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| Come see me at Zorell's in Bismarck! |
I am so thankful for this job as it works with my graduate studies schedule and gives me a chance to save some extra money for when Paul comes home.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
New News
Yesterday was my very first day working in Bismarck, ND. I am working at Zorell's Jewelry and absolutely LOVE it so far!
Nice staff, beautiful scenery (diamonds, pearls, flowers, etc), and a fun atmosphere since everyone coming in is excited to make a purchase for someone they love.
I am so thankful for this job as it works with my graduate studies schedule and gives me a chance to save some extra money for when Paul comes home.
I am so thankful for this job as it works with my graduate studies schedule and gives me a chance to save some extra money for when Paul comes home.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Valentines Reminiscing - Vbos Berries
Valentines Day marks our half year anniversary, since we were married on August 14, and is a fun day to remember those loved ones in our lives. Last year Paul and I were in Idaho visiting our families for a couple weeks.
He was trying to figure out what to do about Valentines Day and heard an ad about Shari's Berries. Have you heard of them? No doubt they are amazing but for a dozen sweet strawberries dipped in chocolate, they are $29.99. Paul and I are somewhat frugal (in some things anyways) and he was not going to pay $30 for 12 strawberries! So Paul and his Dad went to the store and began crafting their very own Vbos Berries!
He was trying to figure out what to do about Valentines Day and heard an ad about Shari's Berries. Have you heard of them? No doubt they are amazing but for a dozen sweet strawberries dipped in chocolate, they are $29.99. Paul and I are somewhat frugal (in some things anyways) and he was not going to pay $30 for 12 strawberries! So Paul and his Dad went to the store and began crafting their very own Vbos Berries!
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| The berry makers at work. |
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| Look at the multi chocolate swirls! |
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| Way to be thrifty and provide a wonderful Valentines Day memory! |
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| This is their marketing image for their Vbos Berries. |
Sweet memories! :) I am so thankful for my husband and know I am loved by him even across the miles. Happy Valentines Day, honey!
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Prince Charming
I got a picture from Paul yesterday.
This is what a modern day Prince Charming looks like.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Oh Deer!
On Christmas Day I arrived at my parent's new home in Bismarck, ND. I have never even visited North Dakota so when people asked if I was going home when Paul was deployed I didn't know what to say other than "kinda". But that is another story for a different day.
My parents have this giant hay field just beyond their yard and Dad has been setting out sunflowers (ND is the number 1 producer of sunflowers) and corn for the deer to eat since September. Because of this, they have over twenty different deer that come and "feast" in the backyard. It is quite fun to watch them from the bedroom windows as they are only 30 yards from the patio.
My Dad has a trail picture taker that snaps when something moves by it and he got some of these photos in November. There were literally thousands of pictures on the trail timer so Dad knew exactly what deer were coming in and eating even at night.
One fateful day in January Dad snuck out of the back sliding glass door with his bow and arrows in hand. Meanwhile Mom and I were watching upstairs from the windows. Dad was able to successfully harvest this nice North Dakota buck from our backyard while we watched on. I just wish I could pull back Dad's bow - but it is strung way to tight for my weak little arms.
Last week we had deer roast and some sausages and boy were they delicious! This deer had been practically corn and hay fed so his taste was so much better than the high desert Mule Deer in Idaho. It would be safe to say that those of you who have never feasted on deer would think you were eating a beef steer - it was that good!
We laugh about how many people pay thousands of dollars to hunt a nice whitetail like this and Mom and Dad have them in their backyard. I think North Dakota is growing on me...
My parents have this giant hay field just beyond their yard and Dad has been setting out sunflowers (ND is the number 1 producer of sunflowers) and corn for the deer to eat since September. Because of this, they have over twenty different deer that come and "feast" in the backyard. It is quite fun to watch them from the bedroom windows as they are only 30 yards from the patio.
My Dad has a trail picture taker that snaps when something moves by it and he got some of these photos in November. There were literally thousands of pictures on the trail timer so Dad knew exactly what deer were coming in and eating even at night.
SASQUATCH!!!! Oh, just Dad adding more corn. :)
HELLO!
I don't know if this deer is looking at an airplane or the stars but either way it was funny.
One fateful day in January Dad snuck out of the back sliding glass door with his bow and arrows in hand. Meanwhile Mom and I were watching upstairs from the windows. Dad was able to successfully harvest this nice North Dakota buck from our backyard while we watched on. I just wish I could pull back Dad's bow - but it is strung way to tight for my weak little arms.
Last week we had deer roast and some sausages and boy were they delicious! This deer had been practically corn and hay fed so his taste was so much better than the high desert Mule Deer in Idaho. It would be safe to say that those of you who have never feasted on deer would think you were eating a beef steer - it was that good!
We laugh about how many people pay thousands of dollars to hunt a nice whitetail like this and Mom and Dad have them in their backyard. I think North Dakota is growing on me...
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Take it off and Tone it up!
Let's just say that the last month before Paul left was horrible as far as packin' on the pounds are concerned. Let me preface that with - I KNOW I DIDN'T HAVE TO EAT IT - but I did. I admit it, I had no self control and now I am the one living with the results of my actions.
It all happened like this...
I was being the dutiful wife cooking all of Paul's favorite foods - which for Paul is a lot of things. :)
We took leave to Charleston, SC and if you have ever been there, you know the food is AMAZING!! Let's just say that Paul and I stopped at one bakery every day for cake and coffee, plus we were eating out the entire week. BLAH! We hardly ever eat out and so it was a treat for awhile, but then we were craving our normal fair at home.
I think I am a stress eater...either that or when I am stressed I tend to not burn calories. Either way, that played into it.
It was the holidays. I can't imagine any worse of a time to pack the pounds on then during the holidays and then compile that with a deployment and I had a big problem.
I was not doing my normal workouts because Paul was on leave or we were preparing for him to go. I know, bad excuse...
Needless to say, I gained about 5 pounds in one month. Dum, Dum, Dum!!!
So... a new diet and exercise plan! I have heard good things about MyFitnessPal.com so I thought I would try it out. I have only been doing it for a week and a half but have seen some progress already. It helps you track your weight, exercises, carbs, protein, fats, and total calories. It takes a little while to get the hang of the program, but then it is super easy to use. I don't have a smart phone but if you do, it could be even easier for you!
So my goal is to take off 10 pounds and to tone "things" up a bit as I set a goal to run a half marathon this year. If you feel like you want to join me, let me know or add me on MFP! I would love to have accountability with someone! I guess I should clarify - you don't have to run the half marathon with me. :)
It all happened like this...
I was being the dutiful wife cooking all of Paul's favorite foods - which for Paul is a lot of things. :)
We took leave to Charleston, SC and if you have ever been there, you know the food is AMAZING!! Let's just say that Paul and I stopped at one bakery every day for cake and coffee, plus we were eating out the entire week. BLAH! We hardly ever eat out and so it was a treat for awhile, but then we were craving our normal fair at home.
I think I am a stress eater...either that or when I am stressed I tend to not burn calories. Either way, that played into it.
It was the holidays. I can't imagine any worse of a time to pack the pounds on then during the holidays and then compile that with a deployment and I had a big problem.
I was not doing my normal workouts because Paul was on leave or we were preparing for him to go. I know, bad excuse...
Needless to say, I gained about 5 pounds in one month. Dum, Dum, Dum!!!
So... a new diet and exercise plan! I have heard good things about MyFitnessPal.com so I thought I would try it out. I have only been doing it for a week and a half but have seen some progress already. It helps you track your weight, exercises, carbs, protein, fats, and total calories. It takes a little while to get the hang of the program, but then it is super easy to use. I don't have a smart phone but if you do, it could be even easier for you!
So my goal is to take off 10 pounds and to tone "things" up a bit as I set a goal to run a half marathon this year. If you feel like you want to join me, let me know or add me on MFP! I would love to have accountability with someone! I guess I should clarify - you don't have to run the half marathon with me. :)
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
The Last Picture
Because I just changed my privacy settings, I hadn't stated that Paul deployed. But now that it is private I can tell you he did in fact leave December 21. I can't believe it has been over a month already!
Time has really flown by for the both of us. Paul is busy doing his job and I am staying busing here in North Dakota. We are so thankful for the thoughts and prayers that so many people have sent our way. I never would have imagined the peace that I have right now.
The few days before Paul left were so long and yet fast. We both were just ready to say goodbye so we could start the countdown and yet were dreading the actual goodbye. I stayed at the "drop zone" for only 45 minutes and then Paul said goodbye to Lucy and me at 9pm. It was really quick and we were both smiling and laughing because we were both so excited to start this next chapter. I can say that I didn't cry, nor have cried, because my best friend was gone. We are so happy with our decision to make it quick because Paul said other wives stayed until the bitter end (about 4 am) and had to be pried away from their husbands as they were hysterical. I can honestly say that the sight of that would bring me to tears - I would have lost it!
So here is the last picture that I and Lucy have with Paul until we see him again.
Time has really flown by for the both of us. Paul is busy doing his job and I am staying busing here in North Dakota. We are so thankful for the thoughts and prayers that so many people have sent our way. I never would have imagined the peace that I have right now.
The few days before Paul left were so long and yet fast. We both were just ready to say goodbye so we could start the countdown and yet were dreading the actual goodbye. I stayed at the "drop zone" for only 45 minutes and then Paul said goodbye to Lucy and me at 9pm. It was really quick and we were both smiling and laughing because we were both so excited to start this next chapter. I can say that I didn't cry, nor have cried, because my best friend was gone. We are so happy with our decision to make it quick because Paul said other wives stayed until the bitter end (about 4 am) and had to be pried away from their husbands as they were hysterical. I can honestly say that the sight of that would bring me to tears - I would have lost it!
So here is the last picture that I and Lucy have with Paul until we see him again.
Monday, January 16, 2012
Going Private!
On January 25 I am going to change my blog to only those that I invite to see it so that I can pass on more personal information. If you would like to have access granted, please leave a comment to this post with your email address. I have pre-approved comments so it won't be displayed for the entire world to see. :)
Thanks!
Thanks!
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