Thanksgiving

I believe Bry and I have finally figured out this whole Thanksgiving dinner thing! We have had Thanksgiving with just the two of us for a few years now and as much as I miss family around this time I really enjoy our little Thanksgiving holiday. This year Bry and I invited some friends over for dinner and we were able to host it..intimidating right?

The day started out early with watching the parade and getting the house ready for everyone to come over. Our friends arrived around 11am, the boys went shooting with our dogs and the girls started cooking and talking. Then football, a nap, and food.

Turns out I really like being a hostess. It was fun to be in charge of everything...especially since everything looked great, ran smoothly and the food turned out well!


I have so much to be thankful for this year.

I am thankful for:

- the best husband who loves me more than anything
- an amazing family
- great friends
- a lovely little house that really feels like a home
- a great education (even though I complain about it)
- opportunity to have played a sport I love and excel at it on a high level
- a perfect job
- my dogs aka my children
- the gospel that gives me strength and hope
- two great kids that make me excited to be a mom someday

the list goes on and on...

My life

Nothing like cleaning while watching the Thanksgiving Day parade

I just could not wait to put this up. Can hardly wait for Christmas.

Bring on Christmas!...2 weeks till break. Let the count down begin.

All Over the Place...

You would think that now volleyball is over. forever. 

(its been just over a week now) 

I would be glad and putting all my time and attention into school...

That is not the case.

What do I do instead you ask?

I eat...food I have never really eaten before

I shop...a lot...with money I do not have

I have mood swings like a prego person (nope. definitely not prego.)...my poor hubs

I watch TV...criminal minds actually...there is ALWAYS a marathon going

I play on Pinterest...I think I have more pins than anyone else...which adds to my shopping

Seriously I am all over the place.

And I am getting fat.

I need a new hobby. Like yesterday.

P.S. I have been doing zero school work. How I have not failed out yet is BEYOND me.

I felt like this post needed a picture. This is best I got
(I am obviously in no shape to post a picture of myself!)

Secret Sister

Every year for volleyball we have secret sisters. This year I had a lot of fun with it. Including this little number for Halloween...

It turned out surprisingly cute...

Cookie Sunday

Chocolate Chip Cookie Sundae

to top off a great Sunday

...yummy

Pumpkin Patch

Good Day...

Hope I can swim...

I feel like the first few days of school are always overwhelming...this year is no different. The teachers like to make a big deal about grades, big projects and presentations, my boss makes a big deal about hours and staying busy, my coach likes to add to my list of things to do. First days are just hard. I think they do it on purpose...to scare you...for the fun of it. They say this year is your hardest year...from the looks of what has to be done, and the hectic schedule I have to agree with them.

In my advising appointment today my advisor asked "how are you keeping your head above water with being volleyball captain, not only dental hygiene but also in the presidency of your class, on campus jobs...?"

I gave her a blank stare and said "I am a great swimmer..."

Winnie the Pooh

I have an obsession with Winnie the Pooh Quotes. I remember loving it when I was little but man o man did I forget how stinking smart Winnie the Pooh is. I look at his quotes and they just make my heart smile.

I keep thinking of where I can put these quotes and have it not be overly cheesy. Then it hit me...baby room. No I do not have a baby room, nor to I plan to have one any time soon. But when I do you can bet the walls will be covered with words of wisdom by my friend Winnie the Pooh.

Tech Volleyball

Volleyball season has officially begun.

And my free time is officially over.

Our season opener was yesterday against No. 1 ranked team in the Nation.

Intense?

Yes.

We won!

Bring on the season.

Love. Love.

I am so in love with man and can't wait to have kids of our own!

Worn Out

Sabrina helped me coach a volleyball camp this week! We had so much she fell asleep in the equipment room.

Little Helpers

These two were very helpful today

Until this man kicked them out so he can get some work done

Successful day? I think so.

Nanny

These kids have taken over my life:

Sabrina (2yrs old)

Sam (5 yrs old)

Madeline (4 yrs) and her brother Mikas (1.5 yrs old)

Sam and Sabrina belong to my official boss Dr. Walker who recently moved to Klamath Falls to fill a much needed OBGYN position. Her husband is in the military, living in San Diego until he retires and can move up here. I work for her full time, 7am-6pm and some overnight stays. Luckily Dr. Walker is really laid back, lets me take control of her kids and really trusts me.

Madeline and Mikas belong to a lady in my ward who is having problems with her pregnancy and needs some extra help, so I usually add her kids along with Dr. Walker's.

I love this job so so much, and am so grateful for it. I am so glad I was raised in such a way that prepared me well for a job like this. Juggling four kids, housework for two moms, keeping my own house in some short of shape, maintaining my job at OIT, and volleyball is so much and I could not do it all had it not been for my mom and everything she taught me (and Bryan stepping in here and there to help so I can be at multiple places at once).

The only downfall: summer is going by way to fast for my liking. I need time to SLOW down.

Independence Day

Happy 4th!

(Our Backyard)

Topped of with our newest tradition:

Grilled Pound Cake

(with red white and blue to make it festive)

Hawaii

Our wonderful trip started out with a nice drive to Portland. We were able to spend the day shopping and going out to dinner before we got on the plane the next morning. Best idea ever.

It is amazing how someone can be happier just by stepping off the plane, it is like a light switch. I step off the plane, am surrounded by hawaiian smells, humidity, people with big smiles on their faces passing out flowers and am suddenly less stressed, less concerned about worldly things, and much more centered. Everything is better in Hawaii. People are nicer, happier, and more laid back...why can't everywhere be like that?

We went through some beautiful forests, with beautiful waterfalls

Spent lots of time with family and friends

And lots of time by the ocean

Every time I go to Hawaii I seriously contemplate moving there. I am just a better person there. I am more grounded, happier, and more in tune with the spirit. I think if it was not so far away from family, Bryan and I move right now.

We were so blessed to go on this trip and had so much fun with Bryan's family. I married into the most amazing family. I am one lucky girl.