Happy Spring!!!

I am probably the happiest girl alive now that it is officially SPRING! And I hadn't realized it had been a month already since I last posted. Here's a quick summary (since I know all two of my blog stalkers are really curious) of what's gone on in the last month: (more pictures to come)

* I survived a week without Josh! He went away for business (it makes him sound so important and professional) and I actually started to get used to sleeping by myself again -- don't tell him that, he'll get excited and think he's actually allowed to sleep on the couch!

* I took pictures of my first wedding! (maybe only wedding?) Candice and Zach (I did their engagements a while ago) got married the beginning of March and I was SO nervous, especially since the weather was quite grim that day, but things went okay and I hope they like the finished product. Here are a few previews:

* My little sisters are growing up! Carrie went to her junior prom and looked GORGEOUS -- I swear it was last year that I was in high school and she was like 9 or something. And Andie turned 10 on the 16th of March! We had a fun birthday party with all of her friends - she is a cutie patootie.

* I cooked a real meal for my in-laws and they didn't die! On Saturday night I came home and Josh informed me that he had invited his parents over for Easter dinner and that I would be cooking a pot roast -- I guess he figured it was easy and I couldn't mess up. I think I got so nervous it made me sick! I woke up violently ill yesterday morning but I still didn't get out of cooking. The fire alarms only went off once, and surprisingly the meal was good! It's true, I've let it all go to my head. Hopefully I only have a few ulcers from the stress.

* Josh and I have started a new game -- we like to make bets! Sadly, Josh is too smart and figured out that when I bet him outrageous sums of money (like $100 to eat a piece of pineapple) he wasn't really winning anything since I'd just tell him that it was in the bank and he could use it to pay our bills later, so now it's become fun to bet for other things. When I win my beach cruiser bike in May (and I KNOW I'll win) I'll let you know what I did to get it.

Now that it's springtime and I am officially done hibernating, I have a million and ten things I am sure I'll accomplish in the next little while. On the top of that list: Go Golfing! I know this sounds weird, seeing as I don't really even golf. Josh gave me a set of clubs for my wedding present and has taken me to the driving range a few times over the past two years, but I think he gets embarassed when I keep missing the ball. Honestly, who does that. But my goal this spring is to get good enough that I could play at least 9 holes with him!

What a Week!!

I wanted to make a special post about the past week in my life -- which would be titled something like that, "life". To celebrate new life, our good friends Kam and Rosie had their baby (although 7 weeks early) and Alondra is doing well! She is so tiny (just over 4 pounds) but oh so beautiful! I am absolutely in love with her.

And to cherish the life of one who has left us -- Josh's uncle Cory's wife, Aunt Layna, passed away last Friday, at the young age of 37.

She will be missed and we are keeping her two boys, Dylan and Jordan, in our prayers.

Our Valentines Day was pretty mellow (and I probably could dedicate an entire post on my feelings towards the dreaded commercial holiday) but Josh, even though I begged with him to not do anything, as usual, spoiled me and it was good to spend quality time with him. He also surprised me with calla lillies, which were absolutely beautiful. (I could also dedicate an entire post on my loathe for roses and my happiness that he remembers things like that!)

Besides these events, our lives (Josh and I) remain pretty usual and boring. I've been busy training two new paralegals at my office who I totally adore and am excited to work with people I can share common beliefs and values with for once! Josh is still on the hunt for a job (slowly but surely?) and SURPRISE, he actually cut all of his curly hair off, hoping it will help him in the search... I have never seen Josh with a short haircut since I've known him, so it is going to take some getting used to. Josh hates it though, so I doubt it will stay short for long. I'll try to get pictures while it lasts for those who want to see how handsome my hubby is! (Josh tends to shy away from the camera so it might be while he's sleeping or something...)

Also, we miss our friends! Please come play with us! Our wii is getting limited use right now and we still haven't had anyone besides our friend Jake enjoy a home cooked family meal on our nice new table! So come on by!

Thanks to Ev, I am now cooler than ever for actually being tagged. And thanks to being so busy at work that i have actually given up and am now officially slacking on everything, I have time to do this!

A- Attached or single: Attached. Even though Josh wishes I wasn't so much.
B- Best Friend: A nice nap. And tomorrow, maybe Josh.
C-Cake or Pie: Both, but not mixed together.
D-Day of Choice: Nap Day. When Josh is president he'll make it official, after he makes my birthday a federal holiday.
E- Essential Item: My wedding ring. It also is my backup weapon if I don't have a can of mace around. I'll poke your eye out.
F- Favorite Color: Green (Ev you are such a copier!)
G- Gummi Bears or Worms: Worms!
H- Hometown: Elwood, Utah.
I- Indulgence(s): Dark chocolate truffles with raspberry filling. I know, it sounds so romantic and it is.
J- January or July: July! January will be taken off the calendar when Josh is president, too.
K-Kids: Josh is allergic, sadly.
L-Life is incomplete without: Naps. I'm kind of stuck on that today, since that's all I want to do.
M- Marriage Date: May 18, 1900. At least that's how long it feels like I've been married, but it only was in 2006.
N- Number of Siblings: 6 sisters and one Ev. Which is better than a sister. And 5 in-laws.
O- Oranges or Apples: I have to cut up my apples into little pieces, but then I love them.
P- Phobias or Fears: I am extremely afraid of falling to my death.
Q- Quote(s): I can't quote it, but it would involve Jennica being absolutely sure that there are 25 hours in a day.
T- Tag Three: I'll just tag myself three times.
U- Unknown Fact About Me: I have an obsession with checklists. I LOVE making them just to check stuff off. It makes me feel like I actually accomplish things every once in a while. So far on my checklist for today: Waste time at work: check.
V- Vegetarian or Oppressor of Animal: Mmmm meat.
W- Worst Habit: I am a whiner. It is awful. As Josh would say: "waah".
X- X-Rays or Ultrasounds: Cat scan. My tumors probably wouldn't show up on an x-ray.
Y- Your Favorite Food: chicken and pasta with a lemon butter herb sauce.
Z- Since I haven't had my nap and there is no Z, I have no creative juices to make one up. But whatever it was, I choose zebra.

MY NEW TOY!!!

I was asked to take some engagement pictures of my sister's brother-in-law Zach and his fiance, Candice. I decided that since I have already passed my prime and am getting uglier by the minute, what better place to be than BEHIND the camera all the time? Josh caved in to my whining and let me indulge on a new CAMERA so I could pretend that I'm pro. I actually was pleased with the way the photos turned out, despite weird lighting and me being so nervous! It probably helped that Zach and Candice are quite the attractive couple. Here are a few of my favorites:

I also snapped this one of the beautiful temple on my way home

Hooray for cameras!

I tagged myself?

So I've been secretly hoping for the day that I became cool enough to get on someone's tag list... Apparently I'm still not that cool. How sad! I keep seeing all of these fun posts on the whole 7 interesting facts about me or whatever, and I thought, wow, I hope someone tags me because that looks like it could be fun/challenging/fill up a lot of empty time at work to do! So I decided to be totally like the girl that invites herself to people's parties and I tagged myself? Anyway, here are 7 interesting (okay maybe not interesting but I put a lot of work into this!) things you may or may not know about me!
-

1. I am part hypochondriac. Serious. Josh makes fun of me for it, but I really do think I have a lot of rare and unusual (and some deadly) diseases. When I get headaches I get worried that I might have a brain tumor and they won't find it until too late, or if I am feeling sick to my stomach I worry that it might be a parasite or a tapeworm. Sometimes I really feel like my blood actually hurts, and then I think I probably have some rare blood disease and will start bleeding out of my ears or something. I know, I'm retarded! I also don't go to the doctor, though, unless I myself can diagnose what I think I have (or if I'm actually dying, maybe). If I just haven't been feeling good for a few days and there's no logical explanation in my mind as to why, I figure the doctors won't be able to figure it out either, so why waste my $10 copay?
-

2. I have this thing for vampires. Okay wow, I might stop now, I'm starting to sound like a creep! And no, it's not because of the Twilight books, either, and no, I am not secretly crushing on Edward. It all started when I saw Underworld on TV and I just decided that vampires (as long as they are nice vampires and only drink synthetic blood?) are pretty cool. I always want to buy a pair of fangs for Halloween, but I never have.

-

3. I have REALLY vivid dreams, pretty much every night. I can always remember my dreams, at least for a few hours. Maybe I'm having visions, I haven't decided yet. I usually wake up and tell Josh, 'I dreamed about this last night, and such and such happened', and he just stares at me wondering where my brain comes up with that crap. It might have something to do with my brain tumor? The only thing that bugs me is sometimes my exes or old enemies appear in my dreams and ruin my good night's sleep.

-

4. I've got this weird memory thing, maybe part photogenic or something. I rarely forget where I put something, and Josh loves it, since he loses his stuff all the time. He can ask me, "hey have you seen my sweet glasses?" and I can say "yeah I saw you take them off and put them in this really random place while I was distracted doing something different". It also comes in handy working with my scatterbrained boss. His client files will always be completely messy, but if he needs something he just asks me if I've seen it and if I have, I know exactly where it is. This also could have to do with my brain tumor? (yes I make fun of myself for my weird hypochondria)

-

5. I can't handle bad food smells. I'm sure this is pretty common with a lot of people, so I don't attribute this to a brain tumor or anything. If someone even ASKS me to smell the milk to see if it's gone bad, I will start gagging just thinking about it. We don't eat leftovers at my house for this reason -- If I open the fridge door and something doesn't smell right I won't be able to eat all night.

-

6. I go through phases of fetishes -- it's true, I get sick of things pretty quickly. I'll never be one of those people that has an absolute favorite band since I was 5, a favorite movie, or a favorite restaurant, even. A while ago I ate a sandwich at this little restaurant downstairs, the Atlantic Cafe, and it was delicious. I craved it for weeks. And then suddenly, I moved on to craving soup from Skool Lunch down the street. A few years ago, for a few months all I spent my money on was Nike shoes on e-bay (which are sweet and I actually still love them) Just when I think I've decorated our bathroom the way I like it, I decide I'm sick of the towel colors and I want something different. Luckily we are poor so I don't get to indulge on my fetishes, especially as often as they come and go!

-

7. I am an extremely quick typer. I used to be really bored when I was a receptionist and would take typing tests just to see how quick I could go. Now, my boss will e-mail me a letter that is all ready to be sent out, all I have to do is copy and paste it onto our letterhead, but I still will print it out and type it, just because I don't want to lose practice. Every once in a while I get a side job typing pleadings for someone in prison or something, and I often feel bad billing for the work, as I enjoy myself so much while I am doing it! I dream of becoming a court reporter one day, as a truly perfect day at work would just consist of me typing to my heart's content.

---

---

YAY for tagging myself! I want to tag Evorama, Krissy and Brittneth (that's Brittney and Seth's celebrity name!)

UPDATE

I know i haven't posted anything in a while, and I can't find my camera, so I can't even make this post exciting with good looking pictures of Josh and I. But I thought I'd just post an update here, mainly for Kristen, because I know how curious she is about my oh so exciting life! :)
This November has really been pretty uneventful. I got a second night job because I'm crazy, but I'm also embarassed about it and I don't like people to know where I work. I will say, though, that I work with a bunch of younglings and I am like the old maid they come to for advice and knowledge. (Hey, at least they think I'm wise!) The whole reason I decided to get a second job was because we hadn't sold our third car yet, and then BAM a week after I started working, it sold! So now we are happy! I still haven't gotten rid of the job yet, I'm too afraid to quit...
Thanksgiving was great! We had dinner at the Lunds on Wednesday night, Josh's mom is an excellent cook! I made a banana cream cheesecake that I was really nervous to bring, since Mary knows I'm not really a cook and has to feed Josh at least on a weekly basis to make sure he's actually eating something that tastes good, but I thought my pie was really tasty! Josh liked it too! We didn't have Thanksgiving at my parents, so we got to sit around all day and do absolutely nothing!
Josh and I are getting really excited for him to be done with school NEXT WEEK! Well, I probably am more excited than he is, because I am just imagining the money we'll save on gas -- the drive up to the U gets expensive 4 times a week! I also am excited because I got him a really cool graduation/Christmas present on e-bay and I can't wait for him to get it! Oh how I love online shopping. Which reminds me. Since I didn't post a Thanksgiving post, I thought I'd share with you a few things I'm grateful for:

1. Josh -- duh! Well, maybe I'm just putting him down because I didn't everyone would think I was a horrible wife and didn't appreciate my husband. Nah, really, I love him so much and am grateful for him every day. After all, who else would carry me to bed every night after I fall asleep on the couch -- I swear I'm narcoleptic! He also makes some delicious pancakes and looks pretty darn good in his Sunday clothes.

2. My wonderful family!!! I've been so blessed with six great sisters, and so far 3 great brother in laws. Who knew I could get along with that many people!! (Okay so I really get along with everyone, right?) I got to take my dad out to lunch yesterday, he came down with his Madrigal choir, who sang at Temple Square, and it was just such a wonderful experience to get to spend the day with him. I am lucky to share such a close relationship with my dad. Unfortunately I also share his round danish face. How sad.

3. Did I mention online shopping ????? With my crappy night job, I pretend to not have time to actually go out and go Christmas shopping, but maybe it's more of the fact that I like to procrastinate at my real job and hunt for bargains online all day. Who knows.

4. Skool Lunch! Today is Turkey Enchilada soup day, and my mouth has been watering since I realized that last night! I don't know how else I would get through the cold months without delicious soup on Thursdays. Which reminds me that I am grateful for our furnace that works most of the time (usually we have to pick between furnace or warm shower... it's a tough decision).

5. My church calling -- I know it might sound stupid, but I'm the relief society pianist and I absolutely love it. Besides the fact that I have my very own old lady fan club (they tell me I look sexy every week, I haven't decided if that is disturbing or not yet...) I find myself actually taking the time now to sit down and play my piano -- I have to make sure I play those hymns perfectly so my fan club can tell me I'm sexy AND talented! It's been a small blessing -- while I practice the hymns, I think it helps me bring the spirit back into my heart after working for the devil all day! (I have come to that realization that as I sit at my desk and destroy families all day (divorce) I really am working for the devil, as in these last days it's apparent how he is attacking the family!) I still love my real job though, (not my fake night job), and I am also grateful that I have a great boss who thinks I'm great, too. (No, he won't be reading this, I really meant that!)

This October has been so great! After Josh and I got back from vacation, we have been so busy that I haven't posted anything! Jaylene came out to visit from the Phillippines and gave us great news that her and Steve are moving back to the states! They will be in Columbus Ohio in January for Steve to go to graduate school at OSU! Next, the four of us older sisters got to be together as Erica went through the temple for the first time

and then a week later her and Jake tied the knot! Their temple sealing was beautiful, and we know they will be happy forever! I am glad to have ANOTHER brother in law named Jake! Sadly my camera was dead, so I didn't get any pictures from the temple, only from the reception that night.

I am just waiting for Erica to get back from her honeymoon to Mexico so I can get the ones I took on her camera! It has been such a great month for family time, and I have really been able to count my blessings and be grateful for the wonderful family that I have been blessed with!
Earlier this week I skipped out on work (even though I was sick anyway) and went to frightmares with most of my sisters! We had a lot of fun acting stupid and just spending quality time together.
Then Halloween came! This Halloween was extra special because Josh and I found out that we get to be aunts and uncles! His brother Jayson's girlfriend Heather is expecting a baby in June and I am very excited, this will be a first to me! After we had our annual clam chowder dinner at the Lund house, we went to Steve and Kristi's Halloween bash! I was excited to go, since Josh and I didn't even dress up last year -- we were boring married people! This year Josh was a cowboy and I was a boxer -- although everyone told me I just looked like a battered wife! Sad!




I thought I would put the link to my facebook album so if you want, you can enjoy all of my pictures from this month!


http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=67486&l=a171c&id=730245429

NEWPORT, CALIFORNIA

Josh and I FINALLY got away on a vacation! For his fall break we decided to take off to California with our friends Jake and Michelle.

We had a fantastic time, we spent most of our time at the beach, soaking in the rays. I was once again reminded of my husband's luck in having polynesian genes and how the sun loves him... and how the sun hates me and my fair skin. What's the deal? Josh has never even heard of a sunburn!

After hanging around in Newport for a few days, we decided to go Disneyland. I have decided that Josh is agoraphobic (he doesn't do too well with crowds!) so he didn't have a lot of fun at Disneyland. I, on the other hand, was so excited for my favorite ride, the Buzz Lightyear shooty thing. It was really busy the day we went, so we didn't get to do much, but I at least had a really good time.

I thought the whole trip was perfect and we have decided that we're going to go to the beach at least once a year from now on! Maybe next time you can join us on our new tradition.

Oh Krissy, I've never been tagged before to do anything, so this is very exciting! In all of my 23 years, I am not sure that much has changed, (josh says I still act 5) but we'll see.

1. When I was younger my mom made a lot of our clothes, so they weren't anything fancy. But I do remember that in 3rd grade I had some sweet stirrup pants - you'd wear like three pair of socks scrunched over the top. It was awesome. I also wore a lot of Ev's clothes, she always had cuter stuff than me!

2. I own too many things from Express! I find myself realizing that my work pants are actually more comfortable than jeans, so I don't have very many jeans anymore! I have a weakness for shirts that I can wear to work, and I am lucky that Josh has allowed me a budget of buying one per month. It is excellent.

3. Back in the day I LOVED power rangers! Jen Robertson and I would watch it together pretty much every day.

4. Now... gosh I feel like all we do is watch TV! I have to say my favorite is probably Heroes. I even dream about it, maybe it's because I wish I was part super hero.

5. When I was younger, my favorite music was anything on Q99 - best radio station ever! I remember when Jaylene and I cried when all of hte sudden one morning it was gone! I developed my love for Smashing Pumpkins at an early age, and alwasy had fun listening to Ev's MC Hammer tape!

6. Now I still love my Smashing Pumpkins best of CD, it will probably be my favorite ever! I guess it depends on the day and my mood what kind of music I listen to. Butch Walker is always a favorite, though.

7. When I was younger, my favorite food was strawberries. My daddy even planted my own strawberry patch out back just for me! (Okay, so I shared...)

8. NOW I still love fruit, but especially raspberries! I also crave chicken paninis from the Atlantic Cafe by my office, they are delicious!

9. When I was little, I was afraid of being kidnapped, my parents dying, spiders and falling off a cliff.

10. Now I am afraid of our upstairs neighbors, (I swear they've killed before... but that's another story) getting wrinkles, still spiders.

EV you should do this, I want to hear what you have to say!

SUMMER'S OVER...

So I've decided I'm a little bit sad today that Summer is pretty much all over! Summer is Josh's and my favorite time of year, and somehow every year it seems to go by even quicker! We always say we are going to do a million things each summer, but then when it comes, we are always way too busy. It also doesn't help that Josh is an accident waiting to happen, so somehow every summer we spend time in the hospital together... bonding moments for sure...

My favorite parts of summer this year were:

1. Sara and Brady's new addition, Hayden Atkinson. He already loves me (well, okay, who wouldn't...) He's probably about as close to my own kid I'll ever get and I'm going to spoil him rotten!!! (Really I'm sure we'll have kids one day... in a long, long time...)

2. Our wakeboarding trip - we only got to go once this year, but Josh did great, and I got to show off a nice faceplant on video. I know, I know, I've got mad skills. Feel free to make fun. But only after you commend me for (sort of) getting some air!

3. Not having to wear shoes! Since Josh's polynesian genes somehow make him wear flip flops 10 out of 12 months a year, I am always happy when summer comes and I get to quit wearing socks (and shoes when I'm home, for that matter). I remember when I was little I used to run around without shoes ALL THE TIME, I could've walked on hot coals, nails, bees, you name it. I had sacagawea feet. Don't worry, I don't have a picture of my feet. Even though my toenails are darn cute.

4. Baseball games - One of our first dates was a Bees game (that is quite the story in itself) so I like to think that we go alot to reminisce about how we fell in love or something... but somehow baseball games are so much fun - sitting out on the grass, only paying attention to the game when you want to, the firework shows after the game... oh, it's all worth it.

5. All of the Weddings! I've had so many of my friends get married this summer, and it's been so much fun! It's always a good excuse for us girls to get togher and act like we're still in high school. I love all of my guys' wives, they are fantastic! Hooray for more friends! This picture is from Steve and Kristi's wedding, sadly the only one I had my camera attached to me. Sorry, Seth and Brett, I guess you're just not as cool!