Resolutions

I've been thinking a lot about New Years Resolutions - debating whether it's really worth it to make some and if I can really make and keep goals for an entire year.  I decided it's worth it to at least try - so that's what I'll do.  I'm making just a few so I don't overwhelm myself and get frustrated by the end of January.  I'm in the midst of finalizing these resolutions, but here are some of my ideas.

One will deal with getting in the best shape of my life (and maintaining it).  I will probably find my motivation through some of our wedding pictures.  I can definitely see the difference a year and a half can make!  Haha!  Details will be written and put up on my wall as soon as I figure out what will allow this to happen, so I can realistically be in shape and feeling good.

Another will deal with church, and the responsibilities/privileges I have regarding that.  More temple trips, consistent scripture reading & daily prayers will be a part of the improved New Year and these resolutions that I'll make.

Lastly - and this is my favorite - I'm going to try to write down one sweet thing each day that Ben does for me.  Now, I know the whole daily thing will be a little out of the question, since there are some days that Ben & I barely see each other - plus I'm a really bad noticer (is that even a word?), but I'll try.  Anyways, I want to have some record of the wonderful, simple things that my amazing husband does for me each day, so for the days when he's super annoying, I will have something to look at that will help me focus on the good in him. =]  I'm hoping this will help me notice the little things better, and help me find motivation and desire to be a better wife.  And I'm going to try to post them here, since I spend way too much time on the computer already - I might make myself more useful on this thing.  And maybe it'll motivate someone else to do the same!

I'll start with one today..

So, Ben & I both rarely have the opportunity to sleep in without any obligations that we have to get to.  With work, school, and everything else going on, one or both of us are usually up and at it each morning (and most of the time out of the door without ever seeing each other).  Well, this morning was the lucky exception.  Being at Ben's parents' house, and not having to be anywhere until 1:00, we were both able to enjoy sleeping in.  Ben, being the cute husband he is, cuddled with me all morning while we were both in and out of sleep.  Now you may think this is no big deal, but for those of you who know Ben, you know that he is NOT a cuddler.  So, for the 1st day of the year, Ben's cute moment was when he cuddled with me all morning.  I'd say it was a good start to 2012. =]

(Bear with me for anything I may put in the future as part of this resolution.  Sometimes I have to take what I can get from my crazy, goofy husband.)

I should watch this everyday =]

Crazy Life

Crazy past few weeks.  My typical schedule looks like this...School: Monday - Thursday; Work: Mondays & Thursday - Saturday nights.  Not too bad.  I go to school, have work a few nights, and typically have about 2 days of down time to catch up and regroup for the next week.

But not recently.  Three weeks ago, we were required, as a class, to go to a Dental Hygiene convention in Salt Lake City on Friday & Saturday.  It was scheduled from 8-5, which really means 6:30 am - 6:30 pm.  Yeah, totally sucked.  There goes my 2 days of relaxing for the week.  Luckily we got out early on Saturday, but I still had work that night, so it wasn't really a break.

For the past 2 weeks, my school has decided to add on Friday classes.  I don't know how it is for you, but having classes all day, 5 days a week, SUCKS.  Like school isn't stressful enough, we need to add a couple 5 day weeks to our already crazy, intense program.  Since when did we have to make-up classes for Thanksgiving break?? (which, by the way, is only Wednesday & Thursday).  Geesh!

Next on the list..crazy work week.  This week, instead of working 16 hours, I'll be working 30.  Yes - almost double what I'm already working.  Yes, I get myself into this, but I can't help the fact that I don't want to be stressed about money.  I figure a week of stress at work will be less stress at the end of the month...or when Christmas comes, or when I really want a cheeseburger at In-N-Out.  You can see what my priorities are. =]

The only plus side about having a crazy life right now, is the fact that Ben's schedule is just as crazy as mine.  He has tests, papers, presentations and club meetings almost constantly.  He's in both the Dental club and Finnish club presidencies...who knew my man was so involved? =]]  Not only that, but he has started taking a DAT (Dental Admission Test) prep class and has somewhat started studying for the test he'll take in Spring.  Yikes!

So, yes, life is busy.  Life is crazy.  Life is stressful.  But hey, that's life, right?  I'd rather be living this crazy life than hanging around making and eating cake pops, brownies, cookies and other delicious treats constantly...oh waiiiit...I'd definitely rather be doing that.  Oh well..at least I'm in better shape NOT having time to make and eat those things all the time.  I'll count my blessings! =]]]

Briana's Wedding!

A little over 2 weeks ago, Ben's sister, Briana, got married.  It was a really nice day with perfect weather - not at all like the typical Utah.  The wedding was really nice - great ceremony, fun luncheon, and a beautiful reception.  Matt & Briana were super happy - just as they should have been!  Here are some pictures from that fun day!

Briana & Matt coming out of the temple! 

Ben & Joseph - such happy brothers

 Me & Shelby

 

 Annelise & Sophia

 Briana & her brothers..I love this picture!

 Ben & Joseph on the swings at Matt's parents house.  Afterwards they started hatchet throwing..you can kind of see the wood they would throw the hatchets at on the left side of the picture.

Ben & I

 

 The sisters! (Shelby, Annelise, Briana, Tiff & Me!)

 The cake that Kim made...crazy!!

 Ben all ready for clean-up!

We were excited to be a part of such a special day.  It was fun..and totally worth missing class!  I'm glad that we're almost done with the weddings for a little while..just Chad's in December.  As fun as they are, it just gets really busy and hectic with a billion weddings, which is what it seems like we've had this past year!

P.S. The Saturday before the wedding, we went to the Bountiful temple with Briana for the first time!  It's such a pretty temple!  (P.S.S. - also the last picture I took with my blonde hair..haha!)

Trip to Cali!

So, during our break in August, we took a little trip down to California to see my family.  It's like the first time in a while where we haven't had a million things to do, like get ready for a wedding, so it was really nice to have time to just chill.  We were able to do some things that we wanted to and just hang out.  Here's a little recap from the week.

The day we got there, we went straight to the beach.  We met up with Michael & Kalita and the kids and tried to work on a getting a tan.  It was a really nice day at the beach, so that was good!

 

The next day, we were lucky and got to go to Disneyland for free!  (thanks Lauren - & Juli).  Ben had never been, so we spent the whole day there, hitting up all the sights.  And it wasn't too busy.  I mean, we had to wait for a few rides, but nothing crazy like usual.  And I think Ben really enjoyed it.

 

The next day was pretty chill.  We just hung out with people at the house, did a little shopping, and relaxed. 

 

The next day, Ben went home to get ready for school starting.  Since I had an extra week off from school, I was able to stay a few days longer.  We had a little bridal shower/bachelorette party for Melanie since we won't all be together again to do something before the wedding.  Here are some photos from that fun night!

 Melanie's reactions to all the cute gifts we got her ; ]

Some of us stayed after for a few pictures outside the restaurant..

 

 The rest of my trip in California was full of errands, treats, relaxing, and hanging out with the family.  It was really nice to be there for a week - I loved it!  Can't wait to go back!! =]] (Neither can Ben..I can tell)

Here A Little..There A Little

So, summer has been way busy for us.  School, work, moving, wedding, engagements, birthdays, babies, it's like a never-ending continuum of busy.  I already put a few pictures up from this summer, so I thought I'd put just a few more.  With all the craziness, Ben & I were actually able to go on a real date!  Haha..we do things here and there, but I usually work Friday and Saturday nights, so it's never legit.  But we did get one in the midst of everything.  We went to eat, watched a movie (Harry Potter - Ben's choice) and walked around the shops at the Riverwoods.  Here's Ben at the sweetest (and most expensive) toy store.

We also went to up Logan for Ben's cousin, Taryn's, wedding.  I've never seen the Logan temple before and it's way cool.  It was awesome to be there for the sealing and be a part of their day.  Here's a picture of us and the couple - Taryn & Kylee.  They both looked great!

This summer we also said "Hello" and "Goodbye" to the Shadow.  It served us well (other than burning my leg), but it was time for Ben to move on to bigger and faster things (Yikes).  Here's a picture so we will never forget...

Also, Ben was able to host a dentist for the LDS Academy of Dentists.  He was lucky..the dentist he hosted was a sports dentist and he works for UCLA's sports teams.  I know..UCLA..but it's way cool nonetheless.  Ben got spoiled and went out to nice dinners with this guy for free (Thanks BYU).  But he WAS nice and brought me home some delicious desserts, so I wasn't too jealous.  

He totally rocks huh?

Well, all that's really left of this summer was our trip to California.  But I have lots of pictures from that, so I'll do that another time.  All in all - it was a good summer.  Now it's back to school, work and the craziness of fall - and I'm supposed to stay in shape?  Yikes.  Wish me luck!

Obsession

I have found my newest obsession...and wish list!  I could probably spend all day looking at this blog, but I need to study for finals.  But, I really wanted to share this awesome page. 

http://www.bakedperfection.com/

I'm not sure who this lady thinks she is...making all these delicious looking treats and giving me no hope in keeping in shape...but I like her!  Haha!