25 Memories

Since today is my last day of being 25, I thought I would list 25 things that happened in my 25th year.

1.  Feb, went snowboarding for the first time
2.  Feb. 19th, Travis proposed to me
3.  March, Went to my first NCAA game in Colorado
4.  April, Went to Conference at the Conference Center
5.  May, Took engagement pictures
6.  May, Lizzy came to visit
7.  June, Successfully completed my first year of teaching
8.  June, Built a fort and had a sleepover with Brooke
9.  June, Moved away from Utah forever
10. July 9th, Married the most amazing man in the world!
11.  July, Went on my first cruise
12.  July, Missed my annual family reunion for the first time since 2000
13.  July, Had receptions in Oregon and Georgia
14.  July, Moved to Ohio
15.  August, Travis totaled his car
16.  August, I learned how to cook
17.  August, Visited Cincinnati for the first time
18.  September,  Started working as a substitute (working on getting my Ohio teaching license)
19.  September, Got called into the Young Women's Presidency
20.  October, Went to Chicago for the first time
21.  October, Dressed up as Rapunzel
22.  November, Visited my Granny and Papaw in North Carolina
23.  November, Went home for Thanksgiving for the first time since 2004
24.  December,  Got hit head-on and totaled our 2nd car. 
25.  December, Had my first Christmas as a married woman

It has been an amazing year!  These are just a few of the memories that I have from being 25.  Hopefully 26 will be just as amazing! 

Lazy

This is how I feel today:

Good thing it is still Christmas Break!

Electronic Christmas

I have finally started catching up with the rest of the world as far as electronics goes, but apparently not as much as I thought.  I will prove my point with pictures.  For Christmas...

Dad got a Flat Screen TV and an Apple TV:

 Mom got a Kindle Fire:

 Travis got Wireless Speakers:

 Nathan got a Nook and a Power Pad:  (I only have this picture though.  We got him this awesome sleeping bag.)

 Andrew got a DS and and iPod touch:

 AND...I got a Coach Purse. 

No electronics for me.  Maybe one day I will join the rest of the world in the electronic obsession.  For now, my phone and computer are good enough.

Bad Luck

When Travis married me, I don't think he realized that he would get some of the Broadhead Bad Luck genes.  Let me explain.  Earlier this year, my dad was rear-ended and it totaled his car.  The same week, he was driving his truck and got rear-ended again.  My mom has also been rear-ended recently, but it did not total the car.  Then you may remember this post from August when Travis got rear-ended and totaled his car.  Well, the bad luck has struck again...this time in the front.

 

Let me tell you the story.  Travis and I were headed down to Georgia to visit my parents for Christmas.  We left right after Travis got home and would be arriving about 1 in the morning.  Little did we know the change of plans.  About 2 hours south of Dayton, we decided to stop and take a potty break.

We were preparing to enter back onto the highway and pulled into the left turn lane.  The next thing I knew, there was a crash.  When I came to my senses, I realized that we were just in a head on collision.  I looked at Travis and asked if he was ok.  He said yes and asked if I was.  I said yes.  I jumped out of the car and asked the girls in the other car if they were ok.  They were fine. 

So, what did happen?  We were in the left turn lane about to get on the highway.  The girls were just getting off the highway and turning in our direction.  Instead of turning into their lane, they turned into ours.  Thankfully I did not see it coming.  I probably would have flipped out. 

We have soreness and I have a couple bruises, but everyone is ok.  Seriously, it was the craziest thing ever.  It happened so fast.  I didn't even see the airbag deploy.  Cars are pretty remarkable.  

This is where my head hit the windshield.  Haha...just kidding.  I don't know how it cracked.  Maybe the impact of me hitting the airbag??  I have a red spot on my forehead from it.  

Here is the other car.  We think it is a Chevy Ridgeline.  It was pretty bad too.  They were able to drive off though.

 At the junk yard getting all our stuff and saying goodbye.  (We think it is totaled)

 Another angle.  Travis could only open his door halfway.

We ended up spending the night at the hotel right across the street.  We were even given a ride by the police officer.  He had a decal in the window that said "Gotcha!"  We thought it was funny and the officer laughed and said not everyone that rides in the back of his car thinks it is funny.  It was an eventful night.   

Projectile

Warning:  Not for the faint of heart

Last night, Travis and I were over at a friend's house.  I love her two little boys.  They are the most adorable little things ever.  One is 4 and the other is 2.  The two year old sat on my lap most of the night playing on my phone and talking to me.  After putting my phone away, he started to just cuddle with me.  Well, all of the sudden, he just started to throw up.  I just held him and tried to catch it in his blanket.  I was kind of shocked and Travis just laughed at the situation.  His mom immediately came over and tried to help out.  She was going to take him, but he was covered so I said I would take him up to the bath.  She was so embarrassed and felt horrible.  It was really no big deal.  I just felt bad for the little guy.  After I put him down, I surveyed the damaged done to me.  Somehow he got me all the way down to my toes.  The good news?  I saved the couch and floor from any damage.  I guess my migraines taught me how to handle throw up.

After that happened, another couple that was over there joked around saying that it was just a test to see if I would be ready to have kids.  Apparently he didn't realize that I have been around kids my whole life and have been in situations like this before.

Speaking of kids, I have had some fun experiences with the classes that I have substituted for lately.  Last week one of the kids threw a chair and pouted in the corner (1st grade).  Today I had a boy run out of the gym, across the stage, down the hall, around the corner and halfway down the other hall before I caught him (preschool).  It has been crazy. 

iPhone and Lessons Learned

On Black Friday, I finally joined the rest of the world and got a smartphone.  After much deliberating, I finally decided on the iPhone 4.  I loved it and instantly became reliant on it.  Just one week after purchasing it, my phone decided to commit suicide and jump into the toilet.  I don't even know how it happened, but it did.  I let out a yell/gasp while diving into the toilet to get it.  I have never used such fast reflexes before, or been so willing to stick my hand in the toilet.  I dried it off as quickly as I could.

 Then, not knowing that you are supposed to turn it off immediately, I decided to test it to see if it worked still.  The first button I pressed was the camera button.  Good news!  It worked.  Oh wait...now the touch screen won't work.  I am trying to get it off while Travis is fixing a bag of rice.  We decide to put it in the rice just turned on.  We have no other options.  Now is the hard part.  Time to wait.  I sit.  I say a little prayer (or ten). I hold the rice bag in my hand.  Finally it is time for bed.  Maybe it will be better in the morning.

The next morning came and it won't turn on.  I say another prayer.  I decide not to plug it in yet so that I don't fry the internal system.  We go out shopping and run some errands.  Finally that night I decide to plug it in.  It turns on, but the touch screen won't work.  There is no apparent water damage on the screen though.  I want to cry, but I still have hope.  I say another prayer and promise Heavenly Father that I will read my scriptures everyday if he fixes my touchscreen.

It is Sunday now.  I try my phone again and guess what?!  The touchscreen works!  Laugh if you want, but I have read my scriptures everyday.  A promise is a promise.  The only problem is that the phone won't stay on unless it is plugged in.  So, I have to take it to the Apple Store.  That is bad news because they don't cover water damage.  My hopes are still high.

We went to Apple yesterday and guess what?!  I GOT A NEW PHONE!!!  I wanted to hug the guy I was so happy!  He said there was water damage, but he said since it was only a week old they could make an exception.  His manager would override it.  I am so grateful he was nice to me and I do not take my phone for granted anymore.

Lessons Learned:
1.  Phones+Toilets=No Bueno  (I don't take it into my bathroom anymore)
2.  Heavenly Father answers prayers, even if they are materialistic
3.  Travis doesn't love me as much as my dad does-He said that if I had to buy a new phone, I would have to save up my money and buy it myself (we give ourselves a monthly allowance).  Dad would have given in.  :)
4.  I need to be more cautious with my things.
5.  You get blessings when you read your scriptures. 


 

Update

I realize that it has been waaay too long since I have posted.  I also don't have any pictures.  I apologize.

Nothing too exciting has happened.  We had a very relaxing Thanksgiving Break and now we are back into the swing of life.  I flew down to North Carolina on the Sunday before Thanksgiving to visit Granny and Papaw.  It was a looong day, but my family met me there to pick me up from the airport.  While we were there, Granny made us lots of good Southern food.  She was even brave and took me out shopping.  We haven't done that since I was a teenager. 

On Tuesday we left to make the drive back to Georgia.  Travis met us in Georgia on Wednesday.  I was so excited to see him!  This was the first time that we have been apart since we got married.  I think it was good for us.  He realized how much I do around the house and being apart made me more affectionate.

Thursday was really laid back.  I prepped the turkey and dad fried it.  Mom did basically everything else.  Dad's boss and his wife came over.  The rest of the night was spent playing Qwirkle.  (I won, in case you were wondering)

Nathan and Travis went and braved Wal-Mart at 10pm and Dad braved Target at 1am.  I decided sleep was more important and went shopping later with Travis.  I ended up getting everything I wanted with half the crowd.   

Travis and I left after church on Sunday and now we are back to work here in Dayton.  We will head back to Georgia in a couple weeks for Christmas.  It seems so soon because I am not used to going home for Thanksgiving. 

I just remembered, we put up our tree.  I will get pictures soon!

Marshmallow Guns

From the beginning, I feel like my little brother has liked Travis.  Travis and Andrew are VERY different, so I couldn't figure out how they instantly connected...until the other day. 

I was talking to Andrew on the phone and asked if he was excited that Travis and I were coming home for Thanksgiving.  His response?  "Oh yeah, that reminds me, I need to get more marshmallows."

The same day, Travis and I were talking about Christmas gifts and he said, "I know!  We should get Andrew a double-barrel marshmallow shooter.  And then I will get myself an even bigger one.  (insert evil laugh)."  I reminded him that we already have Andrew's presents, but he looked some up anyways.

That is when it hit me.  Last year, Travis spent Christmas at my house and Santa brought all of us Marshmallow guns.  The boys had a blast, but Andrew and Travis in particular.  I think Andrew had an instant bond with Travis because he can act like a child.  Andrew had someone to play with and Travis got away with being childish.  It all worked out. 

Here is some proof of their joy:

Just look at that smile

 Andrew hates pictures, so this is the only one I could find.  He never put the gun down. 

New Friends

This is from a group date.  (Thanks Kera!)

Today I am grateful for new friends!  I don't know what has caused me to be so emotional lately, but I have really appreciated the small things in my life and it brings tears to my eyes when I think about it.

Anyways...moving to Ohio was a traumatic experience for me.  Everything in my life suddenly changed.  I left the most amazing job in the world, with the best co-workers and parent support to come to...no job.  I left all of my best friends for the past 7 years to come to...no friends.  I went from being completely free and independent to being married and making compromises (not that it is a bad thing, just required adjustments).  I went from Utah, a place that I grew to love, to...Ohio.  Basically there was a lot of change and uncertainty. 

At first I hated it and I was miserable.  The first few weeks here, we were gone on the weekends and didn't get to go to our new ward, so I still knew no one.  Although I was a bit nervous about going to a family ward for the first time in 7 years, I couldn't wait to meet some people.  Our first Sunday came and I was soooo impressed by the ward.  I can't even count how many people came up to us and said hi, or introduced themselves, or asked if we were new.  I finally felt a little more hope about my new situation.

I remember meeting Leisy in Relief Society.  She talked to me and made me feel welcome.  She invited me to a book club.  Then I met Cindy.  She asked if she could come over and get to know me better.  Then I met Kristen.  Travis and I sat next to her mother on the airplane on the way back from our reception.  As we were leaving, Kera stopped and talked to me like I had known her forever.  I kept meeting more and more people.  Everyone was so open and friendly.

Although I don't have a "best friend" here, I am blessed with so many friends in our ward.  They all have children, so it makes getting together a little more difficult, but I love seeing everyone at activities or on Sunday.  We have crafts groups, or group dates, or just go over for dinner.  I don't even have to worry about Holidays because they include me in their holiday plans.

I am grateful for the wonderful, caring, thoughtful people of Ohio who think of me, who include me, who are kind to me.  I am learning so much from their kindness and actions.  I hope that as others move into the ward, I can help them feel as welcomed as I did.    

Waiting on a Woman

Warning:  This post is lovey-dovey.

I have always been a fan of Brad Paisley because his songs seem so easy to relate to.  It was no different when he came out with "Waiting on a Woman."  As soon as I heard it, I knew I had to show it to Travis because it rang true for us.  From that point on, Travis referred to it as the theme of our relationship.  He joked around about always waiting on me.

It wasn't until yesterday as I was driving to mutual and I heard the song that it hit me, he has been "waiting on a woman."  He says it whenever I am taking too long getting ready or looking at one last thing at the store.  But he waits on me in more ways than one.  He waited until I was ready before he proposed to me.  He waited on me to finish the school year so I could move out to Ohio.  He patiently waits until I am comfortable with a new place/idea/activity/whatever before we go on with it. 

This whole past week I have been really sick...like sleep all day sick.  Now he literally waits on me.  He gets up, goes to work, and when he gets home he takes care of me.  He has not once complained about going to work, or about making me dinner, or about rubbing my neck, or going to the store to get me medicine, or that I haven't been working.  It amazes me at the love and compassion he has as he waits on me.

So, even though I have hated being sick, I am glad I have been able to learn this lesson.  I have been able to see how much Travis really does love me.  He also taught me how I should be more compassionate and loving to those that are in need.  He is a good man and I am so lucky to be married to him.

The Windy City

Last weekend, Travis had a review session in Chicago.  Since I get to choose my work schedule, I scheduled the days off and went with him.  My original plan was to explore the city on my own while Travis was at his review during the day, but I chickened out with how worried Travis seemed with the idea of me going out by myself.

The first day we were there, I headed up to the Chicago Temple to meet up with the Castletons, a senior couple from my mission.  They are now serving as the temple President and Matron.  I chatted with them for a while and then did a session.  Sister Castleton showed me the bride's room and sealing room.  It was a small but beautiful temple.  Unfortunately I did not get a picture with them.   

 

After the temple, I was supposed to meet Travis downtown for dinner.  Some of the ladies at the distribution center helped me figure out what "metra" to take.  They were impressed with how daring I was to take public transportation.  I told them that the metros in Montreal broke me of my fear.  

After meeting Travis, we walked over to Giordano's to eat a true Chicago style pizza.  It was delicious and VERY filling.  

 After dinner, we headed downtown to the Magnificent Mile to do some window shopping and to explore the city.  I did not prepare well enough and needed to buy a jacket while we were there.  

We stopped at Millennium Park:

We found this cool color-changing wall:  

 

The Famous Bean:

 The Chicago Sign:

 The next day I worked on a project at the hotel while Travis was at his review.  His review wasn't as long that day.  I met up with him after and we headed over to Navy Pier.  The weather was perfect that weekend.  Apparently it had been cold and rainy the whole week before we got there.  It didn't rain at all while we were there.  At Navy Pier, we walked around, saw a stained glass art exhibit, went on the ferris wheel, and watched fireworks.  It was so fun just to spend stress-free time with Travis.
Chicago in the background:

 

At the top of the Ferris Wheel:

 Before we left, we went to the Museum of Science and Industry.  This was probably my favorite part of the entire trip!  I love interactive museums like this.  This one was HUGE!!  We probably went to about half of the exhibits in it.  The one that I was most excited for was a temporary exhibit:  The Life of Dr. Seuss.  Go ahead and make fun of me.  I am like a little kid.  I loved it!!  We weren't allowed to take pictures inside the exhibit, but this was just outside the doors.  One of my favorite sections was a table where you could make your own Dr. Seuss characters out of these things called "zoo loo go gos."  I can't find them anywhere.  It was very fascinating!

Travis' favorite part was the "science" section.  They had all kinds of experiments that you could try and interact with.  I enjoyed it a lot too.  It reminded me of a science camp I went to when I was in Middle School.

 

It was a really fun trip.  I am hoping to go back.  Maybe next time Travis won't have to be at class all day and can show me around the city more.  I would also like to meet up with some of my friends from BYU that are living there now.  They were preparing to move while we were there, so it didn't work out this time.  We are only 5 hours away, so I am sure there will be another trip sometime soon.  

Trunk or Treat

 

(I especially like the smolder!)

Halloween has never been my favorite holiday, but this year I have been surprisingly excited for it.  It could be the fact that I actually have my own place to decorate.  Or it could be the fact that I got to dress up with Travis.  I am not very creative when it comes to dressing up, but it was fun thinking of something to dress up as a couple.  If you couldn't tell, we dressed up as Rapunzel and Flynn Rider.  I can't wait to torture my future kids with family costumes.  We will reuse this one some day and add our baby as Pascal.  :)  

At the ward Trunk or Treat, my favorite part was when a little girl saw me and said, "Look Mommy!  Is that really Rapunzel?"  I thought it was so cute.  Someone also also asked if Travis and I would help her with a charity drive to raise money for cancer by letting kids come and take their picture with us.  It made me giggle because we got Travis' costume at Goodwill for about $5 and mine was made in a day plus a few previously owned items and a child's wig.  (Thanks mom for making the vest!!)  

Besides running out of candy before all the kids came around, this was definitely a successful Halloween for us!  Now I am ready for Thanksgiving and some fried turkey.      

We're Outta Here!

Travis and I have been bums lately, not really doing much.  I blame that on the fact that he has his certification exam coming up so all he ever does is study.  Since I want to be with him, that leaves me sitting on the couch next to him either doing a craft or watching tv.  We haven't really gotten out of the house much, but that is about to change.  As soon as he gets home from work, we are going to:

Ok, so it isn't just for fun.  We are going because Travis has a review he has to go to.  While he is in the review courses, getting ready for the certification exams, I get to explore the city.  I wish Travis could come along with me, but luckily I know a few people there.  A couple from my mission is there and a couple people from my ward at BYU.  I am going to hang out with them a little during the day while Travis is hard at work and then I will play with Travis in the evenings.  I am super excited about this trip because I have never been to Chicago (besides when I got stuck overnight in the airport) and it looks like a super fun city!  Also, I haven't seen the Castleton's since I have been home from my mission.  Wahoo!

Yay for getting out of the house!!

PS-We are going to be gone 3 days and guess how many outfits I brought?  Nope, not 5 like normal.  I only brought 3.  You should ALL be impressed.  I am even impressed! 

I will try to take lots of pictures!

Freshman 15

There are certain times in your life when you are expected to gain weight...freshman year, missions, AND when you get married.  This is a phenomenon that I never really understood.  Eating is something that stays constant, so why does a change in your life cause weight gain?  Well, no matter what causes it, somehow it always happens to me.  That is why Travis and I made it our goal not to become one of those couples that people say, "they gained a lot of weight after they got married."

While I have not "packed on the pounds,"  I have gained some weight and this time I know why...boys like to eat...A LOT.  While living on my own I would eat a bowl of pasta and be fine.  That doesn't cut it now.  Travis likes to have pasta with chicken and a side of veggies.  It is a more complete diet, but it is a lot more than I am used to.  It also requires a lot more cooking.

My family seems to believe that I don't know how to cook, so I have taken some pictures of some meals that we have enjoyed lately.  I may not be the best cook, but I am definitely getting better with all this practice.  The deal that Travis and I have made is that I will cook as long as he does the grocery shopping!  (He also cleans up the dishes!!)  So I guess cooking isn't as bad as I thought it would be.

 Fruit Pizza made for Conference Lunch:

 Oreo Balls-not that beautiful, but delicious.  These were the only ones left!

 Twice Baked Potato Casserole-This is one of our favorite recipes off of Pinterest so far!

Beef Dip Sandwiches-I was so proud of how the meat turned out!

 Manicotti

 Green Smoothie-I just made this yesterday.  I liked it, but Travis doesn't.

 Traditional Sunday dinner in my family.  This is the kind of meal Travis dreams of every night.  Meat, potatoes, veggies, and bread!

By the way, we also joined the YMCA with a bunch of friends from church so I will get those extra pounds off soon!  I love it because I am more motivated to go if I know others going.  One of my friends teaches some classes and encourages me to go when I am not substituting.  I ran 3 miles outside with her on Friday.  It felt good but nearly killed me.  My goal is to run a race with some of them in November.  There is a race today, but I am not ready for it yet.  

How Did I Get So Lucky?

One thing that I have enjoyed about not working is sleeping in.  For the past year, I woke up every day at 5:30.  Then when I moved to Ohio and was searching for a job, I got used to sleeping in until about 9.  Since Travis does have to work early, I also got used to him giving me a goodbye kiss every morning.  There have been a couple of occasions where I have woken up before he left and was in the other room and I thought he had left without giving me a kiss.  It always makes me sad until I realize he is still there.  It is one of my favorite things.

Now that I have started substituting, I normally leave before him and don't get the kiss to wake me up each morning.  Since I don't get as many days to sleep in and my migraines have started coming back, he has been leaving notes instead of waking me up to say bye.  Now I look forward to seeing if he has left anything for me.  Last night I had a terrible migraine, so he just let me sleep this morning.  I had somewhere to be mid-morning so I got up and just started getting ready.  In the midst of drying my hair I got excited to see if he had written me a note so I went out in search of one and I came across this:

I was so excited and wondered how I got so lucky.  He won't admit this, but he is a very sensitive guy.  At our wedding, he cried more than me and I didn't think that was possible.  Whenever it comes to family matters, he is very sensitive.  He would do anything for me.  Like going to the grocery store late at night to get me a Dr. Pepper to help my head (last night).  I am so lucky to have him!

Here are some other notes that I have found from him.  He always finds new places to put them so it makes it more exciting for me.

Sorry, I couldn't figure out how to rotate it.  This was on the fridge.

 This was one of my favorite spots.  As I opened the refrigerator door to get breakfast, this note feel to the ground.  It made me laugh.

 I think this was the first note he left in the morning for me.  It was on his pillow.  My favorite part is where it says, "PS-I did give you a kiss goodbye but you probably didn't know it."

He has left notes in the bathroom sink, on my steering wheel and other random places.  I love getting these notes.  It puts a great start to my day.  I love him and I am so lucky to be married to him!

Earrings

I joined Pinterest several weeks ago and have been gathering ideas of craft projects that I want to do one day.  My problem is that I just keep getting more and more ideas and I am not actually doing any of them.  So, this weekend Travis and I went to Goodwill to see if we could find anything that would inspire us.  I found a big picture frame with an old fashion lady holding an umbrella.  It made me think of something I saw on Pinterest to hold your earrings.

I am really bad at remembering to take pictures so this is after I started painting it.  Here is the semi-before:

And the after:

It isn't exactly like the one on Pinterest, but I can never find frames like that unless they are at a retail store for $20 or more.  It looks boring now that I compare the two.  My frame was only $3, the lace was $2 and I had the paint already.  At least now I have somewhere to put my earrings!