Holiday Fun

Since I have some time now that finals are over to write on our blog I thought I'd take the opportunity while I had it. Christmas was a lot of fun this year. On Christmas Eve Blake and I went to my parents house where all my siblings and their families had gathered. This was the last year that we decided to all get together for Christmas since all of their little families are growing and they're starting traditions of their own. Anyway, we had the nice, traditional dinner that night and then went to see the lights around town... we didn't even make it into town before all the kids fell asleep. We adults enjoyed the lights (and quite) anyway. When we got back to the house we had a special visitor come and see the kids... yep, Santa made a special stop at my parents house with the kids' Christmas p.j.'s in tow. Most of the kids really liked Santa, but little Jack wasn't too sure about some big guy in a red suit and started to cry (he's so cute even when he's crying). After that we tried to get the kids settled down to go to bed... yeah that was fun... Anyway, Grandma and Grandpa had a sleepover with the older kids upstairs while the parents got things put together downstairs, and then played games because their kids were asleep. That was fun! The next morning the kids got up and were excited to see the presents that Santa left, and we all had a great time opening gifts and being excited with the kids. We also had a very yummy breakfast, and then just chilled for awhile. Blake and I left for a few hours to go to Inkom where his grandparents live for some time with his family, and with all the snow it made for an interesting ride. We came back to my parents house for a few more hours to be with my grandma and then left for Blake's parents house to have Christmas with his parents. We got too spoiled, but enjoyed our time there watching Mama Mia! (I love that show!) So that was our Christmas break, pretty busy but soooo much fun to be with family. For New Years we'll be partying with some good friends of ours and that promises to be a fun night. After that it is on to my final semester of school! I'm actually excited for this semester because it's my last. Blake has been getting things together to go to school in the fall, and it will be nice to change roles for awhile. I hope the Holiday's were and will be great for all of you!

Being sick is no bueno!

I hardly ever post pictures on my blog, and thankfully, this is no exception! This story is a warning for everyone else who has yet to get the stomach flu.
So, I'm feeling all fine and dandy on Saturday and decide to go Christmas shopping (yea! all of it's done!), after Christmas shopping Blake and I go with my parents to Twin Falls for Jack's first birthday (Jack is my nephew). Still, I'm doin good. We get home later that night, and run to my parents house to trade a few food items (they needed potatoes, I needed jello, it all worked out). We get home, and exhausted, go to bed.
I woke up about 2:30 with my stomach aching soooooo bad. After about 45 minutes of tossing and turning I finally throw-up. Thinking that I'd feel better after that I went to bed. No such luck... I woke up an hour later with the same problem, and from then on I never got sleep cause I was pretty sick. Finally, after nothing was working to make me feel better, Blake and I went to an urgent care place.
The P.A. assistant decided that I needed a shot of medication (AHHHHH!!!! All of you should know me well enough that I don't handle needles well at all!). The nurse comes in to give me the shot, so I roll up my sleeve... no such luck exists in my world. I had to get the shot in the hip, and let me say holy ouch that hurts! Apparently, that didn't sit too well with me and I got up to go to the sink, but didn't make it before passing out on the floor. Poor Blake was scared to death and called out for some help.
We finally left the urgent care place (not before I passed out two more times and threw-up a few more times) with me being drowsy from the medication (that's the one good thing about that shot). I was able to sleep for a few hours, but woke up still feeling yucky. I got in one more good passing out/throw-up session in and then tried to go to bed. On a side note, the prescription meds they gave me, were not the easiest to take and I'll just leave it at that. Anyway, I woke up the next morning a little weak, but other than that perfectly fine.
Yea for an illness that doesn't last long! Anyway, my warning is this... keep away from people who have it, and don't try to use conventional things to settle your stomach, they won't work. You are better off just to go to the urgent care place with the start of symptoms rather than wait it out.
Luckily, Blake didn't catch it...yet, which is amazing because he was by my side every minute. He didn't complain once when getting thrown-up on (I had no control at these moments because I was just coming to from passing out), or having to clean it up. I have such a wonderful husband! He was sooooo caring!

Thanksgiving Weekend and Christmas wishes

I realized I haven't posted anything new in a while, so I thought I'd better say something. Our life really isn't that exciting right now, because it involves work and school and that's about it. However, this last week had no school (also no homework done which should have been done...whoops), and not as much work. We spent Thanksgiving Day with Blake's family in Shelley. We had a very yummy dinner and then sat and talked and played games, which sounds a lot like my family so it wasn't really too hard to transition to different family traditions. Also, I love Blake's family, they're so much fun and love to have a good time. My siblings also came to town (or surrounding areas) to be with their in-laws, and we got to hang out for a little while which was a lot of fun. It can get kinda crazy with six kids that are all 3 or younger running around, but it was good. I love to see my nieces and nephews, because they all recognize me and are so happy to see me, it makes me feel loved. :- ) Anyway, I did go shopping the day after, but I wasn't one of those crazy people that got up at four to go (apologies if any of you did go that early, but I still think you're crazy! ;- )). We started shopping just after 9 and we were able to get a lot of decorations and lights for our apartment (why I didn't think ahead and hit the after Christmas sales last year I don't remember). After all the family left on Sunday, we were able to put up our Christmas Tree, and the other decorations we had. Our apartment looks so festive and I love it! That was our fun Thanksgiving Holiday, and I hope you all had a fun one too. Since I'm not very efficient with cards, I'll wish you all a very Merry Christmas here in our blog. I hope you all know how much we love you and hope nothing but good things for you all. Please keep in touch anyway you can! MERRY CHRISTMAS!

I got tagged!

Tag from my friend Ben...who thinks my last name is Hummus ;- P

My 5 favorite restaurants:
Texas Roadhouse
Wingers
Spaghetti Factory
Olive Garden
Red Lobster

5 things I did yesterday:
went to class (French Revolution...blah)
went to work
fed missionaries
went visiting teaching
went to Blake's parents house to drop off/pick up some things

5 things I look forward to:
GRADUATING IN MAY!!!!!
getting a better job
my sister and her family coming for Thanksgiving
Christmas season
a night with the girls next week

5 things I love about fall:
the colors
my birthday
soups
cooling down from the summer
sweaters

5 things on my wish list:
a good job
kids (not for awhile though)
two new tires for my car
washer and dryer
full-body massage

5 favorite things to do:
read
watch movies
play games (indoor or outdoor, doesn't matter)
spend time with family and friends
go to the Temple

Now I tag...
Sarah (because apparently she's bored) ;- )
Barbara
George

Busy, Busy, Busy

It's been crazy busy for Blake and I the last few weeks, and that's the reason I haven't posted anything for awhile. Blake has been working hard as ever and enjoying his time off with friends and family. He also finds time to help me out by doing chores around our home, which I appreciate very, very much. I have been reading, doing papers, working, and trying to be social. I finally see the light at the end of the tunnel with school in that next semester I will be taking my seminar class along with another one of my choice, and an internship. I'm really excited that I got this internship because it's the only one for the department and I was able to get it! My luck usually isn't that good, so I was pretty shocked. Anyway, that's the readers digest version of what's going on in our lives right now. I have to say that since yesterday was elections (for which I had to work a 13 hour day), I have to say my two cents on some things since I can say whatever I want on my blog :- ) One, is yes, I was not an Obama supporter. Two, yes, I wasn't that thrilled with McCain either. It was choosing the lesser of two evils in my opinion. But, I also have hope that Obama will do what is right, and that if he doesn't the other two branches of government will keep things in check. That's what I love about our country and our forefathers. They knew that a country ruled by one person and even one group of people would not work. I know that they were inspired of God as to how to form this country. I also put my faith in God to know that whatever may come, whether it's a result of our president or not, He is in control. Be still and know that he's God. He will do what he can for this country he created as long as it's inhabitants do their part. I must also say that I'm pleased that the controversial Proposition 8 of California was able to pass. Everyone should have the rights of marriage, but God has said that marriage is between a man and a woman, and I'm not about to go against what God has defined. This proposition was also important to me because I was able to see the balance of power play out. The Judicial Branch made gay marriage legal without the authority to do so, and it was interesting to see that when the decision was placed in the hands of the people of the state that they chose something different. Anyway, that's a little more than two cents, but oh well, at least my opinion has been shared. God bless America.

Girls Night

Every so often (we try for monthly, sometimes doesn't happen) some of my friends and I go out and go to breakfast, dinner, or dessert. Last night we met at Applebee's for dessert, and man it was so funny. Katie, George, Crystal, and I sat there long after our desserts were half-eaten and talked and laughed. After we had worn out our welcome at Applebee's they came over to my new apartment, and we ended up talking for another hour. Our conversations are mostly random and jump from topic to topic, but there are some benefits to talking about random stuff. For example, Crystal and her husband are moving and now have an extra washer and dryer which she has so nicely now offered to me! yea!!! Crystal was also looking for a better job, and George was able to tell her about where she works and the benefits of that place. It works out quite nicely for all of us to help each other out. It's also good to catch up on everybody's news, like Katie who is less than two months away from delivering her second son. George's brother got married. Crystal is going to be moving and perhaps changing jobs. As for me, pretty much more of the same, chugging along with school and work. Anyway, since I know they read my blog I'll just say thanks to you three for all the fun times, and that I'm always looking forward to being with you all. The only damper is those who can't come cause they live in far away places like Utah and Ohio. And Sarah, since I know you read my blog, that especially means you cause you always make me laugh with your comments on my blog, so it stinks that I can't hear them on a regular basis. :- )
I also have to give loves to my husband, who doesn't mind at all that I go out with the girls every so often, and even went to help his mom clean house! What a great guy I have! Sorry for the mushiness, but hey, we love each other what can I say!

my randomness

So Christine tagged me to list 6 random facts about myself...it's a lot harder than you think. My life is an open book and there is not much that is not known about me, but I'll give it a try....

1. I'm a lefty, and I love it! (except for when I smear ink as I'm writing)
2. I hate Ross dress for less cause they don't carry my shoe size, RUDE!
3. I've never broken a bone (knock on wood), just hyper-extended both my knees and sprained my ankle pretty good.
4. I didn't get me first kiss until I was 20, and I'm grateful that I waited that long, but mad that it was with a jerk of a boy. I'm also grateful that me and my husband didn't kiss a lot of other people before we met.
5. I absolutely HATE IT when people pop their knuckles! It's like nails on a chalkboard!
6. I also hate whip cream (unless it's mixed in with other stuff), it taste like sweet, watery air. bleh!

Anyway, that's my six random facts. Not too surprising, eh. I'm a pretty average person, nothing too extraordinary or anything. But I do love my life and what I've done with it. I've done exciting things and had awesome opportunities come my way that some will never see. I have a wonderful, loving husband, an awesome, fun job, and some amazingly wonderful family and friends (both mine and Blake's). Just because my life doesn't seem glamorous cause I'm not clamoring for the lime light doesn't mean it has been fun or interesting. I love it! :- )

Our very busy weekend

Well, Blake and I made it through the weekend! We both took the day off last Friday to move. It's amazing the amount of crap you accumulate and we've only been married six months!!!! Anyway, we went and signed papers and got keys to our new apartment. Then I went to class while Blake packed up some of our stuff in his parents explorer and one of our cars that I would drive. Well I got to the apartment first, stuck the key in the lock, and guess what? The deadbolt jammed (Murphy's law totally applies to my entire life!), so they had to call a locksmith. By that time Blake was there and the two of them had to climb to one of our windows and crawl in to work with the door from the inside. By that time Blake and I had moved two loads of stuff to our apartment and were starving. So he took me to lunch for my birthday (yeah, happy birthday to me I moved all day long! ;- )). We then went right back to work loading and unloading our things. His parents and my parents showed up with their trucks to load the bigger items at about five, so that by seven we were all moved in. My mom-in-law brought pizza, pop, and cheesecake over and we had a little birthday bash. By then I was so tired I didn't really even get to enjoy it that much. After everyone left, Blake and I set to work getting our bedroom organized so that we could at least sleep. We knew we were really tired when we got a case of the tired giggles at 8:45 (sad, I know!). Then we were up bright and early (5:30) the next morning to go to the Twin Falls Temple to do sealings as a family. It was sooooo awesome to see my parents, my siblings, and all their spouses in a sealing room at the temple. It was a neat experience for all of us. We then went back to Jeff and Kerry's new place in Twin Falls for cake and ice cream for my b-day. We left at about 2:30, and once we got back to Pocatello we had to go and clean our old apartment, and then clean up a bit to go to a wedding reception. Needless to say my Sunday nap was sooooo needed! Anyway, Blake and I are happy with our new apartment, and hope to be able to invite people over as soon as we clear away the boxes and organize a little!

The goings on of the Hymas'

I thought things would begin to slow down once we quit the cleaning job and we got back into a schedule with school....boy was I wrong! I have two classes that might as well be five with all the reading, leading discussions, papers, and tests that I'm already stressing about. I have to lead a discussion on Rousseau on Thursday in my French Revolution class that is stressing me out major. I'm just hoping that she takes it easy on the person that goes first!

This last week has been the Eastern Idaho State Fair, and I had to be there everyday in the KIDK booth. It kept me really busy during the week because I'd have to go to work to get the car, stay there till four(ish), and then drive back to the station. That gave me about ten minutes to check and send faxes, get stuff for the delivery guy ready, and to make sure everything was in working order before I left. It was busy! Blake also had to work extra because of the fair (he works at McKee's), so both of us were pretty busy last week.

At least Blake and I get a little bit of a get-away this weekend, because we're going to Lagoon (I got free tickets through work)! I'm excited to go, but I also have to keep telling myself that it's ok to do that, the week before we move. I'll just have to box everything up that week during the night, in between my mounds of reading and research for two totally different subjects. I'm really excited for the next few weeks because not only our we moving into a nicer, cheaper apartment, but Joni and her family will be here for about two weeks while Matt does a rotation here in Pocatello. It will be soooo much fun, and we all are going to the temple as a family for the first time! I just have to say that I love this gospel, I love that I can be with my family forever! It can be so easy to lose sight of what's important, but as long as you stay firm in your faith things will always be ok, not easier just ok. In our busy lives it can be so easy to forget to do the little things like scripture study, personal prayer, family prayer, and going to the temple on a regular basis. I've felt the difference from when I do these things and when I don't, and life is much better (or my capacity to handle it is better) when I'm doing them.

The first week of school

I, like many others, started school at ISU this week. I have it pretty easy since I only have two classes, but it's interesting to note some changes around ISU. There are a TON more bikes, scooters, and motorcycles on campus than I have ever seen. Also, both of my history classes are in the new Rendezvous building, so I'm nowhere near the History department offices. The Rendezvous building is technically finished, but on the third floor only about 4 classrooms are finished, I walked by at least 4 others that didn't even have sheetrock, it was all concreate and pipes. I still think this building is the biggest waste of money! Anyway, now that I'm off my soapbox... Blake and I finished our cleaning job last Friday and it has been soooooooooo nice not to have to clean for two hours everynight. We've been able to go to a stake FHE, a Chukars game, and just plain relax (well, I read my readings for class, but that's not hard). We also got the official word that Pocatello Housing accepted are application and we are moving to Katsilometes Courts on 7th St. We are very excited because it's sooooo much nicer and cheaper than our current apartment. Anyway, that's about all that's new with us.

School looms ever closer...

I just recieved my bill from ISU for the two 3-credit classes I will be taking this fall...$1416.00!!! Holy crap! It's a good thing that FAFSA realizes that newly married couples are poorer than dirt and gave me some grants or we'd be in trouble. However there is a silver lining to all of this and that is, is that I have this semester and two more classes in spring and then I'm outta there!!!! Also, Blake and I have decided to quit our Varsity cleaning job as of next week, so that we don't have to do that while I do school. It will also help us be eligible (I don't know how to spell that word, hopefully y'all know what I'm talking about) for moving into an apartment called Katslometes Courts. Hopefully, that will happen in early September. It's weird to think that just a year ago I lived with my parents while going to school and having a job. Now, I moved with my parents, got a boyfriend/fiancee/husband, got married, moved into an apartment, took on another job, and will be moving again! This whole moving thing is not fun and I will be glad when it's over. Anyway, Blake and I continue to work and enjoy life, and as long as we do those two things I think will be good.
P.S. I just figured out that people left me comments on all my posts, thanks for saying hi and finding me! Also, Momma Mia was soooooo funny!

finding time to play

Ever since Blake and I got the job at Varsity it's been pretty tough to try and work out schedules and events at night. We have to have at least two hours to clean the building, and it makes having a social life and fulfilling your calling pretty tough. Anyway, we were able to get away for the weekend to Star Valley, and it was sooooo nice to be able to just relax for a couple of days. We golfed, swam, played games with my family, and had some very yummy food ;- ). We also bought a car before we left so that Blake wouldn't freeze on his bike during the winter. We bought it from Robert Allen, and it wasn't the best deal cause they went back on their word on a couple of things, but you live and learn (yeah, learn never to go there again!). Anyway, it's a little 2003 Ford Focus that will get Blake from here to there, and it also has a couple of features that we liked. Anyway, that's been our busy life in a nutshell. Hopefully we will be able to do some more golfing on Saturday here in Poky. Oh! And congrats to Katie, Dean, and Tyler for the new boy addition to their family!!!! Uh-Oh Katie! You're getting a little outnumbered here! ;- )

Fun Times

So this last couple of weeks has been nothing but work for me and especially Blake. We decided to clean a building for Varsity, but I don't really like it. It's weird having a job that I have to work past five for. Not to mention it has to be done Monday thru Friday every night, so it just takes over everything we can do. Blake has applied to a couple of different jobs during the few hours he has off a week, so I guess we'll see what comes of that. Despite all the work we do we have had time to hang out with some family and friends. We had a really fun time with Suttons on Saturday (once Blake was off of work), and yesterday was nice to be able to go to church and not worry about going to a job (that's the only day that Blake has completely off, poor guy!) Anyway, that's about all that goes on in our life, but we love it and love the married life.

more to do

Well, I applied for a job at Varsity and within two days they put me to work cleaning a building at night. The good thing is, is that they also gave Blake the same job, so Blake and I clean a building together. It gets done faster and we get to spend time with each other, so it works out pretty nice. Our family pictures turned out pretty cute if I do say so myself, even with the kids being unhappy and the babies crying. Those pictures remind me of just how wonderful and fun my family is, and how much I love them. I guess we've all come along way from the childhood fights (Barb and I had many of those, and now we're best friends). Anyway, that's what's up in my life right now, just taking it easy until classes start in August. I'm finally seeing the light at the end of the college tunnel and I'm getting soooooo excited. Let's hope my advisor is correct in my classes and requirements, so that I can finally be done this spring! Just in time for Blake to start his college career.

Fun in Park City

This last weekend Blake and I went to Park City with my parents. They own a timeshare with Marriot, and got a condo for the week. It was a lot of fun just to get away and to do whatever you felt like doing for the moment. Blake and my dad went golfing with a friend of my dads(I wanted to go, but it was just the guys), and my mom and I went to the outlet mall to spend my mom's gift voucher that she got from there. After dinner we relaxed in a hot tub and it felt soooo good! The next day we walked around the hotel where we were staying and did the alpine slide and visited the chocolate factory (yum!). This chocolate factory even has chocolate dipped dog bones! Talk about spoiling your pet! Then we rode the bus into town and went to 'Prince Caspian'. It followed the book ok, and was a good movie. Then we went back to the condo and had dinner and played in the pool. On the way back home, Blake and I went and did a session at the Salt Lake Temple. It was the second time I'd been there, and I can say right now you can never get tired of seeing any Temple. They're all so beautiful. Anyway, that was a fun vacation and when we got back my car was all fixed and pretty! Now it's back to work and trying to earn money. I'm thinking of getting a cleaning job at night, so that I can have some extra money and have something more to do so I'm not such a hermit at night.

Family Fun

This last week has been crazy, but fun. All of my siblings were in town this last week and we played everyday (well, after Blake and I got off work anyway). The whole family doesn't get together a lot since Joni and Matt were in Des Moines ( they just moved to Casper, WY for Matt to start his rotations), Barb and Mike are in Boise, and soon Jeff and Kerry will be in Twin Falls (Jeff got a job at T.F.H.S. teaching biology). I love my family and my nieces and nephews, but it was sometimes very overwhelming to have the babies all crying at once and all the toddlers fighting with each other (yeah try taking a family photo with 2 three-year-olds, 1 two-year-old, 1 one-year-old, and 2 six-month olds!). I will be sure to post the photos of the fam when we get them. Anyway, the madness never ends and this week we will be leaving for Park City, UT to spend some time with my parents in a condo for a few days. Hopefully, my car is done by the time we leave...it's currently at Jade Auto Clinic because someone hit my car and then drove away leaving $2,200 damage to my poor car. I'm soooo grateful for insurance!

This last weekend was so much fun! My good friend Britni Warren had the wonderful idea of a get-together on Saturday. It was soooooo much fun to see all the girls that I went to high school with. Most of them had one or two kids with them (Mindy is currently working on her third!). We spent about five hours just talking and having a great time. I'm friends with most of them on facebook, but that's not the same as seeing them in person. It was great! Then Blake and I spent all Sunday with his family having a good time. I love weekends like these, they're what get you through the work week (not that my job is all that hard).

The Unknown world of Blogging

So I'm sitting here at work and very (VERY) bored. I decided I should start blogging, because then I can just blab on forever and no one has to read it or they can just skim through. Plus, I like reading my friends blogs and thought that y'all could read mine to keep you updated. Anyway, for those of you who don't know, I just got married in March to the sweetest, cutest guy I've met (and for those of you who did and sent gifts, I'm in the midst of writing thank-you's, so I promise to get those out soon! :- )). His name is Blake Hymas. We were married on March 21, 2008. We are living in Pocatello until I finish school in the spring. I have four classes left, but I have to wait until the spring for one class (which stinks!). I don't recommend changing your major when you're a junior either, I could have been done a long time ago. Oh well. I like History a lot more than elementary ed. It still accomplishes my goal of working in a library or now even a museum. That may seem boring to a lot of people, but I love all the cool factoids and stories that make up history and I could make a career out of it. Blake just got home from his mission in August (yep, I got a young one, but crazy thing is, is that we're less than two years apart in age), and will wait for me to finish and then he'll go to school. He doesn't know what he wants to do yet, but he's got some time to figure that out. Anyway, that's about our life right now.