Friday, June 19, 2009

The NieNie Dialogues

So I know I'm probably way behind the trend, but after hearing my sisters-in-law talk about it yesterday, I decided to check out the nieniedialogues.com. WOW! is all I can say. I would give anything to be half the woman this amazing woman is. Really. Read it. Change your life!



Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Love Love Love this arrangement! Gave me chills!!!



Monday, June 15, 2009

Will this rain ever stop?




So here we are again, on a lovely Monday morning in Logan, Utah! gag....not true. Its cold, its rainy, I'm working, and for heaven sakes its another MONDAY!!! Sitting here I'm feeling very crummy. I woke up late, didn't get breakfast and once again, no make up, hair in a pony tail, and being very negative. As I am about to throw a hissy fit or B* fit as some may say, I try hard to stay positive.
But it is so hard when the weather sucks, I can't do anything on this stupid foot(except for I've been stubborn and instead of wearing my ugly blue shoe like a good girl, I wore heels to church, mike was pissed, it hurt quite a bit, but beauty is pain), I still have not received a check for this stupid surgery, and hubby can't seem to pass this stupid life insurance test. Work from 8-5 Monday through Friday and then watch him study all weekend. So let's just say I'm being an avid pessimist right now.

Last week I was feeling about the same, So I went to the temple and it made me realize how good I really have it. So here is my attempt at making this crummy mood go away.

I know its not thanksgiving, although the weather is similar, here is a list of all that I am grateful for.

- My amazing husband and how hard he works to better his future and our family's.

- How he tries so hard to make me laugh, even when I'm not exactly in the mood, and how much of my drama he puts up with on a daily basis.

- He is so patient, where I have none for him sometimes.

- He makes amazing breakfast, and any other meal in that matter, since I don't cook.

- He is so creative, and always has something new and outgoing he wants to do.

- My adorable puppy, who sometimes I want to kill, but who cuddles and nuzzles in places you never thought would be comfortable to nuzzle in.

- She truly makes me laugh and I have to admit, I talk to her like she's a human being, and I don't care what anyone thinks.

- She loves to chew my socks, underwear, shoes, and has even got ahold of my wedding ring; but she always keeps life interesting with all the running around we have to do after her and then the laughs we get when she's drenched in water because of all the spraying we have to do to get her to give up whatever she has.

- The friends we have and the joy they bring with all their quirks and differences. We love having people over for barbecues and fires.

- My wonderful mom, who is such a trooper, and who I have so much respect for. She works so hard to give us everything we ever wanted. My wedding was amazing, thanks to her, and I am the person who I am because of her (good or bad).

- My dad who has always been so loving and supportive. He always knows what to say to make you feel better.

- My little bro, who is growing up to be such a stud, and his caring and compassionate ways. He is also very helpful and very sweet.

- My amazing sister who is a wonderful mom to my beautiful niece. She just had some serious injuries a couple of days ago, but still is positive enough to put a smile on her face and go forth with the work.

- I love that she always has time to listen to me when I need to vent, whine, complain or just have someone other than mike to talk to.

- The greatest mother-in-law on earth, who takes care of me like I am one of her own daughters. She's always making sure we are ok, and if we need anything, she's right on it.

- She is an amazing cook and someone you like to be around and have fun with.

- My hilarious father-in-law who I absolutely adore. I get to work with him all day, and he just cracks me up. I love how he genuinely cares about everyone, and his love for country music (we are the only 2 who share that love at the office).

- My sister-in-law Leslie, she really is a great example to me. I work with her everyday, and I am always amazed at how strong she is. She is so dedicated to everything she does, and she is a great mother.

- She is very patient with me and all of the questions I have about my new job and she always makes it more fun when she's around.

- My sister-in-law Andi is also a terrific person. She is a superwoman. She cares about her family and everyone else she comes across.

-She is always so willing to help and she is so good at it. She is so talented at what she does and I love her for all she has done for mike and I.

- My sister-in-law Amy, I don't get to see very often, but when i do, she is a joy to be around. She was here a couple of weekends ago and It was fun to just indulge in her good humor and be around her adorableness. She is also a wonderful mother with 5 kids to run all over the place.

-She's a terrific runner and I wish I could do what she does. She's way fit.

- Last but not least, my sister-in-law, Natalie is a treat. Literally, every time she's here, she's making treats. Last time we made mango and raspberry ice cream, and I always have fun hanging out with her and Mr. Tate when she comes around.

-She has a good sense of humor too and great fashion sense. She's one of the cutest pregnant ladies I've seen, and we love it when she visits.

- I'm grateful for the job I have that I work from 8-5. What would I do with all that spare time? I would go out of my mind bored at home, and the money isn't bad either. I get to do things I otherwise would not be able to do if I didn't have this job. Like spending so much money on our amazing trip to Brazil in December.

- I am so grateful for the beautiful home I have the privilege to live in. Little by little that house is turning into our home, and all the hard work we've put into it has been so worth it. Its nice to have a place to entertain and to just call "home".

- I love the little interactions I have with people on a daily basis, and how much you can learn from a mere stranger.

- The trials that make us stronger.

- This rain, that makes me appreciate the sunshine.

- And mostly I am so grateful for the gospel in my life. I cannot even begin to imagine what I'd be doing with my life right now if I didn't have such a strong testimony of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

- I am truly grateful for the knowledge I have that I will be with my husband and future children for all eternity, and that we will never be alone.

- I am grateful for the small miracles I witness everyday, and the reassurance that my Heavenly Father knows me personally, my needs, and my imperfections.

- His hand in everything we do and all the blessings we receive.

- I am grateful for the life I live, and everyday I have to make an impact on the world. I hope I can be a better example to those I meet.

Well, I definitely feel better. I guess life isn't so bad. I am pretty blessed, so snap out of it Jess! Sorry for all the whining and drama anyone has ever had to put up from me, I will try harder to be an optimist and appreciate all the blessings I have been given.

Love you All!







Thursday, May 14, 2009

A Bunionectomy = Vacation?

The Yes and No feet. They had me write which foot was getting work done so they didn't do the wrong one!


So If you think I've just been laying around these whole four days after a bunionectomy, you are probably right. I have been. But here are some shots of my grand old time in the Premier Research housing for healing patients. haha. and torture.

I've been pretty bored, so I've watched every season finale on tv, which have been many. The first one was the Dancing with the stars semi-finals. Where Ty and Chealsea got kicked off, leaving my 3 favorites for the finals, Shawn Johnson, Melissa

(from the bachelor), and the very very very sexy Gilles.
24 was also amazing and very intense as always.

Then tuesday brought the 3 hour season finale of The Biggest Loser, and guess what? i totally called it. Helen won and I knew she'd win. She looked so skinny!!! It was amazing season, everyone should go checkout the before and afters. AMAZING!!! Jerry, the oldest contenstant won the at home proze of $100,000 dollars because he lost 45% of his original body weight and he's 74! He was only on campus for 2 weeks,and the first day he passed out in the gym. What an inspirational story.

Then weddnesday brought the best Finale's of the seasons. America's Next Top Model and LOST! Wow, both very amazing. ANTM was in my hometown of sao paulo, brazil with a fantastic runway show an photoshoots. Teyona won, and I was a little disappointed since Alison kind of grew on me, but they were both beautiful. I can't even begin to explain LOST, because that's what I was, LOST. It was crazy and intense as always, and with the drugs I was on, it was even crazier. HA!

Today is the office finale, which i'm stoked for, then parks and recreation! Since I couldn't walk for 36 hours after surgery, I stayed busy with my tv shows, but i also kep busy eating yummy food from Kneaders Bakery and any snack you could ask for.

Anyway, I can't say its all been gumdrops and roses, a bunionectomy is pretty painful. but I have lots to look forward to going home to such great friends and family who have been supporting me all along! Love you guys!!!

School's out for SuMMeR!!!

Tiny House Bedroom - Hand Rendering
Tiny House Kitchen - Max Rendering

So School's out, which is amazing! here are some projects I turned in towards the end of the semester!


This is an animation we did of our tiny house. It's not great considering we learned how to use the program in one class period. But its about 30 seconds and took 36 hours to render!!!

So As I don't think I've mentioned before, I got into the Interior Design Studio at Utah State. I was so proud of myself, considering I didn't think I would make it. They only took 19 students, if not less. Anyway, I'm just taking in all the summer I can since next year will be really hard and super busy, but bring it on!

Sunday, May 10, 2009

SPRING TIME









Spring feel like it has finally come to Logan! After a couple of weeks of heavy rain it was time for housework, yard work, lawn care, BBQ's, demolition derbies, and rock climbing.  

I love spending time outside so first thing on my list was a patio, sprinklers, and grass. With the help of Devin and a huge help from my hard-working wife the patio and fire pit turned out pretty sweet. Anyone is welcome to come and roast a mallow when you see the fire going. 
Jessica also persuaded me to make shutters on our front window. I had to take down the mailbox and we found a big hole for the original mailbox slot that lead into the home. So Jess and I made a new address sign to place over the hole and our mailbox is sitting on the front step and the mail man hates it. We received a note yesterday from the mailman that read, "please fix mailbox!" its still on the step. 
Bella is huge and a hand full. The potty training is good, we just have to run as fast as we can when we hear her wiper at the door to go out or else its too late. Between the nipping, chewing shoes, or chewing on Jessica's wedding ring its been fun to have her around. 

It's Mothers day and I just wanted to give a little tribute to Marilyn and Ieda. 
Thanks for the love and support Jessica and I have received from you two. We couldn't do it without you two! I know I have been a hand full with both of you, I figure that Marilyn had it coming, but Ieda didn't deserve it from me, just Jessica. 
It is funny to see how much children are alike to their parents even though sometimes we try or don't want to be. It is something that we may never get rid of. I always see little pieces of Ieda in Jessica and Jessica always sees little bits of Marilyn in me. Like when I over decorate the Lemonade. 
We love you and hope you realize that we have the best Mother & Mother in-laws ever! Thanks for showing love to Bella we will need a babysitter in December when we are in Brazil! 

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Where has the time gone?









So, where to start? Life has been quite frantic these last couple of months. First things first, we went on spring break to st. george and had a really great time! My parents met us there at the end of the weekend, and we spent a whole day in Vegas with Becca, Kelcey, and our sweet little Gabby!

Coming home was not a pleasant time, considering school was kicking our butts, but....mike surprised me with a little something. A PUPPY!!!! She's freaking adorable...but.....she's a LOT of work! wow! I never thought potty training, feeding, grooming, playing, and keeping her out of every nook and cranny would be SO exhausting! But it is all worth it, especially when she gives you those "big puppies dog eye" looks, and completely melts your heart. It sucks, she gets away with just about everything.

Next big event...are you ready? Drum roll please...................I got into the Interior Design Studio at Utah State! I was very shocked, but at the same time so excited! I had never worked so hard for something in my life, and it finally paid off. So here goes to another 2 years of H E double hockey sticks! I really felt like I was opening a mission call opening that darn letter.

Anyway, I was way happy, but life had to continue, so I jumped right back into more projects and finals. Grrr. But the light at the end of the tunnel is near and I can almost hear my homeland calling! That's right....Mike and I are planning a big trip to Brazil! I can't wait for this summer. We will finally be able to enjoy this summer together, without pre-wedding stresses and what-not!

Easter came and went. Can't say Easter Day was spectacular, since...I had the 24 hour flu. Let's just say it wasn't pleasant. Of course, everyone suspected otherwise of my sickness, but people really.. I'm NOT PREGNANT! Are you kidding me? I am barely surviving with a puppy, imagine a BABY!!! Getting back to Easter, we went to my parents house where we threw a second 1 year birthday for Gabby. It was so much fun! she looked like a princess. My mom went through all of the extravagances of throwing the best 1st birthday ever, and it was amazing!

In general, here we are; surviving and loving every step of the way! Thanks for all of your support through this first part of our new lives together!