ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE

I've loved loved loved seeing everyone's little gratitude posts over these last two weeks. Some of you are even good enough at posting every day. Last year I attempted to do this, but, I'm sure as you can tell with my blog posts as of late, blogging every day is just something that doesn't happen. I know while I was doing my gratitude project last year, I was thinking that I would leave all of my biggest blessings until the end. Smart right? Why not go out with a bang! But, of course I didn't finish those gratitude posts, so now I am just the girls that is sooooo thankful for Franks Red Hot Buffalo Sauce.

So, over the next few (sporadic) days, I'm going to finish up that gratitude project. But, I'm going to start with one of my most important blessing, you know, just in case I poop out on this as well (which I wont!).

I'm thankful for Jeremy Scott Ruesch.

and let me tell you why...

1. He took me to the Temple and married me for eternity. That is a long time to put up with me.

2. He works so hard for us.

3. He truly just wants me to be happy.

4. He makes up the best songs. Ever.

5. He loves our puppies.

6. He brings me water every night before bed.

7. He wants to be a daddy. And not just any daddy, but the best.

8. He is an honorable priesthood holder who can lead our family.

9. He is brave.

10. He shares my love for food.

11. He always kisses me before he or I leave each other.

12. He is not stingy with the word "I love you."

13. He wants to travel the world with me.

14. He has the best booty. Check if you don't believe me.

15. He is selfless.

16. He emails me during the day while we are at work, just to say hello.

17. He is understanding.

18. He is forgiving.

19. He loves my brothers.

20. He always tries to do better.

21. He likes to eat stuffed crust pepperoni pizza on a regular basis.

22. He lets me be my own person.

23. He loves Christmas!!!

24. He participates in Birthday Week antics.

25. He's mine. Forever.

I love you J.Rue. With all my heart.

Gratitude - 12, 13, 14, 15

I'm really not good at blogging on Mondays, so here's another ketchup day!

#12  I'm grateful to live in Utah, more specifically the Salt Lake area. I know I live in Kaysville, but I'm only 20 minutes for downtown SLC and I'm pretty sure J and I spend more time in SLC than at home. I work right by the foothills at the U and get to drive past our state capitol every day, it really is pretty. Another thing I love about this city {besides the food, that's a while post in itself} is everything that's always going on. Speaking of which, here's a post from THRILLER! finally... This zombie lady almost caused me to pee my pants.

#13 I'm thankful for our Costco membership. HELLO large bags of fish and house size boxes of hot pockets {which we have been un-shamefully eating for dinner almost every night} Oh, and the gas is cheap.

#14 I'm thankful for music. I LOVE IT, and can never get enough. Sometimes I drive J nuts, he just can't understand why I need a solid weeks worth of music in my itunes library. He just doesn't get it. Music is my strongest gateway to feeling the spirit, putting me in a better mood, helping me work my buns off at the gym {it really is amazing}, and motivating me. Right now I've been diggin' Ellie Goulding. Her stuff is different, but in my opinion fantastic. It's a good pick-me-up mid-work day.

#15 I'm thankful for my growing love of journaling. I've never been good at keeping a journal, but I've been making a conscious effort this year to make it a priority. Yes, there have been month{s} where I have gone without journaling, but I'm getting better. I love how therapeutic it is, I could write for hours and hours. There is WAY to much bouncing around in my little brain.  At my R.S. gratitude night {more later} one of the speakers said that she had a journal for each of her children. How cool is that? Hopefully I can develop good habits before #1 graces us with his/her presence {Sorry, this is not an announcement. There is no tiny child inside of me}. 

Oh and just a p.s. there was zero frost on my window this morning...it was actually kind of warm. Must mean there's a storm a brewin'

 Happy Tuesday!

10

1. It's rainy, gloomy, and windy, and I love it! I'm so happy it's finally sweater and boot season.

2. Last night for Halloween we grabbed a pizza, hunkered down in the basement, and watched Little Shop of Horrors and Dracula: Dead and Loving It. I wouldn't really recommend either, but it still fun and it was nice to just go home and do nothing. {no we did not hand out candy last night, we are Halloween scrooges}.

3. Lara Bars are my new favorite snack, every flavor I have tried is delicious. Plus, there's only about 5 ingredients {and you know what each of them are!} I highly recommend!

4. Are any of you watching Once Upon a Time? We love it! It kind of scares me, but not really. I love seeing the new fairy tale characters every episode. I think it should be a good one, especially since it's written by the writers of LOST {hopefully they won't leave as many unanswered questions for this series though}

5. I know that I'm one of the annoying people that {kind of}listens to Christmas music early, but I really do hate it that everyone has their Christmas stuff up already. Being a lover of all things food, I am in no way ready to surpass Thanksgiving and move right on to Christmas. We have a couple of steps that we have to follow. 1. Christmas lights go up the day after Halloween {to avoid icy roofs} but do not get turned on. 2. Witches and bats get put away and turkeys and pilgrims come out. 3. We have about 3 Thanksgiving dinners {I do not mind} 4. Christmas tree goes up  the Friday after Thanksgiving, or it will never get put up.

Oh and I can't forget a basement flood somewhere in there {please please please keep your fingers crossed for us} Two years in a row in PLENTY.

6. New blog recommendation: [dandee] in the cozy brick house. She has the cutest style and great ideas!

7. Sunday we went over to J's family's house and watched the original Footloose. It was good, but I do have to say that I loved the new one a tiny bit more. Maybe it's just because I love Julianne Hough

It was amazing to me how they kept even the tiniest details the same. They didn't change much, just improved.

8. This is one of my favorite quotes, and this is the cutest way I've seen it:

{you can find it on pinterest or buy it on etsy}

9. I've done not the best job with my FLY Lady {cleaning} schedule. I've been able to maintain, just not get any extra organizing done. Is anyone else pooped when they get home from work? I struggle.

10. It's officially Thanksgiving time! So, every day until Thanksgiving I'm going to post something I'm grateful for and a picture of it. Kind of like a short-term gratitude journal that will be fun to look back on. Today, I am grateful for my job {even though the students kind of drive me nuts}. 

{you can see my new gray and  yellow walls---plus some of the awful orange I tried before the yellow}

I feel so blessed to have found it before I graduated, especially with the tough job market that we have today. It's something that I was really worried about. I also couldn't have asked for better co-workers, they just make work that much more fun. Plus I have a window in my office...that opens. Trust me, those are few and far between for advisers here at our fair University.

Gratitude - 23

I'm thankful for this blog, it's been a really nice outlet and I've actually recorded more events then I ever thought that I would. It's fun/embarrassing to look back on previous posts, I kind of love it.

For those of you who don't know THANKSGIVING is tomorrow!!! and I couldn't be more excited. Really, from the way I feel like I'm going to explode from excitedness, you'd think today was Christmas Eve {shh...apparently I'm not allowed to say that word here at the U} J will be starting the day off in SL with his brother hosting their annual Turkey Bowl. I was thinking about going, but then I remembered that I'll most likely will be consuming at least a weeks worth of calories and I better take my sweet bum to the gym in the morning, so I won't feel guilty, not a single bit. Folks, Thanksgiving is not a meal that I plan on ever holding back on.

More gravy please.

This year we'll be with my family up in North Ogden. My grandparents are hosting this year and one of my aunts and several of my cousins with the most adorable children will be there. I'm in charge of the deviled eggs and one other appetizer. I hope deviled eggs aren't hard. As much as I love to eat them, I've never made 'em.

Tonight J and I will be hitting up Village Inn to get a start on our pie eating {free-pie Wednesday} and are happy to say that James, Melinda, and baby B will be joining us.

Friday....

There will be none of this going on. {thinks makes my stomach churn just looking at it.}

This year is the first black Friday madness that my mother will not be partaking of. I about died when I heard, she's the black Friday QUEEN. She comes prepared with her lawn char, thermos, blankets, and boots. She doesn't mess around. I can't think of one year when she didn't get exactly what she wanted plus more. She finds this kind of think "fun" Yes, one of those people. I won't complain though, I've benefited from her black Friday love for as long as I can remember.

 I, on the other hand, have only been once, to J. Crew outlets. It started at Midnight and involved no waiting and I was home by 2. I'm a wuss. There is something I'm keeping my eye out for online though...

Saturday my mom and I are doing our annual Christmas shopping trip. I am determined to not buy a single Christmas present after December 1. I'm sure I will, but goals are good.

Last thing, I found a new favorite blog. The author's name is Jenni, and I LOVE her writing style. I also love her extra today because we are wearing identical outfits today. I especially appreciate this because J has made fun of said outfit {specifically the shirt} at least 3 times this morning. He doesn't love the plaid, he thinks it's manly. Rude.

Anywho, that's all for today. I'll catch up Friday...or Sunday. We'll see. So until then, have a safe and happy holiday my friends!

Gratitude - 24, 25

I think that I'll just to 2-a-day blessings everyday, and then get caught up by the 30th. I hope everyone had a fantastic Thanksgiving! I know we did!

#24 - I'm grateful for SILs. As I'm sure most of you know, I am lucky enough to have 3 younger brothers. I've never had any sisters, and as much as I liked the perks of being the only girl, I don't think I would have minded a sister. That is why I feel so blessed to have gotten 2 when I got married. I'm thankful for Tori because she is such a good example. She is always trying to make the right decision. She's growing up so fast, I can't believe she'll be going to COLLEGE next year! I'm so proud of her.

{tori, we need an updated photo sesh :) }

I'm also so thankful for Melinda. We have so much in common and just 'get' each other. I'm pretty sure we could sit on the couch for hours {while our husbands plan football on the xbox} and just talk...or look at pretty things that we dream about on the internet. She always makes me laugh and shares the best ideas. I'm a big Melinda copy-cat. She's also one of the few people I enjoy shopping with. She's quick and to the point, just like me. I'm also taking mommy notes from her, she really is the best mom. I'm so thankful to have her in my life.

Love you guys!

#25 I'm thankful for Maggie Pelusa, my snuggly fur baby. Last December {23rd} I had finally talked J into letting me get another dog. It's not that I didn't love Coop, it's just that I thought Coop would need a friend when I started working full time. I think I was right {most of the time} We got Maggie from the Humane Society. When they took her out of her kennel I scared the poop out of her, literally, she almost pooped on my arm. After taking her out, there was no way that I could have ever put her back. We took her home, and the journey began. She still has some issues, bad separation anxiety and always starved for attention. It breaks my heart to think about what kinds of things made her this way, but I'm glad she's in our home now. She's so loving and cuddly---just what I need when my other dog is the most independent animal I've ever met. She's such a sweet spirit and we love what she brings to our home.

I'll elaborate more on our Thanksgiving festivities tomorrow. Here's a hint though, a lot of it has to do with the number 12. 

Talk to ya tomorrow!

Heaven Is Here

Thursday night I was able to finally get my hands on Heaven Is Here, and weekend I look advantage of some downtime to relish in it's words. Her story is inspiring, and makes me want, so badly, to be better everyday. I love books that encourage reexamination one's life. 

In the book, Stephanie {Nie Nie} talks about life before the crash, how beautiful and simple it was. Then, she moves on to the crash itself. The rest of the book talks about the recovery -- you can actually feel her sorrow. It's sobering, but so beautiful. As the book comes to a close you are cheering for her and all that she has accomplished.

Hers is a message of hope, and I want to share it with as many as possible. If we're close ask to borrow the book. Please! If not, go get on your library's waiting list {there will be a waiting list} or buy it. I promise you won't regret it. And after you read it, share it with someone else.

Yesterday my family had the opportunity to hear my grandpa speak in church. He told the story of the Crucifixion and Resurrection . It was powerful, and brought up so many emotions of gratitude. I'm not much of a public crier, but I couldn't help it here. I didn't mind. My grandpa also spoke of spring being a time of renewal. A time to reflect on  your life and nourish it with the things you are lacking and to purge of the things that are pulling you down. Spring is the perfect time for new beginnings. I know I'll be taking advantage.

The rest of the Easter weekend was spent with our wonderful families; relaxing, chatting, eating and just enjoying each others company. Maybe I'll post some pictures tomorrow. I think I got some good ones.

Happy Monday!

iloveyouwearyourseatbeltrememberwhoyouarehavefun!

Gratitude - sixteen

I am thankful for Frank and his Buffalo Wing and Sweet Heat BBQ Sauce.

I add it to pretty much anything I eat for dinner and lunch. It's spicy heaven in a bottle.

Gratitude - 19, 20, 21

#19 - This may be more of a rant, and I'm kind of bugged right now, but I think I'll be able to turn it into something positive by the end.

Okay, this morning as I was driving into work I forgot my dang parking pass {again} so I ran into the parking office to grab a temporary. I asked the women helping me how her weekend was and she said it was great, but was really looking forward to the 3 day work week, followed by Thanksgiving. I agreed and then mentioned how it was nice that Christmas and New Years fell on the weekend, so we had those extra Fridays and Mondays off. Because that's nice, right? Then, the lady looked at me and said "shh, don't say that word." I was kind of confused and replied with an "excuse me?" She silently mouthed the word "Christmas" and then walked away.

First off, let me say that I don't get "offended" easily and I really do try to keep things pretty PC here in the workplace BUT I did not call our WINTER break Christmas Break. I just simply said it's nice that December 24th & 25th fell on the weekend, yes those days do happen to be a Christian Holiday called Christmas. And yes, those just happen to be the days that the University employees get off during our non-religious WINTER break. I don't know why the University is so worried about being PC when the days they give us off are directly affected by CHRISTMAS, not Kwanza or Hanukkah. Why does the word Christmas bother people so much? I bet most of them celebrate it.  If someone said Happy Hanukkah to me I would assume they were being friendly, not trying to push their religious beliefs in my face, show disrespect, or belittle my beliefs.

Also notice that this women openly talked about Thanksgiving, which started when the Pilgrims gave thanks to GOD for their blessings. When Thanksgiving was first made a federal holiday, it was proclaimed as a day to give thanks to GOD. Okay, so I think I've figured out a way to spin this positively. I am thankful that I was raised in this gospel, that I am comfortable with my beliefs and understand the importance of keeping Heavenly Father as part of our lives. I know that I will teach my children to be sensitive to the beliefs of others, but to always stand up for theirs.

Okay, if you made it thru that here is #20 & 21

#20 - I'm thankful for the family that I married into. This weekend we had a big Thanksgiving dinner with J's Mom's side of the family. It was so nice to see everyone and catch-up. I'm especially thankful for Lisa. She works so hard at planning family activities to keep us all together, and she does a great job.

#21 - I'm thankful for turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and gravy. They are my most favorite part of Thanksgiving dinner. I don't mind having 2 every year.

Gratitude - 5, 6, 7, 8

#5 I am grateful for my calling. As most of you know, I'm the primary chorister {every other week}. It does have it's challenging times, but it has taught me so much {including patience}. Our primary program is this coming Sunday and I think we're all ready for it, including the kids. They'll do a great job, they always do. The primary program has always been one of my favorite sacrament meetings, there is always the nose-picker, the cryer, and the stage hog, but they're all so cute, sing their guts out, and testify of our Heavenly Father's love for us. I'm thankful I can be a part of that every year.

{if you were a primary kid in the 80s-90s, you should remember these kinds of pictures}

#6 I'm grateful for our space heater. J found it at Wally World for about $25 in the middle of the summer. He has to really talk me into it, because who wants to buy a space heater in July? Well thank goodness we did, it's gotten us thru a bunch of cold nights and saved us a bunch on our heating bill.

{don't worry, it turns off when it tips over, and also makes a really loud obnoxious sound it I turn it up too high}

#7 I'm grateful for my car {named Pearl}, even though it's been a stinker for the past year, it's always come through for me. I have extra love for my car too because the day that I bought it was the same day that I went on my first date with J {March 14th, 2008} It was like two huge life land-marks in one day. It also has AWD, so I don't have to worry as much about getting stuck in the snow. I like having the extra piece of mind, considering driving in the snow terrifies me. 

{I think she's kinda cute}

#8 I'm grateful for my gym membership, more importantly the exercise classes that this particular gym provides. I know Gold's has a bad rep, but there isn't anywhere in Utah that can beat their class schedule. Their cycling, body combat, and CX works classes can't be beat. I think I love the classes so much because I don't have the knowledge or willpower to push myself that hard, plus who wants to look bad in front of 30 other people? I've had a gym membership for 3 years {since the day we were married} and I'm sad to say that I haven't taken advantage, so this month I've been busting my bum to get there everyday until it runs out December 7th. Maybe J will renew it for me for Christmas? Pretty Please?

Okay, I think I'm all caught up thru today. At first, I didn't know if I wanted to post these little things {I'm saving my big beautiful blessing for later in the month} but then I realized that it really is the small and simple things that make like sweeter and that much more comfortable. I take advantage of these things on a daily basis, but forget to thank my Heavenly Father for them. That's why I'm so grateful for this month and this season. It's a gentle reminder of the things we should be giving thanks for all year long.

Gratitude

I came across this picture and had to post it. Honestly, it made me feel a little guilty. I'm not going to lie, I'm kind of into stuff. But, I am continually grateful for all of our many blessings, and love reminders like this that put me back in my place.

Gratitude - 26, 27

I'm not gonna lie, this is a loftier goal then I thought it would be. I love writing about my blessings, BUT I kind of miss talking about day-to-day kinds of things. BUT, I will finish off this month.

#26 - I'm grateful for my brothers, we've been with each other through the thick and thin, and although it hasn't always been pretty, I've loved it. At sometime or another I've been pooped on, tackled to the ground, and even chased around the house with a butcher knife. Ahh, the joys of growing up with 3 boys in a tiny house. It was cozy to say the least. On Thanksgiving my mom was determined to get a good picture of all of us. smiling. at the same time. Please notice that the only one Micah is smiling in, is the one where we're actually meaning to make ugly faces. Oh, and that J is watching football. Turds.

I think we win the award for most attractive family.

#27 - I'm grateful for my mother. I think I could really go on and on and on and on about how amazing she is. We were so meant for each other. She is the best example in my life, my biggest cheerleader, and my best friend {it's nice how we've transitioned to that}. I wouldn't be 1/4 of what I am today without her. I love you mom!

Please take note of my massive man hands. Again voted as most attractive family. My mom and grandma really are beautiful though, aren't they?

Here are a couple other photos from Thanksgiving day...

Some intense basketball games {not} Oh, and don't ever play basket ball in flats and a sweater, bad combo.

We got to play with my cousin Emily's cute girls Bailey and Alayna

Our pretty table and centerpiece {my full table picture was blurry}

My wonderfully amazing grandparents and hosts. We love them so much.

I'm sad we didn't get a picture with everyone, but my Aunt Melanie and her husband Brent were there as well as my cousin Emily and her husband KR. We don't get to see them very often, so we loved getting a chance to spend some time with them. It was am awesome day, the only little problem we ran into was the turkey. We tried cooking it a little different and it didn't finish cooking until about 11 pm. So, we had turkey at 12. Not a single person complained. Lots of leftovers, conversating, and a mid-night snack. 

Friday I got all of my Christmas stuff up. My house feels so cozy and now I can play Christmas music 24/7 without shame. I love it!

Saturday my mom and I went to tackle the crowds and got some shopping done. We shopped from 10 am - 9:30 pm. Miracle? I think yes. I really don't know how people handle crowds for so long, much less ENJOY them. I'm more of a run in, run out kinda gal when it comes to shopping. My mom? Not so much. However, she does know how to keep me going. She stuffed me full of cheesecake factory and I made it for another 7 hours. Needless to say, she's about done with all of her Christmas shopping and it's not even December 1st. I think that's a new record for her. I, on the other hand, do not have anyone done BUT my mom. 

So...Tori, Gary, Lisa, J, and Cale. Lists please!!!!!!

Gratitude - 17, 18

#17 I'm grateful for my ability to read. Ever since I was little I've read everything I could get my hands on. I'll read pamphlets, signs, BLOGS, magazines {like they're going out of style} and could spend hours, no days, in Barnes and Noble. J says the only things that I won't read are directions and street signs. It's true

{pinterest}

Speaking of books, I need some new suggestions.

PLEASE?


#18 Speaking of reading, I've always loved the self-improvement/help/idea books. I don't know why, I just love hearing other people's ideas. Some of my favorites are:

- Sink Reflections {cleaning}
- Maria Menounos' Every Girl's Guide to Life {make-up and skin care}
- The Proper Care and Feeding of Husbands {calm down feminists}
- Intuitive Eating {you get the idea}

Something that I just found today is the Jung Typology Test It gives you insight on your personality, the way you handle situations, jobs, etc. I've always found that stuff to be very interesting, and it blows my mind how close it really is. I'm classified as an ESTJ or Extraverted Sensing Thinking Judging. Most of the stuff is spot on, sometimes too spot on, actually. I want J to take it too, maybe it would help us understand each other better? So if you're interested, take the test too. Let me know if you think it's as nifty as I do!


On the docket for this weekend:
-  Greek Souvlaki for lunch today {lemon rice, heaven in my mouth}
- Bijou Market with Melinda, if there isn't a blizzard tonight and we feel like braving the construction traffic...at rush hour. hmm...
- Our first Thanksgiving dinner with the Ruesch's Saturday afternoon
- Christmas Shopping
- Stake Conference on Sunday. The primary presidency knew that we would all need a break after the program last week. Perfect planning!

{pinterest}

Happy Pre-Thanksgiving Weekend!!!

Gratitude - 11

Happy Veterans Day!

I am grateful for the men and women who have served our country to preserve our freedom.

My grandpa is one of those brave soldiers that served so far away from him young family. I really can't thank him enough. He's been one of the biggest blessings in my life! I love you grandpa!

{I will post a picture of my sweet grandpa this weekend}

{source}

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This weekend...

-I am going to brave the masses at Fashion Place Mall tonight to get a first taste of H&M {soooo excited!}

-Dinner & games with friends after, if I don't get trampled and elbowed to death

-Cleaning frenzy Saturday morning/afternoon

-Chili cook-off that night

-Primary program {finally}

-My family over for lunch {spaghetti}

-Then over the J's parents for dinner and FHE

whew! that made me tired just typing it. Only 9 more hours until H&M

Happy Weekend!

Gratitude - 9

I'm grateful for my education, and I'm so grateful for my husband who supported me through my education {even though I make no money even WITH a degree}. We discussed at the beginning of our relationship how important education was to each of us, and how we wanted instill a love of learning in our children.

When I was growing up I knew I was going to college, I thought it was just something everyone did. I love that my mom made it that important. Ever since I was little my grandma asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up and emphasized the importance of education {and grandpa enforced that with $$ for good grades}. She told me that I absolutely couldn't get married before I finished school, and I wasn't planning on it. Well, obviously that was not the plan Heavenly Father had for me, I got married in the middle of my Sophomore year. But I never once considered not finishing my degree, I knew J supported me and that it was important to him.We switched off. He worked his bum off until I finished, now it's vice versa {he's done in MAY!}

So, yes, I'm grateful for my education and the many ways it has shaped me, but I think I'm more thankful for the support, examples, and encouragement of my loved ones. And one day I hope to be all those things to my children.

Gratitude - twenty-two

I am thankful for all of the delicious food that I have to eat and even more thankful that we are able to afford healthy food. Tonight a group from one of J's classes is putting on this event for the Utah Food Bank:

If you're in the SL area, come join us! Who doesn't love bread and soup, it's a winter staple!

Speaking of food {which, I don't know if this really counts} have you ever tried this stuff?

 

It's DELICIOUS!!! From first look, it kind of looks moldy, but it's not, promise. This butter is basically garlic bread to-go, toast your toast and spread it. It's that simple.

Gratitude - 3

p.s. Anthropologie's CHRISTMAS DECOR is up on their website!!!

Anywho...


I'm thankful for fire alarms...



except when they go off for no reason at 7:40 am and your husband just dropped you off so you have to stand outside freezing for 30 minutes.

Besides that, I'm thankful for chapstick, it's a lipsaver in the winter

Gratitude - four

I am thankful for the ah-mazing weather we have been having. It has been a little chilly, but when it's sunny it's perfect nap-in-car kind of weather...

J and I have been pooped this week {we've been trying really hard to make it to the gym in the mornings} so for my lunch break we've been grabbing quick food, parking in the parking lot, and taking a nice lunchtime siestas Today, we've vowed to do it every day until it's too cold to sit in the car {without it running}. I hope it lasts at least another week. Pure bliss.

Hopefully we don't look like homeless {married} college students. We probably do most days...

I think afternoon siestas should be a mandatory event M-F.

Gratitude - ten

This is going to sound so selfish, but I'm thankful for my ipad. I can be grateful for toys right? Maybe just one... I will be the first to admit that I am in the generation that expects to have the answer to whatever I'm wondering in a matter of seconds. Sometimes when I'm reading actual printed materials I get frustrated that I can't just click "Ctrl F" and type in a key word to find what I'm looking for, and yes I also expect to be able to watch TV during the commute home {don't worry J drives while I do this}. It's pretty much an extra appendage. So, I guess it could be considered a blessing and curse.

During the past few months my ipad has manifested a personality all her own. I'd describe her {yes, her} as a drama queen. Case in point...

For those of you who don't know, "invitations" on ipads are calendar appointments. My scheduling website for students automatically updates to my ipad calendar. As you can see my it's telling me that I have 545 million new appointments. Now, I have been slammed with student appointments this week {boo early registration} but I have had no where near 500 million appointments, not even in a week :)  See? Drama Queen.

So thank you ipad for providing internet, reading material, mindless games, and lots and lots of stress Monday mornings.

p.s. does anyone know why it does that?

Gratitude - Two

I am grateful for Cooper Kevin Ruesch {Yes, I am doing each of my dogs separately}. He was my first fur baby and life hasn't been the same since. Before Coop {B.C.}J wasn't sure if he wanted an inside dog, I convinced him to just try it, and of course he fell in love with Cooper instantly.  I know getting a puppy isn't as hard as having a baby {or so I'm told} but I got up with him every two hours during finals week for potty training, I took him to doggy school, and I took him out to play in the bitter cold winter.

He has one of the most unique doggy personalities, ever. He's so independent and isn't much of a snuggler most of the time, but when he decides he wants to, it's one of the best things ever. He's growled while playing ever since i adopted him {at 6 weeks} and is kind of a little bit lazy when it comes to retrieving toys. Coop loves the snow and could sit outside for hours. He loves chasing snowballs and burrowing in the snow. He's also really good at posing for the camera, which he should be. I probably take 10 pictures of him a day.

I miss his cute puppy face, but I wouldn't go back for anything. We just get each other now, and he's a pretty good listener...most of the time.

I know that he's going to love and protect our future babies, he's sweet like that.

The Sweetest Cupcake Girl I've Ever Met

Hey! I'm visiting over here today. Come say hi!

Yesterday was nuts. I think it was the first day, well, in forever that I did not want it to hit 5 pm. That meant I had to leave my cozy little work cave and run a bajillion errands and get ready to go to girls camp (a church camp for girls ages 12-18). I usually handle stress quite well on the outside, if I do say so myself. I haven't quite mastered my insides yet. So, I went about my errands - mom's house to switch cars, walmart, target, michaels, costco, gas, bakery, MIL's house, you get the idea. After 3 hours of runnin' around I was starting to feel the heat, realizing that I hadn't even packed yet, feeling of actually having to run a girls camp, because you know...16 year old girls can be scary.

Right before my last errand, before I could get home to my sweet j.rue, I got (what I thought was) black paint all over my yellow pants. Have you ever gotten black stuff all over your yellow pants? It's the epitome of doom and despair. Call me dramatic, but that was the straw that broke the camel's back. I called j.rue in tears. Now, this wasn't crying for the faint of heart. This was snot dripping out of your nose, dramatic and erratic breaths, and thick mascara tears. You know, the good stuff.

Poor j.rue had no idea what to say and just basically listened to me wail at the other end of the line. If you haven't guess by now, I tend to be overly dramatic. It probably wasn't kosher for me to be driving either, but I did. I even got the "looks" from the folks in the car next to me. Thanks little punk 16 year old boy. Told you they were scary.

Where am I going with this story? Okay I'll tell you. My last errand was to run to Sweet Tooth Fairy Bakery. I Parked, pulled myself together and wiped the mascara off my face as best as I could. Then I put on my "I'm fantastic!" face and walked into the bakery. I was doing great until the cupcake girl asked me what I'd like. My eyes instantly welled up in tears. You know when you're so worked up and weepy that the mere mention of well, anything, breaks the dam? Yeah, this girl could have talked to me about the political issues in Shri Lanka and I would have lost it.

So I got all teary eyed as I ordered my two cupcakes. I really could have died. Right there. Then to make it better, she asked me-in the sweetest cupcake girl way possible-if I wanted a tissue to get the rest of the mascara off my face. I remembered that I could only see half of my face in the mirror. My lower lip made a little shudder and I nodded. More tears.

She rung up my cupcakes and told me my total was $3.70 and that the 2nd cupcake was on her. I was so overwhelmed with gratitude for that simple sweetness, that I cried a little harder, tried to give her an awkward over the counter hug-didn't work-thanked her, and left.

I cried all the way home.

It's amazing how something so small and sweet, like a cupcake and a tissue, can impact someone. Oh how I love that cute cupcake girl. I wish she knew how much her sweetness meant to me.

So my friends, two things:

1. Go to the Sweet Tooth Fairy Bakery in Layton and buy bucket loads of cupcakes.
2. If you ever see a crying girl--a sweet smile goes a long way.

Oh, actually 3. My yellow pants did not have paint on them, just black stuff that came off in the wash. All is well in yellow pants land.