Painting Complete

Check out my blog: www.deannaleeshaw.blogspot.com

I have also added an easy access side-link on my side bar

Jackson's

http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=5129335

I don't know how many of you have seen this, but it is so so cool. For those of you that don't know, Julie in the article is my cousin and James, her brother that is mentioned, just died from Cystic fibrosis after having a set of twins himself (they , Julie and James, also have twin brothers..lotsa twins in that family)

Hey Everyone,

I wanted to say thanks for those of you who commented on my recent "baby" post. I was surprised at how nice it was to hear some of the stories and support from a lot of you. I really didn't think it would make that big of a difference, but it did, so Thank You.

I used to not understand why so many girls had such a hard time. I remember just thinking, you should be grateful you are married (I was single at the time). I realize now that you can be grateful to be married and be very happy in that area, but waiting to have a baby is a whole different ball game. I am grateful for the understanding that I now have so I can be more sympathetic for those who REALLY have struggled with this (I barely consider myself a mild case at this point).

I don't want to go on about this again, but I did want to let you know that I really appreciated the comments it was really nice.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

(Maybe Santa will bring me a positive test?!)

ha ha ha lol

To Keep or Not to Keep

The neighbors are trying to get rid of some pups and Andrew thought it was best to bring it over to "win me over". What do you think? P.S. that is the biggest it gets.

Update

I was thinking today that I haven't really had a post that said anything really about our lives much and hasn't really been anything I would put into a journal at all. They have been a little boring I guess I could say. This entry is supposed to remedy the situation, so without further ado....

Andrew's friends have been calling every once and a while to catch up or talk about things. It always surprises me how many calls he gets from old friends. He really doesn't make much effort to call any of them, but they always seem to keep in touch, I wonder what it is about him that they all want to stay friends. It is endearing. I could feel bad that my friends don't call me much, but then I remember how much I am on the computer either blogging or checking facebook or emails and realize the worlds of conversations that take place..online.

In Andrew's recent calls with his friends I have noticed a theme in their conversation, they all seem to be wondering why we don't have kids or if we are pregnant yet etc. I have been trying to be tough and patient with the whole getting pregnant process, but I admit it gets harder when I see someone get pregnant AND have their baby in the amount of time that I have been trying. And then their baby starts to crawl and they start asking again why we don't have kids. It wouldn't be hard if I knew what God's plan was, but I have to just sit and wait and try to be good.

Most of my family knows most of this, but I thought I would share with those that don't know; we have been off the pill since last November. It is hard to believe that it has already been over a year. We figured it would take a bit for the birth control to wear off and for us to be able to have a kid so we figured it would take up to about 7 months to get pregnant. We decided about February that we really needed to get on a good maternity insurance because with both of us working I knew we wouldn't qualify for any gov. program. We then had to wait until the beginning of June to be sure our insurance was effective. That brings us to today, 7 months trying WITH insurance and still no kid. I know this isn't completely unheard of and is surely NOTHING to complain about...and I am not yet worried about our ability to have kids. I feel like there is a plan for us and it isn't quite time yet. I felt that way this month and I honestly don't think it will be next either, but we try anyway.

I know that this is a conversation that many would not consider blog-worthy, but I think it is easier for me to have everyone know what our story is than to be surprised with questions that trigger an emotional chord. I don't really feel like I am desperate and would ask anyone to pray for us, but I certainly would love it if you did :).... Ask and you shall receive. Those of you that are really really good and keep all the commandments, if you would especially that would be great :) j/k.

I do want to add, last year I offered to do any custom art work for Christmas to help earn money for having a baby. We aren't in the same boat that we were then, but I do want to still throw that out there if anyone is interested. I also want to mention that I found an inexpensive way to print some of my work, so if you want any that are smaller (letter size page)
from my portfolio www.deannaleeshaw.blogspot.com I can get them for you at a relatively good price.

Lucky for us life is really good otherwise. We have really enjoyed this time we have together and have gotten a chance to grow closer and gotten to know each other. I am grateful for that and for the chance that this has given us to be more financially ready for kids. I also feel like Andrew is more ready all the time and will be a lot more excited for the day that it finally happens. Thank goodness for such a good husband or this would be much harder I'm sure. Well wish us luck!

Yesterday I went shopping at 6:00 in the morning. I have never been a black friday shopper, but my mother-in-law wanted to go, so we went. I was surprised at how much fun it was, I went with a budget and had looked through the ads to see what I wanted and I ended up with some really cute clothes a dishes set and finished up my Christmas shopping for the year all under $100. I was pretty happy with the results. We went all over. I really thought it was going to be a lot worse, but the deals were exceptional and it was enough for me to say I more than likely will do it again!

Actual Boots

These are the actuall boots that I got, I love them!

Boots

I was kinda shopping around for some winter nice work boots, I think I found what I want.

Cure

The best part of this pic, is that Andrew is making that face on purpose

I have been thinking and have always been of the opinion that when you serve others, your own worries seem to diminish. You in a sense loose yourself by thinking of others. I was reading a blogs title that said "What do I NEED?" This could lead to a list of things on my "I need" list and all the things that I struggle with. I immediately thought that what I really need, is to not worry about all the things I need. SO. I decided that I would blog today about all the things that I can do to forget MY needs and focus on others. Todays "other" is Andrew. I may have "Other" posts periodically to help me refocus.

My, For Andrew, List:

1. Clean the house...especially the dishes because it is his turn and he will love me forever if he doesn't have to wash them
2. Make Pumpkin pie...it is his favorite after all.
3. Not spend any money today...gratefully he has been more conservative in this category and cares about how much I spend.
4. Make him a delectable fish lunch
5. Give him positive attention....compliments, positive reinforcement, listening etc.
6. Try to ignore his faults.
7. Clean his truck.



Hmmm...Any other ideas?

ha ha ha

There once was a girl who got married to a handsome strong man and enjoyed life with him very much. There were a lot of differences between her family and his family, but they got along just fine and started a happy life together. It was discovered that the younger brother of the husband was a nice looking young man. It was also discovered that the younger sister of the girl was a pretty young lady. They younger brother and the younger sister went to school together, and showed no signs of being attracted to one another. In fact the younger sister showed complete disinterest most of the time. They younger brother and the younger sister did become good friends and even did things together outside of their classes.

One day the younger brother and sister came over to their married older siblings house together without invitation of both. The older sister noticed a little flirting of the younger siblings. Secretely she would LOVE it if the younger siblings "hooked up". What to do?

Question

Do you make the husband finish the dishes, the last thing to do after and hour and half of cleaning? Or do you let him sit and watch T.V. and allow him the option to do them tomorrow? (Keep in mind the option for tomorrow is always his favorite request...let me rephrase...his favorite demand.)

Portfolio

New post to the portfolio. www.deannaleeshaw.blogspot.com. Also a new painting in the works!

TAGGED (I love being tagged)

I got tagged by my old friend Chelsea Terry and meant to do it a few days ago because I would have so many good things to put down, but I don't know if they will still apply today, so I will have to just wing it.

8 Things

Tagged by ...

8 T.V. shows I watch:

1. House
2. Seinfeld (still funny)
3. Ace of Cakes
4. Law & Order SVU...honestly I'm not sure I like it anymore
5. Starter Wife
6. American Idol, when its on
7. Movies!...I guess thats not a show, but I watch them when they are on T.V.
8. Extreme Home Makeover


8 Things that happened yesterday:

1. I went to bed at 9:30 and felt great waking up this morning
2. Made 0 dinner, meaning I had cereal and Andrew had popcorn (I am making up for it today)
3. Worked at my job for 9+ hours
4. Someone doorbell ditched us with our door open and left us a carved pumpkin with candy :) (confession, I stole that from sunday)
5. I had a really boring day yesterday apparently
6. I drove all the way to Wellsville for work and wished that we lived in Petersboro
7. Kissed my hubby on the mouth
8. Waited
...lets just say I live for the weekends

8 Favorite places to eat:

1. Iggys
2. Takara Sushi
3. PF Changs (Great Wall of Chocolate!)
4. Village Inn
5. Cafe Rio
6. Cafe Sabor
7. Hamiltons
8. and...Tacanos

8 Things I'm looking forward to:

1. Christmas
2. Time change
3. Florida trip in January
4. Thanksgiving when the In-laws are coming
5. The Twilight Movie I had to leave this on from Chelsea's
6. Visiting my family...I haven't been home forever!
7. Kenny and Jamile moving back to Utah
8. Finally getting a positive pregnancy test. (maybe someday)


8 Things on my wish list:

1. I wish we had a down payment for a house
2. I wish I had new brown boots that are my size (can I get a 5 1/2 SOMEWHERE)
3. I wish that I had ease and happiness that some of the old people in my ward
4. I wish I could buy this house and when I do I wish I could rip down the wallpaper
5. I wish that I had a new windshield for my car. Stupid rock chip.
6. I wish my boobs were the same size
7. I wish that I could forget some of my embarrassing moments
8. I wish that I would get my raise already :)

Now I tag:

1. EVERYBODY WHO READS THIS IS TAGGED!!!!

Shows

I pretty much love the new show HOUSE. Have any of you seen it? I recommend it, makes me wish I had decided to become a doctor. It isn't as dramatic and stressful as some of the other "medicine" shows and it isn't as stupid (scrubs) as others. It is all about matching symptoms with diseases and treatments etc. I hope it doesn't get old as they do the same thing over and over, but I love how they figure out clues to what is wrong and try to match the best treatments.

I also have decided that I really like ACE of Cakes. Have any of you seen that one? It is on the food network and they make the coolest custom cakes. It is on in the evenings on the food network for those of you that are into cakes.

I also watched the premier of Starter Wife and I liked it okay, I didn't love that they have another gay guy as her best bud...(I know I should be more accepting right...well...I'm not really).

Animal Cruelty

The cat was going particularly crazy tonight as she was trying to catch a fly and was darting all over the place. She jumped up into the window and Andrew took advantage of her exploring in between the two panes of glass. I didn't come up with the idea, but I admit I was quick to make sure he got the camera before we let her out.

I am a genius

I was having a really straining day at work on Monday and I came home pretty irritable. As usual Andrew tried to cheer me up by asking me what I wanted him to make for dinner and smiling a lot etc. It didn't really work until he said that he was going to wash all of the dishes as he pointed to our mounding sink. "yeah, that's right, all these dishes" he said. I was pretty impressed that he made the offer (very unusual for him to offer to do dishes) and it did lighten my mood a little. After dinner I was almost cured of my bad mood and Andrew could tell. He told me there was a deal involved with him doing the dishes and that was that I had to clear the dish drainer. I had no problem with that. Then he further shortened his task by saying that he was only going to do them until the drainer was full. What? Now I was feeling like his statement for doing the dishes was a bit of a joke...The drainer was only big enough to fit maybe a third or a fourth of the dishes there. It wouldn't have even dented the counter top that had dishes spread 3 feet ramming into the microwave on the far wall (I am exaggerating just a little...but only a little.) I would have further protested, but I was ahead of him. I finished putting away the dishes in the drainer and started washing the counters until he had about 5 plates stacked in the drainer. I pulled out a towel and started drying the plates and putting them away :) You all see where I am going with this. So did Andrew :) He whined just a little and asked what I was doing. He knew what I was doing. He just laughed at me the next few plates I dried and put away, knowing that the drainer was never going to get full, and he was going to have to do all the dishes. I enjoyed the moment of triumph. He pouted a little after washing every dish and I can't blame him, but the kitchen looked great.

I feel a need to explain my tomatoes a little. We picked them green because I was afraid of a frost with some bad weather coming up, AND we picked them early in the beginning so our tomatoes wouldn't have so many on every plant to focus on. Either way the window ripened tomatoes tasted just as good to me and picking them green gave me a chance to figure out what to do with some of them before they went bad. FYI, you can freeze tomatoes, but they are COMPLETE MUSH when you thaw them...so they would only be good for sauces or soups at that point. Also, you can jam them and jar them and give many many many away. I pulled 2 quarts of tomatoe juice from them when I made my jam. And for those that were wondering, yes they are tomatoes in that picture not APPLES...even though I wish some of them were.

Ha ha ha ha

Weekend

Andrew and I had a really nice conference weekend. It was nice to hear and be uplifted. I was thinking they would talk more about the financial situation that we are in, and they mentioned it briefly, but it occurred to me that, we are a world-wide church more than ever and the American situation is not the majority. That is okay though, I believe we have already been told what we need to do, and the time for preparing is now over. Did anyone watch the special on Panama between sessions? I thought that was pretty cool too...anyone want to move to Panama with me? Beautiful!

Andrew and I took advantage of the extra time we had to make pumpkin seeds and carve a little and I made some Tomato Jam that turned out pretty good actually. OH My WORD though! Ground Cloves...$8 freakin dollars for the little tiny bottle...I about died...I don't know if I saved any money by making my own jam after that.

Cute

This is my new cute office with yellow walls and the piano!

2 years today

Andrew and I celebrate 2 years today...

mwa ha ha

Andrew left on another hunting trip this last weekend and left me home to entertain myself and feed his pets. I had a plan this time. I decided that while he was gone I was going to paint me office/piano room GOLDEN yellow. I wasn't certain how long Andrew's trip would be, so first thing Monday I pulled out the paint and started my first coat. I was about 3/4 of the way done when Andrew texted me and said that he was on his way home and that he would be home in 3 hours. I had to book-it to hurry and get the rest of the room finished plus clean up the brushes etc. at 12:30 I felt like we were done enough that I could go to bed and he came home about 20 minutes later. He razzed me a little for painting without telling him, but the room looks really cute/better and he knows it, so he really didn't care. I knew he wouldn't especially when I said "you went on a hunting trip for the weekend, I painted the office". He knew he couldn't argue with the fact that he got to do what he wanted to do, why shouldn't I? And that was that. I will post some really cute pictures to follow. I haven't put the room all the way back together yet.

Other good news....okay, there really isn't any except I get 2 screens at work now because of some new software we are getting and it is really spiffy.

Ha ha, last week (along with my great painting idea) I decided to get a mousepad printed with a picture of Andrew and I and I brought it to work. Ha ha ha, Andrew just rolls his eyes, but I think it is cute :). Plus I smile everytime I look at it. Mostly because I have a mousepad with our faces being scrolled over constantly and for some reason that is really funny to me. Okay, plus if you saw the picture I chose...maybe I will take a pic of that too.

New Painting/Job

Hi Ya'll, just wanted to let you know that my newest painting is up on my portfolio. www.deannaleeshaw.blogspot.com.

AND I wanted to share the good news about my job. I was promoted to a Title Officer at my office and will be working on getting my title license in the upcoming months! YAY! I am currently going to be working on "on-the-job" training...the stuff that you REALLY need to know and then will take the test with my boss (office manager, not a title officer) and another co-worker, but I will be one of two main title officers in my office. The great thing about this is, that with the new programs they are getting all of our work is going to be paperless and online, so I can essentially do my job from home ...which is great news if we need more hours even after I have a baby. I know I know all of my sisters are shaking their heads and saying that I need to dedicate 100% to my future children, and I will...but there are some things that just need to get done and when they are done I won't work, who knows maybe it will even be before I get a kid.

I am really excited about this and think it will do a lot for my resume and ability to get future jobs. All I need to do now is study so I can get my license!

Dogs, Tomatoes, and Work

Yesterday was a bit of a trying day at work. I have mentioned before how many of my co-workers are completely computer illiterate. It is still true. My office has decided to merge to a new software for our filing/operating system and this has meant transitioning all of our old templates and codes to the new system. As you can imagine I have been blessed with this job. I have spent nearly 2 weeks converting our old templates and creating new codes and trying to explain to some co-workers how to do it so they could help. In the end I had to go back and redo some of the stuff they helped me with (it's the thought that counts right?). I was so fried after work yesterday having been staring at the computer screen for hours on end that I was on the verge of tears (partly because I realized I had to redo all the help of my co-workers...they didn't really get very much done, but it meant that I did the ENTIRE thing by myself). I even told my boss that I expected a $2.00 raise after this was done and that I was completely serious. I don't know if he took me seriously or not, but at least he will have an idea of how much work this really has been. I don't think I will actually get a $2.00 raise, but David (my boss) is pretty generous in saying Thank You for "extra" help being done. Sigh...okay, I am done venting.

Our adorable puppy Duke also spent the day at the Vet yesterday. We found out that he had an umbilical hernia...which means that the hole in his stomach from the umbilical chord never closed. Apparently this is genetic. The only way to fix it is surgery and it is a necessary surgery. SO, after my super awesome day yesterday, Andrew and I picked up our puppy and 309 dollars later, he no longer has a hole in his stomach. Duke seemed to be doing very well, but even after surgery he was so full of energy we couldn't handle having him watch a movie with us and he is so whiny that Andrew cleaned out the little pen in the garage and our recovering patient spent the night where he wouldn't be whining. (We aren't as big of softies after 4 puppies)

The good news in all of this is that we have finally been able to enjoy some beautiful tomatoes from our garden that taste wonderful. So, anyone that has good recipes for Tomato soups, salsas, chili, spaghetti or pizza sauce. I am asking you to please send them my way

Oh and by the way, thank you to the suggestions on my last blog..as luck would have it, Andrew has some other stuff to do and we didn't end up going hunting, but I will definitely be ready for my response for next time :)

Benson

I really think that living in Benson is just the right place for us...well mostly Andrew. My new visiting teaching companion's name is Michelle, she lives across the street. We are also in Young Womens together. We had a funny conversation on Wednesday as we compared our Non-hunter wives vs. Hunter husbands and the results of such a combination. She, as well as me, never hunted, had a husband who did, got a gun for Christmas, was "urged" to go (meaning practically forced) and because she wanted to spend time with her husband she went. She grew up in Randolph, so even though she didn't hunt, she was surrounded by it and was a bit of a country girl anyway.

After a laughing and comparing stories and realizing we had quite a bit in common, the trouble began. She then starts telling Andrew and I about her hunting experience with an Elk and how she didn't think she could do it, but that she really liked it and got a really big Elk. She, like myself, has only ever shot 2 other things (birds). She had also explained that she was the only girl among all these guys out hunting...yada yada yada. Because of this story, Andrew now believes that I would love going and would really like getting myself an Elk. EVEN THOUGH I keep telling him I don't think I could do it, I think I would feel really bad and it would not be fun for me to shoot such a big pretty animal, let alone scare me to death. He believes this is because I have never done it before and don't know what I am missing.

I don't really know what to do. I don't think that he will let me NOT go, without a big fuss/argue until he has convinced me that his point is the only true and living point. If I do go, I think I will be so nervous and scared and unwilling to actually shoot the thing that I will completely chicken out, save the life of the Elk and Andrew will be really mad. You know, I can go and I can watch Andrew do it, but for me to do it myself, I take it too personal and start thinking about its family and all of its friends and wonder if Heavenly Father is going to be mad at me for killing it.

What should I do?

Funny Blog

Here are the rules: you have to take 10 pictures of the following things and you have to do it right away. No straightening, cleaning or wiping your child's nose (I mean it!). Then you tag six others.

1. Kitchen Sink: Those are some tomatoes we are hoping will ripen.

2. What the kids are doing: Up to no good.
















3. Bathroom: We just cleaned..I got lucky

4. Self Portrait:


5. Fridge: eh...its a fridge


6. Closet: the closet could use a little work...and square footage.


7. Washer: Nothing exciting here.


8. Favorite Room:
















9. Favorite Shoes: It's all about comfort :)


10. Dream vacation: Amazingly Andrew and I both really want to go to Africa


I tag: Sheena, Katie, Jenny, Carillisa, Jenny Miller, and Betsy

Food!

Yesterday for dinner Andrew and I had corn on the cob, a sliced cucumber, some carrots and zucchini bread...! All from the garden. Andrew also had a grilled cheese sandwich. I was pretty excited to pay pretty much nothing for our dinner. I have actually lost weight in the last few months and I wouldn't be surprised if it was because of all the vegetables I have been eating. Oh oh, and we tried a huckleberry pie with all the huckleberries and it was pretty good! Having a garden is so rewarding. I have all kinds of plans for next year.

Today I get to go on a bike ride with the Laurels. It is a progressive dinner from one house to the next. I am pretty excited, I really love being in Young Women's, I feel so much more comfortable there than in Relief Society. It is interesting how things have changed since I was a Laurel. We text all the girls to let them know about the activities, and when I got in they all exchanged phone numbers with me.

GOOD NEWS, my Mom and Dad are moving and they have to get rid of their piano. To my surprise all of the stars aligned just right and I am the lucky one that gets it. I have already picked the spot for it in my house and have planned the decorations accordingly. How much does it cost to get them tuned? We will have to make some changes when a baby comes, but until then this will work out beautifully. I am so happy to be able to play again.

Some sad news at our house. My niece Lauren had surgery yesterday for an infection that she spent a week in the hospital for a few weeks ago and it got a lot better, but made a bad turn and was causing more problems. Poor Lauren is only 4 and can't figure out why these nurses are "poking her again!" with all the IVs etc. :( I hope she is doing OK. It just makes you heartsick to see her so sad and not feeling well. She is such a sweet loving little girl, it just seems so wrong for her to be sick.

Summer Ending

I have noticed, as I am sure many of you have, that the blogging world has slowed significantly since the summer began. I myself have blogged far less than usual and am sorry for it; however I had a garden, and good weather, how could I not be outside (especially since I consider myself part lizard and only get warm with direct sunlight).
BEFORE


AFTER

I love the before and after pics. I am pretty excited about the garden..unfortunately we haven't gotten any tomatoes yet, but when we do, I have a feeling that we will be in over our heads.
I am also trying to make a huckleberry pie today out of the bushes we started this year and I am interested to see how they turn out. It has been a very educational year!




On another topic, Andrew took me deer hunting with him the other day and we went hiking up a canyon called High Creek ...it was beautiful. The coolest part however were the Moose that we saw. I don't know if I have ever seen them before especially that close! They were probably 250 yards from us and we got a great look at them, luckily we had the video camera with us as well and we got some really neat video.
We continued hiking FOREVER after that as Andrew searched for his deer and honestly I am going to have to learn to be more patient because I got so annoyed every 10 steps when we stopped and waiting then walked again and stopped and walked and stopped. SHEESH lets just get to where we want to be already. We finally headed home and on the way we got a call from Andrew's brother Marcus who shot an elk. The last thing Andrew wanted to do was go hike another 6 miles, but duty called and he went to help Marcus. The next day all the Shaw brothers got together and helped butcher the elk so it wouldn't go bad and got it done and in the fridge.

After we got back from Marcus' we found ourselves in the dark. At about 5:00 the power went out (in the middle of us baking stuff too) by 7:00 we went to Oakridge at Kevin's apt where they had power. The power didn't come back on until about 8:00 this morning. Now Andrew is begging me to go dove hunting with him and shoot clay pigeons and is begging me to get off the computer....he is so impatient. welp cya later

5th Annual Lee Family Reunion

I apologize to those who aren't seen in these pictures, but we had the ENTIRE Lee clan there, which was great. We were able to do "YO", which for those of you who don't know is a family "handshake" that ends with everyone shouting YO!...the kids love it...This was Andrew's first Yo and probably the last one until either the next reunion or when Jamile becomes a part of the family.

(FYI to the family, both Becky and Jenny have full copies of all the pictures I took if you would like copies...if anyone has any pictures of Mom or Lu, I would like them)

S&H Reunion

Andrew and I left for Idaho and headed straight for a campsite the Nels had reserved since Monday to make sure no one else took our spot. We found the spot greeting us with a big sign saying S & H reunion (hoping again to deter other campers) Also there were about 6 tents set up with chairs covering the space of I think 4 other campsites. We happily kept the spot right next to the river that had a perfect little beach for everyone to enjoy.

We had a great time camping and floated down "The Joe" with our white-trash tubes and floaties, but had a great time. Dallin mentioned that he died when he and Andrew's floatie about hit a tree down the big rapids. Andrew got a kick out of all the conversations he enjoyed with a 5 yr old.

It only rained on us a little compared to what we had expected, but did get a good lightening show and heard all about the fires the next morning.

After camping we got to see the Duffy's and their new baby, it was fun to visit with our old friends. Good times.

MEMORIES

As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I have had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you.

Speaks for itself...enjoy!

New Stuff

Hey all, just wanted to let you guys know that I have added some new things to my portfolio and invite you to all check it out. I decided to add my graphic design stuff to it so I could keep my favorites together and easily accessible (for job interviews etc.) I would love any suggestions from anyone in ways you think I could do it better.

Yesterday I mowed the lawn again, I think I made the mistake of doing it once and now it will be a common occurance. Oh well, I guess I can mow the lawn, I do feel a little retarded when the neighbors drive by and wave while I heave the beast into the next position.

Next week Andrew and I get to go to St. Maries where he is from and go camping with his family I am really looking forward to the break and can't wait to head up to that beautiful part of the country...it really is like a retreat when you go up there, it is a completely different world. THEN after that all of my family is coming up here to Logan and going camping with us the next week at Tony's Grove!! I hope they are excited, because I have fun stuff planned.

P.S. To my Sisters...don't forget that Breaking Dawn comes out this weekend (like I need to remind you) and that we hope you all have it read by the reunion so we can "discuss/swoon" over it at the reunion.

Update

So I realized that I have had no time to really blog anymore and when I do, I don't really say much about what is going on, so tonight I thought I would do so, especially because this is my only form of journaling lately.

We had a great weekend for the 4th of July in Provo with the family. Mom and Dad were in Seattle with Jenny and Todd, which meant we got to sleep on their memory foam which, FYI, is now what I want for Christmas. It was a good break.

I have also recently gotten a new calling. I am now the Laurel's advisor! I think I will feel much more at ease there than as the Enrichment leader. I was struggling with that one a little bit. My first activity with the girls was on Wednesday and I had to drive a bunch of them to the temple...apparently I am a scary driver because they were all reaching for the handles and freaking about how quickly I made my stops. In my defense, I am used to driving alone, but I admit, I am probably not as "smooth" of a driver as I would be if I had a baby in the back.

I also have some pretty cool news. I am officially a graphic designer for OUTDOORSMAN.com. I have done stuff for Andrew before just so I could expand my portfolio, but they have offered to hire me and I do it part-time after work. This makes me feel a lot better about going to all the effort to learning the programs and investing in all of the computer stuff.This is a sample of my first project that I emailed in. They had me re-create their logo and then make 2 similar ones to match their other two websites. It isn't really all that impressive, but I am having fun with it!

I also got promoted (kinda by default) at work. I am now typing policies and doing recordings. Essentially I am busy all day long, whereas before I was bored all day long. Hence the lack in blogging time. And yes, I have my 1 year interview in September, and I will be asking for a raise. I do like my new position, but I admit it has triggered my Anxiety a little bit lately and I have to spend a little time trying to calm myself down. I think it will mellow out, but I hate being tense all the time while I wait.

The only other news that we think is really cool is our garden, we have actually had multiple salads with our lettuce and a cucumber. No tomatoes yet, which I think we must be doing something wrong, but we have promise of other vegetables coming soon! Oh, and if anyone wants a pumpkin this fall, I am pretty sure we are going to be swimming in them.