My 23rd Birthday

Wow! Where does the time go? It's so funny because back in August, Tim and I were out celebrating our year anniversary (of dating of course) and were talking about birthdays. I was excited because I thought I was turning 22 this year...Tim then corrected me and needless to say, I felt really stupid. But it was hilarious. I did have my 23rd birthday on the 10th and it was great! It was the first birthday in many years that I was not studying for a final or having to take one so that was a nice change. It was also the first birthday I think I've worked on. I usually have it off to study...Anywho, I went to work and the kiddos made me cards and sang me happy birthday. :) It was super sweet. They actually thought that it was still my birthday the next day. :) I got off an hour early and went home to get ready for dinner. As I'm getting ready, Tim gets home and makes me stay upstairs. When I'm ready, I come downstairs to beautiful flowers and a present inside a Spider-man bag. :) :) :) Tim got me a Packers beanie like I've been wanting and a gift card to a store in the mall called Angels. I never shop there because I'm afraid I'd spend too much money. But now I have an excuse to go in there and only spend what's on my gift card.

Our house has been decorated for Christmas since the weekend following Thanksgiving and I can't wait for it to get here! My parents and in-laws will be at our house Christmas morning and then we'll be going caroling at a local nursing home. :) I'm so excited!! And it's finally getting warmer and actually above freezing so that's a nice change. :)

I have spent the first half of my day baking cookies and then napping and watching football. I now have to go get ready for church. :) Talk to you soon!

Thanksgiving 2009

Well it was my first Thanksgiving without my parents here. A little weird, but I got to spend time with Tim's family in Estes. I made my first pecan pie and had a melt down because I used the wrong kind of crust. I really think I was just wanting my family here. My parents went to visit Cory and Kendi in Montana while Tim and I stayed here because of work. But it was a great Thanksgiving and we can't wait until Christmas. My parents and in-laws are going to be at our house for Christmas. :) Hooray!! I put up the decorations Friday and am super excited. Christmas is my favorite time of year. It's kind of funny because my birthday is two weeks before Christmas and Tim's is two weeks after. It's an exciting time of year. Anywho, right now we are watching the Vikings stomp on the Bears and are about to start a movie. :)

It's Been SO Long!!!

Wow! It's been a really long time since I've blogged...but I have a good excuse. You know, getting married and all. :)

Tim and I have settled into the condo nicely and it looks more like a home now than it ever has. Married life is awesome and we're doing really well.

I just wanted to make a quick post and put up some wedding photos. :)

Encounter with a 3rd Kind...

Most people have been pulled over by a cop way before they are 22 years old. Well, I was one exception. I have fortunately never been pulled over...until Saturday evening. It was definitely not the worst experience, but I was shaking and extremely nervous. He pulled me over because my break light was out and I just got a warning. Tim and I fixed it as soon as we got back to my house, but I was still shaking at that point.

It started out by my grabbing everything out of my glove compartment because I had no idea what I was going to need. Then the cop comes up to my window and I didn't see him so I got a little startled. But he asked for my license, registration, and proof of insurance. I told him and I didn't know what 2 of those looked like because I'd never been pulled over before. He kinda chuckled because he just assumed everyone knew because most have been pulled over before. He was a very nice man and funny. He asked me things like, "So, how is your first time being pulled over going? Is it a good experience so far?"

I couldn't find the correct registration so he had to look it up in his computer. I eventually found it. He handed me my warning to sign. My hands were shaking it was a little too hard to do so. He then told me, "It's been a pleasure doing business with you. You did a great job. The only thing I have to say is next time, you should pull into the parking lot because this is a busy street." I just pulled over as soon as possible and didn't even think about that. Tim was following me so he pulled into the next parking lot to make sure I was ok. He knows that I have a hard time trusting cops and luckily, it was still light outside so I wasn't as freaked out. That and the officer didn't turn on his sirens, just his lights. That would've really freaked me out. But overall, my first experience with a "3rd Kind" was very interesting and not as bad as I thought. :) I'm glad that it's over and done with and hopefully I won't have to deal with that again.

The Pieces are Coming Together

So I graduated May 15, have a job interview on Monday, and the honeymoon is booked!!! :) Tim and I are going to Riviera Maya, Mexico for 8 days. His parents are amazing and are paying for the honeymoon. We're really excited!! The first two nights after the wedding we'll be in Colorado. Tim won't tell me where our first night will be, but the second night we'll be closer to the airport.

This semester I had all A's and one B for my online class. My semester GPA was a 3.9. :) Very exciting. My parents, Tim and his mom, and Tom and Mabby made it to my graduation. :) I saw Cory and Kendi the following day and my uncle Chirag. I got to keep Cory and Kendi's two dogs, Savannah and Zoey. I LOVED watching them for a week while they were in Jamaica. Granted, I think Jamaica would've been more fun, but the pups kept me company and we had a lot of fun. :)

Tim and I had our engagement photos done the other day. These are a just a few of our favorites.

Other than the job hunt, all the wedding plans are coming together. :) I have my first dress alteration on Monday. I'm excited about that! I will keep everyone posted on upcoming plans. :)

I Can See the Finish Line!!

I'm almost an alumni!!!!! I cannot wait to graduate! Tim bought me a really pretty dress for graduation. I'm excited to wear it! :) I hope the weather clears up between now and then. I'm kind of tired of rain. I love the rain, but not in May and not when I was wearing shorts two days ago. Oh well. It's Colorado.

I finished my online class (WOOHOO!!!!!!). It was my last class I needed for my Gerontology certificate. I'm getting a B in the class, which is AWESOME! I'll be getting A's in the rest of my courses this semester. Very exciting. :)

That's all. Just working on little things here and there. I need to go buy my vail and Tim and I need to figure out tux stuff for the wedding. The bridesmaid dresses are in, so we'll use those as a color comparison. I can't believe it's only 4 months away!!!! :)

Date Night and Upcoming Graduation :)

Tim and I went on a fantastic date night last weekend. :) He had just sold one of his motorcycles and his blazer, so he wanted to spoil me with a steak dinner. So, we went to Austin's. It was delicious!!! The vegetables had the taste of the fire and the steak was cooked perfectly. It was nice to actually go out and have a nice dinner. :)

We have completely finished our registry for the wedding. We went to Target the other night and put a TON of movies and books on that registry. We needed more items there and we know our college friends can afford movies, but I think we may have overdone it on the DVDs. Oh well. It was fun.

School is almost over!!!!! I have two weeks of classes left and basically just one final during finals week. I am almost to the finish line!!! :) I'm bummed Cory and Kendi can't make it to graduation because they'll be on the road Friday, but I'll get to see them on Saturday before they leave for Jamaica. I get to keep the puppies the whole time they're gone and I'm STOKED!!! So is Tim. :)

Tim and I donated plasma the other day. I almost vomited as a side effect, but I was fine shortly afterwards. We're trying to make a little extra money for the honeymoon and plasma is one of the ways to help us out. I put a jar together labeled 'Honeymoon' where we put contributions in as often as possible. I'm putting in 10% of every paycheck. My tithe check to the church comes first, but as long as I can afford it I'm going to try to put some to the honeymoon fund as well.

One more side note: I got Tim to watch 'Hairspray' with me! I've been wanting to watch that movie again for a few months and we alternate on styles of movies. Musicals aren't typically a top choice for him, but I get one in every once in a while. :) Anywho, he enjoyed it and I was just excited he agreed to watch it with me.

Hurry up Spring!!!

I can't wait until the Spring really gets to Colorado! It's been snowing recently, then the next couple of days are in the 60s, and then it snows again. :( I just want it to be nice and stay nice, but I should probably move or change my thought process while I'm in Colorado. Don't get me wrong, I love it here but I am desperate for the Spring and flip-flop season! I love being outside!

I'm catching up in my online class and Tim and I are looking to book a Honeymoon site. We have a budget and can use as many suggestions as possible. We'd like to go out of the U.S. for a few days at an adults only resort-type facility. It's exciting looking for Honeymoon stuff. :) Anywho, that's all for now!

I'M ENGAGED!!!!

So this is old news for some, but Tim proposed to me on Valentine's Day. :) I've been so busy with school, work, and now planning my wedding that I haven't updated my blog in quite some time. But I wanted to share the story of our engagement. So, here it is. :)

I worked a buffet at work that day and got off around 3. Tim told me the night before that I had to let him know where I was at all times on Valentine's Day. I was confused because he was working until 5, but I called him when I got off and let him know when I was almost home. I wanted to take a shower, but he told me on the phone that I may not be able to. Again, I was confused and suspicious. As soon as I walk in my door, there were candles, food, and a big present with a rose on the table. Also, music was playing and Tim was around the corner waiting for me. He was getting off at 3 secretly, but he actually called in sick because he wasn't feeling well. So, we ate and I got to take a shower. I was told I had to make it quick because we had somewhere to be before it got dark and that I needed to dress warm. (Dressing warm was the only hint I got prior to this day). After I was ready, we opened our presents for each other. I made him a picture collage and he bought me this beautiful frame with some black and white pictures in it. I love it! Then, we got in his blazer and started driving. He drove me up Hoorsetooth (which is a local and beautiful reservoir in Fort Collins) where we had our first motorcycle ride and we got out and looked over the lake and the city. It was snowing and very cold, but absolutely perfect. After we were a little too cold, we got back in his blazer. Tim told me he still had a present for me, so I wasn't sure what to expect. To be honest, I had a feeling the proposal was coming, but I wasn't sure if he'd pop the question on Valentine's Day. (Sidenote: My parents got engaged on Valentine's Day so that's pretty neat we get to share that with them). Anywho, we're sitting in his truck (his dome light is out and that's why we had to get there when it was still daylight) and he said, "I have a serious question to ask you." I said, "Ok. What is it?" Tim replied, "Do you want to drive?" I looked at him like he was crazy and told him no because he knows I don't like driving a stick shift. Then, he opened up his glove-compartment and pulled out the steering wheel for MarioKart (a Wii video game I've been wanting since Christmas). I then got really excited because I love this game. He hands me the box with the game in it and as I'm unwrapping it, he says, "Before you open this, the guys I bought this from gave me a lifetime gaurantee. You have to read it." I thought that was lame because I didn't want to read it, but he has connections at game shops so I wasn't surprised about a lifetime guarantee. So I open the box and that's where he hid the ring. :) Tim then says, "Ok. That was a fib. It's my lifetime guarantee. Will you marry me?" I said, "OF COURSE!" And then I jokingly said, "I can't believe you didn't get down on your knee for this!" It was really cold out so I don't blame him. After that, we called our families and close friends and told them the news. :) Our wedding is set for September 6, 2009 and we are both very excited!! :) :) :)

Study Break

Well, I just took my first online test of the semester and I think I did pretty well. I also had to put the work schedule together for the next couple of weeks. I'm just taking a quick study break. Tomorrow I have my first test for my Ethnic Studies class. Not uber excited about it, but I don't think it will be that hard. Other than tests, I'm still sore from my exercise classes. I think I pulled a muscle in my leg from aerobics on Monday. :(

So, Valentine's Day is Saturday and Tim won't tell my anything about what we're doing...I guess I don't mind surprises. :) He's only given me a time and to "dress warm." That's all I got. But I'm pretty stoked about this weekend. I'm hoping to see my uncle, Chirag, on Sunday as well. He lives in Denver and couldn't come last weekend because of the weather. We may all go out to lunch. I'm hoping his girlfriend can come too. I have a new friend from my aerobics class that brought her boyfriend to my church this past Sunday. They loved it and I'm excited they can enjoy it! They've been looking for a closer church than the one they've been going to. And I ran into an old friend of mine from last year that wants to start coming to my church too. That's be sweet. :)

Well, back to the books...and then bed. My eyes and brain hurt...

Holy cow, I'm so busy!

Hello all! I've been super busy, but I have a few minutes to update everyone. I've started my final semester and haven't really had a break since! I actually prefer things busy, but sometimes it gets a little ridiculous. (I REALLY want to finish the 4th Twilight book, but my homework is getting in the way.) :( Anywho, my new job is going well. I've been trained for mornings and evenings now. The only bummer is I usually work mornings and my shift starts at 6. BUT I'm done by 10 and then go to class, so that's not too bad. All the residents still like me, so that's good. :)

Classes are going well. I have aerobics and racquetball 3 days a week and I also go to the gym on those days. Tuesdays and Thursdays I have volleyball. Let's just say, I'm getting a good workout during the weekdays. :) Aerobics is kicking my butt, but I love the challenge. My teacher actually reminds me a lot of Emily Pollard...so I think she's cool...:) Racquetball is a lot of fun, but most of the time I'm exhausted from working and having class all day that I'm not focusing as much as I want to. Volleyball is a blast! I'm making a lot of new friends and enjoying my time. I also have sign language again and my professor is picking up the pace and sometimes it's hard to keep up, but it's one of my favorite classes ever. My senior seminar class is good. It'll be a lot of research, grant writing, and group work, but I've known my group members for the last 3 years or so, so I know we'll all be hard workers. :) The only class that's really tough to sit through is my ethnicity and the media class. It's not hard and the professor is great, it's just difficult listening to stories about or quotes from people that have been killed or ridiculed because of their ethnicity or sexual orientation or whatnot. I grew up in a pretty diverse environment, especially my high school, and I wouldn't have had it any other way. It's a great class, but it breaks my heart to know that there's so much hate still in the world.

Other than that, Tim and I have been together for 6 months today. :) We've started a new Bible study group with some AMAZING people at our church. It's a young married/couples group so it's definitely a different atmosphere then what I'm used to, but we're excited about it and are looking forward to learning from others and studying God's word. It's interesting because now Tim and I are hanging out with more couples and I got so used to doing things alone that it's a little different...no complaints here though...I've decided to only work with the kidos at church twice a month now. It's just too much for me to handle every weekend. I'm lacking in the sleep department and I need to take care of myself. So, I'll at least get to sleep-in two days a month. :)

Onto some sad news, Tim's twin brother, Chris, and his wife and baby moved to Delaware last week. It's been a little tough for the family and friends, but just keep us and Tim's family in your prayers. It's an amazing job opportunity for Chris and his wife gets to be a stay-at-home mom. :) Tim's parents and him and his brother have all lived in the same town for the past 27 years, so it was a big move. But everyone will be okay. :) I think that's it for now, though. :) I've got more homework to do.

PS-Kendi, I totally picked the same background as you when I was updating it today and loved it, but I didn't realize it was the one you picked...so mine's not the same...mine's cooler! :)

It's Been a While, eh?

Well, since last time I typed, it was before Christmas. Well, let me catch you up on a few things. I'll try and make it as short as possible.

After finals week, I went home and spent some time with my parents. I was there about a week before Cory and Kendi arrived. My parents and I watched some old Christmas movies with Bing Crosby and Jimmy Stewart. I loved them! It was a lot of fun. My parents and I had our Christmas together. My big present was my b-e-a-utiful guitar!! I LOVE IT! It's got great sound and once the director at church puts the 'Worship Leader 101' class together, I'll get to use it at church. Once Cory, Kendi, and the pups showed up, we played Wii games and cards the entire time. Tim got to spend a few days with the family. It was nice. I'm glad he finally got to meet Cory and Kendi. And of course he fell in love with Zoey and Savannah! Yay! We all had our Christmas once everyone showed up. Tim got me a beautiful cross necklace! I'd been wanting a new one and he did a wonderful job. :) New Year's was fun too. Tim had to work, but Cory, Kendi, and myself went to the Perkins' house. David had proposed that night and it was a celebration party. After he had taken us the place he popped the question, Tim came walking down the street. :) He drove all the way down...again...just to surprise me and give me my first kiss at midnight. :) It was very exciting!

After I got home, Tim's birthday was right around the corner. We celebrated on the 6th instead of the 8th because he had that day off. So, that afternoon we actually drove to Denver to meet Cassie to give her the XBOX he sold her for Chris's birthday. But we got stuck in traffic and were running late for our dinner plans. He thought we were going out, so I pretended to change reservation times. But really, I was planning on making him dinner. I was texting Jenni (an old roommate and great friend) to see if she could come over and help me cook. So, Tim dropped me off because I told him I had 'errands' to run real quick, and Jenni started cooking the steaks while I got ready. She also brought fondue as a last minute emergency for me. :) Anyway, the steak, potatoes, and green bean dinner was delicious. He showed up expecting me to get in the car right away, but he walks in there's music on and candles lit and food on the table. He was definitely surprised. :) Thanks to Jenni, I pulled it off. On his actual birthday, his family and I went to dinner and he got a Wii. Well, everyone has been sold out for months, but we luckily got one last night. So he used the money he saved from selling the XBOX to buy himself a nice camera.

Other than that, I'm ready for school to start. I started my new job and it's going well so far. Classes start Tuesday and I'm pretty excited to be busy again. :) OH! How could I forget to talk about the 'Twilight' books!!?? I'm on book 3 and am absolutely loving them! Tim and I saw the movie last night...the book is definitely better...but the movie wasn't half bad. Tim's planning on reading them as well and my mom has my copy of the first book. Thanks to Kendi, I am now hooked. :)