For our most recent date night, Jarom and I took a drive through the canyon and into Park City. I wasn't quite sure where we were going, (I'm not 100% convinced that Jarom did either), but he insisted on going for a drive and that's where we ended up. The leaves were amazing. I was glad we went, I was worried I wouldn't get the chance to see the leaves change before winter came. I didn't get any pictures, wife fail....but hopefully one day when I get a nice smart phone, it'll have an amazing camera attached to it so I will always have it with me ;) cough, cough. Jarom and I drove up and down the Main Street looking at all the cute houses. I love the quaint little houses up in Park City with the wood doors, and earth tone colors, some cabin style...if I wouldn't have to worry about the snow and commuting in it I would live there forever...maybe we'll retire in the woods one day ;) We stopped at a few art galleries that were open on Main Street. Jarom especially loves looking at the photography because so many of the photographs are taken in Zion National Park, and other famous nearby areas that Jarom can relate to since he grew up in Southern Utah. This one photographer used all natural lighting, and his photographs were not edited. They were amazing...some photos sold for up to $98,000 dollars! Can you imagine...I about died. After looking through some shops and stopping by Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory for my all time favorite chocolate dipped pretzels and a toffee carmel apple, we headed over to the Outlet Mall for some shopping which is always my favorite...not so much Jaroms, but he was a good sport. We ate dinner at Ruby Tuesdays...their white cheddar mashed potatoes were to die for, and Jar ordered a blackberry lemonade which was a first, but it was so delicous! I love going out, we had a great time. I think having no plan and just going, makes for some of the best nights, (which is huge coming from me, since I'm such a crazy planner all of the time). Somedays I really stop and think how crazy different Jarom and I are, but it works, and I love it!
I love that fall is here...Nothing screams fall more than the color of changing leaves, having the fireplace on, smell good stuff, and great harvest bread (expensive, but so worth it, just had to throw that in there) :) I'm pretty sure I have zero decorations for this time of year, and so, on my list of things to do today is to stop by JoAnn's for what will hopefully be a good find, and on sale of course. My fingers are crossed. We need some pumpkins for the front porch too! I also recently discovered a new love of mine, the "Leaves" scented candle at Bath and Body Works. It is seriously amazing...try it, you will love it and trust me, you'll thank me later....
Welcome to our "pre-blog." Jarom and I decided to make our blog private. Click on the link on the right to view our private blog. If you would like to read our private blog, leave your email address in a comment and I'll add you to the list! Cheers!
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Dancing
Last week, Jarom told me he had a surprise for me that I had to wait until friday for. For those of you that know me, I'm terrible with surprises...I was on him all day about it and wouldn't let it go, but he never caved, the good man. Friday came, and by some miracle, I had forgotten entirely about it. He told me to get dressed and that we were going out and he drove me out to west valley ish to a church (scary right), and then I realized what we were doing. Jarom's Aunt and Uncle have invited us before to some dance lessons that they teach but I had never really pushed going because I didn' think Jarom would be into it, and instead he found out all about and surprised me. Husband points! We were terrible, but we had so much fun. This week we took on the Waltz, and Swing dancing. We gave it an honest attempt, lol. Also, I'm pretty sure I am the worst at following someone elses lead, and I am grateful for a husband who refuses to let me wear the pants because lets be honest, if he would allow it, I totally would. Moral of the story, I'm glad I married me a man's man...becaues I'm a stubborn little thing, and who doesn't enjoy being taken care of? I wish I would have gotten some pictures, I'm pretty sure we were definetly the youngest couple there. But, if any of you are dying to have some free dance lessons let me know...It's the first Friday of every month, and it is definetly a good time.... :)
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
The Money Class
For my birthday back in April, Jarom bought me this book called "The Money Class" by Suze Orman. I grew up listening to Suze Orman with my Mom and have grown to love her blatant honesty and advice when it comes down to what you can and cannot afford. With that being said, I was really anxious to get her new book, set some financial goals, and to educate myself. Since then, I have been reading a little at a time, and have been setting some goals and making adjustments to our budget here and there. The book starts out talking about defining yourself by who you are, not what you have. I think this is particuarlly challenging for newlyweds who have grown up with a particular lifestyle and then expect a similar lifestyle "have what our parents have" mentality just shortly after being married. It has been an adjustment, but it has been so much more rewarding to stick to our goals, be patient, and save up for a particular item when in reality we could have ran out and bought it right then if we had cut corners, cheated our budget, put it on the credit card or used our emergency savings. Suze Orman also offers great advice on:
*Having an 8 month emergency savings fund
*Saving for big ticket items
*Retirment planning in your 20's and 30's
*Applying 15% of your total income towards retirement- starting now!
*401k's and Roth IRA's
*Maximizing employment benefits
*When to Own vs. Rent
*The rules of buying a new home (20% down, or you can't afford it)
*Student loans/repayment
*Everything you need to know about your credit score
*Investing
*The rules of using a debit card
*Living below your means
And it goes on and on...
You're probably thinking I am such a nerd, but I have really enjoyed learning more about financial freedom. Don't get me wrong, I know all of these things may not be totally realistic, and are perhaps an ideal situation, but it gives you a basis to plan and work towards. I realize we probably won't be able to put 20% down on a home when we are ready to buy, but by making it our goal, we'll probably have much more than we would have if we hadn't set the goal. We may have to wait quite a bit longer than we would like to, but in the end it will be worth it. My parents have been a great example to me and because they established good habits early on and lived below their means, they have been able to avoid debt and provide us (their kids) with a financially stable childhood/ and future for my siblings. I want that for Jarom and I, and for our family. Especially because of our large amounts of school loan debt. I've learned it's not just going to go away, and that you have to take control of it, rather than let it take control of you. :) Wow, if that wasn't cheesball I don't know what is...
Also, I've really taken to heart the advice and counsel we've been given from our sweet Prophet, his Apostles, and our church leaders to work on our food storage supply. I'm proud to say we are making improvements, despite our lack of storage space. Before it seemed so overwhelming, but I'm actually really enjoying it, a little at a time. I'm all signed up for the cannery this coming weekend...first-timer! Should be a good time...
And to wrap it up, some insite from President Thomas S. Monson
"May I assure you, there is no shame in a couple having to scrimp and save. It is generally during these challenging times that you will grow closer together as you learn to sacrafice and to make difficult decisions."
*Having an 8 month emergency savings fund
*Saving for big ticket items
*Retirment planning in your 20's and 30's
*Applying 15% of your total income towards retirement- starting now!
*401k's and Roth IRA's
*Maximizing employment benefits
*When to Own vs. Rent
*The rules of buying a new home (20% down, or you can't afford it)
*Student loans/repayment
*Everything you need to know about your credit score
*Investing
*The rules of using a debit card
*Living below your means
And it goes on and on...
You're probably thinking I am such a nerd, but I have really enjoyed learning more about financial freedom. Don't get me wrong, I know all of these things may not be totally realistic, and are perhaps an ideal situation, but it gives you a basis to plan and work towards. I realize we probably won't be able to put 20% down on a home when we are ready to buy, but by making it our goal, we'll probably have much more than we would have if we hadn't set the goal. We may have to wait quite a bit longer than we would like to, but in the end it will be worth it. My parents have been a great example to me and because they established good habits early on and lived below their means, they have been able to avoid debt and provide us (their kids) with a financially stable childhood/ and future for my siblings. I want that for Jarom and I, and for our family. Especially because of our large amounts of school loan debt. I've learned it's not just going to go away, and that you have to take control of it, rather than let it take control of you. :) Wow, if that wasn't cheesball I don't know what is...
Also, I've really taken to heart the advice and counsel we've been given from our sweet Prophet, his Apostles, and our church leaders to work on our food storage supply. I'm proud to say we are making improvements, despite our lack of storage space. Before it seemed so overwhelming, but I'm actually really enjoying it, a little at a time. I'm all signed up for the cannery this coming weekend...first-timer! Should be a good time...
And to wrap it up, some insite from President Thomas S. Monson
"May I assure you, there is no shame in a couple having to scrimp and save. It is generally during these challenging times that you will grow closer together as you learn to sacrafice and to make difficult decisions."
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Changes...
Jarom started a new part-time job this week. He's working at Million Air, which is a fixed based operation out at the airport where private planes and jets fly into. I'm so excited for him. Jarom was so patient and prayerful about finding a job. He was having a rather difficult time, particuarlly with the economy and unemployment rate the way it was/is. After a long search with no success, Jarom and I talked and prayed about him working and we decided it was more important for him to focus on his classes and get his degree done as quickly as possible. It wasn't always easy, and was at times stressful, but we felt grateful to be in a position where Jarom wouldn't have to work. Since then, Jarom has been juggling 18-22 credits a semester and has been doing really well.
Fast forward 3 semesters....After taking a break from the job search, Jarom really wanted to start looking again and felt working part-time would help break up all of his school work. I didn't want him to take on too much or get stuck with a job that he wouldn't enjoy, but his school schedule ended up being quite flexible this semester and this more than perfect job fell into his lap! I know everything happens for a reason, and I truly feel this has been the best thing for us. I think where we would be if Jarom would have worked full-time but continued to take 9-10 credits a semester. We probably would have a little extra money in our pockets, a new washer and dryer (since ours continue to struggle), or a nice little vaca, but who knows how many more years of school! I wouldn't go back and change a thing. I know we just neded to be patient and have some faith. Jarom has now been able to complete his degree much more quickly than we had anticipated, and he has this perfect temporary job until he can graduate with his Bachelors Degree next April.
He won't be flying just yet, but he'll get to park and direct the aircrafts, get the planes ready to go, and escort the pilots around. We are hoping he can make some great contacts, get some information, and maybe even find a less expensive way to get his multiengine certificate, let alone have some fun! :)
I have the best husband ever! I just love him, and am totally proud of him. He's been working so hard. I'm a lucky woman...
Fast forward 3 semesters....After taking a break from the job search, Jarom really wanted to start looking again and felt working part-time would help break up all of his school work. I didn't want him to take on too much or get stuck with a job that he wouldn't enjoy, but his school schedule ended up being quite flexible this semester and this more than perfect job fell into his lap! I know everything happens for a reason, and I truly feel this has been the best thing for us. I think where we would be if Jarom would have worked full-time but continued to take 9-10 credits a semester. We probably would have a little extra money in our pockets, a new washer and dryer (since ours continue to struggle), or a nice little vaca, but who knows how many more years of school! I wouldn't go back and change a thing. I know we just neded to be patient and have some faith. Jarom has now been able to complete his degree much more quickly than we had anticipated, and he has this perfect temporary job until he can graduate with his Bachelors Degree next April.
He won't be flying just yet, but he'll get to park and direct the aircrafts, get the planes ready to go, and escort the pilots around. We are hoping he can make some great contacts, get some information, and maybe even find a less expensive way to get his multiengine certificate, let alone have some fun! :)
I have the best husband ever! I just love him, and am totally proud of him. He's been working so hard. I'm a lucky woman...
Spinach Salad
8 ounces fresh spinach
1/4 small red onion, thinly
sliced
1/2 cup dried sweetened cranberries (Craisins)
2 tablespoons toasted sliced almonds (optional)
1/2 cup feta (optional) or 1/2 cup goat cheese, crumbled (optional)
1/2 cup balsamic vinaigrette dressing
2 tablespoons orange juice
1 teaspoon orange zest (optional)
Directions:
1. Wash and clean spinach. Tear into bit sized pieces and place in
serving bowl.
2. Add half of cheese and 1/4 onion. Toss to combine.
3. Combine dressing ingredients (vinaigrette, orange juice, and orange zest)
in a small mixing bowl.
4. Pour over salad and toss to coat.
5. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Top with Craisins and almonds.
Serve immediately.
So delicious. Enjoy!
So delicious. Enjoy!
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Appreciation
The past month I have been feeling a lot of burnout from work and have been working with some particuarlly difficult patients. People literally open their lives up to you and it's been difficult for me at times to not bring the emotions from work home with me. Seeing people struggle with depression, drug overdose, drug addictions, and abuse has made me so grateful for the comforts that I enjoy on a daily basis.
Just last week I recieved a letter from a patient I had cared for a while back. People have always been very appreciative of the care they recieve, but this was a first! It was a simple letter, but it meant the world to me and that quickly I was able to put everything aside and remember why I chose to be a nurse. It felt so good to know I had made a difference in that persons life for that short moment. I've found being a nurse can be exhausting, but I'm so greatful I chose it as a career.
Since that letter, I have thought a lot about how I show appreciation to those around me. This patient mentioned in his letter that "all too often when we recieve great customer service we think that was nice and go about our lives, not giving recognition..." and I thought to myself why is that. It's interesting how something as simple as saying thank you often goes unsaid. People love to feel appreciated and needed, and I hope to make a greater effort to acknowledge and be appreciative of the things people do for me...
Just last week I recieved a letter from a patient I had cared for a while back. People have always been very appreciative of the care they recieve, but this was a first! It was a simple letter, but it meant the world to me and that quickly I was able to put everything aside and remember why I chose to be a nurse. It felt so good to know I had made a difference in that persons life for that short moment. I've found being a nurse can be exhausting, but I'm so greatful I chose it as a career.
Since that letter, I have thought a lot about how I show appreciation to those around me. This patient mentioned in his letter that "all too often when we recieve great customer service we think that was nice and go about our lives, not giving recognition..." and I thought to myself why is that. It's interesting how something as simple as saying thank you often goes unsaid. People love to feel appreciated and needed, and I hope to make a greater effort to acknowledge and be appreciative of the things people do for me...
Friday, September 2, 2011
Sweet Summertime...
I have loved this summer...I can't believe it is coming to an end, but I love fall and am looking forward to the leaves changing. We have been so busy. The first week of August, Jarom and I drove to Indio California for our family vacation with the Brown family. We had so much fun on our little road trip, just the two of us. We are loving our new car. It was literally 110 degrees in Indio, but it was a lot of fun. They had some awesome pools and lazy rivers that we spent most of our time in, and we got to spend so much time with our nieces and nephews :)
Jayden was ordained an Elder last week. He's working on getting his mission papers in. I'm so proud of him, he's the best kid brother...He got his wisdom teeth out today. That kid is hillarious.
Also this summer we've survived 3 crazy rain storms which have mildly flooded the basement. We hiked Mount Timpanogos for the first time, had several BBQ's and fire pits in the backyard, we survived speaking in church, hit up the Alpine Slide in Park City, been to a few Bee's Baseball games, and we signed up for an adult recreation soccer team lol. Go us! We are so excited! Our first game is tomorrow...stay tuned! The other day I said to Jarom that we need to get in shape, and he told me "I am in shape,....round is a shape" :) ha ha. I love him. We're planning a camping trip this weekend, just the two of us. :) I can't wait. I'll post some pictures...
Jarom finished up the second block of his summer semester, and just started his fall classes! 22 credits this semester! His courses are through UVU but are online, which we are excited about since we are still up in Murray and we can cut back on the commute. We're hoping he can get his Multi-engine flying certificate this year too. He needs it before he graduates but it is sooo expensive! We've been comparing the pricing of different flight schools. Even with his full plate this semester Jar has insisted on finding a part time job. He has a job interview friday out at the airport...fingers are crossed. I'm so proud of him...
Jayden was ordained an Elder last week. He's working on getting his mission papers in. I'm so proud of him, he's the best kid brother...He got his wisdom teeth out today. That kid is hillarious.
Also this summer we've survived 3 crazy rain storms which have mildly flooded the basement. We hiked Mount Timpanogos for the first time, had several BBQ's and fire pits in the backyard, we survived speaking in church, hit up the Alpine Slide in Park City, been to a few Bee's Baseball games, and we signed up for an adult recreation soccer team lol. Go us! We are so excited! Our first game is tomorrow...stay tuned! The other day I said to Jarom that we need to get in shape, and he told me "I am in shape,....round is a shape" :) ha ha. I love him. We're planning a camping trip this weekend, just the two of us. :) I can't wait. I'll post some pictures...
Jarom finished up the second block of his summer semester, and just started his fall classes! 22 credits this semester! His courses are through UVU but are online, which we are excited about since we are still up in Murray and we can cut back on the commute. We're hoping he can get his Multi-engine flying certificate this year too. He needs it before he graduates but it is sooo expensive! We've been comparing the pricing of different flight schools. Even with his full plate this semester Jar has insisted on finding a part time job. He has a job interview friday out at the airport...fingers are crossed. I'm so proud of him...
We made our first impulse buy this past week. A few years ago, Jar's dirt bike was stolen out of the back of his truck in Cedar City, and we've been wanting one ever since. We love to go riding...and the other day we came across this 70 cc dirt bike while on our way to a baseball game and we couldn't help ourselves. I'm trying to work on my spontaneity, it's exhausting trying to be such a planner all the time...it needs a little tlc, but we got a killer deal on it.
Jarom and I have been so blessed. We've been able to spend so much time together and have really been able to focus on our marriage and enjoy this stage of our lives. We stay busy, but our schedules have been flexible enough that we are always able to make time for each other. I've realized Jarom and I will never be able to get this time back and that our lives could change durastically over the next few years. It is so easy to get caught up in the excitement of the future, but I don't want to look back and remember these times as missed moments or opportunities. Life is too short...so we continue to play hard. I was surprised when we got married how many people advised us to just enjoy being married for a while, play hard, and continue to get to know each other better. I think it's been some great advice... :)
Jarom and I have been so blessed. We've been able to spend so much time together and have really been able to focus on our marriage and enjoy this stage of our lives. We stay busy, but our schedules have been flexible enough that we are always able to make time for each other. I've realized Jarom and I will never be able to get this time back and that our lives could change durastically over the next few years. It is so easy to get caught up in the excitement of the future, but I don't want to look back and remember these times as missed moments or opportunities. Life is too short...so we continue to play hard. I was surprised when we got married how many people advised us to just enjoy being married for a while, play hard, and continue to get to know each other better. I think it's been some great advice... :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)