Why We're in Love

I married a man who not only doesn't judge me for wanting to dip strawberries in a bowl of chocolate, but probably likes it more than I do.

We might have eaten this for dessert Friday AND Saturday night.

Our weekend was pretty boring because I was sick with a cold/allergies. (Still not sure which)

Also, school has made me pretty boring too.

Just three more months...

Seeing Red

I finally caved. After a year of fighting it,

I went back to being a red head.

I surprised Jason when he came home from Utah, and he was very happy. He hasn't been quiet about how much he missed my red hair.

I kind of love it.

Wednesday Wows

Hello world! Its been awhile since I did one of these posts, mostly because I haven't had time to look around the blogging world. Here's some great finds:

via Practically Functional

Coffee Filter Wreath via Southern Lovely

Colored Jars via The Pinterest Project

Via The Latest Find

Owl Baby shower?! Yes please.

No link available =(

My sister is having a baby in September and I've got babyshower ideas on the brain! Can't wait till we find out what she's having on May 1st, then I can really go crazy!

Henderson Update

Things are changing around here!

We're excited and ready for what lies ahead.

Jason: He received his associates in December and is still working at Walmart as a supervisor. He applied to transfer to BYU in February but didn't get in.

Not gonna lie, we were pissed. His major isn't offered here at BYU-I so we figured BYU had to accept him. We were so certain they would, he didn't even apply to any other schools.

When He was denied, that same day he filled out an application for the University of Utah. Luckily they realized his value and he was accepted. So he'll be starting there in August.

Jen: I've done some serious thinking about my future lately, and have made some changes. When I realized the stress Jason is going to be under when he starts at The U (Commuting, taking hardcore chemistry classes, TONS of homework) I decided that its my turn to start making the money.

I decided to change my major to University Studies, with a minor in education. I was just a few classes away from fulfilling the requirements, and this would save me from a KILLER final semester. I would have had to take 3 math classes, each requiring tutoring (I'm TERRIBLE at math), and student teaching in the fall would not allow me to work AT ALL.

I also did some research about substitute teaching and found out that you receive higher pay and seniority on job offers if you have a bachelors degree. SO, long story short: I'm going to be working as a substitute teacher in Utah while Jason goes to school.

I had never really planned on teaching for very long because Jason will make enough money to support us as a chemical engineer. This way, I can support my husband and still receive a degree from a university.   

We feel really good about this decision,

and thats all that matters.

We're headed to Utah after graduation in July, and I can't wait to be close to family and friends.  

Weekend Happenings...

School has started!

That makes weekends even more special around here.

Friday: We actually had time and money for a real date night! We headed to Idaho Falls and tried out Buffalo Wild Wings for the first time. It was delicious!

(Parmesan Garlic flavor)

After that we headed to Sam's club to buy tires...I know, how romantic! While we waited, we might have looked at the movies.

And we might have bought some...

Isn't this three-pack the best?! Those were three of my favorite movies growing up! The ones that say "used" we bought at a store called Hastings If you have one near you, you should check it out!

We got all 6 of these movies for $30.

The night was still not over! We drove back to Rexburg for a movie at the cheap theater.

This movie was SO funny, my throat hurt by the end from laughing so much. We had a blast!

Then we capped the night off with some Cold Stone & Top Shot on Hulu.

Yay for date night!

Saturday: Nothing special happened that day. In fact, I didn't even leave the house. I'm taking three online classes this semester, and they all picked Saturday as the day most things are due. Blah.

Sunday: I got the great news that my friend Bonnie went into labor! She was almost a week overdue, so that was exciting news. Still waiting to hear how things went, can't wait to meet the little man!

Church was great, except I think the warm weather made our class EXTRA squirmy. I was grateful for my Sunday nap and for a day of relaxation.

The first week of school went well, its just stressfull getting into a new routine.

Weekend Happenings

We spent our weekend in Utah visiting family!

Friday: I got to spend the day with Evie. I met up with the Watkins family and had lunch together. Then it was just Evie and me! We went an played with Toby, drew pictures, ate ice cream, and had dinner with Auntie Suz & Uncle Ryan!

What a day!

Saturday: Jason and I got to spend some time at the new mall in Salt Lake. We walked around for a bit and then had lunch at The Cheesecake Factory.

It was DELICIOUS!

After our trip to SLC we met up with Nellie, Ryan, and Evie for a family dinner. It was great to

have everyone together.

Sunday: We had a fun time going to church with Jason's family, playing games, and celebrating Heidi's birthday that's later this week. Then it was time to head back to Rexburg.

Our lives are back to normal, and school starts this week. This Tuesday I will have my last

EVER first day of school.

Bring it on.

Moab

I thought I'd do a separate post about our trip to Moab. We left Wednesday morning and the drive took about three hours.

Jason's family sold their van awhile ago, so we had to take two cars. Jason drove one and we followed his dad.

After we got settled into our hotel, we set off on our adventure into the Arches National Park

These pics were taken from the car:

"Balanced Rock"

Its such a beautiful place! Just driving through it was awesome. We drove for a bit and then hiked the trail up to Delicate Arch.

The hike was fun, just a little bit windy...and by that I mean like 70 mph winds that knock you off-balance. (Wind + sand = not a good combination)

After our hike we stopped at this HUGE sand dune (I guess thats what its called) and Jason, Dad, and Heidi climbed up and ran down. Jason actually rolled down, and it was HILARIOUS!

Day Two was a little less adventureous.

We got a late start, and then drove to this place where you can climb through a small tunnel to the top of a very small "mountain."

After that we drove back into the park to look at another arch that was a lot closer. By this point the weather was getting really bad so we
decided to head home.

I've always wanted to see the arches in Utah so I'm glad Jason's family organized this little trip. It was super fun, and I can't wait to go back someday!

2 years

It seems like just yesterday, but its already been 2 years since I was sealed to my sweetheart in the Oakland Temple.

That was such an amazing day. I've been thinking a lot about it lately, and it really was the best day of my life, even though it wasn't free of stress! 

Funny things I remember from that day:

-I came out of my room dressed in church clothes and my dad freaked out because he thought my lace cami was really my underwear. He said something like,"Um, that part shouldn't be showing." And I was like, "Relax...I'm not an idiot." Really Dad?!

-I had lasagna for breakfast. (Leftovers from Olive Garden where we had our big family

dinner the night before)

-The weather was bad, and apparently it rained while we were inside the temple. There was this lady helping in the room where I was getting in my wedding dress and she was kind a bossy know-it-all. I was finally in my wedding dress and headed out the door to see Jason for the first time. He was at the other end of the hallway, and we locked eyes and saw each other

for the first time.

We were having our moment, when that same ANNOYING lady comes out some side door and cuts me off. She pulls me aside and goes, "Don't freak out, but its raining." I remember saying ok, but thinking "What the crap lady?! Leave me alone, I'm trying to have a moment here! And you know what, when we got outside it wasn't even raining. Geeze!

It sure was a blustery day though! This pic shows it...

-We get outside, and have taken a few pictures when my friend Eryka's mom (who made my jewlery) goes, "Where's your necklace?" And thats when I realized I wasn't wearing ANY of my accessories, and the bag was in the car. My mom ran and got them, and I'm kind of glad I forgot because we got this pic:

-After taking pictures, Jason and I hit the Mc Donald's drive thru on our way to the reception. I wish I had gotten pictures of us chowing down in the Young Women's room.  

-I was barefoot during the whole reception. My shoes were starting to give me a blister, and with a honeymoon in Disneyland I wasn't taking any chances.

-We didn't any food or a piece of cake other than "the bite" at our reception. We ended up eating our top tier like a week later because it was so delicious we couldn't wait till our first anniversary. lol (Shout out to Irma for making such a yummy cake!!)

These funny moments made for one memorable day. I wouldn't have changed any of it!

I'm lucky to be married to such an amazing man who works hard to take care of me. We're so perfect for each other, I'm lucky I found someone who is definitely my better half.

Here's to eternity!

Weekend Happenings...

This weekend was particularly fun...because SCHOOL IS OVER! Even if its only for a week and a half, I'm glad for a break.

Friday: I stayed home most of the day because it was freakin snowing like CRAZY. I played Mario Party 7...its only the best game ever.

Then once Jason got off work we went and played some mini golf with our friends Nate and Bonnie. Nate really wanted me to blog about it, so here you go:

After that we made smores, and I got to play Donkey Kong over at their house. I was in heaven, that was THE best game ever when I was a kid.

Saturday: I got to spend the day shopping in Idaho Falls with Bonnie. She's due to have little baby Bair any day now so we were looking for some last minute things.

Lunch at Panda Express wasn't bad either. I also sold our seasons of the office on Bulletin board (BYU-I's ebay) so extra money is always awesome.

Sunday: Easter was great! Church was very uplifting, and I got to teach an easter lesson to my class of 5-year-olds. Jason had to work 4-9:30 so we didn't get to have a fancy dinner like I wanted to, but thats life.

This week we've got big plans!! Our anniversary is coming up, and we're headed to Utah for some more family time that includes a trip to Moab. Can't wait!

What We Ate: Chocolate Chip Edition

Before I got married, I had this awesome roommate named Alyssa. She made the best chocolate chip cookies, and oh how I have missed them.

The recipe we've been using is a sad imitation that produces flat, crunchy, sad cookies.

Today I decided to search pinterest for a cookie recipe that makes "fluffy" cookies. I found one that uses corn starch, and apparently that is the answer!

See:

I was worried that living in sucky Idaho would somehow mess with the recipe, but it didn't!

I found the recipe via Apple a Day

Ingredients:

3/4 c. unsalted butter, softened

3/4 c. brown sugar

1/4 c. granulated sugar

1egg

2 tsp. vanilla extract

2 c. all purpose flour

2 tsp. cornstarch

1 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

1 c. bittersweet chocolate chips

Click the link for detailed instructions.

These cookies will change your life!

I have a problem...

My name is Jennifer, and I have a problem. When I look at the Sunday ads, and see a cute pair of shoes...

I must have them!

I think about them all the time, picture what outfits I can wear them with, and justify to my husband

why I NEED them.

Bless Jason's heart for putting my with this problem.

I decided that instead of an Easter dress,

these will be my easter shoes:

I was mostly obsessed with the brown ones, because I have a denim skirt that I like to wear to school in the summer time (No shorts allowed = me forced to wear skirts) that they will go PERFECTLY with.

See, outfit planning...justifying why I need them...I have a serious problem my friends.

But they were buy one get on half off, AND I had a coupon, so I don't even feel bad.

Admitted.

One word, 8 letters, 3 syllables.

I never thought I'd love to see a word this

much in my entire life:

Jason got into the University of Utah!

I might have to cross over to the dark side...

Tutorial Tuesday: Painted Jars

This is probably one of the best crafts 

I've done in awhile.

I got the idea from here:

Via The Latest Find

First, you need to find a glass jar, remove the lable, and wash it. I used a few jam jars and the glue came off with nail polish remover.

Second, squirt a generous amount of paint into the jar and mix it around to cover the glass

Third, once the paint is covering the whole jar put it upside down in a paper cup to let the excess

paint drip out.

Fourth, after the jars have been sitting like this over night, let them sit right-side up for another day or so. They won't dry inside the cup with no air.

Finally, pick out some cute flowers and add a little twine and bam:

You've got a cute spring decoration for about $5.

Just remember to save those old jars.

Weekend Happenings

We had such a fun weekend in Utah! We drove down Thursday night after Jason got off work so we could have more time with family.

Friday: I spend pretty much the WHOLE day with my cute niece Evelyn. We went to the Henderson's to play with Toby (their dog), took him for a walk, had lunch with Nellie, got ice cream, tried on dresses at Old Navy, shopped at Target, and finished the day with watching the Wizard of Oz.

We had so much fun! She was cracking me up. Here's some funny conversations we had:

Me: So what songs are you learning in primary?

Evie: Um....its a secret.

Evie: Do you have a cat?

Me: No, Jason is allergic to cats.

Evie: Oh, I'm allergic to yellow dogs.

And also pink dogs.

Evie: (randomly, while driving in the car)

I don't like to tickle dragons.

She's so funny!

Saturday: We watched conference on the big screen!

In between sessions, we had lunch with Suzanne, Ryan, Nellie, and Evie. Then we raced back home to catch the second session of conference and relaxed for a bit. 
Then it was off to ladies night!!

Me and Evie were twins:

I had a fun time with my sisters and Evie. We did a little shopping, had dinner at Zupas, and got our craft on. I'll show the tutorial & pictures tomorrow, it was so much fun. We painted glass jars to use as vases for the fake flowers we picked out earlier that day.
Evie painted too:

Sunday: Jason and I got to test-drive sleeping down in the basement. We're going to be living down there when we move in with his parents in July. We liked it, and I won't mind it when the time comes. Conference was great, lots of great messages! We spent the rest of the day with Jason's family and then left to make the trek back to Rexburg.

I can't wait till we live in Utah!
That four hour drive is getting old...