The Barretts

Update!

2011-11-08T16:48:00.000-08:00

I haven't updated since graduation, so here it goes!

I landed a job at Wells Fargo which as much as I complain really is a great job to find for this area. I have been working full time and Rob is working on school- registering for what we think is his last semester!

Katie is as funny as ever. She keeps us laughing...and sometimes crying- but we love her. She is so strong willed and a girl who really knows what she wants. Gotta love it.

SO for some exciting news- We are having baby Barrett #2 join us in June 2012. We are very excited. Katie is so great with little kids, she will just be head over heels in love to have a real baby at home. I am hoping for another girl, mostly because I want an army of girls. FUN!

Being a working mom is not an easy job. But being a pregnant working mom is way worse. Luckily the nausea has subsided and my fatigue has let up a bit. My house is still a mess and we are still eating noodles every night. Hopefully in the next few weeks I will have all my energy back.

Miss and love you all.

Graduation!

2011-04-20T16:34:00.000-07:00

I did it!

I am FINALLY done with school! I now have my Bachelor's of Communications.

Graduation was so fun. I will never understand why people choose not to walk in the ceremonies. I needed to walk, I needed the recognition and the applause. It's not easy going to school with a baby. But I am so glad I saw it through.

My mom, dad, auntie and sister Molly all came out from NH for the celebrations. Rob's parents and brother Clark came up from Utah. Rob's mom made me the most amazing dress to wear. I loved it!

It was such an amazing experience having my family in Rexburg, Idaho. I was finally able to show them all where I have been living the past few years. It was great to show them the campus. They were all very impressed with how large it is and how beautiful it is.

After graduation we all drove down to Utah. My mom flew out of SLC airport and my dad, auntie and sister stayed for 5 more days. We toured the Salt lake area, seeing the Great Salt Lake itself and also touring Temple Square. There were lots of buffalo on Antelop Island, which is where we went to see the lake.

It was probably the best time I have ever had with my family.

After everyone flew home, Rob, Katie, Ryan and I came back to Rexburg. I sulked around the house for a few days, enjoying my time off and also wondering why I hadn't heard from the jobs I interviewed for.

Then, on Monday, I got the call. Wells Fargo offered me the position I interviewed for!! I was so excited to have next puzzle piece in place. The HR rep for the area said I will start after my background is checked. I excitedly told her, "that's great, I have an AWESOME background!". yea, I was a bit embarrassed I said that, but it's true. And I was just so excited.

So now I will get my fingerprinting done, and probably start training next week. I will be working at the Rigby location, about 10 minutes from Rexburg. I also get benefits! So exciting and relieving.

The month of April seems to be a month full of blessings and rewards. I am so grateful.

Photos! The scenic/animal ones were taken at Atelope Island.

The Salt Lake

Does he ever put his Ipad2 down?

We were so close to the buffalo!

This photo looks like we are in another country. Is there really something so beautiful here in America?

The Salt Lake is saltier than the ocean. Only brine shrimp live in it.

This photo was taken through my windshield glass. Hence some reflections.

The whole group! Dad is hidden behind Molly.

Katie Pointing at the buffalo, she loved them.

I got to sit on stage for participating in the choir. No, I don't sing, but how could I resist the spotlight? I am the shortest one on stage, in case you can't find me.

Never thought I would have this photo. But I am so glad I do.

Katie

2011-03-19T19:04:00.000-07:00

Here are some highlights from Katie's Birthday!

Opening a gift from Grandpa Fullam

Her very own cake! She was so careful with it, I have never seen a baby take their time and be so gentle with a whole cake in front of them.

She loved it once she got the hang of it.

She LOVED when we sang happy birthday. It was so funny.

Click to see it larger

The Adventures of Katie

2011-03-01T22:08:00.000-08:00

11:41am: Show daddy how to find the tape.

11:43am: Reorganize mommy's pots and pans.

11:44am: While screaming, hit pugs with pan until they run downstairs in terror.

11:46am: Don't forget mommy's decorations and photos.

11:51am: Daddy can always fix that later. The fridge looks better without it anyway.

Katie's Birthday Plans

2011-02-04T17:22:00.001-08:00

Katie's birthday is fast approaching: about 1 month until her party!

I have started putting together plans for her birthday bash. We are going with a Tinker Bell theme, because she seriously LOVES her Tinker Bell movie. We already picked out the most adorable cake... but it feeds like a million people...so you should come...really...everybody.

I am so excited to celebrate her 1 year mark in this world. As I have been sharing my plans with family and friends, I tend to get the same reaction:

"Why are you putting so much effort into something she won't remember?"

WELL ladies and gentlemen, there are two very important reasons to make her first birthday fantastic.

1. I want to get in the habit of making her birthday a big deal.
2. I have a healthy and wonderful little girl and that is something to celebrate.

Let's talk about habits. I want to get in the habit of making celebrations fun for my kid. I want her birthday to be something she anticipates over the years. Why start on her 2nd or 3rd or even 4th birthday? I know she will love eating her sugary cake and be so excited to play with her friends. This is not an event she won't like. She will love it. She will also be able to look back in her baby book to see how cute she was.

On the second point, I ask you:
"do we only do nice things for others when we will be recognized for it?"

We shouldn't, and I know my babe is not going to say thank you after or remember how much work I put into all the little details. But I want to do something fun for her anyway. It's how I am going to show her how much I love her and how important she really is.

Life and health are such great gifts. We too often take these for granted when we should constantly be celebrating them. I want to throw a big party with our family and friends to celebrate the huge blessing of having Katie in our lives for a year.

It's been so amazing, it only seems right to end the first year with a bang.

If you haven't received your formal invitation yet, no worries, they will arrive soon!

Christmas to Now

2011-01-22T21:31:00.000-08:00

After a fun-filled Christmas in NH with my family, we are back in Idaho starting our winter semester classes.

January 4th marked my last first day of school, ever!

Weird, isn't it? Well, I guess when you consider I've been working on my degree for 5 years, it's not all that weird.

The next few months are going to be amazing. February is Valentine's Day, and I already told Rob how I want my day to go, so I know it will be great:-) Then there is March when Katers turns 1! I am planning a huge birthday bash which will probably just be me, Rob and Ryan, but again, it will be great.

Then the month I most look forward to, APRIL! I am so excited to have so many relatives coming to see me graduate. I feel special. April will also be awesome because I have two weddings I am shooting (yay for fun things!) I will also hopefully start working for some great company with great benefits. Wishful thinking?

I have started putting together my resume. It's been an intense process trying to make my resume look and sound professional. It's amazing that a few words can make you sound so much more experienced.

I am so anxious to start applying to businesses in the area. At least it means I get a new outfit! I don't think I own an outfit that says, "I have a degree and I am awesome so please hire me so I can feed my family."

Maybe Macy's has one.

Katers is still as cute as ever. She is SO close to walking! She stands all by herself and even takes 2 steps. If I try and make her practice too much, she starts growling at me. So I let her decide how often she wants to practice.

Katie's First Halloween

2010-10-31T17:24:00.000-07:00

Halloween is such a fun holiday, especially once you have a little one to make it special with!
We decided on the Star Wars theme. Mostly because we thought Katie would make the cutest Yoda! We bought Katie's costume and then mine and Rob's were homemade. Here are some pics from the "trunk or treat" at our church. Every family decorates their trunk and the kids go trick or treating from trunk to trunk in the church parking lot. It was so fun!

Princess Leigh, Han Solo and Yoda!

I just love taking pictures!

2010-09-18T14:07:00.000-07:00

It's amazing what I can do with my old camera and a nifty, yet seriously inexpensive lens! I just want to share a few of my recent shots. I get to shoot a couple's engagement pictures today and I cannot wait to share those! I am having so much fun! I just LOVE capturing beautiful moments for people to keep forever.

These pictures are of our Friends Jace and Jo (Jeffer's parents) we just took these outside our house candidly when I was trying to test out the light. The first one is of course my Katers and Rob in our house.

The Dilles

Some Picture Updates

2010-09-10T08:21:00.001-07:00

We just can't get enough of our Katers! Here are her red hat pictures, along with a picture of her with grandma in NH and a pic of her with her best bud Jefferson.

Back to School

2010-09-05T14:15:00.000-07:00

This past week has been a busy one as we scramble to get ready to start classes on Thursday. Luckily we are taking a lot of classes online, so we will be home more with Katers. This has it's advantages and disadvantages, but more advantages.... we think.

We spent a little over a month visiting friends and family in NH, which was lots of fun and always an adventure. It feels really good to be back in our home though.

The airline lost my stroller and car seat when we got to Utah. It took them a few days to find them but because I live 4 hours away from the nearest airport, I am still without my baby gear as I wait for them to deliver.

Rexburg is simply not the same this semester. Most of our friends have graduated and moved on, or are not going to school this fall. I guess that means more study time and less play.

With the new semester starting soon more and more college kids are back in town, and you can tell. I was almost hit twice yesterday while driving by people who don't watch stop signs. It's so frustrating when people aren't paying attention. It bothers me more now because I have precious cargo in the backseat named Katers!

On a lighter note, Katie has been so much fun! She sits up, rolls over, grabs things, and interacts with us so much. We just love her, as does everyone that meets her.

Summer Colors

2010-06-30T14:36:00.001-07:00

It finally feels like summer!

The Many Smiles of Katie

2010-06-06T13:05:00.000-07:00

The Belly button song

2010-06-02T15:41:00.000-07:00

She LOVES this video, and I don't know why, but she watches it very intently when it's on.

Katie looooves the bears!

2010-06-02T15:13:00.000-07:00

Every time I wind her mobile, she smiles!

Family photo time

2010-05-21T19:46:00.000-07:00

Katie SMILES! It feels so good to look down at that little face and get a smile back. We love her so much. Parenthood is not easy, but it has been such an amazing experience.
She has been having some tummy issues lately. We thought it was just colick, but the Dr. said we should start giving her some tummy medicine, which he prescribed. It's not really working so far...so we will see what happens.

We were lucky enough this past week to find a photographer who wanted to take our pictures for free! She is just starting her business and needed to build her portfolio. Here are some highlights from that photo shoot.

Baby dance pt.2 (MOV035.MOD)

2010-04-29T20:37:00.000-07:00

Baby's favorite song (MOV031.MOD)

2010-04-28T18:40:00.000-07:00

Baby loooves masages!

2010-04-28T18:00:00.000-07:00

She wouldn't stop fussing and crying until Robert offered her a massage!

2 weeks!

2010-03-31T10:18:00.001-07:00

The birthing experience

2010-03-28T22:05:00.001-07:00

I've already posted a million pictures but have failed to detail that wonderful st. Patricks day!

It all started around 7am. I was sleeping and just starting to wake up when I felt 2 strong cramps about 10 mins apart. 10 minutes after the 2nd cramp had passed I realized my water had broken. (well, technically I was wondering if it broke or if I was peeing myself) it was a very slow leakage that gradually became more. ( not like in BAby Mama where a gallon came out).

So at this point I called the DR because I wasn't having any more cramps. He told me to go to the hospital to see if it really was my water- I decided I'd rather wait an hour and just go to his office to verify that, since I wasn't having contractions.

Once 8:30am rolled around we went to his office where Dr. Allred verified it was indeed my water that had broken and I was already dilated to 5 cm!

I was shocked because I hadn't had any contractions I could feel. The Dr told us to head up to the hospital- we were having this baby today!

That's when I started feeling the contractions- but they were very mild and tolerable.

When we got to the hospital we registered and the nurse started my IV and Pitocin to keep the labor going.

We were there about 3 hours when the nurse said it was time to push. She was surprised at how quickly I got to 10cm, and with the miracle of the epidural- I felt nothing.

With 3 sets of 3 pushes, the baby was out and the Dr had made it just in time. They put the baby right on my belly and it was the weirdest thing ever- but also the most awsome.

I didn't have an episiotomy,which I was most afraid of, but I did have a little tearing (a 1st degree tear which they said was really good for a first time mom)

Overall childbirth was fast, easy and painfree! It was the recovery which was lame. The stitches were sore for about a week after. But if sore stitches were the worst part, I think that's pretty awsome!

Daddy time

2010-03-25T20:21:00.000-07:00

Here are a few of Rob and Katie, they are best buds:-)

Here they are napping-

2010-03-24T20:14:00.001-07:00

1 week old today!

She's so tiny :-)

This is a funny picture- she kept smiling in her sleep

2010-03-21T11:46:00.001-07:00

We have been doing great at home with baby- she likes to stay up all night, but what baby doesn't? We are so in love with our little miracle! Here are More baby pictures!

Here she is posing with the beautiful flowers from family:

-

This pic is dark- rob took it at the hospital when we were sleeping

Baby Katie!

2010-03-18T14:00:00.000-07:00

ST.Patricks Day baby bow!

Here are some pictures!

23 days...

2010-02-27T14:49:00.000-08:00

23 days, 23 days, 23 days! I wish they would hurry up already! I am so insanely pregnant that movement has become one of my least favorite things.

We installed the car seat today- that was pretty exciting. It took a good while to make sure it's in there safely, but we figure it out.

I am so excited for the next 2 months. Getting back to school with a baby will be a challenge, but we have already picked out our classes so that while I am in school, Rob is home and vice versa. Squishing jobs into the open time slots may make it confusing, but we have some creative ideas.

The next post will be when we have the baby! Yay!

26 Weeks and Counting...

2009-12-18T13:41:00.000-08:00

We are so close to welcoming a new member to our family! March 22nd, doesn't seem so far away anymore. The excitement has definitely been sinking in these past few weeks as we have begun to receive baby gifts.

A lot of people have been asking if we picked a name- and we did! Her name will be:

Kathryn Francine Barrett (but you can call her Katie)

It feels so good to have the semester over with. Pregnancy and education do NOT mix well. Luckily I have the winter semester off and won't be due back in school until mid-April. Juggling classes with a baby will be an interesting endeavour, but with only 2 semesters left, we can do it.

It's a....

2009-10-30T09:03:00.001-07:00

Girl!

It's official!

2009-09-17T10:16:00.000-07:00

We are having a baby!

We found out in July and have been anticipating our 12 week mark. We finally made it and decided to blog it.

I had my first appointment out here in Rexburg and it was great. They showed us the baby and we could see him/her moving and kicking around. It's a very active kid apparently. They gave me a picture and also a DVD that shows it all. I am going to try to load that vid up, but it may take me a while.

In the meantime, enjoy our picture of baby Barrett! For age and development info, check out the top right of this blog. Cool, I know.

another lame post

2009-07-19T21:05:00.000-07:00

As July ends we have recently been given A LOT to think about... and it's kept me thinking!

Last weekend we made a surprise trip up to NH to see the family for a day. It was a busy day trying to see everyone, but it was worth it! I was able to get some good family pics, see my dad's intense weight loss and even bounce in the new bounce houses at BOUNCE-U.

I am slowly getting through my eternal checklist that I had at the beginning of the summer. It feels good to get stuff done! Classes are ending this Wednesday, which is a major relief that I am so excited about. It will be nice to have a break from studying for the next 7 weeks.

Half way

2009-06-18T10:55:00.000-07:00

We are close to half way through our summer. It has been fun, but we are so ready to get back to Idaho and just worry about school and see our friends.

As most everyone now knows, we got another puppy. It was copletely Rob's idea... but we love the puppy anyway. Since it is Rob's puppy, he got to name it. He chose the name, "FATTY BIG MAC". Mostly because he's a fat little pug.

Contrary to popular belief, it has actually been way easy have two dogs. They keep eachother company, and since Ellie is fully trained, Fatty just follows her and copys her. It's like he came trained! This was a relief, because it was tough work training Ellie, but at least I can say I did it. It was worth it.

And in case you are wondering- NO, I do NOT plan on breeding the dogs! There are too many neglected puppies out there already.

So with school, work and 2 dogs I keep myself pretty busy, but I still managed to find time for my latest hobby addiction- you should check it out, it's digital scrapbooking! I looove it. WWW.HERITAGEMAKERS.COM

Washington D.C.

2009-04-30T16:15:00.000-07:00

Here we are in Washington D.C.!
It's deffinitely different than anywhere else we have lived before! The people, the traffic, the culture, it's all so different and has required some getting used to! It has been fun so far.
My job is great, I get to have a lot of free time and flexibility. It's pretty easy for the pay I am getting. I looove making extra moo-la!
SO far we have gone downtown once and did a little sightseeing and visted a few museums. It's awesome that it is all free. We haven't seen Obama yet!

Onto other news: We are thinking that since we are so close to NH that we will drive up for a few days before we head back to Idaho for another semester of school. We will keep you posted!

Ellie is doing good and is as cute as ever!

Disney-fied

2009-03-30T13:07:00.000-07:00

I have officially Disney-fied my blog with a big playlist of Disney music. Eat your heart out!

I have had so so so much fun down in Florida!

Both sides of my family came to visit, and it was just fantastic. I am waiting for my mom or Molly to upload pictures from that family trip! There are some great pictures, it was so fun seeing everyone.

The week after my mom, George, Molly and Eli came, Chris came with Emma and Connor. They were so funny at Disney World.

Some Disney memories not to forget-

"I think her bathing suit is so ugly... she picked it out herself. Who wears a brown bathing suit?"

-My bathing suit is brown!!

"Well it's not the brown, the worst part is the organge... who wears brown and orange on their bathing suit...."

-MINE IS BROWN AND ORANGE!!

-Emma in the Tower of Terror line with the most serious face a 5 year old can make, "Lizzie, will we survive?"

-Rob forgetting us at Hollywood studios and me running after a strangers car

-Our splash mountain picture:

-Emma being my snuggle buddy and kicking Rob out of the bed.

-Connor on Rock N' Roller coaster...

"Now Connor, this ride goes upside down..."

-Ya like I'm gonna fall for that again...

"No really this time!"

-Emma's insanely fake smile with Belle. She only did this because we made her. Right when she stood next to Belle she smiled like this for the picture. I think she was getting sick of posing for us. Belle looks scared in this picture.

-When I said to the kids in the pool, "Now nobody pees in the pool, right?" and Emma slowly hides her head lower behind the pool wall....

-Getting stuck on the carousel of progress... twice!!!!!! ahhhhh CAROUSEL OF DEATH

-Chris taking Emma down with her when she tripped on Tom Sawyers Island.

-"That was the awsomest ride EVER!!!"- Emma after every ride... except haunted mansion which she had her head burried in our laps the whole time.

-Rob losing Emma from the stroller and Emma's breakdown while choking me.

"WE ARE IN THE HAPPIEST PLACE ON EARTH, NO CRYING!"

-Some famous woman from Argentina yelling to Rob from her parade float, "SMILE!"

-Emma making me pay her to let me dress her up and do her hair like a princess. "I'm only doing it for the money" is what she kept explaining to us.

-Connor on the great movie ride during the heist, terrified asked, "is this supposed to be happening??"

-Emma using all her souvenir money on stuffed animals. and ONLY on stuffed animals.

-Putting "sleeping Beauty" on the TV and only the boys were watching.

One Big Vacation

2009-03-06T15:49:00.000-08:00

My life feels like one big vacation- which at no time is a bad thing!

After 2 months in Florida, hiding from the snow and partying with Mickey Mouse, we know where we are going this summer!

Washington D.C.!!

I am oh-so excited as this was my first choice back in the fall. Rob finally came around and we plan to head up to D.C. the second week of April!
Rob will continue selling security systems, and I will start working for the security company- called Pinnacle- as the office manager. I figured I should get a job at least during the summer months and not make Rob work alone.
We have some friends that we will be working with, which makes this choice even better! So excited.
So from Disney to D.C. can you see how our life is one big vacation? Everyone is welcome to come and visit! It's only 10 hours from NH!
The vacation should end come September, when we will journey back to Idaho for school, although, Idaho may feel more like a vacation to us by the time we get there- we love that place.

Videos of ElliE!!

her new jacket-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07gHB58L530

her trick!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3MOnqib5X0

Puppy Love

2009-01-30T09:09:00.001-08:00

We got our puppy and she has been a handful! Training is deffinitly not easy, but she is catching on really fast. It's only been a week and she seems to be keeping up.

I MISS REXBURG.

There, I said it. I miss that place so much and just want to go back. There is no place like that little town. I think I could live in Idaho.

I feel like I do not have a whole lot to write about. I have been taking my online credits, Robert has been working, and we have occasionally taken a trip or two to Universal to play.

It gets pretty boring when he has to work all day... and it's not even the summer yet! Come summer time, he will be out even later because he'll have more daylight! blah.
I do plan to get a part-time job once my semester is done, in April to keep me busy.

ATTENTION ANYONE WHO LOOKS AT THIS BLOG!
WE NEED PET FRIENDLY HOUSING FOR SEPTEMBER!
it may be a little early to worry about, but housing is tough enough to find in Rexburg, nevermind when you have a (super quiet well-trained) dog tagging along. hehe

I'm Back

2009-01-20T12:40:00.001-08:00

I am no longer MIA. After so much moving, driving, un-packing, and starting school, I have found time to blog again.

I have huge news...

WE ARE GETTING A PUPPY!!!

I am sososososo excited! We are getting a 10 week old black pug. It is the most adorable thing ever, and she will be here on Thursday!

Now, I know many of you are confused, so I am, but what can I say, the pug won me over one day while Rob and I were walking through a puppy store.

Florida has been AMAZING. We already got to go to Universal Studios with Chelsea and Chris. That was super fun and they need to come visit again!

Happy New Year!

2009-01-05T16:06:00.000-08:00

We had an amazing vacation in New Hampshire! We had a great time with family and friends, and love them all so much.
The road trip to NH was intense, about 3 days and lots of funny moments. I do not think I would ever drive that again, but it was fun being with my hubby.
Now we are down in Orlando, FL, setteling in and enjoying the gorgeous weather and warm temperatures! Anyone coming to Disney? You can stay with us!
I will post pics soon!

On our way

2008-12-12T13:01:00.000-08:00

We are on our way to NH tomorrow!
Tonight we plan to go to Brigham City, UT for Robert's family Christmas party, and then we are off!
We have been having the most difficult time fitting all of our apartment into the car. We have rearranged again and again, and it is still not all in.
I am SOOOOO GLAD TO BE DONE THIS SEMESTER!
It was a rough one, with too- early classes and 17 insanely painful credits.
My next academic endeavor will start in January. I plan to take 13 online credits while Robert is working. Maybe even work part-time somewhere cool like Macy's. I love Macy's. (NOT the grocery store for all you Utahns)
I got THE CUTEST video from Molly and Emma yesterday. I wish I knew how to load it here from my phone. I did put it on facebook though!
Well, life is as exciting as ever, and we are loving every minute of it, (minus the packing).
We'll have pics on here soon enough from our road trip!

I Stand All Amazed

2008-12-09T20:54:00.001-08:00

I am continually amazed at the comfort the Spirit can bring to our lives. Through all the finals, Robert's crazy work drama, moving, and other stresses, I can find comfort in my home, in my scriptures, and in my husband.

I want the world to know, I believe.

"I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me"

“I will not leave you comfortless. … But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you” (John 14:18, 26).

Next Week

2008-12-05T21:03:00.000-08:00

Today was fun! We went over to Colleens because she had her gingerbread man decorating party. It was delicious. She is such a yummy cook.
I do NOT know how I am going to get through this next week alive! With finals, final papers, final projects, moving and packing, I am bound to go crazy and lack somewhere! I just hope I can meet all my deadlines. A week from today, I hope to be sitting in my car being glad it's finally over!
This week I really want to be able to get together with people to say goodbye!
Example: MRS.BEDKE

hehe, so anyway, if anyone is looking for a laptop or couch, we are selling ours!! BUY THEM.

Moving

2008-11-30T12:14:00.000-08:00

WOW.

A lot happens in just a few days! Let me start with Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving was lots of fun. we spent it with some of Rob's family in Twin Falls Idaho. We ate yummy food and of course Robert organized a massive game for all the kids.

BLACK Friday was superb! Robert, Will and I woke up super early to drive 2 hours to Utah for some intense sales. Once we got there Will and I were on the look out for the best deals. It took Robert a little longer to get excited, but once he found Rock Band on sale he was way into the sale hunting. After about 3-4 hours of shopping, we called it quits and headed for the coolest traveling museum ever...BODY WORLDS! I was so dang excited! We had to wait a while to get in, and it was very crowded, but well worth 20 bucks.

After the museum we decided to walk through downtown Salt Lake to find some lunch. We ended up on the public train and found THE BEST place everrrr. It was a brazillian restaurant where it's all you can eat meat that they bring to your table. It was only 12 a person because it was lunch time. SCORE!

Our black Friday did not end there! After our gourmet lunch we walked around the mall again, trying to to figure out which stores lied when they said, "sale ends at noon". As we continued walking, the boys stumbled upon a MASSIVE rock climbing wall in one of the sports stores. They of course climbed the wall, which was fun to watch. I opted out, because I am afraid of heights.

After rock climbing, Santa rode by on a horse drawn carriage. It was pretty cool.

FINALLY we ended our night with ice cream and after a movie. While we were eating our ice cream in the food court, some old drunk guy was standing in a corner by our table, staring creepily at everyone. At the table next to us was a girl, about 13 years old who was sitting with all of her shopping bags, saving the table while her mom went to get their food. I noticed that the man started focusing his attention on her, shaking her table and trying to yell things to her. You could tell she was super uncomfortable, and tried to ignore him. When I noticed I tapped her back and tried to make a conversation with her about her scarf, so she knew we were near her so she could relax a little. As the guy continued to yell and be rude Will noticed the alcohol on him, and Robert went to get security. Oh yea, we're like power rangers.

That was an eventful moment, and the mom was grateful when she finally got to her daughter.

After security guards and ice cream, we went to "Transporter 3" Which I really did not want to see, but it turned out to be pretty good.

That was our Balck Friday in a nutshell. Super fun and exciting.

Saturday we decided to head back to Rexburg. Before we left Utah we decided to meet up with a few of Roberts friends and do some business. Ruby Tuesday has the best lemonade I have ever tasted. EVER.

NOW.... for some random updates beyond our Turkey weekend, we are moving to Daytona Beach for 3 months. Random...I know.

Robert decided to work at an office in FL for the winter, since he is off-track.

Now... I am not off track any more because I did fast track... but I guess I will have to be. I will admit though, I have no problem spending the winter in FLORIDA rather than REXBURG!

I guess my first winter in Rexburg will have to wait!

We also got our car! It is a Cadillac STS4 and we love it. We were able to get it because Rob's job makes the payments, which is pretty sweeeeeet.

S0.... hopefully I remembered everything I wanted to mention!

2 WEEKS LEFT OF SCHOOL! AND TILL NH!!

Fireproof me

2008-11-25T10:19:00.001-08:00

Yesterday was a great day, no school!

It was awesome just spending the day with Robert and having no obligations. We went to Porters to get Christmas craft ideas, which I think was more fun for me than Robert.

We eventually decided to make Christmas ornaments for our family night activity. It was super fun! Although our ornaments look like a kid made them... haha.

After some shopping around town we had a romantic lunch at Taco bell- where I drank a whole taco bell size cup of diet-pepsi. (Which, unfortunately I like more than diet-coke now)

I didn't feel too bad because I went all day Sunday without any caffeine, and the two days before with a very little amount.

Today though, no caffeine , because I probably did drink too much yesterday.

So after our romantic day on the town, we come home to find a PACKAGE waiting for us on our doorstep!! It was from Auntie!! We ran inside and opened it. Auntie has been sending us the cutest packages every month with themed placemats, potholders, candels, etc. It's so awesome. We love the love we get from Auntie!

THEN...(a long day, I know) Robert gets a call and we get to take some mission buddies of his out for dinner for his work. Free delicious dinner!!

After the dinner we hopped over to the movie theatre, and decided against Twilight because the worker said people are still lining up for it, and we do NOT want to wait in line for that movie and I couldn't get Rob to see HSM3 again, so we went to "Fireproof".

FIREPROOF IS SUCH A GOOD MOVIE!!! I mean, do not get me wrong, it's a terribly low budget movie and pretty awful acting. But the message is extraordinary!

When Robert and I were leaving the theatre he made the comment of,

"How many movies do you see nowadays where the characters are trying to save their marriage? Usually the movies are about falling in love. And granted- there is Sweet Home Alabama, but by the time they fixed their marriage, she had already committed adultery"

It's a great movie and book, check it out- http://www.fireproofmymarriage.com/

Jenny Oaks Baker and BOLT

2008-11-22T10:49:00.000-08:00

Last night was a fun Friday night. Knowing we have a week off for Thanksgiving break made it even better!
We started our night by going to see Jenny Oaks Baker perform with the symphony band on campus. It was a really great show. Then afterwards we got to meet her and have her sign stuff, it was fun.
After that performance, Robert and I decided to go to the theatre to see the new movie "BOLT" which was awsome! When we got to the theatre there was this HUGE line of people waiting to get in. Robert looked at the line and was like, "are they here for bolt?" This made me laugh. Because the huge line was obviously for "TWILIGHT". (Which I heard has terrible reviews all around.)
So we got our sub-zero ice cream and CAFFEINE-FREE diet coke, and walked straight through the line of doom to watch Bolt with about 7 other people.
It really was a cute movie, I reccommend seeing it!
Rob and I will probably see Twilight sometime during the week, when there is less rush to see it. Although it looks awful, I still want to see it.
Yesterday I had 1/2 a horkleys of caffeine diet-coke. Which was hard to convince Robert to let me do, seeing as how he's gotten pretty into helping me quit.
I am taking Jacquies advice and "weening". That's a lot less painful!
We'll see how today goes.

Live Caffeine-free or DIE.

2008-11-20T18:49:00.000-08:00

Tonight is our last game! So sad, but I am kind of glad we end 3 weeks before end of semester, it will be a lot less hecktic. I have looooved getting back into it though, and want to do it next semester too.
SO, I have made an important decision- I want to get off of caffeine. I never really wanted to before, but now I do, because I am pretty sure the amount I take in is not good.
So how am I going to do it? I do not know yet. If I go a day without it, I get insanely tired and need naps. Because of this it's been hard to cut back with such a busy schedule. I decided that with a week off from school- that will be a great time to stop.
I just hope I don't die, I think my body needs caffeine like it needs oxygen at this point.
I AM SO HAPPY FOR THANKSGIVING BREAK!
It will be such an opportunity to catch up on life! Get those last minute projects done, clean the apartment, start cooking more, etc. haha, oh man I am ready.
For Thanksgiving Robert and I are going to Twin Falls, Idaho to spend it with his Grandma Mackley and some other family who will be down there. (Since we are doing Christmas in NH) Next year we'll probably switch it up.
As far as our current car situation goes- we STILL do not have a new car! It seems like every time we find one we like, something happens to prevent us from buying, and we find an even better deal on another car! Ahhhh, we NEED a car in 3 weeks, so we'll see what happens.

A Saturday

2008-11-15T13:43:00.000-08:00

Today's game did not go as according to plan as we had hoped, but we were able to do our amazing pyramid that I hope someone posts so I can show you. It was so cool.

I love the squad, everyone works so hard, and everyone has imporved. It has been so fun! I am excited to to it next semester too, since I am officially a year round student!

Robert has been in Idaho Falls all morning trying to sell. He's a pretty hard worker, I could never ever do his job. I have missed him alllll day. Saturdays are not the same without him.

I really wish Hannah Montana was on TV right now... that would be able to adequately distract me.

Yesterday I went to Bre's scentsy party. I stocked up on all my scentsy faves. I was informed I own more than Jaquie, the distributor, which is never a good sign! I just love good smelling things!

A Christmas Movie

2008-11-13T21:18:00.000-08:00

I get sooo dang lazy when it comes to posting sometimes. Much has happened lately though!
My hand is crushed from cheerleading! I do not know why my knuckels are deciding to crumble. (Maybe all the diet-coke???)
I have been cheering since forever and never had a problem with it before. Robert bought me some medical tape so I could tape cotton balls to my hand (to prevent them getting hit) since I tend to walk into things, my hand is much safer when healing surrounded by cotton balls.
I know I mention this ALL THE TIME- but.... NH IS IN 30 DAYS! oh my goodness I am exicted.
School has gotten a little better. I am coming out of the midterm slump, trying to save my grades.
Robert and I decided to start the Christmas season a little early... we watched our first Christmas movie yesterday- The Santa Clause. Tim Allen was cracking us up. We also made hot cocoa and MUDDY BUDDIES THANKS TO JACKERS!

NH

2008-11-11T22:04:00.000-08:00

SO, I am INSANELY excited for our NH trip. As the days go by I get more and more pumped. Robert does too, how could we not? Road trip accross the country, and ten days with friends and family who we haven't see in FOREVER. Let me not forget to mention little Miss Emma who calls everyone "woman" now because of me:-)
GAH I CANNOT WAIT.
Rob and I decided we are ready to quit school and move on with our lives. I will go back to NH and work at Chuck E. Cheese forever. That way I always will have free diet coke!

Well, not really, but we wish school was over.
I applied for a job at the campus media lab, thanks to the help of the wonderful Gerri! Maybe I will have a job winter semester. That'd be sweet.

A Conservative

2008-11-05T19:56:00.000-08:00

My teacher said something interesting I felt was worthy of quoting and posting.

"Bald eagles... they have numerous Federal Laws to protect them. You can't move them or touch them.
You would even be charged with a Federal Offense for building a business too close to a bald eagle nest, and they aren't even on the endangered species list anymore!
Yet, when it comes to unborn children, you can have an abortion, and that's acceptable....no crimes there.
But STAY AWAY FROM OUR EAGLES!
That's just one of the things that bothers me as a conservative."

Take it how you will, no matter which side you stand on, he makes a great point.

Election Day

2008-11-04T21:36:00.000-08:00

SO.... Obama won, what a surprise. The republicans had it in for themselves when they nominated McCain.
I'm over it. I will miss my Sarah Palin on SNL.
NOW, The stats on Prop 8 have not been fully posted yet. I was reading that when the votes were 11% counted, YES was up on NO by 55-45. That's way too close.
I also read that this Prop 8 has become one of the most expansive social issues, with over 73 million donated (both sides together). That's huge.
Although a few million dollars are from idiotic celebrities who have their heads so far from reality they would legalize marriage to inanimate objects as not to enforce any predjudice towards coffeemakers and chairs.
UGH, America and it's democracy can be frustrating.... oh well I guess the good news is we get to try socialism for a while!!
Well, either way, GOD Bless America! (seriously though, please!)

2008-11-03T15:54:00.000-08:00

I am craving a good girly shopping spree. It has been wayyy too long!

I am actually craving a lot of things lately like...

NewHampshire.LongHair.LittleMissEmma.AllMySiblings.HighSchoolMuscial3.Vacation.

I love life:-) It's just so fun!

SO, I am trying to figure out what this snack I have had before is called... it's like little chex cereal with powdered sugar on it and chocolate or something under the sugar?? I want to make it but don't even know what it's called. It's served in a big bowl like you would chips... if that helps.

Anyway, we get a new car soon which is good news. I cannot wait to feel safe in an automobile again! haha

ALSO- The absolute funniest thing happend today. Rob and I were in a rush to get out the door this morning. So we threw on clothes and ran out the door. Finally, at the end of the day, we were walking around the store when I noticed Robert's jeans had gold sparkley swirls on the back pockets. I looked a little closer to discover he had been wearing my jeans ALL day, through school and everything. I died laughing in the store, and of course, took a picture-

43 Days until we are in NH!

African Children's Choir

2008-11-01T22:06:00.000-07:00

Tonight Rob and I went to see the African Childrens Choir on campus. It was so good! The kids were so cute. They are the same group that was on the Ellen show and they sang with Josh Groban, if anyone remembers that.
They travel from Africa to the US and Canada to tour and raise money for their schooling in Africa. It was a neat experience. And dang, those kids can shake it!
We also went car shopping today, which I find tedious and Robert loves. He just likes haggeling with the salesmen and learning from their strategies. At this rate, we will probably never have a new car.
HAPPY NOVEMBER!
I am soo excited that Turkey Day is coming up! I have MUCHO to be grateful for this Thanksgiving.

Happy Halloween!

2008-10-31T22:26:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween!
This Halloween was deffinitely SUPER duper fun.
We started our night by making caramel covered apples for Ryan and Jacquies party. Then we decided to be cheap and create costumes. We borrowed Bre's cheer jacket, and Rob and I went as cheerleaders! It was so free!
The Bedke's party was sooo fun. Lots of fun activites and fun people. It was a super good time!
Then, Rob and I headed to the Haunted Mill out in Sugar City. We found it pretty easily, which was great.
The Haunted mill is this huge old mill that is set up with lots of spooks! Including crawl spaces, which were super scary, lots of actors with masks, and very dark rooms and halls.
I tried soo hard to keep my eyes open, but everywhere things and people would follow me and reach for me and jump out in front of us. I mostly kept my head hidden on Robert's shoulder. He really didn't like when I would push him into the spooks to get them away from me. hehe:-)
SO, now we are trying to find something spooky on T.V. because we forgot to stock up on good Halloween movies.
It's been a great day and night. Thanks to Ryan and Jacquie for an amazing party!
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

2008-10-29T20:08:00.000-07:00

I love Relief Society.
There is a quote from the most recent General Relief Society conference that I really loved.
Sister Julie Beck was the speaker, and she was talking about Relief Society and it's pupose.
She started talking about how her mother moved away when she was a newlywed. She was afraid she would be alone, with no guidance in situations we usually rely on our mothers for.
Here is her quote:
“Who will be my mother?” Mother thought carefully, and with the Spirit and power of revelation which comes to women of this kind, she said to me, “If I never come back, if you never see me again, if I’m never able to teach you another thing, you tie yourself to Relief Society. Relief Society will be your mother.”
I love this quote SO much. I have met so many ladies in my ward and classes who have uplifted me, befriended me, and helped me adjust to this new time of my life. Their love and concern is so real and I feel that I have what I need through them.
I don't have my mom here for me. But I feel so blessed to have all these wonderful influences around me.
I would feel ungrateful for not recognizing them.

PROP 8

2008-10-28T20:38:00.001-07:00

Unfortunately, thousands of voters are misinformed on proposition 8. This is NOT about giving gays rights. It's about DEFINING what marriage is.
There are SO MANY negative consequences that will come through is prop 8 is not passed.
Do your research. Don't listen to propaganda.
Click the video on the right, or go to the link below.
Homosexuality is not natural, no matter what the circumstances.
Man was made to reproduce, not indulge in intimacies.
Protect the future. Vote yes.

www.protectmarriage.com

2008-10-28T17:42:00.000-07:00

School is becoming more and more disheartening as the days go by. At least we are officially half way done!
I have seriously amazed myself this semester with how much I have accomplished. I am actually maintaining a decent GPA.
At 17 credits, non-stop tests and class projects/presentations, and cheerleading, I am surprised I have time to make dinner at the end of the day.
Though, I won't lie, we ate taco bell for dinner last night, and I think we might get free big macs tonight. It's a nice break.
Luckily I have had Rob by my side. He encourages me to do so much.
I look forward to Halloween passing, and November beggining. I can officially listen to Christmas music and decorate our apartment!
November also brings us closer to our NH trip!! I am SOOO excited, and surprisingly Robert is too. We miss everyone sooo much.
HERE is little clip of our "221" stunt. It's pretty sweet. We toss a girl ontop of two girls who are already in the air.

WEDDING dress for sale

2008-10-01T19:32:00.000-07:00

You can buy for $485 or rent for $250 with a $200 refundable deposit. This dress is a- line, square neck, petal sleevs, lace tie up back, pretty much everything you need in a perfect dress! This dress will fit a size 6-10, so come try it on!

We're engaged!

2008-06-19T18:41:00.000-07:00

That's right, we're tying the knot. We are so happy:-)