Thankful List

So I felt that with Mike finding out his last day will be tomorrow at his job that I needed to find something positive to focus on. I have done a Gratitude List before but I think that we shouldn't just think of things we are thankful for every now and then so here it goes again:

I am thankful for

my husband
my parents
the Gospel
my job
my friends
The Bolanders
my ward
the gorgeous day we had today
a roof over my head
the scriptures
having a temple here in Boise
toilet paper
having a dishwasher
dvr's that still let you watch previously
recorded shows even after you have no directv
gas prices under $4 a gallon
cheap icecream
my millions of blankets
board games
electricity
my tiny food storage
homemade rasberry jam
books
blogging
music
cheap vacations...hello SLC and Yellowstone!
weekends...specifically Sundays
BSU football
my church calling
email....and free email
visiting teaching
apples
Disney Channel
Winco and Walmart....money savers.
chacos
capris
my puppy
Jon & Kate Plus 8... so INSPIRTAIONAL!
the soon to be here spring

I could probably go on but I think that is enough to bore everyone out of their mind. I hope that as all of us are going through this hard time as a Nation that we can remember the things we still have to be grateful for.

Finally....

So Finally the sun came out! YEAH! I was so excited to see the sun yesterday when walking home from church. And then to be able to wear my sunglasses today! WOOHOO! Forget that it only got up to 27 degrees and the wind was biting cold....it was just nice to have some sun.

A New Goal

So I came back from vacation 10 pounds lighter and thought I would set a pretty good goal for my weight loss this year. You know, that was just setting myself up for disaster. The second I did so I craved more sweets, was less active and ate way more. Part of that was the return of my taste buds at the exact time of month I crave sweets....ouch. But a lot of it was when I set these big goals and think about how I am going to work hard and lose weight, I want that crappy stuff more. I should know that doesn't work for me.
So I am going back to my goal that has helped me lose the last 50 pounds. Instead of my goal that I had to get to my goal weight by the end of the year my new goal is to become more active than I am now. I want to spend the spring and summer hiking, camping, rafting, and doing all the fun things I want to do every year....especially since Mike now has weekends off. That is my new goal. To become even more active, to enjoy life and to not focus on getting to the goal weight. Since I made this my goal earlier this week, the cravings have gone away, I have been looking forward to all the cheap and active things we can do this summer and looking forward to just having fun.
So if anyone has some fun active-ities that I can try for Saturdays in the valley, let me know. (Preferably cost free) I really want to have something to do nearly every weekend this spring and summer.

The Infertility Prayer

This was posted on a website for a support group I use for infertility. It really sums up how I feel at times and many of my prayers. This is mostly for journaling purposes.

Dear Lord, the pain of infertility is so deep. All of our lives, we dream of being mothers, of raising children with loving hearts to do your will on this earth. Month after month when that dream does not come true, it so painful, Lord. We feel like our dreams die each month with empty arms. Please guide us to trust in your plan for us. We desperately need you in our lives. Thank you for all the blessings we do have, knowing through you all things are possible. Amen

A Little Sunshine

This post is for everyone like me.......

MISSING THE SUN!

It has been about 10 days since the sun has shown itself (not including that little bit yesterday...I was stuck in an office for that). The fog and the cold are making for some serious winter blues. The humidity makes the air FREEZING. Even inside my heated home. I just keep reminding myself that it will be warming up soon enough and then eventually, we will all be trying to cool off.

So here is a little sunshine for everyone and I hope you are all well and able to spread a little cheer this winter to those who may be feeling a little down.

My Top 5 Movies of 2008

These are my top 5 movies that were released in 2008, you may agree or disagree but hey
it is my list.... (I didn't see very many movies this year either)

5) Prince Caspian

not as good as the first but I still liked it.

4) Juno

I loved the dry humor and could relate to Jennifer Garner's character's dream of becoming a mother.

3) Get Smart

I thought it was really funny and truly enjoyed it

2) Wall-E

How many movies can keep you entertained with not a word being spoken for the entire first half...plus the animation during the scenes on earth were spectacular.

1) You guessed it....

The Dark Knight

Heath Ledger was captivating, Christian Bale has come so far from when I used to watch him in Newsies...although his Batman voice was a little too freaky.

Like I said I didn't see very many. I thought of putting Hancock on the list but since I didn't watch it until this year I didn't feel it was fair. Hopefully I will have more chances to see the great movies out there this year. It is just hard since we moved so far away from the semi-decent priced theater.

My Husband

My friend Steph tagged me to do this while I was in the middle of my 25 blogs of Christmas. I told her I would do it but that I was going to wait til after New Years. So here we go:

1) Where did you meet your husband?

We met at work. I was a manager at Wendy's. Mike had just moved to Boise and was working there until he found another job. I couldn't stand him as he was always talking about some band he liked and other stuff I found dumb. He will tell you he hated me because I actually made them work. I was dating someone else at the time and ended up stepping down from management to go back to school. (Which didn't happen...long story). I transferred back to my old store for a little bit and when I returned to that Wendy's I started hanging out with a lot of the workers there. We would go out salsa dancing and stuff and one night we were heading to go out dancing at a dance club (always on all ages nights so we knew nothing bad was happening) one of the other workers said Mike wanted to come along. So he came and later that night he told me he kind of liked me and wanted to go out sometime. I blew him off as I was just ending the relationship I was in. As time went by, my husband stopped his bad habits knowing I wouldn't date anyone who smoked or drank. He became less annoying and told me he was actually mormon. Not believing him I quized him. Once he had me convinced he was LDS and he had stopped his evil ways he convinced me to go on a date with him.

2) How long did you date before getting married?

Well, we dated for 3 months before getting engaged...after the 2nd time he asked. (I have found this is more common then I think) We were then married 3 months after that. I didn't want to wait to long and we wanted a fall wedding. I think that is why we decided to get married so soon. I really can't remember anymore the exact reasoning. So October 13th we tied the knot. Barely a month after the September 11th attacks.

3) How long have you been married?

7 years and 3 months and 2 days...thanks to my little counter at the bottom of this page.

But, we also celebrate when we were sealed June 14th of last year.

4) What does he do that suprises you?

The shorter answer would be what does Mikey do that doesn't suprise me.

Seriously though, the things that suprise me are the times he does something simple for me. Like he gets up and gets me a drink without me asking. He will do housework without me having to beg, plead and yell (sometimes). He will turn off the video games as soon as I walk in the door. It is the small things that suprise me every day.

5) What is your favorite feature of his?

That is a hard one. I guess his eyes. When we were both in better shape he also had a great jaw line. He can be so handsome when he isn't hamming it up for the camera. REALLY.

6) What is his best quality?

His best quality is that he brings out the lighter side of me. I can be silly around him and not feel self conscieous. He makes me laugh and laughs when I am being a dork. He makes me smile everyday.

7) Does he have a nickname for you?

Not really. Sometimes he calls me Babe. Don't know if that is after the pig or a real term of affection...just kidding. (oh and mamasita amd mamasota (spell?))

8) What is his favorite food?

Again, an easier one is what isn't his favorite food. He loves steak, tacos, and Cracker Barrels Baked Mac N Cheese, he could eat pizza 24/7 and always wants to go to Olive Garden.

9) What is his favorite sport?

The Wii. Or watching BSU football...but playing...nothing. Trying to change that though.

10) When did you first kiss?

Well, we don't count our first kiss...we have tried to forget that. Let's just say he was VERY nervous and kind of messed that up. But I think our real first kiss besides pecks on the cheek was about 2 weeks after we first started dating (we went out almost every night that week). I honestly don't remember it very well because I never counted it as our first kiss until we decided the other one didn't count.

11) What is your favorite thing to do as a couple?

Well, since we have no kids everything we do is as a couple. But our special once in a great while thing is travel. We love to go to Disneyland, and other places. Of course, most recently was San Antonio and our first (yes for both of us) flight. Granted we usually travel with others but we still get to experience new places together.

12) Do you have any children?

Not yet.

13) Does he have any hidden talents?

Hidden from some people and very obvious to others...he is great with kids. Although sometimes he forgets they don't get all of his jokes, but VERY good with kids.

14) How old is he?

29

15) What is his favorite music?

What I like to call Devil Music. But he will listen to almost anything. Usually my radio station.

16) What do you admire about him?

How he has been able to turn his life around and become such a strong, spiritual person.

17) What is his favorite color?

Black (I don't think that counts)

18) Will he read this?

Seriously doubt it.

19) Who said "I love you" first?

That is our funny story. I already had a feeling I was going to marry him and was really sick one night and he was letting me rest my head on his legs and I think being sick had some effect on my head because when he said he needed to leave I said "I'll miss you. I love you." He looked at me and smiled and said I love you too. He said before he was scared to say it after our kiss incident and was so happy I said it.

20) Who do you tag?

Monae, Terrie, anyone esle who is married and reads this.

Just a little note.

I have given my blog info to many of you to view Texas pictures. They are on here. Just scroll down below the Memories of 2008 entries and you will find them.

Top Memory of 2008

I think this one is pretty obvious but the number one memory of 2008 is:

FOREVER

Mike and I go through the temple

and are sealed together for time and eternity

June 14, 2008

After over 6 1/2 years of marriage, Mike and I made our union eternal when we went through the Boise, ID temple and were sealed for time and all eternity. Our dear friends, Cory and Terrie Bolander were able to be our escorts as we went through for the first time. We were blessed to have my parents and three of my sisters there as well. Bishop Head who married us was also able to attend the sealing. Mike and I have found this to be a huge blessing in our lives. Mike and I have both come so far. My parents taught our temple preparation class. The entire process was wonderful for us. As soon as we finished the class Mike asked me when we were going to go. He has come so far since we were married. I am so lucky to have him in my life. He has taught me so much about the Plan of Salvation and the Gospel and I love him and am looking forward to all the experiences that are yet to come.

Terrie Bolander, me, Mike, Cory Bolander

Memory #2

Mike Graduates

June 2008

On June 4, 2008 Mike graduated with honors from ITT with a Bachelors in Applied Science. It was nice to finally have him done with that degree specializing in Video Game design and Computer Animation because now he can no longer say he is doing homework when playing games. Mike is going to continue his education by getting a computer science degree through the local college and then BSU.

Memory #3

Two New Temples Dedicated in Idaho

February and August 2008

This year two temples were dedicated in Idaho. In February the Rexburg Idaho temple was dedicated. It was the first temple dedicated after the death of President Hinkley. In fact it was supposed to be dedicated the weekend of his funeral but with his passing the dedication was post poned for a week.

In August Mike and I were able to attend the Twin Falls Temple open house (I was able to attend twice, once with him and our friends and then again with my family). We were also blessed to be able to attend the dedication broadcast at our stake center. What a wonderful experience it was to be able to attend that dedication.

Memory #4

The Trip to Seaside, OR

March 2008

A trip normally wouldn't take a spot on my list but this one we were able to take Mike's mom and niece on vacation with us and it was such a different trip for us. We were a lot more laid back. Not on the go as much as we normally are when we go out of town.

We enjoyed the ocean and the small town feel of Seaside and enjoyed Indian Beach and Ecola State Park. We made a stop at Tillamook Cheese Factory on the way home as well. It was a lot of fun to travel with Mike's family since most of our trips are with my family.

My Top 5 Memories of 2008

Ok, so I know we are over a week into it, but really, I am just now getting used to the fact that it is a new year. Maybe that has to do with the fact that I didn't even have to think about the date until the 6th of January when I went back to work.

So my friend Monae is counting down the top 10 memories of 2008...but I don't have much of a life and am not very social so I don't think I really have that many. I am going to do the top 5 memories.

Starting with #5...and I think this was on Monae's list but it was a big moment for me as well.

The Passing of President Gordon B Hinkley

January 27th, 2008

Gordon B Hinkley is the first prophet I really felt like I knew and loved. Maybe because he was sustained when I was a young teen and then carried me through some of my most trying years.

President Hinkley wished to be known as the Prophet the people wished they would have listened to (and hopefully we did). He brought the church to the forefront of the media at several times, oversaw the construction of many temples and church buildings, and led several humanitarian efforts. He was such a great example to everyone in the world, LDS or not.

I remember shortly after his wife passed when President Hinkley gave a talk in Conference that led many to believe he knew his time with us was coming to an end. Luckily, he was with us for a few more years to come. That testimony touched me so deeply, that I want to share it with you.

"Now, in conclusion, I hope that all of you will remember that on this Sabbath day you heard me bear my witness that this is God's holy work. The vision given the Prophet Joseph in the grove of Palmyra was not an imaginary thing. It was real. It occurred in the broad light of day. Both the Father and the Son spoke to the boy. He saw Them standing in the air above him. He heard

Their voices. He gave heed to Their instruction.

It was the resurrected Lord who was introduced by His Father, the great God of the universe. For the first time in recorded history, both the Father and the Son appeared together to part the curtains and open this, the last and final dispensation, the dispensation of the fulness of times.

The Book of Mormon is all that it purports to be—a work recorded by prophets who lived anciently and whose words have come forth "to the convincing of the Jew and Gentile that Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God, manifesting himself unto all nations"

The priesthood has been restored under the hands of John the Baptist and Peter, James, and John. All the keys and authority pertaining to eternal life are exercised in this Church.

Joseph Smith was and is a prophet, the great Prophet of this dispensation. This Church, which carries the name of the Redeemer, is true.

I leave you my testimony, my witness, and my love for each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen."

Downtown Day

The Red Hat

When we went to the San Antonio Zoo on Saturday Addison wore her read hat. Alia ended up with it on throughout the day. It made for some cute pictures. Here are two of them.

More pictures to come.

Texas

So we are back in Boise and freezing our butts off. We really enjoyed our time in Texas and are already planning our next trip since we didn't get enough of the warm weather, sights and of course...the Bolanders.
The trip start with a new experience for both Mike and I. We both flew for the first time. I found that I am easily put to sleep by riding in a plane. Mike realized he really didn't need the Dramamine. It was an experience and nothing too exciting happened with that but it is something we can now say that we have done.
We arrived in Texas Tuesday night around 10 pm (Dec 30th). Cory picked us up and we went to the house and then they were wonderful enough to let us use their car to commute between their place and the hotel. We said hi to Terrie and then went back to the hotel. The plan was to come over in the morning, maybe call the kids from the cell while in the driveway and surprise them by showing up at the door while on the phone with them. Well, we pulled up Wednesday morning and all was going well til we realized one of the kids was outside in the vacant house next doors yard. It was Drake and he saw us pull up. We were able to quiet him before he let the cat out of the bag. We had him go inside and tell the kids he found something cool and he brought them all to see us. YEAH! It was a lot of fun.
That night we were able to go to Fiesta Texas (Six Flags) and rode the few rides that were open. It was fun. Unfortunately, the cold I thought I had gotten rid of started coming back and I had an awful sore throat so we called it an early night on New Years. I did wake up at midnight for a moment to text those in the mountain time zone and tell them how last year they were.
I didn't sleep well that night so Thursday we just hung out at the house. (Part of the reason we didn't get to do everything we wanted to.)
Friday was my favorite day. We went to the Alamo, downtown, La Villita and Riverwalk. I have already written and posted about that.
Saturday we sweated the 80+ degree weather and super humid day out at the zoo. It wasn't too awful except when the wind stopped blowing. It was a lot of fun. While the zoo there doesn't have too many different animals it has a gorgeous setup and landscaping.
Sunday we went to church with the Bolanders and began packing. We did find time to go to the Japanese Tea (Sunken) Gardens. It was very pretty and I hope to be able to go there sometime warmer when EVERYTHING is in bloom.
Monday came all too soon and we headed home. We hope that next time we can stay for a longer period of time and really get to spend time in some of the same places and a few we didn't get to. We touched down in Boise to a lot of snow and cold weather. Missing the sun and can't wait for spring. If it wasn't that I love Idaho I would be already looking for a job in a warmer climate.

The Alamo and Riverwalk

I am sitting in the hotel room, trying to cool off (we just turned on the a/c). I was able to load some pictures from Friday onto the laptop. We went to The Alamo, Downtown San Antonio and Riverwalk. The history and architecture in this part of San Antonio are AMAZING! It was so beautiful I couldn't stop taking pictures. Here are just a few of my favorites.

Mike and I at The Alamo

More Alamo pics. None of which is the "actual" building.

This is the library that we are in front of. It was a lot less crowded so much easier to get a picture without a million people we don't know in front of it. (Thanks Terrie for being our photographer so we could get some pics of us together.)

Riverwalk....The colors are just GORGEOUS! If I were a local I would spend all my time in downtown (where the Riverwalk, Alamo and other places we went that day are located).

I know how fake it looks by the way the light is shining around my face but we really are there. It was so beautiful. I am already planning when I can come back to spend more time in this area. We have been blessed to have great weather while we are here. Today (Saturday) was pretty warm...official high was 84 and 80% humidity....but a nice change from the wet winter in Boise.

I am enjoying my time here with the Bolanders so much. Every time we see them it just feels like they never left (once we get used to the growth of each kid). I still am not quite grasping that we only have one day left here. I hope that we are able to see each other a few more times this year as I can not wait a full year to see them again.

happy new year

We Made It!

Well, Mike and I survived our first airplane trip! The most interesting thing is when they switched the gate for our connecting flight in Denver 10 minutes before boarding and didn't even announce it over the speaker. Luckily another guy was constantly checking the departures and saw it right as it changed so we high-tailed it to the other end of the concourse. Then the loud speaker announced the old gate was going to be where the flight to Boise would be boarding. That would have been a short trip! Well, I am still somewhat sick and we have had a lot of fun so far! I will write more once I get back to Boise. Happy New Year!