to buy the tickets for $8 a piece, but it was DEFINENTLY worth it! This picture doesn't do them justice. I never knoew the body could do so many moves! If they are ever in your area, get tickets! They are simply amazing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7GI-FuVyGg
So I am computer stupid and cannot figure out how to put this video on here, but watch it. It was our favorite act.

Christmas time

Very few pictures came from our trip to Vancouver, as always. Maybe next time. But going home to Vancouver could never quite be descirbed in pictures anyway. One day when we were there Luis' mom was kind enough to take us to see the zoo lights. And although it was freezing outside, we had a great time. Can you believe we were able to get that close to the penguins? It was AWESOME!!! (But a little nervewracking!) It was really funny to me because almost the entire time Luis was filming the zoo. I told him that he couldn't really enjoy all the lights if he always had the camcorder up to his face. He looked at me and said, "This way we will never have to come here again. Next time you wanna go, I'll just show you the video." What a guy!

Watching Television has never been so fun!

Okay...so we ususally only get 2 channels on a regular basis and of course they aren't channels we'd be interested in watching. But the other day I turned on the t.v. hoping to get reception for something interesting, and noticed that we had a little bit of reception on another channel that was showing Seinfeld! But with every move, the words or picture would cut out. So when I went into a squat to get a clearer picture was when the t.v cooperated the best. Talk about getting a workout while watching the tube! It was the one time I was grateful for commercials.

Rob and Beth got Married!

Okay, so I know that the majority of the few people who read this blog already know that Rob and Beth Got married, but I wanted to show off the beautiful bride and groom we captured.


Me and the handsome man

I don't know what she is doing, but whatever it is, isn't she soooooo cute?! (a ballerina maybe?)

My studly daddio

And I saved the best for last. Isn't this a cool shot?!

A hobbie of mine...

Whenever people ask what I like to do with my free time, I always have trouble telling them what I enjoy doing besides the generic answers. But recently I realized what gave me a high (of excitement). It is....saving meney! Let me explain. Of course I'm sure most people love to save money, but I almost think it has become an obsession of mine to always get things on smokin deals (I think my mother ingrained this trait of mine in me). Albertsons seems to be my favorite place to score and to save more than I spend. This isn't very difficult at this store because I think their original prices are a bit outragous. When grapes aren't on sale they go for $3.99! Rediculous, I know. Luis always stares at me with looks of craziness when he sees how much I am willing to buy for our little family of two. But then when he sees how much I save, I think I see a little proud moment of his own . And since I pride myself in how much I can get with the little budget of ours, I decided to brag a little.

My mom and I have actually gotten into the habit of letting each other know when we see amazing steals, which makes my searching that much easier. This deal was pretty sweet. Everything you see in this picture was a $1.00! (except for the raisin bran) Thanks mom!



Pretty sweet!