The Holyoak Family

Favorite things

2012-01-12T13:17:00.000-08:00

Connor loves the heater! Every time it comes on he finds one and either stands on it or sits and plays on it. Who can blame him! He must get it from his parents. :) We both used to get a blanket and put it over the heater and sleep.

Connor is learning so much. He knows where his nose is, and is learning new words, like Grandpa (Bapa). He also has officially put two words together "Hi Dad."

Brandon started school again. This new schedule isn't as bad as last semester, and we're hoping he can get his Associates by the end of the year. I'm so proud of him, he's such a hard worker!

I'm still working. That's my life! Work in the morning and night. Mid-day I get to be with my sweet boy, so he's definitely the best part of my day...other than when Brandon comes home! :)

We do have dreams and goals for this year. I may write a few, but a few are a bit more personal. I tried to make more realistic goals, so hopefully we'll see a few more through!

I hope everyone has had a great holiday season! Here's to 2012! Cheers!

Thriller

2011-11-21T23:44:00.001-08:00

Did I mention that I've been teaching Connor the Thriller dance?

No? Well it was worth a shot ;)

Walking Boy!

2011-11-14T20:17:00.000-08:00

Connor decided to start walking on Friday! I'd add video but Brandon was the one to record it on his phone. Connor just amazes me how he learns something new everyday. I sure do love that lil guy!

Amazing

2011-10-17T16:39:00.001-07:00

Newborns amaze me. It's just a pure miracle how they are brought into this world. My nephew was born early this weekend. Tanner is absolutely adorable, I just love his hair! Since he was early his lungs weren't quite developed, but when we got to visit him on Sunday the had all of his tubes out and he was just on oxygen. He's such a cute little guy, I'm so excited to hold him again!

10 %

2011-10-13T15:13:00.000-07:00

Last week Connor had his 12 month check up. He sure is one healthy happy boy. One thing that I didn't expect was that Connor only gained 0.10 lbs from his 9 month check up. Seriously!? He is a bottomless pit when he eats, and he's always hungry. I could not believe he hadn't gained anything (pretty much)! Basically it comes down to he wasn't drinking as much milk as he was supposed to. Don't worry, he's drinking his milk and I can already tell he's getting chunkier!

Quick side note! Our little family got pictures last month and we have a little preview on my wonderful friends page! You can check them out here. :) Thanks Sarah!

We've had a birthday shout Hooray!

2011-10-02T20:21:00.000-07:00

Connor turned 1 on Friday!
His birthday gift to Brandon was to stand on his own! Wahoo, big boy! {Connor did this for me a week ago and I never go proof}

We love him so much and it has been such a journey for the past year. Connor continuously teaches me patience, and I never knew I could love someone so fast as I did when I met him.

He's learning new things each day, and we love watching him grow and learn. I think one of our favorites is his love of music. He'll sit and watch Music and the Spoken Word with us, or his favorite, Tangled. {He may have a thing for blondes}

For his birthday we had a little tailgating party with Brandon's side, and he got to eat his own chocolate cake.

We quickly cleaned him up and then walked down to the stadium for the game. It was quite nerve wracking game. Connor finally became a little comfortable in the end. He'd throw his arms in the air, kick his legs and go "YAA!" It was a huge relief that we won in the last 15 seconds. :)

It was a beautiful day. I still can't believe it's been a year, but time has just flown since he's joined our family. Connor keeps us on our toes, and I'm sure that'll happen more-so when he starts walking.

He has his 12 month appointment Tuesday, so we'll get all of his lovely stats, and not so lovely shots.

It was a great, simple day. We love our blue eyed boy more than anything and can't wait to see the new things he'll learn.

20 Minutes

2011-08-18T19:32:00.000-07:00

What can you accomplish in 20 minutes?

Quite a bit in my case!

Recently I've been trying to figure out better ways to manage my time. I've been trying to figure out ways to get everything accomplished without feeling like I have to spend a lot of time on it. So one day I was browsing online trying to find tips and ideas on time management when I came across a post from someone. {I'm sorry I can't link the post to what she actually said, but just bear with me}

This person stated {I'm paraphrasing now}

"I dislike cleaning, but it needs to get done. So what I do is throughout the day I tell myself for the next 20 minutes I'm going to clean and see what I can get done!"

Seriously this person is a genius. I don't know why I've been having a hard time focusing recently, but this 20 minute cleaning time throughout the day has been working for our family!

So what do you think you can accomplish in 20 minutes?

Miracles

2011-08-17T21:42:00.000-07:00

“And if there were miracles wrought then, why has God ceased to be a God of miracles and yet be an unchangeable Being? And behold, I say unto you he changeth not; if so he would cease to be God; and he ceaseth not to be God, and is a God of miracles.” (Morm. 9:11, 18-19)

I've been blessed to witness a few miracles recently.

Whoever says that miracles have stopped, aren't paying attention.

I don't think I can thank my Heavenly Father enough...But I'll sure try. ^_^

Torn

2011-08-10T21:32:00.000-07:00

Here are the Keele's. { (left to right) Eric, Anthony, Laura, Jenn and her husband Lance Peterson}

{Missing from this image is Jared, Elise, Emilee & Jessica}

About a week ago I found out that Anthony, Laura, Elise, Emilee and Jessica (maybe Jared), will be moving to North Carolina...I've been quite torn about my feelings.

On one hand, it's a huge opportunity for Anthony and his family. He'll be making quite a bit more and from what I read on Jenn's blog it's cheaper to live in the NC...

On the other hand... I'm really sad to see them go.

I lived with the Keele's for a good chunk of my teenage life. I've considered them a foster family of such even though there was never quite that 'title'. Anthony was the witness at my wedding {my Father not being able to attend the temple}, and Laura was the one to be my escort through the temple {my Mom also not able to attend the temple}. The Keele's took me in where I felt like I had no place to go. I can never thank them enough for the kindness and love they offered to me.

I know that they will have wonderful adventures on their way out to North Carolina, and I hope one day Brandon, Connor and I can make our way out there to visit them. But it will not be the same without them here.

I feel horrible Brandon and I did not visit them near enough. I hope they can forgive that.

I'm glad Jenn and Eric, {maybe Jared} will stay in Utah. They are some of the best friends I've had. I'm grateful they shared their family with me. I don't know if I ever thanked them for that...But thank you.

Remember when...

2011-08-03T16:56:00.000-07:00

I used to update this? Yea...it's been awhile. I guess that's what happens when you're working two jobs, and attempting to be a good Mom and House wife.

I miss friends...and family. Since Brandon has been full time work AND school we don't really get out much.

Life is changing and I'm still not quite used to all the changes. I know change is good, it helps to make you stronger and more faithful, as well as chances for new blessings.

Brandon's schooling is going great. He has his last two finals this week (one tonight, one tomorrow morning). I know he'll do amazing. He is one of the smartest men I know and he is one great example to our boy!

Pound the Pavement for Parenthood

2011-05-23T15:44:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Jill for the photo!

About a week and a few days ago I did something I said I would never do...

I completed a 5k

My original thoughts on why I think 5k's are ridiculous...

Who likes to run for fun? Seriously.

I could spend my time doing something much more enjoyable.

And really, who likes to run?

Last November my dear friend Jill started a non-profit organization called Pound the Pavement for Parenthood. I wasn't able to run at that time because I had just had Connor and lets face it, not quite prepared for that. On May 14th they had another 5k sponsoring a different couple and Brandon and I decided to continue supporting our friends and walk/run this one! We signed up and a day before the race Brandon found out he needed to be a good home teacher and pick up someone from the airport at the exact same time. So it came down to Connor and I.

Saturday morning rolled around and we got ready for the day. Brandon dropped me off at the park with Connor, said he loved me and off he went! I "signed in" and started to get pumped up/nervous of this whole experience. One of my biggest problems is I'm very out of shape, and I didn't quite prepare for this 5k. I kept telling myself if worse came to worse I'd just "take a short cut" and finish a bit early. Well the time came, everyone lined up, and we started!

I decided to start off the race with a small jog. It didn't go on very long (remember out of shape), but I still tried to keep the mind set of, jog until I'm uncomfortable, walk until I get comfortable and switch it up. I had a few goals in mind...to finish before they had "picture time", and to not be last. Connor and I started going along and everything was great, music was great, outside was great, Connor was fantastic. About half way I really started to feel my out of shape mind saying "ok, it's time to take that short cut." But in the back of my mind I kept remembering that I needed to accomplish this. Brandon had told me how proud he was of me, and I just was feeling horrible if I decided to just cut the race short. So I persisted.

As I was walk/jogging so many thoughts popped into my head. One of them being, when I was growing up I wanted to do a few things in high school (mostly ballroom and some other sports). I asked my Mom about it but she just said, 'we didn't have the money' and that was that. I never pressed it because I knew my Mom was working so hard for my family and so on I went. I realized that I've told Brandon that so many times. "I'm sorry babe, we can't do that right now, we don't have the money." I hated myself for realizing it! I've said it multiple times, and I came to the conclusion that if I could finish this race that instead of saying "We just don't have the money", I could then say "How can we make it so we can do 'insert item/event' ." I want my children to be able to do whatever they want! I want them to be the athlete, dancer, smart kid, etc etc etc. I want them to be them! I learned that instead of thinking the negative side on how we couldn't be able to do things, I should be thinking, 'ok how can we do this?'.

After I was thinking that I started thinking of the many things in my life that I never 'finished'...So I pushed on, I never had any idea that participating in a 5k would make me reflect on my life so much.

I started thinking about Jill and Allen. I was there for them, for their baby E & D that will bless their family some day. I was showing my faith and hope for their family. Brandon and I have said time and time again how much we love them, they will be the most wonderful parents and we're so grateful for them. They are truly more like family and I thank and plead with our Heavenly Father every day for their cause.

I got my burst of energy at the end when I knew I was close to the end. I finished at a horrible time of 48 min some odd seconds. But I finished. Connor was amazing and just talked the whole time. I'm so proud to say that I completed a 5k. I'm proud of the Witt's for their strength and for them to push me through something I said would never happen.

I wish I would have brought my camera. I technically don't have documented proof, but I did have Sarah and Jill take a picture, so hopefully I can get a copy of one soon. (Haha thanks to Jill, there's one at the top now! )

Decisions decisions decisions...

2011-04-12T09:22:00.000-07:00

I hate…hate making decisions. I have a bad habit about worrying what others think about me too much, so I tend to go with the flow a lot. Recently I’ve been wanting to color my hair. Since a bit before I met Brandon I colored my hair dark dark dark brown. I loved it, it made my skin and eyes pop and I felt like I stood out for once. Problem is when it’s summer time my hair tends to get golden/reddish highlights naturally. My highlights aren’t a bad thing, it’s just when I’m paying for it to be darker for a long period of time. So long story short, I’ve been thinking about changing up the color. Last time I did that I didn’t really like it though (I tried adding blonde highlights in it for a short period of time and didn’t appreciate it too much). I think my biggest problem is I want a change and tend to just go get it done as soon as possible and doesn’t turn out the way I’d like. Basically…I’m not patient. Now I’m trying to look around and make a sure decision on what I should do and be confident. Below are a few pictures of ideas I’m looking at or that have been suggested to me.

This is Brandon and I a few months after we were married. Dark dark brown. Such a pretty color.

This is the color Jenn suggested. I love it, I really do...I'm just afraid it would look super unnatural and I wouldn't be able to pull it off.

So then I started looking again today. I though Kristen Stewart has super pale skin, maybe I could pull off one of her colors. So it's kind of dark with a bit of highlighting, very pretty, not too bold.

Another Kristen Stewart picture, more highlights, bit more auburn. I actually asked the Cosmetology director at my school her opinion and this is what she suggested. Well she told me auburn with caramel highlights and this is what I pictured in my mind. Maybe I'm off, but I still thought it was cute. (Once again I've turned timid! I don't know if I could pull this off either)

So there you go, what are your opinions?

Motivated

2011-04-01T07:47:00.000-07:00

Recently I haven't been feeling myself. I've felt like I have no self worth, and to be honest...inadequate. I'm not quite sure what was going on with me, I was down.

Yesterday's beautiful sunshine totally flipped it around. I felt motivated, and focused. I was able to accomplish so much. After work I went home and Connor and I had lunch, then we went on a wonderful walk. I want to say he enjoyed it, before we went out he was screaming his head off, but then as soon as I stepped outside he was quiet and just looked around at everything. It was just so nice to feel the warmth of the sun and get out of the house!

After our walk I put Connor down for his nap and I started cleaning up! My co-worker does a great thing every week and Brandon and I want to incorporate her advice. Every Thursday is her clean up day; she runs her errands and cleans the house so that she can enjoy her WHOLE weekend. That's what I started to work on once Connor was asleep. I was able to clean our living room, dining room, the half bath down stairs and start laundry before Brandon got home. When Brandon got home I vacuumed downstairs and he cleaned the kitchen while I continued with the laundry. Then we were off to run a few errands, get the car washed and hit up Costco!

Yesterday was just wonderful; I am so excited for today to be even better! :) On a side note: I've learned a lot recently with my photography and I'm excited for the new look.

6 Months

2011-03-30T21:32:00.000-07:00

Connor is 6 months today and I cannot believe it has gone this fast! He is learning so much and growing way too fast. (I still have a hard time packing his smaller clothes). He is such a joy, Brandon and I are constantly trying to get him to laugh or smile and it's so cute when he does!

I'm thinking he looks a lot more like Brandon now, but when he smiles I still see a bit of myself. It's just crazy how he's changed, definitely a cutie though! We'll keep him. ;)

Opportunity

2011-02-28T08:00:00.000-08:00

Like most families the economy has been hard for everyone. Brandon and I have been able to deal with lots of big changes (me losing a job, finding another one that's less hours and less pay, and also having a baby). Throughout it all our Heavenly Father has been with us every step of the way. Even though I work less and don't make as much as I used to we were still getting by. Now having Connor our expenses have gone up, we have been able to consolidate quite a bit and work off a lot of our debt to get ready for these new expenses but it's still tight.

Recently a full time position opened up at my company. I was hesitant to apply because I love being part time and able to still help out with expenses, but I still get to be with Connor in the afternoon. After thinking about it for quite a bit I applied. I know an employee or two that the company works with their schedules so I thought "why not?, if I don't apply it's already a no." I had my interview and everything went well. They told me I did a great job, but they had already interviewed quite a few people, so I would have to wait and hear back from them. I felt confident and excited, but knew I had done all I could do it was in the Lords hands now.

This morning I heard back that I didn't get the position. My feelings are honestly torn. I am disappointed that I won't be able to relieve some of the stress of our expenses. Yet I am slightly happy that I still have my afternoons with my sweet boy. Currently I'm more disappointed, but I know Heavenly Father is watching over our little family and he'll guide us where we need to be.

Maybe I'm supposed to focus on my photography? I would really love that! I had a wonderful maternity shoot this weekend with a great couple! It's one of Brandon's old roommates and his beautiful wife! She is 37 weeks pregnant and looks fantastic, seriously! I am so excited for them and their little boy to arrive!

If you know anyone that may be interested in having new pictures done I would love to do it! Check out my photography blog here or click on the link to the right.

I hope everyone has a great week, and lets hope the warm weather comes and stays soon! I'm getting sick of this cold dreary weather!

Push Yourself

2011-02-10T09:54:00.000-08:00

Brandon and I are HUGE Biggest Loser fans. (We would like to thank the Witts and Toblers for that!)

The other night (after finishing the recent episode of BL), Brandon and I were talking and decided we were going to push ourselves to being the weight we were when we got married by our 3rd anniversary in May. In total we both have about 15-20 lbs to loose, and since Brandon is male I'm sure he'll lose it faster (stupid water weight!). But whether he loses it first or not, it's not a race, it's a goal we have for ourselves and each other.

At night Brandon lifts weights and does manly things, and I do my stretches, crunches & ab workouts. During the day I also am working out my legs with the great Shapeups he got me! I know they look retarded, but I've got to say they actually work! One of the things I hate about myself is my legs, my thighs are so huge, and my calves are so manly...it's gross. BUT with the shapeups my legs have in all honestly toned up (even Brandon as noticed!).

That is our goal. I feel like if it is not placed where we can read it constantly, or others don't know about it we won't feel as accountable. So here it is for all to see (well for the few that read this to see)!

Worry

2011-01-26T19:32:00.000-08:00

Do you ever just worry what other people think of you?

I have a horrible problem with this. I am constantly over analyzing things, worrying what others will think about what I do or say, and basically just making myself unhappy. I have a tendency to want to make others happy, and in doing so I sometimes think I loose sight of how to make myself happy.

I love taking pictures. I am not the most talented photographer (by all means I admire so many of my friends and others who do photography), but a part of me does think I have a little talent in taking pictures. For a few years Brandon and I have thought of the idea of me making photography a business. I have been very hesitant (and I still am), I am worried if people would really trust me to capture those precious moments...I worry if they will like my work or if I will get sick of the process...So many worries, thoughts just holding me back.

What I truely need to think is, I love, love...LOVE taking pictures. I love the way it makes me feel like I can be creative. I love going through the images to edit them and realizing "wow I took that!" I shouldn't think what people may say or think, all I should think is the happiness it brings to me and the others it may bless.

I was blessed to take a few pictures of baby Livi. Isn't she beautiful?

Connor Rolled Over!

2010-12-08T09:50:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was a huge day! Connor rolled over! The previous night I was talking with our neighbor Jill and asking when I should start ‘tummy time’, she guessed since he was stronger that we could probably start it whenever we felt like it so the next day (December 7, 2010) I decided to give it a try. I had just fed and changed him so I knew he would be in a pretty decent mood. I laid out his blanket on the floor and then put him on his stomach; he was doing so good, just lifting himself up, no tears just being a tough guy! I decided to take a picture so I pulled out my phone and took one, then realized my camera was just in the corner. I ran and grabbed it, through the SD card back in, turned it on, turned around to look back at Connor, and he just rolled over when I looked! Like it was nothing. I was in complete shock! Our son is 9 ½ weeks rolling over! I immediately called Brandon to tell him the news, which of course he asks if I recorded it - no! It was random; I didn’t think he’d do that! – plus we don’t have a camcorder… I tried a few more times to get him to roll over but to no avail, he decided once was good enough.

Brandon came home for lunch and we decided to try again. Sure enough, he wanted to show Dad his new talent! He rolled over twice for Brandon, and we were able to record it off of his phone! After that he was cranky again, but still! Rolling boy!

Here's the link to the video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6yIH3r1WFE

Christmas Cards

2010-12-06T15:13:00.001-08:00

At the end of each year I always think we're going to do Christmas cards, yet I always forget to put them together. This year might be different! Shutterfly is having a promotion on their Christmas cards for 2010, check out the cute cards you could get 50 free cards!

http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery

Two Months!

2010-12-04T09:03:00.000-08:00

Our little Connor is two months! (Actually he's 9 weeks now, but I'm a slacker and forget to update the blog.) Either way he is getting so big! Well...the funny thing is, he is getting big for me, everyone else thinks he is still small....which according to his measurements is true. We have a runt!

Connor's height is measuring in the 50% and then his head and weight are measuring in the 25%. He did have to get his shots and I'm so grateful for Aunt Jilly who did them so fast! He had no idea what hit him until after they were done, then he didn't appreciate the pain. Do not fear though! A few days later he's back and just as smiley as ever! I am so grateful for his smiles and when he shares them. Connor is also starting to coo at us and this morning he was wanting to laugh so hard! I can't wait to hear his little laugh. :)

I've posted my favorite picture of him so far! Well, favorite that I've taken. I just wish I would have taken it with my Canon instead of my phone. O-well, either way he is cute!

Blessing Day

2010-12-04T08:53:00.000-08:00

November 5, 2010 Brandon blessed our little guy. I wish I could remember everything he said, but I know that he described our son wonderfully and I'm excited for Connor to continue to grow and develop!

I'm so grateful for all of our friends and family that came to support us. I'm grateful for worthy priesthood holders to participate in our families life. I am also grateful I got to bear my testimony to my inactive Mother and her boyfriend (Jay) who is not a member of the church. The whole meeting I sat next to them battling with myself. I hate speaking in front of large groups of people...yet I couldn't ignore the feelings of gratitude and love the Savior had blessed me with, plus I know my Mom and Jay needed to hear what I had to say. I honestly don't know what I said, or if I even made sense. I do know I cried like a baby, and I felt the spirit.

After the blessing we packed up tons of food and headed to Brandon's office. His work was able to let us use one of their conference rooms for the luncheon, so we were able to have a successful and delicious lunch!

September 29, 2010

2010-11-02T19:17:00.001-07:00

Thursday (September 30, 2010) – At 1:30 AM I started to push my little heart out! (Did I mention attempting to push a child out when you have a head cold is not very fun?) Anyway, I pushed for about an hour and a half to two hours, when they decided to have me ‘rest’. They told me I would only rest for a half n’ hour and we’d be back to work, but little did I know they didn’t come back for an hour and a half! (Apparently they were understaffed with nurses and doctors that night). After my ‘resting’ time, (which I still pushed by myself during that time), we started to push again. Just after 5:20 (guessing on times) they told me he was crowning and about to get here…Everything went so fast after that…They started to fix the whole room, and get things ready, and within a few minutes they told me to push again. I kept pushing and pushing, Brandon and the doctor kept reassuring me he was almost there, and then sure enough – push push push…BLACK OUT. Yup, I passed out at the last minute and the next thing I hear is Brandon saying ‘he’s here!” (Apparently I found out I had an episiotomy and I lost quite a bit of blood – hence the passing out). The time after that was so surreal. Our son was here…A beautiful healthy 7 lb 4 oz – 19 inches long Connor had made it here. Did I mention I was surprised he looked like me instead of Brandon!? Huge shock! The first time I got to hold him I talked to him and sure enough he smiled at me and I knew everything was going to be ok.

I love our little family, and can’t wait to share the stories of our new adventures!

September 29, 2010

2010-11-02T19:12:00.000-07:00

Wednesday (September 29, 2010) – I did not sleep well that night either due to me getting contractions in my lower back and my cold was just horrible. Brandon convinced me I should stay home and so he called in for me saying I was just not well enough to go to work. It was a good thing too, because not ten minutes later my vision went away and I started to see ‘flashing lights’…I was getting a migraine. It wasn’t the first time I had gotten a migraine, but it was the first time for the pregnancy, and yet again another sign of preeclampsia. So I called my doctors office to see what they thought I should do. Well they set up an appt for me about an hour later and told me I’d have to see a different doctor because mine was out of town for the rest of the week. So I took a nap, and then went down to their office, I had to wait over an hour just to meet with this doctor, and when I did see him, he didn’t even check anything out. Just asked me a few questions and then told me he wanted to give me a shot to knock me out – so if I had someone with me to take me home that’d be great… Well I didn’t, I had gone to the office by myself, so instead he prescribed me Oxycodone and Tylenol which together equals Percocet. Now I personally had a horrible feeling about drugging myself up at 38 weeks pregnant, just so I could feel comfortable. I was also extremely upset because he should have sent me to the hospital, but instead just gave me a prescription and sent me on my way. I drove to a gas station nearby parked and called Brandon to tell him what the doctor had said…I also cried for a good 10 minutes because I just could not understand why they wouldn’t keep me at the hospital. I kept having all these signs for preeclampsia, but apparently it wasn’t that big of a deal… To attempt to cheer me up, Brandon and I went out to lunch and then I went home and rested for a few hours. I woke up and went downstairs waiting for Brandon to get home; he ended up working late but did come home around 6:30 -7ish. When he did come home he was just as upset as I was with the doctor, so he decided to call Labor and Delivery at the hospital and tell them our situation. Once he told them our story they told him that we were more than welcome to come down and they would do a medical evaluation on me. (Finally some semi good news!) Before we went to the hospital we stopped at Walmart and got a few munchies for Brandon and some cough drops for me (my cold had just been getting worse and worse, blah!). We also checked my blood pressure there and sure enough, it was high again. Brandon took a picture of what my blood pressure was to prove that we weren’t just making things up and we drove to the hospital. When we got to labor and delivery (8 pm) it was quite dead. I was the first woman to come in that night so they put me in a small room to check how my body was medically… They put lovely wires all over me, took more blood and started to check blood pressure. Sure enough, my blood pressure was still high and it wasn’t going down. When the on-call doctor came in and started checking things he gave me two option s. 1) Do a 24 hour urine test or 2) he could induce me tonight and get the baby out! Once again I thought it was pointless to ask a 38 week pregnant woman if she wants to be induced or wait, especially an impatient one like myself, but again I asked what his opinion was. Surprisingly enough he said that we should go ahead and admit me to the hospital and get my water broken and induced! (Hurray! – also it was close to 10 pm) A few minutes later they moved me to an actual labor and delivery room (which by the way was HUGE!), and started to prep me for everything to come. At around 10:30 PM the doctor broke my water – and right afterwards Brandon and Dr. Allen gave me a blessing. (Quick side note – I am so grateful for the priesthood and that there are so many worthy priesthood holders around) A few minutes after the blessing my contractions had gotten unbearable! Thank heavens they had called the anesthesiologist and so I only had to deal with the heavy painful contractions for 10 minutes. I cannot describe how wonderful the epidural was! The pain was gone within a few minutes, yet I could still feel the pressure of things going on. Anyway – after the epidural they started me on pitocin – to say the least I was ready to push by 1:30 AM.

September 28, 2010

2010-10-13T08:41:00.001-07:00

Tuesday (September 28, 2010) – Monday night going into Tuesday I did not get very much sleep due to me getting sick, and contractions. I went into work and about half way through the day I had a LPN co-worker tell me that I didn’t look to well. I obviously wasn’t feeling too well due to me being nine months pregnant and sick with a cold, but I asked why she brought it up. She said I looked super swollen and asked if she could check my blood pressure to make sure I was ok. About a hour later she came in and checked my blood pressure, sure enough it was HIGH (144/100). She told me that I should either call my doctor immediately or go to the hospital, since I only had about a hour left of work I decided I’d call my doctor and see what they said. We set up an appt. for about 1 PM and I finished my day of work and off I was to the doctors. Brandon and I met up at my doctors’ office, and they checked my blood pressure, sure enough it had gone down. (ugh). So we went in the back to meet with our doctor. After he checked me and everything was the same from the day before he told me I had two options. They could either do a 24 urine test – where I’d have to collect my urine for 24 hours and then bring it back in for them, or I could go to the hospital and they could check my blood pressure every 10 minutes for an hour or two and run some blood tests. He asked which option we would prefer (duh the hospital), but I turned it back on him and asked which one he would prefer us doing. I was surprised when he told us that we should go to the hospital and that he’d call them to let them know we were on the way. In my head I was thinking ‘Finally we’re going to the hospital!’ but at the same time I had to tell myself they could send us home at anytime. So we went to labor and delivery, where they put me in this HUGE room and got all these lovely computers attached to me. Brandon and I waited there while they ran all these tests for about an hour and half when the attending nurse came back telling us everything looked good. (So close!). They told me to go home and relax, and that they would probably see me soon, but that if I had any other symptoms of preeclampsia that I should come back in (blurry vision, headaches/migraines, more high blood pressure, etc).

September 27, 2010

2010-10-13T08:37:00.000-07:00

Connor is here. I cannot express the wonderful spirit he has brought into our lives. But I can write down the story of how he got here. It was kind of a weeks’ worth of events that led to his birth, so I’ll write down what happened within that time.

[It is taking me longer to write down the story, due to the fact that I don't have a lot of time! But I'll post those eventful days as soon as possible :)]

Monday (September 27, 2010) – Every Monday for the last month of the pregnancy I had a doctor’s appointment. They just check over everything and see how far you are to going into labor. Well this Monday I went into the doctors and my blood pressure was a little high, still technically ok, but it was borderline high. Also my ankles/feet had been swollen (for months), but they had started to get worse and worse. My doctor told me to come in later in the week (suggesting Friday) to get my blood pressure checked again to make sure I wasn’t getting preeclampsia. On a brighter note, I was dilated to a 4 and 80% effaced. That night I also got a head cold. (lovely).

That being said...

2010-08-09T13:43:00.000-07:00

Okay, so every now and then I get on this blog and post a few things that I have had on my mind. I have written about the deep thoughts of change, about how cool my wife is, and other things.

I haven't written on this blog for a while, and although I think Tenille has done a great job at keeping people updated generally on what's going on in our little corner of the world, I thought it would be nice to toss a few thoughts on what's been on my mind lately.

Baby Holyoak's name

Our baby boy was originally going to be named Ammon James Holyoak. Ammon is one of my favorite scriptural heroes, and I just plain old like the name. The middle name James comes from my closest cousin, James Cook. I admire him, the way he carries himself, his work ethic, and kind demeanor towards others, especially to children. I have always wanted to establish that link from him to my kids.

One day, however, Tenille and I were talking about other names that sounded good. I brought up the name Connor, and how it had a nice ring to it. Nevertheless, it wasn't long before I circled back to Ammon and suggested that we just leave the name Connor off the table, but Tenille was stuck on the name. So at that point, we were at odds between Ammon James vs. Connor James (the middle name wasn't up for changing).

One morning, I woke up thinking about our baby boy. About how Connor truly did seem like a good fit, but "Connor James" just didn't sound right. I started to think about the middle name, James. James. Who is James? James Alan Cook, my cousin, I answered my own question. James Alan, I thought. Hmm… Alan. Connor Alan? Connor.. Connor Alan! James gets his middle name from Grandpa Holyoak, Alan Holyoak. My stepbrother Casey's middle name is also Alan (Casey Alan Bair). One of my closest friends is Allen Witt. Alan seems pretty fitting, I thought. I said it out loud and I liked it even more.

Later that morning, I asked Tenille to consider the middle name change, and she liked it. A lot. I think initially she was more excited that I had put away the name Ammon, but regardless, I was so overjoyed to have realized what our boy's name would be: Connor Alan Holyoak.

Saratoga Chase HOA

A few months ago, the neighborhood got together to determine who would serve on the board of the HOA. I personally was getting frustrated with the lack of information we had, and how seemingly nothing was getting done at the time. I volunteered to serve on the board, and without much further conversation, I wound up serving as the HOA president (It sounds more powerful than you think; it's really just a formality).

I have had to learn pretty quickly what it means to serve on an HOA board. I work jointly with good people who are smart, honest, and forthright. The responsibilities of running an HOA are a lot more complex than I ever thought, and sometimes politics does wiggle its way into it all, which is frustrating, yet interesting at the same time. It's been quite a learning experience for me, and one of the main things I have learned is to be not so quick to judge, but rather to get as much information and options in front of you as possible, and then methodically make your way to the best decision.

Immigration and Gay Marriage

Speaking of not being so quick to judge, here's one for you. Most of you out there in the cyber-world have at least read or heard about Arizona's law, prop 8, etc. I personally have been pretty decided on these issues:

1. From a principled standpoint, I believe that if you are to come to the United States of America, you should do so through honest channels. The primary reason America offers such a grand opportunity is because of the freedom we have secured for ourselves. We bow to no one, because of the blood of our forefathers. Freedom comes with a cost, and a free ride to liberty is not only unfair, it cheats one’s soul of what true and honest freedom really feels like. Those among us (some estimate the tally to around 11 million) who are undocumented immigrants do not feel truly free, and are therefore stuck in a cycle of self-deception, that collectively cheats the nation’s spirit as a whole.

THAT BEING SAID:

The solution to illegal immigration is not going to be a black and white, this-or-that resolution. Deporting 11 million people because they don’t have their papers is by all accounts an improbable, exponentially expensive, and simply an impractical solution. Nevertheless, at the same time, I believe that those people who use lies and deceit to cross our borders, and then continue to do so once they are here, should be dealt with according to the laws of justice, and if necessary, sent swiftly back to where they came from. We have been taught to be merciful; however, mercy cannot rob justice. Also, I believe that the Arizona law is a good one – but for reasons others may not agree with. I believe the state law is a subtle and clever way to force the Federal hand, whose responsibility it truly is to resolve the issue. After all, a national border is defined by a nation, not just one state. Stay strong AZ!

2. I believe that gay marriage is wrong; that it is a mockery of the original institution. I believe marriage is intended to be one man and one woman, who love each other as equal partners, who can reproduce and raise children in a loving home. I understand that some homosexual couples have been able to adopt children, but I believe that the best opportunity for young children tends to lie with a mother and father presiding in the home, as nature intended.

THAT BEING SAID:

I believe that this country guarantees certain human and civil rights to all people. That includes the right to follow one's own conscious, even if it is considered “unnatural” or if others detest your actions as heinous. I am starting to believe that even though gay marriage is against nearly everything I hold dear, I can still raise my family just as well in this world, regardless. The only inconvenience for my family will be that it's one more issue on which to guide and teach our children about. This is one of the reasons we are parents. Part of being a parent involves navigating your children through untested, untraveled waters. This subject will be one all parents will have to tackle in the years ahead.

Just as our parents had to deal with things they had never before encountered, so too shall we - the parents of the rising generation - have to deal with things as parents that we didn't experience as kids. Our parents, for example, did not have to deal with texting while driving, or the internet. Who knows what we will have to have to instruct our children on in the coming years? The sacred institution of traditional marriage is likely to be one of them.

Healthy Choices

2010-07-29T18:00:00.000-07:00

Last week I had one of my monthly doctors appointments. We went in like any other time, and the doctor starts talking about my weight. (YIKES!) He told me that I've gained quite a bit of weight, and that I should watch my portions and exercise more. To say the least, I took it hard! (What woman wouldn't?!) The next morning I told Brandon I wanted to change a few habits (some were just for me, some he couldn't avoid). Here are the changes we made last week:

*No Soda (This is mostly for me, but he has joined along as well. Granted he did drink some rootbeer last night, but reassured me that it was very flat, so it didn't count. Haha)

*Eating Dinner before 8 PM (The first few days it was hard, but I started to realize how much better I was feeling! It is harder than I thought since it's light till 9:30!)

*More Walking (Quite hard when your ankles are the size of baseballs, sorry for those that have noticed!)

*Switching from 2% Milk to 1% (Gasp! Brandon was a little hesitant on this one, but I told him he wouldn't be able to tell to much.)

I know that they aren't a lot of changes, but I feel small and steady wins the race. :) I'm hoping in doing these things it will balance our diets a bit more (and my weight!)

Today Brandon was talking to his co-worker about his weight loss goals and asking him for advance on what changes to make. Guess what he said...First and foremost eat dinner before 8 PM (I'm a genius), and switch to 1% or skim milk (Again!). I was a little surprised when Brandon told me this, because I am not a healthy person, (chocolate is definately a weakness, and Jill's cupcakes...YUM) but I think we're starting to make good changes for us.

P.S. Can you believe it's almost August!? WOW has time flown by!

An Afternoon at Temple Square

2010-07-14T18:56:00.000-07:00

This last weekend Brandon and I decided that we should take a little break and do something fun, we thought to ourselves, let's go to Temple Square. So we hopped into our car and drove up to SLC. We decided we were going to park under the Conference Center, because it was shaded, so we headed on our way down to the underground parking. When we got to the bottom we found that the gates were opened on both sides, so Brandon asked what was going on. Apparently there had been a funeral that day and so they were letting anyone park there for FREE Saturday only. Wahoo!

Anyway, we start walking across the street to Temple Square and decide that we're going to go see the Christus first. As we're walking up to the Christus I realize that we hadn't been there since we first dated (2 1/2 years ago)! It was neat to sit down together and just feel the spirit in that room. As we were there we got to hear his words in Korean, Spanish and English. The best part was watching Brandon during the Spanish words, it brought him back to when he was on his mission and he got a bit teary eyed. (I love him so much, so cute!). After the English words we asked a lovely person to take our picture pretty close to where we had one of our first pictures taken.

December 2007

July 2010

After the Christus, we started to walk around the grounds and had a lovely missionary sister took our picture. (I'm really trying to be better of taking more pictures of Brandon and I, I've been slacking on this aspect, so I'm sorry!)

After the picture, we went to the South Visitor's Center and saw the new model of the SLC temple. Wow! That thing is amazing!! It was neat to look at it and think "I've been there!" I love the temple, it's the best feeling to do temple work.

After we saw the model we walked around the Joseph Smith Memorial building and made our way across the street to the new Deseret Book store. I love looking at all the artwork and the new books. We then started to get a bit thirsty so we went across the way to Blue Lemon to get a smoothie. When we walked in Brandon immediately noticed a worker there and called him by his name, psychic? More like stalker. (Just kidding). Come to find out Brandon knew the manager from High School! As the caught up on life I downed half of the tropical smoothie they made. YUM! I'm definately a fan of their smoothies, Brandon and I plan on going back to try their food sometime.

As we left Blue Lemon, we thought that we could attempt to figure out Trax. I had heard before that in downtown SLC there was a "free zone." Well, we decided to take it to the Gateway. We traveled safe and sound, and mostly just walked around, it was nice to get out on a beautiful day though!

I do have to say, we missed being with the Witt's and Tobler's going down the river! But next year we'll be back to enjoy Riggins with them again!

Lauren

2010-06-12T13:32:00.000-07:00

My sister in law, Lauren is gorgeous. We went up to Logan, this past Thursday afternoon to take her Bridals. I was a little nervous with the weather because it was raining on the way up, but in Logan it was just either cloudy or sunny. She was absolutely stunning and I just had to put a preview up!

Love you Lauren and congrats!

Scum

2010-06-01T19:28:00.000-07:00

Have you ever played Scum? If you like card games this is definately one I would suggest, it's such a great party game.

This weekend we had the opportunity to be with family and play Scum into the weee hours of the morning! Normally I'm not the best at playing games, don't get me wrong I love to play games...I'm just very competitive and it can be a bad thing if I'm losing (I'm a horrible poor sport - ask Brandon). One of the great things about Scum is you can move around from being "king" to "bottom scum" at the end of each round! I'm slowly starting to learn how to play my cards better, and I'm so grateful for the help the Cook's and Brandon offered to give me when I got down to a few cards :) I'm so grateful for good times and laughter...We got to a point in the early hours of the morning when everyone was laughing so hard I wasn't sure if I was going to throw up or keep laughing. There was also a time that if someone said anything that would pertain to a phrase in a song Mari, Aly and I would just burst into that song and sing about half of it! Oh it was so wonderful. Great people, fantastic game, cookies and singing are definately a wonderful thing to be thankful for!

I hope everyone else had a great Memorial Day weekend. I'm grateful for those that have fought (and do fight) for the freedoms of this country. I'm grateful we had the opportunities to visit family members graves and reflect on how they have helped each of us become stronger better people. (I'm also grateful for the stories that everyone remembers of these people, that I have not met. I know I don't truely know them, but I definately have felt their love this weekend and it will be a great day when I will get introduced to them).

I am so grateful for the gospel and I have the knowledge that we are an eternal family. I am forever grateful that I have been sealed to my sweetheart and know that our family will always be together. I am grateful for the priesthood, and the comfort it is in our home, and I am grateful we make each other laugh and get to become a stronger unit each day.

This is us on our 2 year anniverary dinner. We went to Brick Oven, it was delicious!

This is how we really act after two years! Just kidding, I love you Brandon!

Frogs, snails and puppy dog tails...

2010-05-17T13:55:00.000-07:00

That's what our little boy is made of!

I know it's completely horrible that I couldn't wait 12 days...But I convinced Brandon last Wednesday afternoon that we should find out early at the mall. :) Our little guy definately was proud to show off the goods! The one thing he was shy about, showing off the profile of his face! He kept bringing his hands/arms up to his face or he would just look at us straight on, just a little frustrating! It feels so realistic now. I can't express how happy Brandon and I are! My friend Janeal just posted this quote on my facebook and I think it's perfect! I think I might try to do something cute with it in his room...We'll see if I get crafty or not. :)

"Little hands and little feet, Little toothless grins so sweet, Little eyes that shine so bright,Little arms to hug you tight - Everythings little except your joy when you have a new baby boy."

What's that?!

2010-05-07T15:51:00.000-07:00

I know this is me probably denying things again, but earlier this week I'm pretty sure that overnight my stomach pushed out abnormally! I was talking with my co-worker (not wearing a jacket for once) and she gasped and said "Look at your stomach! You're showing!" I know that it's a good thing, but it's definately something that is harder to accept; especially when I feel like I'm still looking in the 'fat stage' and not the 'pregnant stage'.

Brandon has been telling me that I've been showing for a little while now, but I've definately been ignoring it. I do have to say that this is the first day where I really had to undo the button on my jeans cause they were just pushing into my stomach too much! Brandon has been a good sport about things, he let me go out and get a few new shirts that are quite a bit looser. They are a lot more comfortable to say the least! It is very awkward shopping for larger/maternity clothes, especially when you don't quite fit into those clothes. Sweat pants have definately become my best friend ;)

I'm sorry I don't have a 'belly' picture to put up, I'll try and have Brandon take one this weekend. I hope everyone has a fantastic Mother's Day weekend! I'll try to get on another time this weekend to do a specific Mother's Day shout out to both of our Mom's!

New Changes

2010-05-04T13:14:00.000-07:00

Have you ever looked at your life and thought, I would really like to change this about me...Or you think about new goals/aspects that would make yourself better? I have a problem with this. Recently I have a lot more time to think about things, and a lot of the time I think about how I use my time, or how I need to change and become better.

Brandon and I have recently sat down and think about goals we would like to start, or other habits we'd like to break. We sit down and write a list down thinking the next day we're going to change. It not that hard to break a habit right? Well I've learned, I can't do that. So the other day I decided I'm going to look at one of the habits, and change.

The past few weeks Brandon and I have been able to cross one of those habits off the list that we'd like to start. I'm so proud of us, and I can honestly say it's brought us closer, and the spirit has been in our house more. I've also been less stressed, and the days have felt easier to deal with one at a time. It's nice to be able to realize that I can conquer my goals one at a time, and I don't need to be so worried about changing everything at once.

On a side note, I have started to feel the baby, at least I think I can. It is by far the weirdest feeling ever, but it's kind of neat at the same time. Our next doctors appointment is next Monday, it will just be a normal appointment where we'll hear the heart beat and ask a few questions. Then the exciting appointment will be two weeks from then :)

Also this last weekend I was able to take a few engagements of my adorable sister in law and her fiance. Here's a shot I love of them. Congrats to Lauren and Jake! I'm so excited for their wedding on July 2nd.

Five weeks

2010-04-19T20:21:00.000-07:00

In five weeks this beautiful girl will graduate high school.

It will also be our two year anniversary. :)

So far we don't have any plans for our anniversary, we do however get to find out if our little baby is a boy or a girl! We're both very excited, and it's hard to believe it's going this fast, yet at the same time it doesn't feel like to much has changed (minus me hating food). Other than that we're doing great, life is good, hard but good. :)

TV is chewing gum for the eyes

2010-03-17T09:04:00.000-07:00

I've been reflecting over myself the past few days...about the things I need to work on, and things I need to let go. I've realized how much tv has taken over my life...I have detached myself away from family, friends, personal goals, etc...

Recently my routine is to come home, eat lunch, turn on the tv whilst I eat lunch, (and unfortunately I hate to admit this....) stay there for hours until Brandon comes home. How unhealthy is that?! Yes, I understand it's nice to sit down and relax, to veg and not think about what I need to work on for a few minutes, maybe even a hour...but HOURS?! How can I let myself waste that time?! How did I? Obviously there are many reasons, and I shouldn't make excuses. What I need to do, is to make a change.

This morning I was reading an article on www.lds.org, it's called 'Television and Time - By Elder F. Burton Howardof the First Quorum of the Seventy.' There were quite a few points in his talk that caught my attention, but by far this paragraph hit me hard...

"Now, brothers and sisters, one of the great cries of modern man is we don’t have time to do the things we should do. We don’t do our genealogy because we don’t have time. We don’t love our neighbor because we don’t have time. And yet we spend more time watching television than any other single elective thing in this world. I don’t believe the excuse is going to hold any water with the Lord. I don’t believe that we can ever say we didn’t have time. I think all we’ll be able to say, rather lamely, is that our priorities were not the same as the Lord’s."

How profound are these words, and he wrote them in 1979!

My goals are to start reading more, to clean up throughout the week, so Saturdays aren't spent with all day cleaning. To be more aware of my family, neighbors and friends, to start attending the temple more often, etc etc. I need to set my priorities to where they are more intune with the Lords.

** Side note - There are a few shows I just can't give up. I do feel that I can watch some tv from time to time and be ok...But not what I've been doing. I'm ashamed. **

New Balance

2010-02-11T13:13:00.000-08:00

I believe some of the best news you can read/hear is: New Balance: $0

This year when Brandon and I were writing our goals for the year we decided that we wanted to pay off as much debt as possible. With tax season around the corner I was actually quite nervous, you see last year when Brandon and I paid our taxes together for the first time we ended up owing. This year while we were starting to enter our information in it started to show us that we were owing...again.

Well thanks to prayers being answered, and for us buying a home, we were able to actually get a return this year! At first it was looking like we'd only be able to pay off one of our debts (my credit card), and then put the rest into savings. But then, on a glorious Friday afternoon after I got home from work I checked the mailbox. There was another tax form, from a mortgage company. I didn't think much of it, assuming it was a duplicate form, but opened it, checked it...double checked it with the mortgage tax form we had already received....It was different! It was able to raise our refund so we could pay off both Brandon and my credit card (and put a bit in savings)! What a blessing!

Anyway, today we received the refunds, and we urrgently paid off our credit card debt. I can't explain the happiness it brings me to know that we are a little bit closer to our goals of paying things off this year. It is such a relief to look at our account and see 'New Balance: $0', and in a way it makes me feel a bit proud to know that we were able to pay it off.

I am so grateful for our Heavenly Father. I am grateful for him answering the many prayers I plead to him throughout each day. I am grateful he is patient with me, and always there to listen whenever I need him there. I have recently realized that he will bless us with what is best for us when the time is ready. I love him, and am very grateful for our relationship and the joy he is to my life.

One of the reason's why I miss my Y.W. president!

2010-01-15T14:53:00.000-08:00

Many years ago when I was still in Y.W.'s I had the most wonderful Y.W. President. She is full of patience, love, kindness, etc etc. She has always been an amazing seamstress, and I always begged her to make me a quilt. But to my sadness, she would not make one for me. However when I was around 16 or 17, she said she would help make a quilt. I decided I'd make a star quilt, so I purchased all the fabric, washed and cut it all and started to make the pieces. Winnifred helped me with every step along the way, including having me piece together about 5 squares.

Well I moved to Arizona, and the quilt pieces picked up dust in Winnifreds corner...About a year later I moved back and decided I needed to work on it again...Well I had forgotten how long it took to do one piece (have I mentioned I'm not very patient?). So I made another block, and then got busy again. Shortly thereafter I met Brandon and definately ran out of time for the quilt. We got engaged, and married a few months later. I was really hoping she'd be able to come to our sealing in May, but she was going to go work on the Panama temple that weekend. But she had a surprise for me. Winnifred had slowly been working on the pieces and had been finishing blocks for me!

About a year or so later, it's done! Look how beautiful it turned out!

So the point? Thank you Winnifred so much for sharing your talents with me! I promise the next time I do a quilt it will be more simple, and I'll finish it!

Pick me up!

2010-01-08T15:51:00.000-08:00

This week has been so hectic with work...

With life...

I needed a pick me up...

Isn't he perfect?

I wish I looked this cute whilst sleeping. :)

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

2009-12-14T15:37:00.000-08:00

It's the time to catch up on blogging!

This year for Thanksgiving, Brandon and I made the turkey! It was quite the adventure, and to say the least, we're going to try and not make one for a long time! :) It's not that it was bad, it was just very nerve wracking. We had lots of fun with family though. My Mother, brother and his friend came over and we got to eat, play a few games and then watch a comedy show. My family ended up leaving early and so Brandon and I decided to finish off the day with his family at Classic Skating! We were lucky enough to get one picture in before our camera died.

A few days later was the BYU - UTAH game. Such an entertaining game. Both teams played very well. Here's a picture of some cousins and us at the end of the game! (Jerrica,James,Me,Brandon)

For awhile now Brandon has been begging me to buy cinnamon rolls. Now you need to realize growing up (for me) my mother would make them from scratch (every once in a blue moon) and it would be a glorious day. They were always fantastic, and since I've gone out on my own, have been wanting to make them, however I was very terrified at the same time! My mom would always tell me horror stories how other family members had tried to make them but never would succeed...(I had horrible black and white dreams of me failing...) Long story short, last Monday I decided to surprise Brandon. They turned out great! I think next time I'll make them I'll give more out though, we don't need that many to eat :)

Last Thursday we went up to the Mormon Tabernacle Christmas concert. Since Brandon's cousin is in the choir (and is absolutely fabulous I might add), she gave us a few tickets! We were able to go up with a few of our wonderful neighbours and enjoy the evening. Minus the traffic (Jazz game + MoTab Concert + construction = no bueno), and being late it was a great night! Concert was great, company =awesome, and to top it off the Toblers hid hot cocoa and plastic cups in the snow so we could have a tasty drink afterwards!

The Wonderful Witt's!

The Terrific Toblers! (hot cocoa included)

Brandon and Me

Changes

2009-11-13T13:51:00.000-08:00

(Brandon talking here, rare I know)

So this has been quite the week of changes for some of our friends. Some have gotten word of eventual loss of employment, others have gotten married, some having to seek medical aid, some just on the verge of venturing out on their own into the world.

Have you ever asked yourself what you would say to such people that go through so many changes in life? I am attempting to answer that right now.

Change can be a lot of different things to a lot of different people. Some changes are good, others not so much. Change can be unexpected and sneaky-like, and it can also be well anticipated and planned for, like a mountain which you can see far off that you know will eventually be your next path, or climb. It can also be dreamed of and sought for, and on the other hand it can be dreaded and fearful. Whatever shape or form change may take in your life, the main question is how do you deal with it?

I have always believed that the world is what we make of it. On a more personal level, I would take this phrase one step further to say YOUR world is what YOU make of it. I personally have experienced many changes in my life, some of them clearly unexpected, for better and for worse, sometimes so quickly that I have felt like my life was in high gear and often did I wonder in those times if I would ever be able to relax and get used to my new surroundings.

Those of you who may find yourself in a similar situation, or feel you can relate to the aforementioned description, may I suggest a few things that I found may be helpful in the stressful waves that change typically brings, whether for better or worse.

Go back to basics. Remember that there is beauty in simplicity. A lot of times in life we human beings (especially adults) tend to overcomplicate things. This can often be a tall order to some, who feel they have to juggle so many different thoughts, feelings, patterns of life, etc. at once. My dad once taught me a simple rule called K.I.S.S. - Keep It Simple Stupid!
Remember that change is one of if not the only consistency in life. Change is not a new thing - we have always been around change. It's a part of our life.
Recognize that there are some things in life that just don't change all that often, if at all. However, don't think for one second that YOU are one of those unchanging things; deny it all you'd like. Human beings grow just like any other organism on this earth. That growth is change. How YOU grow mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and most of the time even physically, is entirely up to you.
Principles are some of the rarely changing essences in our environment. Some of these principles are good foundation builders to help establish yourself, as well as those around you. Some of those principles are Truth, Integrity, Knowledge, Hard Work, Desire, Humility, Discipline, Respect, and the list goes on.

I think it's quite safe to say that we all experience high's and low's at some point in time. Robert Frost once said, "Most of the change ... we see in life is due to truths being in and out of favor." I couldn't agree more with this statement.

Money tends to influence the tides of change a lot these days, especially with the well known recession. Blame who you want, but perhaps the following quote might shed some light on your thoughts in case you have forgotten what REALLY influences change more than money:

"Money may be the husk of many things, but not the kernel. It brings you food, but not appetite; medicine, but not health; acquaintances, but not friends; servants, but not faithfulness; days of joy, but not peace or happiness." ~ Henrik Ibsen

For those of you having a GREAT time right now because of that is going on right now... Congratulations! I am genuinely happy for you! Enjoy it; remember that tomorrow is another day. To those who may be reading this that are having a hard time right now because of all that change swirling about you... hang in there, tomorrow is another day.

New Obsessions

2009-10-26T08:35:00.000-07:00

We have a few new obsessions in our life...

The first is a show called The Biggest Loser. After the first episode we were hanging out with our neighbors when they started to talk about it! It intrigued Brandon and I so we started to record the shows - but a few weeks of recording we still hadn't watched any episodes...well this past week we finally buckled down and watched the second episode...WOW are we hooked! We watched all the episodes (that were recorded) and caught up yesterday. :) We can't stand Tracey and seriously want her to get kicked off immediately! I don't know how she does it - but I want to punch her in the face everytime she opens her mouth...This show is so motivational though, since we watched the first episode Brandon has started to wake up early and go walking/sprinting while I get ready for work. It's made me want to watch less t.v. when I get home in the afternoons and focus on making our home a better place. Brandon has already lost 5 pounds and I am so proud of him, I can also tell he has more energy and is more alert before he's off to work!

My next obsession is the Fablehaven book series. Before I was let go I started to read the first one, and when I had my two week vacation (haha), and when I wasn't searching for a job I was reading these books. There are four books out and one more to come out this upcoming spring and I can't wait! I love jumping into a series and loving the story! It makes me want to read more...and I love to read! I feel so much better when I can read a book than if I had watched t.v. all day.

So those are the recent things going on in our lives - hopefully we can continue to stay motivated!

Sexy Seniors Preview!

2009-10-02T07:31:00.001-07:00

Okay...so who thought I was talking about hot old people when I put up the title? ;)

One of my lovely sister (n laws) is a senior, and this week is her UEA break, so Chelsey (sister) and her bubbly friend Amy decided to come down and visit with Brandon and I over the next few days! During this time I get to take their senior pictures! We are planning two photo shoots - one was yesterday afternoon and the next one will be Saturday! Here are two of my favorites I had time to edit last night!

Forever Family

2009-09-21T19:40:00.000-07:00

On Saturday September 19th, 2009 T.J., Aubrey, Ethan (and baby Ashton - not born yet ;) ) Kingsford were sealed as an eternal family for time and all eternity in the Logan Temple.

What a special event to witness. I love this family!

Unanswered Prayers

2009-09-21T15:07:00.000-07:00

For those of you who don't know, about two weeks ago I got called into an office and got the news that I was getting laid off because of downsizing. For many that can be very unsettling, scary and heartbreaking...and it was. At the same time, I kept having the feeling like everything would be okay. I didn't know how, or what would happen, I just knew we were going to be okay.

Since I got laid off at my old company, every morning was the same: Get up, pray, read scriptures, get online and apply for jobs, read a book, clean up the house, go back online and apply for more jobs, etc. I received a few phone calls here and there and had a few interviews. During this time Brandon and I were fortunate enough to go to the temple when I was feeling uncertain and again I felt an overwhelming assurity that we would be okay.

Two weeks from the day I was laid off I received a job offer at a great company, and today was my first day!

I am very grateful for unanswered prayers. There were a few positions where I was praying that they would call me back, but I never heard from them, or if I did it was to say they had gone with someone else. I know this is where I am supposed to be and I am very grateful for my Heavenly Father and for the comforting spirit he sent to my family over the past weeks.

I will miss my old co-workers, they have become great friends and I know that I will stay in touch. I am also grateful I was able to work at my previous job because that is where I met my best friend (other than Brandon ;) ) She has become a great influence in my life and I'm so grateful I got to spend every weekday with her.

I am grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ and for the testimony I have. I am grateful for unanswered prayers and know that when I truely put my trust in my Heavenly Father he will guide me. I love my husband and I am so grateful for his optimistic attiude over the past few weeks.

I hope everyone had a great Monday! I love you all :D

Preview of this Past Weekend

2009-08-24T14:18:00.000-07:00

We did so much this past weekend! I really don't have time to write about it now, but here's a picture :)

(P.S. Sarah is here too!! From this angle she's missing :( Like I said I'll add more info later. ;) )

Why I'm grateful for my Husband

2009-08-12T20:50:00.000-07:00

There are so many reasons why I am grateful for my husband, I just would like to write down a few that pertain to my life right now.

1. I told Brandon a little while back that one of my ambitions is to be a photographer. I know I am a rookie, but Brandon has supported me all the way. He has helped me purchase our first SLR camera. He is always giving me feedback and lifting my esteem on images that I take and show him; And even today he let me use him as a model so I can work on figuring out my camera's manual setting better.

2. Brandon has unconditional love that is so amazing, most people don't even know! He loves me for my flaws, my weaknesses and he tries to build me up and help me face my fears. Not only will he help me to acknowledge my wrongs, and help me strive to be better, but he'll be by my side the whole time holding my hand.

3. He is patient with me, even though I am not a patient person. Brandon has found out that when I want something, and I put my heart and soul into it, I want it now. Lucky enough for him, he is able to tease me about, but at the same time help me be realistic with our goals and dreams.

4. He is giving. I love to give and to help others. I am lucky enough to have a husband that loves to give as well! He is always worried about my needs and comforts, giving me foot rubs or back massages, cleaning the house when I am being lazy, but the best thing, is he loves to give to family and friends. He is constantly worrying about family and friends, and I know that a lot of them don't know. They are constantly in our prayers.

5. Brandon is a worthy priesthood holder with a strong firm testimony of our Savior. I am grateful Brandon keeps his commandments and is a worthy priesthood holder. It is such a blessing to be able to go to my husband and ask for a blessing of comfort, or of healing. Coming from a family that didn't have the priesthood for very long in her life growing up, I am grateful to have a husband that can hold it so worthily.

6. Brandon has a sense of humor. My husband is very random, and has a great sense of humor. I remember when we were watching Legacy for the first time and there is a scene where the Eliza asks David "Promise to make me laugh?" and David replies "Everyday." After that part I looked at Brandon and made him promise me that he'd do the same and he hasn't broken it yet!

7. My sweet husband is a hard worker and I am so proud of everything he does. Brandon loves to work and to support for our family. He loves putting his checks towards paying off bills so that we can someday work towards becoming parents. Brandon's hard work has finally paid off with his recent promotion and I know it won't be the last.

Like I said earlier there are so many reasons how I appreciate the love of my life. The best phrase that comes to mind is " I have all I've waited for...and I could not ask for more!"

I love you Brandon!

Naptime

2009-08-04T20:53:00.000-07:00

Over the past weekend we had family stay at our house for awhile (which we loved!). During this time our wonderful nephew took a nap with Scooby. What do you think?

Blessed

2009-07-28T10:29:00.000-07:00

** WARNING TO ALL - THIS BLOG IS EXTREMELY LONG - I'M SORRY IN ADVANCE **

Wow it's been awhile and so many wonderful things have happend...Lets see if I can try and summarize.

June: Brian (Brandon's youngest brother) got baptized in June! It was a very spiritual moment and he definately made it his own baptism :) It was also his sister Lauren's birthday and now she's 20! (And just a few more months till her missionary comes home ;) !)

This month has been absolutely crazy! So far we've had three birthdays, a family reunion, an ordination and soon to be a funeral. A quick shot outs to the birthdays Ethan (our nephew turned 1!), Aubrey (sister-n-law turned 21!) and Davey (my brother turned 28!).

The family reunion we went to was on the Holyoak side. It was great to get to know Brandon's side where we are spread all over Utah, to Texas even out in Hong Kong. We all got together and had a picnic in Sandy, the majority of everyone talked and ate while I took out my camera and took a few shots (I'll have to add those later). Later that afternoon we went to through the Oquirrh Mountain open house, it was a wonderful experience to be able to walk through and semi-explain things to my sister in law Lauren. We ended the night with dinner at Goodwood Bbq in Draper, now if you have never eaten there it's so delicious! (I recommend the pulled pork! Yum).

Aubrey and T.J. are my wonderful sister and brother in law that are working on getting sealed in the temple on September 19th. So on July 19th we were able to witness T.J. get ordained to an Elder! It has been so wonderful to see the changes in their hearts and to see their little family going to the temple. I know that when Aubrey, T.J. and their son Ethan get sealed in September they will be a forever family and I can not wait for them to receive those blessings.

On a very sad note, Brandon's Grandma Sandberg passed away this last Saturday. I did not know her for very long but I remember since the first moment I met her she has always been very loving and accepting of me. I know she had battled cancer for years and she is definately one of the strongest women I know. Her funeral is in Panguitch Utah on Thursday, so Brandon and I will be traveling down there later this week.

Now the reason I titled this blog as "Blessed" is because Brandon has been offered a promotion in his company! I'm grateful for the company he works for and the many opportunities it has given Brandon to learn and grow. I am also grateful for the many answered and unanswered prayers from our Heavenly Father, and I feel so blessed to know that he is watching over my family continuely.

One last great thing happened this weekend...Brandon and I met our neighbors! With great help from the Witt family (Thanks Allen and Jill!) we had a great BBQ on Saturday with fireworks at the end. It was wonderful to finally talk to our neighbors (since it feels like we all pretty much keep to ourselves), and the best part about it is that Brandon and I made a few great friends.

Anyway, I think I've covered everything and I apologize for this being so long! Have a wonderful week everyone :)

Inside Jokes

2009-06-01T20:23:00.000-07:00

Yes I do speak Canadian :)

Thanks Winnifred for making my day!!

1st Anniversary!

2009-05-31T20:38:00.000-07:00

Overview
They say that Disneyland is the place where dreams come true. Well, Tenille and I aimed to put that claim to the test. For our one year Anniversary, we decided to drive down to Anaheim, California for our first (and hopefully not the last) trip to Disneyland. I must admit, I don’t think we could have planned a better trip. We used the getawaytoday.com website for the hotel reservations as well as the tickets, and it fit our budget quite nicely, as we were able to succumb to the thrills of spontaneity more than once.
A Modest Proposal
Before I dive into the magical adventures that took place, let me take a quick moment to highlight our hotel choice, and its location, and why I recommend it to anyone. The hotel we stayed at is several large city blocks away from the park, and the most convenient way to travel to and fro was by public transit on a shuttle. It was very nice because the shuttle was only 8 dollars a day for both of us, and when you throw in a full continental breakfast at the hotel, you find yourself not only saving money by not eating at IHOP every morning, but you also don’t have to worry about walking a mile back to your hotel that’s “right next door” to the park. The hotel offered free parking for the duration of our stay so that too was also a plus.
Getting There
Driving down to Anaheim from Utah County (northern Utah for those of you who aren’t familiar with the beehive state), takes about 10-11 hours. We made the decision to split this driving time into two separate drives of 5 hours each, with a break in Mesquite, Nevada. We left Thursday night after work for Mesquite, and after gaining an hour with the change of time zones, we arrived around 10:30 PM. For those of you who are interested, we stayed at the Falcon Ridge Hotel, probably the cleanest and most affordable hotel I have ever stayed at! The next morning we drove the rest of the way to Anaheim, which wasn’t a hassle at all, and that’s where the fun began. Originally we had planned to relax a little bit once we had checked in, and then perhaps hit the beach for a sunset walk or something… but within 10 seconds of dropping our bags on the hotel floor, Tenille, who hadn’t been to Southern California for nearly 11 years, started to bounce off the walls and pleading to go to Disneyland NOW. Haha, we as you can figure out, off we went. Since our tickets were 5 day park hopper tickets (which we got for the price of 3 day park hoppers), off we went.
DISNEYLAND!!!
We arrived at the park in the mid-afternoon, where the line to pick up our park tickets was non-existent. We walked right up to the window and picked them up. Our first park? Oh… Disneyland, of course! Our first ride? Pirates of the Caribbean. As some of you know, since the trilogy has come out, the ride has gone through some major changes, and in my opinion, for the better! The ride is a lot darker now, and Tenille loved every minute of it! So much in fact, that we went on the ride 3 or 4 times during our stay.
Matchless Hospitality
As far as how was our overall treatment while there, I guess the best word to describe it would be “matchless.” One of the workers in a store asked us if we were celebrating anything, and when we told her it was our 1st anniversary, she went to her cash register and pulled out two buttons that said “Happy Anniversary!” She instructed us to wear these throughout our stay, which we did. I guess “Happy Anniversary” means in Disney lingo “Spoil these brats as much as you can.” And let me tell you, the Cast Members are good at doing this!! Some of the special treatment we encountered was V.I.P seating to the firework show at night, a classic photo opportunity immediately thereafter in front of the lighted castle before anyone was allowed on the bridge, and even a special moment to dance with Mickey and Minnie themselves! Not only that, but everyone congratulated us on our Anniversary wherever we went, which made us feel all fuzzy inside.
Adventures
One of the best was a fun and romantic (and needless to say, pricey) lunch at the Blue Bayou, which is a restaurant quietly set aside to the first leg of the Pirates Ride. The food was wonderful, and the setting was amazing, and actually, even with the people drifting along in boats not 30 feet from our table, it was very quiet. It was definitely worth it for the occasion at hand. Another adventure we embarked on was a first for me, and it’s something I never thought I would do in my lifetime. You see, after a few days of walking in the parks, your feet tend to get sore. So what did we do? We checked in to the Mandara Spa at the Grand California Hotel for a pair of pedicures, one for Tenille, and one (gulp) for me. For those of you who know me, if you tickle my feet, you run the risk of breaking a rib or an arm, pending on which is closer. Did my feet twitch a little while the lady was “massaging” my feet? Yep. Did Tenille laugh at me more than once when I fidgeted in my seat? Yep. And did I enjoy it? Yep. Will I get another one someday? Nope. (Tenille says “yep” to that last bit, which I think is nuts.)
Shopping
Aside from getting the usual shirts and paraphernalia, the highlight of this part of our Anniversary was a small shop behind Aurora’s Castle called “Heraldry”. It was here that we looked up the history of our family names, Holyoak and Irwin. We also found the Brazen of Arms for each name, which we had printed with the date of our marriage. The funny thing about the Irwin Brazen of Arms is that it has oak leaves on its crest… So Tenille was my princess destined for me all along! (tender moment, awww!) The cool thing about the Holyoak crest was that it was basically blue and white. To my family and friends, Cougar Blue truly does run deep in our veins! Aside from that, we also printed off the history of each name, and we will frame these documents and post them in our home. Pretty neat addition, if you ask me.
Final Stop
Having done all that, we drove home on Tuesday, stopping for a short, yet pleasing visit with my Grandpa Winchester, who lives just outside of Mesquite. A recent widower as of February this year, he has been having a very difficult time, and looks forward anxiously to the day that he and his late wife Judy, my grandmother, will be reunited. However, it was a joy to hear that he is now attending Sacrament Meeting as often as his work schedule will permit, especially since he has been inactive for at least 10 years. He is a great man, and despite some of his flaws which he personally acknowledges, I will always admire him. We love him dearly, and he is in our prayers.
So there you have it! Our trip was a perfect capstone to a year that has been full of blessings and adventures. I look forward to many more in the years to come. : )

Anniversary Pix 2009

2009-05-31T20:10:00.000-07:00

Ready to start our trip!

Aw Tender!

Lunch at the Blue Bayou... Awesome Food!

Jack Jack on Fire :)

Tow-Mater! (wit out da 'Ta)

We bought sweatshirts!

Where Dreams Come True

Minnie!

Mickey Mouse!

Goofy!

Happy 1st Anniversary!

Minnie and I jivin' it up!

Mickey and Tenille showing off.

Dancing With Minnie and Mickey!

Donald!

The Castle at Night

And so we did!

1 Year!

2009-05-26T21:55:00.001-07:00

I know I'm a little late, but you have to give me a break...we just got back from California a hour ago :)

So on May 24th 2008 Brandon and I had just gotten....

We had lots of smiles and laughter...

We had a bite of our delicious cake...

Little bit of dancing...

It was the beginning of our family and I'm so blessed to have my dearest Brandon in my life! Here are a few more shots of our wedding...

Our Finished Kitchen!

2009-05-17T15:14:00.000-07:00

Here is our finished red kitchen! We do have to do a few touch up's here in there with the paint, but luckily in this picture you can't really tell. This is unfortunately the only room completely unpacked, painted, and clean but Brandon and I are making June our fixer upper month for our house! I'm excited to get everything else painted so we can finally hang some pictures up!

P.S. Congrats to my sister and brother in law (Aubrey and T.J.), they have set a sealing date for their family for September 19th! I am so proud of them and happy that I get to call them family :)

P.P.S. Brandon and I were able to go to my friend Janeal's sealing this past Friday. I'll have to upload pictures, but again I am so happy for her, and I love her and Ryan both!

P.P.P.S. I am trying a new chicken crock pot recipe today! It smells delicious, and I have to run and make some veggies now :)

So this is what you call lazy...

2009-04-28T20:11:00.000-07:00

The current situation that I am in now is that I am in my old apartment with Brandon, and what we should be doing is packing/cleaning...What we're really doing is...Brandon is actually working (boo!), and I'm facebooking/blogging! I have horrible motivation sometimes...I think it started this morning....

So this morning our fridge, washer and dryer were delivered. To sum it up, I basically missed work ALL morning...It didn't help that the experienced deliverer brought the new guy, and the new guy brought in the wrong washer and dryer. Luckily I noticed they were the wrong ones when they were half way moving them...I did get to read a good chunk of the 6th Harry Potter book. :) (I need to refresh my memory before the movie comes out in July). On the brighter side, we have a fridge now, so that means we can actually buy groceries and eat at home.

Back to the now...in our old apartment we don't have much left, just odds and ends from each room that we don't use day to day...I really should just get up and pack. :) I do have the WHOLE kitchen to pack too...*sigh*

On a good note, I love our new house!!!! It is soo quiet! I haven't slept soo good, since we stayed at the Anniversary Inn, or the Stratosphere. I forgot how nice it is to not have people walking on my head. It's also nice to have stairs to walk up and down, it kicks my butt everyday, but hey it's exercise!

Well now I'm just rambling, so I'll probably be getting off to start packing...tomorrow after work I'll need to clean because we have to be out of the apartment at the latest by thursday. I know, I know, Brandon and I are taking our time! I do have to say it's nice to take our time to move. Anyway...that's my ramblings for today! I hope everyone is having a great Tuesday! Night :)

It's Townhouse Time!!!

2009-04-15T20:35:00.000-07:00

Wow, it's been a long time since I've posted on this blog. Tenille can't seem to put down Breaking Dawn right now though, so I will take a moment to update things.

Well, if you haven't heard, the cats out of the bag. We are buying our first home! It's a new townhouse in Saratoga Springs, Utah, just northwest of Utah Lake. It faces east towards the valley, and although the view is blocked by more townhouses, our backyard consists of a field and and then the mountain landscape. Not too bad if you ask me!

One of the things I like so much about this place is the fact that actually feels like a single-family house. It officially has 2,090 sqaure feet, 3 bedrooms, 2 1/2 bathrooms (one of which is the master bathroom which has a separate tub and shower AND a walk-in closet), a separate laundry room which is upstairs with the bedrooms, a kitchen with a pantry and a spacious dining room to go along with it, a two car garage with room to spare, and if that's not enough, a huge unfinished basement. (I have claimed the basement as my playground for the next few years, hopefully to turn part of it into a theatre room.)

Since no one has lived in it before, the walls are all white, which Tenille has declared loud and clear will not last for long. The other night we picked out colors to paint it, and yes folks, she gets her little red kitchen again. It was pretty funny because when we looked at red colors for the kitchen, the first one she picked up was the same color we painted our current kitchen.

Forgive the panoramic shots for being a bit crude... but you get the idea :) We are expected to close on Monday, and as all of you who have already bought a houose, you know how much fun the waiting game is at this point!

Scrunchy Face

2009-03-29T09:06:00.001-07:00

Brandon and I went up to Providence for Brandon's Mother's surprise birthday party. The majority of the time we got to spend with his siblings cleaning the house and spending time with each other. Our adorable nephew Ethan learned how to scrunch his face recently, so I couldn't wait to get the perfect shot of it!

Few More

2009-02-22T22:17:00.000-08:00

Just a few more of the cute couple! Man it's late, goodnight :)

Janeal and Ryan

2009-02-22T13:52:00.001-08:00

Here are a few shots of my friend Janeal and her fiance Ryan (he is also a friend now ^_^). I took a few engagment shots of them yesterday, and here are a few I've edited. This is mostly for them, but figured others would enjoy.

Happy House Hunting

2009-02-19T20:18:00.000-08:00

Tonight Brandon and I walked through our first house we're interested in maybe purchasing. Granted in order to purchase it we'd have to have money...so we basically looked at a house tonight. ;) It was such a blast! It definately makes me want to live in a bigger place. I am grateful for our wonderful basement apartment, but when we were walking around I just couldn't belive how QUIET the house was! The whole place is just beautiful, I hope someday we'll be able to get a house like that. The view was magnificent too! The house is in Saratoga Springs, and lets just say that you can see the mountains to the south and east, we can also see the lake, and if you look east we can see the Timp. Temple! AGH! So amazing, Brandon and I need to start saving :)

The dress :)

2009-02-15T18:42:00.001-08:00

Per request to my fabby friend Jenn, here are a few more pictures of the dress Brandon let me get for V-day.

The back of the dress.

Front and me being silly
The front of the dress, showing off the super cute silver sparkly heels I got :)

Valentine's Day

2009-02-14T21:35:00.000-08:00

WARNING: THIS ENTRY IS COMPLETELY RANDOM. SORRY IF ANYONE GETS CONFUSED.

This previous Monday Brandon officially told me our Valentine's Day plans. His instructions were to go out and find a nice formal dress, and to get dolled up for Wednesday. I asked how much I could spend and he gave me a number I was completely surprised about! (Apparently he's been saving behind my back!) Long story short, thanks to my best friend Laura, we went out on Tuesday for lunch and found a beautiful dress at Alyse's Bridal. I also spoke to my boss and was able to take a half day on Wednesday making it possible for me to get my make up and hair done for Wednesday (aka our Valentine's Day).

On Wednesday I worked till around 12 pm, and then went to the mall. I LOVE MAC make up, and I am horrible at actually putting make up on, so I made an appointment. The end result was pretty great, she did smoky purpleish eyes. After that I went and got my hair all curled/up. Then I rushed home and Brandon helped me put my dress on. He was all dressed up in his suit and my favorite dark blue shirt he wears. Anyway, we rushed out the door around 6 pm to drive up to SLC to the restaurant The Roof. We had a great table right across from the front of the temple, and the food was delicious. My favorite was the chocolate mousse, to die for! Anyway, after that we ended up visiting my Mom and then picking up Brandon's cousin that had actually locked his keys in the car and taking him home before we rushed home and crashed into bed! (We both still had to work the next day :( )

These past few weeks have been exhausting and stressful with Brandon's company. All of the upper managment and the VP's left trying to overthrow the CEO and basically the only people working was Brandon and the Customer Service department. We have definately had our patience and faith tested and we're grateful the company is starting to rise up on it's feet. Throught it all it's also looking like Brandon might receive a different position/raise, either way we are eternally grateful he still has a job and is able to help provide for our family.

I'd like to reminisce about last years Valentine's Day...Last year Brandon and I were dating at the time, and it was one of the best Valentine's Days ever. He had class after work, and so I ended up heart attacking his room and blowing balloons and basically destroying his room. I also got him a cd he had been dying to get. The next day when we did celebrate Valentine's Day, he took me ring shopping, and then took me dancing! For Brandon that is a HUGE step because he can not dance for the life of him. He was a great sport though, and I had a blast with him.

Today Brandon and I ended up spoiling ourselves...we ended up eating at I-Hop this morning for a good hearty breakfast, then running to Macey's for groceries. After returning home we decided to have a fun trip at Best Buy to see if anything sounded appealing...We ended up walking out of there with a Wii!! Brandon and I have been wanting one for awhile, so I'm so happy we get to play! Now since we got that though, it's time to stick to our goals....Pay things off!! (We also did find a living room set we both agreed on, even the price was great...we just can't afford it yet. Even if we could we wouldn't have anywhere to put it...But like I said, we are going to pay things off now!

Anyway, I've rambled enough...here are some pictures of this past Wednesday!

Brandon and I at our table.

Us infront of the SLC temple.

I love his kisses!

Back to School...back to school!

2009-01-12T14:55:00.000-08:00

Today is Brandon's first day of school! I just want him to know how proud I am of him and how much I love him! I know he'll do great because he is one of the smartest people I know. I am very excited to motivate and support him through these next few years of school! :D

I love you babe!

New Years Eve Fun!

2009-01-12T14:44:00.000-08:00

New Years Eve was a great day for us! I ended up getting off work at 3 and decided to walk around Walmart till Brandon would get off work. There I grabbed a few movies and some bubbly or (sparkling apple cider). While I was at Walmart I noticed the SLR Canon camera's and the prices on them. I've always loved taken pictures and Brandon and I have talked about getting a great camera eventually so I thought to myself why not now? So Brandon and I purchased a Canon XSI Rebel 12.2 megapixel camera. I was SOOOO happy! What a great day right? Well shortly after purchasing the camera we went out for Chinese food and while eating Brandon got a call from his cousin James. James and his wife Jerrica were up with his family in Sandy and invited us to spend the night with them. Their plans were to see the movie Valkyrie and then play games and eat junk at his parents house. Since both of us had been dying to see that movie we of course said yes and started to move our party down to Sandy. We both loved the movie, and games were a blast! All in all we ended and started the new year off to a great start :)

Christmas Plans

2009-01-12T14:04:00.000-08:00

If anyone knows me they know I like things planned! I wish I could be more spontaneous...but that's where the anxiety kicks in...ANYWAY, Christmas was quite interesting this past year. The original plan was that Brandon and I would visit my Father and Step family on Christmas Eve night then we would go home, then we would wake up Christmas morning and have that morning with eachother, then we'd head up to SLC to visit with my Mom and brother. After visiting with them we we're supposed to drive up to Providence to have some Christmas time with Brandon's family before ending the night at the Anniversary Inn...Here's how it went!

December 23, 2008 (Evening): Brandon and I watching the Weatherman tell of a storm coming Christmas day (ooh goody! That's when we're driving to Providence!). Brandon and I start to think and plan on how we can still visit with most of our family without missing anyone or getting stuck in the storm. We call my Step Brother in Law (Luke) to see if my Dad and Step Mom will be in town and sooner than late Christmas Eve night. No luck...Still brain storming...Come up with a plan...here it is. We have December 23 (that night) be our Christmas Eve, then have December 24th be our Christmas and we'll wake up early and open presents before we head off to work. After work we'll come home and pack and then have dinner with the Step family and Dad. After dinner and games we'll drive north to SLC to visit with my Mom and brother before driving up to Providence to spend real Christmas morning with them and thus missing the STORM! Now that we had our plan we opened our 1 present for Christmas Eve. We both got super cute p.j.'s from Santa! (I'll have to post pictures later!)

December 24, 2008: I toss and turn throughout the night feeling nauseous beyond belief! Thoughts running through my head on how I do not want to be sick for my first Christmas with my hubby! Brandon and I wake up at around 6 am to open presents. We both opened our stockings first and then moved on to our presents. Both of us got spoiled and had an amazing time (minus me feeling like death had taken over). After we opened presents we got ready for the day and went to work. Luckily at work there was barely anyone there! I was able to be sick beyond belief almost by myself. When my co-worker Savannah came in sick we had a pitty party for ourselves and then left at noon. Right before leaving work I realized that I was having a migraine and that I would just have to try and take some pills and sleep it off until Brandon got off work at 3. Sleeping helped but I was still feeling no bueno. Long story short after a 3 hour nap I got up and got ready for the weekend and the night. Arriving at my step sisters house it smelled delicious but all I wanted to do was go back to bed :( My Dad semi noticing I wasn't doing well asked what's wrong and I then went on to tell him how I was having a migraine. He then gave me a bottle of these amazing pills. They ended up taking a lot of the pain away but I was still nauseous so Thanks Dad! After dinner and games we went off to visit with my Mom and brother. It wasn't a long visit due to the fact that it was already late and Tyr was playing a video game the whole time. It was nice to see my puppy though! After there we were off to Providence! We chatted with the family for a little bit before Brandon put me to bed..it was 2 am(Thanks :) )

December 25, 2008: Brandon and I had taken over Chelsey's room for the weekend and the previous night we had locked the door so that we could rest. 6 am we here a little knock on the door and a whispering voice saying "Merry Christmas." I had waken up a few minutes before so as soon as I heard that I started laughing soo hard. Brandon and I got dressed in our sweats and went upstairs to watch his family have a Merry Christmas. I later took a nap on the couch and it was good :) That night Brandon and I went to the Anniversary Inn and spend the night in the Juliets Balcony suite. It was GORGEOUS! (Once again I'll add pictures later). We had muchos fun and watched Napoleon Dynamite and The Pink Panther. (On a side note my migraine was mostly gone, the nausea had stayed though).

December 26th, 2008: We're snowed in at the Inn! We go and check out before we get charged late fees and then the fun begins on digging the car out. We did have a random stranger with a snow shovel come help us (thank heavens!) and then we ended the weekend with the family :)

We did have a great weekend. I did end up getting the flu on Saturday so I was sick twice during Christmas break but in the long run it was a great Christmas. I pray it was a great time for everyone else :)

Sick, sick, sick!

2008-12-17T20:58:00.000-08:00

So earlier this week Brandon and I both got sick with the flu! Since being married we've both been sick, but never together. We've still been going to work and running errands but when we are home we've been exhausted. It's still cute how we've both taken extra time to take care of eachother.

I do have to say how grateful I am to be married to a worthy priesthood holder. Earlier this week he was able to give me a blessing and about half way through I was feeling half way better! I am so grateful that Brandon lives and keeps his covenants and that through faith we can be healed. I am so grateful for the gospel and our temple marriage.

Merry Christmas!

No Cavity Club

2008-12-15T19:32:00.000-08:00

Today was Brandon and my first official visit to the dentist as a married couple. Great news! Both of us have no cavities :) I felt that at any moment they were going to take our picture and put it on the 'No Cavity Club' Board.

Since our appointments were in the 2 o'clock hour we ended up being done around 3. It was so nice to be able to spend more time with each other. We ended up going to the new Denny's in American Fork (it had just opened this morning). It wasn't too bad, just seemed a little slow...we had fun though. :) After Denny's, Brandon and I went to Costco and ended up getting a few more Christmas movies and the new J.K. Rowling book. (I can't wait to start it!).

We then came home and I made hot cocoa and we watched Christmas Vacation, it was my first time watching it and quite hilarious. It will definately become a favorite...Now I just got done with working for a bit and I'm writing away...

I did apply for a position I would love to achieve! It's an Office Support position for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints. :) I have been having some problems with my current job with not feeling appreciated and all in all wanting a better enviroment. I've thought about searching for positions in the church and as soon as I saw this one I immediately applied. I have an amazing feeling that things will turn out ok (no matter what happens), but it still is a ray of hope. I would truely appreciate the prayers, I know this would be a wonderful opportunity for learning and service.

I do need to get going. Brandon and I are planning on finishing the Book of Mormon by the end of the year and we need to study!! Have a great night and Merry Christmas :)

P.S. Congrat's to James and Jerrica Cook for their 1 year wedding anniversary!! We love you both so very much!

Christmas Shopping!

2008-12-06T11:25:00.000-08:00

So this morning I went out into town to do a little Christmas shopping for Brandon. I'm not going to lie, there are a TON of people out! Not that it was bad or anything, just busy. ACK. I do have to say it's been a lot of fun going out and Christmas shopping for others (especially with Brandon). Last night I started wrapping up Christmas presents for those of our close family and friends. I was so happy to see presents under the tree, it just makes the tree look complete. I think it made me even happier to think that the presents under the tree so far aren't even for us! I am very excited to see everyone's faces when they recieve them!! So excited, I hope they like them...

Tomorrow I am making a roast with mashed potatoes and what not. I'm very excited, we're not sure if we're inviting anyone else, but I'm positive there will be left overs so if anyone wants to come to dinner tomorrow after church just give us a heads up ;)

Merry Christmas!!!

O Christmas Tree

2008-11-22T14:16:00.001-08:00

I know, I know...Christmas isn't for over another month but Brandon and I couldn't resist! We ended up setting our Christmas tree up the Monday after he came home from California. I'm not going to lie, it's BEAUTIFUL! I can't help but look at our tree and think about how blessed we are! We're barely married (almost 6 months now!) and we are able to afford a tree, and be able to decorate it. I'm so grateful!

Figuring out where the tree was going to be placed was honestly the biggest problem. Brandon and I don't have the largest basement apartment, but it definately suits us perfectly. Long story short we had to rearrange our whole living room area...it did turn out great though. Only bad thing is, is that Brandon likes the new set up, so when Christmas is over, we're going to have an empty space in the corner! I'm sure we'll figure that out when the time comes!

I am truely excited for Christmas this year! I think the best part will be that it's OUR first Christmas. Christmas is a little different when you're married, I've already had to sit Brandon down and we've discussed the gift list. This gift list is not for us, but for our families and close friends. I love the Christmas season and the cheer it brings to everyone around! I can't wait to drive around with Brandon to look at Christmas lights around our house and up at Temple Square! This truely is a great time in our life!

Internet!

2008-11-21T18:40:00.001-08:00

As of 7:30 PM we officially have internet at our house!! Now we can update this more with pictures and blogs :)

Go Cougs!

My (Brandon's) First Business Trip

2008-11-17T16:01:00.000-08:00

As I sit here waiting for my flight home, I think back on that past few days, reflecting on what I have experienced. My company flew around 30 people or so down to Anaheim, California, for the quarterly event “Rising Star Academy”. The event hosted more than 1,200 people from all across the North American continent, and even farther in some cases. I met people whom I had talked to on the phone in the past year, and even met a few new prospects coming from Mexico; it was a joy to meet these wonderful people seeking after prosperity in person. I have a great respect for them, as they are inspired by the idea of owning their own business and creating their own success.
What was also fun was being able to have the sense of accomplishment after witnessing how big of an even we put on. While hundreds of people learned about how to create wealth, seize opportunity and so on and so forth, we corporate employees ran the show behind the scenes, from assembling recognition awards, to ushering, to registration and back again. It was definitely stressful at times, and by the look on everyone’s face as we anticipate our departure to Salt Lake, it was utterly exhausting. My feet are sore, and my legs are worse. My lower back feels horridly tight and sore. My eyes are drooping, and I’ve a memorable headache that won’t soon be forgotten.
Interestingly enough, having gone through such a great yet demanding experience I saw a new side in several coworkers that I thought either I’d never see, and in some cases, didn’t expect. Some would come through in a hard situation, others would stress out over small and meaningless things, a few would take offense to the smallest intrusion, and another few seemed so far removed from their normal state. Perhaps this is evidence to the notion that not everyone is who they really are from 8 to 5, Monday through Friday. I was surprised, pleased, disappointed, grateful, confused, angered, and frustrated, and sometimes all those emotions came at once. Without being judgmental, I will say that alcohol has the ability to change some people from the greatest soul into the most uncompassionate, and, believe it or not, vice versa. It should be noted though that I don’t believe that a person’s drunken state is who they truly are, and I feel that anyone who does feel that way is shallow.
Finally, to touch on a personal level, I realize that I have missed my wife more than ever. This trip was the longest we have been apart since we were married in May of this year, and the 2nd longest we’ve been apart since we started dating (although the most we’ve been apart ought not to count because it was during Christmas last year when we had been dating only a few weeks). I wanted Tenille at my side ever so earnestly, coming to the conclusion that I don’t want to spend any more time away from her than I have to. It has been said that absence makes the heart grow fonder, and I must agree with this principle.
Having experienced the many luxuries of Southern California and the company’s corporate account, I have learned that (for me, anyway) there is beauty in simplicity. I have dined at fine restaurants and stayed on the 11th floor of a very expensive and well known hotel, and have enjoyed the local entertainment as much as time and conscience permit. But now I long for the warmth of my small basement apartment, my comfy cozy bed, and the arms of my young, beautiful wife whom I love so much.
One more thing… I am now on the plane, and I have noticed that while I may be cramped up and luxury is for the first class seating up front, I must say, I love to fly. As we flew out of John Wayne Airport on what seemed to be a very clear California evening, I got a good view from my little window. It almost looked like the insides of a computer, with the small cars- hardly visible from so high up- as the veins of such a large city. It’s funny. From up here, things are so small, and it offers an interesting perspective. What seems to be a huge deal from the ground up may not seem so extravagant from the sky looking down, at least not on a detailed level. On the whole, cities look beautiful from the aerial view in my opinion, but as I get on the ground and look at the finer details that make up such a large metropolis, I notice that there are things that are great and small, grand and horrid, which make up the whole thing. It’s interesting how the good and the bad intertwine so much on this great earth.
This whole week I have had the words of a popular song in my head by Carrie Underwood, which says, “when you figure out love is what matters after all, it sure makes everything else seem so small.” This chorus could not be more accurate. I know many people –even family, who make choices and live their lives in ways that I disagree with. And yet, I feel for them and have hope that they are happy. There is so much hate in the world, and perhaps it’s because there is a lack of understanding due to the fact that so many people look from the ground up, with a limited view. Perhaps it’s because too many of us take ourselves too seriously, and take offense to too many of the little things that really is just part of life. Perhaps not, perhaps I am completely wrong. But I believe that people, no matter who they are, what they look like, or what they believe or even don’t believe in, are naturally good natured. We don’t all have to agree and live the same life. Common acceptance and a personal disposition to live one’s life according to what they believe in I think would go a long, long way.
Sheesh… it’s amazing what a small business trip will get you thinking about.

Costco Membership

2008-11-07T08:48:00.000-08:00

As of last night Brandon and I are official members of Costco! Before we got married we had discussd getting a Costco card but we either didn't have the money or I felt it uneccessary for newleyweds for bulk. Since then I've felt that we could make our money back just by saving on gas. We also walked around and found a few nifty things on sale. All in all I feel more married, but it's exciting and fun! If anyone needs to go to Costco, you know who to call :)

Brandon also got a call this morning from his Dad. I guess we're going to the last BYU home game tomorrow! I've loved going to each game (since prior to marrying Brandon I'd never set foot in the stadium). We'll have to be sure to take pictures!

Today my friend Casey (Honk), is marrying his sweetheart. I pray that he'll have a great day! So far it just looks cloudy, so all is well! I'm excited to go to his reception tonight, just wish we didn't have to work all day today!! Anyway I better get back to work!

Our Pictures Are Here!

2008-10-28T15:20:00.000-07:00

Our Wedding photographers took 'engagement' pictures of Brandon and I around our 4 month anniversary for Free! We were finally able to see the images online this weekend. They're amazing! I have a few below, but if you would like to see the others I'll give you the information.

They loved the flower ones the best!

It's so beautiful around fall!

Happy Birthday Surprises!

2008-10-13T14:31:00.000-07:00

This past Friday (10/10), was my birthday! I've been trying quite hard to convince Brandon to tell me what the plans were but to much pleading he still held his tongue. The day finally came and I got up and went to work. Work was normal like usualy except Brandon was 'training' so we wouldn't be able to chat on google talk throughout the day. When lunch rolled around a co-worker of mine took me to Kneaders and paid for lunch, since we took a shorter lunch than usual we decided to go to Downeast Outfitters in American Fork and try on a few items. As Savannah is in the changing room I get a call from my dear husband giving me 'specific instructions' to stay where I am. I literally laugh and tell him if he's on his way to my work I'm not there but he can pick me up at Downeast. :)

Once Brandon picked me up he then instructed me to close my eyes and trust him. Recently I get very car sick and nauseous so I wasn't very thrilled about this part, but seeing as he had kept this a secret thus far I felt like I should try my best. Brandon starts driving around and a short while later we're at a stop. I'm instructed to keep my eyes closed as he helps me out of the car (p.s. I'm wearing heels...and for those of you who know me I suck at wearing heels), and I attempt to not fall on my face. We walk a few paces and he lets me know I can open my eyes. To my surprise Brandon had brought me to Massage Envy! We went straight in and got a 'couple massage'. Basically they had 2 massage tables in the room and we got massages at the same time.

After the massages Brandon let me decide whether we should go home and I can open my presents, or we could drive down to my work and get my car then register me into school. I of course choose the opening presents :) As we drove home he continued to apologize on how he couldn't wrap all the presents, but I said it'd be ok. We walk into the house and the first present I notice is that the house is clean! The next thing I noticed is Brandon got me the Twilight series of books (all hardcover), the newest Rascal Flatts cd, a Chocolate Truffle Cake, a necklace, and a new computer desk! My husband is soo amazing! I can't believe he spoiled me so much!!

We were then off to get my car from work/register me into school. Last Thursday Brandon and I decided I should go back into school. I decided to go into Medical Office Administration and I was extremely excited to start ASAP. When we got to the school however they told me I'd have to speak with a counselor before I could register so I planned on registering Monday morning. Since we couldn't register we dropped my car off at home on the way to Sandy to have dinner with Brandon's family. Brandon's Uncle Doug was in town from Hong Kong and so there was a festive evening planned at Golden Corral that night. It was hard to keep my birthday a secret but I tried for the most part (I didn't want to steal the evening from Doug!). At the end of the night we went back to the 'Cooks' house and played signs with the whole family!

That was basically my birthday! I am so grateful for my husband and I adore him so much. I love him and I couldn't be happier! Thanks babe!

(On a side note on Sunday night Brandon and I decided to use the money I got for school to pay off some debt and consolidate our bills. We've paid off four bills and it is quite a relief. I do however plan on going to school soon and I will keep you updated when that will happen. Hopefully around the same time Brandon goes back to school!)

Super Savings

2008-10-13T14:25:00.000-07:00

So last week Brandon and I decided to splurge a little bit and dip into our savings to grab a few things we need. These three main items were a queen sized down comforter, and two winter coats for us (one for each). In our savings we had around 450 to spend on these items.

We started at Ross Dress for Less in American Fork. Searching around we find a queen down comforter for.....$30! After that we drove down to Burlington Coat Factory in Orem. We found double winter coats for both Brandon and I and the prices were...$40 (Brandon), $60 (Tenille). WOW! I never thought we'd be able to find such great deals!

My Tenille

2008-10-08T16:47:00.000-07:00

Ha! I would like to take this opportunity to say... that my wife is SO FREAKIN CUTE!! Her birthday is on Friday and I have something special planned.. and for once, I am actually succeeding at keeping it a secret! (Ah... clever me.)

She's a wonderful example to me. I've know of none other so committed, so dedicated to that which they do. She's my dream come true.

She's currently at work right now helping out payroll, which is normal for her- going the extra mile and all. She jokes about how sometimes she's a perfectionist, but I think it's God-given and just plain old cute. I may never truly understand her, but I know that the more I do, the more I will appreciate her, and the more I will love her.

We're going bowling tonight with our good friend Laura, who shortly will be returning to Washington for minor medical reasons. I know that it's been a hard day at work for Tenille, and I hope that she knows that as much as Laura will miss her, I love Tenille 10 times more (yeah, I'm a suck up).

I love my Tenille, and I always, always will.

Yay for absent minds.

2008-10-01T08:07:00.000-07:00

So last night Brandon and I decided to go to the Lehi Rec Center and relax in the hot tubs. Mostly Brandon decided to take me there because I've been so sore from hiking/falling out of a tree/scraping myself on an old train cart etc etc. So I grabbed my purse and threw it in the back of his car, and we were off! We relaxed and then went and grabbed a bite to eat and came home and started watching LOTR The Twin Towers. This morning I'm getting ready (Brandon has already left for work), and I'm just about ready to leave when I realize that my purse isn't in our house. I start searching around when I realize 'OH NO!!' I had left it in Brandon's car...No worries, I'll just go drive down to his work and pick it up. I start putting my shoes on and about to leave the house when I realize 'OH NO!!!' My keys are in my purse. So curently I am writing this and trying to figure out when I'll make it to work! I'm not going to lie, it's quite nice to relax in the morning and not worry about work. On the other hand it won't be fun working late to make up some hours. I guess we'll see.

So this past weekend our wedding photographers gave us a complimentary photoshoot with them. It was such a blast and I honestly can't wait to see the pictures! We'll get them in the next few weeks and I'm secretly hoping they'll be available to view online for my birthday, which by the way is in 9 days. I can't believe this year has flown by so fast! The saying must be true, time flies when you're having fun :)

Happy late birthday Brandon!

2008-09-19T08:25:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry I haven't really posted anything this week. We've been celebrating Brandon's birthday for quite some time! Brandon turned 23 on Tuesday (16th), but we started celebrating last friday. Last week we went bowling with friends and family at the local Jack and Jills bowling alley. I was able to get him a Wall-e cake which turned out delicious! I don't have the pictures quite up so I can't upload those so I'll add them within the next few days. I let Brandon open a gift early...it was a BYU track jacket, very nice and he adores it. :)

Last Saturday was the big BYU vs UCLA game. We had literally perfect seats (minus the sun being on us the WHOLE time!) We were on the east side, 25 yard line about 30 rows up. It was so much fun and a great first game for me!! BYU killed UCLA 59-0. Apparently I'm good luck, just kidding. During the game we visited his famiy during half time. I love his family, and it's great to see where we'll be sitting when we're able to afford tickets! After the game we met up with family (Brad, Jean, Lauren, Brian, my Mom, Tyr and his friend), at Rumbi. It was great to eat some food after such a hot day! After eating we went back to our house and I started frosting the cake I made earlier that morning. When I started to light the candles they were melting to fast so I had to have Brandon help me! After we got the cake all lite up I made him go back into the living room and I attempted to walk the cake in without blowing out the candles, dropping it on the floor, and singing 'Happy Birthday', (I know I'm talented) ;).

So as you can tell we had our new 'Quest for perfection' shirts on, and we're both completely red...well at least I was. That night my Mom stayed at our house because she was driving back down to AZ the following morning. It was nice to be able to chat with her, but I do have to admit, it was better to fall asleep that night. We were so tired we left his lamp on throughout the whole night.

On Sunday before my Mom left she wanted to take a few picutres of us because she just got the new camera. What do you think?

Anyway, for this week it's mostly been work! On Brandon's birthday my Father was coming through town and he took us out to Olive Garden, and then he stayed over that night before he went down to Vegas, and then to fly out to Jamaica to visit my Step Mom. She's currently out there for her education. She got a scholarship for her Masters in Service so for the next few months she'll be in Jamaica and then off to England for the rest of her year.

I better get back to work! Have a great weekend!!

For a Monday, it's been a pretty good day!

2008-09-08T14:01:00.000-07:00

Like most people I dread Monday's! Luckily today has been quite an amazing day! :) For example, their was a co-worker that I helped get insurance a few months ago. It was a 'rush' deal because his sons were about to start football camp for BYU. Once I found that out we started talking and he offered to give Brandon and I tickets for a game or two. Last week I found out that this specific guy was no longer working at this company so I was slightly down because that meant we wouldn't get tickets. Today during lunch I received a call from my desk from this guy! He is having Brandon and I meet him and his family on Saturday, so now Brandon and I get to go to the BYU vs UCLA game! The best part about it is that we'll be celebrating Brandon's birthday this whole weekend so this just adds to the excitement!

On Friday I'm planning something for Brandon's party. So far all I've got is everyone meeting up at Jack and Jill's Bowling in American Fork, UT at 6:30 pm. There we can bowl, eat food and I'll bring a cake for my sweethearts 23 birthday! Granted his birthday isn't until the 16th but that's a Tuesday. I'm so excited to give him the gifts I got! I actually would like to get a few more so we'll see how that goes within the next few days :)

So last night we went to an amazing fireside at the Mariott Center in Provo. Elder Holland spoke on trials and how we are never truely alone. His words were truly inspirational and they touched my heart. Tonight Brandon and I will make some goals to start doing the things we have 'planned' on doing but just don't get around to. No more procrastination!

Have a great Monday!

Our first loan!

2008-08-27T13:15:00.000-07:00

Brandon and I were officially approved for a loan for my car! This is such and amazing blessing because now the credit will be put into our name, and also my payments will go down. :) Since the payments will go down, I can use that extra money to pay off the other debt we have.

We also got memberships to the Lehi Legacy Center to start working out and getting back into shape! We've only gone once, and it was swimming but it's quite the amazing place. Even just swimming once I feel slightly healthier. It's nice that we're pushing ourselves to become more healthy, I love how we're making goals and plans and following through with them. Life is wonderful!

After we went swimming on Monday we went to Walmart to get "munchies." And we found BYU Icecream! So happy, football season is coming up and Brandon is completely stoked that the first game is on Saturday 4 pm! Go Cougs!

Camping at Bear Lake!

2008-08-24T14:04:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was a blast! Tenille and I went up to Bear Lake with our Brother and Sister-In-Law, Colton and Hilary. (Interesting Fact: they got married 4 days after we did!) Getting up to the lake was a hassle, thanks to all the stupid construction and dumb drivers through Bountiful; we finally arrived at our campsite on the east side of the Lake at dusk, with just enough light to start up a fire, dinner, and the tent!

Dinner was wonderful, we had fire roasted hot dogs and some Dutch Oven potatoes which would have been perfect had the bacon been just a bit crispier. Hilary whipped up a nice peach cobbler which we divided into fourths, and then topped it off with french vanilla ice cream! After dinner, we sank back to the tent and commenced a battle of Uno Attack, in which we had tons-o-fun!

The next morning we got up lazily and made breakfast, broke camp, and scurried back over to the west side of the lake where we met up with the rest of the fam. It was a bit breezy in the morning, but it didn't stop Colton and I from barreling out into the water. I came back somewhat dazed, and with a killa headache, and eventually took to the welcoming trailer bed and crashed with Ethan, the new kid on the block, on my chest.

Waking up to a much calmer afternoon, we lingered a bit longer before going back down to Providence, where we loafed around the parents' house until everyone started to show up. Colton grilled up some hamburgers and fed near 30 people! After that, Tenille and I sunk heavily down to the guest bedroom and crashed once again. 'Twas a grand old time!

Ah, The Married Life!

2008-08-21T15:06:00.000-07:00

I have taken note lately that nearly every time Tenille and I run into family and friends, one of the first questions to get asked is, "How's the married life?!" (Usually the next question is, "Have you read the 'Twighlight' series!?" followed by our automated answer of , "No.")

The married life is, overall, great! It's definately come with some changes though. It's somewhat weird though hanging out with single folk. But we love our friends to death, don't get me wrong! It's also great because we get to enjoy the simple things of life that were set aside when we moved away from home. We love cooking dinner together, watching TV shows and movies together, cleaning and enjoying a clean house together, etc. We basically enjoy the "being together" part that typical newly-weds love.

Of course there have been minor disagreements here and there, but that's part of life. Plus, we're both mature enough to talk about such things and work anything out that must be resolved.

People have too often lived under the impression that "If you get married, say goodbye to your life!" ....Chyeah right! Say hello to life! This is the life! I love being married to Tenille, and being able to see her in the morning when I wake up, and to be able to laugh while watching "Friends" and "Family Guy", I love it all. I love knowing that I will always be someone's someone, and that she will always be there for me.

Ah, the married life.

Hello Blogspot!

2008-08-18T15:22:00.000-07:00

I know, I know, everyone is getting a blogspot, but I figured it be good to have friends and family just jump on here and catch up on the news with Brandon and I.

Today is one of my best of best friends birthdays and Brandon and I are going to surprise her at work! Shh don't tell, we have Alyse another old roommate coming along as well. So far we are planning to get cake and perhaps icecream! Happy Birthday Laura!!! We love you.

After surprising Laura, Brandon and I plan on eating out at good ol' Fuddruckers. If you're ever looking for a great hamburger I'd recommend it to anyone.

This weekend we're planning on having a blast! So far we're leaving work early (wahoo!), and going camping up to Bear Lake on Friday night with Colton and Hilary and then the next day we'll be on the lake and the beach with family for the annual reunion. On Sunday is Ethan's baby blessing (and Brandon and my 3 month anniversary). Such a busy weekend, I can hardly wait! To bad it's Monday. :( Anyway! We'll be sure to write more!