Blessed Sunshine

So it rained here in Missouri for like 9 days straight and it was starting to just get everybody down, the kids had cabin fever BAD, we just had nothing to do and we were running out of ideas, and I have to admit my mood was starting to get a little gray as well, but finally the gloom ended and the sun graced us with it's presence. So here are some pictures celebrating the sunshine.

Best night of TV in a long time

If you haven't watched Glee yet, you are missing out. Now that's funny : )

New Bath Toy

So Jared decided it would be fun to make bath time a little more exciting by bringing in our little backyard friend to play in the tub. He's in the backyard almost every night, so he's our new tub toy - poor guy.

6 Years

We had our 6 year anniversary yesterday. I cannot believe I've been married for 6 years. I can't believe how fast time goes by. We decided that we weren't going to celebrate because it wasn't financially smart, and Cameron and Bethany and their friends Mark and Kelly all went in on a "collaborative" gift and sent us on a surprise anniversary date! It was so so sweet of them. We were very surprised and so so grateful. They sent us to a restaurant called Cantina Laredo (click on the name to view the web site) . It was a very nice Mexican restaurant, and we had never been there and had never heard of it, but man was it gahooooooooooood! We ordered this fantastic guacamole that they make fresh table side for you. It was probably the most delicious guacamole I've ever had.

So usually I get all sappy and write about how wonderful Jared is and how I'm so lucky to have him, but this year I'm going to spare all of you the romantic sap. All I'm going to say is Marriage is hard, having kids is challenging, and life is hard work full of ups and downs, but I wouldn't change anything that's ever happened to me. My husband blesses my life everyday and helps to me grow, and my children fill me up with joy. I am very blessed.


6 years ago yesterday, Timpanogos Temple

The Butterfly Palace

Hoo Rah for Waitressing

As you all may have guessed from the Title of this post TEXAS DID NOT work out. I know, so sad : ( . We've had a couple of very down - in - the - dump - low - morale days, and after a whole lot of talking and thinking through different scenarios we've decided to send Jared on the road. On the Road? you may ask... yes on the road. I know... CRAZY.

We played with the idea of Jared getting a part time job and looking for a real job at the same time, we played with the idea of both of us working part time, we played with the idea of us possibly moving to Utah and working out there and living with my parents, and we are playing with the idea of staying in Missouri with my Brother and his cute little family and working out here.

Well we decided as of today, that the only way Jared is going to have a chance in this economy at getting a job is to get some real face time at agencies all over the country and he can't travel a few days a week and hold a regular job, so it's sort of been settled. I am going to try and work full time (probably as a server) and pay for the bills and Jared's traveling expenses. I know... GO ME!!! I'll have to work 40-50 hours a week to make enough to pay for these expenses and with the help of Bethany (sister-in-law) and my brother the kiddos will be taken care of.

My brother is working on getting me a job with him and his wife on the Showboat Branson Belle as a server and if that happens then it will be settled and Jared will make his first flight plans the week I get hired. If it doesn't happen we'll probably move to Utah.

The Showboat Branson Belle

So yeah! Now you're caught up on what's going on with us. It has definitely been a roller coaster ride ever since graduation, and I can say that in the back of my mind I almost sort of expected this to happen (which is kinda odd), it's definitely not what we had hoped for, but we've gotten back up, dusted our selves off and now we're ready for plan C. I can't tell you how grateful I am for my brother and his wife and their generous hospitality and kindness. It has been so fun staying here. We've been able to have the cousins play, play games, have barbecues, sight see (for practically free) and meet some great people.

I'm not sure how ready I am to take on this financial responsibility, I'm a little nervous about not seeing my babies, and about working in general, but what's important is that we both feel good about it, we hope it's temporary, and our spirits aren't as low because we feel like we're moving forward.

Thanks to everyone for all your notes of love, your support and prayers. I know there are so many people out there cheerleading for us and thinking about our little family and it really does mean so much. Just do me one favor and keep it up!

In the words of Beyonce, "After all the darkness and sadness, still comes happiness, If I surround myself with positive things, I'll gain prosperity. I'm a survivor, I'm not gon' give up, I'm not gon' stop, I'm gon' work harder, I'm a survivor, I'm gonna make it, I will survive, keep on survivin. ... I will survive being fine, I will survive being sexy, I will survive being bootylicious... Yeah you know it uh huh, boo yeah! (I added that last part for emphasis)

I like to move it move it, I like to move it, move it...

About a week ago we took Talen and Kashton (my adorable nephew) to their first dance class ever to see how they would do. Besides being the only 2 out of the 4 there that participated I think they had a good time. They both love to dance, so we thought "why not". Below are a few AWESOME pictures for you enjoyment. Oh and I would have taken Kendal because she also loves to shake what her mamma gave her but the class for ages 2 and 3 : (

Ring Around the Rose, trying to coax another class member to come participate

Galloping/(running) across the dance floor

Kashton "freezing" - so much poise and balance :)

Movin and Groovin

It doesn't get much cuter than this

And this one is my absolute favorite (Bethany snapped this adorable picture), I just love his intense face and body position. Nice moves.

Kashton and Talen - cute little dancin cousins.