New Chairs

We FINALLY did it!!!! After talking about it for over a year, we painted our chairs! It took lots of patience, muscle, and good music to listen to, but we finally got it done. Here are the before pictures:

 

 Stripping off the old paint took FIVE hours, and ummm... Steven probably did most of it (do you like that sweater he's wearing? That was my christmas present to him. I quite like it. )  and it didn't even come off completely... even when I sanded it after. This was the most annoying part of the process. I hope I never have to do it again. I mean... watch Steven do it again. It was exhausting.

Yesterday we painted into the night... And this is what we got:

 Voila! New, pretty white chairs that match!

We are sooo happy with how they turned out. They may  have a few spots where the paint dripped a bit or we didn't paint as smoothly as we should have, but we're still proud of ourselves. My mom thinks I should've picked a fun color (I kind of wanted to do green), but I figured neutral was best since it goes with everything.. and I'm really glad I did because I can't imagine painting these chairs again after moving to a new place. And now I can go buy cute new chair pads! Anyone fancy a trip to pottery barn?

Who knows...after this, maybe we'll get around to painting the table?...

A quick Christmas review

Needless to say, we had a fabulous Christmas this year. We went to Steven's aunt and uncle's house for Christmas Eve dinner which was sooo delicious and then we spent the night at my parent's house. We had a great time and got some good stuff this year. I got a new camera, lotsa cute clothes, the first season of gilmore girls (which I have been enjoying much of this week), and other lovely things.

I'm kind of sad it's all over, I feel really Christmasy this week and I feel like I need to celebrate still. So, maybe I will. By shopping. And baking. And singing Christmas carols in the shower. Those are good way to celebrate, right?

This is my mom's nativity (she added someone new this year...)

Christmas Eve

I can't explain it... but I woke up feeling a little sad when I remembered that Christmas is tomorrow. Who gets sad about Christmas?? Honestly...

I guess I'm sad that this month went by sooooo fast and I hardly had a chance to enjoy it. It feels more like December 17th than Christmas Eve to me.

However... despite the fact that the month went by way too fast... I really did enjoy our festivities we had last week. If there is one regret I have this Christmas, it's that I didn't celebrate the whole month. But dwelling never does any good... so I'll just share with you a few favorite Christmas things of mine:

First - one of my FAVORITE songs that totally gets me excited is "Here Comes Santa Claus" with Gene Autry.

Here comes Santa Claus!
Here comes Santa Claus!
Right down Santa Claus Lane!
Vixen and Blitzen and all his reindeer
are pulling on the reins.
Bells are ringing, children singing;
All is merry and bright.
Hang your stockings and say your prayers,
'Cause Santa Claus comes tonight.

Here comes Santa Claus!
Here comes Santa Claus!
Right down Santa Claus Lane!
He's got a bag that is filled with toys
for the boys and girls again.
Hear those sleigh bells jingle jangle,
What a beautiful sight.
Jump in bed, cover up your head,
'Cause Santa Claus comes tonight

My dad ALWAYS played this on Christmas Eve when I was little. It makes me feel like a kid again. 


Second: here is one of my favorite Christmas stories that President Faust talks about. You should all read it. It's about a Japanese music professor who asks to bring his choir to the American army base to perform on Christmas Eve (Not too long after World War II). such a good story. It just shows how powerful forgiveness and love can be.
http://lds.org/ensign/2004/12/the-power-of-peace?lang=eng


I hope you ALL have a very Merry Christmas and that you get everything you wanted tomorrow!! :) MERRY CHRISTMAS!! 


 

Done!!!

 Hello everyone! I'm sorry for my long absence... I have been busy with finals, papers, and more finals and papers. Oh, and grad school applications. A word of advice to fellow students: don't take two super crazy writing classes at the same time. Unless you're an English major, then... I suppose you really don't have a choice. 

I decided that making yummy food is key to helping you not go insane with finals. Ok... not really, but making it is fun. I have to share these with you to convince you to make them, because they are soooooo yummy.  These are some of the things I made:

Ohhhhh my gosh. this pizza was heavenly. Divine. Delicious. And so simple. I made this with Nicole while we studied together. This miracle of a pizza included pesto instead of regular tomato sauce, plus fresh mozzarella, parmesan cheese, and tomato slices. that's it. Sooooo good. You have to make it. Makes studying so much more fun when you have good food to look forward to.

And then, there was trifle. Triple Chocolate Peppermint Trifle to be exact. Chocolate cake, chocolate pudding (homemade and super easy), and white chocolate-peppermint mousse. ooohhhh my word. this changed my life.  I stole this recipe from Martha Stewart and made it for my work party last week and I think I need to make it at least one more time before the holidays are over (Thanks Lisa for the bowl, you will get it back, I promise!). 

Now that I am done with school, I just realized that christmas is ummm.... like 8 days away. And I don't feel very christmasy! :( I don't know what to do. What do you do when you don't feel christmasy?

I am pretty excited for the Christmas break though. I have plans to shop, cook, sleep, and catch up on fav shows and movies (I will also try to keep up with the blog more).

commitment

Listen up everyone. I am making a commitment here and now to grow out my hair at least 10 inches longer than it is now. Maybe even longer. Yup. It will be the longest my hair has ever been.

This has been a life long goal of mine, and it's one I never fulfill because I get sick of my hair once it gets passed my shoulders. But I'm growing it out, for reals this time.

I'm announcing this on my blog so that everyone will know about it and when I have the temptation to cut my hair you can all tell me, "No Annie! Don't you dare!" I need a support system, you see. Cute, short cuts are so very, very tempting to me.

When I reach this goal, I plan on cutting my hair (at least, when I am done enjoying it) and donating it to Locks of Love. See, I'm doing it for a good cause, and gives me more motivation!

So there it is. My commitment. And this marks the beginning of my long hair growing process... wish me luck.

Everything

Ok, so I know I said I would post twice every week, so I'm slacking a little bit in the blogging world. But honestly, things have been hectic. Why is it that EVERYTHING happens in December? The holidays (which involves parties, temple squar-ing, baking, decorating, gifting, etc), grad school applications, and FINALS. I am not lying when I tell you that I have to write some of the hardest papers I have ever had to write in my LIFE this semester.

I am taking a class called Family Belief Systems and we have to write 2 "learning analysis" papers this semester. The first one we get back and have to revise, and for one of the first times in my college life, I can't think of anything else to write! Usually my ideas come easily to me. but nope, not anymore. There's a road block in my brain preventing me from coming up with any new, amazing ideas. I've tried all my usually tricks to get me thinking: outlining, brainstorming, eating chocolate, wasting time on facebook (ok this doesn't really help but it's often what I end up doing). So, I have to revise the first one and then write the 2nd one. I hope that road block is gone before I write the 2nd one!


Another paper I have to do, my research paper for Families and Social Policy about Sex Education for teens. Interesting, but... I just don't want to do it. Nope. No more. I'm sick of writing. Which is funny because the final for this class is writing two essays... ha ha.


Although, despite how hard this semester has been, I have really loved my classes. I have learned quite a bit from them. My family belief systems class has taught me about the nature of our beliefs and why we "believe what we believe" which has helped me be more open-minded to others. Families and Social Policies is the class that finally made me look at the government and see how their policies affect families and individuals- very interesting stuff. I don't think I could ever be a politician though. ugh.

With all that being said, I am super excited for the break! I don't have to work OR go to school. So, what are my plans? here are a few:

-catch up with old friends
-make martha stewarts triple-chocolate-peppermint trifle. YUM
-paint our chairs, for reals this time
-sleep in
-shop!!!

If you read through this whole post, thank you for listening to me vent about paper writing. I hope you had a good thanksgiving and I will post something happy soon!

Thoughts on a snowy evening

The U canceled class tonight, so I am here, alone, with nothing to do... well I could be doing homework, but why would I do that? That doesn't sound fun at all. So, I figured, with Thanksgiving being just a few days away, I should write down the thankful thoughts I am having... totally cliche, but still, it seems appropriate.

So here it is, my thankful list. I am thankful for...

1. ...a husband who cleans the shower (and that I haven't had to clean the shower since we got married.)

2. ... that the lady who lives above us can cut hair. Just had her do it for the first time and it is fabulous. And, I didn't have to drive in the snow to get to her!

3. ... this semester almost being over.

4. ...school being canceled tonight.

5. ...that the U cancels school more than my elementary school ever did... I knew I would get my snow days eventually.

6. ...Harry Potter. nuff said.

7. ...the kids at my new school. They keep me smiling and laughing. Today, we asked the kids what make them happy, and one said, "When someone on the Lakers gets a slam-dunk." I'm telling you, this kid is gonna play in the NBA or the NFL someday.

8. ...my parents for giving us cereal when I don't have time to run to the grocery store... and really, for everything they do.

9. ...for getting the GRE over with (at least... hopefully....)

10. ...Food. I probably like it more than I should... otherwise.... I would probably be the same size as I was when I got married. But, I still love it. Soooo much.

11. ....friends. Thanks for always being there for me and being willing to listen (and nicole... thanks for letting me talk about what I want to make for dinner during class all the time).

12. ...All my siblings and extended family! Mine and Steve(n)'s! You are all wonderful and add so much to my life! (that includes you Mark and Linda!)

13. ...that I have a job right now.

14. ...Target. I think I could live there.

15. ... Jane Austen, you have no idea how she has transformed my life (and my expectations for it). When confronted with a decision, I simply ask myself, "What would JANE do?" makes decision making a breeze...

16. ...Chuck. Castle. Glee. Gilmore Girls. 30 Rock. Wonderful, wonderful television shows.



Well, that's all I can think of right now. I hope everyone is home safe tonight and can snuggle up on the couch and be warm. And have a Happy Thanksgiving!!

harry potter and the utes

Wow. Yesterday was a suspenseful/exciting/emotionally exhausting day. Mainly because I saw Harry Potter 7 and watched that crazy Utah game last night with Steven's parents and WOW. both kept me at the edge of my seat.

Harry Potter was ssoooo good! But I was so sad that it had to end in the middle of the story, I totally could've sat there for 2 1/2 more hours to finish. Ohhhhh it was sooo good and I can't wait for the next one. Best parts?

- Dobby, for being adorable and wonderful
- Ron, for just being Ron
- Fred and George, why are they so funny? especially at the beginning
- The intense, suspensefulness of the WHOLE thing.
- ummmm bathilda and her creepiness. This part in the book gives me nightmares and the movie made it extra creepy.


And how about those Utes making a comeback!?!? YES!

Although... is it mean of me to say that I am genuinely concerned about what will happen with BYU this weekend? I guess we'll see what happens....

Scary...

Today, someone tried to kidnap a boy from the school I work at. It happened early this morning while he was walking to school, and someone grabbed him and tried to force him onto Trax. Luckily, he was able fight the guy off and got away. The principal took action immediately and sent out a letter to all the parents asking them to take certain precautions with their children who walk to school. He also spent a lot of the day outside playing with the kids (and talking to police...), I don't know him that well and I already like him.

I hate hearing about things like this, especially when kids are involved. That boy's life could've changed drastically in that small window of time. I'm so glad he is ok and that he got away. Hearing this story just made me think about how we need to value and watch out for each other.

I hate that this post is sad and scary... so I'll add something positive here:



HARRY POTTER 7 COMES OUT IN TWO DAYS!!!!!!!!! :D :D

Getting your blood drawn (without getting sick)

I have never been good at getting my blood drawn. My first time, I passed out twice in the chair. Now,  I hate hate HATE  when my doctor tells me, "We need to do some blood work." ugggghhhhhhhhh how I hate it!

However, the past few times I have had it done, it has gone quite successfully. No passing out, dizziness, nausea, etc. So, I am sharing my helpful hints with you so that your experiences getting your blood drawn will go just as well (unless that kind of stuff doesn't bug you, then you probably don't even need to read this post)

First: drink LOTS of juice before. Like, 4 or 5 cups (ok not that many really)

Second: take water or juice with you 

Third: Bring your mom or husband or friend or whoever with you

Four: LAY DOWN!!! 

Five: Just look away. loooook away

Six: Keep talking while you look away. Talk about the treat you're gonna go buy yourself when you're all done. 

Seven: Go get yourself a treat. :) One of my favorites is cupcakes. Yesterday, I felt like I deserved some new boots for doing so well, so I bought some (for $20 off!) and I feel great about life. 

Warning: If you tend to pass out even with laying down and all of these other things... make sure you go to the bathroom before you get this done, or you may go when you pass out.... 

100th post!

oh my word! Today is my 100th post and sadly.... I don't really have anything fun to say for this post. I guess I will just give everyone a quick update on life.

GRE studying is frustrating... but getting better thanks to Darcie's flash card tips, thanks darcie! Math is a struggle though. I used to be good at it but I haven't done any since my freshmen year. Any math tips?!?

Speaking of the GRE... I scheduled it for November 19th! What day is that?? the day Harry Potter 7 comes out! and I can't GO because of this silly test! :( All well, I'll go see it after to celebrate being done. :) 

We both have new jobs! Steven is working at a new US Bank location over by Hires on Fort Union as a banker, you should go visit him. :) And you all know about my new job at Bennion Elementary. I have had to review a bit of spanish in the past couple of weeks...

I went to the doctor yesterday and found out I have eczema on my scalp... yuck.

I have submitted ONE graduate application this week for the social work program! Now I am applying to the Professional Counseling program.

 Ummm... I am thinking about growing out my hair again. What do you think?
 

now.

or... two years ago (this pic was taken as an engagement picture, can you believe it's already been two years?)
                                   








I miss being able to put my hair in a pony tail. very badly. I think I want to have my hair longer than this though. Should I, shouldn't I?? any thoughts?

And now, I am going to get ready for my cousin's Mary Kay party and for the big game against TCU today!!! GO UTES!

Halloween

 On Halloween we had some friends over for a party! We had SUCH a good time. We had great food, awesome costumes, and a kind of weird movie. Such a fun night though! I dressed up as Luna Lovegood from Harry Potter and Steve was a wizard.

Everyone brought amazing food. I made guacamole, "mummy hot dogs", and mini cheesecakes. We also had dirt-cups, oatmeal sandwich cookies, pumpkin cookies, root beer, and frrrozen bananas (if you haven't had one of these, you must have one. So easy to make, and so delicious. Frozen banana+chocolate sauce + nuts = yum)

Here are some pictures!

 

Me!

 Russell as Draco Malfoy (Harry Potter costumes are the thing this year I guess)

 Heather as Dorothy

 Sean as...someone?

 Wren as George Michael from Arrested Development - he brought the Frozen Bananas and everything!

 Russell and Holly- simply adorable

 Howard as a kind-of creepy Mario

All the harry potter people together

 

Abby and Matt

  

 Ok. I had to save this for last. Let me introduce you to Beau. Beau MADE this costume. Yup. You heard me right, MADE. Sewed the leather jacket, made the hat, did his own makeup. Pretty awesome, if you ask me.

Anyways, it was a great party! Thanks to everyone who came and brought food! 

new job so far...

Today, while I was subbing at another elementary school (a pre-k class) I heard a little boy say this:

"Do you wanna know what my friend Freddy Krueger does?"

ummmm.... what??? How does this kid know who Freddy is?!?  I didn't think I heard him right... but he continued talking to his teacher.

"What does he do?" - Teacher

"He goes like this-" (makes a weird breathing noise... whatever that is)

"Oh, does that scare you?" - Teacher

"Yeah, he comes to me in my dreams."

ummm AHHH!!! I don't know what to think! Except creeeeepy!

I wouldn't want to know who this guy is if I was 4. I'm 22 and he freaks me out. Whoever told this boy about Freddy or watched Nightmare on Elm Street in front of him.... oh the horror and the shame.

On a happier note... I really like my new job! The teacher I work with is really nice and we get along really well. And now I am going to eat some homemade chili. :)

Caramel Apples...yum

 Last friday my sister-in-law's family came to visit. Of course, we had a great time. What did we do? So glad you asked.

Our night included pizza, High School Musical, and caramel apples!! Which... I'm sure you already guessed from the title.

I thought this was just too funny and I had to post it.

Dan has agreed to take the GRE for me... he is all over that study guide.

ok. So I didn't get a picture of the finished products, but they were pretty darn tasty. We had white chocolate cinnamon apples, chocolate with reeses, chocolate and white chocolate with m &m's, and some other creation of Gabe's that had everything on it! turned out pretty good too...

Darling little niece wearing my...slipper boot, things. Whatever those are called.

It was a night filled with dancing and sing-a-longs, sugar, and greesssy pizza. Perfect for a fall evening. Thanks Tiff and family for coming!!

rain

We went to the game yesterday (GO UTES!) and by the time we got there we were SOAKED. Not even kidding. So, we bought ponchos, which didn't help much since we were already soaked.

By the 3rd quarter, I couldn't feel my feet anymore, so we left.

When we got home, we turned on the heater, had us some grilled cheese sandwiches, and chicken noodle soup. Then we put our wet clothes in the dryer.

Despite how cold it was... I loved the rain, the soup and grilled cheese, and turning on our heater. I love sweater weather oh, so much. Except for when my sweater is wet and cold, then that's a problem.

Now I'm going to do some more homework in my thick wool socks, sweater, all while drinking a nice mug of hot cocoa. :)

Island Park, Virginia City, and Yellowstone

Prepare for a picture overload with these. Here are some photos from our trip! We had such a fun time. Hope you enjoy these!

 Beautiful Big Springs

 Mama and baby moose getting into someone's garbage

 On our drive to Virginia City, Montana.

 Creepiest manequin (spelling?) I have ever seen

 Now, let me tell you about Virginia and Nevada City. These are two old mining towns right next to each other. They have a lot of historic homes and stores... which means there are creepy old things (and some cute things too). The drive to these lovely places is one of my favorites.

 Just an examples of cuteness in Virgina City

 This train is not so cute. super creepy actually

 The name of this house was the "Gingerbread House." Very fitting, don't you think?

 Nevada city is complete ghost town. 

 Mammoth Hot Springs!

Such a fun trip. It was about 50 degrees every day, which meant sweat shirts, slippers, and hot chocolate most nights. It was so dark up there that we easily slept in passed 10:30. Oh the joys of going on vacation....

A few other highlights that I didn't get pictures of:

-Beautiful Mesa Falls! The colors of the leaves were very pretty here

-Reading all the brochures and manuals on what to do when you encounter a bear (VERY informative. I feel very prepared for an encounter now)

-going hiking in yellowstone in a herd of like, a HUNDRED buffalo. one was walking right towards us on the trail, even when we tried to go around it!

-A poor deer got stuck down by the river. :( Steven tried to get close to scare it so it would move, but it wouldn't budge. He got some cool pictures. The poor thing was bleeding really bad on its bum. :(

Well, that is our fall break for you. Now I will finish applying for the Social Work program, study for the GRE, and write lots of papers.

And we're off

You won't be hearing from me for at least a week, for I will be in this joyous place here:

(remember sophie? I miss her)

 And this place here,

 

 

 And here. 

It's fall break, and we are taking complete advantage of it. No school, work, homework (well... sorta), facebook, or TV (except for movies).

There will be lots of hiking, sleeping, west yellowstone-antique shopping, fall cooking, more sleeping, and reading books that aren't text books. 

We are heading out tomorrow and we are soooooo excited. We will post pictures when we get back.

Please pray that we make it there safe and don't get chased after by a moose... or a bear.

Hope you enjoy your fall break, unless you go to BYU and don't get one, sucka's!  :) 

What I do when I should be doing homework

With fall comes new fall styles. And that means hours of online "shopping" for me. Here's what I think I should get myself:

lacey boots = annie's soul mate in a boot ( I need boots anyways, why not buy some adorable ones?)

I heart orange right now

I also heart purple and comfy jackets that are pretty

and yes. I think I need this entire outfit. Need, not want. 3 words: Comfy. Cozy. Cute.

The sweater and top are also on sale, which just makes me need it even more.

After months of searching...

I finally found a new job!!

I am the newest employee of the Salt Lake City School District working as a Pre-K Teacher's Assistant at Bennion Elementary

Ok... I know I said I wanted to get away from kids for a bit... but Bennion is a Title 1 school (government funded) which means I am working with a high-risk, low-income population (which looks good on a graduate school application...).

Wish me luck on my new endeavor. I start on the 25th and I think it's going to be such a fun job!

October 1st means....

It's HALLOWEEN time!

Halloween is by far one of my favorite holidays (next to Christmas).

What are my plans for the spooky month of October? 

I'll start tonight by looking for halloween costumes with Heather

and eating dinner with her at Diva's on their outdoor patio.

Then we will celebrate our fall break with our annual WEEK LONG trip to Island Park!

Can't wait. I really hope West Yellowstone breaks out some Halloween festivities. Zombie Grizzlies, perhaps?

And THEN... hopefully a Utah football game. Go UTES!

Also, pumpkin pancakes are in order during October. Oh... these are divine. 

And for the big All Hallow's Eve celebration... I am tempted to be this girl here:

We are both pale and have blue eyes. I just need to take care of the hair. Dare me to go blonde? 

Just kidding. I wouldn't really go blonde. Sorry if I got you excited there.