Happy Halloween

So I came home last night (the 30th) and Mike says how he wants to dress up for work even though he is only going for a half day. I don't know what he was thinking. I told him we didn't have the time or money to go and get a last minute costume. He then assured me he had almost everything he needed. He wanted to go as a nerd. I said perfect, you go as that everyday. After he pretended that his feelings were hurt I asked what he had in mind. Well, the only thing we ended up buying were some reading glasses down at Walgreens and popping the lenses out. He had everything else. Since I was up to get my shot at 5:00 this morning I also snapped a few pictures while he was heading out. He even has the stance down pretty well.

We doubt that we will have any trick or treaters but of course Mike made sure we have the candy- "just in case". Funny how he bought all his favorite candies...hmm...

We hope everyone has a safe, fun, happy Halloween. Hope to see plenty of pictures from everybody.

Crazy Eights

I got this in an email but decided to put it on here instead. It is basically a bunch of lists of eight things. I really need to stop doing these but the thing is I learn so much about myself by doing them.

8 Things I am Passionate About
1) Mike (my wonderful hubby)
2) The Gospel
3) Travel
4) Family and Friends
5) Journaling- online and on paper
6) TLC- mostly Jon & Kate plus 8
7) Music
8) Photography & Scrapbooking

8 Places I Want to Visit

1)Hawaii
2) Germany
3) France
4) New England in the fall
5) Bahamas
6) Every National Park
7) Australia
8) Japan

8 Words or Phrases I Use All the Time (Maybe too often)

1) Anyways...(with nothing following)
2) That's funny (sometimes I put a so in there)
3) Jerkhole (Mike wanted this one on the list...lol)
4) Go Broncos
5) I'm the cute one (Another one from Mike, I say it to him sometimes)
6) Smile if you want ..... (usually followed by - to be tickled, to make dinner)
7) Love you.
8) Are you kidding me?


8 Things I Want To Do Before I Die

1) Have kids
2) Help Mike's Mom come back to the Gospel
3) Go everywhere on my travel list
4) Own a home (as in outright-no payments)
5) Start my own buisness
6) Write a book
7) Serve a mission with my husband
8) Make a Difference

8 Favorite Resturaunts

1) Chilis
2) Cracker Barrel
3) Olive Garden
4) Texas Roadhouse
5) Elmers
6) Chapala
7) Outback Steak House
8) Can't think of another one....Mike's BBQ (lol)


8 TV Shows I Watch

1) Jon & Kate Plus 8
2) Scrubs reruns
3) Everybody Loves Raymond reruns
4) Mythbusters
5) Wizards of Waverly Place
6) Suite Life and Suite Life on Deck
7) Hannah Montanna
8) Chuck and Psyche (they are on opposite times of year)
(5-7 are my guilty pleasures. I watch Disney and I have no kids)

8 Things I Currently Want or Need

1) A vacation (want and need)
2) A new ipod (want)
3) That is it
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)

8 People I Would Challenge To Do This (most probably wouldn't)
1) Terrie
2) Monae
3) Julie
4) Sarah G
5) Stephanie
6) Amanda
7) Sabrena
8) Matt

Well, that was interesting. There were a lot of times I had to ask Mike for help (phrases and wants/needs). Hope everyone found this a little entertaining.

Apartment Living

Ok. So Terrie wants to see our place. So I took a few pictures. Our apartment is actually quite spacious. However, we do hope to find a house to rent after our lease is up now that we know we will be here for another year at least. Anyways, here they are.

And They Move Up a Spot

The Broncos have moved up in the polls! WOOHOO! They are now #11 in the BCS. SWEET!

Mike and I picked up my family from the airport. They were tired but very tan. They had a lot of fun. So for those of us who feel like everything is super expensive here they let us know what it was like there. A gallon of milk cost them 5.96. OUCH! Gas was also dropping there. The last time they filled the rental up it was down to $3.97- only a dollar more than here in Idaho. My sisters were going to leave the pasta roni and such in the condo for the next group. My dad decided that it was too expensive to leave there for others and packed it and gave to back to my sisters once they got to Boise.

Boise in the Fall

Boise is just so gorgeous in the fall. I was just thinking about a week ago how vivid all the trees were this year. The very next day on the news they talked about how the colors are more brilliant and vivid this year and why. The wet winter and spring started it. The summer not getting super hot or dry was the next step. The final step had to do with how we cooled down. But I don't remember if it was that we cooled down gradually or that we had that cold day with the snow so early. Anyways, Mike and I picked my family up from the airport today and afterwards we decided to go and walk so I could take pictures of the changing colors. It made me happy because I just got some new lenses and hadn't been able to try out the macro lens yet.

More Editing

So I took some pics for a friend when she went through the temple for the first time. The only pics of her and her husband he was laughing so hard he was making funny faces. So anyways, the top one is the edited one and the bottom is the original. I ordered some prints and they turned out pretty good. Let me know what you think.

WOOHOO BRONCOS!

I must say I completely enjoyed the game against San Jose. It was good to see us go against a strong defense and see the offense step it up a little. Last year Mike and I had decided that one of our new favorite players was Jeremy Avery after the first game we saw him in. What a night he had last night! That was so awesome.
Now hopefully we can keep it up and keep our fingers crossed that the other teams that are hoping to make it lose (Utah).
Today I am taking senior pics for someone and then Mike and I are going to go and take Sage (our puppy) for with us on some walks around Boise and try and get some good pictures of the gorgeous leaves we have in Boise this year. I want to be able to post some pics for those who are not here and let them see how vivid and beautiful Boise is in the fall. And for those who have lived here and moved, to let them see the change of seasons (for those in Texas).
Transfer update- my estrogen levels were not getting up high enough so this week I am continuing my est. shots 2 times a week, but have to also be on the estrogen patch. Tomorrow starts the progesterone shots where I will have to get up with Mike at 5 am so he can give me a shot daily before he goes to work. At least I can sleep in a little on Sundays and Wednesdays since he has those days off. Other than that, everything is looking good at this point. Thank you to all of you who have kept us in your thoughts and prayers. We are very grateful.

More Editing

So before I was using Picasso 3 trial version. This one was done with photoshop (probably a better program to use anyways).

Photo Editing

OK, So I am working on my photo editing skills. Many of my friends are into photography and I think everyone has a pretty good eye. Let me know what you think of the shots. On the one of Drake, when I took the photo, he had just eaten a cookie and had the evidence on his mouth. I liked how cute that was, but, it was such a nice photo I thought maybe it would be nice to see if I could get the same picture without the cookie. Then I took it another step and put it in black and white.

Next, I had the picture of Maya. I put this one into black and white. Which do you like better? Color or Black or White. These are just two. I will post more another time in a slide show or something. I would really appreciate some input from people. I have some senior pics I will be doing soon and want to get opinions on what people like.

I am shocked at how I have been able to find people who want photos done. Probably because it is so expensive to get them done by a real pro. Hopefully I can do a decent job.

GO BRONCOS!

Just a quick post to say GO BRONCOS! The first BCS Standings came out today and they are #12. Now hopefully we just keep on winning (and Utah doesn't). I think it would be awesome if the WAC broke into the BCS Bowls 3 years in a row with BSU doing it 2 of those times.

GO BRONCOS!

10 Things I Couldn't Live Without

Ok- So you think I would have learned to stop reading these lists. At least this one is only 10 things that I can't (well could but wouldn't want to) live without. Nothing like trying to come up with 101 things about me. So here we go....the 10 things I can't live with out.

1) My husband...Mike. He is my best friend, my strength, my comic relief. The only person who completely understands me. We have been through so much together. Yet, our journey has just begun.

2) The Gospel. I lived life away from the gospel (not without it since I always believed/knew it was true) and didn't have the joy in my life that comes with living the gospel. The Gospel is the reason for living. It lets me know where I came from and where I am going and the reason for this life. I can not imagine life without the knowledge of my Heavenly Father's plan for us.

3) The scriptures. Ok, yes this and probably my next one are a continuance of number 2 but they are just so important to me. The scriptures mean so much to me. I have found so many answers to life's problems in the scriptures. I also find that the time spent reading my scriptures is my favorite time of day.

4) Temples. Okay, so I have not been attending the temple for very long. But I have such a strong testimony of the work and covenants that happen in there. The temple is so peaceful and beautiful. It is a wonderful place and I am so glad I have one in the city where I live.

5) My journal. I love my journal. I love being able to take that time at night to reflect on all that has happened. It is the most therapeutic part of my day. I also like to think of this blog as a secondary journal. The one that I don't mind sharing with all my family and friends. I also find that when I am down, or having a hard time keeping strong in the faith, reading over the experiences that strengthened my testimony instantly lifts me up.

6) Music. I love music. All kinds. Music is a universal language. I can find a song for any mood, anything I want to say, and for any occasion I want to celebrate.

7)Friends. Like the Bolanders. I don't know how I could go on without the Bolanders. It is not often that us married couples find a couple that we can both be friends with. And to find a couple that will let you love their children and be a part of their lives as well. They have been such a wonderful influence on us. I don't think we would be where we are today if they were not a part of our lives. And all our other friends. Sarah, Matt, Sabrena, the Knutesons, and many others.

8) Family. This is all family. Immediate, extended, in-laws. Family is a huge part of God's plan for us. I know that family is meant to be forever. Why would we be put into families and have such close ties if we were to never see each other again after this life? I love my family and am so thankful that my parents were married in the temple so that we can be together forever.

9) Memories. I love memories. Photos, souvenirs, stories. Anything where we are able to relive an experience. I think memories are all about remembering the good times and not focusing on the bad. I can't imagine a world where we were not able to take the memories we have created with us through this life and onto the next.

10) I am at number 10 and I must say the only other thing I can not really think of living without is my testimony. I know, this seems like I am cheating, putting so many different things on here that many people would put under The Gospel. My testimony is the one thing that can never be taken away from me. It is what keeps me going. My knowledge of the truthfulness of the Gospel, God's love and plan for me, the Atonement and much more can get me through anything.

So I did it. Pretty easy after the 101. So now I am challenging anybody who read the entire post to do one of their own. I don't do this because everyone else did, but because I have found these lists give me time to reflect. The first on things about me that people may not know. This, on what means most to me in my life. I am so thankful for the things I listed above and know that making this type of list helps us all see what we truly value.

The Hogle Zoo

Ok. So this was clear back in August but I was a little behind on getting to looking at the photos. We went down to Salt Lake for a weekend where we visited my friend Sarah. We went to Lagoon and the Hogle Zoo. On the way home we met up with friends Rachael & Curtis, and TJ to go to the Twin Falls Temple Open house. The coolest thing at the Zoo was the Albino Croc. He has a greenish tint. We tried telling the zoo worker that meant he wasnt really albino. Turns out that is actually algae that attaches to the croc. We were able to see the Gorilla charge and Mike found out how he measured up. I only had my small lens so I didn't get too many great pics but there were some good ones. It was a fun trip and I am sure we will go down there next summer as well. Especially since Mike wants to eventually attend BYU.

More Photos- Now I really want to go!

For those who are keeping up on my family and their Hawaii Vaca...Here are a few more pics. The first is the McDonalds they ate at this morning. My question is how expensive was it? If the McD's here in Idaho looked like that I wouldn't mind when Mike takes me there on date night (Just kidding- he doesn't take me there.)

The next one doesn't look like much until you know that it is the USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor. How moving it must be to be there. I am hoping they were able to really feel of the Spirit and History there.

Well, I will keep posting the updates as people keeping asking me what they are up to each day. I really hope I am able to make a trip there soon. Maybe I can talk Mike into trying to get into BYU Hawaii-lol. Just kidding. We shall see what they send me tomorrow.

They are already sending pics

So the fam is already sending me pics. I received 3 pix messages today. I thought I would share them with everyone. One is Joyce, Amanda and Carma in front of the Laie Hawaii Temple on island Oahu. That was there first activity in Hawaii. The other is the view of the grounds from the front of the temple. This is making me want to go even more.

Aloha!

Today I dropped my family- well, some of them, off at the airport to go on a 11 day trip to Hawaii. I hope that Joyce, Carma, Amanda and my parents have fun and enjoy all the new experiences. Hopefully they bring back some great souveniers.
They will be visiting 2 islands- Oahu and Maui. They will get to see new sights and learn about other cultures. It is very exciting. I hope to be able to make a trip there within the next few years.
Hope they have fun and return home safe.

Eternity

Yesterday, Mike and I celebrated our 7th anniversary. Lucky number 7. We are pretty boring and didn't do much. We went to Olive Garden for dinner. It is hard to believe that it has been 7 years already! Boy, how time flies.

Our friends- Rachael and Curtis, also celebrated their 1 year anniversary yesterday. That was exciting because it led to today. Today- the 4 month mark from when Mike and I were able to go to the temple and be sealed together for time and all eternity, our friends, Rachael & Curtis, called and said they were going to be sealed tonight. We were very lucky to be able to join them for this. It was wonderful to hear the words that were spoken and to be reminded of the covenants that we made such a short time ago. Congrats to Rachael and Curtis.

It is so wonderful to go to a wedding or sealing and not have to hear the words, Til Death Do you Part.

I was at work when Mike called me and said they had called and were going to be sealed and wanted us there. He called me at work and I was able to get off early. It gave me a little bit of a chance to explain to those I work with why Temple Marriage is such an important part of what we believe.

I am so grateful to have the sealing power on the earth today. I felt the Spirit very strong as Rachael and Curtis were sealed. And the personal advice that was given seemed to partain to Mike and I as much as them. It was beautiful and I know their marriage will be strengthened from this.

That Evil Grin

Ok, so I did it. I trusted Mike to give me a shot. Most people are like what is the big deal? The big deal is that evil grin he gives. It is just so evil. When we went to the shot class the nurse couldn't understand why I was nervous. As Mike sat there with that grin on his face she began to understand.
So it wasn't too bad. It stung worse than the stomach shots but was not bad at all. I think I will be able to handle it. After all- hopefully it will be worth it. I think the worst ones will be the daily ones that he has to give me in the morning. Since I have to get up at 5 am to get them. Fun stuff! (Note the sarcasm)
I am so glad that it is supposed to warm up this week. The snow was kind of fun but I really love fall. That is why I got married in the fall. Tomorrow is mine and Mike's 7th anniversary. It is so hard to believe that we have been married this long. It is so wonderful to know that we will be together for eternity. Or as Mike says "4-EV-ER" (Sandlot). I can't wait for all the years ahead.

Let It Snow?

I can't believe that it is October 10th and it is snowing! It was really coming down at my work (near the airport) at 5:30 when I got off. How crazy! I guess this will be a good weekend to curl up on the couch with my book (The last book of the Great and Terrible series....read it) and drink hot cocoa and maybe even have pancakes for dinner. We went straight from summer to winter it seems. Hopefully after this cold front leaves I will be able to have my beautiful fall.

WOOHOO

This is a very exciting day for me. Today marks the day my weightloss is now at 40 pounds. (Too bad that there has not been the inches melting away to make it really noticable). This is a very exciting mark for me as I do not remember the last time I got down this far since the major weight gain when my PCOS and other fertility factors started acting up. This is wonderful! WOOHOO.
Tomorrow I go to the Fertility Doc for the beginning of my cycle. This is a much less invasive procedure as my ovaries will not be stimulated. (so hopefully no 15 pound weight gain like with the IVF) But I do have to get a shot in the back of my hip 2 times a week at first and then everyday towards the end of the cycle. This means I have to trust Mike to put a 1 1/2 inch (looks longer to me) needle in me and inject meds. I feel he will get to much pleasure from this. The meds are hormones. Nothing too exciting.

What Wonderful Words Were Spoken.

Oh what wonderful words were spoken this weekend during conference. No matter what the talks are about it seems like every single one has something to do with my life. I must say, I think President Monson's Sunday Morning talk on Change was probably my favorite. (Not sure yet as the storms here in Boise cut out my satelite during the Saturday afternoon session so will have to read some of those talks.)

I feel so renewed. The beautiful thing is that I will get the chance to be fed even more this week at Stake Conference. How lucky to have 2 weeks in a row where I am able to take in such wonderful talks.

Mike and I are preparing for a lot this month. While we are not telling anybody the details (as too many people ask too many questions) those that read our blog will be the first and maybe only ones to know that we are going to be going through another round of fertility treatments this month. A less invasive and less expensive procedure this time, we will be trying a frozen embryo transfer. We have prayed often to know that this is the right decision and we know this is what we need to be doing, no matter what the results.

It is so gorgeous in Boise in the fall. I love to see the leaves changing color and the crispness in the air. I love Idaho and its great outdoors. I do not look forward to the day when we will move from this lovely place, and personally hope we don't have to. I hope that Mike will be able to find a job in his field here in Boise.

I hope everyone else was able to enjoy conference as much as I did. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

October

You have to love fall. The leaves change color, the air is crisp and the weather cools down. Ok and then it goes back up again and then down and then up....but it is still so refreshing to me. Of course fall is the best time of year. Mike and I will be celebrating our 7th anniversary this month. Crazy that it has been that long, isnt it? It doesn't seem like that long.

This month Mike and I will be watching football- GO BRONCOS, going on walks, going to the corn maze (already went once but only did one maze as took us almost 2 hours), and best of all, watching conference. How blessed we are to live in a country where we can watch conference live on local television or if not on local on the BYU channel. We are able to hear the words the day they are spoken. We do not have to wait to hopefully be able to obtain a copy of the Ensign.

Mike and I still do not have callings in our new ward. We are not complaining about it. It is probably a good thing since we are planning on traveling a lot in the next 3 months. We will be taking several trips to Lewiston before the snow keeps us from going up there. We will also probably head over to Eastern Idaho once and maybe somewhere for Thanksgiving. However, when the Lord decides he needs us we will be ready. Even if it is tomorrow.

We are still seeking out ideas for a vacation next year. We are hoping to go in October if that helps anyone know of a good fall trip. This is the month we take most our vacations so we feel strange staying at home this year. We are kind of aching for that get away but we are not going to get it. But we will get through it. This way we can save money and have more for next year. Mike has to put in for his time off by the end of this month so hopefully we can at least decide on a time frame by then. I am sure we will. Ideas are appreciated more than you could know.

God Bless and may the Spirit be with you all as we hear the words of the Prophet this weekend.