End of the Year Thoughts

I have been thinking a lot lately. Josh says that me thinking can become dangerous. I'm not sure about that one. Well, I decided to post some of my thoughts and see what others have to say. Some are really weird while others are normal for someone like me.

1. Student Teaching: I will start student teaching on Monday. I cannot wait. However, I'm really nervous. What do I do for lunch? What happens if my teacher gets sick of me? Can that happen? I will be with them for 8 hours a day, five days a week, for the next sixteen weeks. What happens if I get bored observing for the first two weeks? That is going to be the longest 2 weeks of my life. I'm not nervous to work with middle school students or to even teach them. That is nothing compared to everything else.

2. Weddings: My best friend from high school got married yesterday. I'm happy for her. She deserves to be happy with the man that she loves. But for some reason I cannot get a nagging feeling out of my mind. For some reason I'm just disturbed about her being married. I gave her a great present. It is worth a lot of money but I don't think she'll like it. Me and Karen both gave her a lot of food. That is always the worst part about getting married.. going to the grocery store for the first time... I got lucky that I started preparing early. She is one of those people that I worry about liking it for some reason.

3. Easy living: I know that people cover things up all of the time but how do they do it? It seems that every one's lives are so easy but mine isn't. Shannon, my friend that just got married has it easy. Her parents paid for this amazing wedding and she won't have to pay rent for the first year because they are going to be living with his mom. Yeah, I wouldn't want to live with a family member after I first got married, but that just means that she can do more frivolous things than I can. I feel as though I'm being punished for something that I am trying to do right. Is that weird? Anyway, I know that I don't hear about all the ups and downs of everybody's lives but for some reason, in my mind, everyone has it better than me.

4. Friends: I know that my cousin Emily has posted about this before but I'm going to do this anyway. I feel as though I have no friends. My sisters are some of my best friends, along with my parents and Josh. But I would like to have some friends that are not family members. I would love to invite some people over for dinner but I feel that since they already have other friends... why would they want to come over to my house? I could hang out with some of my old high school friends but honestly we are in two different worlds now and it is difficult for me to be around them.

5. House Warming Party: This is the last one... I promise. Five is a good even number. I've been thinking about having a house warming party. I would invite a few people over and we can get together and play games and eat a lot of good food. I only have one major problem with that. Who would I invite? What "friends" (if you didn't read number 4, I would do so now). Would people think that I am a dork for just wanting to play games? I don't want people to think that I am lame.

Anyway, if you have any comments to help me settle these thoughts that would be great. Josh has helped me a little but I still cannot get some nagging things off of my mind. Overall, yes, I have issues.

First Christmas

Josh and I celebrated our first Christmas together... married. It was awesome to be able to celebrate with just him for a few hours. Around 8:30 we went over to my parents house and had breakfast with my mom's side of the family. It's a tradition so we couldn't break it. Later tonight my parents and oldest sister (and her family) are going to come over for dinner. I don't have very many pictures yet but I will make sure and post them as soon as I get others. For now, you have to look at pictures of me and Josh opening presents together.

Here is our very wimpy tree. Notice how wonderfully it is decorated. Yes, we only have 14 ornaments. Guess what I am going to be doing tomorrow????

Here is something I made Josh. I HAD to make something for him. It will go in our room. According to Josh I need to make a V and S so it will say J vs. E. Do you think I should?

Here I am really excited for my Fosters Home for Imaginary Friends DVD. It is my favorite cartoon so Josh got them for me. After opening presents I had to watch one. They are awesome! I recommend one with Cheese in it.... he's my favorite.

A Very Long Week And Some Goodbyes

I think that this has been one very long week... but it was very successful. First, Josh and I finally moved into our house. Okay, we just got it last Friday but it felt as though we were constantly moving this week. We start on Tuesday and finished last night. WE HAVE A TON OF STUFF!! I don't know how we fit it all in our apartment. Come to think about it... we still have a few more boxes at my parents house. Most of those boxes contains books, cleaning supplies, and holiday decorations, but we aren't counting all that yet. We are still working on setting up our house. Don't worry, I'll get some pictures as soon as our place looks halfway decent. It is less than a week until Christmas and the only decoration we have up so far is a wreath my sister Wendi made for a homecoming gift. I LOVE IT! If it helps any, there are some penguins on it. You cannot pass up penguins. The house doesn't feel like home yet so that kind of stinks but I'm sure that in time it will eventually get there. Josh and I are going to turn in our apartment keys either on Saturday or Sunday. I'm so glad that we are out. I was starting to go crazy in there... just ask Josh. Despite the fact that we were in the process of moving, Josh and I still had to go to work. We both had Tuesday off and that was when we got a good portion done. We wouldn't be where we are at now if my dad and cousin Michael didn't move our couches as well as a few other pieces of furniture. THANKS GUYS!!! WE LOVE YOU FOR ZYOUR SERVICE!

Mom had her radiation treatment this week. I don't think that I have ever talked to her so much over the phone! It was actually really fun.. I think that I am going to call more often. She's finally out of her "prison" which is great for everyone in the family (so to speak). I feel as though I don't have to worry about her too much anymore because she can go about doing things. Mom, if you're reading this, I just want to let you know how awesome you are and I love you a lot! You're so brave with everything that you've been through.

This week was my last week at EVIT. I have been working there for three and a half years. I was just starting to enjoy it and then I have to leave. I am moving on to bigger and better things so everyone understands. They will miss me and my dedication there... I cannot wait to see what happens. This week was also my last week of babysitting for the Notations. Every Tuesday morning for the last 18(?) weeks, I would go and watch three boys. THeir names are Dylan, Jamison, and Alex. I grew to love them, and of course I had to say goodbye. Hopefully I will see them at concerts.

Hopefully, I will be able to post some more pictures as we get settled and celebrate our first Christmas married. I'll probably post a lot because there are many things happening. Keep looking for the latest and greatest on the Hoffman Hotline!

History Books

Today will now forever be marked in the history books. Well, not for the United States or the world but it will be marked in the history books of the Hoffman Family. We were able to close on our house. So, we are now official homeowners. We signed all the paperwork on Thursday morning and tonight we got our key. Tuesday will most likely be the big day when we move in. There is still a lot left to pack and we want to do some cleaning before "the big day". As soon as we get the house a little cleaner and filled with out stuff I will take some pictures and post them. Just think! Our first Christmas in our first house. We are really lucky!

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Okay, so there have been a few good and bad things happening in the Hoffman household since Thanksgiving. I'll start with the good and then move toward the bad and ugly.
GOOD:
The good thing is that I have finally finished my last semester of real classes at NAU. I'm so excited because now I have a month to relax before I start student teaching. I think that I did really well in my classes. I know that I got 4 out of 5 "A's"... I'm going to try not to complain. I'm actually impressed because this semester has been really hard on me. I also have two weeks left at work. It will be hard to leave but I am ready. Since I only work 3 days a week I only have five days left (or 35 hours). Time goes by quickly... I doubt that my last 35 hours will.
BAD:
I had the flu yesterday. I never noticed how bad it was before. I wasn't feeling well throughout my whole day at work. I stayed because I was still okay. Around 2:45 (15 minutes before I was to leave) I thought that I was going to faint. It was bad. Thank heaven I work with my dad because I was able to call him over and he came and gave me company while I laied on the floor and recuperated. I didn't have lunch with him yesterday so it gave me time to spend with him. I left work about 7 minutes early because I didn't think I should stay and I was feeling better. Lets just say that the rest is history. I woke up feeling a lot better.
UGLY:
If you don't like things that are ugly, then you might not want to read this part. Anyway, we are having a lot of trouble with out house purchase. We were supposed to close on Friday December 5th which means that we were going to move into the house this Saturday. That won't happen. The guy has a second mortgage so that is making everything really ugly for us. It might be another few days until we actually sign or we might not even get the house. Yeah, it stinks. So, we will probably be spending our first Christmas living in my parents basement.
CAN GOOD COME OF THE UGLY?
I think so. This is my opinion on the whole matter. I think that Heavenly Father wants us to get the house. When we first saw the house, we had a good feeling. Once we saw the house both of us were not nervous to purchase one. The next question is, if you are supposed to get it then why are you having so much trouble? Once again, this is all my (Emily's) opinion but I think it is a huge possibility. My mom goes through a major treatment next week. Radiation that is so powerful she pretty much has to be shut in her room for two days. My sisters and I are really stressed about it... so is my mom. So, I think that Heavenly Father placed this trouble in our path so that way Josh and I can be living at home so we can help out during the season. I don't mind, neither does Josh. I really think that although the ugly isn't fun, good can come of it. What do you think?

Long weekend

Although this weekend has been great, it has been really crazy. I hate to admit it but I cannot wait to get back to our normal life. Let me give you a brief description of our weekend. Hold on to your hats because I'm going to try to go fast.

THURSDAY

First I have to mention Thanksgiving. We went to my side of the family this year. It was with the Pratts ( my mom's family) so it was like it was a fancy Sunday dinner. Anyway, Josh and I were out there around 9:30 and didn't leave until 7:00. We had to help prepare dinner (which was at noon) and then after that we were pretty much lazy. While preparing dinner we actually had to kick the kids outside. That was the wrong idea since it rained on Wednesday. You can only picture the mess. Anyway, while we sat around after eating we looked at the ads and prepared for our Black Friday shopping day. Me, Karen, Wendi, and my mom kicked the boys out at 6:00 to go to Michael's. WHAT?!?!?! They have cricket cartridges on sale for $30. They are normally $90. So, we forced them to go and buy one for us for Christmas. Now they have a "man code" for what happened at Michael's. Apparently there was too much estrogen in the store.

FRIDAY

Since Josh and I are buying a house we need a washer and drier. Sears had a great deal on one Friday so both of us woke up at 4:30 and Josh went to Sears to buy that and something else for my mom. HE was there about an hour and a half which isn't too bad. He eventually came home and went to work for the rest of the day. Around 6:00 AM I drove out to my parents house and Karen and I went to Walmart. We followed my parents down to the Walmart in Coolidge and went shopping there. Lets just say I am going to do that again! Anyway, we found everything we wanted except for some Cars slippers that Karen wanted for Kaiden. We were only gone for 2 1/2 hours which is good considering it took an hour driving and then we walked around the store a few times looking for miscellaneous items. Like I mentioned... worth the trip. Anyway, after that we came home and hung out for awhile... went to Target and then back to my parents house. We baked some Lemon Bars, cut up some fruit, and made pumpkin cookies. We also did some cleaning because I was having a bridal shower there the next day and my mom was gone. We hung out together all day, which is great because I don't get to see Karen too often. I spent the night at my parents house. By the time the day was over I was missing Josh because he left really early that day to go to Sears. It was worth it though.

SATURDAY

Saturday I hosted a bridal shower for a high school friend of mine. Her name is Shannon. She's getting married on the 30th of December. I'm excited for her, but... I'll just stop there. Anyway, it went well, I guess. Shannon's mom wanted games. (Don't even get me started on games and showers. If you want to know my opinion feel free to ask.) Anyway, after that was over (after some torture) Karen and I cleaned up and went to see Twilight. Paula, Wendi, Evan, and Wendi's best friend Tabitha came with us. I have mixed feelings about the movie. I liked it but I'm not freaking out about it. I would like to see it again... when it comes out on DVD.After that I got to come home to my awesome husband and hang out with him. We went to the temple lights with Karen later that night and then came home and hung out with each other. After a busy weekend it was great to finally relax. Now lets see if I can make it through my week of finals.

Hooray for Josh!

I have to admit that I don't know what we would be doing if Josh and I were both going to school full- time and working part-time. We wouldn't be able to survive. We also wouldn't be buying a house over the next few weeks. I love the fact that he is working full-time in order for me to finish school. To be honest with you, he is looking forward to starting school in August. He is doing a couple of classes next semester but he doesn't like online as much as in-class so he is patiently waiting. I love him for that.
Anyway, where he is currently working, he just got promoted. Well... I should be honest. He's been manager for the past six months but he's been "in training" the whole time. He was supposed to get reviewed within the first three months but it never happened. Three months after his review for a promotion was supposed to happen he finally got it. He has officially gotten a raise of $1.30 which is really good, that will pay for more of the house and he also has paid holidays (just in time for a paid Thanksgiving and Christmas). Since his review was so late they are also going to retro pay him. That means that for the last 90 days he will be given his $1.30 raise for all the hours he has worked. We are both looking forward to the next pay check.
Josh has been working a lot of overtime lately because his coworker quit. They were able to find a replacement for his coworker so hopefully he won't be working as much over the next few months. That means more time with me and working on the house!

House Hunting

Most of you already know this but Josh and I have been house hunting for the past month or so. We have found one that we love and cannot wait to close on it so we can officially paint, decorate, and live there. Right about now you are probably starting to think "Are they crazy? She is student teaching next semester and won't have an income." Yes, we are crazy, and you are right, I'll be teaching full-time with no pay. So how are we going to afford it? With our rent price going up, the house will only be about $30.00 more than what an apartment would cost. So, we decided why not? It is twice as big and more permanent. That means I won't be afraid to make holes in the wall. I won't have to worry about getting our deposit back either. We are going to be living in the same ward (I have meeting new people issues) which means that I am still stuck in primary. What a joy. Anyway, here are a few pictures of the house, sorry they are not that great but I don't have time to fix them up and do all that fun stuff. It's just so you can see what it looks like.

This is the house. It can use some painting but since we don't have and H.O.A. we can paint it pink and purple if we want. No, we don't want to. Eventually we are going to take out the rock and put in some grass. That will be when I have a real (teaching) job.

This is part of the backyard. As you can see, it already has a garden. That will save some time and money. It also has a shed, a ton of cement, and rocks. The rocks are going to be taken out (eventually) and replaced with grass. There are two gate entries into the backyard, one of which is cement. That means there is a ton of bike-riding area.

Here is the kitchen. Nice and big. Notice the flat-top stove and ton of counter space. We have to get a new fridge and washer/ drier but we are okay with that. I want to get an up-to-date one that isn't too expensive. We will have to wait and see what is on sale.

We call this the wall-o- cabinets. Don't you love it? Someone designed this house just for me. It is in the family room, that is the only problem. However, instead of covering up the cabinets with a couch (why waste the perfect storage space) we are going to try and make it a built-in entertainment center. We haven't decided how yet, but we'll play with it to find something out.

I guess that I should mention the specifics. It is about 1700 square feet. It has three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Like I said before, there is no HOA (Josh likes that part) and this house is very updated. We had an inspection and there are a few problems that need to be fixed (nothing that Josh couldn't do) and a plumbing issue. We haven't decided what to do on that problem yet, but we will get it fixed. Our closing date will be within the first week of December and we cannot wait!

My Call

Today in my NAU inbox I had a letter that started off"Your Spring 2009 Student teaching placement has been finalized." I've been waiting for this for a long time, much like a missionary waits for their call.

My Placement is...

GILBERT JUNIOR HIGH!!!

WITH: STEVE HAUPTLI

SUBJECT: MATH!!!!

I cannot wait to get started. I got an email with this information and more will come in the mail over the next few weeks. Hooray! The wait and anticipation is over!

The Great (or evil) Pumpkin

So Josh and I carved our first pumpkin together. It was exciting! Josh did do most of it because he's the "expert pumpkin carver". I doubt it. I could never understand how something so cute and innocent could become so evil. Look at the pictures and you'll see what I am talking about. 1. The cute pumpkin that I bought. It's perfect... for now.

2. The Transformation Begins!

3. The makeover continues.

4. This isn't good, guts are everywhere!
(Maybe this is pumpkin carving gone wrong.)

FLAMING BUNNIES (OR EVIL FLAMING PUMPKIN)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Waiting....

So I found out some more information about my student teaching placement. I take that back. I found out information but not where I am going to be. Someone in my class said that it could be until the end of November until we get out placement, it all depends on how fast the principal of the school gets back to NAU about having us there. Yes, it stinks.
In the meantime Josh and I are preparing to move. Where? We haven't decided. Yeah, we have two months left on our lease. We are currently looking at houses but we probably won't be able to afford anything until after student teaching. Both of us have found a couple of houses that we liked but I'm scared to get into something that we cannot afford. Since we will only have one income for about 9 months out of the year we will be really poor. I just hope that we will find somewhere to live soon!

I'M ENGAGED!!!

You would think that since I am already married, I wouldn't have a post with this title. However, I do. Most of you know that Josh never really proposed to me before we got married. We didn't have money for a ring so we just decided to without the formal engagement. Now, after nine months of being married I'm finally engaged. It happened yesterday. Josh had the whole day off while I had to return to work (after a week break). When I cam home there were flower pedals leading to the bedroom. Many candles were also lit. When I walked into the room, Josh went down on one knee and said "will you remain married to me". Yeah, I'm corny and although I already knew it was coming, I still wanted to cry. I couldn't say no for a couple of reasons. 1) The ring was expensive and 2) we are already married. At least he knew that he couldn't be rejected. Anyway, here are some pictures because I know that some of you are really wanting to see the amazing ring *cough* Karen *cough*.

This is my ring. Sorry, the picture is sideways, I haven't flipped it yet. There will be a better one coming up.


Me, with my awesome new ring. I lost my old one a few days ago so this one came just in time.

Here is a better picture of the ring. I found it online at the store website. The only difference between mine and this one is the center diamond. It is a princess cut, not round. It is also placed differently on the ring, it looks like a diamond, not a sqaure. I will admit that my ring was a lot more expensive and larger than I would have imagined. Josh has me convinced that i deserve this ring because I had to wait for it.

Card Frenzy

Just so you know, I am still patiently waiting for my student teaching placement. I thought that I would have it by now... apparently not. No one has received theirs. Anyway, last Saturday I went to a surprise baby shower for someone who was in my cohort. I, of course, had to put a homemade cards with her present. That was the wrong decision (not really). Everyone freaked out over my card. It was just three pieces of paper with a cute giraffe stamp. While everyone was ogling over my card, I mentioned that my sister and I wanted to make cards and sell them. One classmate said she wanted Christmas cards. So...

Wendi and I decided to make up a few prototypes. I brought them to class and she bought 40! Becca bought 10 and another one of my classmates (Bev, who wasn't at the shower) wanted other types of cards. So, she is looking at a variety pack. All that happened Tuesday. Now, Bev's daughter wants to see birth announcements! Wendi and I are both excited because we can do something awesome and make money for it. If you have any requests, please feel free to ask. I can send some pictures of prototypes or let you see them in person!
To the right is a baby shower announcement. It could also be used for a birth announcement. We used this for Karen's baby shower and it was a huge hit!

False Alarm

No, I'm not pregnant. I don't plan on getting pregnant anytime soon.. trust me. Anyway, I got a letter from Northern Arizona University (NAU) College of Education. I freaked out thinking that it was my student teaching placement. NOPE! Just an envelope to make me think it was my placement. It was an important letter so that is great. NAU College of Education (or the education department) wanted to notify me that I was approved to student teach in a middle school math class. While it is still exciting (because that means I'll be in a math class) I still have not been able to find out where I am going or who I am going to be with. I even waited for Josh to get home from his cousins but it was pointless. We even had a video of me opening the fake-out. I would put it on the blg but Josh deleted it without my consent.

AEPA and Questions

Wednesday night I (Emily) signed up to take the first part of the AEPA. It is just the basic skills test (includes reading, writing, and math). I am due to take it on November 8th so that only leaves me another month and a half to prepare. Please wish me luck! I need all that I can get. I can take it again if I pass but it will cost another $110. I don't think that we can afford for me to take it more than once especially since I still have two more tests to take (OUCH)! Other than that, not much has been happening around here lately. I'm expecting my student teaching placement soon so pray that I get Gilbert Junior High with an awesome teacher. I'll let everyone know when it comes. I'll be freaking out... trust me.

I do have a really random question that I really need to ask. I haven't found the answer so maybe my faithful readers can answer this mind-boggling question. (It isn't mind-boggling but it has been bothering me.) HOW IS IT THAT PEOPLE CAN JUST PACK UP AND GO ON VACATION???SERIOUSLY!!!! I would love to do that but I can't get off work and neither can Josh. Not only that but HOW DO PEOPLE AFFORD IT??? Josh and I make good money but we still can't afford to go on vacation. HOW DO YOU DO THIS????

Sad Video Clip

This is a great video that is really sad but great. I cried. It is about Obama and a an abortion procedure that he was for. Watch it, send it to your friends and family. Please spread the news.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIdbYjmbFzo

Labor Day Weekend

Last weekend started off as aHUGE disappointment. I wanted to go to Prescott with my parents and Karen but I couldn't find a piano player for Primary. I guess that is what happens when all the piano players in your ward already have callings so they cannot play. Anyway, Josh and I got permission from his dad and Mel to have Chris and Megan (his little brother and sister) come over for the weekend. So... we drove about and hour and a half (we should have kept going and we would have hit L.A.) to pick the up on Saturday night. We really didn't do much over the weekend except watch movies and play Wii. It turned out to be a lot of fun and I had a great time with Megan. We went shopping on Monday morning. Can I just say how nice it is to be able to shop with someone other than Josh? Anyway, Monday afternoon we took them back to their dad's and we had a BBQ because Josh's Grandmama's (Grandma but he was adopted as her son) birthday wasthe next day. There isn't much to say, except that I cannot wait to see Megan again. We will probably have to go shopping again because we have the same taste in clothes. I hope you enjoy the pictures of the two cutest characters in Mario Party 8.

This is Dry Bones... he's my favorite character. Whenever he loses, he falls into a pile of bones!

Back to School... Again

Well, it is that time of year again... I have to go back to school. This semester is going to be both crazy for me and Josh so be patient. I started back working at EVIT on August 6th. It was a relief to have something to do. With two months off, I was ready to go back. I still don't enjoy it that much but it works. I only have a semester left. Classes started August 11th for me (early, I know) so I am still getting into the swing of doing homework and a lot of it. I cannot wait because it is my last semseter of classes. Starting January I will be student teaching. (Placement still to come so hold on for another two months.) I finally was able to get Josh to take 6 credits at MCC. He is taking critical reading and macroeconomics. Wow! Good luck to him. Along with those credits he is still working full time at a Loan Mart. He likes it although it limits him to his classes. Starting next August we are going to switch roles, he will go to school full time and I will be working full time. WOW! That will be a major change. -By the way- sorry there are no pictures!

2007 Dodge Ram 1500

I'm am sure that most of you already know but I am going to say this anyway. April of 2007 Josh decided that he wanted to go buy a new truck. See title above for type. Anyway, he got a loan for about $16,000 to buy the truck. Yeah, it wasn't a bad price but he knew we were considering getting married at the time. I still don't approve of it because I CAN'T DRIVE IT! It's stick shift. Anyway, a few weeks ago we took money out of my savings account and paid it off. Can I just say... it feels GOOD!!!! A couple weeks after paying it off at the bank we went and got the title. THE TRUCK IS OURS! I'm excited becasue now we don't have the extra payment and we can start saving money for next year! It looks a lot like the one in the picture... just white. I haven't taken pictures of it yet because I always forget. Silly me :)

How to Chop Down a Dead Tree Branch

1. Borrow a tractor from a good friend.










2. Have a friend lift you up in the buckey very carefully. Try using a chainsaw or wrap a tow cable around the branch. Secure it tightly.











3. Try to pull down the tree branch. Remember to not hit the house.












4. If all goes well the the branch will be down. Remember to not kill yourself or let a loved one watch as the branch comes down. (They may freak out a little.)

Stupid Tags

Okay, I'm mad at my sister Karen for tagging me. Not the best idea but I thought that it would give a little insight into my life with Josh. Here it goes....

Three Joys:
1. My husband Josh: I don't think that I could find a better companion. He is awesome and I'm surprised that he still wants to be with me. (Sometimes I can go crazy on him.)

2. My sisters: They are the coolest! Although I am nine years younger than my oldest sister we are still really close. I couldn't imagine not having my sisters.

3. Scrapbooking: Scrapbooking just makes me happy. It lets me be really creative and I can just let everything else go in my live when I scrapbook. I mostly do it at my sister Wendi's because it is boring alone but it still helps to relax me.

Three Fears:
1. Snakes: I would have to agree with Karen on this one. They are just creepy.

2. Heights: Classic... I know but very true. I am freaked out about heights. That is probably one reason why Josh and I didn't go on his mothers rooftop on the fourth of July. I freak out every time.

3. Spiders: Although I think that spiders are creepy... Josh hates them even more. That is why I decided to place them under fears. Josh hates them and I find the bad one scary. I guess that works.

Three Goals:
1. To teach a junior high math class: Yeah I'm pathetic but it is so much fun! Math makes my brain work and I want my students to realize the same thing. I wouldn't mind an elementary class but junior high math... it is AMAZING! Rand.... I am so jealous of you!

2. To become an amazing mom: I am sure everyone is biased about their mom but mine is totally awesome! I want to be just like her (and my sisters) because they are great mom's and are so great with their kids. Sometimes I wonder if I will have enough patience... we will see in about 5 years.

3. To buy a house: Pathetic, I know but I really want one. I want to be able to decorate it all nice without having to worry about holes in the walls. I want something more permanent. If it helps, Josh and I are looking but we have not made that decision.

Three Current Obsession:
1. Webkins: Yes, I play webkins. It is so addicting! Not only that but I have nothing else better to do!

2. Worrying about Christmas: Yes, I have started on Christmas presents! I'm crazy but we only have 5 months left people. I start school soon and I won't have much time once I start school. I could just buy them but that is so boring and NOT CREATIVE!

3. Grocery Shopping: I go grocery shopping at least once a week. I have to get all the good deals. It is food we will need in the long run but I probably spend $100- $150 a month on food just for the two of us. We get a lot of it but I love going to the grocery store (without Josh). Not only that but by going to the grocery store I get my fill of shopping for the week. I figure that we need food more that junk...right?

Three Surprising Facts
1. I love school... and Josh hates it. I'm one of those students who freaks out if they don't get an "A" in the class. Pathetic, I know. Josh dropped out of high school and got his GED. I'm pretty much forcing him to take a couple of classes at MCC this semester. WHAT!?!?! He needs a degree to go into what he wants to do so he'll have to get over it and take classes.

2. Lingerie is one of my pet peeves: I don't understand it! I has never made sense to me and it never will. One of my friends from high school is getting married in November. I have to go shopping with another one of my friends to pick out some lingerie for her. Think about it... why "slip into something more comfortable" when you just have to take it off anyway! Again... what is the point?

3. Josh and I read to each other every night. We find books at the store that look interesting (ones that we have never heard of) and read them to each other. Sometimes we fight on who gets to read the book. We got to the point to where we switch off every night. We started it while we were dating (he would read to me over the phone) and we kept that tradition. I like it because we try new books that we have never heard of.


Our favorite books to read: The Fablehaven series. I highly recommend them to anyone because they are so awesome. The next one comes out in April of next year (book #4).


I decided not to tag anyone because I find it interesting but weird and I don't have many friends that have blogs.

Camping

My niece ready for her camping experience.

Me, attempting to put up Wendi and Doug's tent. Wendi and I were so proud of ourselves because we were able to put up her tent and mine without our husbands. It took awhile for hers but they both stayed up the whole time. What an accomplishment!

My nephew Kaiden playing at the park in Eagar, AZ.

The past week I went camping with my family. I traveled up with my sister Wendi on Wednesday (and parents of course) and stayed until Sunday morning. We both had a great time camping with my dad's side of the family (yeah, it was a family reunion). Both Doug and Josh were unable to come up on Wednesday with us so they came up Friday after work. We were both glad to see them. Sunday we all went to Eagar to spend some time there. The boys had to leave Sunday afternoon so they could be home for work on Monday and Wendi and I stayed to hang out with Karen and her family. We went to the park, went on some walks, and eventually started to go crazy because of the kids. Tuesday morning around 9:30 we left for home. We didn't make it home unit 3:00. Yes, it was a 5 1/2 hour drive (it should have been 4) because we hit construction, had to stop and get gas, McDonald's forgot our happy meal toys, and we had to pull over on the side of the road to let someone go to the bathroom( they were to scared to actually go). The trip was fun but it felt good to come home and spend some QUIET time with Josh. I never knew how much I could miss him.

Fourth of July

Six months ago (on the fourth) Josh and I got married. It is weird to think about but true. To celebrate we went and saw Wall-E and went to Chick-fil-a (I've never been there). Wall-E was a great movie and we both recommend it to anyone. We'll probably own it when it comes out on DVD. I cried and Josh thought that I was weird for doing so in a kids movie. It was sad at one part (I don't feel like spoiling it for anyone). We also went over to Josh's mom's house (grandmama for some of you) and did dinner there. It wasn't as exciting as I hoped for because there was only six of us but it had been a long time since we did something with his mom. Fireworks are overrated so we didn't watch them this year. They all look the same and it was really hot outside. I don't like the heat... ask Josh.

I've Caved

Everyone has a blog. I admit that it sounded appealing a long time ago. I guess that I just had to admit that it sounded like fun and not everyones life is boring. Yes, that is why I never had one. I figured that it would be good for those that I never really talk to because they can see what Josh and I do with our boring lives. Well, it isn't that bad but as you read more you can decide for yourself.