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Hooray for marriage!

Silly Reasons I know Steve's "the ONE"

When I bring him a Diet Coke from the Gas Station and it’s only half full, he doesn’t complain.

He doesn’t make fun of me when I ask him to check my closet for monsters.

His favorite color is brown.

While I watched Wives and Daughters, he sat quietly on the couch and didn’t make one sarcastic remark about the film.

He and I watched sat in Sunday school searching out the spelling errors made by instructor, and then compared notes. Yes, we’re righteous.
-Side note, this instructor happened to be an Elementary School Principal. She used such letter combinations as Isreal, Reabaom, Elijiah, and rigteouness. Wow…

He introduced me to Shark Week.

He puts up with my obsessive compulsive need to pick at his zits.
-Side note, Might be a slight over share, but it’s true.

We get our Slurpees half Cherry, half Pina Colada. I mean, is there any other option??

He’s patient with my crazy iPod habits…aka skipping the song when it’s halfway through and only listening to it on shuffle.

His biggest pet peeve is mixing up YOUR and YOU’RE. They are VERY different you know!

16 Days left!

Ben Folds

On Saturday after we finished the necessary yard work and envelope stuffing required for the wedding, Steve and I got to go up to Deer Valley to the Ben Folds Concert. We grabbed some Café Rio in Park City, hiked the hill from the parking lot, staked out a good spot and ate our “picnic” on the lawn. I’d never been to Deer Valley before, and I was not disappointed. It was beautiful! We watched the sunset as the concert started, the temperature could not have been better and everything around us was green.

Ben Folds was playing with the Utah Symphony. He created orchestrations to some of his most popular songs, and the Symphony accompanied him on his piano. I’ve liked Ben Folds for awhile, but it was Steve who introduced me to him back when we dated in High School. So he was far more excited than I was for the concert. It was fun to be able to watch him, watching Ben Folds. Steve’s learned a few of his songs on the piano, so he knows when the hard parts are coming up, and what keys the songs are written in so he’d point those things out to me, and it totally made me realize how talented Ben Folds is. To watch him play the piano was hilarious, incredible and exhausting. His fingers move so fast it’s ridiculous, and he not only plays his songs, but writes them as well! His language left a lot to be desired, (he doesn’t hold back the swearing, even in front of a Utah audience.) but we got to hear some awesome arrangements with the symphony. My favorites were Gracie, Lullabye and Landed, which sound amazing the string section behind them. Another one that I didn’t know very well before but that I loved was Narcolepsy. (It was nice to have Steve there to point out the songs I didn’t know well.)

The best part of the evening however happened after the concert. Some people sitting next to us, who were sort of smashed, turned to us and asked if we wanted 311 tickets. We were strangers, and it seemed weird to me they’d even ask, but we just smiled and said “we’re good.” They asked why not and I said “because we’ll be on our honeymoon…” because I think that’s when the 311 concert is. However, our slightly drunken friends thought I said, “we’re on our honeymoon.” They laughed and “oohed and ahhed” and started the whole section cheering for us. We just decided to play along, because it seemed like it would be a futile attempt trying to explain their mistake. We just smiled and gave them a thumbs-up as we left the concert, and they had a grand old time teasing us as we walked away. Good times.

All in all it was a fun night out for us. Steve and I have been so stressed about the wedding, it was nice to just get away from the planning and be together with no worries attached.

Only 1 month to go!

Crunch Time

50 Days! Steve and I have 50 days until our wedding. Now to most of you, that seems like an incredibly long time and nothing to get very excited about. I have had friends who’ve been engaged around that long and have felt it was the longest time of their life (i.e. Jessie, Mandy Abbie). However, when your engagement is a total length of 181 days, 50 days is not long at all.

So, we’re getting down to crunch time on the wedding planning. EVERYONE is feeling the strain, no one as much as Steve and I, with maybe the exception of my Mother. We’re slowly getting everything done, the guest lists, the caterers (and by caterers I mean shaved ice people), the flowers, the apparel of everyone involved. We’re meeting with the woman who’s doing our cake, putting the finishing touches on my dress, taking my bridals, and beginning the long list of Bridal Showers in the next two weeks. We’re also working with Steve’s parents being gone the 8th through the 17th, mine gone from the 23rd to the 31st and a Lake Powell trip with the English and Redd Families the first week in August. So as you can see, we’ve got lots of things to do, and less time to do them in.

The good news? Lindsay and I are going through the temple together Friday, and I don’t know that I’ve ever looked forward to anything more…except of course marrying Steve. Lindsay and I had a special day with Grandma yesterday so we could get our temple clothes and I think it’s safe to say we’re all set. It’s nice to know that I’ll have some way to relieve the stress that will probably plague me until my wedding day.

We have a lot to be excited for in the next month or so… 4th and 24th of July fun, Ben Folds Concert, family vacations and parties, weddings of friends and visiting family. We’re lucky to be having lots of family come out for the wedding. My Grandparents Boucher will be here with my Uncle Jeff and Aunt Beth from Arkansas for the first time since my brother Ryan left for his mission. Steve’s brother and sister-in-law Paul and Tenille and their adorable sons are coming from Syracuse. Steve’s having other family from California come as well, and we’re still waiting on some other family to make their plans, but we are SO excited and blessed to be able to have our loved ones come to our wedding.

It's been a long process, but it's been an incredible learning experience for Steve and I. We've become closer than ever, and we are so excited to see what the next 50 days has in store for us!

There is a switch

There is a switch

underneath my desk.

It's connected to a power strip

into which my computer and phone are plugged.

In the middle of the day,

when I'm finishing up a project

my body starts to slump in my chair

and my legs stretch out under my desk.

And then, BLINK!

The moniter goes dark,

the phone screen goes blank,

and my heart just drops.

Time to reboot......CRAP

This is the conversation I had with my soon to be nephew last night as I was trying to put him to bed... He's 2.

(said nephew is whining/crying)
Nephew: I can not sleep on this mattress, it's not safe for me.
Me: Yes you can sleep on this mattress, and your brother is going to sleep right next to you, he won't let you fall off.
Nephew: I do not want to go to sleep, because I'm not tired.
Me: Oh I think you are tired, listen to how sad your voice is.
Nephew: I am not sad, I am scared because what if there's a monster (points to the closet) in there. Or what if they sneak in through the windows.
Me: You don't have to worry, Uncle Steven scared all the monsters out of the closet so and I blocked the windows so they won't come in.
Nephew: Where's my mom?
Me: She's at camp, but she'll be here tomorrow.
Nephew: Tomorrow? What time is today?
Me: Today is Thursday and tomorrow when your mom comes home it is friday.
Nephew: But what about Grams and Mom? Who will make sure the monster's don't get them.
Me: (this part's a little cheesy, but I couldn't think of anything else.) The monster's won't get them because Heavenly Father will protect them.
Nephew: But where's Heavenly Father and Jesus?
Me: They're in heaven
Nephew: No way! Will you read me a good night book?
Me: We don't have any good night books in here, how about I tell you a story?
(enter other nephews)
Nephew: okay but no monsters.

I'm going to enjoy being an aunt.

I would just like to say

I NEVER HAVE TO TAKE ANOTHER MATH CLASS AGAIN!!!

That's right UTAH STATE, I passed your two ridiculously awful math classes.

With better grades than expected, thank you very much.

Yes, that's right I'm gloating.

and as you can see

~I WILL NOT BE DEFEATED~

Strange Behaviors

Today I realized something while I was at work. I have the WEIRDEST behaviors. These are behaviors that most normal people don't display. Sure, everybody has their OCD tendencies, but mine are just straight up crazy. So now I shall display these behaviors for all to see, because that's what you do on the internet...right?

-When I go into a public restroom I never, ever, ever go into the first stall, closest to the door. It completely freaks me out when I have to. Not sure why, been that way since I was little.

-When I wash my hands whether at work, or school, when I go to get the paper towel, I push the lever down exactly 5 times, no more, no less.

-When I am singing along to the radio with someone else and there's harmony, I have to switch to whatever they aren't singing. This is especially difficult when someone can't sing harmony and continually switch to whatever part they can hear at the time. All the parts must be represented so I just switch off.

-My feet have to be clean before I get in my bed.
-If I'm using a post it and run out of room, I have to start over and write smaller so that it all fits on one post it. {I did this twice today}

-If I'm eating brownies or cake out of the pan and take a bite, I have to keep biting until I make the side even again.

-If my nail polish chips on one finger, I have to keep picking at it until none of my fingers have nail polish left.

-When I clock out at work I have to wait until the time changes to the next minute before I push the "clock out" button.

-There is a sticker on my computer, {from before I started to work} that I cannot get off. This wouldn't bother me so if the dang sticker wasn't off center and not level. It's a square sticker and the square leans ever so slightly. Drives me nuts.

-When someone passes me on the freeway, I automatically speed up as if to say, "I am no slow poke. You had no right to pass me!"

I'm quite sure there are others. I just didn't want to overwhelm anybody. I'm hoping that these compulsions aren't as strange as they seem...but then again I'm sure they are.

TIDBITS

Once again, there has been a long break between blogs. With all the other stuff I have to do, I'm afraid blogging has been the last on my list of priorities. (And trust me the list is long) So here, in no particular order, are some of my thoughts and feelings over the last couple of weeks.

~I am so ready to be out of Logan. I've learned some of the hardest lessons of my life by living up here. I've found myself, and some true friends. However, my time here is ending, and I am welcoming the change. I truly feel that I'm moving on to something better. Finals week anxiety and restlessness is beginning to take hold and to be honest, the sooner I get out of Logan, or more specifically my apartment, the better.

~I started to count the number of days that there are left until Steve and I get married. It was depressing, so I've decided to keep referring to it as 3 and 1/2 months. Even though it's the same amount of time, it seems shorter. I'm very excited for what the next 3 and 1/2 months has in store for us. For one, we'll finally be living in the same city. He and I have been doing long distance since we began dating in November, and I don't know how much longer we would be able handle it. True we'll have a very busy summer with family trips, wedding planning, and working 2 jobs each but we will be in the same city. It can only be a good thing!

~My last day of work is on Monday. My final hoorah at the good old credit union has come much more quickly than I'd thought. It has been a wonderful job and I have been so grateful to have been able to work there. My coworkers have become a second family, and I couldn't have survived in Logan without their support.

~I got everything done on that 40 line list of mine. Every single thing has been crossed off. Granted it took me a week and a half to do it, but it is finished and I feel accomplished. No the homework ends, and the test prep begins. I have 3 finals, but only one is that important. It's the first and unfortunately the most difficult set to begin at 7:30 next Tuesday. It is imparative that I pass this test, and not only pass, but do well! I REFUSE to retake this class! REFUSE!

~I've learned over the last few weeks that relationships do not have to be perfect. I'm learning that loving someone is being able to say that through the good, AND bad, and sometimes the ugly, that you still want to share your life with them. Two people creating a life together certainly isn't easy and some days seem much more difficult than others. However, even though I know relationships aren't perfect, I have also come to realize that you can have perfect moments. Sure relationships aren't always sunshine and rainbows, but that doesn't mean you have to be frustrated, or worried or fighting all the time either. Sometimes....life is just pretty darn good and it should be embraced.

California Fun

Over the last weekend I got to relive my High School Concert Choir Tour experience. This time as a chaperone! Yeah, I know...it doesn't sound like too much fun. However, my whole family got to go this time, so it was more like a family vacation than a High School trip. Even Steve got to come, although I had no idea he was going to. My parents surprised me by flying him out. Our first tour experience together wasn't a good one (I broke up with him) so it was SO FUN to have the chance for a better experience. It was great to be with my family! Here are some highlights.

~"I don't wanna see that mouse mom!" -- Seth

~Thunder Mountain Railroad in the dark

~80 Degree weather

~Cheese dog, Frozen Banana, what's better than food on a stick?

~LION KING at the Mandalay Bay Hotel in Vegas

~Finding Steve hanging out in the hotel hallway like a creeper

~"Which would make you Michelle Tanner, and me Uncle Jesse...what?"

~Helping Russell ask Sarah to the Prom in front of the Disney Princess Castle

~The new Toy Story Ride...Excellent!

~Grandma B. on the Haunted Mansion

~Annie's face in our awesome picture on splash mountain.

~Dad finally getting on a Roller Coaster

~Ed and Ryan's open mic day on the bus complete with Stand-up comedy and Karaoke

~Oh Mrs. G., such a sweet spirit!

~Lunch at the Blue Bayou, the restaurant inside Pirates of the Caribbean

~Watching Sarah perform at Disneyland, she totally rocked it.

~Walking along the Pier at Newport Beach.

~Watching the PIXAR PARADE with the Twins...priceless.

~Secret Door #33

The Sisters...on Tour! What a great trip!

~Grateful~

I am grateful for the sun~I am grateful for a good night's rest~I am grateful for my Diet Coke~I am grateful for prayer~I am grateful for the guy at work who called me pleasant~I am grateful to have a job~I am grateful for teachers who learn my name and who care about my life~I am grateful for warm showers~I am grateful that I can be silly with my roommates~I am grateful for a fridge over-flowing with food~I am grateful for missionaries~I am grateful for music~I am grateful for little kids and newborn babies~I am grateful for my soon to be in-laws~I am grateful for Skype so I can talk to some of said in-laws~I am grateful to be healthy~I am grateful for the mountains~I am grateful for the temple~I am grateful for my mother~I am grateful for nights when I have no homework~ I am grateful for the scriptures~I am grateful that Jessie knows how to help me de-stress~I am grateful to have pictures to capture awesome moments~I am grateful to have someone to confide in~I am grateful for good dreams~I am grateful for my sisters who swim~I am grateful for clean clothes~I am grateful for sunsets~I am grateful for my Testimony~I am grateful for good books~I am grateful for a sweet Fiance~I am grateful to live in a free country~I am grateful for matching socks (and sometimes non-matching ones)~I am grateful for true friends~I am grateful to have a sense of humor~I am grateful for green grass~I am grateful for the Priesthood~

Story Time

Well, here goes...

Steve and I dated in high school. After some silliness from me we broke up and remained good friends for 3 years. After he came home from his mission, we decided to date again, which was fabulous because I'd always hoped we'd get another chance to be together. So in November we officially started dating again.

Needless to say, it went very well. We were (and still are) trying to make a long distance relationship between Salt Lake and Logan work. This has been the ultimate frustration for us and I know it's been particularly hard for Steve. So last weekend when I went home I was thrilled to find out that my parents had cancelled our "family plans" and that I could just hang out with Steve at his house. It was very chill, just he and I hanging out. We made really great Broccoli Cheese soup in bread bowls, and started to watch the Ice Dancing portion of the Olympics. (Steve wasn't too excited about that part.) Earlier in the week we had decided to play scrabble because it's something we like to do, and it was my turn to beat him.

So I played first, ironically enough, the first word I was able to play was "LOVED." He laughed, but having drawn the letters q, j, z, and other non-usable letters, he sent me in the kitchen to get him a drink because he was afraid it was gonna take awhile to figure it out. When I came back in the living room and sat down, steve started to play his letters, (his hands were shaking so badly.) A-R-R-Y-M-E.... arryme? Honestly I though to myself, 'that is not a word,' I was going to ask him to find it in the dictionary. Seeing my confused look, he realized he'd dropped a letter, so he went down to look for it. Now it was settling in...he was asking me to marry him. I quickly asked "are you for reals?" He laughed and claimed he was being serious. He pulled out the ring from his pocket, and asked me to marry him. After saying yes several times, I spelled it on the board. Then I promptly followed it up with the letters I had "UR NUTS." It all worked out quite perfectly.

Honestly the rest of the night is kind of a blur. His parents came home after circling the block a couple of times, and celebrated with us. Then we went to my house and told my family (who knew everything about it. Man I was clueless!) And here we are engaged. We've decided to get married in August, and let me tell you, it can't come soon enough!

Steve's way of proposing was absolutely perfect! I can't imagine anything different. It was so personal and perfect. Kudos to you Boy!This picture wasn't actually taken of us that night. There are some, I just didn't like them as much as this one. :)

WE'RE ENGAGED!!!!!

Steve proposed to me Friday, February 19th 2010

Story to Come!

Are you Hungry?

Maybe it's just because I want to be an Elementary School teacher, but I love young adult and children's literacture. I almost read it exclusively, because honestly everything else kind of bores me. For Christmas my mom and dad got me a large stack of these kinds of books, amoung them: Number the Stars, The Giver, The Courage of Sarah Noble and others. I have quite a stack to work through, and unfortunately my schedule hasn't been such that I can read all the time. I want so badly to get through these books, so when my mom and sisters suggested a new book to read I wasn't too gunhoe about reading it. To be honest it didn't sound all that exciting, and I didn't understand the hype. However it was hard to be the only one that hadn't read it, because everyone was RAVING about it. So I reluctantly sat down Sunday morning and started to read The Hunger Games. Within the first 20 pages I was completely hooked. I was quickly and pleasantly surprised at the enthralling storyline! The characters were well developed, the action...SUPER intense, it was well written and the cliffhanger ending left me dying to read the next one. Needless to say I finished it in one day. Now I CAN'T WAIT to get home this weekend so I can start the 2nd book.

READ IT!

I Made a Discovery

While at FHE the other night I made an important life discovery:


DRUMROLL PLEASE...........................





I have no desire to meet/flirt with new boys. Yes folks, the desire has officially been erased from my mind. I have said goodbye to my ability to flirt...at least with other guys. I am quite content to flirt with one guy from now on. It was a most exciting and welcome discovery.

As I discovered that, I simultaneously discovered something else. Girls are quite incredible at what they do....I mean really! I mean I guess I never noticed it because I too was "turning my flirt on" at every girl-boy activity. Honestly, I've never been able to determine when a girl is really working it, and when she is not as interested. But I have suddenly realized how talented some girls are at getting guys to take the bait. Maybe it is because I have no desire to flirt with anyone but the guy I'm with now. Perhaps I am not blinded by the competitive nature of flirting girls. I can now clearly see that years of reinforcement has taught women the way to behave if they want to get a guy. It is hilarious to behold these women working their wiles on unsuspecting young men...very entertaining. It is particularly fascinating when more than one girl is trying to get the attention at a time. I mean, what are we...animals? Girls can be so catty and mean when trying to nab a man. But they are sneaky about it, not wanting the boys to suspect them of being mean, they attack subtly, gracefully and volunteer information about the other girl in order to make themselves look better. Geez Louise! I'm glad I'm out of that business.

So I will discontinue batting my eyelashes, and suppress the high pitched giggle...(although those are techniques I seldom have used) I will, from now on sit back, watch and laugh at, all the other ladies as they "reel in their catch," content with the man I've caught.

morning

sunrise
....open my eyes

and i can tell it's gonna be a good day
i can tell it's gonna be a good day

did you sleep well?
....did you dream at all?
can you tell me the time?

....on the alarm clock

i can tell it's gonna be a good day
i can tell it's gonna be a good day

but you can sleep in
you just keep dreamin
....for us

i can tell it's gonna be a good day
i can tell it's gonna be a good day

For the Record

1. I love my statistics class. I know right? It very much appeals to the way I think.


2. I feel that the ELED Department has some serious flaws.


3. I'm a great cook.


4. Salt Lake is like 78 miles from Logan.


5. Children's books are often more interesting and entertaining than Adult ones.


6. Free Costa Vida is better than NOT free Costa Vida.


7. I can not wait for the weekend!