Our Harris Paradise

A year in review!

2012-01-04T22:30:00.000-08:00

Here's my Year in Review! :) (makes me feel important! :D )

January 2011-

Jaunuary! I thought this month would never come! This is the month that after 6 months away, Den FINALLY got to come home!

This has to be one of my most favorite Picture yet!

February: Our Big Move! And sweet little Sophie Joins the Fam!

Sophie is my first puppy! This little girl has taught me some patients. She is SO cute! She has her own personality. Its like you look at her and you can almost know exactly what she is thinking. She's so sassy. I love it!

MARCH: My family lived in the area and so with them we were able to do little sight seeing to get to know the area. I must admit, we live in a beautiful area!

APRIL: Den goes out to sea! Mom and Krysta comes for a visit! EASTER! And my aunt and uncle took me to my first horse race! I was impressed by how entertaining it actually was!

MAY: My first MLB game! Yankees vs. Mariners

it was 'viva las vargas' night!

Derek Jeter

JUNE: Happy Birthday to Den! Since Den was out to sea, I wanted to do something nice for him. so he has been wanting to learn how to play the guitar. So I went to our guitar shop here in town, and splurged! :)

JULY: Happy 4th of July! For the fourth we went down to the water front and watched the fire works above the water! So pretty!

My family came and watched the fireworks with me!

AUGUST: The month that felt like was never going to arrive! Den comes home! <3 My little cousins came for a visit too! Since we weren't able to go home this summer it was really good to see them!

all dens presents!

the front of our house! haha, I was proud!

YAAAY HE'S HOOME!

our first family pic!

SEPTEMBER: 4 years of wedded bliss! I am so thankful for being blessed with the husband I have! couldn't have asked for anyone better!! I guess that I didn't take any pics.

October: Den's parents come for a visit. We went to Helvatia, OR to go to the Little People Big World pumkin patch. It was so fun to get away from home for a while. And even better that my husband got to see his parents. It was nice to see familiar faces!

NOVEMBER: Happy Thanks giving! This is the first year that I've spent Thanksgiving alone. I've made a couple good friends, and we went to see Jack and Jill (Adam Sandlers new movie) then we went to Sherri's (its like a Denny's) and had Thanksgiving dinner. Then my favorite! BLACK FRIDAY!

First in line for Den's Christmas present! :)

I have NO clue what kind of games to get him!

DECEMBER: Merry Christmas! Mom came to visit me! It was such a good visit too! I didn't want her to leave!

2011 was quite the learning expierence I've ever had. I am so thankful for the support we've had to help us through our first year away. I am thankful for our friends and family. Den and I have been trying to add a little one to our family. I'm hoping that this year will be good to us and will bless us with a little baby. Everyday I look at my life and I have no idea what I've done to deserve such good things. My husband is amazing. I am so proud of him. And love him more and more every day!

My Vent...

2011-10-24T13:16:00.000-07:00

So, we are a close to Den leaving again for his 2nd deployment. It's been a really really good few months together. BUT, I have to vent about the command. (This is one of those journaling posts).. any way. After a deployment they are allowed a few weeks off. But no thanks to his chief he was only allowed a week. Don't get me wrong, I'll take what I can get, but really? He and a couple other people were scheduled for a 4 week long class. All the while the other guys get the full 'Stand down' off with their families. But I'm working too. So it's not soo bad. But I really really can't stand how unfair the whole military command is. They get upset when the guys don't tell them anything about their personal life. Such as marrriage, divorces, children, or pregnancy's. Because they're just looking out for the wives. But they could give a crap less if the guys are hardly home, and see us. Now again Den has to stand watch him and a few other guys, His qualls are going great, He shows up for work, he works hard. And to make him do a watch for the second time, makes me greatly annoyed. ESPECIALLY since the other guys who started the same time as him don't have to do it. I don't like how they treat him. Because the rest of the command gets a four day weekend before they leave to be with their families, but not us. Ok, ok, I understand what we got ourselves into. But, no one ever told us it would be easy. And its been really good to us, other than these "little" annoyances. But I feel a little better getting it off my chest now. I don't want to burden Den or make him feel like I don't support him. Because I'd do anything for him. I love him.

4 years already?!

2011-09-23T13:42:00.000-07:00

Yup, Den and I have been in wedded bliss for 4 years. Its amazing how fast time flies! Seems just like yesterday we were dating. Its funny, because we each have a different opinion on our dating days. I like to hear his, while he just laughs at mine because he thinks I'm crazy. HAHA! But none the less. We still love eachother very much, and I am so thankful to have him as my partner for ETERNITY. I love everything about him. He's such a hard worker.

Speaking of Hard work. Den has decided to make this gig in the military a carreer. Obviously I was jumping for joy when he brought it up to me. But my love for him is more than my dislike of the lifestyle. He has a three week training. Yesterday, he had to get sprayed with OC spray, shich he describes as pepper spray on steroids. I didn't think it'd be too bad, but when he walked in the door he had sun glasses on and looked like he was in pain, his face was red and his eyes looked like he'd been crying...like the ugly cry. Then later that night he decided he'd try to wash it off then it reactivated on him..Oh boy! If you want to see what OC spray does you should Youtube it! When I sit and think of it, the military has been really good to us. We get well taken care of with our benefits. And while we get to see different parts of the world we otherwise wouldn't have been able to. It makes me nervous for the kid part. I don't want our kids not to have any friends because we aren't in a place long enough to make them. But this we can worry about when we finally have kids.

Den and I have decided we want to add one more to our family. Nope, not an announcement (how I wish though!). It seems getting pregnant is easier said than done. And of course it doesn't help when your husband is gone for 8 months of the year. But I've seen many doctors to check for PCOS and back home the 3 of them said I was cyst free. So AAAALLLLL of the blood work confirmed it. Then we move to Washington, and the first thing they want to do is take labs. NO! I've been through it enough. Just do an xray or whatever it is they can do. I've have 3 labs taken in less than a year. Can't they just go off of that? Obviously not, I don't get it... But I'll be compliant, because as my mom has taught me "having patients is what gets you the big prize!". So now that I'm on 3 different hormonal medication, I ask that everyone please say a short or big prayer for my husband. I don't remember being so bossy, and irratible. But I do make an effort to stay patient and understanding. It isn't him so much as it is me. I feel horrible for the people who want so badly to have kids but cannot. I pray,pray,pray, this goes our way, and we end up with a healthy baby.

And to add to all this change, I've gotten 2 really good job offers. And finally decided on one. I'm at Smart Style right now. I was embarassed to tell anyone. Because this isn't the salon I want to be at. I feel like I'm better than a darn Walmart haircut. However, it isn't a Walmart owned salon. Regis owns it. And Regis owns mannnny salons. So, if you burn your bridges at one you most likley will never work for Regis again. So one of the other salons that offered me a job was a regis salon. And the one I'm at now won't release my papers to them. Irritating. So I took the one that is closer to my home. I'm really excited to start this job. They use JOICO products which is what I was taught from. So I don't have to learn a different product line. AND they give ongoing training. Perfect! I couldn't be more happy!

Remembering when...

2011-09-12T06:27:00.000-07:00

September 11, 2011. Was a day that would forever change our lives as we knew it. A day that, brought much sorrow and heart ache to many Americans. I remember that exact day. A day that everyone came together as equals. Its crazy because I can't remember anyother day of events from that year or any year. But that day, from start to finish. I woke up, it was a normal day, and I was getting ready for school and listening to the radio station. And the guy said that an airplane ran into a world trade center. I turned on the news in time to see the second airplane hit. And then went to school. I remeber everyone in the halls talking about it. My first hour class was with Mrs. Wiese. I remember watching the news and seeing our spanish teacher running back and forth from her room to I'm not sure where, in panic. I turned around in time to see the first building fall. I remember that feeling, my heart dropped. Looking back now, man, leaves me speechless. The feeling of sadness for those people. My spanish teacher was origionally from NY and still had many family and friends there. All family was counted for. Our blessing in the family from that day was, as the corprate world travels, so did my uncle. It wasn't less than month before that day that he was there. Originally scheduled to be there that day. Wow, lucky.

10 years later, I'm watching this 9/11 never forget special. The feeling of seeing that footage again, is humbling. to say the least. The sacrafice that those firemen made was incrediable. The desperation of the people in those towers. To see, to hear, the bodies falling from the building. I can't even imagine. With my husband in the military, I see first-hand the sacrafice, the hard work, and dedication these men and women make to help our lives, and our country to run a bit smoothly. I've never been so proud to live in such a special country. I thank god, for all my many, many, blessings. For the country I live in, for the people in my life that brings me so much happiness, and love. for all of these things and many more I will forever be thankful, and remember to count my blessings.

Pics!

2011-09-07T00:55:00.000-07:00

Hi again! I've been lazy with some of my posts' and didn't post any pics, well here are the pics that go with the posts, I added captions to refresh the post! Not that our life is interesting or anything! But I like to re-read this stuff, and plus what's better than a journal you can look at pics at!?

all the wives on base decorate their "yards" for their husbands arrival! And so did I! Since I had 2 more days I was able to be a little more crafty! My little cousins wanted to make signs too, so they each did. It was so cute, they drew such cute pictures and it ended up being one really big note to him. They all asked him questions about the deployment. They're so cute!

Here are his gifts! Since he wasn't home for his birthday I could buy for him and leave this out the whole time! No being sneaky! Just had to keep it a surprise! :)

I am so happy to have my husband agian! He is the best person I know! Love him mucho!

I was worried Sophie wouldn't remember him, because she was so small when he left, and a friend came over with her husband and Sophie wasn't a fan. So it worried me a little. When Sophie and Javi saw him they went NUTS! haha! look at Javi--->
He sure did miss Den! Plus, with Den home I have a lot more patients with these guys! :P

Our first meal of "chaz" if you ever come over I should warn you this is what he insists on making for our guests! haha.

We were in Bed one night and I heard the dog bowls banging as if Sophie was tipping them (its the strangest thing, but she'll tip the bowls) and so I had den go look and there were FIVE Raccoons! They are UGLY animals up close!

Family Pic time! And it was Dens idea! :) haha

Where are we going?? good question. We just got in the car and drove for about an hour. We wanted to see the small towns of Washington. Man, we live in such a pretty area. Just need to throw in some farms and I'd be good!! :)
Oh yeah, and he slept....

And Slept

.....and SLEPT!!!

He averaged abou 10-12 hours of sleep a week while he was out to sea. But he should be pretty much all caught up now! And don't mind the ugly pillows and blanket. Im in the process of yet again changing bed spreads.. :)

Yesterday was his first day back to work, which I was kinda sad about but was pleasantly surprised when he was home at 11 am for the day. I guess since he's a machanic all the work is on the boat so when they're home they only go in to work for a couple of hours. YAAY! :)

That's the Navy for ya..

2011-08-31T02:50:00.001-07:00

The begining of July was the first time in almost 2 months that I got to talk to my husband! I was so excited! I've never been one for being woke up, but since he's been in the military I wake up to every little noise. Which was good when he was away, and now that he's home, its making me crazy here it is 3 am and I can t sleep! I need to get a better system. Anyway, my ombudsman called me with Den's flight information. ( I didn't get it when everyone else did because they'd "lost" his itenerary and had to "find" it..) So I waited a week or so. (which felt never ending!) And finally our ombudsman called me and said he'd be on the first flight home second week of august...What a wonderful birthday present! The date was the 11th. I had a ton of things to finish before he came home and of course I procrastinated so the few days before he got home went by kinda quick. And before I knew it; it was the night before he was going to come home! Then I got the call..."there has been a change in plans". What kind of change in plans? He said he went to the airport and went to check in and they said the flight was all booked and he'd have to wait till the next day. So he went back to base, and a chief gave him another ticket and said hurry go back.. so he went back to the airport and they still said "sorry we can't get you on this flight, But it looks like your flight will be on Saturday" (our Friday)

I had gotten my hopes up so much, which they tell you NOT to do. Now, I know that it was only "2 more days" but when your husband is gone for 4 1/2 months, two more days just seemed like we took a step back instead of two steps forward. I was just ready for the deployment to be over. I was drained, emotionally. I just wanted him home when they said so. I think there should be a person who double checks the work. Maybe they'll hire me? ;) I didn't realize that there could be changes so last minute. But none the less, he's home, safe and sound now. And I couldn't be happier! Since he was going to be there for 2 more days he decided to go snorkeling. I was so jealous! But not so much when I saw him...he got into the water and realized he had forgotten to put sun block on. The sun is much more fierce there. He came home, and his back looked like a lobster! He told me on the phone many times that if I wasn't at the airport when the plane landed he'd have to go home on a shuttle. So I made sure to be there super early! And I waited and waited and didn't know what area he'd come out of to get the baggage. and so i'd been wandering and finally I saw him! I ran to him because I didn't want him to tell the chief that was with him that he'd go back on the shuttle. And when I got closer to him I had forgotten all about his back..OOPS! He didn't say anything just grunted...and then his chief told me, "He's been a fun traveling partner". I kinda giggled it off because I didn't know if he was being sarcastic, and then he said "I'm kidding, all he's done is complain about his back the whole 24 hours.." Haha! That's my husband!

Luckily, I have a boss who's a navy wife also, and is super sweet. She let me have 2 weeks off with Den, and has been really good about working my schedule somewhat to his. I'm so blessed. I took Den to see the last HP movie. That was the first time I'd ever paid to watch HP. We went on some fun dates, and he got caught up on all the new movies. Just in time for me to go back to work and him start school. This is the first full week for both of us. Have I mentioned I love having him home!? Its a ton of weight off my shoulders. I don't have to sleep with my computer next to me, and my phone right by my ear with the volume high just incase he calls. I don't have to check my emaily every 5 minutes and hitting "refresh" to see if I have an email waiting for me. I feel like the next deployment, will be a ton easier. Now that I know kind of what to expect. The military has many pro's and con's. The bigges "pro" is getting my husband back. I love him so much, and everyday I'm so thankful for the blessings he brings into my life.

Opsec, and updates!

2011-08-01T22:49:00.000-07:00

Since, I get asked all the time how Den is doing, I have to post this. Because I feel bad for not being able to say any thing. Because I am only allowed limited information to begin with... So the military has a tight grip on the info. and because of that, they've developed "OPSEC" aka "Operation Security". Here's a brief description about it..
Opsec is keeping potential adversaries from discovering our critical information. as the name suggests, it protects our operations-planned, in progress, and those completed. Success depends on secrecy and surprise, so the military can accomplish the mission at task faster, and with LESS risk. Our adverseries want our informaiton, and they know going to a member of the military isn't an option (in most cases, I just read of a sailor trying to sell confidential information to a person who was actually FBI undercover, which makes me so upset, because this could cause our guys to come home later. This guy is getting "kicked out" of the military, and is now facing life in prison.To me, it's so not worth the money.) So they wait for us, the family, to spill the beans.
But since this has already gone public I can share it.
http://http://www.thenorthwestnavigator.com/news/2011/jul/21/ohio-visits-yokosuka-japan/

Enjoy!!! :)

Happy AUGUST!!

2011-08-01T21:00:00.000-07:00

I really have been horrible about blogging! but guess what??!!! It's now August!! I'll do a quick summary of the boringness of my summer. All I seem to do is work. And when I'm not working I'm at a friends house. I started the wash one night and then went to a friends house pretty much down the road and came back and it stopped working. I was kind of freaking out...what was I going to do?? I knew it would be something Den could fix and I need a washer but didn't want to pay to have someone look at it. so I pulled it out and not knowing what the heck to look at and wiggled some stuff around and tada! I did it! I fixed it all by myself!! I'm definatley not Mrs. Fix-it. But my gholly I'm doing good for not knowing what the heck I am doing! haha! for the 4th of july my friend and I met up with my aunt and uncle and their kids for fires works down at Poulsbo waterfront. it was so dang pretty!!! I enjoyed them. next year we'll get there earlier and not have to deal with the drunk sailors.

*This is Hannah. We tried getting pics of the fire
works behind us. Her husband and Den are friends
and we became friends soon after! She's been my
go to, gal ever since! :) *

My little cousins came to Washington for a visit. And it's just what I've been needing! We've had so much fun! we went to seattlle and went on a boat tour of seattle and then to the aquarium then did a little shopping (my fav!) and the next day we went to the pacific science center (btw its huge! def can't do all in one day!) then to the space needle and got to go all the way up. and take pics! What a beautiful view! and luckily for us the weather was nice for us! it sprinkled a little bit but once we got out of the car it wasn't raining any more. then today we went to the musem of flight. What an expierence! I can't wait for den to come home! All this stuff would be so fun to do with him! I'll post more about him later but for now enjoy some pics!! :)

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO DEN!

2011-06-10T02:11:00.000-07:00

So Den is a VERY hard person to shop for, and he never tells me what he wants, or needs. so I literally take notes on the stuff he says 'I wouldn't mind having something like that' and it's literally like maybe 5 things. About a week ago or so, I was going through some pics, and saw a pic of den playing a guitar at a store, and since then I had my mind made up that, that's what he's getting for his b-day. and so I went online and started pricing them out. A friend went with me to the mall in town-they have a specialty guitar shop, and so I went in ( I don't know a thing about guitars) so I told him what I thought I was looking for and he showed me a couple and played a little song on them and my friend told me what was a better sounding one, and I took her advice and bought him a black Johnson. I can't wat to see his face when I surprise him with it!!!! :)
This was about 3 years ago or so...

besides me-this'll be his love! ;)

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE BEST HUSBAND! :D

TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALL GAME!!!

2011-05-28T22:03:00.000-07:00

Uncle and I in our Vargas glasses!

WHAT A FUN, FUN, NIGHT!!

I've been a horrible blogger. Things have been kinda busy, or at least I'm doing a better job at staying busy. I've been decorating, and getting stuff in order. Even though we've been here since February, I needed to clean out the garage. When I was unpacking, I just kinda threw our full boxes full of stuff we didn't need right away in the garage. My goal is to clean it up, and make it a place where Den can bring out his punching bag and work out, or he can use his tools and build or fix stuff...It makes me laugh, because even though he tries really hard to fix stuff and enjoys it most of the time, it seems like it never goes as planned. But this way, hopefully he'll have everything he needs

I went furniture shopping a couple weeks ago. I went in with ever intention to buying a new couch. But when I got to the store and was trying to pick out what I wanted, I felt kind of guilty making this big purchase without Den. So, I picked a few out of my favorite, and got they guys name and said we'd be back...( poor guy, he just wanted to make a sale. haha) I've also been eyeing and pricing out flat screen t.v.'s, we could use a new t.v. but I don't think I'll wait for him for this purchase. I want to surprise him with it. So I'll keep the reciepts. ;) I just want our house to feel more cozy, and homey..right now, its everything BUT cozy. It'll get there though. I just have to change one room at a time. So I'm starting with the living room, the one everyone sees. then I'll go to kitchen and dining room, then our bedroom... There are so many fun stores! I was a litle disappointed when the closest Real deals to me is 4 hours away. But I think I may have found something that isn't AS good, but it'll do.

HERE ARE MY TOP 2: (note: I will not have white, it'll be darker)

Now for the fun! My uncle is a NY Yankees fan, and they come to Seattle once a year, and play three games or so against the Mariners. After working at Sport Clips for 3 years, I've learned a lot about the different teams. And NY is my LEAST favorite. However, our seats were on the NY side and were close to the field. Every game they kind of have a theme. and this game was "Viva Las Vargas"night. and the first 10,000 people got Elvis sunglasses. So when we got there and there were a TON of people already waiting in line I didn't think there would be any way possible we'd get glasses. Luckily, we got them! HOW FUN! It was a great time!!! We found our seats and saw the players warming up, and they were so close! We saw Alex Rodriguez and Derek Jeter, and CC Sabathia all warming up! Its crazy because here these guys are making millions playing Baseball. Its crazy. Until lastnight, I never thought Derek Jeter was that good looking...But I was WRONG! I learned that A-Rod, got his carreer started with the Mariners, and everyone was booing him, heck, there were these two obnoxious guys yelling at him. They were SO annoying. But we got through the game and no one got hurt. ESPECIALLY because they were Mariners fans on Yankees side. Its an awesome expierence! I loved it!!! Would def go again!! Enjoy the pics! :)

Our first Deployment

2011-04-12T22:43:00.000-07:00

I don't even know where to begin. It's been a week since Den left for deployment. It was one of the worst days ever! When I found out 2 months ago that he was going to be deployed 2 months from when we got here, I was a little bummed. (OK a lot). But I decided to make our time together worth it. We had a great couple of months together. And I can't evens belive how fast it went. About a month ago when we had the ''pre-deployment'' meeting they said that everyone needs to have their wills done before they leave. And about a week ago, I asked Den if he even made one. He said "no, because we don't have any kids, everything I have will go to you.'' I wasn't going to debate with him, so I just shrugged it off. All day, I was miserable. Words can never express the feeling of deployment. Its kind of a numb feeling. And when we pulled up to the bus stop. It was hard to keep it together. But then my loving husband decided that was the time to tell me what he wants to go where if something were to happen. I pray every night, and probably like every 5 minutes that he'll be safe.

Dennis will be gone for his Birthday. So, the Sunday before he left we went to my Uncle and Aunt's house. And we celebrated his Birthday. We just had a cake and ice cream. But I didn't want him to leave without some kind of celebration. :)

He had a long flight. Poor guy. But I was pleasantly surprised to recieve a phone call from him the following morning. He's a day ahead of us. Which is so weird to think about. Before he left, I showed him how to use skype, so for the first few days I was able to see him through skype. I absolutley LOVE him. He says it's so pretty there, and soo hot! haha. I am soo proud of the man he is. I would never dream as a young girl that the man I was going to marry, would be such a good guy. And so loving. I lucked out. And I am so thankful for the person he is, and the love he gives to me.

Ok, I'll quit blabbing now. :)

Josh Turner -The Longer the Waiting

2011-03-15T01:44:00.000-07:00

I couldn't put this on my last post. But this song just hits the spot. It's hard to listen to, but I absolutley LOOOVE it! I hope you enjoy too!

Just a thought..

2011-03-15T00:14:00.000-07:00

Tonight was Den's pre-deployment meeting. There were a ton of people there! I thought a submarine would hold like maybe 12 people. There was at least 4 dozen guys there. Most with their wives and kids. I have to admit I was a bit intimidated. But I went because I thought they'd provide all the answers to my questions. A lot of the stuff they shared was good, useful information. But some of it was kind of useless. But I'm glad I went none the less. Man, I can't belive in a little under 3 weeks, he'll be leaving again. One thing they said was that they'd be leaving either the 6th or the 7th. (Which this coming from the chief, you'd think he'd know for sure what day it is. Being this close to deployment.) Then he flies out of the country (which where he is going is "classified" information...I'm too nosey, I want to know where he is, how long he's going to be there, what he's doing, and if he's ok. So this will be trying for me to not know anything) And will be returning somewhere around the 18th-20th of August. I'm dreading this.

I can honestly say that being a military wife, has opened my eyes to the worldly events happening. I thought I was thankful for a free country before, Now I'm quadruple, maybe even more thankful for the things that our country provides us. But this by far, is the hardest part of my life. It's so easy to be supportive to my husband. Because I love him so much. But at the same time while I'm trying to be strong, I'm dieing inside. I don't want to break down in front of him. Because I know that as much as I hate him being gone, he hates it worse. I want to be the strong wife. Is there such a thing as a strong wife? I want him to be able to leave and not worry about me, or anything back home. I feel like I don't have any right feeling the way I do, because there are people who are away from their families a lot longer than 4 months. But, when I log on to FB, and I see my friends complaining because their husbands/boyfriends are gone for a few nights or a week, it really hurts my feelings because, well they're gone a week, they're guarenteed to see them in a week or a few days... I can't even talk to my husband for a couple months. I can e-mail him all I want, but being under water they have no way of getting them until the sub surfaces after a month or two. And then MAYBE he'll get the chance to respond.

It's very important to me that no one thinks I'm trying to get people to feel bad, throw a pitty party. Because that is so not the case. This life style is so hard, and I wouldn't wish it upon anyone. But, in the midst of it all, I often find myself questioning if I'm cut out for this. But a thought just came to me. If this is what we have to do, then there is really no other person I'd rather do this for. Den and I, we are the lucky ones. Because even though I've only been with him 2 1/2 months out of this whole year, we get eternity. Which in the skeem of things makes this all worth while. But for now, I'll keep my happy face for him. and while he's gone I pray that the time goes by quick. And I have to thank my family and friends for their support. I loove everyone! <3

The Adventures of moving!!

2011-03-01T01:29:00.000-08:00

Since I can't sleep I might as well update the blog. I actually started and finished it on our Word program. Then went to copy and paste, and guess what??? It doesn't work! GRR! But this gives me a chance to look back to the past few weeks! :)

**I'LL POST UP DATED PICS SOON!!**

I have to start out by saying how nice it FINALLY is to have Den with me again! What a blessing! Ok, now to my story. (its more like a short novel. So bare with me..) Wednesday morning (the day before we actually move) Den and I woke up bright and early, to start out our day of packing. Starting with getting our Budget truck. It was HUGE! I didn't think there was any way possible that we could fill that thing. Since Dennis is too prideful to ask for help. We got to the storage unit and realized we forgot to bring the dolley with us. I say THANK GOODNESS for good friends! I called our good friend Spencer, and he picked up the dolley and helped us pack the truck. It went by fast! I was soo glad! Then on to Den's parents. I was thinking we didn't have all that much stuff there 2 dressers and mostly clothes. But it took forever! Probably because while I was packing, Den was making the calls to his boat, and doing the packing from the garage. All this stuff I didn't know he had!

About 2 + hours later we were finally finished! But we wanted to avoid goodbye's for a while longer so headed to my moms and packed there. A week or so before my grandma passed away, she showed Krysta, and I what she wanted to go where. (Coincidence??) So I had a dresser and a side board and CLOTHES galore, and random odds and ends. Man, for two people, we sure were scatter around! ;) so we finally finished everything about 8 o'clock that night. Now, for the part we weren't looking forward to! A week earlier, we said 'bye' to his brother and sister inlaw and their family. Then his sister a few days before. So it was on to our parent's and my sister and our friends. It was hard to say bye to Dens parent's. I'd grown quite attached since we'd been there. Ofcourse, his mom cried. But nothing too bad. So we left and got to my moms and I was a mess. We decided to stay there because it was 15 less miles we had to drive the next day. My mom was a trooper and held it together. Which I'm thankful for. I know she was having a hard time but I think it would've been much harder to say goodbye with her bawling! So once we ate, we went to the Hirschi's. I don't think they'll ever know how much I love and aprreciate them! I was at their house literally almost everyday since Den left. And as much as I'm sure they wanted to give me the boot, they still invited me over! Sara and I had talked about how hard this goodbye would be. But to my knowledge she didn't cry either. Thankgoodness! I cannot stress enough how blessed we are to have such loving, caring, kind, friends!

We left there, and I bawled more. We went home and slept about 3-4 hours and was up and ready by 7:30. Enough to see my mom off, and say bye to my sister. The hard part was over, now on to a 15 hr drive. We drove about 9-10 hrs on Thursday. And stopped in Oregon. Man we were beat! We slept 13 hrs! Then off again we were! But not before fueling. I got out of the car, and did the normal, pop the the lid, slide my card, and a guy takes my card. I was shocked! I didn't know what the heck was happening! Until he told me it's a law in Oregon to have someone pump your gas. Well at least I wasn't being robbed! haha! The drive was actually kind of boring. Really flat and nothing. At least in Idaho we have mountains, farms, and other things. Not Oregon, or the first part of Washington. Once we got into Washington far enough, I was in awe! This place is HUGE! We finally got to base! With 2 hours to spare before we have to meet with the housing people. So Den pulled off, and when I got out to see what he was doing, I saw the car that was being pulled behind the truck, on the dolley the two front tires straps were completley off! We made it that far without the car falling off! Someone put in a good word for us because that's a miracle! We still had to register the cars for base, so after an hour and a half Den finished fixing it. Then on to registering the cars. We can only register one car. Because I accidently threw the new registration away, mistaking it for the old one.

(Sorry if I'm blabbing) But I have to explain how this move works. The Navy pays us to move, or they'll move us. But us having cars, they wouldn't pull them. So we had to do the move ourselves. And when we picked up the truck we had to weigh it empty. And now we have to weigh it full. NOTE TO SELF: DEN AND I DO NOT MAKE A GOOD MOVING TEAM! NEXT TIME WE HAVE THEM MOVE US! So this is why the car is still attached, and we didn't take it off. It took Den many, many, times explaining that to me. But we made it to the house! I was in LOVE! Its so nice and roomy for the 2 of us! So after signing paper-work, we had to hit the road to find a weigh station. And our luck is, if we didn't have bad luck, we'd have no luck. So the two that were close to us were closed. His LPO (Leading petty officer) found one a little closer than the one I found. It was still an hour and a half away but we got the job done! HALLELUJAH! Then we get back to base FOR THE NIGHT, about 8. We still have plenty of time to do some un-packing. Well that was until we got stuck between two cement round-abouts. GREAT! Den started to un-do the car and we'd just take the dang thing off now. But we were told we had to wait for the base police to come help us. So we waited for 15 + minutes, and for them to come tell us to do what we origionally had planned to do! by the time we got done it was a quarter to 10. I was ready for the night to be DONE! When we got back home, we went to let the dogs in and our new little blood hound had blood running down her face. Javi, apparently doesn't like her too well. So we cleaned her up, un packed the bed and slept in the living room. And the next day came too soon! We spent most of Saturday morning un-packing, and getting our DTV installed.

The instalation guy was super nice. But when we have installation people like that we have to get them on and take them off base. So we led him off and came home to one dog! We had to sperate them because of the night before. We didn't want any repeats! So we looked around the back yard and saw the guy had left the gate open. THANKS DTV guy! Of the two it had to be the new one, without the collar on. Den searched while I went to get my uncle and his wife to bring them on base. We planned to have them over for dinner. But instead they helped us look for Sophie. The good thing about being on base is she can't get to any busy highways or anything. So I was hoping she'd be ok. My mom called me on Sunday and said that she found a guy online who lived in our area that found a puppy. So I called. But it wasn't her. He told me to go to the Kitsap Hummane clinic, and then to call the base police. So Monday morning we were at the clinic and no little Sophie! So Den had to register his guns with the base office and we got a special escort to the office. I asked the base cop if he had heard or seen anything. About an hour after we left he was knocking on the front door and said his chief's daughter had found a puppy, to follow him and he'd take me over to the house. So I did and there she was! Safe and sound! What's even crazy is she was across the street in a different building but to drive there its about 4 blocks away. So I was relieved! They took such good care of her! Such a happy ending to our miserable, first weekend here!

"Go forth with Faith

2011-02-01T22:28:00.000-08:00

I'm writing this blog for my journaling tonight. Tomorrow we start the pack! I can't belive it's already here. For the past 3 weeks, I've been decorating our new apartment, with the pictures they sent me. And then putting things together on paper. I just really want this place to feel like "home". And I'm hoping that with decorating I'll be busy enough I won't notice being so far away. I do have to say, that I am so beyond extatic to start a new chapter in our life. For me this will be the furthest away from home I've ever lived. Den too, but he's been on a mission for 2 years, and lived alone for 2 years. This is really starting to freak me out! I love Den so much, I know this will be a good move for us. But it's always the unknown that gets me. Well, I think it gets everyone.

He's Here!

2011-01-24T09:28:00.000-08:00

So I've been SO excited to get Den home with me! On Friday, as we all know, I was so, so, so, excited!! But I thought I was going to have a heart attack waiting for him! He was to fly in at 11:11 p.m.. We were there at quarter to. And waited almost an HOUR!!! I swear that he was never coming! But the moment I saw him, was emotional. Not only for me, but for everyone who was there. I was sooo happy to have our family there to support Dennis. I know it made him fell great! It felt like it had been years since I've seen him. Not months.

It took everything I had to not run to him!

This has to be the sweetest picture we have! I LOOOVE it!!

On Saturday, we went to Mike and Lori's to spend the night with them. Our niece had a piano recital. I was impressed at the talent those kids have! It was great! After the recital, We went back to the house and hung out. It was nice to see Den and his brother and the family bond again. The one thing I remind myself of constantly, is I'm not the only one who needs him. And needs to spend time with him. Sometimes its a hard reality because I want to be selfish and keep him to myself. But its welll worth it to see him so happy, and them happy too!

Later, we played some rockband with Mike, Lori, and Jean...Yep, Jean had a part in it too! She sang 'Pretty Woman'. She did a great job, except she didn't sing loud enough for the game to register her voice. It was so fun to be with the family agian!

I am SOOO thankful, to have him back again! It's been a long time comming! I LOOOOOOVE him so so so much! :)

THE TIME HAS ARRIVED!!!

2011-01-21T09:41:00.001-08:00

TOOODAY is the day! I wasn't going to blog until we got home. But I decided I would so that I can have todays feelings for my 'journal'.

I can't belive today I am going to pick my husband up! I can't get around the fact that it's just not a visit. A visit for 3 days at the most. This is the day I've been waiting for since July 19th (the day he left). I get to be a wife again! I am so lucky to have such a loving husband! I couldn't sleep at all for the past 3 or 4 nights. I was too excited!

What I'm most thankful for is our family and friends who've supported us from the begining! I could've never stayed so sane if it wasn't for them. Our parents, who took such good care of me when he was gone. My sister, and his brother and sister in law for calling me to ' just make sure I'm doing OK'. The rest of our families who make sure to let us know how much they are proud of him. I'm SO proud of him. And couldn't be more thankful for such a loving, handsome husband!!! Time to go get ready!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'll try to post pics soon from the airport! Love everyone!

2010-12-26T21:36:00.000-08:00

Just a small, random, post. Now that Christmas is over, I just have January to look forward to. I cannot wait for Den to get home. Before he left, I pictured this time away from eachother a lot easier. I find that some days are easier than others. But overall, this is by far the worst expierence I've ever been through so far being married. I don't expect it to get any easier. Sometimes I question if I'm cut out to be a military wife. I want to be the best wife to my husband that I can. Because he deserves it. But, I'm scared of the future, being alone. With family so far away, from everyone that I love. This isn't the easiest life but as long as I can be with Den I am a happy camper. I will make the most of our time together, and when he's gone on diployment I know that my family and friends are just a phone call away, and a skype away! ;) I am love with him, and look up to him with everything he does!!

I found these poems and want to share them:

Dear Lord,
A Navy wife I choose to be,
My husband's job to keep me free.
He must sail to foreign lands;
While he's gone, hold thou my hands,
When worries seem too much to bear;
Embrace me with thy loving care.
If days are boring, and nights too long,
Keep me father from all the wrong.
When I am weak and torn by fears,
Please father, dry my helpless tears.
You know indeed that I am frail;
Help me to send him Cheerful mail.
And as my lonely vigil stand,
My prayer is this: Please hold my hand.
-----------------------------------------------------

Dear Lord, give me greatness of heart to see,
The difference between duty and his love for me,

Give me a task to do each day,
To help pass the time while he's away.

Give me the understanding, so that I may know,
That when duty calls he must go;

And, Dear Lord, When he goes out to sea,
Please bring him home safely to me.
----------------------------------------------------

I have to say, I am thankful for the man I have. For the unconditional love he has for me. Even through all my imperfections, and faults, he is there for me. I adore him, and will forever be thankful for this sacrafice he has made for us. Because as hard as it is for me to be away from him, I know it's just as hard for him. I pray, that I may be positive and supportive and whatever else he needs from me. I hope I can fullfil those emotions for him!

Craf-tee!

2010-12-15T22:57:00.000-08:00

Sara and I have caught the craft bug! We started out with our stars. We baught a large size metal star, scrapbook paper, and modge-podge, and went to town creating our stars! SO FUN!

Says "Harris"

#2: "GIVE THANKS" These were spur of the moment crafts, we had everything, and just went to town! Just in time for Thanks giving!! :)

Our mess---haha.

#3: "JOY" Sara went to Trinity Treasurs here in town and found these block letters that we used scrap book paper on and modge-podge, and sand paper, also very fun!

My sanity for now!! ;)

2010-12-15T22:44:00.000-08:00

So I'm dedicated this blog to our good friends the Hirschi's! I've been so blessed to have such good friends welcome me into their home, to spend time with them while Den is gone. Since I got back from seeing Den in CT, I've been kinda lonley. And Sara and Spencer have taken me in more or less. I spend a lot of time with them, and it helps with the time to go by quicker! Dennis and Spencer have been friends since High School. Sara and I have been friends since serving together in Relief Society together, and became best friends when we started dating the boys, and still spent a ton of time double dating, and doing things together. Spencer is the kind of guy who will drop anything to help anyone. He is so patient. When Dennis was in bootcamp, my grandma got really sick, and needed a blessing. The only person I knew to call beside Cliff (Den's dad) was Spencer. He'll never know how much his friendship means to us.

Sara is the same. She is the only other person who knows me really well besides Den. Yup, she knows 98.5% of my life...hahaI tell her everything. She probably knows more than she'd ever want to. haha. I just love her and am so thankful for her friendship!But these are the friends that we will keep for life. They are huge blessings and I love them and appreciate them so very much! And it helps when their kid is so dang cute!!! :)

More Pics

2010-12-15T22:37:00.000-08:00

So, I'm retarted when it comes to this. I just got a newish computer and cant figure out why my pictures won't work. I've never had this happen to me. But Hope you enjoy the rest of the pics!

Time For an update!

2010-12-15T20:15:00.000-08:00

Well, its about time I quit putting off updating the blog. I need to get with the Program! So first things first. I cant figure out how to move the pictures where I want them. So you get to see them first. :)

...after I got home from Chicago. (Which is by far the worst place I've ever been to visit!) I got all of Den's things ready to ship to him. The most important thing being his cell phone! I must say, he did pretty good making sure to call me off the pay phone for a few days until his phone got there. He would call me once a day, and we'd talk for about 10-15 minutes a day. This was the best to finally talk to him everyday! But I came to the conclusion for the first little while it was rough having to go from talking to him through letters, and now we are able to talk whenever we wanted. Mad me miss him tons more! But I was thankful to get to talk to him all the time!

Before I left Chicago I remember Den telling me how fast 14 weeks would go by fast. Psh! Who was he kidding?! I wasn't about to wait 14 weeks to see him again! Once he recieved his phone one of our first conversations was about when he'd be home again. And once he decided he wouldn't come home for Thanksgiving or Christmas, I took matters into my own hands. And started looking for flights to go see him. Ofcourse, I couldn't just jump on a plane and go see him, I had to talk it out with him. While we were talking one day I just happend to be checking our online banking, and saw that there was a charge for plane tickets...as much as I wanted to jump up and down. I kept my cool and waited for him to tell me, but he just kept talking and talking, so I prolonged our conversation until he finally said "Oh by the way, I found a good price on a plane ticket for you!!!" Thanks Honey!!!!

Now for the good part. Dennis has always been so frugal with our money, which is so good, but not in a case like this. I was supposed to fly out on Friday November 5th. and come home the Monday the 8th. Now writing this, I realize I must sound so selfish, but I really wanted to spend as much time as I can with him. My itenerary said I arrive to Connecticut at 10 pm, just in time to go to bed! haha. But really I am SO thankful that I was abel to be with him. And we made the most of our time together. We stayed in Rhode Island the first night.. And bless my husbands heart, again he was looking to be frugal and save some mula, so we stayed in two more different hotels for the next 2 nights after that. haha. I asked how much he saved and he said $25..and if it were me, I would've just spent that extra money to stay in the same hotel. But oh well. It made for good memories! haha

Before we left Rhode Island, we took a little tour around the city, and stopped at the mall. This mall was HUGE! Not as big as Mall Of America. But it was pretty big! On our way out of the mall we saw a bunch of people so excited, out side Barnes and Nobel. So I decided to give it a look and to my surprise it was BUDDY from Cake Boss!! too some pics! He is soo nice!After that we drove to Groton, which is where Den is stationed at the moment. We drove through thee most BEAUTIFUL towns! Oh my heck, they were pretty. And it was the perefect time of year, with all the trees turning colors and the houses. Oh my heck, it kinda reminded me of a town like on Hocus Pocus. Not as creepy, but old houses and tall colonial style houses and the trees. I was secretly wishing that we'd get stationed there! :) Then we arrived at our next Hotel for the night. When we pulled up I had to have a little giggle. This hotel was cute on the outside but was a joke on the inside. It had walls of paper in there. I was woken up at 3 am to the sounds of "shouting for joy" in the room next to us. I couldn't believe Den could sleep through that!!

The next day we went to the Ocean, where I saw my first lighthouse! It was soooo pretty! It was at that moment, when I thought that as much as I hate the idea of living far away from family, I am so thankful to be able to travel and see all of these things, in which I otherwise wouldn't have been able to see. Later Den took me on base and showed me around. We weren't able to take pictures there because of confidential something or other..but was impressed how big base is. We had so much fun being together! I miss him everyday, and some worse than others. But in the big picture we have eternity to be together! For that, I will be forever thankful!!!!

My first video!!

2010-10-12T22:32:00.000-07:00

So I've been wanting to do this video since I got back. But I am not really technically inclined. So It's taken me a few days to get it done. And here it is!!

We have a Sailor!

2010-10-03T22:11:00.000-07:00

Ok friends. I've been meaning to blog, and blog, but for some reason keep putting it off. So here I am. FINALLY blogging. I was reading some of my older blogs about Den leaving, and almost being done with Basic Training. I can't belive that time has came and passed! It's been quite a rollercoaster ride! But all worth it! I have a lot to catch up on. I left for Minnesota to visit family the 24th of August. My aunt and I had to come back home a few days later because my grandma got really sick. If I'd have known just how bad off she was before I left I wouldn't have left. But I had the feeling and was confident that all would be well. Maybe that was just because I was wrapped up in getting to see Den. I hate those kind of homecomings. All of my moms brothers and sister came home to say their goodbye's.

Love you always Granny!

My Grandma, was one of my most favorite people in the world. She and my Grandpa always had my back. Even when I was wrong. They made me feel like I was right..haha. My Grandma, was the person I'd cry for when I got hurt, or was in trouble with my mom. I remember her picking me up from school when my mom was in school. She'd take me to her house. And we'd have an after school snack, and watch Super Market Sweep, and the Golden Girls. When I moved in with them after High School, she taught me how to make her mom's famous pancakes from scratch. I was so pleased with my self I made it a ton! Her and my Grandpa were troopers and just ate away! When I got married, she welcomed Den to the family with open arms. And loved him like one of us. I'm Thankful for the gospel. For the knowledge that our family can be together forever!

I ended back in Minnesota, a week before Den graduated. We went shopping at the Mall of America. Which is a GREAT place to people watch! haha, we shopped until we almost dropped! And before I knew it I was flying to Chicago! What an expierence. I arrived at the O'Hare airport, at about 10 am (people there are so NOT personable!). I had a whole day all by my self and had no clue what to do. I stayed at the Hampton Inn. And right next to it, there were tons of food places to choose from. Even a Six Flags across the street! But when I went out there all by my self I turned around and went right back into the Hotel. I kind of chickend out. I was affraid of all those people! Haha. Instead, I just got my outfit together, and relaxed. Thank goodness I had my computer with me That helped pass a lot of the time.

I had to be on base the next morning, at 7 am. So when the taxi guy came to the hotel, we were on our way! I couldn't believe it! The day that seemed to take FOREVER to get here was FINALLY here!

The highways in Chicago have surprisingly slow speed limits. I think the speed limit was like 55. And the guy was doing 75ish. I kept thinking all the way there, "If you get us pulled over and I'm late, I will be soooo angry" haha. But, he pulled up to the base, and actually got me all the way to the building that I needed to be at. From what he says, he's never been able to do that. So I was impressed. Also impressed because I'd done my homework and from what everyone else has said its was quite a jont for them. So I was expecting to walk a long ways! So thank you Mr. Cab driver! I was about 2 hours early. (the time they told us to be there. so we could get good seats.) I was so excited we saw some of the 6-7 week recruits walking around standing guard in their dress whites. It got me so excited! Finally the time came for the ceremony to start. I could hardly wait to see my husband! When they finally announced his division. I looked hard. and couldn't find him. Finally towards the end of the ceremony I found him. and was ready to make a dead sprint to him!

I had mixed emotions about the graduation. I think they drug it on too long. Something that could take 30 minutes. Took an hour and a half. But at the same time. They honored each division. there were 7 or 8 that graduated at the same time. So that was nice. The whole place was quiet and at the end when they say "NOW HEAR THIS, NOW HEAR THIS. LIBERTY CALL!" The whole place went from hearing a pin drop. To a crazy mad house! But that's to be expected. 8 weeks is a long time to be away from a loved one. We spent a few days together. Just kind of relaxing, shopping, and hanging out. It was nice to not have a schedule. But those days went by waaaay to fast. And before I knew it we were saying good-bye again.

Den is in Groton, CT going to sub school, and A school. He will finish there around Christmas time. Which seems like forever away. But I am planning a trip to Conneticut the first part of November. So hopefully that can hold me over until Christmas. I get to talk to him every day sometimes 2-3 times a day. And we get to text. So that's very nice and I'll take what I can get!

Here's a pic of den in his cami's. He is so studly!

Well now that I've written a novel, I'll end this blog with saying again how blessed I am to have such a wonderful husband, that I know with out a doubt will take care of us. Each day I get to talk to him, or I get a text from him. I feel like I'm falling in love all over again. He is the BEST guy, and husband I could ever dream about having in my life! I'm a lucky girl!

2 weeks!!!!!

2010-08-24T17:38:00.000-07:00

16 MORE DAYS!!! As much as I'm convinced that the past month hasn't gone by fast enough, I've finally made it to only have TWO more weeks and a couple days, to seeing my husband! However, I look that tomorrow will be 15 more days, Then I think it can't be so! Im SO SO excited (excited doesn't even begin to describe me..) to see my husband. I still haven't changed my mind about the military though. Still not a fan of it. But more so, I'm supportive of the military, and can appreciate the efforts made each and every day with it! I've gotten more letters since the last time I blogged.
Den is still doing really well. He's kind of discouraged with his division because, he says that most of the kids there are still "kids" and don't really understand working as a group will also help them imensely! As a division they aren't passing many of their expections, but Den says he is. So I guess that's all that matters. I do see him getting discouraged because he says that most of the kids complain A LOT, and he says he doesn't know why...they're the ones that signed up. They had to have known that boot camp wasn't a vacation away from home.. I still give them a lot of credit, and props because it has to be scary for an 18 yr old. I mean their first "out home" expirence they don't really get that freedom that most 18-20yr olds do. So I know now it's difficult for them. But this is an awesome growing oppertunity for them! So proud of them! Den says that he's ready to be done.
My husband will always be himself...and thats one thing that I love about him so much! But its hard to not change even just a little, after gowing through that kind of training. I can tell in his letters that he's starting that change, but not really. Its hard to explain... His division is getting more flags. Which is good! I think they use the flags as a competition with the other divisions and get a reward at graduation. He said his favorite so far is shooting the guns. Except he said as they were getting ready to go shooting they didn't get ready fast enough, and had to do some "intense" work outs...haha. Poor guy! I got to Minnesota on Sunday, and I just love the fact that Im so much closer to him. But can't stand that I can't see him for 2 more weeks. But a positive about being here is I got 2 letters today (tuesday) and I usually dont get my letters until Fridays. So I'll take what I can! Its waay humid here! I try to stay inside, where we have a/c. That's just too miserable! lol. Having such a good time! I will update in a couple of weeks when I get to CHICAGO! Thanks everyone for reading and supporting us!

Dear Sweetheart;

2010-08-09T20:59:00.000-07:00

On Friday ( AUG .6th) I got my FIRST letter(s) from Den! I was starting to get sad because it seemed like everyone in Dens groups moms, or wives were getting leters except for me! I was sarting to lose hope! Then all the sudden it was my turn! It was so good to hear from him! It has been a LOOONG 3 weeks, to not talk to him! So I was very thankful that I finally got something! I had to read the letters at work, because I waited for the mail-man every morning before work. So I kinda pushed it! lol. But it was worth it!
In his letter he said " Everything is OK, hard at times. but he's OK." I'm on a website with other wives, and moms of recruits in the Navy Basic training. And when they got their letters they would say that their guys said that some of the guys are getting in trouble left and right. I was starting to worry, because the thought of my husband getting yelled at and belittled made me sick to my stomach. So as I read on he said "I feel bad for some of the people here because the drill instructors are pretty hard on them. Though I don't think he minds me, so thats good." What a relief! I am so happy to hear that. He told me a story in the letter that made me kind of choke up. I'll start from the begining. Before Den left I asked him what he does about his garments. Since in he book it says they provide new underware for them. So he text his recruiter and then not even 2 minutes later, he called and wanted to know if Dennis was "pulling his leg"? He had never heard of garments. So Den had to explain them and then the guy said he'd find out.
Well he said that he could take his own garments, and they'd even let him wash them in a seperate washer and dryer. So he did. And he said that when he got there the guy told them to strip from their civilian clothes and underware so they could be in Navy gear. Well the guy asked Den what the crap (edited) he was wearing so he had to explain. So he said ok, well you can stay in them for now. So then the petty officer later saw him and asked what the "crap" he was wearing so he had to explain for the 3rd time. And the officer seemed to be okay with that. Well a couple days later some guy who is in charge came to Den and said that he appreciated the reasoning for the garments, and showed him a paper that said religious garments are only to be worn on Sundays. Then told him that if he had further problems with it then Den could go to the main guy who's in charge of everything. So Den again went in and explained the reasoning why he needed his garments. And the guy pretty much told him; well, you either wear the undies we give you, or you can go home. The guy put that Den was arguing with him on his reason for getting sent home. Well his Officer saw that and said, "he wasn't arguing, He just wanted to know why he can't wear them". So the next day, the Officer called Den into his office and told him that "he was very impressed with him, and that if he were in Dens place he'd want someone to do what he was about to do for Den, for him." He said that " I'm putting my neck on the line, and I will allow you to wear your garments. Just please wear our issued ones when you do PT (physical training)." Den said absolutley!
I finally got a call today! And to hear that story again in conversation. Made me one proud wife! When I answered the phone I didn't recognize his voice. He was selected to be the "Team Motivator" so he has to yell at the other guys for not paying attention or listening, or just bad mouthing...so I had to keep asking "What?" Because, I couldn't hear one bit of him. He's doing super well. He said that his Drill Leader went up to him and said "Harris, do you know what the difference between two weeks ago, and now?" Den answered "No" he said " Your always first to help, you always have a good attitude, and you never let anything get to you, keep up the good attitude I'll make sure your promoted to an E-3!" Oh what a relief that he is doing so well! And to hear him and talk to him was just what I needed! I really hope those kids don't ruin it and change the graduation date. I cant stand 10 weeks instead of 7! I can't wait to wrap my arms around him and give him one big smooch! I am so proud of him for doing so well! At least I can expect a letter each week! PHEW! Tomorrow, is exactly ONE month until I get to see him again! WOOO-HOOO!!!

One week down! 6 more to go??

2010-07-26T20:16:00.000-07:00

The last week was super hard without Den here. But I've been told it get easier as the time goes by. I was supposed to recieve Dens box with his clothes in it some time this week. On Thursday I was leaving for work, and saw the box at the front step. So I brought it in the house to search through it. I was hoping Den would write a letter on the plane and stuff it in his pockets. And no such luck... :( But its OK. I noticed when I pulled out his pants, he had his legs rolled up. I'm Interested to know what the reasoning is behind that. Then again maybe I'm OK with not knowing just yet... :)
As I've said MANY times, 8 weeks is a long time!! I've prayed religiously for the past week to help the next few weeks go by fast. But it just didn't seem like it was. This morning The first thought I had was 7 more weeks...Then I remembered I'm still waiting for the info to arrive! So I went and checked the mail and TADA! His letter was here!! I so badly wanted to open it right away, but I waited until I got in the house, and I read "Dear Alicia, Thank-you for supporting.." And then I had to set it down for a second and I gave it to Jean to read. Then she was telling me some of the major info. And said that Den is graduating September 10th!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is a whole WEEK earlier than we'd been expecting! I only have to wait 6 more weeks to see DEN!!!! I'm SOOOOOOOOOOO glad its a week sooner! I can't wait to see him and give him a big HUG! I love him so much!
I love days like today! For the sheer fact that I have proof that Heavenly Father listens to us, and answers our prayers. He may not do it as fast as we want. If we be patient, and we have faith in the Lord, we'll get our answers. Sometimes not as obvious as today, but I have NO question that the things we ask for get ignored. I love our family! I'm thankful for the love and support they give us. I'm most thankful for Heavenly Father. For all he does for us!

from "Wife" to "Navy Wife" !!

2010-07-19T20:05:00.001-07:00

Well, the MUCH dreaded day has come, and past! Its been quite the roller coaster ride the past week! One minute I'm so excited for our new begginings. The next I'm a mess. So in all honesty, I'm really greatful that its over! And, I think that he's excited that he doesn't have to see me cry anymore...haha. But I sure do miss him already! I was telling my in-laws, I can do a week. We've been away from eachother at least that long in the past 3 years. But 8 + weeks...is going to be a bit trying!

Den's last day at work was last Monday. He was so funny. They're only supposed to wear plain Navy Blue t-shirts. And he went in with his Navy shirt on. With BIG yellow words! He wanted to get sent home. But didn't happen. Too bad for him. On his exit interview they marked him as re-hireable. That usually is what you want to leave a job with..But he was so done with that place he was so excited to just get out and never look back again! I love him! I knew that since I wanted the week to be paused in time, it'd flyyy by! And so I was right! I usually love when I am. Just not this time! :) We had a busy, busy, week with trying to fit in friends and family to hangout with before he left it was quite crazy! But we ended the week with a BBQ. A bbq with family and close friends. I was sooo happy with all the people who showed up to support him! I know he was happy with it too! So thanks to those who came!

We had a blast talking and goofing off. But I really just wanted the day over with. The anticipation of him leaving was making me crazy! I'm sure by yesterday he was sick of seeing me cry. Infact the last few times I was upset he'd say "quit crying" so just to make him mad I'd cry more....JUST KIDDING! But I'd be okay for a while. Then I'd start to think and make myself upset again. So I was really looking forward to Monday. So that I could have the worst behind me. With the military their motto is "Hurry up and Wait.". This is going to be a LOOONG 4 years! I'm a person who functions better with a schedule. And they give you one don't get me wrong. But it's whenever they get around to it. So this will be difficult to get used too.

We woke up early Sunday morning to leave for Utah so we could watch Den get sworn in to the Navy, to officially become a sailor! His brother Mike and his family were patiently waiting for us to arrive. I was so happy to have them there. All together we had my mom and sister, his parents, and his brother and his family. When we got to Utah we had to get Den checked into the hotel. Because the military paid for his room I couldn't stay with him ( I would've LOVED to pay for it! It just isn't an option..) So he had to be back for a briefing at 8pm. So we had 5 hours with him. I was dreading every minute of it! I asked the recruiter what time we needed to be at the MEP'S building and they weren't sure but guessed about 9...makes me crazy. So I had to say goodbye twice, because I wasn't taking the chance of missing him the next morning and not being able to say goodbye. It was a rough night! I slept maybe 4 hours. Then woke up to get ready.

And left the hotel by a quarter to 8. Got to the building and ended up waiting 2 1/2 hours for the "Ceremony" to start. Mike and Lori have 3 children. Katie 9, Kaleb 6, Carson 2. These kids were AMAZING waiting that whole time. Granted they were intertained by one of the ladys walking through a few times! Den got to come sit with us a couple times, while he waited for the next thing to do. And before we knew it, we were all walking in the back to see him get sworn in. I got way choked up, seeing him stand there all official like. But I was also super proud of him! Then it was about another 10 minutes of waiting and before we knew it the dreaded goodbyes had to come. I think I can speak for everyone else, saying that this was a hard goodbye to say!

They have a website called navyformoms.com, this has been my safe haven for the past couple weeks, getting all the information that I needed. (The recruiters don't spill the beans about ANYTHING!) I learned on there that the guys get a 30 second phone call home when they get there telling us they're okay and to be expecting a box in about 2 weeks with the clothes they were wearing. And hopefully a call back in 3. But nothing is guarenteed. How'd I love it so much though! He finally called me at 7:30 last night. Natually, I wanted to ask all kinds of questions, but had to keep it short. So I hung up at 32 seconds. :) After we hung up I thought he's completley BALD! :( He wanted me to shave his head before he left, but I just couldn't.. So they did for him. I'm on my 4th letter to him tonight. So, I should quit babbling so I can start it.

Before I do, I have to say how greatful I am to have a husband who will do anything to better our family. How easy it is now days to be a bum and live off the government. He wanted better. Our fututre is secure. We will have no financial stress. And our kids even have a chance to have a good life. I love him so much for making this sacrafice for us. I know it's hard to get past now, but in the long haul its completley worth it. I love him so much, I get amazed everytime I get to say his name how much I love him, and that christ would allow such a love to grow strong. I am blessed. We are blessed. Now all we need is the next 8 weeks to hurry up!!

A run through..

2010-05-15T21:39:00.000-07:00

Ok, So I'm the worst blogger! But I like to wait until something exciting has happend, or I have enough to talk about( I also always feel that I babble about too much) . But fortunately, I've waited so long that I have a few things to talk about.

We are now 9 weeks away from Dennis leaving to basic training. I think about him leaving all the time, and it makes me super sad! I have to just think happy thoughts for now. That's going to be a bad day I feel. And I want to avoid it as much as possible until the time officially comes. And then, I just pray that it goes by fast! The navy gave me a "S.T.A.R.T" book (Standards-Tradition- Acknowledgement- Requirements-Training) just some information about what to be expected when Den leaves. I guess it's supposed to be comforting so us "wives" don't freak out. I'll be the first to say, that this book doesn't help us to gear up for what is to be expected. First of all it says something like.. "while your loved one is in recruit traning, you can rest assured that your loved one is in good hands, and will be treated with up-most respect." Maybe this is so, but I can hardly imagine that while he's in basic training he will be treated with respect. I told him, to expect the worse, that way when he gets there he isn't shocked at how they do things there. This is a day, I just want OVER with!
We are soo blessed to have such loving family, and especially OUR friends to support him and I through this decesion! It isn't a fun one to make, but we've had so, so, so, many people question us, Why? This was my question until just recently. But all I can say is, Why not?? I mean we'll have FREE health and dental, we can FINALLY get our family started. Something I've waited what seems to be eternity for. Also, we get to se parts of the world that otherwise maybe we wouldn't. Another frequently asked question is, Are you sure, and Are you Okay with it??Answers: NO, and definatley NOT! But I have faith in my husband, and the decesions he makes for us and our future family. I was just looking at the definition of "faith" and it has many, but I like this one... "the obligation of loyalty or fidelity to a person, promise, engagement." I just love my husband! One funny thing about the Navy, is that he has to be clean cut, and if he has any facial hair it has to be a mustache. So naturally, he had to try it out. He got made fun of. But wanted to wait to shave it so his brother could see it. He is so funny! One good thing about it is, he gets to join a gym for practically, nothing! So most of our free time is spent at Gold's Gym. We both are loving it! I hope that the first time I see him after he leaves, that I can be pretty again!

WE LIKE TO CALL THIS THE '80'S PORN STAR STACHE!

We had a good visit last month with his brother Mike, and his family. I just love them! They are good people! I have a feeling any time I get off this summer, I'll be visiting them more! I hope so any ways! They have the cutest little kids! Carson, is the youngest and is just starting to talk. I tried all weekend to have him say "Aunt Alicia" and he never would he'd just smile at me and say Den..So then I shortend it to "Aunt Licia" nope nothing. Finally I shortend it again to just "auntie" and until Sunday while we were sitting in sacrament, I had to bribe him with a swee corn candy, and he finally said just "Auntie"..Hallelujah! ;) We all got together for Lennie's new baby's blessing. It's always so fun to be with family! Lennie made Olivia's blessing dress! She is so freaking crafty I hate it! :) not really, but she comes up with some way cute ideas! I hope she doesn't mind, but I'm posting some pics of Oli, in her cute blessing dress. All in all, a good weekend!

One of my favorite things to do is hair! I love new crafty ideas to style, color, and even cut! This year I, along with most of my hair school friends had the oppertunity to be the judges of this years hair competition. And may I just say, we have some pretty awesome stylists' in the making! It was so fun to be a part of! I can't wait for the day for me to move on to a full service salon! The days are coming closer, and closer! I have to share a few of my favorites! The pictures aren't very good. But it was fun none the less! p.s. I stole the two pics of the indian lady, and the guy, off of the schools website. ;)

Lastly, HAPPY MOTHERS DAY! Den and I are so blessed to have the mom's we do. Me growing up with just my mom as a single parent. and His mom being the one to take care of the kids. We were given so much, not just in things, but we've learned a lot from our mom's. And we couldn't be any more proud as their children! I think this is the thing I look most forward to in life, is being a parent, an example, and caregiver, to a sweet child of god. I can't think of a better blessing to be given!

Unexpected Changes...

2010-03-01T21:27:00.000-08:00

Well, we've had a few unexpected changes within the past few months. We moved out of our apartment...and I'm not sure weather to be happy or sad. We are now living with Den's parents. Which is okay. I think we took our privacy for granted...ie. having to be dressed when we get up to use the bathroom in the night. :) haha! We origionally were moving out here temporarily, to help save some money.
Dennis has been talking about going into the Army, or the Marines. Which I know my husband. He usually just says stuff to see what kind of a rise he can get out of me. But it kept getting brought up...I knew after a few times of bringing it up, he was serious! So I thought about what I could say to him. After all I don't want to discourage him...but the thought of losing him was the first thought that came to me. I know this must sound selfish, but me being an "Over-reactor" I had to take a step back and really try hard to make myself support him. And I'm sure if it was something that he was seriously wanting to do, then I'd have to support him. It'd just be too hard. I couldn't imagine him shipping out over seas. It was about at that moment that my heart went out to the parents, wives, girlfriends, etc. of the kids who told them that they wanted to join the Military. FEAR is what gets to ya...and trust me Satan does his best to scare ya too.
After a couple weeks of panicing, we had the "talk". I just kind of asked him if he had any part in him concidering to join the Navy or the Air Force instead. Because they are the two safest ones, while nothing is ever guarenteed. I felt a little better with those choices. Den agreed. So a few days later we made our trip to the Navy recruiters office. Dennis and the guy talked for a while and then it was my turn to ask questions. Although, I've NEVER been a fan of them ( they remind me of used care salesmans...they'll tell you anything you want to hear just for a signature.) he assured me that Den would be taken care of. A week later Den took a trip to Utah to take some tests and pick a date to leave, and his job. When he came back with his boot camp date, and job. It hit me...man!!! This is for real!
Den's anxious, nervous, scared, excited, pretty much every emotion there is he has. I have to tell myself that I'm okay with his decesion. And its only 4 years. We can do it. My biggest fear is to have the base be half way across the world, and I'm home alone...I'm sure I can make new friends. But it isn't home. So here are the dates so far... July 19 he leaves for boot camp for 8 weeks! Then he graduates from boot camp and I can see him that weekend and then it's off to school for him for another 8 weeks, then I can move with him to the base, which will be one out of 5 places Georgia, Conneticut, Washington, Virgina, or Hawii. I'll keep ya upto date on any changes that may happen. Geeze, I can't even stand him away from home for the night, i don't know about 4 months!!!
On a way better note, we are Aunt Alicia and Uncle Dennis for the 6th time! Our beautiful neice was born February 18th. She's an absolute doll!! And so so so small! I just love it! Having a new baby in the family sure isn't helping me with the baby blues! But I think we'll see her enough to help cure them for a second... :) haha! These pictures are way small because they're from my phone...I'll update some from the camera when it gets un packed! ;)

Happy New Year!

2010-01-03T18:23:00.000-08:00

HAPPY, HAPPY, NEW YEAR!!!

It seems like I've been saying this all year. But, I still can't belive how fast 2009 flew by! We've had quite the eventful year! Rather, not quite as eventful as I would've liked. We've been humbled all year long! Last November, we decided to start looking for homes to buy. I hate doing all of the technical work (i.e. dealing with the realitor and banks). But we probably looked at 6 or 7 different homes. Oh we found 2 that we absolutley loved! So, off to the bank I went! Our realitor was talking up this first time home owners thing. When I got to the bank I found out that we made $1,000 too much! ARE YOU KIDDING ME!?!?! The banker was so kind to let me know if I were to have 2 children we would qualify...haha thanks! But when all was said and done, we got approved for our loan! I was soo excited! So Dennis got home from work that night and I told him what I found out.
Dennis being the guy he is says "maybe we should pray about it". Sweet! I already have the answer!! About a week later, Den said he didn't have a good feeling and to just wait until the Holidays are over. So I went with it. A month or so later, Dennis got laid off from his job. Thank Goodness we didn't get into our house, we would've been in so over our heads! But, Den kept his head up and kept applying for jobs. Finally we got a call from Mtn. Home! Dennis went to his first interview, and I went with him to the second. And we started looking at places to live and jobs for me...can you guess what happens next?? Yup, too good to be true! He finally found a job doing what he does best! Worked there for a month or so, and come to find out...they over hired! Nice blow to the stomach! In all of this I'm trying to not be upset, because I already know the stress and anger Dennis has. I don't want him to have my stress too.
I have such a WONDERFUL husband, that will do what it takes to keep us striving! I know pleanty of people who just throw their hands in the air and say "screw it! I've had enough." But not my husband. He looks deep and hard for what he can find to help support us. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, him! After looking so hard for literally anything, our prayers have been answered once again. It's nothing permanent. But its something that will support us for now.

We are soo hoping that 2010 will bring us many more blessings! Out with the old and in with the NEW!! I was getting ready to write my resolutions when I opened the paper and read the Dear Abby section. I loved it so much that this will be my resolutions in short.

JUST FOR TODAY: I will live through this day only. I will now brood about yesterdsay or obsess about tomorrow. I will not set far-reaching goals or try to overcome all of my problems at once. I know that I can do something for 24 hours that would overwhelm me if I had to keep it up for a lifetime.
JUST FOR TODAY: I will be happy. I will now dwell on thoughts that depress me. If my mind fiss with clouds, I will chase them away and fill it with sunshine.
JUST FOR TODAY: I will accept what is. I will face reality I will correct those things that I can correct and accept those I cannot.
JUST FOR TODAY: I will improve my mind. I will read something that requires effort, Thought and concentration. I will not be a mental loafer.
JUST FOR TODAY: I will make a conscious effort to be agreeable. I will be kind and courteous to those who cross my path, and I'll not speak ill of others. I will improve my appearance, speak softly, and not interrupt when someon else is talking.
Just for today, I will refrain from improving anybody but myself.
JUST FOR TODAY: I will do something positive to improve my health. If I'm a smoker I'll quit (i don't smoke :) ) If I am overweight , I will eat healthfully--if only just for today. And not only that, I will get off the couch and take a brisk walk, even if it's only around the block.

I found this to be way more inspiring instead of a piece of paper saying what I want to fix about myself!
I love my life. I love my family and friends. I love the examples, and the love, and support they give to us. I hope that I can only give those to them in return.

A guy in my ward said today, that on his mission he loved getting into a new area because it was a new chance to better himself to new people. I hope that I can better myself in this new year, for the people I love so so much! :)

Here's to a New year! :)

Happy Hollidays!!

2009-12-06T16:24:00.000-08:00

I can't even belive it's that time of year! We have had such a fun time getting ready for the Holidays! I was so excited to have Thanksgiving underway! I think I was more excited to get the ads so we can map out our shopping day! I look forward to shopping early morning every year! But it always seems I learn FAST and the hard way, why it isn't so fun when we get there :) We started at JcPenny at 4 am. Which means, my mom and sister had to wake up at 3 am, and I woke up at 3:30 am... I know we are crazy! But we got most of everything done there! Next we went to Wal-Mart. Just for the records up until last year we always started our shopping at 7am. So we've NEVER been to Walmart before 5 a.m.! What a crazy mad house! After been ran over by 2 people's carts, and shoved out of the way, I will NEVER go back before 5 am! There is absolutley nothing I need soo bad that I have to go. No Thanks! I'd rather pay full price!

After getting what we needed there, I saw an ad for a $75 dollar Criket! It was at Jo-Anns. So we waited in line for 1/2 hour and succeeded at my purchase! I was trying to justify spending that money on something I wanted.. But Den wanted an I-pod adapter for the car, so I figured I'd buy that, and a movie and we'd be even. When we got to Fred Meyers, I bought his for 12 bucks!!! I couldn't belive it... So now I'm still on the hunt for the perfect gift! :) We ended the morning with breakfast with my aunt..Just in time for me to go to work!

Later we attended the parade of lights in Old town. It's been our tradition for years, this year we didn't have little ones to take with us. Maybe it's time to get working on that ;) haha! After that looong weekend. Dennis and I bought a permit to get our own Christmas tree! How fun!! After a while of hiking in the snow, we finally found our tree! Got it down the hills, on the truck, and home. It so wasn't what we were expecting to be! We have our first Charlie Brown tree! Dennis says it gives it character! I say, Lets take it back and get a new one...haha.

I actually LOVE it just because of the fun we had together finding our tree! I love starting new traditions! It will most definitely be a tradition that I will most cherrish! I am the luckiest person ever to have an awesome hubby, and family that will carry traditons even with out kiddos! ;)

Pee Pee Teepees!!

2009-10-27T15:28:00.000-07:00

I've been itching for crafting! Back in August, we went to American Falls Day's. There was a cute booth set up that had lots of crafty ideas. This is where I noticed the "peepee teepee"! My friend who was expecting at the time, bought a couple for a good laugh. She was telling me that they actually work...haha! So since most of my friends are having kids, I decided to give it a go! We had to go out to Den's parents house because we don't have a sewing machine. Its been too long since I've threaded a sewing machine. Of course no one else is home to help me. Just Den, Krysta, and myself. The three of us are trying to listen to his mom on speaker phone while threading it. Eventually I gave up! But not that easy. I did it by hand! So, first go around not so good. But you can Bet that the second one will be LOTS better! ;) I have a few pictures of our events.

2009-09-22T12:32:00.000-07:00

I cannot belive that October is a week away!! Where did this year go?! Dennis and I have both been busy with work latley. About a month ago I was starting to apply at some different salons, while Den was deciding what to do next...we've been a topsy turvy rollercoaster for the past 3 months or so. Dennis is working for the city as a grounds man for now, and trying to get school stuff situated. While I was waiting for a phone call, and taking Sport Clips day by day. After 2 weeks, I found out that the origional manager has put in her 2 week notice. Therefore, giving us more hours to work! HALLELUJAH! Better yet, the owner called me and raised my pay and gave me a promotion. For now, this will work. But I'd really just enjoy working at a Full service salon, and doing what is really the fun stuff!!!

Dennis and I just celebrated our 2 year anniversary! I am so blessed to have found such a loving, and supportive husband! I really couldn't ask for anything more...well maybe children in the future. But I like where we are now. We spent the weekend in IF with his sister and brother-inlaw. I like that they are so close for even just a little get-away. On our way home we had just BARLEY missed a roll-over. Oh my goodness!! The car was no more! The guy was ok, but it literally made me sick to see it. It was like a horror movie! There was so much blood, and people running with cell phones. It was so scary !! I could go the rest of my life with out witnessing one of those again! I will say, how thankful I am to live in a place that the people are willing to help out as they can when something horrible like that happens. But we had a good time none the less! Yesterday we celebrated our 2 year anniversary just hanging out at home. I made some yummy dinner and he surprised me with flowers!!

Happy Birthday to ME!

2009-08-17T19:30:00.000-07:00

August is usually a pretty busy month for us, with family here and birthday stuff going on, I feel rushed. This year it was a little more relaxed. All the family left in July. So we just had my birthday to look forward to...but that isn't the total truth! My good friend was having her baby this month too! I was so happy to share my Birthday with such a cute boy!! Even though, he was born on 12th. I like to think of him as a belated birthday gift! And what a wonderful one at that! We had been waiting what seemed like forever for this boy to get here. And I wasn't even carrying him! :) He is way to cute!

For my birthday Dennis' partent's gave me a tent! We've been wanting to go camping but have been too cheap. We were looking around and price shopping, but just didn't want to get it right away. What a fun and usefull gift! I couldn't wait to go camping. So Den wanted to go fishing and I said lets camp too! So we called his sister and her and the hubby and their kids came out! We had a great time! And have plenty of great stories, I'll just share two of them...Dennis has this Bassett Hound. Who is at times cute but mostly whiny! Our little niece is DEATHLY affraid of him. So when the guys went to get fire wood, Den chained him up. The dog whined for ever so finally I had some sympathy! So I took him off the chain and zooom! He ran so dang fast out of that campsite and up the dirt road so fast, that I litterally ran all the way up to get him and yelling his name. I think at my meanist I don't intemidate anything. He finally stopped, then I had to use my nice voice so he'd come to me. And he did. But he went right back on that chain! and didn't get off.

After all of that, their cousin came over and hung out for a while. Our nephew had been fishing on the dock earlier and got bored and put the pole down. And when she got there he wanted her to watch him fish. So they went down to the dock and he picked up my fishing pole that he'd set down earlier and it was stuck...he said "I think something is wrong" so I went to find the end of the line and the hook had slipped in between the boards on the dock and we had caught a fish! with out even trying!! It was great! Lennie and I were trying to get it out and couldn't because the sides of the dock were huge, so the guy got back while we were trying to figure out how to save the fish. And ended up just cutting the hook off or something. But I thought it was great that we caught a fish and didn't even try to!!

Summer Fun!

2009-07-27T20:44:00.000-07:00

I cannot belive that we are almost out of Summer, and getting into Fall! What a crazy summer at that! Dennis has started a new job! YAY! He is working for an excavation company. I still am not quite sure what he is doing! :) He leaves early Monday morning and comes home about early evening on Thursdays. So I am BORED Mon-Thurs. Absence makes the heart grow fonder right?? . Last Friday Denn had another interview for HOUKU, which we were a little skeptical because of the rumors from the Journal. Hopefully we'll get some answers! . I am so lucky to have such a loving husband, that will put up with me! :)

We've had a fun past couple of weeks! All my family came home for a visit! I just love spending time with them! I wish we all lived a little closer! Saturday night we met my Uncle, his wife, and their 2 kids at my moms house. We played a bit of Rock Band. Oh my heck the technology! We had a good time! We all waited up to see my other uncle and his son pull in...(Denn passed out)! Sunday afternoon we all went to Rock Creek for a little family fishin time. I get so bored after a while of not catching anything, I go crazy. But thankfully we had 2 little kids with us to keep me busy! Monday we went to the airport to meet my aunt and her kids! I just LOVE them! Thursday we all went to Bear World, and I think it was a great hit with the kids! Last time I went there they didn't have rides, and they had a few little rides for the kids. I think they espically liked the petting zoo. We had a fun week! With Friday leading to our family bbq, and my aunts hubby coming home! Saturday and Sunday we said adios to my Uncels and their families! And the rest of us kind of hung out and helped with chores around the house. My aunts husband built some railing on the side door, to make it easier for my granny to get up and down the stairs. While he was building that, us girls were painting the front porch railings. With an occasional running to the side of the house to help uncle with holding the boards in place while he nailed. We have so much fun when we are with them!!

All in all we had a FANTASTIC week! Its always so sad to say goodbye, but really its a "see you later!"

Fishin'

2009-06-23T19:31:00.001-07:00

Den has found a newly cheap past-time! FISHIN'! He's gone a few times with his cousin, and just recently picked it back up, and hasn't missed a week yet! :) It's so fun to see him get so excited to go do something. I love being with him so I went one day, and we had a great time! Well I decided that if I was going to join him, I'd either need a huge book to read or a fishing licence! Any of you who know me, know I'm not a big fan of reading. I will, but I usually don't do it for fun unless its a wonderful book! Any way, so Den and I went to Wal-mart to get some bait for him and he bought me a fishing pole, and a licence! I'm Officially a fishin lady! We went to Weston to go fishing at 5 am! My gosh those fish are demanding to make us wake up that early (I almost concidered not going because it was so early) :) haha. When we got there the first two hours or so were so dang booring!! You cast you reel, you cast you get stuck on moss, you cast and get a nibble, I was getting so frustrated! UNTIL... I moved spots and then caught our first fish of the day!! Poor Den, I'm kind of grossed out about the whole pinching the worm and hooking it, I'm also very grossed out about taking the hook out of a flopping fishs' mouth. So every time I caught a fish I'd yell for him, and he'd run over and do his job. I ended up catching three bass, one rainbow trout, one perch.
Then they'd had enough of me. Then it was Den's turn to catch.. and he caught quite a few trout. I had my camera with me because I ofcourse wanted pictures! Well I decided to just take a video and while I was recording, he caught a fish, took out the hook, and this fish was not having it! He flopped and flopped and poor Den, was trying so hard to not let him back in, and finally Den lost the battle! He was super annoyed with me because I wasn't helping. But, I didn't know what was really going on, i thought he really had it. Once the day was over we had a great laugh about it. I left sooooo burnt! I didn't even think to bring spf! :P my face was in so much pain! But we had a great time none the less! I forgot to mention, I've come to terms with hooking my own worm! I just have to find something else to snip it with. I'm still trying to get not so grossed out with the hook, and I don't think I'll ever be okay with gutting it! YUCK!

It isn't very big. But it's my 1st!!!!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEN!

2009-06-14T18:20:00.001-07:00

For all of you who know my husband, know that he isn't too much of a party guy...haha. Well, in the fact that he doesn't like to make a big deal about HIS own birthday. We usually go to his parents and his mom makes him, his favorite red velvet cake (from scratch!) well this year, I decided to give him a "suprise" birthday. So I did a little texting to his good friend Spencer... and he was in charge of getting the rest of them! So Thanks Spencer!! I had to tell him, because he seemed a bit grumpy and I didn't want to ruin the night! I am so glad his friends came to support him! He seemed really happy to have them all there! And I couldn't complain with my little sister there and Sara and my mother in-law. We really had a great time! I decided to make a little prank cake. Dennis recently worked at Lowes, and being the man that he is, He naturally notices boobs...haha. So I made him a boobie cake. :) He told me to hide it because he didn't want his parents to see it. So the fridge was full and the oven was being used so i put it on top of the fridge. Well his dad came in and put his hand on the fridge and got curious to what his hand was touching, and found the cake!! I think it really embarrassed him, but usually it's my mother inlaw getting embarrassed. And she was even making jokes about it! haha, well the cake had been found so we sang him "Happy Birthday" on the boobie cake! haha. I really am blessed to have such an easy-going husband!

2009-06-14T18:00:00.001-07:00

Ok, I've always loved house decorations, However, due to our oh so small apartment, I've had to stop buying so much because I despise clutter!! Anyway, my friend is having a baby boy in August and has asked me to help decorate. She has decided on the theme "Americana" and with the time of year we're in its perfect shopping time! We came to ALCO in AF, they have the cuttest stuff! But, I went to Real Deals a couple weeks ago and oh my! I am in so much love with all of their decorations, I need a mansion!! :) But I took a little video of our work in progress of the room. We are pretty proud of our craftiness!!

Work out!

2009-06-08T15:20:00.000-07:00

I've started a new gym membership at Golds Gym! Once I noticed, how skinny Den was getting, I got the ambition to start working out. I'm am newly addicted to spinning. I LOVE IT! I think that I mostly like it because of my friend I go with, she's a ball! We do spinning 3 times a week, then just lift weights the rest. Well we've just decided to try Aqua aerobics. We were kind of hesitant because, we had the idea that only older people went. When we got in everyone was so dang nice! And, not a lot of old people like we thought! So the whole time we are getting a total kick out of it, and got the giggels! It didn't help when the instructor told us to go to the sides of the pool and act like your going to jump out (we had to do 30 of those 3 times) well with about 15-20 people jumping up and down every time we'd come down all the water would splash in our face, which made it all the more comical to us... we loved it so much we'll be going twice a week!! We actually look forward to working out!!

2009-05-26T12:43:00.000-07:00

It was the cuttest thing I've ever seen! My sister in-law and her family came down to do the finishing touches on the bathroom. It had been raining all day, off and on. My nephew came in the house and said "mom get your camera!!!" Lennie told him that she didn't bring her camera, but to ask me. So we asked why he needed the camera, and he said "There is a REALLY big rainbow outside!!" So I went out with him and took a few snap shots. It is so funny what little kids get so excited about! We are blessed to have them in our family!

Lasagna!

2009-05-26T12:32:00.000-07:00

So any of you who really know me, know that I am not really a good chef! So since my family is always making yummly food for us, I decided to invite them over for dinner at our house. I was just going to make some chicken enchaladas, which is what i make for company to fool them, that I am a good cook. My sister suggested we make some Lasagna, ok! Easy, just go buy some Stouffers and pop it in the oven. She was presistant on making it home made. So we strolled to the store and bought our ingrediants, and made them! And....they were actually really, really good!! Now I have another dish I can make that will fool our guests'!!!!

Easter!

2009-05-26T12:18:00.000-07:00

So, since most of my family live out of town, we decided that easter wasn't really fun without kids! It just so happend that my sister in-law came down with her family to remodel Den's partents' kitchen and bathroom. So we decorated eggs with Ethan and Addy, after that they both got a quality hair cut! :) We have so much fun with them!

About us!

2009-05-26T11:20:00.000-07:00

Ok, so we really don't have a romantic love story. But I'll tell you any way. Dennis and I have known eachother for a years before we started dating...since 2000 when I was baptized. He went on to serve a mission for the church to Spain Bilbao mission. He returned a brand new kid! I was a senior in high school when he came home. He later moved to Empire, NV. For work. He worked in a factory that makes dry wall. I moved to Utah, for a change. Started school in Novemer, for Cosmetology. I was about a year into my schooling. When I found out that my family who i was living with was relocating to Minnesota. So I had two choices. Move in with my other aunt, or come home. After praying about it, I moved home! Just in time to start school in the fall. I had known that since I was in Utah, Af had made a singles branch. I was trying to avoid it as much as I could. When my bishop told me, "It's fine if you want to come here. But your records will be there.." -Thanks bishop! haha. So i went to church at the singles branch. To my suprise there was Dennis!! He was lookin' good! :) Well, it took a little while for us to even strike up a conversation, but when we did we really hit it off! Who'd of known!?! We started hanging out in April, dated in March, we were engaged in May. We had a 4 month engagement. He purposed to me on a dirt road by the farm next to his parents house...not so romantic but I got my ring!!! :) We got married September 21, 2007 in the Logan Temple. We now live in Chubbuck, both working, and loving married life!! The end!