What a kick!

I was visiting my friend Jaysa's blog, and I notice that she posted a picture of me at Idaho's State Convention in April 2007. My fellow officers and I rode in on stage on these tractors and it was pretty fun!! This was taken just a couple weeks after Paul proposed to me and I couldn't believe how different we looked (especially me)!! I decided to put more pictures up from the past as these were just too fun!

My biggest deer so far shot with a .50 Muzzleloader

Showing my final heifer at the fair

Last family portrait without Paul

Dad and I skiing at Bogus

My First Mountain Lion - A Tom too! I look like a freak with the braces and bright 80's jacket!

My Dad and I fishing - look at my cute lil sissy!

Paul working on the church bus with Reagan and "the duckies"

Our engagment photo

College and Career Winter Camp - Weirdos

Forgive me as I don't have pictures of Paul when he was younger... :)

ONE MORE!!

I just thought I would gloat that I have one more final left...tomorrow morning at 11:30 and then I am done!!! YIPPPEEEEEE!!!! :)

I am just sorry that you all will miss my five minute happy dance that will follow after I am secluded inside my home. ;)

That time of the year!

It is finally here...this week is our finals week!!

Paul had two finals on Friday, Military Science and Finance, and is studying away for his last one tomorrow morning at 7:30 am. He has been feverishly stuyding for his Economic's exam that is going to be a very intense final! After tomorrow he is finished with his last Fall semester and is looking ahead to all the holiday festivities.

I took my first final this morning for my Turfgrass and Ecology class. I still have Genetics tomorrow, Chemistry on Wednesday, and one more final in a Literature class (dumb) on Thursday. Yesterday I came down with a severe cold and it is really impairing my thinking skills so I am hoping that with lots of caffeine and fluids that I can get better soon and be alert enough to take these exams. I haven't been sick for quite awhile and during finals week it sets in...oh well! Could be worse right?

To all of you enduring finals week...good luck!! Hang in there!! :)

A Christmas Carol

Paul and I just returned from USU's Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol. It was put on by the Caine School of the Arts and is in the Morgan Theatre. It was amazing! We had a fantastic time as they did an amazing job.

If you are free this week or want something fun to do, then check out this theatre production. The showings are from December 1-6 at 7:30 pm with a matinee on Saturday at 2:00pm. Plus, if you are a student...it is free!! If you are not a student the cost is $13 but well worth it.

One more reason we love being students here at Utah State University...Free Date Nights!! ;)

Good Friends

Today I went down to Coalville to judge an extemporaneous public speaking event and afterward had the opportunity to see my good friend Jaysa and her husband Richard. Jaysa was one of my bridemaids, is also an Agricultural Education major, and is such a sweet friend. I haven't seen her for almost one year as we live like twelve hours apart now!

Richard just got back from a tour in Iraq and drove 42 hours straight from North Carolina to be in Idaho for thanksgiving with his wife. They both drove down to Salt Lake today to buy a new truck so Paul and I took the chance of having dinner with them. It was so good to see both of them again!! We met in Riverdale and then went out for dinner at Olive Garden...what a great evening! :)

What many people don't realize is that Jaysa and Richard have been apart more during their marriage then together. This is in part to Jaysa finishing school and Richard serving the country he loves. They are both an example and encouragment to me of a christian couple in the military.

Thank you Jaysa and Richard for your service to our country!

Yeah, its that time of the semester

Its that time...the leaves are off the trees, the air is crisp and cold, the days are shorter, and finals are upon us. Yes, only three more weeks and we will be done with the fall semester. Twelve down and three to go, the eyes are on the prize before us.

However with the end of the semester and early classes, it is somewhat hard to get me out of bed. I am definitely not a morning person and if I could have it my way I would like to sleep for over eight hours every night. I love my pillow and the warmth of my bed heater. In the mornings I am a bear and sometimes don't really care - horrible I know.

I realized today that I am starting to get lazy in the mornings. How may you ask? Well, you know you are starting to get lazy when your husband gets up before you to get ready for his class that starts at the same time as yours. This means getting up twenty minutes before you have to leave for class. :) What is even more sad is the fact that I really don't care and covet my extra Z's instead of the extra primping time or breakfast at a table instead of on the run.

Oh the joys of a carefree college life!

Pure Luck

Today I was standing on campus at the bus stop (notice I am not riding my bike anymore) after classes, with sixty other students, when a truck came up to the curb playing ice cream truck music. These were obviously college students just goofing off. They proceeded to throw out ice cream bars to the crowd and then drove away. I was standing in the very back when the next thing I know this kid six feet in front of me jumps up, smacks the ice cream bar, and it slaps me directly in the face.

Followed by this was lots of laughing from the crowd. The kid offered me the ice cream bar since my head "caught" it and apologized profusely.

The rest of the ride I kept hearing "yeah, thats the girl that got hit in the head with the ice cream bar".

Have you ever seen the movie with Martin Short in it entitle Pure Luck? That is how I feel sometimes. :)

Stay Tuned for an Important Message

Please take a moment to sign this petition because it is our right as Americans to know if our new President Elect is witholding some valuable information.

http://www.rallycongress.com/constitutional-qualification/1244/stop-obama-constitutional-crisis/

Thanks!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY 223 MARINE CORPS!

Today is the 233 birthday of the United States Marine Corps. Here is a picture of Paul and I at his unit's Birthday ball this past Monday.

Also, tomorrow is Veterans day. What better time to say thank you to those who have fought for our country and to remember those who have given the ultimate sacrifice. I hope that you are thankful more than just a couple times during the year, but make sure that this November 11 doesn't go by without you thanking someone for their service to our great country.

Case of the Mondays

This post is a little old as it is now Thursday and I am just getting to it...but you get the picture! ;)

Mondays are usually okay for me. Normal classes, not anything too unusual. This past Monday was much different, however, and because it kept on coming it deserves its own post.

It all started as I was riding home on my bicycle and talking on the phone with Paul. He was letting me know that someone, in the perfect fairyland place were we live, had let the air out of our back car tire. This was about 11:30 and we had to be driving out of Logan at 12:30 to make it to the Marine Corps Birthday ball that evening in Wendover, NV. So I was almost home and was riding on the sidewalk when our two neighbor boys were also playing on the same sidewalk. I think in their little minds they were playing chicken with me because they didn't move until I was about to plow through them. I swerved and hit my break and the next thing I know I am flying over my handle bars and landing face first in the dirt! I was fortunate my face hit the dirt and the rest of my body was on the sidewalk. To top it off, my bike came all the way over and landed on top of me. The kids were like "WHHOOOOAAA Are you all right? Did you see that?" All I could do was lay there like a slug and get a somber " I'm okay" out. In the meantime I could hear Paul screaming on my phone demanding to know what happened. He had thought I had got hit by a car. So as I am writing this blog, I have bruises all up and down my legs, my handle bars are bent, and my pride hurts just a little! :)

Our next adventure started one hour later as we left for Wendover. We were not going to be staying the evening, as everybody else was in the hotel, because Paul had two tests the next morning. So I drove the 3 1/2 hours all the way there and back and he studied the entire time. Yes, even in the dark he studied by flashlight. It made for a long drive as the radio was silent for most of the way and there was no one to talk to. If you have ever driven to Wendover you know it is boring because of all the drowsy driving signs posted every ten miles! ;)

Upon our arrival we asked the front desk if we could change somewhere, since this is a formal event, and they offered the bathrooms. That was fun...try getting a formal dress on in the bathroom!

We made the best of our night and vowed to leave early so that I wouldn't be falling asleep at the wheel. So after filling up with gas at the Chevron, around 10 pm, and getting some much needed caffeinated beverages, we set out back for home. I had just pulled out of the gas station and accidentaly ran a stop sign. In my defense, the town is tiny, the road had five lanes, no one was present, and it wasn't well lit. Well, I realized what I did halfway throught the intersection...and so did the police officer watching.

Yes, I got pulled over. I not only got sighted for not stopping at a four way stop but for having a broken brake light, not having the current insurance card (Forgot to stick the new one in), and not having a valid drivers license (since it expired ten days after my birthday, which was just recently and we haven't had the chance to make it up to Idaho). I know...what an awesome evening! The police officer was very nice however, and asked what we were doing in Wendover and just gave us a fix it citation. We have two weeks to fix the brake lights and then have someone check it is done and we send the form back in and don't have to pay! The officer was so nice and told me to not run stop signs because he wouldn't have pulled me over at all. ;)

We finally made it home at a little after one in the morning...and thus ended the Monday of Mondays! ;)

Paul's Bday!

October 28 was Paul's birthday. We didn't do too awfully much as school has been keeping us hopping these last few days. I made a vanilla pound cake with chocolate frosting, upon Paul's request. It turned out pretty good...not too heavy and not too fluffy. We went out to Chili's for dinner to celebrate with a gift card we had (Thank you Schallenbergers) and it was oh so good. :)

On this his birthday, it makes me stop and think of all the things that I appreciate about Paul. I am just so grateful for Paul and everything that he means to me. I try not to take him for granted because I know that every day is a gift from God and we really don't know the future. However, how much I try I know that there are those days where I just don't seem to realize what I have. Those days when I have tests to study for, lab reports to finish, and Jr. Church to prepare while the dishes are piled, the bathroom needs scrubbing, and there are loads of laundry I know need to be done. He probably wouldn't want me bragging about him, but he gives so much of his time and self for our home and marriage. I will be working away and suddenly hear the vacuum start or the dishes being washed. Even the small little "just take a break and play the wii" does wonders. Don't get me wrong; I don't want to switch roles nor do I want Paul to do those chores daily or even weekly. He just knows when my stress meter is high and trys to aleviate it.

I admire how he seeks God and how I know without question that every night is Bible reading time. There isn't a question if we are going to church Sunday morning, evening or Wednesday night. When a job needs done at church, he is ready and willing to help. Whether that be Sunday School class, song leading, helping me clean the church, or working on the new building. I appreciate his seeking God's will regarding our future. Paul is a hardworker and has been diligent in his studies. He loves his country and wants to serve in any capacity possible.

I love you Paul! Happy Birthday!

I knew it!

Catchin' Up

Forgive me for the lapse in my blogging the last few weeks. The past weeks have been pretty busy with classes for Paul and I. Let me take out a little time to catch everyone up with what we have been doing...

For my SOILS 4000 class project I went down to Ephraim, UT to help with their Snow College Days. We worked with a professor from Snow College and the NCRS (with the USDA)district employee to set up the land and homesite event for the students. One other girl from class, Amy, went with me from Logan. We were given a rental car to use, a hotel room in Nephi, and food reimbursements. The food reimbursements were $7 for breakfast, $8 for lunch, and $13 for dinner. If we ate less than that (which we always did) we got to keep the difference. Seems like a waste of University funds to me, but hey, I didn't complain! We were treated very nice and it was a great experience. The only problem was that our car wouldn't start three times...yes, it was a Ford, and we had to take it into the shop to get it fixed. Luckily it was just a battery that needed replaced. We also ran into over 2000 sheep being driven to their winter range. It was quite the site to be surrounded by sheep.

Amy helping hook up the jumper cables!

Sheep being herded around Nephi area

A farmer left on his water during our most recent cold spell and it made this pretty picture!

Paul and I have been deer and elk hunting as well these last few weeks. We haven't harvested anything as of yet, but the season is open until Friday night. One night we were cheap and slept in the middle of Garden City (on the banks of Bear Lake - not gross Garden City in Boise) in our car. We pulled down the backseat and slept with our feet in the trunk and our heads on the backs of the rear seats. It was not the best night of sleep I have ever had...but it worked! :) Luckily Garden City is small (probably 400) and doesn't have much crime or traffic. We are going up Deer hunting again this Wednesday, so hopefully the bucks will be out and we will get a deer for our freezer. These deer are feeding in fields, so we are hoping for some tasty meat! ;)

Paul has been getting his graduation packet and requirements put together for this May. He is so excited to graduate. However, I think he will miss it. Already he is regretting not taking certain classes and is pondering which ones he can take for that last semester. I got my acceptance letter into the College of Secondary Education program and only have two semesters worth of classes to take; then onto student teaching! I don't think people realize sometimes that my degree is a major and a minor that has to be completed in 3 1/2 years because the last half of the year is student teaching and you don't take classes. That means you have to be done with everything else before the spring semester of graduation. It is a challenge, but I enjoy it. Grades are still good for Paul and I. I currently have a 100.98% in my genetics class...I have to brag because I am sure it will just get worse from this point on! ;) Paul is working on my new kitchen apron in his sewing class! ;) I will post pictures upon completion.

We have been conquering the Wii lately...and no it isn't affecting our grades! ;) Paul is almost done with his Metroid game. That thing is way too much fun and we enjoy the entertainment it provides...sometimes a little too much! ;)

We had our Pastor Appreciation evening this past Sunday night. It was great to hear from the Patch Club (like Master Club but the curriculum is through the Patch the Pirate Program), a soloist (me), and a guest speaker. It was great to show our appreciation to Pastor and Mrs. Stonehouse for all that they do for the Lord. They are a neat couple and I look up to her much. Two weeks ago Derek's parents came in from Alaska to visit. They are wonderful people who truly love the Lord. They took us out to dinner Sunday night to Chili's and it was so nice just to sit and visit with other believers. We now know why Derek is the way he is...and that is in a very good way. Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Linder for raising Derek the way you did and for your friendship! ;)

Well...that is about it! Paul's birthday is tomorrow so I will post pictures soon!

Six Random Things

I've been tagged by my friend, Melissa to complete this Six Random Things assesment.

The rules are simple:

1. Link to the person who tagged you.
2. Post the rules on your blog.
3. Write Six Random Things about yourself.
4. Tag six-or-so other people at the bottom of the post. Leave comments on their blogs, letting them know they've been tagged!
5. Let the person who tagged you know when you've written the post.
   

So here it goes! :) Enjoy this random bit of information...

1. I broke my arm when I was three. Spencer Baker was babysitting my sister Laura and I as my parent's were at Treasure Valley Baptist Churches Stewardship Banquet. He was giving me a "horsey ride" when I slipped off his back onto our hardwood floors. The funny part is that he never told my parents that it happened and they finally figured it out the next day as I was crying all night. :) Way to go Spencer (For those of you who don't know Spencer Baker, he is now the Pastor of a church in Bismark, ND and is doing a fabulous job)!!
2. I have been inside the White House twice. The first time I was there President George W. Bush spoke to our group for 40 minutes and we even petted his Scottish Terrier dog Ms. Beazely.
3. I love the outdoors and going out hunting with my Dad. I have succesfully taken a three mule deer bucks (two made book), one doe, a 5x5 elk, a mountain lion, two bears, and an antelope. All of these were taken with my either my .50 and .54 caliber muzzleloader (except for the elk and antelope). Hopefully this fall I will add another buck to that list! ;)
4. I do not like raw tomatoes. I can handle them stewed, as ketchup, and cooked in salsa; however, when it comes to eating them on a sandwhich or taking a bite out of a juicy one...I can't do it. I have heard it has to do with the PH balance in your mouth, so that is what I will blame it on. :)
5. I am one of those people who sing when they are by themselves in the car, shower, house, you name it I sing when I am alone. You should have been there when Paul was gone this summer...it was a full on opera! But then again, if you were there, I wouldn't have been alone and you wouldn't have heard me sing then. :)
6. I have a birthmark on my backside that looks like I don't have proper hygiene. :) That's all I am going to say about that one...

Well, now that you are probably throughly bored with these six random facts about myself, I am going to tag some other people to do it...

• Emma Anderson
• Mrs. Rohmance
• Elizabeth Anderson

Vandenbos Weekend!

This past Thursday, Paul's parents came into town. They arrived after our last class of the day and immediately we started our festivities!

Thursday evening we went to Paul's flag football game. It was a little disappointing because most of the so called "team" didn't show up and because they only had four players twenty minutes after they were supposed to start; they had to forfeit. Luckily, the Might Ducks were very nice and lent us some players and they played two twenty minute halves. Thanks to Seth and Dad Vbos, the Mighty Ducks and the Might Mallards (our team) had time keepers and refs. Emma, Mom Vbos and I were the cheer squad (although I seem to talk more than cheer because it is a great time to catch up with Emma). :)

After the game we went home to the ribs that had been cooking in the crock pot all day long. We also had squash and perky potatoes (cheesy potatoes casserole). It was a hearty dinner that we all enjoyed! ;) We ended up talking for the rest of the night and going to Aggie Ice Cream. What a great way to tend the day - ICE CREAM!! :)

Friday I went to my Chem class, as I have a test this week, and then pedaled my lttle bicycle as fast as I could home. The morning was warm and sunny so we took advantage of it and skipped the rest of or classes and headed up Logan Canyon. We hiked up to the Wind Caves and ate lunch at the top. For those of you who haven't done this hike...it is a must do if you live in or around the Cache Valley. They time of year that we went was perfect as the views were spectacular!



Sadly we had to go back home because Paul had an Economist that he wanted to go listen to from 3:30 to 5:30 on campus. Dad Vbos and Paul went to that lovely lecture as Mom Vbos and I made the preparations for my birthday party. I made a chocolate cake from scratch (with chocolate frosting) and Mom Vbos helped me prepare the pans. I always seem to do that part wrong and they fall out of the pan breaking in half - they don't look delicious after that happens. So needless to say, with her help the cake looked marvelous!

For dinner I made a pasta dish with mushrooms, red bell peppers, breaded chicken, bacon, and a homemade sauce. I then baked the pasta for an half hour to really capture the flavor. This was my own little creation (except for the sauce which was found in a cookbook) and I must say I think it turned out quite nice! ;) Maybe some onions next time... We had a salad and Italian Cream Sodas with our meal. Let’s just say we were stuffed!! ;)

Okay, so Paul has been like a little kid at Christmas the last two weeks because he has wanted to give me this birthday present so bad. I eventually had to tell him not to talk about it anymore because I didn't want hints. He is too funny! ;) The big moment finally came and I un-wrapped a Wii! I couldn’t believe my eyes! Along with the wii, Paul gave me Mario Galaxy, Mario Kart, Zelda, and Metroid. It is funny because I looked at Metroid and automatically thought that one was for him.

That evening we played Tennis, Boxing, and Bowling. Mom Vbos and I went at the Tennis while the guys went to the Rock Haus. In the morning Mom Vbos’ arm was sore from playing and I have to admit that my elbow was sore.

Saturday morning Paul and I made breakfast burritos complete with tater tots, eggs, and sausage. The rest of the weekend was spent doing odd things. We went to Pepperidge Farms and picked up some cookies and crackers. Then we went to Starbucks, Hobby Lobby, Gossner’s cheese factory, and then church. It rained a lot on Saturday and Sunday so we didn’t do a whole lot outside. We played inside on our wii instead.

Wii Videos

So I am not very good at this blog thing yet and I can't figure out how to flip the video. So here you have a video of us being goofy on the wii. We all didn't know that we were being "caught" on tape.

THEY'RE COMING!

Tomorrow afternoon Paul's parents and Seth (little brother) are coming down to Logan for a visit. It has been almost a year since they have come down to visit and we are so excited!

They are going to be staying with us until Sunday afternoon; so it will be a nice visit. Paul and I are so excited to show them some of our favorite things to do here in Logan and of course I am excited to cook for them.

I love to cook and when people come over that means I can cook "regular meals" that are large in size and that Paul and I don't eat on for three days (which during school can be nice I guess). I have my "Menu" filled out for the week and my grocery shopping completely done.

I will let you know how it goes...have a great weekend!

Meat and Football

This past Saturday Paul and I had the opportunity to go to the Ag BBQ to kick off Ag week here at USU. The Ag Products BBQ was held during lunch time near Romney Stadium. It featured some of Utah's commodities; and of course they brought their stuff.

For $8 Paul and I had all we could eat of steak from the Utah Beef Council, Turkey from Norbest, Lamb, Onion Rings (which were made right in front of us), milk from Meadow Gold and Gossners, BBQ Pork from the Pork Council, salad and apples, rolls, and Creamies (from you guessed it, the Creamies plant). The food was amazing!!

Paul and I stuffed ourselves to the rafters and of course brought home some extra meadow gold pints. Meadow Gold milk, in pints, is usually $1 at the store. We drank one each there and brought three more (total) home. That chocolate is way too good!! We definitely like our milk and dairy products!! :)

After the BBQ we headed to the Aggies vs. Vandals game. For those of you who didn't know, I was once a Vandal and have since converted over to become a True Aggie. :) This was going to be a great game - complete with ESPN, Blimps, and Helicopters! Just kidding...USU was ranked 119/120 and UI was ranked 113/120. At least we knew it would be somewhat of a close game! ;)

We had a great time booing the Vandals and watching them get their backsides kicked. USU had some bad plays, but overall they redeemed themselves with some better plays themselves. It was a close game up until the second half. That is when USU picked it up and ended the game 42-17. That was their first WAC win of the season as well as their overall first win. It is humerous because they are ranked #1 in the WAC right now as no other teams (beside the Vandals) have played other WAC schools. So the Aggies are really #1!! At least for a couple more days...

FAMILY DAY

This past weekend Paul had his monthly drill down in Salt Lake City. However, this time it was a little different as it was Family Day on Saturday.

Instead of driving down Friday afternoon, Paul didn't have to be to drill until 0700 Saturday. He was picked up from a friend in his unit at 0445 and was off to drill. Paul had a PFT to run that morning and some Admin paperwork to get done. He ran two seconds shy of a perfect run time (perfect is 3 miles in 18 minutes) so he ended up getting a 299 on his PFT. I think that is still pretty good! :)

I drove down later that morning and met him in SLC around 1100. They gave the guys two hours to get around for family day so Paul and I went to a Farmer's Market and Art in the Park going on in downtown SLC. We tasted this watermellon that a local farm was selling and it was so delicious. The owner saw my face and told Paul he had to purchase one for me since I liked it that well. Paul informed the man we didn't bring any cash with us (as they didn't take check or cards). That man was so nice he actually gave us a medium sized watermellon for free!! We were pretty thrilled to say the least!

Family day activities started around 1300 and included a BBQ, children obstacle courses, information about their deployment, and a squad competition. Paul's squad won 1st place in the Tug O War competition and afterward a group of Army MP's came over and challenged them as well. Let's just say that they made all the Marines there proud! :)

I got to talk to the Officer In Command's (OIC) wife for a little bit about TBS. She motivated me and was very open to help with any information about life in Quantico. She then informed me that they loved living in 29 Palms, CA and are hoping for another posting there. She is the Key Volunteer Coordinator for the unit and has many good ideas for when the men are deployed. Even though Paul is getting commissioned and out of the unit so he cannot go to Iraq, we signed up to help with the support group back home. I know that Paul really wanted to go with his fellow brothers in combat, but the Lord has a different plan and a later deployment will come soon.

Overall... A great day to mingle with the families and gather in support of our men.

Have We Forgotten?

Tomorrow marks the seventh year anniversary of the attacks on our country...

On our civilians...

On our soil...
On our beliefs...

On what we stood for.
Do you remember that day? Do you remember how mad it made you feel? Do you remember how in the next few months American's rallied together for a common cause? We were once aware...what has happened?

In just seven short years have we as a nation forgot what happened to our brothers and sisters?

This year marks an important election that could "change" our country in some way. When you cast your ballot this November remember how you felt that day. For their sake, and yours, don't forget.

This Past Week In Events

For those of you who are family and use this as a way to keep up with us...I will give you a little update.

Sunday Night we went to the youth activity at our church and helped with Volleyball. It was great fun and our team really beat the pants off the other team!! :)

Paul and I have been busy with classes - as any college student would be. No tests yet but they are coming up fast!! My Genetics class is actually a lot of fun! It is hard work but so interesting that it makes it all better. My professor, the ex Med School Teacher, does an amazing job explaining terms and presenting concepts while quickly moving through the material. We both have lots of reading so that consumes most of our time. For example, I have 80 pages to read tonight in just one class and I have four courses on top of that with reading.

Paul is starting his first sewing project...two pillowcases!! Go Paul!! :) Honestly, he has been really enjoying this semester of classes. Life at college is pretty easy. We were talking about it and we see each other more now then we probably will ever when we get into the "real world". Paul is done with classes everyday at 3:00 and I am done around 5:30 and then homework starts. Life is good and we are blessed.

We have been attending various club and organization meetings this past week. Tonight was my Department's opening social. We had BBQ Pork Sandwiches with all the fixins along with Aggie Ice Cream. It was great food and free on top of that!

We just found out that Paul has drill on Saturday and Sunday. His unit, Fox Co 2 Battalion 23 Marines, is deploying December so they are doing a lot of prep work right now. Because of that they are having Family Day on Saturday which will include all the health and necessary info. Paul isn't deploying with his unit this time because he is set to commission this May. In a sense he is trading one deployment for another because after TBS there is a 100% deployment rate within the first year. He will just be going as a 2nd Lt. instead of a Corporal...for those of you who didn't know. :)

We are currently praying and seeking for a house in and around Logan. We are hoping God will close the door quickly if this isn't what we are supposed to be doing. We will see...

Thats about it for now...until next time...

My 9 Lessons

As many of you probably enjoyed your Labor Day, I learned some valuable lessons.

1. Never pick up the glass jar that holds the hot bacon grease you just poured into it. You will enevitably drop the jar because your finger burns and then the hot grease will pour out onto your other hand and wrist. This will immediately cause a sizzling sensation that will lead to discoloration, a swolen area, blisters, and lots of crocodile tears.

2. Burns hurt like crap (whatever that is supposed to hurt like)!! Don't do it!!

3. After you have fryed your right hand, you loose temporary movement and the ability to complete daily tasks.

4. My husband truly loves me. Enough to finish making breakfast, ice my hand, do the dishes, run to Walmart for burn treatments, make lunch, re-ice my hand, apply burn treatment, make dinner, dictate for me (see below), and of course put up with my whining. What a great guy! :)

5. Never wait until the day before you have a four page paper due to start typing it up.

6. Typing with one hand is REALLY slow.

7. Even though your hand is just impaired it somehow effects the rest of your body. The rest of the day I was just plain stupid! :)

8. You have a little voice in your head that screams, "Just slow down and think stupid!!"

9. Tylenol is your friend.

Those were my lessons I learned yesterday!! :)

I'm Sore

So Paul and I have been working out together lately...more like he has been my personal trainer! :) He got me going on crossfit. If you haven't heard of it you should definitely check it out. It works out your entire body and afterward you feel like you got kicked by a mule. Seriously, I was so sore this week that I couldn't climb down our stairs normally. I had to go down backwards (facing up top) and literally crawl down.

My legs weren't the only part of me that was sore. My arms felt like I left them at the gym clinging to the pullup bar. Putting clothes on has never been so difficult and even stupid little things like sitting down required much contemplation to figure out the least painful route.

You may be wondering what excercise caused so much pain. With crossfit you do everything as fast as you can while still having good form. This circuit contained:

1 Mile Run

100 Pullups

100 Pushups

150 Squats (these are the ones where your knees don't go in front of your toes - try it)

1 Mile Run

By the end of the circuit - which took one hour - I was so exhausted I felt like losing my lunch and I was also getting very faint. However, when you leave the gym and you feel that tired - and worse the next three days - you know that you did something worthwhile.

Tomorrow Paul and I are heading back to the gym...I am honestly hoping to see results but to feel healthier as well.

Show Me The True Blooded Aggies..!

This Monday Paul and I embarked on yet another year of college. Paul is now a senior and I am still a lowly Junior. :) Paul is taking 18 credits while I am balancing 17...this can be a little much for us at times.

Paul has two upper division Econ classes, a Philosophy class, a Military Science class, a Personal Finance class, and sewing. Yes, you read that right....sewing. He is one of two guys in the class and it was quite hilarious that the teacher told them the first day that they would be better than the girls since a sewing machine was a large power tool and the girls would be intimidated. I had to laugh thinking about the welding classes that I have taken...those girls don't even know the start of large tools...

My classes this semester are going to take a lot of time with required readings and study. They are all above 3500 level classes (except for CHEM) which reinforces the fact I am a Junior. I have Turf Grass Management, Soil and Water Conservation, Genetics, Chemistry, American Literature, and we both are taking Ballroom Dancing together. We thought it would be fun to learn together and just goof off at home with it later on. So far it is quite fun and very good for our communication skills. :) Paul has to lead and I have to follow (I have been working on my end a lot lately). This is actually a really good comparison of the married life. Maybe I will expound one day...

The first week of school has to be one of the best...that is for freebies!! Monday we got Aggie Ice Cream for free. It wasn't just a little taste either; it was about six dollars worth if you went and bought it at the Ice Cream Shop. Tuesday brought free Scottsman Dogs. I have to admit that these are remarkably good and not at all what I expected. They are cheeseburgers that are shaped into a hot dog and served in a hot dog bun. So Good...

Wednesday it was Day on the Quad. This is the day to stock up on all the free candy, pop, water, pencils, ice cream, etc. There has got to be over fifty booths giving away prizes while advertising their club or group. I met Paul between classes to run through really quick and we came out with an ipod Nano, 3 frisbees (don't ask me how we will use them all at once), balls, drinks, fat boys, creamies, popsicles, etc. We didn't even manage to make it through entirely but were pretty happy with our loot!

Thursday at dark USU played Iron Man out on the HPER Field on a gigantic blow up screen. This screen was seriously the size of a regular movie theater screen too. We lugged our bean bag chair, popcorn, blankets and sweatshirts (it has been getting down in the forties at night) to the field. There had to be over 600 people in attendance!! It was great...even though we didn't get home until midnight because of the late showing.

Friday....well today isn't the best day of them all. They had free Otter Pops in the TSC but that was about it. Tonight is an 80's dance that the ASUSU is hosting. Needless to say we won't be going to that...

With all the happenings the first week of school, ya gotta get in the Aggie Song from time to time. It has such a catching tune that you can catch Paul and I humming it from time to time...

Show me the Scottsman who doesn't love the thistle,

Show me the Englishman who doesn't love the rose,

Show me the True Blooded Aggie from Utah,

Who doesn't love the spot where the sage brush grows!!

Last day of work and...BOISE!!

Today is my last day of work with the internship that I have in Cache Valley with Sky View High School. These last few months I have learned much in regards to my major and have been given such a great opportunity to get hands on experience. I really appreciate my advisor's Mr. Dave Erickson, Ms. Kris Thompson, and Mr. Clint Aston. They have taught me so much and have helped continue to push my drive towards teaching. They gave me free reign to complete my visit's with my students and were always there to help if there was a problem. They were so nice to include me into their summer planning and leadership events like I was part of the team. I felt so welcome and because of that I was able to put in my small input to help further their program. I am excited to start school next week, however, I am sad to be done with this program. I have put in over 360 hours since June and have drove many hundreds of miles visiting with numerous students and parents in the Cache School District.

To those of you who have no idea what my internship entailed...

I was hired by the state of Utah's Department of Education. From there I was filtered down to Cache Valley's Sky View High School where I reported to the three Agricultural Science Teachers and the principle. Sky View High School had over 380 students registered for an Ag related class (Ag Biology, Welding, Small Engines, Wildlife, Leadership, Plant Sci, Horticulture...etc) for the next year. We recieved all these student's information and were trying to recruit them to participate in a summer credit called a Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE). The SAE consists of three parts where the student only needs to fullfill one area to recieve the credit. They are:

1. Work for someone in an Ag related field

2. Own your own business

3. Research/ Exploratory...experiments or new related data.

The student has records that they must keep that relate to the area they are completing. My job is to make sure that they are filling out the correct paperwork and help them complete their project. I visited them at least three times and took pictures of their projects. Some of them are quite unique and were very interesting to learn about. It also made me appreciate how many students are hard workers around here. Out of 96 students that I was over this summer, only a handfull (maybe ten) didn't have a summer job and that was because they were in a sport that didn't allow them to take the time to get a job or because they were gone for over a month in another country. The rest had one and about 1/4 of them had two jobs. Many of them even had their own business' and we are talking about high schoolers here!! :)

I also helped with the county fair...and for the ignorant few that think that entails picking up poo or "this one tastes like it got into an onion patch" you are wrong. Sorry, One pet peeve of mine...don't laugh at my expense when you have no idea what it is. Pretty ignorant.

Anyways... In four days I put in over 60 hours of helping record data, helping with the sale (taking money), setting up arenas for the next day's exhibitors, giving out awards...etc.

I also got to drive down to Lehi with the chapter officers to go to the Chapter Officer Leadership Training. I left at 5:10 in the morning and I didn't get home will 10:15...that was another long day but fun none the less.

I also went on a two day Leadership Retreat with the chapter officers and the advisors to Bear Lake where I helped with their yearly planning. We went to the beach and I planned some team building activities to help them come together and work as one unit. We went to a play at the Pickelville Playhouse and also stayed the night in a beautiful cabin that was giant.

I hope that gives you a little idea what I did this summer...

Paul and I are leaving today to go to Boise before school starts. We will be back in the Cache Valley on Friday evening in time for Paul's Officer Function the next day in Salt Lake City. Please pray that we will have a safe journey as sometimes we get complacent with the familiar road to Boise although it can be long (around four hours). I will post pictures and what we did in Boise upon our return.

Until then...

WELCOME HONEY!!

My husband, Paul, just started his own blog. So if you are interested in seeing what we are both up to...check it out!! It is found at the following address:

http://pcvbos.blogspot.com/

Between the two of us, hopefully you all will be able to keep up with what we are up to in Cache Valley!!

Happy Reading! :)

YOUTH RALLY!!

Tomorrow night is our church's youth rally. Paul and I are helping out with it and would ask that you please pray that some teens and young adults will be able to come and hear the gospel. We are having a quaret come from West Coast Baptist Bible College and a young couple that are their chaperones for the trip. The young man is going to preach to our group.

We are going to play "Who wants to win a bunch of chocolate" and "The ugliest creature in the world". Top that off with all you can eat pizza and soda and it will be an exciting evening!!

The youth leader, Gary Stonehouse is very energentic and reminds me of our old youth pastor at TVBC (Mr Doty). We are hoping that it will be a good turnout but mostly that there will be "quality". You know the saying...quality not quantity.

New Guy!

Paul and I really enjoy Brian Regan's comedy. He is pretty clean and does some pretty funny stuff that is so true to real life situations. Below you will find a clip of some of his work. I am still new to this so I can't figure out how to insert the youtube video. Please bear with. :)

Walkie Talkie

Slamming Airlines

The new guy that a good friend, "Mrs. Rohmance", told us about is Tim Hawkins. This guy is super funny and is a Christian. He homeschools his kids and has a pretty funny video about that too. It is pretty refreshing to get a clean comedian every once in awhile.
Enjoy!

Tim Hawkins on Marriage

Cletus Take the Reel

Tim Hawkins on Church

Paul's OCS Graduation

WEDNESDAY JULY 2

My trip started off without any troubles as I made it to the airport around six in the morning. My lovely Mom dropped me off at the airport as I began the long journey to Virginia. After an hour flight I landed in Salt Lake City. I know many of you are wondering why SLC when I live an hour away from it by car...lets just say that airlines are retarded and it was the cheapest way.
I then had a 4 1/2 hour flight to Baltimore, MA where to greet me was Paul's parents and Aunt Lori (gotta love her). We made it out of baggage claim a little around fivish and braved our way through the crazy drivers and traffic of the east coast (the parking lot).
We were very sneaking and found out that Paul, who had family day until 8pm that evening) was at the coffee house on base. We told him that traffic was bad and made it sound like we were so excited to see him at graduation the next day. To his surprise we made it to the coffee house around 7:15. It went down like this...He was at the computer facing the opposite way of the door. I entered, put my hands on his eyes (from behind), and he just had this questionable expression. I put my head down in front of his and I will never forget his face!! He was so surprised!!

After Paul's liberty was secured and goodbyes were said, we headed to "The House" where Summer, Aaron, Jubalee, Uncle Hart, Seth, Jack, and Rachel were waiting for us. I was beat from traveling all day - another weird phenonmenon as you aren't actually doing anything buy you end up tired. In the morning we would have to get up early to make it to the base in time to get a good seat for graduation, however everyone wanted to stay up just chatting away so it was late before I finally got to bed that night.

After six weeks of seperation

Paul and his friend Julian Muhller

THURSDAY, JULY 3
PAULS GRADUATION!!
After a rushed morning, half of us (the early crew) made our was to Quantico in the van to save seats for the others. Today was Paul's graduation from Echo Company 4th Platoon of the Officer Candidate School that he had been at for six weeks this summer. As we made our way to the stands, there were so many people already present to witness their loved ones graduate. You could feel the excitement in the air as you saw the candidates lining up behind a building on the far side and loved ones eagerly awaiting to see their men again.

As the ceremony started, the Marine Corps band came out and serenaded us with their music and marching skills. There were men who talked and inspired the spectators in the stand as well as the distinguished guests that were present. Not to be rude, but the ceremonies before the actual graduation seemed to drag on because I was so excited to have my husband back!! :) they recognized all the staff and then all the high individuals of the platoons and companies. They did a canon salute (which was really neat) that even set off many car alarms.

After the ceremony was finished, we waited for about an hour for Paul to turn his weapon back in before we could actually congratulate and finally talk to him. Everyone was so excited to see Paul and it was so fun just watching everyone share in this special occasion. When that was over we had a picnic on the grounds and talked to Paul's good friend Julian. Julian is a Christian that Paul met while at OCS and lives in Arizona. He got commissioned three weeks ago and is waiting to go to The Basic School in October. Congrats 2nd Lt. Julian Mueller!!

After leaving Quantico, we headed to "The House" for a celebration dinner! Aunt Lori and Paul's Mom prepared a wonderful meal for us!! It was so delicious and very much appreciated...down to the last bite of mile high mud pie! :) The evening was finished off with talking and just plain ol' catching up. Paul's Dad was very gracious and put us up in a hotel room so we headed off into the sunset...

1st Increment of OCS July 2008 Graduation

Fox, Echo, and India Companies

Can you spot him in there? :)

Paul's Instructors

Marine Corps Band

Cannons being blasted

He is the second one ot the left.

After graduation with the family

Paul with his parents !!

Once again, thanks to everyone that came and shared in Paul's special day. Many could not make it out but we appreciate all the thoughts and prayers. :)