Christmas Festivities

Christmas was a success at the Olsen home this year!

Our festivities included...

Picking a tree at Baum's the day after Thanksgiving. We have a thing for Charlie Brown Christmas Trees...

Watching Christmas Classics and listening to our Christmas records

Hanging the stockings (I swear our wall it not this yellow!)
Remembering the reason for the season

Making snow globes

- Going to Temple Square with the Shaws

-Bowling with the Olsens

-Playing secret santa

- Shopping shopping shopping

-Baking baking baking

-Eating eating eating

-Christmas Eve and Christmas day with the greatest families out there (skyped with brothers and their families who couldn't be here)

-Watching my belly move on its own

-Catching a lovely cold

My mom painted this for Rees's nursery. We love it so much and can't wait to get it framed and on the wall! So perfect for our little bird.

As if he didn't spoil me enough, at the end of the day Greg surprised me with this necklace. I love it!
Hope your Christmas season was merry and bright!

Kids Raising a Kid

One night, after a very long day at work, Greg and I were apparently feeling very childish.

Our night consisted of the following:

-Stopping at Sonic for a Blue Coconut Slush for dinner (who orders blue drinks? Ya..me)

-Watching "Home Alone"

-Rummaging through our pantry for left over halloween candy and finding these gems...

(might be the creepiest picture ever)

- Taking pictures while laughing our heads off at how awesome we look

- Playing Monopoly on our Ipad. If you know how we are when we play games together, you know that this never ends well. There was a divine intervention when things got bad and the ipad just closed out of the game. Probably saved our marriage.

When the night was over we realized that this child of ours is going to be raised by a pair of 9 year olds. Pure sugar for dinner, hours of entertainment from wax lips, fighting over monopoly. Yup.... 9 year olds.

Another thing to make me cry at work

I know I've talked about this blog before... but just reading her birth story post today has sent me into tears and completely overwhelming excitement to meet our little dude. The first part is a little long, but for any of you with child, or wanting to be with child, I think this will play with your emotions just as much as it did mine.

Read the story here

This one had me bawling a few days ago too, I even made Greg read it.

Oh Boy!!!

Agreed, its pretty fetchin' amazing.

By the way, its a BOY!

That news, coupled with the fact that I am almost two weeks farther along than we previously thought made yesterday one of the best.days.ever.

Seeing our little man squirm around, pick his nose, flex his fingers, and generally be adorable was better than Christmas. In fact, you don't need to get me a single thing for Christmas if you can just arrange another ultra sound.

I could have watched him all day.

I can't wait to meet you buddy!!!

What are you?

Confession: I am one of those women that talks to her belly. I find myself telling my baby how much I love him/her, how excited I am to meet him/her, or just about my day.

Confession #2: Greg talks to my belly, and I find incredibly adorable. He is a good dad already. Every night he gives the bambino a little pep talk and has some serious daddy/baby time. This will go on until I tell him to get off my stomach asap because the pressure has made me have to pee...again.

One question I frequently ask the baby is "What are you??" I just want to know if I have a baby boy or girl inside of me. I will take into account my emotions, facial fat, where the baby is sitting, sudden lack of leg hair, etc.. and try to determine just what is growing inside of me. At first I was totally convinced it was a little man. Then due to very vivid dreams, I changed my mind to little girl. Then I was completely confused.

I don't have a preference, I will be totally happy with either. I just want to know!

I have hit my 20 week mark and I see the doctor on Tuesday, only one more day and I will be able to see exactly what is growing inside of me! I am way more excited for this than for Thanksgiving, and maybe even more than for Christmas.

What what do I think it is this week? Personally, I'm guessing a boy. If you know my family, you know we do not produce girls (only two girls in all of my sibling's and cousin's kids).

What is your guess???

Confessions

*Sometimes all I want for dinner is a large french frie from McDonalds... so thats what I have. Today my lunch was just breadsticks from Pizza Hut. Whatever the baby wants, right? Oh and before pregnancy, I refused to go to either place...but now they sound delicious.
*I watched 10 episodes of Samantha Who last Sunday. Greg was gone and I needed to keep myself entertained.
*"Super bass" is running through my head all. the. time.
* I read this blog and get teary eyed with every post about her new little baby. Then I get angry that she has managed to stay so thin.
*I actually paid to go see "Footloose" last week. Horrible movie. Instead of paying to see it just watch the original again, much better. Lauren was conned into seeing it too.. we had to buy pizza afterward just to make up for the 1 1/2 hours lost.
*This post has now taken me 2 1/2 hours to complete..I am easily distracted...

Updates

Well, I think I have pretty much given up on EVER blogging about our fantastic summer adventures. Maybe one day I will, bit by bit. Lets just say, we had a blast. This summer went by incredibly fast, and so did fall for that matter!

So, here we go on some updates....

Greg:
- school, school, and more school.
-speaking of school.. he was just accepted into UVU's education program! One step closer to Mr. Olsen, history teacher.
-He is now driving around in a beautiful 1984 Volvo. Its actually a pretty cool car, and it is now the oldest member of our family. He traded the truck for this baby and some cash that we put down on another car. I refuse to drive it because the first time I did I broke the stick shift (who knew you could do that?) which now makes it impossible to go into 5th gear, and I about killed us trying to shoot a gap. Note: Unless you have about half a mile clearance, don't try turning left, this baby takes a while to get up to speed.
- For a while he was helping his dad clean out his great aunt's garage. believe it or not, this was a BIG project. We were able to adopt a sweet old hutch which Greg fixed up. It now sits in our entry way, and its purdy.
- He is super excited to be a dad
-He went to Denver last week for work, made it there and back safely!
-And finally, most importmant to me, he has been one. amazing. husband. I could not do this pregnancy thing without him (well, obviously). He has never once complained about all the crazy things I make him do. Such as..
1. not eating nachos or anything that crunches while I'm present
2. cleaning out the pantry because I cannot stand the smell
3. going on a walk with me whenever I need to
4. staying on his side of the bed at night because I can't stand the extra body heat
5. using a separate bathroom to shower and do his business because the thought of steam, or other things, makes me want to vomit
6. telling the baby to behave its mother
He is there with mouthwash for me and to clean the toilet after my breakfast doesn't stay down. He is there to tell me that I look beautiful when I'm crying about not fitting into any of my clothes. He is there to talk with me about what our baby will look like, what their personality will be like, and get me really excited to be a mama and see him as a dad. he is always there to make me feel better, and for that I am so grateful.

Whit:
- I am taking one class this semester..anatomy. Heaven help me!
- I am finding new surprises every week while being pregnant. New aches, new pains, new aversions, but also new things I am excited for.
- I really just spend my free time sitting on the couch watching netflix and eating chips and queso.
- work is crazier than ever! I really really just want to take a break for a while.
- the day after Greg got home from Denver I made my way up to Idaho for a college fair. Let me tell you, it was exciting.
- I think I'm gaining an average of 5 pounds per week, its awesome.
-So Greg has a new (to us) Volvo and we bought a new (to us) Corolla. I just needed a car built within the last 10 years to make me feel safe. I love the car and I'm happy we now have something to take the baby home in come April.

Other events:
-We celebrated anniversay #4 the beginning of October! We spent the day in P.C. shopping at eating at our favorite places.
- Halloween was spent at the Olsen's house on Sunday with the whole clan (almost) and watching Psycho on Monday while catering to trick or treaters. The baby had a costume this year, I'll have to post that picture sometime later.
-We hardly ever watch tv, we watch netflix. Right now we are on a Dick Van Dyke kick which makes me SO happy. I love that show. We are also watching The Wonder Years and Lie To Me.

Well, thats all folks! Until next time..

Heartbeat

I am emotional today, and its only 8:12 a.m. ...heaven help me...

I am currently 15 weeks preggo and have my 3rd doctors appointment today. I get to hear the heartbeat again. This is what helps me through the "I can't leave the saftey of my house for fear of blowing chunks" or "I just want to crawl under my desk and have a good cry session" days. I just think to myself "only ___ more days until I get to hear the baby again" And today is that day!

My baby's heartbeat is pretty much the coolest thing I've ever heard, brings me to tears everytime.

Pregnancy has been so exciting, and hard. I have a new respect for every mother on earth. I'm just happy to be over the morning sickness for the most part, I still have my days.

My stomach popped out over the weekend and it is so weird to look at it, try and suck it in, and realize that it just won't move.

I have had cravings (pizza, ice, fruit, french fries, orange juice) and aversions (icecream, red meat, nachos).

I have had days where I can't stop crying and days where I feel completely normal.

I have had days where I feel totally able to do this and days where I want to hide in a corner and suck my thumb.

Overall, I think its a completely "normal" pregnancy.

Our Favorite Souvenir

We came home from Europe with many souvenirs.....

(This picture was taken about 5 weeks ago)

....but this is by far the best thing we brought home with us.

Baby Olsen
Coming April 9th (ish), 2012

9/11

I have been watching the coverage all day.

Curled up on my couch, glued to the tv.

I can't believe it was ten years ago, I still remember that day so vividly.

I will never forget.

I find comfort and a helpful reminder in the words of President Monson-

"It is constancy that God would have from us. Tragedies are not merely opportunities to give Him a fleeting thought, or for momentary insight to His plan for our happiness. Destruction allows us to rebuild our lives in the way He teaches us, and to become something different than we were. We can make Him the center of our thoughts and His Son, Jesus Christ, the pattern for our behavior. We may not only find faith in God in our sorrow. We may also become faithful to Him in times of calm."

Fall Playlist

I LOVE the fall. Seriously, it is by far my favorite time of year. This morning I woke up and could feel the crisp breeze, it was heaven.

Every now and then I pretend I'm cool and get into some new music. Lets be honest, I usually just end up listening to my tried and true good stuff. Anyway, here is my fall mix (I know some of the songs are old, but its all new to me)

1. Love blink, always have. Up All Night

2. I know this song is cheesy, but it reminds of me of London town. Good Life

3. I can't help but love Sugarland. Run

The District. I'm a little slow, but I just discovered them and I'm in love.

4. The District, I won't fall apart

5. The District, She Led Me Home

6. The District, Firework (Katy Perry Cover)

7. Ron Pope, love him. You're the Reason I Come Home

8. Ron Pope, Perfect for Me

9. Gregory and the Hawk A Wish

10. Timmy Curran, Blue Eyes

Whats on your fall playlist?

Cheerio Love!

Okay, write this down in your journals. I am FINALLY posting pictures from our magnificent European adventure! These pictures and stories will come in installments, one country at a time. Lets begin with England.

England was wonderful! I flew over to Manchester with two of my coworkers, and the cast of Glee. I think they had a few concerts over there or something. I wanted to get a picture but their body guard was staring me down pretty bad. Anywho, we left Sunday at 2 after a 3 hour delay (lovely). We barely made our connector in NYC and continued on to Manchester. We arrived completely exhausted in Manchester at 8:30 a.m. on Monday. Monday was one of the LONGEST days of my life. We tried to stay awake all day, but I ended up crashing for a few hours. I salute anyone that can actually make themselves stay awake, I'll take the jet lag instead.

I spent Monday through Friday in Manchester attending and presenting at a conference there. I must say, Manchester is pretty ugly. Luckily we were next to the shopping district so the scenery wasn't too bad :) Manchester was also very cold. I had to go buy tights just to keep warm! The conference was great. Natalie and Kirk did a wonderful job during our presentation, I mumbled and blabbered my way through my part. During our down time we shopped, ate, and made it to the Preston Temple, which was BEAUTIFUL!

Greg flew over on Friday and I was so excited to see him! I get nervous if we are in different states, different countries was a separation anxiety of its own kind. I met him at the train station (how foreign right?) and we walked back to our hotel. He was more successful at staying awake than I was, but he did get in mid-afternoon.

On Saturday we took a train (or 5) down to London with Natalie. This was awesome because we were able to really see England. We had several stops and connecting trains where we were able to people watch. The English countryside is so pretty. This was probably one of our favorite parts of the trip.

In London we stayed in a great Marriott located in the North-West part of town. Thanks Spencer for the great hook-up! We only had a few days in London but we were able to see the following:

Buckingham Palace

Tower of London

Big Ben

Westminster Abbey

The Imperial War Museum

The British Museum

Abbey Road

Thames River

Picadilly Circus

The last night there we even went and saw Les Mis. It was AMAZING!!

So here's the deal with England: It was great to see, but I don't know that I could ever live there. They only eat meat and potatoes (couldn't find fresh fruit for the life of me), it smells bad, and the whether isn't the greatest. BUT, they do have the best orange fanta in the world (it is made with real orange juice), the accents are killer, and their public transportation is incredible and so caring "Please mind the gap". Plus, on every other corner there is a man with a guitar and harmonica who is performing for tips, I loved that!

I loved the new lingo too...

Bangers and mash: sausage and mashed potatoes

Cheerio/Cheers: hello, goodbye, really whatever you want it to mean

Trouser: pants

Pants: underwear

Toilet: bathroom (if you ask for the restroom they have no idea what you are talking about)

Chips: fries

Crisps: chips

Pudding: anything sweet

Lift: elevator

Que: line to wait in

Here is a slideshow of pictures from England. For some reason they running backwards, newest to oldest. I don't have the patience to figure out why.

Cheers!

I promise

I know I haven't blogged in a while, and I have ALOT of pictures to share. I will be posting them soon. Promise.

Hold tight until then :)

Johnny

Uncle Johnny, circa 1980

God be with you till we meet again;
By his counsels guide, uphold you;
With his sheep securely fold you.
God be with you till we meet again.

God be with you till we meet again;
When life's perils thick confound you,
Put his harms unfailing round you.
God be with you till we meet again.

It seems that life has been a whirlwind these last few weeks. We made it home from Europe safely (pics and posts to come), had family in town (lots of baseball games and time at mom and dads), and I took a short trip up to Idaho for my uncle's memorial. He passed away a few weeks ago in a sudden and tragic way. My heart hurts for his young wife and 6 children. My testimony of eternal families has been strengthened and I hold Greg even closer now.

God be with you till we meet again.

Oh hey... did i mention?

Oh hey, did I mention that I leave for Europe TOMORROW!?!?

Did I also mention that I have yet to pack, and I'm not quite sure how the whole currency or electricity conversion goes?

Have you heard that I am going to give a presentation that I haven't finished yet, obviously haven't practiced, in front of a room full of people from all over the world?

Have I told you yet that I REALLY don't like flying, and the fact that I am going over water FREAKS ME OUT? Plus, Greg isn't flying there with me, so I haven't been able to calm myself down for the past week? I just need to make it a few days and he will be there with me.

Maybe I haven't told you .. but I'm packing for a 3 week vacation and I'm only taking a backpack. I will be wearing my undies inside out half the time.

And last but not least, I really am excited for this trip! It is going to be crazy busy and we will be visiting 4 countries in 3 weeks. Wish us luck and that I don't die while swimming over the big pond!

Meet K-Dawg

Krystal is my sista from anotha mista.

Seriously though, we are twins on the inside. She is back for the summer and we have had some great adventures so far! Adventures that include...

A few days (though not nearly enough!) up in Park City. We shopped, we laughed, we made a late night run to Wendys, hot-tubbed it up, contemplated enrolling in the giant jenga competition at the hotel, and thought about leaving with our 70-year old construction boyfriends we found- just kidding G&A, we love you :)

I convinced Krystal to run a 5k with me, and we survived!

We've had a few sushi lunches too.

I think I am going to kidnap her so she can never go back to the Cleve!

Maybe I'm not ready to be a student again...

After completing my main paper for my nutrition class, one that is worth half my grade, I tried to copy and paste my diet analysis to the document. Because it was so big my word program froze. You hear it over and over again "ALWAYS SAVE YOUR DOCUMENTS"

Well I am the idiot who didn't save her paper and lost the whole thing.

I just re-wrote it because it is due today and this is what I feel like doing now...

Maybe being educated isn't all that cool. Now that I think about it, one degree is enough.

Updates

So, I haven't been the best at blogging. I also haven't been the best and updating people on whats going on our lives. This summer has turned out to be very busy. So, here is an update:

1. I started school again. After a three year break I am back in the classroom! Because I work at UVU my tuition is covered, which is awesome! So, I am working on completing a 2nd bachelors degree in health education. For the past few years I have known that I wanted to go into education. I just didn't know if I would be in elementary, secondary, or higher education. I didn't know if I wanted to pursue another BS to be eligible to teach, or if I wanted to complete a masters and go into school counseling. I attempted the masters program three years in a row, but never made it through the application. I just couldn't, I never felt right about it. Starting another bachelors came about when I decided I wanted to take a biology class and maybe anatomy because it was free. Long story short, those few classes led to me declaring a major and a health education major seemed to fit perfectly. I feel so good about my decision. I think the masters will come eventually, but now wasn't my time. Right now I am enjoying my classes and trying to get back into the "must do homework every night" mentality.

2. Greg and I are planning a small trip this summer. Okay, maybe not so small..we are going to Europe! I was accepted to present at a conference in England in a few weeks. That is what started the trip, and it grew from there. During our trip we will visit Manchester, London, Paris, Rome, and Istanbul. Putting together a trip through 4 countries with 4 different languages is a lot of work! A trip of a lifetime right? I can't wait!

3. I ran my first 5k a few weeks ago, and I am signed up to run a 10k the end of July. Wish me luck!

4. Greg is still very busy with school and work. I don't know how he does it. I am stressed to the max this summer and I'm not taking as many classes as he is! He handles so much and I am thankful for him and his diligence and ambition.

5. On top of Europe I also have the following planned for this summer:

- Chicago (work, but Greg gets to come)

- Two more small work trips to Ephraim and Daniel's Summit

- Camping (at least once)

- Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zero

- Summer fest!!!!

- The Speedy Spaniard

-Grandpa's 80th b-day celebration

So there we go, I feel much better now that everyone is up to speed on my life :)

40 Years

Tonight we celebrated Mike and Debbie's 40th anniversary!

The celebration was held at La Jolla Groves and fun was had by all.

The cute party favors, filled with all of their favorite candies.

3 1/2 years down, an eternity to go.

I had to take this picture because Skylar looked so cute with her headphones on! And, when did Mckay become so strapping?

Sorry for the weird dots in your hair Jess, I'm still getting used to hipstamatic.

Mama Deb talking to her 6 children, 6 children-in-law, 14 1/2 grandchildren, and Mikey's parents. I am so thankful for these two, and that they did such an amazing job at raising a thoughtful and respectful son who I am thoroughly in love with. I am thankful for their examples and all the love and support they show to us.

Reading List

This is my summer reading list.

I am hoping to get at least half of these read. I hope to read them all but with work, school, and 4 1/2 weeks of work and fun-related days away from home, I don't know how much i'll get to. Thats what long plane rides are for, right? By the way, I've already started Spark and Abigail & John. I totally recommend those to the "how does the brain work" and history people out there.

Mama

I love my mom.
She is one of the best people I know.

she is the greatest mom. ever.

She has taught me many things, the most important being:

- how to forgive

- how to forget

- how to get back on your feet again,

-and how to make zucchinni bread.

I miss my late night talks with her.

I miss the back scratches.

I miss the fresh flowers in every corner of the house.

I look forward to my kids having a nana that loves them more than anything else.

I hope that I can be half the mom she is.

I love you Mama
Special shout out to my sister who is also one amazing mamacita

Multiple Personality Disorder

Our spare room has multiple personality disorder.

Multiple Personality Disorder Definition: A condition in which "two or more distinct identities or personality states" alternate in controlling the patient's consciousness and behavior

At times it is a sewing room, at others it is an exercise room...

The separate identities are always trying to overpower and take full control...

Or perhaps its just the separate users of the room :)

Running with Angels

5k Run/Walk

Saturday, May 21st 8:00 a.m.

Runningwithangels.org

Who's with me???

Confessions, Kenny Chesney Confessions

-I used to be a HUGE Kenny Chesney fan. I'm not a huge fan anymore, but I still like his stuff. Here are a few songs I especially like..

1. This is one of my all-time favorite songs. Why? I don't know. Perhaps it reminds me of summers in NC with Steph, perhaps I just think its a sweet story.

2. This song reminds me of high school. I love it.

3. This song also reminds me of high school.

4. This song reminds me of Jr. high. I knew how to play it on the piano and I think I played it over and over again.

5. Oh my goodness, this song reminds me of summerfest and all the nights out on the trampoline.

So yes, I'll admit it. Hello, my name is Whitney and I am a fan of Kenny Chesney. The straw hat, puka shell, tight jeans wearin' hunk. I have seen him in concert twice and his songs always remind me of summer. There, I said it, and I'm not ashamed. Whew, good to get that off my chest :)

Ren

Meet Lauren. I met Lauren during my awkward stage in life (junior high) and if you can become friends during that time, you are destined to be friends for life. I love Lauren, she lets me buy dancing hamsters and I let her call me Frankie. She gets me, and there are only a handful of people on this earth that do.

We met up yesterday and went out for yogurt. I oogled at her 3 beautiful kids and about died when I realized her second son had all her wonderful quirks.

We also tried to take a few decent pictures..

"Whit, when did your chest get bigger than mine?!?"

"Your chest may be bigger, but I'm still taller! HA!" Lauren's Mom "Watch out Whit! She's gonna pop you one right in the ladies, you know how she gets when she's jealous!"

Me: "Umm...Please Don't"

"Lauren, I'm having a mini freak out with your dog that close to my feet!"

Friends again.

Some things never change...

Meet Lenny

Meet Lenny "Hi Lenny". Lenny has found a way into our home and daily routine. Shoot, we love him so much we even gave him a name! I gave him to Greg as a gag gift for his birthday. Supposedly if you put him in water he will grow about 5 times bigger. That was a lie. So after keeping him in the tub for about a week and seeing hardly any growth, I let him shrink again and stuck him in our hall closet. A few weeks later he scared the $@&# out of me when Greg put him under the covers on my side of the bed. I slid my leg into bed, felt a strange little creature, and proceded to scream bloody murder. Since then he has found his way into my slippers, Greg's backpack, my underwear drawer, Greg's suit pocket, etc.. He is occasionally seen sporting an awesome furry moustache. He has been a great guest, so unless I find him spying on me in the shower, or having crazy parties while we are at work, I think he can stay. **This post might be proof enough that I need something/someone to take care of other than Greg.....

Luff

**I'm just warning you, this post contains mushy gushy love stuff. Four years ago yesterday Greg and I started dating. I had know idea what was coming, no idea that night my friend Greg would become my boyfriend Greg and six months later my husband Greg. Let's just say I was pleasantly surprised. So in honor of our first smooch, here are some songs that make me want to smooch him again, and again. Anything from the Cat Stevens DVD we watched that night. Here is one of my favorites. 2. If we had an official "song", I'd like to think it is this. It was on our wedding video and always reminds me of him. 3. When I was 17 this song reminded me of Greg. It still does. If only I could get one of these sweet jackets for him.. 4. You can't listen to this song and not think of the one you call home. The original version: A sweet cover of "Home" 5. Because we love to make fun of it... Ya, I guess sometimes you could say I like to throw my hands in the air. 6. Because He loves this song. I think its okay, but I like it because it reminds me of him. 7. And finally, because I wish we were just this cool...

Denial

My brother Spencer has accepted a job in Alabama, and I am in denial.

He leaves this Friday for a great new adventure and his family will follow soon.

The Shaw family got together last night for one more partay at his house before he heads out.

I am going to miss them so much! What will I do when both my brothers, sisters in law, 6 nephews and 1 niece all live far away?
Saying goodbye to our bro

Tate. I want to keep him.

I stole these photos off of Courtney's Blog
The fam damily minus Stevie

Proud to be a Utahan

I hate it when people bash the state of Utah, and I usually avoid getting involved in political discussion with people. But what the heck, I am going to throw those two personal rules out the window and make this post anyway.

The Utah legislature this year is something special, they are highly motivated and poorly oriented. They are angry, passionate and demanding change! But when it comes down to it, they have no idea what to do. As evidence for my argument I have pulled together a highlights reel of this years legislative session.

[Some of these bills have already been dropped, and others are still in the approval process]

Here are the highlights of the Utah State Legislature so far this year:

1. Ferrell Cat Shooting bill: This bill would have made it legal to shoot wild cats... yup, that simple. You see a wild cat, just feel free to blast it away (preferably with a Browning M1911). While it is true that I am not an animal lover, I don't think we can just start shooting things.
   
2. State Gun bill: This gem just passed the state Senate! The official Utah State gun is the browning model 1911 handgun. While I am sure this is a good gun, it seems odd that we felt the need to spend time in our legislative session to make it the official state handgun (note, handgun. That way we leave the door open for other state designated firearms.)


3. Ban on Iranian investments: I thought the U.N. pretty well had this one covered, but then I remembered that La Verkin Utah technically seceded from the U.N., so this bill must be necessary to ensure that none of the 3,000 La Verkinites invest in Iranian business... right?


4. 7% Higher education cut: My issue with this bill isn't so much the cut, as the justification by State Senator Howard Stevenson. Stevens stated that many four year college degrees are worthless, and instead students should 'study' to become HVAC technicians. I have no issue with HVAC technicians, but really?!?


5. Repeal Amendment Petition: This little peach is actually unconstitutional! It is a move made by several other state legislatures to allow state governments to overturn any federal law that the majority of state legislatures disagrees with. Hate to break it to you, but South Carolina tried this, and it didn't turn out so well for them.


6. State Civics bill: This lil' gem would require all Civics and History teachers in the state of Utah to specify that the U.S. is not a Republic (as the pledge of allegiance suggests), but rather a Constitutional Republic (side note, the U.S. is actually a Federal Presidential Constitutional Republic, but who am I to correct the esteemed delegate from Spanish Fork...). This bill is expected to clear the way for the controversial bill requiring math teachers to use the letter Q in stead of X in all Algebra problems.

I am just glad that with all of the problems that the state is facing that the elected Representatives decided not to waste valuable time, and only debate meaningful bills. Maybe smaller government isn't such a bad thing...

Je T'aime

Happy Valentines Day

Confessions

*I may or may not be addicted to Grey's Anatomy. Lets just say within a week and a half I've watched 15 episodes.
*I think that any expression that ultimately puts down people for their race, sexuality, gender, weight, or mental capacity is SO rude. Examples include: "That's gay" or "That's retarded" People, myself included, need to think about what we are really saying or implying.
*The last confession was a rant, but it is one of my pet peeves. Besides, ranting is what blogs are for.
*When it comes to mouthwash, I only like blue Listerine. Not for the clean mouth feeling, but because it reminds me of my grandma.
*I finally gave in and bought the kid divider plates to use when I eat. I really cannot stand when my foods touch.
*Speaking of food, my current craving is scrambled eggs and toast. I seriously cannot get enough.
*Patrick Dempsey is a hunk
* The last confession was more of a fact than a confession
*I want to try zumba, but I don't want to embarrass myself.

January Happenings

Since I haven't been very good at blogging this month, I thought I would just roll our latest updates into one blogpost. This month has been very busy with the following:

1. We spent New Years with our good friends the Colliers. Long night of games and junk food=best way to ring in the new year.

2. Greg started school again after Christmas break, which means our lives went back to being crazy busy. Leaving before the sun comes up, going home after its already set, that sort of thing. He is amazing for going to school year-round while working full time. His longest break is over Christmas, and its only two weeks. He will be done soon and there will be one big party to celebrate!

3. We celebrated Greg's 26th birthday. The awesome wife that I am forgot to blog about it on his actual birthday. Oh well, good thing no one reads this thing. Anyway, we had family over for cake and ice cream. As you can see, Greg was THRILLED to be turning 26.

4. Greg has been busy with school and I have been just as busy with work. Just in January I had three weekend events and one banquet to plan and execute. I must say, they were all successful! My first major banquet, held for all the Sterling Scholars this year, went swimmingly and we had over 400 people in attendance! Here is the awesome banquet crew after one long day. February will bring four more events. March has never looked so sweet.
5. After breaking our vacuum numerous times, we decided to upgrade to something that could handle my hair. We purchased a Dyson and it has made our carpet look brand new! Yes, I realize how sad it is that a purchase of a new vacuum made it onto my monthly highlights, but if you saw how well this thing cleaned, you would put it on here too.
So there you have it, a little update on our crazy busy lives!