A note from Julia

Grandpa M. brought me some delicious sliced apples!

What we can learn from this photo:

1) Grandma and Grandpa learned that I am allergic to bananas.
2) Grandpa is the sweetest person ever.
3) I'm definitely gaining the freshman fifteen.
 
Even though we are hours apart, I love how we are still connected - instantly through texting, calling and facebooking.  I am so grateful for loving grandparents who will love and care for her ... uplift and encourage.

Theater is coming along ...

I know I have stated before that I love Craig's List .... (we found Jenna's new job for one), but I really do love it!

I have been searching around for "theater seating" ever since John moved us to the new house and had plans to finish the basement ... which included a theater room in his design.  I had in mind what I was looking for and would see the seating come and go every once-in-awhile - but they were asking more than what I would want to pay.

So ... the theater room carpet finally arrived (mid-July) and was installed.  I kept looking. 

Last week I saw two postings go up for chairs that I was looking for!

One person was asking $150.  Another person $450.  John got the first set for $100 - and they were in mint "like new" condition.  The second set John picked up for $375.  Still in awesome condition (just dusty) ... deep down he just wanted to pay $100.  Trust me, I haven't seen that price in the year that I have been looking!  (New, these would have cost over $4,000)

Presenting my glorious find!

And now the screen .... yep, a work in progress ... and bean bag chairs (for Christmas)

Jenna makes us laugh

Jenna has taken over Julia's role in correcting grammar and spelling since Julia left for BYU.

She is now correcting spelling in texts she receives.  Her best friend, Sierra M., sent her a text with a spelling error.  Jenna replied with the correction.

Sierra had enough and sent her another text.  "Jenna, I hate you."

Jenna replied.  "Woah, you spelled love WAY wrong."

She has a quick whit and makes me laugh.

The best anniversary gift

In my previous post I mentioned that John likes it that I am not high maintenance.  I agree.  I'm not. 

The kids bugged us to go out to dinner for our anniversary, but with it being a school night, Jenna working - we need to pick her up - and Family Home Evening FHE (John has to keep the tradition up with going to the discount rack with the kids for FHE treats), we decided to stay home and enjoy dinner with the family.  We'll do a date night another night.

SO the best part of our anniversary ...

John sent me the following text (at about the time we were married ... how did he remember?):  

Of all the years in my life, the last 21 have been my favorite! Happy Anniversary Sweet Heart!


Love, John
 
I replied and told him I wrote something on our blog regarding our anniversary. 
 
He presented his list to me (scribbled down on a "to do" list on the way home from work).  I love it! 
 
(Not in any particular order)
1.  Does the painting
2.  Doesn't like shopping
3.  Would rather buy stuff for the kids than herself
4.  Teaches kids modesty
5.  Puts kids first
6.  Reminds me what's important
7.  Puts up with my music
8.  As beautiful as the day we married
9.  Cooks extra for my lunches
10.  Cooks awesome dinners even when she doesn't eat it.
11.  She married me even though I'm just "Okay"  (ask my Mom ;o)  ).
12.  Not afraid to get hands dirty (roofing, tiling, etc)
13.  Joined Army to pay for college
14.  Followed me all across the country for jobs, etc.
15.  Makes me want to be better
16.  Hard worker
17.  Service oriented
18.  Talented
19.  Loves her calling
20.  Unquestionably loyal
21.  Compliments me 

To eternity and beyond

I was touched by what one of my most favoritest people wrote on her blog on her anniversary (and he did too).  So I thought I'd do the same.

I don't know where the 21 years went, but they flew by.

21 reasons why I love my honey (in no particular order):

1.  He honors his priesthood.
2.  He is a wonderful father and husband.
3.  He tells me that he loves that I am not a high maintenance person.
4.  He is one handy guy!
5.  He takes the kids to the discount food section for our Family Home Evening Treat each Monday.  It's a tradition.
6.  He doesn't complain and happily plays with my hair when we sit down to watch something on tv.
7.  He is a good protector (Jenna said years ago that she wouldn't be afraid of bad guys because her Dad would fight them away with his big hands).
8.  He is a good provider. 
9.  He is always looking out for a good deal and will not buy anything that is not on sale.
10.  He can stay up late and pick up the kids from a friend's house when I can't stay awake any longer (I am working really hard on staying awake ... it is so hard).
11.  He tells me I'm pretty (even when I am sporting bed head while weeding the yard with him).
12.  He loves to learn new things and is not afraid to take on new projects - such as finishing a basement.
13.  He loves to be with the family.
14.  He has an amazing family - I'm a lucky girl.  Blessed.
15.  He listens to me when I am struggling with something.  He is a good sounding board with a level head.
16.  He makes up for what I can't do or be.
17.  He is super smart.
18.  He is the best math tutor for our smart kiddos.  He is also amazing at editing papers.
19.  He knows how to fix my computer problems.
20.  He doesn't complain (as much) that I have multiple Christmas trees and decorations.  In fact, he built a Christmas closet for me in the basement.
21.  He took a leap of faith and asked me, of all people, to marry him.

tap tap tap

6:45 this morning I feel a tap tap tap on my forehead.

It was Kendall.  That is the earliest I have seen him awake in quite some time. 

"Mom, what day is it?  Is it Family Home Evening today?"

Every day would be Family Home Evening if it was up to Kendall.  I love that boy.

Wiped Out

Kendall loves school.  His teachers love him. 

It is a busy day for him.  Half day morning kindergarten is wiping him out.

Yesterday he fell asleep at 5:45 in the evening and didn't wake up until 8:00 this morning.

Bright and early

Early Morning Seminary started today. 

Jaley is one who is always early. 
Jenna is one who is always late. 

The two of them together should be right on time. 
6:30. 
20 minute drive 4 minute walk to the classroom ... they must be out the door by 6:05 - in good weather.

Craig's List Rocks

I love Craig's List.

Two weeks ago I was searching around on it and came across a job listing for lifeguarding.  I replied (for Jenna).  She now has a job at an indoor swim school that will begin after Labor Day.  They wanted her to start as soon as possible, but she has a commitment with her current guarding job.  I'm glad they are honoring her commitment and will still hire her. 

Comin' Home

Ahhh... my girl is coming home.

"I should be studying for finals..."

Packin' up

Julia finished up her finals.  Now on to packing up her things ...

She sent me this picture with the following message:

Packing the printer is more stressful than finals were :( hahaha




She makes me laugh. 

You can see I wrote on the styrafoam what piece go where ... although, don't ask me to pack it up again!

Check her out

Julia is in crunch time ... studying for finals.  How do I know?  I've called a couple of times and Julia answers the phone whispering ... oh ...yah, shhhhhh.... she's in the library.

And more proof: 
Julia posted a cute status on facebook ...
"Katie G, Mikaela M and I have been spending so much time at the library, we might as well be books. . . wanna come check us out? ;)


And here is the cutest reply EVER:
Jaley:  Okay and I will pay a late fee for you to stay here.

S. T. A.

Jenna has had an awesome summer job:  Life guarding.  Jenna's boss came in to work today (again) to check in on the staff.  He asked Jenna if she knew what STA was.  She didn't.

He told her that it is something that he sees a lot of in his business of staffing pools open for the summer.  Short Term Attitude.  It is an attitude of laziness.  Not pulling one's weight because they know their job is coming to a close.  He then told her that he noticed that she is one of the only life guards that has integrity.  He appreciates how she works hard, covers shifts last minute and doesn't complain.  And she has a great sense of humor and a contagious laugh ... he likes that too.  That's my Jenna.

They want Jenna back next year.  Jaley is going to apply to work there too ... maybe we can convince Julia to jump on board as well.  Three HOT modest life guards working at the same pools.  Oh my.

Julia BYU solo debut

Brian S.  is my hero.  He and Beautiful were able to attend Julia's first concert at BYU tonight ... with her solo debut!  Brian taped it (for me) and put it up on YouTube -among the videos of his amazing ballroom dancing son!   Wendi told me that they had some really fun songs they performed in the concert.

I was so tempted to hop in the car this morning and drive out there to hear her...and then drive back....all in one day.  I should have.

Oh how I miss her voice.  Oh how I miss her.

Enjoy

Appreciation of electronics

Yes, I do appreciate the vast amount of technology at our finger tips.  It is sad to think that when you purchase an electronic device that it depreciates in value as soon as you walk out of the store with that item or click "complete order" via the Internet.

Just this week I have experienced the opposite.  I see it as a blessing of my desire to preserve our family history.

4 years ago I investigated negative/slide scanners and discovered that I could purchase a new scanner and turn around and sell it for a little bit less than what I purchased it for ... if I completed my project quickly.  I purchased a negative and slide scanner to preserve my parents', John's parents' and our negatives.   I worked hard for 4 months straight scanning our family history.

I didn't get around to selling it until now.

My investment 4 years ago was $900 (including shipping).


I just sold the scanner yesterday for $3,056.

My efforts of preserving our family history is priceless, but this investment sure was some icing on top.

My scanning project back in Jan-April 2007 while living in IL

My parent's negatives were in white envelopes.  After scanning each roll, I would store them in this binder

The negative scanner is to the left of the flatbed scanner.  I had to use the flat bed scanner to scan in the professional size negatives from our wedding.





So NOT ready

School starts next week.  I'm SO NOT READY.  Where did the summer go?  Sigh ...