My First Kiss

I read Jay's post and it got me thinking about my first kiss and how awkward it was. I decided I would tell the story.

Come to think of it, I don't really think I've ever told my parents this story. This should be interesting.

Aren't you automatically exonerated for anything you ever did wrong when you get married? That's when I felt okay to tell my dad I snuck out of the house right after I graduated high school to go climb hay stacks with a friend. Really, believe it or not, we climbed a hay stack. He just laughed.

It was 1999 and I was 13, in 8th grade and just starting to get out of my ugly phase. I had this huge crush on a boy named, Cade. I had heard rumors that he liked me too.

Finally, he asked me out(on the phone). It's so funny when I think of what, "going out" was. I think we "went out" for 3 months. We talked on the phone, sat by each other at basketball games, called each other boyfriend and girlfriend and that was about it. I don't even remember writing notes to each other. I have my journal from 1999 to make sure I get the details of the story correct. I was reading this entry and I mentioned how my friends had to tell him to give me hugs. And we were supposed to be "boyfriend", "girlfriend".

One of my best friends at the time was Melissa. She lived about 1/4 of a mile from him out in the country. One Saturday I went to her house and after a while I called him to see if he was home. No answer.

I remember going over to her house another time. We were playing basketball (I believe we were on the same team) and I would yell randomly really loud hoping he would hear me and know that I was right there. Just a house away! So funny.

After a while I decided to call him again to see if he was home; he was, he had just got back from Tri Cities. Melissa came with us, making three of us standing there in the road late at night talking. We were laughing and having a good time when Melissa had to go home - she said she'd be right back. I was a little relieved becuase then I could be alone with him. Oh, and I knew I wanted to kiss him.. but I also knew he has kissed other girls so I was a bit shy - I mean, I didn't know what I was doing!

She left and we talked, a car would drive by and we would jump in the ditch and wait for it to pass. About 10 or 15 minutes after Melissa had left he told me he had to go. I knew it was coming.... I was waiting... then he said this:

"Before I left my mom told me to wear a coat, watch for cars and brush my teeth"

me: (in my head) So he IS going to kiss me!

him: "I guess I'll give you a goodbye kiss."

me: (in my head again) AHHH!!!!!!!!!!

Him as he steps closer to me : hahahahaa, giggle giggle, chuckle chuckle

me: (everything goes on in my head) Whaa? what's so funny?!

Apparently, in my journal I say that he is laughing because he had found out that I had never been kissed. Me, an ameature, him not.

so then I said: "It's my first time"

So he hugged me and gave me a little peck on the lips. I'm going to now quote my 13 year old self from my journal,

"My first kiss. I was so excited. My first kiss. And it was kinda wet. I don't know if he had opened his mouth a little or what." I do remember being grossed out about the wetness. haha

And when I signed my name to end the entry I wrote very big, "My first kiss! Holy CRAPPER!"

Crapper? I don't remember using that word. But I am by no means surprised.

So there it is. My first kiss. Is 13 too young to you? Jaren says yes. I'll just say that was the only one from that boy. We "broke up" not too long after. My lips must have been too dry.

My ugly phase (from age 5-12). The summer before 8th grade when my hair was long and scraggly and I tried to curl my bangs. Lindsey (sister) is in the blue Hiawatha (grade school) shirt, the little girl in the red USA shirt is my cousin Roxanne who is 19 and married now, and the purple shirt is Chantile, my cousin who I grew up doing things with every summer, who is 22.
Still not the cutest thing, but my hair looks much better! This is Chantile and I in our sand box in my back yard back in Washington. We would dig huge holes, fill them with water and then sit in them, or in this case just stick our legs in them.
Probably a bit better of a picture of my 13 year old self. With Lindsey, Roxanne and Chantile again. I really hope every one can figure out which one is me in all of these pictures.

Thanks for the pictures Mom!

Also, scroll down to, "Will You Be There?" to let me know if you are going to be at the dinner in one week from today, the 21st at 7 p.m. at Sampans in or at? the South Towne Mall in Sandy. And vote on the poll! Thanks bundles.

Pink and Say

My Child Language and Lit class has been just a bunch of busy work for me this semester. I learn a few new things every once in a while and I have some interesting discussions during class.

Every week we take a quiz, write down a quote from the chapter, ask a question, then do research to find two sources with answers. (busy work)

Every Thursday we bring a childrens book to class and read it to a group of three other people. I usually forget to bring a book and luckily someone brings two and I get one of theirs or I run to the library at 7:40 a.m. before my 7:45 a.m. class.

This week's book was a stage 7 book which is for ages 5-7. We were supposed to bring a historical biography of some sort.

Tuesday was Labor day and so my teach had a special book to read to us.

I started this class not really caring too much about childrens books. I mean, I knew I was going to read to my kids. I just don't remember any favorites (besides R.L. Stein when I was in Elementary School) from my childhood like so many others in this class do.

But I have seen some pretty amazing books. If anyone ever wants a list, I'll gladly give you a list of some really good ones.

The story she read was, "Pink and Say" by Patricia Polacco

I don't want to give all the details, because I think you should read it. I've never had a book meant for 10 year olds move me like this one did. It's beautiful. A true story and written by a descendant of the main character. I'm definitely buying this book for my library. I'll tell you what it's basically about.

During the Civil war, Sheldon Curtis (Say) tries to escape his unit and is wounded. Pinkus Aylee, (Pink) a slave from Georgia finds him and takes him home where he and his mom take care of him and nurse him back to health. While there, Say realizes why Pink wants to fight this war so badly; to free him from this disease(slavery). Say decides to face his fears, he doesn't want to fight anymore, and help his friend Pink. During the story Say tells Pink and his mom that he shook Abraham Lincoln's hand. Say tells Pink to shake his hand so he can say that he, "Shook the hand of the hand that shook President Lincoln's hand". It's amazing to think of a 11-15 year old boy going through these things these boys are going through. I'm going to end there because I really can't spoil the ending.

Just know it's beautiful. Read it. Buy it and have your children read it. Read it to your kids. I'm going to buy it and read it to my husband :)

Have any of you read this? If so, what did you think? Don't spoil the ending for those who haven't read it.

p.s. - don't forget to let me know if your coming to Dinner Friday night the 21st at 7:00 at Sampans in the South Towne mall in the post below.

Will You Be There?

Aren't in this picture?

Weren't there last time?

You missed out, my friend.

Never fear, I'm coming again and hoping some of my new friends will want to dine with me for either a second or first time.

You may have noticed the poll on my sidebar that's been there for a few weeks asking if you would like to have dinner again.

Since there are 41 votes and I voted twice(I think) that makes 39 voters.

I'm pretty surprised only 4 people thought I was weird. I wonder what these people's version of "normal" is? It's really a good thing I don't blog about every mood swing I have.. that number would go right on up.

14 people say, Yes! I would LOVE to have dinner with you! But only 7 of those say they can make it the weekend of the 21st, which is the weekend I will be down. Since I'm two of those votes, that makes 5 people. The more the merrier!

6 people said they weren't there last time, but they want to be this time. Did those same 6 people vote for the weekend? Man. I should have only made it possible to click one bubble.

Please leave a comment letting me know if your coming or not. Or if you think you can come. I had so much fun last time. I think when I come down I'll set aside a night/day/morning for food and those who can make it can come.

For those who live in Antarctica, you stink! You should live closer to the nexus of the universe.

For those of you who need a ride; I'll only go as far as San Diego to pick you up, so sorry Antarctica... you lose again!

For those of you who can't afford the gas, you MUST have voted when the poll first opened and now gas has gone way down. Want to change your vote?

For those of you not willing to make the trip for me (1 person), you must either
a. live in Antarctica
b. only visited my blog once, and that was to sabotage my voting thinger
c. not read my post about self esteem issues and paranoia at night when I'm by myself
d. were one of the 4 (or all 4??) who said I was weird
e. all of the above

We have 3 people who want Dennys (their booths are huge) and 5 who say a nice (meaning more than 8 bucks a plate) restaurant. I'm thinking it might be better if I just pick a place... maybe no poll. But I will take thoughts and discussions and I'm up for suggestions. I'm thinking Sampans in the South Town Mall; they take reservations and Kristina says they are pretty good. Dinner would probably be a little later 7 or 8. I do have to drive 3 1/2 hours. So, let me know what you think!

And for that one anonymous (Mary) person who had yucky chicken at Carinos. I'm sorry, better luck next time. Maybe this time you wont order a nasty mushroom brown saucy monster. :)

One other thing. Wendyburd is having a sweet giveaway for her 100th post. Check it out, it's pretty fantabulous.

Oopse, Forgot!

If only I had a super snazzy camera would this picture turn out NOT blurry. Sorry, my friends. I'm workin on it. Maybe next year sometime after I've saved up for 10 months.

This should have been with the last post but me being the tired person I am every time I post at night, forgot.

But, hey! This gives me something to blog about today. This blogging every day for November thing is getting really tiring. Can't say I'll do the same for December.

Today I only had 2 things due, and I finished them. I don't have anything due tomorrow! But, I do have some stuff I need done by Thursday and I'm considering getting them done today with my time. That would be the smart thing to do, right? But what kind of procrastinator would I be if I actually got something done BEFORE the last minute?

One that might be trying to change her ways... maybe.

Tomorrow I'm going to post about how I'm going to be coming to Utah on the 21st and about how I'm pretty sure I'll be there in time for dinner Friday night and whoever wants to come can come. But.... I'll save that for tomorrow :)

Baby Shower Invites

November 1st I got together with Stephanie to work on her baby shower invitations. Nathan (the husband - my brother) picked out the paper. Surprisingly, he did a very good job at matching.

An eye for the crafty, Nathan, eh? :)

I looked up all sorts of different ways to word an invitation and I settled on what you'll see below. (had to scratch out some vital information that only those VIP's invited get to see)

Stephanie seemed a little bit overwhelmed with 40 invitations to do!

Luckily they started to crank on out rather quickly once we got the hang of it.

We worked on them for a few hours then I took the rest home and worked on them the next night. (do you sense a recurring theme in some of these pictures? Besides my Indian couches.. I always have to have a blanket on me. This one in particular was made by my grandma and given to me as a gift when I graduated from High School)

The end product!! I'm so very proud. I knew I wanted to make the invites because I loved the way one of my friends turned out. It took quite a bit of time but in the end, for 40 invites it ended up being less than 20 bucks. Not so bad, eh?

I hope you can all see the super cute giraffe stamp we used. I made sure to buy an extra (just in case I need to use it someday)

I'll let everyone know how the shower goes. Thanks for your great ideas!

Happy Dance

I've posted this before. But it was long ago and not many looked at my blog then. I posted it as my happy dance for completing one more semester and going on a vacation.

Well... because it's late, I'm tired and I'm not giving up on napblabomothingamiger, I'm posting this video worth millions of words.

Since I posted about the little sis and I in the post below I thought it would be fitting to post this video of us being foot lose and fancy free.

Please, turn on your sound. It's better that way. :) Enjoy!



Oh, I giggle everytime

A Wordy Post

So I've been trying to think of what to post today.

The story of how Jaren asked for my number? No... not finished yet.

The baby shower invitations I made? No, I'll save that for tomorrow.

Then I read Jo's post about words and thought I would just talk. Whether you listen or not, it's okay.

Today I went to Idaho Falls to get some shopping done and I took my sister, Lindsey with me. I know a few things will happen whenever I am with her.

I'll scream.

I'll laugh.

I'll hit her (not hard) because she wouldn't stop touching me.

I'll get exasperated

I'll be very happy even though moments before I was frustrated

I love spending time with her. It's never boring. She is so funny and fun to be around. I often wonder what it would be like to have me for an older sister. I try to listen, but I usually want to fix her problems. It's always been that way. When we were younger and we were in elementary school I was very very protective. I was in 6th grade and she was in 3rd. There was a girl that was very mean to her and she would come home crying. I would get SO mad I wrote this girl a litter threatening her and had lindsey give it to her. I wish I could see what that letter said. I also remember coming outside when I would see neighbor kids being mean to her. I would yell at them and threaten them and tell them that if they didn't leave her alone I'd beat them up. I was a scrony little girl, too. But it worked. She would get so mad at me for doing that. Because then, you know, they would tell her she couldn't deal with her own problems. But I couldn't HELP myself.

Then I remember the times that I was mean to her so she would leave me and my friends alone. She would cry and I felt horrible. I would try to apologize and she would scream at me that she didn't care. That happened often.

It took us a LONG time to become really good friends. She used to be so annoying and drive me crazy. It wasn't until I was in high school and we were the last two kids at home that we started to get along a bit better. I was a senior when she was a freshman. Even then I didn't take her with me to parties and activities - I regret that.

I went to college and we hardly talked. My dad would get upset at both of us for not calling and talking to each other, but what did we have to talk about? We were living two different lives and were two completely separate people. And we would both give each other a hard time for not calling the other, but we were both guilty.

Three years later she graduated and came here to Rexburg to school. I was so excited. I was over at her apartment almost every day and we were exercising and hanging out. It was a lot of fun. I felt like I was getting to know her a lot better. We were building a friendship. She didn't stay for the summer semester, she went to Oregon and Boise. I didn't realize then how much I had come to depend on her company.

I would cry (birth control really was making me SUPER emotional) because I was lonley. I felt like I had lost my only friend. I don't think she realizes how much I missed her. She came back in July and I have been so happy to have her back.

As much as we get on each others nerves I don't think either of us would trade the other for another. I hope she will always be able to come to me with anything, knowing I am free of judgment. I need to learn to shut my trap and just listen. I am not looking forward to the day when she leaves, which is why I want her to marry a local farmer so she can't leave! (like I can't :) It would be nice to have babies together and have our kids grow up with each other.

I started this post not knowing what to talk about, but I see I just wanted to talk about my only sister (I have 3 sister in laws that I think are great). I love her and am really enjoying the memories we are building.

Mommies that have little girls who fight and seem to hate each other... don't worry, they will grow up and love each other and come to appreciate each other. We are living proof.

This was taken a few weeks ago on Lindsey's 20th birthday. I can't believe she's 20! It's weird to think that when I turned 20 I was in Park City and drove 4 hours home on my birthday because I wanted to be with Jaren. And that's when I thought I didn't like him :) (that story will come in time)

I made these. I tried to take Vicki's cupcake idea (you'll have to go to that link and watch the amazing slide show of her daughter's birthday to see the cupcakes I'm talking about), but instead of making lady bugs I just cut out letters. I didn't have enough cupcakes to spell out, "Happy Birthday Lindsey!" so it turned out, "Lindsey Is 20!" With a swirly. I am pretty sure they were YUMMY (oh wait.. i might have had one while frosting them. Might have. So I might know.)

Black Bean Brownie Results!

Believe it or not the brownies actually looked like brownies in the morning.

They smelt like them, but the consistency was a little different.

They were a little more sticky and a lot more smooth (is that the correct way to say that?)


I held true and didn't try any until my class did.

Everyone seemed a bit reluctant but tried them anyway.

I got a few different reactions:

"I can taste the beans!"

"Mmm, these taste good."

"There's a funky aftertaste"

"I just can't do it!"

I tried them and I was pleasantly surprised. They didn't taste so bad! Mind you, they aren't the yummy sugary, fatty, oily, chocolate chipy infested yummy brownies we all know and love. But for the main ingredient being black beans they were really good. I personally could only taste the black beans if I thought about it and tried to taste them. And I have really good taste buds. :)

Jaren tried them and liked them. I think the rest will get eaten. Maybe I'll make them someday. I kind of wish I didn't let them know the recipe before they tried it. I would love to see someone try them thinking they were normal brownies.

So. I leave you with this: Here is the recipe. Make it if you wish. BUT, please feed them to someone and don't tell them what they are made out of and see if they can tell the difference. Then let me know!

Black-Bean Brownies

Makes 21 servings (each serving is three 1" squares)

Ingredients
1 can black beans (13–15 ounces), rinsed well
4 eggs
1 cup sugar substitute
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon baking powder
Chopped nuts (optional)

Instructions
Spray an 8" x 8" brownie pan with nonstick cooking spray. Blend all ingredients (except nuts) in a blender until smooth. Transfer the batter into a mixing bowl and fold in nuts (if desired). Then, pour the batter into the prepared brownie pan. Bake at 350°F for approx 30 minutes, until set in middle. Enjoy!

Nutritional information
52 calories
3 g total fat (1 g sat)
40 mg cholesterol
2 g protein
1 g fiber
110 mg sodium

Black Bean Brownies!

Does this look yummy to you?

I have a 45 minute nutrition presentation tomorrow in one of my classes.

I decided it might be fun to try this new "healthy" brownie recipe I found.

That silly South Beach Diet.

Thinking up new ways to desecrate perfectly good food.

Obviously I made it anyway.

No, I didn't try the batter... I am too nervous.

Instead I decided to make it. Feed it to my class and watch their reactions.

I had to poke it with a fork to make sure it was done.

It rose so much it looks like a CAKE!

It does smell good, though.

I'll let everyone know how it tastes tomorrow after I make sure it doesn't make anyone throw up.

p.s. I woke up this morning at 6 and realized that because I didn't sleep well and I was still feeling yucky I wasn't going to make it to my 7:45 class. I e mailed my teacher and turned in the assignment due. I went back to sleep and slept till 8. I woke up fully intending to go to my 10:15 class and even got ready. I felt quite a bit better than yesterday but still not 100%. When it finally came time to go - I decided I'd rather not. So I didn't. And let me say, I just HAPPENED to land on the day the teach didn't take attendance or make us take a quiz. YES! It was meant to be. I am feeling a lot better than yesterday, but am now really tired and completely stuffed up. I went to bed at 8:30 last night and it's almost 10 now and right after this I'm going to bed! But I actually have to wake up at 6 tomorrow and can't go back to sleep. Bummer. I really enjoyed (not) my 12 hours of tossing and turning last night. Hopefully I will actually SLEEP tonight. I'll take my 8 hours with a smile. Goodnight! p.s.s. Thanks for everyone's concern :) Made me feel all special.

When I Am Sick

My face looks a lot like thisI am always looking for theseI am found in the fetal position often.There's a reason I married someone 6 feet tall.

It is officially the only time in my existence when I don't crave this

I always want to do this

I don't want to leave my house

If only this really was my home. Then I might not want to leave even when I was healthy.

Just in case you don't know yet - I have a cold. I hate it. I can't stand the way your body feels like it has no muscles. How when you try to get up and move it hurts. How I am feeling hungry but don't want any food. None of it tastes good or looks good.

Here is my very stern letter to the cold

Dear Cold,

Why did you decide to infect me while I am in school? How inconsiderate of you! I have a hard enough time making myself study while in good health, you think I am going to get to classes and study when I feel like a puddle of flesh? No, Cold. No. Now, I'd appreciate it if you would make this a quickie and get up on out of here sometime like.. tomorrow. Yeah, that would be nice.

I hate every bit of your black soul,

Whitney

I hope it get's this letter soon.

I Voted Sticker

I remember seeing these stickers on my teacher's and grown ups shirts when I was in Elementary school. I always wondered where they got them and if I could have one, too. Because EVERYONE had one!

As I got a little older I learned that you could only get that sticker if you were over 18 and voted. I was a bit bummed I had to wait so long.

Then 2004 happened and I turned 18 at the end of July. We had a big election coming up that November and I was so excited that RIGHT after I turned 18 I got to vote!

My family loves the absentee ballots so that is what I filled out. I have a picture of me holding the ballot... too bad digital wasn't as popular 4 years ago as it is now. AND all of my pictures from 4 years ago and beyond are in a vault somewhere in my parents house. Otherwise I'd have that picture here for everyone to see me at 18.

Because of the absentee ballot I didn't get an "I Voted" sticker. I was, again, bummed, but still excited that I got to vote! And the person I voted for won! Double winner.

I was telling my husband about how excited I was that I was FINALLY going to get an, "I Voted" sticker. He said he didn't know if there would be any at the place we were going to vote.

What?! No STICKER?!

He asked if I was old enough to vote at the last election.

I was a little offended, "JAREN. I'm 22. Four years ago TODAY I was 18. YES I voted."

He said, "Oh, I just didn't know if you would vote, you were so young."

OF COURSE I was going to vote! I was so excited! I wanted that sticker! Oh wait... I didn't GET the sticker.

Then he said, "Our little Whitney is all grown up!" To which I rolled my eyes (and giggled).

So, we drove down to a church building just a few miles down the road where they had a voting dealy. (For us folks out in the wilderness)

I looked at the couple leaving and didn't see a sticker on their shirt!! I told Jaren I was going to be sad if I didn't get one!

So I went in, looked around and didn't see any stickers. Maybe they were hiding them? Only to give to those who walked out having voted so as to weed out those people who come in and walk out pretending to vote to get a sticker.

I hoped they were hidden which was why I couldn't see them.

I got my big long paper ballot thingy, grabbed a pencil and went to a little wobbly booth. And voted.

I tipped my big metal container into a box where my paper slid into it so no one could see my TOP SECRET bubbles.

And then looked at them and smiled.

They smiled back.

I looked for my sticker.

NO STICKER.

Only Salt Water Taffies!!

NOO!

Now I have to wait another 4 years or 2, whenever I decide to vote again. And Jaren said, "This is where we will vote from now on."

What he MEANT to say was, "This is where we will vote F.O.R.E.V.E.R." You know, like on the Sand Lot. For EvER. For EvER.

These old people (oh, they were all OLD) don't get the stickers!!?!

I don't want to vote there anymore. I WANT MY STICKER!

So I'm a little sad about it. And now I have to do a big huge mid term that I've put off for almost a week that is due tomorrow.

It's a condition. Procrastination. Did you know that? Ramona says so and that means it's true!

.....and a sticker?

Taggedy Tag Tag 4

Lena and I bought this sweater for Stephanie back in April because we knew she was trying and I put it on and put an apple in my shirt to see what I would look like when I was pregnant some day. Come to think of it... I've never seen her wear it...

I was tagged twice with this one. By Wendyburd and Kayleigh.

I've already done 7 weird facts about me.

This is 6 random things about me.

1.) I've never broken a bone. But I cracked my nose when I was in first grade and talked my doc out of stitches because I didn't want the huge scar(I was 6). I can still feel where it cracked.

2.) I married a farmer but I come from a farming family. My dad, uncle and grandpa own a dairy farm and I drove tractor, truck, welded, helped with construction and did lots of really annoying manual labor that I'm pretty sure my dad made me do to "build character", whatever that means.

3.) I've always wanted to be super super good at dancing like the people on So You Think You Can Dance. The closest dance studio that could have taught me like that was an hour away and we couldn't afford it growing up. I took dance classes a few times and then was on my high school's dance team. I choreographed routines and LOVED preforming. It's something I miss a lot.

4.) I'm really good at keeping secrets. Except from my husband.

5.) I am driven crazy by people who think they are better than others. When eyes are rolled at me or I'm being glared at.. I get uncharacteristically angry. Mostly because these people know nothing about me or anything about the people they are judging.

6.) I'm very sad about the fact that someday soon I won't have any of my family in or around Rexburg. I've been spoiled with my brother, Nathan around since I came here and he's moving next spring after we graduate. I'm pretty sure I'll cry. My brother Kevin and his wife, Lena lived here for just over a year and that was so nice to have two of my four siblings here. We had a lot of family dinners. I still have my little sister, Lindsey who.. I guess isn't very little anymore since she just turned 20 Sunday, that is here and hopefully will be for a few years. I am hoping that a local boy will snatch her up and keep her here forever with me. I'm grateful that I have at least one friend (from college) that married locally and will be here forever and loves it. I know as soon as I'm finished with school I'll be around her quite a bit. I hate being alone! Jaren is very aware that I will be visiting family very often throughout our lives.

Can I Still Play?

I just found out about this tradition today. I didn't post yesterday so I was sad that maybe I couldn't do it. Then I decided I didn't care that I missed November 1st, I'll just do 29 posts in 29 days.

I can't gurantee exciting stuff. Maybe this will be eye opening. I'll blog about whatever I'm feeling. Like right now. Massive head ache but I didn't want to take P.M. because I get super groggy the next day and I don't want to be groggy tomorrow. Instead I'm sitting here with an ice pack on my head/neck and that seems to help quite a bit.

Also, I just got done with a homework assignment that is due tomorrow morning for my Sports Conditioning class.

Also, I have been working on Stephanie's baby shower invites ALL DAY today and they really have turned out quite nice. I'm rather proud of myself.

I'll post pictures maybe tomorrow. Or the next day... whichever.

Here's to my extra hour of making invites today and driving to class tomorrow morning while it is LIGHT outside!

I'm tired. Goodnight!

Oh, what does nablopomo mean anyway?

If I were to guess I'd say it meant, nothing about blogging looks on point of mountain options. Yeah?

Happy Halloween!

I hope everyone has had a very fun Halloween day!

I went to school and did everything I would normally do on a Friday.

Except today I dressed up as a Disney Princess.

I bought this dress 3 years ago and it was even 2 sizes too big then. But I was also about 13 pounds heavier than I am now (freshman 20 - story to come someday) so it fit a little better then than it does now.

I spent $50 on it so I vowed to wear it more than once or twice or three times. This is my second time and I'll wear it again in another 3 or 4 years.

It's still a little big.

I was waiting and waiting for my Prince Charming to come kiss me awake.

Waiting.... waiting....

Nope. Jaren didn't want to dress up as Prince Charming for me. Not even a sign around his neck that labeled him as that!

Needless to say everyone at our ward Halloween party called him out.

There is always next year, my friends.

One of my Young Women girls wanted to paint my face.

I told her to paint a crown on me because I was a princess (by the way, I LOVED dressing up as a princess because everyone calls you one. A great self esteem booster, let me tell ya.) She didn't know how to do one of those. So instead she did these...

What did you do for Halloween?

5 points for whoever can guess which Princess I was.

Baby Shower

No! Not mine, silly!

I'm throwing my Sister-in-law, Stephanie a baby shower. She is having a boy in February and I'm really excited.

I was wondering if anyone had any good shower ideas? Games, favors - anything.

I sometimes like to be somewhat crafty and I'm making the invites. I'll post a picture someday. If they turn out as cute as I hope.

:D

The Potato Heads: First Encounter

Jaren is going to have to tell most of this because I don't remember a whole lot of it. After he tells about it I'll tell everyone what I remember.

Goes to show what a great first impression he made ;)

The end of February was a cold one, with no end in sight. My parents had acquired a taste for hamburgers from a particular eatery. It was for this that I came into town to pick up these particular hamburgers, and low and behold there she was right as I walked in the door. She wore a red t-shirt and a green apron. I thought she was very cute. I gave her my order and sat and waited. I noticed that she had a class ring on that was very similar to the colors of a neighboring high school, so I assumed that she was from around here hopefully going to college as I was, hoping that she was not still in high school. But to my dismay she was on the phone with someone talking about plans that evening and they concluded by saying I love you over the phone. There was no need to continue pursuing this girl, for one minute more. No need to ask for her number. As I paid and picked up the food I asked if she went to this neighboring high school, she pulled this face and said no, I'm going to college. Well that did it. Little did I know how things would change.

He' s such a good story teller :)

I remember a guy coming in and ordering take out. It was slow and he sat across from the counter where the till was. I think i chatted with him a little, but I was mostly runnin around. My roommate at the time, Lindsy had called and asked when I was going to be home. We said "I love you," at the end of the conversation. And Jaren thought I was telling a boy that. haha.

When he was paying he asked if I went to the High School there and I was so disgusted because people thought I looked like a High School student all the time and it drove me nuts! I was only 19 and I'm sure I looked like I was 17, because even now people tell me I look like I'm 18. I told him very matter of factly, "No. I go to the college. I've been out of High School for almost 2 years." Like I was so old or something. :)

That's all I remember about it. When we started to date he told me about this and asked who I was talking to on the phone and I barely remembered that night. Since then I've really dug at my memories to remember any thoughts I might have had. The only thing is that I couldn't believe he thought I was in High School or from Idaho.

I'm sure glad he came back the few weeks later.

To Be Continued.....


My Mother - In - Law had a great idea of blowing bubbles while we walked down the stairs. The pictures turned out pretty but in quite a few of them bubbles were in Jaren's face - but not mine. Haha. Now, he must have thought he wanted to make this look, "natural" by smiling at everyone and me.
But I didn't. I walked down those stairs hamming it up for the camera. It's so funny to look that them all in a row. There is not one where he is smiling at the camera. And there were a lot more - I just narrowed it down to posting three so you could get the idea.
Awwe... he wanted to share this happy moment with me but all I wanted to do was share it with the camera. No surprise there - I'm a total camera hog.
But with this one my face isn't the most cute, which makes it all the more funny to me. My dress was pulling me behind it. It was very hard to step down the steps feeling like I was dragging 20 pounds.

Never Fear, Woprah is Here

That's right. I can listen to, fix and create problems. I have more money than English Royalty. If I think girls aren't being taught right, I will make my own school. If the right political candidate is not being endorsed enough - I will give him my T.V. channel. If I say school is cool - it is. If I say orange is the new black - everyone will wear orange and never get hit by cars while walking across the street. I am so filthy rich I give away cars to every member of the audience at my talk show. If that isn't enough, I give them all washers and dryers and TV's, too.

While this here economy is currently being flushed down the toilet, I am sitting on the toilet seat laughing away.

That's right people. Never Fear

Woprah is here.

He's the One They Call Dr. Feel Good

He's the one that makes me feel all right.

He's gona be my..... brownie batter... Mmmmmm.....

Every once in a while I NEED brownie batter like I need oxygen.

Today was one of those days. I'm on my heating pad, eating brownie yummyness, watching TV and blogging.

One more week of school is done - the test I was freaking out about in the post below is finished and I'm pretty sure I passed :) AND. This week marked the end of the first half of the semester. I'M HALF WAY DONE!

Tonight is a good night. I get to got to bed whenever I want. Sleep in tomorrow, make Jaren breakfast, clean my HORRENDOUS house and maybe nap? Also study for ANOTHER test next week and plan a training program that I have to complete in a few weeks.

Yeah... Life is Good.

Going A Little Crazy

Really... I think I'm going a little crazy.

I have been working on Motor Development for a total of.... 8 hours today? A WORK DAY!

That is NOT including grocery shopping, THREE classes and lunch with Jaren.

I am the best procrastinator this world has ever seen. I have to take this test tomorrow and I have not done ANY of the reviews until today. Over 4 chapters.

I have this friend. I met her in my Friday class (I only have it on Fridays) and I sit by her every Friday - she makes me laugh. THEN, I went to my Tuesday-Thursday Motor Development class to find her in that one too.

So we sit by each other in that class too and joke around and make fun of the teacher or things being talked about. It's a lot of fun. You should try it.

So.. I have been working on the reviews and got 3 1/4 done. But the last 3/4 is so hard and is driving me crazy.

For proof: I will offer up the cry for help I just sent my friend that I have in both of these classes.

TO: Funny Fun Life Savor Friend

SUBJECT: OH NO!!

Did that get your attention? haha. I'm working on the review for Motor Development and I want to die doing Chapter 7. Have you done it? Maybe I am blind. Maybe I have been doing this for the last 4 hours and for 3 hours this afternoon so my brain is squeezing out of my ears? Wait.. nope, just checked. Pretty sure I'm just going crazy! I wish I had your number. I would have called and whined to your ears :)

I hope you get this tonight! I'll be up for a while.... If you need any part of it. I have all of 5 and 6 and part of the first part of 7. Then I went crazy.

If you would share 7 I will totally do TWO of the next reviews for us come next section. :)

Love,
Desperately Seeking Relief

I wonder if I learned my procrastinating lesson? Probably not. I never do.

The Potato Heads: Introduction

I've decided that I want to document our story in a bit more detail. I kind of summed it up in an earlier post, but I have been remembering things I wanted to write down for our records. Maybe someday my kids will want to read the WHOLE thing. Or maybe an author will think our story is awesome and will pick it up and dramatize it and write a book about it. Because that would be awesome!!

Here is the post I wrote the morning after Jaren asked me to marry him. I had posted it on myspace because that was the only "blog" I had back then. So I re-posted it this summer before I had very many readers.

Some of you may not be interested. It' s okay if you don't want to read or comment. It is just something that will be fun for me and make me happy.

I hope you all do enjoy it, though. I kind of think our story is a little interesting. I'm going to be pretty honest throughout and I'll get feedback from Jaren because his side is a little unknown to me. We felt opposite towards each other for a while. Anyway, you can read the "shortened" version and decide if you want to hear more. Or not!


I am also going to post a picture from our wedding and tell about it. Most of them will be bloopers. Or funny to me.

This one was taken after the ceremony at the Salt Lake Temple at the little pond thingy in between the Joseph Smith Memorial building and the Temple. Our photographer was on the other side and we couldn't hear him. He wanted us to just walk around the side. We both were like, "WHAT?!" "HUH?!" "YOU WANT ME TO DO WHAT?!" If you click on the picture you can see it a bit clearer. Our faces are priceless. Oh.. and did I mention I LOVED my dress. Even though I still haven't had it cleaned since that day.. oopse!

Taggedy Tag Tag 3

I have been tagged with this one twice. I think it may be time.

Thanks Wendyburd and thanks Jillene!

1.) I talk too much. When I graduated from High School I got all of my past grade reports and every single teacher, EVERY SINGLE ONE said I talked too much. I knew that. But I've noticed it more lately. I'll be sitting in a class and I HAVE to comment on everything. I HAVE to be in every conversation. I HAVE to speak or I feel forgotten. I'm horrible at keeping things in. Sometimes I talk Jaren's ear off when he would rather I not talk at all. :) I'm learning the times to be quiet and I'm getting better at it. (But I don't think I am an annoying talker)

2.) I have to have one foot out of the bed. (I asked Jaren what my quirks were and this is what he said) I have to have pounds of blankets around me and pillows to sleep comfortably. But sometimes that get's hot. So if I put a foot out it cools me off. Jaren thinks it's funny. I think it's great

3.) I am a thrill seeker. I LOVE riding roller coasters and when Jaren and I were dating we went to Vegas and I convinced (he's terrified of heights) him to ride the big shot (the ride at the top of the stratosphere) with me. He wouldn't do it now that we are married - he only did it because I told him I loved him for the first time the night before. I STILL and will always regret not buying that picture. The funniest thing ever.

4.) I hate being behind traffic. I pass at least one to two people a day on my way into town. I'm not patient enough to just wait until we get to town - no, I pass the second I get a chance.

5.) If I have one or two questions for someone I would rather text than call. Drives my husband crazy. I don't really like small talk. Texting is so easy! And totally invented for the convenience of people like me.

6.) I'm a people person. I want to have parties at my house. Whenever there is an event - I want it here. If there is a get together - I want to be there. My husband is the opposite :) He is very patient with me and I've promised him when we build a home our bedroom and office can be his hiding place. Sometimes I have a hard time being so far out of town. No one wants to drive all the way out here to visit lil ol me. I NEED friends and social contact or I go nuts.

7.) I used to not be as emotional. But I started on Birth Control 3 months before I was married and for some reason I would cry if Jaren said, "Are you hungry?" It was a horrible year and a half. Not only did I basically have morning sickness (for the whole year and a half); the entire time I would cry at the drop of a hat! I'm not kidding. All Jaren would have to do is say, "Oh, dirty dishes." and it was like I heard, "Whitney! What kind of wife are you?! I work and work so you don't have to and you can't even get the DISHES done?!" So I would start crying and he would feel horrible and I would sit there knowing I was being silly and I couldn't even help it. He learned how to deal with my emotional issues and it was a world of difference when I could finally stop taking them. I was finally free! But there are some effects. I still am a teeny bit more emotional than before I was married.

Wait. Does marriage have something to do with it?

Now I'm supposed to tag 7 people... I wont hold you accountable if you don't do it and if you have already done it, don't worry about it.
1.) Amber (that's what she said)
2.) Misti (Ramblings from CA)
3.) Wendy (Going Incognito)
4.) Alexis Treese
5.) Chelsi (again... but she never does my tags, I wont stop tagging!)
6.) Lindsey - come on sis! Start a blog!!
7.) Ariana - only when you have time!

I Went to Utah This Weekend! And Met Some Strangers... But Strangers No More!

I am home from my greatly anticipated Utah trip. Both to meet new friends and to shop shop shop. I did both.

We got off to a little bit of a late start Friday and were ten minutes late to dinner. I was very very nervous because I didn't know what to expect. AND I was late to my own meet and greet. Walking in with everyone staring at me... But really, I don't think anyone noticed me until I sat down. I had to do some convincing that I really was who I said I was. They still didn't believe until Jaren walked in and they recognized HIM. I did feel a little bad. No one brought their husband so Jaren was sitting by himself in the corner. We might have scared him a little with our loud, blunt, unabashed conversations. Kidding. He wasn't scared.

Just maybe a little.

My sister, Lindsey was with me as well and she still doesn't think she has anything to blog about.

I sat next to Mary and Jaren. Across from Teresa, Jo and Ramona. I really wish we had a round table. I think next time I'll ask for a HUGE booth so we can all be in the same conversation. At the other side of the table was Kristina, Christa, Jillene, and Amber and her very cute little boy. Everyone was so great and funny and I loved loved loved the evening. We talked and talked and talked. Finished eating our food, then went outside to take some pictures and then talked and talked and talked. Then moved over to my car where we gave out some potatoes and then talked and talked and talked some more until I could hear some throat clearing behind me (my little sister... we were supposed to take her to Provo and we needed to be there by 9:30 and it was almost 9). So I said goodbye.. tears almost fell and then we left.

I hope to be able to get together with as many people as possible whenever I come to Utah. I really enjoyed it. It was so nice putting faces and more personality with blogs. Kristina was as great as she is on her blog. I wish I could have been able to talk to her more. Jillene was so nice and funny and I also wished I could have talked to her more. Amber came in a little late (she was packing to move that night and was able to slip away for a social visit) and I didn't really get to officially meet her until after/during dinner and she is great. Think I can get her to move to Rexburg? Christa sat two seats away from me and I wasn't able to chat with her. I really hope I get to next time! Jo and Teresa were blogs I hadn't seen yet and they came. I'm so glad they did because they were both awesome. Jo made me laugh quite frequently. I talk about Ramona and Teresa further down.

I was hoping Mary would be looking ahead and then I would unexpectedly try to get a picture of us together... since she's now famous. But she turned her head! How will ANYONE believe I met famous bloggers! Oh... the pictures that are below are proof. Few.



I was able to get Jillene to smile for me (not that it was hard) for this BEAUTIFUL picture. Jo had this great stress relieving technique where you just stab a ball of wool with a really really sharp needle. Actually.. it makes little things after you poke it enough times. At first I was skeptical, but then I saw the end product.




Mary didn't even want to poke the wool. I tried to force her hand but for some reason she didn't trust me. Like I was going to stab her finger... why would I do that? To get a drop of your blood to wear in a locket? KIDDING! Your face is priceless.



Kristina tried it too. Really. It's amazing none of us stabbed our fingers.



These two giggle twins were talking about Ramona's charms and I took a picture. I really do hope they were serious with their Rexburg trip talk. They got me all feeling like someone really did love me and would drive all the way here just to see me (they even thought I was 6 hours away! 3-4 silly.. depending on if your in Provo or Salt Lake). Teresa was great. A new blogging friend - thanks for bringing her Ramona! I got to sit across from these two... so funny. Ramona was funny and told us about her Giraffe story from the Zoo in Idaho Falls. Did you know how badly I wanted to go on an African Safari? I've mentioned it on here before somewhere.



Jo had an amazing camera. She let me man handle it (how trusting) and take pictures. I had so much fun with it. I showed it to Jaren and he said... "how much?" Kinda like.. do YOU have a job? Yeah.. didn't think so. I think I'll have to save my money again and instead of buying clothes... I'll buy one of those.


Here we all are. Except Christa. She had to bail out early.. something about how horrible I was in person.. or was it that I smelt? Or was it that her cute little boy was tired? I didn't get to find out. We are all evil with red eyes. My Kodak thingy isn't working so I can't get rid of the red eye. I'm going to leave the professional pictures to Jo and Amber. Oh.. wait.. I think the only one she got of me was of me shoving a mouthful of salad in my mouth... dang.


Jaren and I went on a walk this morning while waiting for my sister Lindsey to be dropped off to us by Lisa (cousin) and found this. Who knows about this house? It's above the conference center and the Temple. I can't believe how huge, beautiful, amazing, manicured, AMAZING it is! Who lives there? I've told Jaren that when we are millionaires (hah) someday and have given all of our potatoes away we are buying those people out of that house. I want it! How have I never seen it before.... I just can't figure it out.



Remember THIS post? I found the shoes at DSW! (thanks for introducing me Kristina.. it really was shoe heaven. I was only able to get two pairs.. but I'm going back next month) They were cheaper. I got so excited I had to have Jaren take a picture, but we were afraid we were going to get into trouble so I dropped down, he held the camera at his belly and the only thing I could think of was Kristina's profile Twilight deceiving picture (did you know she HATES Twilight?? I didn't. But I do now). So I posed. I think next time I go, I'm going to buy them. I LOVE them. I don't care if they look like hooker heels.


I shopped and got some great stuff. I'm going to get all dressed up for school tomorrow and take a picture. I'll try to post it tomorrow. All in all this was a VERY fun weekend and I hope to get to do it again.