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.