14 Highlights of 2014

Here we are, at the end of another year. Pretty crazy, huh? I thought it might be kinda fun to reminisce on my favorite parts of 2014! (There are a LOT, so beware!)

1. Watching the first sunrise of 2014 together. We popped open a bottle of Martinelli's and cuddled up.

2. The proposal. It was a total surprise, and that whole day was simply perfect!

3. The Gilbert temple open house and dedication. Seeing the temple from start to finish, then being sealed there was so special to us.

4. Roadtrip to Utah with these cool cats!

5. Jerica's bridal shower! It was my first time meeting her, and seriously, she's the best! Christopher chose a good one!

6. Our wedding, duh! Someday I'll find and post all the pictures....

7. Traveling to Seattle to be at Christopher and Jerica's wedding. Such an awesome weekend!

8. This handsome man took me on my first fishing trip. The icing on the cake was seeing like 5 bald eagles, and catching 3 rainbow trout!!

9. Playing hooky at the zoo and meeting a childhood dream!

10. Catching frogs and playing frisbee golf at Perfect Park 2.0!

11. Bringing this little cutie home and watching him grow up so fast. Even though he's not mine anymore, he'll always be my Tony Chopper.

 12. That awesome weekend when Clara and Kim came to visit!

13. The best date ever in Sydney, NE.

14. Flying to AZ to surprise my silly sisters! They both danced so wonderfully in the Nutcracker!

2014 has been such a crazy awesome year! I visited 4 new states, drove thousands of miles, cooked more meals than I ever have before, and gained a whole other family! (Having 2 families rocks!) Daniel and I ended up no where near where we imagined, but we're closer than we've ever been. With so many adventures in one year, I can't wait to see where 2015 takes us! 

Happy New Year, everybody! Finish the year strong!!

Love Story Part 2: The Game, The Party, and The Guns

Our football team had made it to the State Championship, and we were stoked! Dan took me and a couple of friends to the Cardinal Stadium for a day of tailgating and "We Believe"-ing. We got there at about noon that day, and left around 11. By the time we got out of there, we were all tired and depressed about the failure we just witnessed. It was an hour drive home, and I was almost dozing.
Dan tried to lighten the mood by telling me about his favorite TV show. I tried very hard to listen and understand, but not a single word was making sense to me. The boys were talking about going out for pizza and wings, and I was trying to convince myself into it. It sounded fun and all, but I was beat. At the last minute, when Daniel was about to turn left, when home was right, I interrupted their conversation and asked him to take me home. My bed was calling me.

Little did I know, that one of his friends said that the reason I wanted to go home was because he was talking about that TV show. He said I thought he was a huge nerd. Dan didn't call me anymore after that. I thought he lost interest in me, and I didn't blame him.

Months later, a guy I grew up with was going on a mission. I went to his open house, and saw Dan playing chess with him. I went up to say hi, and ended up watching the whole game. One of them mentioned that TV show Dan was so fond of, and I said, "Oh, hey, weren't you going to show me what that's all about?" He said, "You want me to??" and I said, "Sure!" 

A short period of time later, he called me to set up a double date. We went out to the desert to shoot some guns, namely to test out his dad's new double barrel shot gun. Man, that thing KICKED! Hahaha! When it got dark, we picked up some In-n-Out and headed to Dan's house. And that, my friends, is where we watched the first five episodes of "Avatar: The Last Airbender".

Previously:

Part One: Becoming Friends

Bits 'n Pieces: Moving

1. A couple weeks ago, Dan and I decided to start a work out routine. It was really fun...for the few days that it lasted. How about we start on New Year's?

2. This weekend was so fun!! I surprised my little sisters by coming down to watch their Nutcracker shows. It was such a blast, seeing how much they've grown and improved! I also got to go shopping with my big sissy, and help out backstage with my mom!

3. While I was away, Chopper was at a kennel, and boy did he have fun! When we brought him home, he was so exhausted from playing all day, he went to bed hours early and slept the whole night! I'm so glad he learned how to play with other dogs, because he's gonna have the time of his life with Mila next week!

4. I only have 4 more days in Colorado. That is so sad!

5. Daniel and I LOVE to go to the movies! Our most recent flick was "Penguins of Madagascar". If you have little ones, go see it! If you have grandchildren, go see it! If you're a kid at heart, go see it! It was adorable!

6. Last week, we decided to make this Christmas season more about service. Since it won't really be possible to officially do "12 Days of Christmas Service" like we'd hoped, we're going to do 12 random acts of kindness this month! As of now, we have 2 down, 10 to go. So far, it's really really fun! I'm so thankful that I have a husband who'd do this with me :)

7. Chopper and I went on a walk today! Like a real one, not just up the street and back. He was really skittish at first, but on our way home, he seemed relaxed and confident. He's such a good dog!

8. This weekend, I had 3 of my favorite foods: Apple pie, Nori maki, and Candy Cane Jo Jo's! YUM!

9. I just realized that, even if we weren't moving, it might just be time to take down the autumn wreath from the door...and the hanging ghost in the living room. #autumnlover

10. So ya. Things have been CRAZY! Sorry for the neglect, y'all. And I apologize in advance that I probably won't write again until...i don't know. Moving stinks! In the meantime, I'll be on instagram ( @xosaracxo )!

The Best Day Ever

Two days ago, my husband let slip that he had a secret date planned. Rookie mistake: you don't tell me you have a secret date for later, because I'll be so giddy that you'll be forced to take me the very next day. Which is exactly what he did. ;) 

First surprise: Unbeknownst to me, Sydney, Nebraska is home to the very first Cabela's. The very. first. one. How cool is that?? We only live about 40 minutes away from Sydney, so what a fun date! We got ourselves some fudge, Dan held his dream gun (tricolored .45 1911), and we had a grand old time!

Some people like Bass Pro better, but to us...they're both great. Stick me in a room with real live taxidermied animals, and I'm happy as a bear! (Pun intended) I was, however, slightly disappointed that there wasn't a huge pond full of game fish. But, hey, the elephant made up for it!

Second surprise: A few weeks ago, I heard a commercial on the radio for a restaurant called Perkins. There was such a restaurant near my neighborhood when I was really young, but it went out of business over a decade ago. I still associate it with fond memories with my family. Hearing that they still exist got me real excited, and I had to tell my sweet husband all about it, to which he replied, "Perkins, who?" 

The dear man remembered my excitement, looked up the address, and took me for lunch. <3 It was just as delicious as I (was too young to actually) remember.

Third, very unexpected. surprise: As we pulled into Cabela's, after Dan pointed out our lunch destination, and as I gazed toward the half-frozen urban lake, I screamed. There, in the grass, on the lake, on the sidewalks, were hundreds of Canada geese! As a child, these were my favorite bird and I always dreamed of meeting one up close. 

Though they outnumbered me, they had reservations about my intended up-close meeting. As they fled faster, I knew what I had to do. The feeling of a hundred geese flying all around you is exhilarating! They certainly didn't want to, but they flew.

And so did I.

It was a day that couldn't be dampened by work calls, rent payments, or cold weather. As the chilling Nebraska wind froze my face, I couldn't stop telling my husband, "You are the best! You're seriously the coolest! I love you so much! Did you know that?? Do you know how much I love you?? I can't believe it! This is the best day ever!" I meant it.

My husband, everybody. Man of the Year. <3

10 Things to be Grateful For

1. The fact that my husband does have a job and can support our family

2. The beautiful, fresh snow from yesterday morning

3. That my dog got 3 vaccinations yesterday, and didn't whine once

4. That even though Thanksgiving isn't on time this year, we'll have it together

5. Pumpkin pie

6. That Lite Cool Whip tastes just as good when the real deal was sold out

7. Village Inn and Little Ceasar's

8. Warm, waterproof boots

9. The fact that the furnace blows a disproportionate amount of hot air into the bathroom, so every time you walk in you can feel any and all goosebumps melt

10. That the mice have no idea how to get onto the kitchen table: my one last grip on sanity

Happy Thanksgiving, y'all! May warmth and love be your companions this whole season! :)

Bits 'n Pieces: Life is Swell

1. The mice are back with a vengeance. Their scurrying around freaks me out at night, and I hate finding their crap all over! Killing them with traps is making me nauseated...I wish we could just fumigate.

2. On Wednesday, I had a RS Christmas Kickoff party! So fun! When I got home, Dan had prepared a delicious meal of enchiladas and spanish rice. He's so wonderful!

3. I have almost all of my Christmas shopping done! Which is a pretty big miracle, considering there are no shopping malls within an hour and a half of here. Amazon is the best!

4. Last night, I had a "Taken" related dream. (It wasn't scary or anything, I was helping Liam Neeson find her.) But I woke up really wanting to watch that movie. I now have a renewed sense of gratitude for my dad, who I know would kill 1000 Albanian pimp lords to save me. Love you, Dad!

5. It's been about a week since it last snowed, and now it is sooooo nice and warm! I'm still mourning the death of our snowman, though.

6. Daniel and I have embarked on a top secret project! It'll probably be a long time in the making, but I absolutely love that we have something to dream up and laugh about together. It's so much fun and we're letting our creative energy flow. I have the best Partner in Crime!

7. Happiness is...a fully checked off chore list.

8. My latest reads: "Book of a Thousand Days" by Shannon Hale, and "The Lost Hero" by Rick Riordan. I read both in one day each this week--not in a row though. Hahaha! I just couldn't put them down! Shannon Hale always amazes me with he captivating stories. And I can't wait to continue the Heroes of Olympus series (kind of a continuation of the Percy Jackson books). Reading is my fave. When they say that the activities you enjoyed as a ten year old are things you'll still love...they were absolutely right!

9. Tomorrow, I'm singing in the ward choir in Sacrament meeting; it's the special Thanksgiving musical number. I'm so thankful to be a part of a choir at the moment, and can't wait for the opportunity to participate in a chorus in college! I've missed it so much!

10. It's exactly 28 days until the move. Wow! Please someone kick me in the behind so I start packing!

DIY: Thankful Turkeys

What do you do when you want to add some Thanksgiving spirit to your house, but all you have is construction paper, googly eyes, and two empty Pringles cans?

You make turkeys.

I got the idea from my cousin, who made paper turkeys with her kids. On each tail feather, they wrote something that they're grateful for. I was totally going to do that until I realized that the empty inside of the Pringles cans can't go to waste. 

This month, Daniel and I are filling up each other's turkey with things that we're grateful for about one another. I imagine that on Thanksgiving, we'll read everything inside our turkeys. I'm super excited! If this works out well, it might become a Coley family tradition! 

What are your family's Thanksgiving traditions?

Project 333: Taking the Leap

Because the Coley Clan is up and moving next month, I decided I should get a head start on the hardest part of packing: my clothes. I have WAY too many to wear! Like seriously. In anticipation for a few moves in the next year--planned and possibly unexpected--downsizing right now sounds like a breath of fresh air!

About a month ago, I caught wind of Project 333. Courtney has some wonderful posts on how to get started, and with her advice, I've decided to give it a go! I've compiled my Winter Capsule Wardrobe, and will plan for spring, as well, letting some unlucky items drift into the "Donate" pile. I'm really excited about this! This is going to make moving and packing so much easier!!

On my list:

3 heavy coats: one gray, one blue, one khaki with flowers

4 sweaters: yellow, green, navy/coral, and Christmas patterned!

3 dresses: cream, gray, and black/gray

4 skirts: two black, one gray, one brown

1 pair of leggings

1 pair corduroy pants

2 pairs of jeans: black and blue

1 long-sleeved shirt

4 basic tees: blue, pink, gray, and striped

1 sparkle sequin shirt for special occasions

3 button ups: flannel, green, and gingham

3 cardigans: black, yellow, and polka dotted

and

3 pairs of boots: two brown, one gray

(I wanted to post pictures, but I got impatient waiting for the sun to come out. You get the idea though.)

I based my selections off of a rich, earthy palette: navy, gray, mustard, brown, green, and black. The whole point is to layer and make different combinations, so all of my choices are very versatile and well-fitting. I should add that I didn't include leisure clothes in the list. I'm not sure if that's breaking the rules, but that's a price I'm willing to pay for my sweats. ;)

Now I'm off to pack up everything that didn't make the cut! Wish me luck!

Sterling Lately

It's been snowing all day. All day! When I woke up, it was just beginning to stick, and now I'm trying to find an emergency shut off button! It hasn't blockaded me inside the house...yet, but I feel like it will by tomorrow morning. Every time I look outside, I'm in awe of the beauty and also scared that I'll become a "Saracicle" if I go out. It's a super complicated feeling.
Also, what's up with snow sticking to the bottom of my shoes? It's like it's TRYING to make me slip and bang my head every single time I step inside the house... This snow will be the death of me. My conflicting emotions aren't letting me fully commit that I miss good 'ole AZ, but check back at the end of the week, k?

Bits n' Pieces: November Changes

1. I found my third white hair today. Right on my side part, like a brazen traitor. I really hope those rumors about white hairs being teeny hydra heads is false...

2. I'm finally done reading the Fablehaven series. SO GOOD! I highly recommend it.

3. In case you were wondering: Yes, "Bits n' Pieces" is just a way for me to write about a bunch of random things in one post. Gets the job done.

4. Chopper now knows his Angry Bird plush by name. When you ask for it, he'll bring it to you, wherever it is in the house! We're working on speed every day, and he's catching on super fast. "Ducky" is next!

5. I'm excited to share an upcoming project either the end of this week or the beginning of next. Stay tuned! This may be life changing!

6. Last night, I got Dan to watch "500 Days of Summer" with me. It made him slightly depressed, but he admitted that it wasn't the chick flick he thought it'd be. WIN! Gosh it had been too long since I watched it...too long....

7. Since Fablehaven is done, I'm onto my next book: "The Help". I love the movie to death, and the book is even better!! But not even detracting from the movie. It makes me want to watch it and speak in a Southern accent all day...hehehe!

8. Chopper is also getting the hang of jumping to grab toys out of the air, rather than waiting until they hit the ground to chase after them. Right when I try taking a video, he gets lazy.

9. There's something magical about hanging up clean laundry to dry. I'm in love with our clothesline out back.

10. Now for the big news...we're moving...again. We've loved being here so much, but after Dan graduates from training, there will be no work for him. So we're going to try our luck in Gallup, New Mexico. We'll be living in Snowflake, AZ, so while we're sad to leave, we're excited to be much closer to our families. And at least this time, we have a month and a half to get packed, rather than 3 weeks... :) These next weeks will be stressful, but the result will be worth it. 

This is a long shot, but is anyone interested in renting a wonderful house in Sterling, CO? I know of one that is wide open!

Daylight Saving Time

This is the worst invention ever. Like seriously. What good is an hour more of sleep when you feel like curling up and hibernating at 7pm??
Chopper's schedule is all out of wack now. And so is mine. I look at the clock and it feels like it should be about 10am by now, but nope. It's only 8. At least the sun is safely tucked behind the clouds today, so as to not prematurely blind me through the windows. Although, that may just leave me very depressed by the end of the day. I despise artificial lighting when the pure, natural light should suffice.

The clouds are so thick, it's like the sun hasn't come up at all. Maybe it'll snow today? I kind of hope not, because the cold scares me. Because it's so windy, I have to keep the puppy inside, and he's not too happy about that. He probably won't let me get much cleaning done today.... Neither will this post, if I don't wrap it up soon..hahaha! I wish a warm and productive Monday to you all!

Bits and Pieces: Ups and Downs and Ups

1. Yesterday's Girl Day was so much fun! Katherin brought over some homemade soup and pumpkin dip, which were incredible! We snacked and bawled our eyes out, while we watched "My Sister's Keeper". I'm so blessed to have such a great friend! It's fun to keep each other company while our husbands are on the road.

2. Raspberry Pop-Tart in hand: my life is complete.

3. Dan and I found the public library last week, so I went back this morning to get my library card and the rest of the Fablehaven series. So stoked!! I also filled out a volunteer application :)

4. I'm really sad that I can't take Tony Chopper to AZ with me next month. If he weren't so lanky...

5. Daniel and I started watching "The Walking Dead" last night. As he was leaving for work this morning, he says, "Don't watch any episodes without me, k?" ...Watch a show full of zombies all by myself, without my husband to protect me in case a few wander up the driveway?? No thank you!

6. I really need to fold up all of our clean laundry...but there are 4 books sitting right next to me, begging to be read....

7. There's an enormous pile of leaves on the side of the road near my house. Every time I drive past, I want to veer over and crunch through it! Would you guys judge me if I did??

8. I'm not sure I'm done with my ghosts, yet. They may just haunt our house for another...forever?

9. Totally in need of some epic, but simple Halloween costume ideas. We can't show up to the ward Truck-or-Treat in something boring! Help!

10. Spoiler Alert: We may be bumped out of Sterling by the end of the year. Keep us in your prayers? Thanks! Love you all!

Monday Musings

Being a wife means I get to brag about my husband. Brace yourself for the feelings of overwhelming jealousy. ;)

1. Yesterday, he cooked all the food. Was I sick or otherwise incapacitated? Nope. He just did it! Pancakes and fried potatoes for brunch + grilled chicken cheese sandwiches for dinner = best husband ever!

2. He passed his midterm with a B last week, without even studying! His final will be a piece of cake!

3. We are in the process of revamping the dog house outside, and what a stud! He pulled out all the rotting wood on the floor, tore out the carpet, built a door for it, and it's all coming together because of his hard work and vision.

4. Saturday, while I was at a Relief Society function, he built a rolling dog gate so we don't have to climb over small walls just to get to the bathroom. It's seriously genius!

5. We had a philosophical discussion about a WW2 shoot-em-up movie.

6. He recently admitted that our dog is the cutest puppy in the world and that he likes him a lot. What's better than a hot man with a puppy??

I'm so grateful for my husband! What would I do without him?? It's difficult for me to imagine what my life would've been like with someone else. But I do know that I couldn't have possibly made a better choice than my Daniel.
Next week is the anniversary of when we officially started dating. I can't believe it's been a year already! Time has flown by, and he's changed me for the better along the way. 

Teeny Pumpkins

There's little better than some tiny pumpkins to bring fall into your home. And there's even less better than finding them right in your backyard! Such a pleasant surprise! With the help of some leaves from the backyard, I made a centerpiece for the dining room table. I woulda killed for some metallic gold ribbon, though! 

Is autumn taking over your house, too??

DIY: Tissue Paper Ghosts

So, I saw this idea on Pinterest a while ago, and I'm very happy to report the absence of a "Pinterest Fail" here! Woohoo! These are super easy and fun!

You'll need:

-tissue paper

-glue

-fishing wire

-small styrofoam balls

-googly eyes

-something with a small, sharp point

Step One: Cut a length of wire, and tie one end in a small loop. A square knot worked beautifully.

Step Two: Take some tissue (I used 2 pieces) and puncture the middle to make a very small hole. Keep it as small as you possibly can. I did this by taking a metal shish kabob skewer and twisting it, but a needle or pin would work a lot faster. I was just too lazy to find one...hahaha!

Step Three: Pull the straight end of your wire through the small hole until the loop end stops you.

Step Four: Take your styrofoam ball and glue. Put a big dot of glue on your ball, about the size of a penny or nickel. Cover the ball with tissue in such a way that the glue is right where your hole and loop are. You can put some glue around the sides, too, so the tissue clings to the ball a bit.

Step Five: Attach googly eyes, and tie the end of your fishing wire in a bigger loop, if you so desire.

Step Six: Make your home a little spookier.

I have five of these little dudes hanging around my house. Kids love them! ;) If you end up making some, tag me on your Instagram or Facebook, so I can see!!

Mondays are My Favorite

I love Mondays!

There. Now you think I'm the craziest person ever...hahaha! But hear me out.

After a week's worth of messes, laundry, dishes, and dust, don't you ever just want to dedicate a whole day to cleaning? After the weekend's adventures, do you ever just crave your routine? After stepping on crumbs and dirt in the kitchen all week, don't you have the overwhelming urge to sweep the entire house??
That's the magic of Monday. It's my day to relax and let the washing machine do it's thing, while I'm folding the latest laundered batch and watching "Once Upon a Time". It's my day to get the kitchen smelling nice, in order to prepare for another week of cooking. It's my day to sit down and write a post on the blog I have severely neglected.

Back to the routine, I promise. :) Now, for some yoga!

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Book Swap!

Do you like to read? Are you looking for a new book? Want to make a new friend? 

You should head on over to Dreams, Rings, and What Life Brings. Lex is hosting a book swap! All the details are on her post, and everyone is welcome to join in the fun. If you sign up, we might be partners! If you're interested, hurry hurry! Sign ups close October 24th. 

Fuzzy Toddler

A little Chopper update:

What a dog! He gets into so much trouble, sometimes I just need to strangle him! Then he looks up at me with those big brown eyes and I can't resist scooping him up for a snuggle sesh; he LOVES his snuggle time! He's getting so big, I can't even believe it. Soon he'll be too big to crawl up on my lap...or for me to carry him around the Home Depot when he gets whiny and tired. *cough cough*

It's hard getting a good picture of him, because when we aren't snuggling, he's constantly on the move. He tries so hard to play with two toys at once. He'll bite each back and forth, looking for a way to carry both around! So hilarious! 

He's been learning a few tricks, but it's pretty slow going sometimes. So far: he consistently sits and lays down, most of the time rolls over and shakes, and we're working on "Spin around" and "High Five". I think once he gets the hang of the newest ones, we'll work on begging and maybe "Stay". That one will be extra challenging, because he feels the need to be RIGHT THERE next to me all the time. Hahaha! 

At the moment, he's throwing himself a pity party, because I won't throw his toy hamburger to him. I did 15 minutes ago, but it rolled under the couch, then right back out the other side. He won't go pick it up, even though it's literally right there within his reach. I just don't feel like crawling under a table to get it! He is so stubborn! 

This morning, Daniel asked me if having a puppy is quite what I thought it would be. My answer was NO. Chopper is exhausting and annoying and CRAZY! But he's also so sweet and lovable and, did I mention, incredibly fluffy?? Yup, I still love him, despite his love of testing my limits. Good baby practice, eh? 

Halloween is Taking Over

I've always adored decorating for each season. It's just impossible to truly get in the spirit when your house doesn't have at least some trace of festiveness. So I am very happy to report that Halloween has officially taken over my house! I made the "31" at our Coley Girl Craft Day last month, my mother-in-law gave me the adorable dishes and spooky pictures, and the spider web is courtesy of my mom from last year. I never had a chance to put it up and you can see why; I am so terrible at hanging webs. Hahaha!!

I have plans for a super cute craft in the works. More decor to come!! If you've decorated your space, post a link; I'd love to see!!

Finding a Hobby

Daniel and I decided we each need new hobbies, new things to learn to expand our minds and interests. After intense discussions and online quizzes, we've each compiled a list of hobbies we'd be interested in doing. Here are a few of mine:

- Yoga
I'd really like a way to tone up my body without feeling so discouraged about my lack of lung capacity and endurance. With plenty of free videos on YouTube, I think it'd be a great place to start getting into shape.

- Whittling
Ok, I know it sounds weird, but I have a mini obsession with old fashioned wooden toys, especially trains. I've always wanted to make one!

- Scrapbooking
My mom tried getting me into this forever ago, but I don't have much interest in putting a couple pictures on paper and loading it with stickers... I was thinking more of a Project Life approach. When I worked for a scrapbooking store last year, I really really wanted to try it out, and every time I see something about it on the internet, it drives me nuts! I'm just afraid that it's one of those things that looks cool but I'll drop it sooner than later... Only one way to find out, right?

- Cross Stitching
I've seen so many adorable cross stitch projects on the internet. I'd love to mix up the wall decor in my house with some cute patterns!

- Gardening
Unfortunately, I'll have to wait until it's warmer to put some seeds in the garden, but I could find a few good bulbs in the meantime. Once Daniel and I are in a for sure long-term place, I'd like to grow a few fruit trees.

One hobby I've already been researching and looking forward to is the possibility of training my dog in agility. Border collies are supposed to be top notch for the sport, so we'll see if he's remotely interested. At the moment, he's not too keen on trying new things and he has the attention span of a house fly. He's super hard to motivate for more than 2 minutes. I'll figure out a way, though!

What hobbies do you enjoy? Are you looking for a new one?

FHE: Out and About

After Daniel got home from school yesterday, we hit up a flea market and an antique store. Let me tell you, there's some crazy inspiration going on in my brain now!

Afterward, we went to Home Depot to get supplies for a new project--more about that later! We stopped in at Walmart for some much-needed supplies, and brought home our traditional frozen pizza and fruit! We cooked it up while I helped him with his homework, and it was super delicious!! Digorno, you're my fav!

Since we missed the first session of Conference, I decided that FHE was the perfect setting to catch up, and, to make it more fun, suggested we build a fort! Dan was skeptical about it at first, but once we started, he got way into it and it turned out pretty awesome! Chopper loved it, too, though we had to put him to bed. Hahaha!

How did you spend your Monday night??

Family Fun

It's been a while since I've posted, because I was busy having a phenomenally fun time with my family last week! My mother-in-law, Clara, and Aunt Kim drove all the way up to deliver some of our things that we had had to leave behind in AZ. So sweet of them! Daniel was working quite a bit while they were here, so we had a Girls' Day on Friday! 

No Girls' Day is complete without a bunch of Halloween snacks! Candy corn carmel corn, Reese's pumpkins, fun-sized candy bars...the works.

Here's Kim, changing her life by trying a Halloween Oreo for the first time!

Clara taught me how to make carmel corn! 

Shout out to my sister-in-law, Crystal, for sending me two bags of my favorite peanut butter M&M's! You're the best!!

We played cards, ate junk food, and watched chick flicks all day! What a blast! Katherin came and joined the fun for a little while, and everyone just loved her. 

Daniel came home the next morning, so we all went out to breakfast before they had to leave. Dan and I drove out to Fort Collins for a few hours to shop--without much success--then caught the rest of General Conference. Oh, how I love Conference! Two days of spiritual edification. It was the perfect way to end this crazy awesome week!

Tony Tony Chopper

I officially apologize about my whining the other day...because about 20 minutes after I posted that, I found a pair of Border Collie puppies! I didn't want to mention anything on here until it was set in stone.... I'd say bringing our puppy home is pretty much set in stone!

Meet Tony Tony Chopper! (If you get the reference, points to you!) We drove 2 hours each way for him, and it was soooo worth it! When we met him, we were instantly in love! Even Daniel admitted that he was way cuter than he expected. I'll make a dog lover out of him yet!

Chopper's such a cuddle bug! He loves chewing on his squeaky duck, his big Angry Bird, leaves, and towels. He totes around a microfiber dish towel, but trips over it constantly! He initially was pretty scared about coming in and out of the house (and pretty much anywhere new for that matter), but after going in and out for bathroom breaks, he's gotten the hang of it. Speaking of bathroom breaks, he's doing flawlessly for now! I have puppy pads just in case he has an accident tonight, but I think he'll get the hang of it really soon, because he's only ever done his business outside.

I gave him a bath, which he...tolerated at best. He is very very vocal about what displeases him: long car rides, walking through doorways, being shut in the laundry room while we're away, something while chewing up his toys(?), staring at me(??), and me talking on the phone when he's trying to nap. What a goober!! But seriously. Guys. Look at that face!!

Love Story Part 1: Becoming Friends

It was my Junior year, and I was at a football game with some friends. The game was starting to get a bit stale, so a guy friend and I were walking around the stands, talking to people we knew. We came across a boy from my neighborhood, and his friend, Dan Coley. Now, I'd heard of him before. Dan Coley is a big name on campus. But I never had a face to stick to it until now. He didn't say much, but he seemed really nice.

A few weeks later, after a church service project, we were all eating lunch.  And there he was: Dan Coley. I sat nearby, because I overheard a conversation between him and our mutual friends about Lord of the Rings. *Spoiler Alert* I'm a huge nerd. So we started talking. Turns out, we have a bunch in common. He got my number.

We started texting and would see each other quite a bit. He invited me on a day trip into Phoenix, shortly after the light rail opened (Pictured above). We hung out at our friend's eagle project. We were just friends. But I knew he liked me a little more than that.

Stay tuned for more! 

Railroad Wives

I'm terrible at making new friends. Terrible. Which why I was so happy when Katherin and her husband, Lee, introduced themselves to us. Lee works for the railroad, too, so he and Dan have a lot in common. That same link connects Katherin and I as "railroad wives".

"Railroad wives" survive lonely days while their husbands are on the road. They often feel like a lone parent, and meeting new people is hard when your family moves again and again. Such fate brought us together. Lee was transferred to Sterling about a month before Daniel started. Therefore, both Katherin and I are the new girls in town. That means instant bonding!

We exchanged numbers and have texted a bit. We sit together during church, especially when our husbands are working. The other day, we had lunch together, and talked for hours. She's so fun, and actually takes an interest in who I am and how I am. She invited me and Daniel to dinner that night, as well, and we had such a great time with them. We left feeling so excited about this new friendship and its opportunities.

I had a little bit of a hard time at first, letting go of my insecurities and opening up, but this was just meant to be. It's such a blessing to me that Katherin has been so kind and welcoming, and I think she's really happy to have someone to relate to. The Lord really does take care of all of our needs. If we open up to the possibilities, He will bless us in ways we couldn't have imagined. And for that, I'm truly grateful.

The Puppy Struggle

I'm pretty much obsessed with animals. If I see one, I have this need to hug it or something! (Hence, the frogs.) Daniel isn't much of an animal person, but he agrees that we need a dog for protection's sake. Wheee!!

And so the Craigslist search began. It started out as just a curious venture, but then I became very much emotionally involved.
"Honey! Honey! Golden Retriever puppies in Akron!!! Where's Akron??"
"DANIEL! Look at these Australian Shepards!!!"
"I've never really liked Blue Healers....but look how adorable!!!"
This went on for a good solid hour, until...I found it. The perfect litter of puppies. Pure-bred Saint Bernards! And very close, too!! I was so excited, Daniel told me to text them! So I did! And I waited.

This morning, I couldn't wait anymore, so I called. She answered. The puppies were all gone.... Such heartbreak.... Why is finding a good guard puppy so hard?? We need a good-sized dog, no terriers or pit bulls. Something smart, and preferably a female. That's a pretty wide scope, but it's yielded nothing nonetheless.

I implore you: if you know of any good puppies in need of a loving home within 200 miles of Sterling, CO, please pass along their information! 

10 Ways How NOT to Unpack After Moving

Unpacking is the worst.

In the last year, I've moved about 6 times. Out of those 6 times, how many times have I completely unpacked? That's right. ZERO.

Each time, I've moved into what's felt like a temporary space. Leases, college, and sudden life changes will do that to you. Even the house we're in now may very well only last a few months. But I'm putting my foot down! I'm saying "No!" to not unpacking!

I searched Pinterest for some unpacking tips, and they all told me I've done a terrible job so far. Don't worry, I already knew that. So while these tips are helpful for people who haven't started yet (or haven't started packing, even), what about those of us who are struggling to finish? Maybe a To-Don't list is better suited to our needs. Since I haven't yet found one, here you are:

10 Ways How NOT to Unpack After Moving

10. If you packed a couple of suitcases to make the transition easier, do NOT leave them in the middle of your bedroom. Get rid of that clutter ASAP!

9. While it's good to divide the boxes into categories in their respective rooms, do NOT put a majority of those boxes in the spare room. You're just lulling yourself into a sense of false accomplishment.

8. Do NOT procrastinate setting up major pieces of furniture. Those books will never see the light of day unless you get your bookcase squared away!

7. Do NOT make do with a third of your wardrobe. You'll be surprised at how many outfit combos you've been missing out on by neglecting all those boxes of clothes.

6. On that note, do NOT familiarize yourself with your clothing boxes too well. You'll be digging out certain items piece by piece for months if you know exactly where everything in hiding.

5. Do NOT allow clutter to settle before you've finished unpacking. It's easier to unpack immediately, than have to clear out a space for something that should've been there a month ago.

4. Do NOT buy paper plates and plastic utensils.

3. Do NOT hang on to duplicates. You're never going to need that third toaster. Just unpack it, and donate it!

2. Do NOT start using unpacked boxes as tables, nightstands, chairs, etc. If there's something on top of it, it'll never get opened or unpacked.

1. Finally, and most important, do NOT unpack your computer, TV, etc before everything else is done. Don't say I didn't warn you.

To those of you who, like me, are struggling to rid their house of cardboard. Don't give up! Know there are people just like you, fighting the same battle. We shall prevail!

I Am Good Enough

Al Carraway got me. Seriously. I'll let this article and video speak for themselves, but if you've ever wondered if you're good enough, if you're worth it, if you matter, you'll find your answer.

The Secret to Have Your Best Life

An Overdose of Green

Our favorite park is, by far, Pioneer Park. It is filled with green grass, green trees, and an abundance of wildlife...not to be confused with the one in AZ, which is filled with scary people. We visited a couple days ago, and found a bunch of random, awesome, things. Behold:

A frog.

A much bigger frog. 

An epic staff.

 Ants.

And a bunch of failed outfit pics, the best of which is this one. 

JK, the best is probably the one with the ants. :P 

Moral of the story: parks are fun, frogs are fairly easy to catch (no warts yet, knock on wood), and I need to work on poses if this whole outfit thing is going to work. What do you think? Would outfit posts be totally hokey cheesy, or should I try to make it work? Comment below, friends!

Shirt: Kohl's // Shorts: Gap // Purse: Forever 21 // Shoes: Payless