Day 4

My grandpa. Oh, where do I even begin with Melvin? He was my best friend and biggest cheerleader. He taught me so many things: how to color and stay in the lines, how to garden, to play baseball, politics, history, and so many important life lessons. He also taught me to laugh even when things are bad. He was a car salesman later in life, after his farming days, and I remember him saying things like "There's an ass for every seat!" about cars you wouldn't exactly expect to sell right away. He was always so optimistic. I am who I am largely in part because of him. I miss him every day and I know he is looking down on me. I am grateful to have had such a wonderful grandparent and example in my life.

Thankful.

I've been horrible about keeping up my blog! Just to give a quick update, things are going well. I recently finished my last class and also received my student teaching assignment. Justin is doing well too. We have done a lot of fun things lately: cooking together, going to movies, taking a short trip here and there, and just enjoying one another! He has been busy tying up flies for fishing season. I am amazed at his artistic abilities and skill level - I wish I was that good at something! Since I finished up my last class, I have been crafting and reading a lot; two things I love but never seemed to find enough time to do them!

I have noticed everyone posting things they are thankful for each day on facebook. I like this idea! So even though I am getting a late start, here goes:

Day 1: My amazing parents. I don't know how I was lucky enough to get them, but I thank Heavenly Father every day for them. They are supportive, funny, kind, and loving.

This is such a weird picture, but I couldn't find a good one of them! Sorry Mom!

Day 2: My husband! Justin is wonderful. He is affectionate, thoughful, always honest, and funny. I am so grateful I get to come home to him each day!

Day 3: Autumn. I had a gorgeous walk today along the river. This is my most favorite time of year. The beauty of the fall season never ceases to amaze me each year. I love everything about it: the changing leaves, chilly weather, snuggling up, and the Holidays that accompany it.

I am feeling gracious and humble already : )

Happy November, everyone!

Highlights

I haven’t updated my blog for a very long time! I really need to get better about doing that this year. The holidays were great for us. We spent time with family and friends and I had time to really appreciate all the blessings in my life. 2012 is going to be a big year for me! I will be a student teacher and FINALLY finish my degree. Here are some highlights of my 2011:

• Losing 20 pounds
• Seeing the Hoover Dam 
• Playing blackjack at a Vegas casino for the first time 
• Hiring a trainer and getting into weight training 
• Passing the Praxis I and II 
• Turning a whole quarter century old 
• Learning, once again, that life can’t be plotted on a calendar 
• Making jam, sewing making an attempt to be more domestic (finally after 5 years of marriage) 
• Discovering the almighty Pinterest 
• Sadly, losing my grandmother (dad’s mom). I will miss her.

Favorite books I read: The Help, Bloodlines, Hush Hush (I didn’t do nearly as much reading last year as I hope to do this year)

Favorite movies I saw: Harry Potter, Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Bridesmaids I don’t really have a resolution for 2012, but I hope to continue with getting more fit, not plotting my life on a calendar, reading lots of books, and finishing my degree. I hope to learn many new things this year. Oh, and update my blog more often!

Popcorn Balls

This weekend has been fun! On Friday night, I made dinner with friends and caught up on our favorite shows we had missed throughout the week. We also watched the new show Grimm.

I am pretty sure it will be tradition for Mindy, Amanda, and I to all watch it together on Friday nights because there is NO way any of us would watch that alone! Super scary! I thought it was really good though... perfect for a Halloween weekend!

On Saturday I did one of my most favorite things... cook with my Mom! We carried on tradition and made my Gram's popcorn balls for Halloween. They are so yummy and one of my favorite fall treats. I think they beat any old Halloween candy.

We also went to my Aunt Sandy's house for a fun Halloween party with Katelynn and Jake. There were all sorts of creepy food and cute costumes.

Today has been a day of homework, housework, and cooking. I am studying for my big Praxis II exam coming up in less than 2 weeks. Yikes! I am really nervous. I also have some Italian chicken bubbling in my crock pot. Thanks, Savanna for the recipe! It sure smells good!

I also had a wonderful 25th birthday. Thanks to my friends and family for making it so much fun! Justin got me these super cute boots that I am in love with...

I hope everyone has a happy Halloween tomorrow! Hunker down, Thanksgiving is right around the corner!

Viva Las Vegas!

In celebration of my 25th birthday, a couple of friends and I went to Las Vegas for a girl's weekend. I had so much stinkin fun! We did Vegas up right with blackjack, slots, no sleep, Fremont Street, shopping, shows, and the Strip. OK, first of all... the people in Vegas are absolutely one of a kind (ha, no pun intended). I love people watching in Vegas. People just never cease to amaze me. Here is one guy I saw who was awesome!

We left Thursday night and got to the Luxor at about 8pm. We checked in, ate, and wandered the hotel, then went over to the Excalibur. The next day we shopped until we almost dropped, walked a TON around the strip, and went to see the Jabbawockeez. They were nothing short of amazing. Their dancing and comedy was spectacular and I had a TON of fun... minus the drunk lady next to me that was making weird hand gestures all night to the music. Whatever!

Saturday was the M&M store, the Coke store, Fashion Show Mall, the Wynn buffet, and Fremont Street. I got some fun souveniers at the Coke store, Mindy bought some cute Halloween M&Ms. I spent most of my time at the Fashion Show mall at Forever 21. That store was completely overwhelming. I have never seen so many clothes in one store for women in my life. And they have 132 dressing rooms. Crazy! Then we ate at the Wynn which is spendy but pretty much the BEST FOOD EVER.

 Halloween M&M's

 Fountains at the Bellagio

 Me being a goof and making the same pose as the cowboy...

The last night was Fremont Street. Mindy turned me into a blackjack queen! We played at a table in Fitzgerald's until about 2 in the morning. I love Fremont Street because the tables don't require big bets and you can play on just a little money for a long time. We played until about 2am and then had to drag our tired butts back to the hotel to pack and catch an airport shuttle at 5am. No sleep for us!

Haha, there I am rocking my giant McDonald's Diet Coke next to the cocktails at the Blackjack table.

Fremont Street was full of people in costumes for Halloween, scary bands, freaks, and an awesome light show. I had a great time in downtown. I almost think it is more fun at night than the Strip.

I had a TON of fun and can't wait to go back to Vegas again! Maybe next year!

Nice Week

I have had a really nice week. It is fall time and beautiful outside, I have had a short break from school, and I also have spent lots of fun time with friends and family. Yesterday my brother and sister in law were in town to visit. Justin's parents had dinner and then a little birthday celebration for my brother in law, Erik, and I. Oh, here's an interesting factoid for you... my sister in law, Emily's birthday is on the 23rd, mine is on the 25th, and Erik's is on the 26th of October. Fun! Anyway, we had lots of fun playing Nerts and Mario Kart and catching up. 

My cousin, Darcy, had a purse party with family and friends last night. I just love my family. They are hilarious! 

On Friday, my friends Savanna, Mindy and I went to this "What Today's Women Want" expo at the Shilo. I love looking at crafts and jewelry. They had so many cool things there! Savanna got these nail stickers in a chevron print that were pretty much the cutest thing ever. They are this new thing called Jamberry and they have a ton of cute designs. Speaking of nail designs, I am working on a new blog post with all my nail designs I have painted over the last few months. Stay tuned!

My friend Jessi called me on Thursday to chat. She moved to Spokane a little while ago and I sure do miss her! She broke the news that my other BFF Lizzie got engaged that night!  So of course, I immediately called Lizzie. Lizzie answered the phone casually and I said congratulations. Then I said, "Wait, am I interrupting a date or anything?" She replied, "No. We are just watching Cops." Ha! What a thing to do on the night of your engagement! I am so excited for her and Clayton. I have known both of them for a long time and they are absolutely perfect for each other. I am so honored and humbled she has asked me to be her Maid of Honor and that I will be able to share a part in their big day. Cheers!

On top of all those fun things, we also took the time to snap a few pictures this weekend in the fall leaves. 

I love weekends! 

Birth Month!

Huzzah! It is finally my favorite month... October! I share my birth month with my Mom, whose birthday is coming up on Tuesday. We celebrated this last weekend with ice cream, brownies, presents, and my wonderful and fun family. My dad and I got my mom a Kindle and I don't know if I have ever seen her so excited about anything! She is loving it and now I want one too! On a funny side note, my grandma has no idea what a kindle is and could not figure out why she was so excited to get a candle.
Anyway, my my 2-5 is coming up next. I am ringing in the quarter century by going on a quick Vegas trip with some friends. I love the people, shopping, buffets, and sightseeing - can't wait!
To my friends and family... here are some gift ideas (I know it seems ridiculous to make a list but everyone always asks me, so here you go!):

1. Kindle Fire
2. Riding Boots
3. Sweater Dress
4. Scarf
5. Tom's Shoes (size 8)
6. Cash or Gift Cards - I always love getting this, then I can buy whatever I want! FYI, my favorite places are Sephora, Amazon, Old Navy, and Maurice's
7. Argyle Knee Highs (to go with my riding boots if I get them : )