My mind has been reeling lately. I feel very behind on lots of things, including my blog and right now I should be catching up. Unfortunately, I cannot bring myself to to do it. So instead I feel like sharing a few things that have been on my mind.

I'm LUCKY

I married into an amazing family. When Steve and I got engaged, I was very intimidated by his family. I had no grounds to feel this way, other than that I wanted them to like me. Now I see how silly I was to feel that way. They are the most loving and kind people I know. I have been overwhelmed with the love and support we have been given. Steve's family goes to extremes to support each other, even when they have their own burdens to bear. I so admire his parents, and their desire to help their children succeed. I want to be like his siblings because of their concern for each other. His nieces and nephews are adorable, and never fail to make me smile.

I was raised by parents that cared about my education. I know this, because of how involved they were at my school. My mom was on every committee, my dad was at every play, music recital and class event. Even with all of us graduated now, my parents can still be found at foundation meetings, on school re-build committees and in my mom's case, sewing up a storm for the drama department. As I am student teaching, I am learning how crucial a parent's involvement in their child's classroom is. Because of their examples, I CARE about my education. Heck, I would say it's one of the reasons I want to be a teacher. They have inspired me to help my students to care about their education too.

My husband loves me. This may seem simple, but I honestly believe it's one of the reasons I'm lucky. I've noticed recently how he and I love each other more every day. And even though that doesn't seem possible sometimes, each day I'm surprised because it grows even more. The best thing about it is that I'm sure that it will be this way forever.

I have a knowledge of Heavenly Father's love for me. I know he's watching over me and those I care about. I know that even though I don't always like what he has in store for me, I know that I'll overcome whatever challenges come my way because he wouldn't send them if he didn't think I could handle them.

Sorry it's sappy, but it's as close to how I feel as I can say. I'm just really, really lucky.

Scenes from a Chinese Restaurant

Last night was our weekly Friday night date. It went a little something like this:

We went to the one Chinese Restaurant within 40 miles, the Snow Dragon. Sitting in the booth behind us were 2 couples, obviously on a first date. The girls were mostly talking to eachother and the boys were sitting there awkwardly. The following is a conversation we heard from said double date going on behind us:

Girl 1: "Wow, this water is really hitting the spot"
(awkward pause)
Girl 2 takes a sip: "You're totally right!"
(awkward pause)
Boy 1: "Glad you like it."
Waiter: "You ready to order?"
Girls 1 and 2: "Yes"
Boys 1 and 2: "No"
(awkward pause)
Girl 1 to Waiter: "What's the difference between Egg Drop and Wonton Soup?"
Waiter: "Uh....let's see. Uh, I don't know how to explain them. Look, there isn't a huge difference they're both Asian."
Girl 1: "OOOkaaaaaaay"
Boy 2: "Can I have half sweet and sour half sesame chicken?"
Waiter (who I'm now thinking is the worst waiter ever): "We can't do that because (whispering slightly) the cooks are Chinese, and if I try and talk to them, they get really confused. Sorry dude, unless you want something else other than what you ordered I can't do it."

Steve and I couldn't help but laugh. First at the awkwardness of the first date conversation going on thrilled to be out of the dating game. This water is really hitting the spot? Really? If you can't think of a better ice breaker than that, maybe you should take some lessons in small talk.

Second, did the waiter really just say those things? Really?

When we paid we noticed that the owner's son was in a class that Steve helped out with during the first part of the semester. He recognized Steve and told his dad about him. His dad replied that the boy was like Steve's apprentice. The boy then said, 'yeah, he's the sorcerer and I'm the apprentice.' (he began to mumble some weird incantation.) Steve just laughed and we stood there uncomfortably as we finished paying. The owner gave us a lovely Calendar of the Chinese New Year, and asked his son to tell us what the Chinese Characters meant on the box...the boy looked at us, then back at his Dad obviously confused, as he had no idea what they said.

Good times to be had on Date Night!

On another note, we saw Tangled, and it was wonderful.

The Scoop

So between the two of us, Steve and I aren't very good at updating our blog. Maybe it's because there isn't much going on with us, or maybe we're just lazy (Steve's just busy, I'm more lazy), so here I am with what will hopefully be a semi-interesting update.

Steve is now working two jobs along with a busy school schedule. They just amount to about 10 hours a week, but we definitely consider them a blessing. One of the things we're learning as newlyweds is that tithing works, and that Heavenly Father answers prayers. :) Steve's doing well in his classes, and loves being at Snow...for now. I'll be honest, I'm pretty sure he misses being a Utah Man. It's been hard for him to be away for games and stuff, and since his family is BIG into the Utes, it'll be good for him to be back in Salt Lake.

I have been working in a 3rd Grade classroom for the last two weeks, and will spend the rest of my time here at Ephraim Elementary. My students are a challenge, but I enjoy every minute of it. Anything beats being a student in a sometimes 5 hour class. Now I'm a teacher, in an actual classroom. I've been given an awesome mentor teacher who really wants me to succeed. She's given me tons of materials and ideas I can't wait to apply in my own classroom!

Steve and I are both getting anxious to move back to Salt Lake. It'll be nice not to have to drive 2 hours when we want to see our family. That's been the hardest thing about living here, we never get enough time with our families. I have yet to find out about my student teaching, but am supposed to get an answer about it in about a month. We're hoping for somewhere close, but I'm so excited to finally be student teacher, I'd go anywhere! Not to mention that I'm so ready to graduate I could scream! So we just have a short month left in Ephraim and we'll be done. Wow, time flies.

Well that's the scoop on us for now. I should probly post pictures and stuff, but I don't have anything uploaded yet. I'll work on it and post soon!

So there I was

So there I was, minding my own business, working on some homework, when my husband burst through our door and told me to come with him. This seemed strange to me because he'd just left for school five minutes earlier. He was insistent that I come with him this instant, that there was something I HAD to see. So we ran to the car and began to drive. He was giggling like a little kid, and I could not imagine what the surprise could've been. So we drove along main street, and turned right toward Snow College and there it was...




or should I say, there THEY were. Hundreds of sheep running down the street. They were surrounded by trucks, men on four wheelers and sheep dogs, guiding them down. So we parked the car and watched the sheep parade.
Once again, we've found something we love about Ephraim. Quirky, loveable, hicktown Ephraim!

Happy Sheep Day!

Wedding Pictures

Here are some of our favorite wedding pictures. Our photographer did a fabulous job!

Like I said, these are just some of the pictures we love. We created a slideshow to put on here, but it's kind of small! If it didn't take so long I'm SURE I'd post more.

Thank you Amanda Abel! Our pictures were beautiful!

Date Night

Last night for date night, after our fabulous home made pizza dinner, Steve and I decided to take a drive up the canyon. The leaves are just starting to change, and it's my absolute favorite time of year! We did some fun (for Steve) off roading. (I'll admit I didn't enjoy it much, especially when we couldn't turn around and had to off road backward.) Norris, Steve's truck, handled it like a champ! However nerve wracking, these off roading adventures took us to some simply beautiful spots.

These were taken at a ropes course we found about halfway up the canyon. We weren't sure we should be in there, the no trespassing signs were menacing, but it turned out to be a lovely spot.

This was the leaf I picked up. You can't really tell from the picture but it's the most brilliant shade of orange. Almost pink!


We kept driving up the bumpy, dirt road canyon, and found the most beautiful lake. Well, Steve called it a lake. I'd probly call it a pond, but still, breathtaking. The best part was seeing the small fish jumping high out of the water to catch the bugs. It was awesome!


There are a few things we don't love about Ephraim. No cell phone service for Steve, the lack of any kind of store except a Wal-mart, the sometimes unpleasant aroma, the 2 hour drive to Salt Lake, and the random internet, and power outages. However, Ephraim is not lacking in beauty. The beauty in Sanpete County, is different than what you'd see on the Wasatch front, but we've learned that different is good. Steve and I feel so blessed to have this time in Ephraim.

Here We Are

It's sad when you start a new blog and you already feel behind. Steve and I have had an exciting month! So much has happened that the only thing I can think of is to give you a picture list.

We got married...

It was raining and windy...


I tried to stay happy, but I couldn't help but be worried...


After a big rain storm while we were trying to take pictures I was sure we'd have to move the reception from the backyard to the church. However, it turned out to be beautiful for the reception, so all was well and we will post the real pictures as soon as we get them.

We honeymooned in San Francisco...

Caught some Baseball Games...

Saw Wicked...

And just bummed around the bay...

We came home where we quickly packed our stuff and headed to Ephraim to our new apartment. (Pictures to come later) And since we've been here we've:

Been to the Manti Rodeo...

And Celebrated Steve's Birthday. Hooray for 22!
We're enjoying the adventure of being married so far. Sure it hasn't been easy, but it has definitely been fun!