We're "Hungry"

Lately...we've been a little "hungry"...

1. We are BABY Hungry

Exhibit A- 

Ava Belle McLane

Born March 28th

7 lb 12 ounces and 20 inches long

SHE IS BEAUTIFUL! 

I called it! Kendall's nose and Chase's mouth ;) 

We are more than sad that we couldn't be there but we will see her hopefully soon! Kendall did very well and they are all happy and healthy. I have 2 nieces already but I feel like it will be different with Ava. I am not the greatest with kids and get scared to hold little babies but I am ready to be with Ava and love on her lots. I told Nephi, "Yes! Now I have a niece that will like me more than you!" (His nieces adore him). Haha! With my luck, Ava will like Nephi more than me. Most people do. 

Yes, this makes me a little "baby hungry". (I really do hate that term. It seems superficial.) But, nevertheless, I don't know how else to describe it. Maybe my feelings are superficial. Maybe I think having a baby "looks fun" or that I just want to decorate the nursery, etc. But, I am excited to get there so Ava can have some cousins to play with. 

2. We are FOOD hungry:

I have been trying to lose weight this year because last year was rough. So far, I have lost 10 lbs! It feels amazing. You can sort tell but it's just a small step towards a big goal. For the past week, I have replaced my breakfasts and dinners with a shake. (My company has this AWESOME weight loss program. Let me know if you are interested.) I love the shakes! They fill me up and I have been having them for breakfast for the past few months but replacing them for my dinners is making a huge difference.

Yesterday, we had a date night and went to Olive Garden. It was amazing! Nephi told me that it was worth it and since I didn't gain any weight (I weigh in everyday for motivation) I feel fine about it. It can't hurt every once in a while but it made me miss eating dinner...That gorgonzola alfredo with steak is TO DIE FOR!

3. We are HUNGER GAMES Hungry:

We saw Hunger Games last night...finally! It was really good, of course, but I am wishing I would have read the book again. I just read it a month ago but since I am reading the second book but I am getting things confused. There were a few things that were different but other than that I wasn't very surprised. It wasn't as "dramatic" as I thought it would be but more realistic and to the point and I really liked that!

Obviously, like many of you women out there, I wish Gale was in it more. His time will come in the other movies I suppose but every time they showed his face I gasped and Nephi smirked. Ha!

4. We are HOUSE Hungry:

We are moving in 2 weeks and we STILL don't have a place! We went to a few places yesterday and what an experience we had.

The first place we went to we had to go to through the rental property company. The place was small and literally had no place for a kitchen table and had this huge stain in the carpet! What made it worse was the lady who showed it to us was genuinely boring and had no desire to be there with us. Really? I felt like it was a joke. This was motivation enough for us NOT to work through a rental agency. Not. Gonna. Happen.

The stain. It took up almost the whole living room/kitchen. What a joke.

After that, we went to the west side of Idaho Falls. For those of you who live there, know what I am talking about. Wow. It was rough. We looked at a place out there a few weeks ago and this was only a few blocks from there and SO much worse! 

First of all, we get there and Nephi and I both start having flashbacks from the mission. That is when you know it is going to be rough. Then the guy gets out of his car wearing a white shirt, trucker hat, tinted sunglasses, his arm in a sling, and orthopedic shoes....Uh, okay. So he says to meet him out back in a raspy voice so we do. 

He is a nice old man and turns out he has been living on that property for 70 years! (It's old, people.) Then, we walk in the hallway and this whiff of smoke hits me. Immediately I say, "are these smoking apartments?" He said they weren't and that they had to smoke outside but then pointed to the ashtray on the table in the hallway. Geez. 

The apartment was huge! 1000 square feet and he put new carpet in the living room, newer cabinets in the kitchen, and new light fixtures. The carpet was different in the rooms but again, it was huge! He used a flashlight to show us the bathroom and I was pretty convinced...not. When I asked if the neighborhood was safe he said, 

"Yeah, well, a few years ago, there were some boys that would cause problems. I don't know if they died or moved but we haven't had problems since." 

Uhh, died? He said is so causally. Nephi cracked up. 

We got an application and left asap because we couldn't hold back laughing anymore. We were in shock! He was a nice guy but as soon as we pulled back on to the road and noticed the liquor store...we decided to toss the application. We drove a little longer and noticed our favorite pizza place and were tempted...but then kept on driving to our next place.

The last place we went to was a house. Nephi grew up with this girl in his ward that I knew her from school and her and her husband were moving out of their house and she messaged me and asked me if we were interested. The neighborhood is over by the temple (for those Idaho Fall residents you know where this is at) and we have had a few people tell us not to move over there because it is shady. As we pulled up we noticed that is wasn't in a bad neighborhood but the house didn't look that amazing on the outside. We walked in and WOW...

They completed gutted it and rebuilt it and it is amazing! About 1200 square feet, 3 bedrooms, laundry room, finished basement, dishwasher, microwave, etc. We were SO excited! I was in love with the kitchen and my wheels were turning just thinking of all the ways to decorate. 

It is a good size for a family and a descent price if you have one, but we don't...so do we do it? It's about $200/month out of our price range but I really fell in love. We will be saving money on other things but we are trying to save up for a new car and put more money into savings in general. And since we are renting it's not really an investment. We are torn! And of course, driving home last night I am listening to Dave Ramsey and he says his usual "rice and beans, beans and rice" spiel. But, we don't have any debt, we both have jobs, and we just got our tax return...

AH! Decisions, decisions. Goals. goals. How do we meet them? 

The hunt is still on...

To Vegas and Back

We made it! The event is doooone. And when I say "we", I am not referring to my co-workers. I am referring to Nephi. 

The last week leading up to the event, I was on my phone constantly, in the office till 1 in the morning one night, and the other nights I never got home before 7 pm and left the house at 7 am. Events are always such a team effort with Nephi and I and although I am bummed he couldn't come, his support from hundreds of miles away was always my go-to in moments of stress.

Fortunately, the event went very well. I flew in Thursday afternoon, dealt with a handful of rooming obstacles, got an upgrade on my room, unpacked 2 suburbans full of equipment, walked about 5 miles worth around the hotel, and went to dinner at a fabulous restaurant with the company.

I don't know if I ever mentioned where we went but we went to Lake Las Vegas and stayed at the Aston MonteLago Village Resort. It was BEAUTIFUL! I will go back and take Nephi.

So Friday came around and I planned to run around and get things done, work on my presentation, and go through a quick run-though and have a staff meeting. Uhh, nope. Of course it didn't happen that way. I had a staff meeting with some, we didn't focus much, and then suddenly it's time to shoot our demo for our new skin care line (Which we launched at the convention. SUCCESS!).

We had a guy from our production company there and he set things up and then I remembered that we hadn't chosen a model yet. So, of course right before shooting I asked and no model was decided on...so, they made me do it! Not only do I hate being on camera, but I felt like the demo wouldn't work as well on my because part of the product is a face lift mask and my skin is too "youthful", they tell me. BUT, it worked, SO well and the shoot actually went fairly smooth for how unprepared we were. It's going to be a very professional demo. We work with the most amazing production company. So, I will post that video, soon!

Anyway, the point is, I totally lost 3 hours there and by the time we were done, we ran downstairs to set up for the convention and then we were off on our lake cruise! That was great and I was able to meet a lot of wonderful people. I love the people.

The next day was the event and it went very well. People were happy and they felt spoiled and that was my goal. There is room for improvement but all things considered, it was great. My feet were swollen and I had cankles (sp?) and my flight was at 6:30 am the next morning (meaning I left the hotel at 4:30 am) but it was all worth it for how happy those people were!

Had my FIRST EVER Cinnabon at the airport! It was amazing.

Here is how the room was set up. It turned out a lot better than we thought it would.

Here is the lower level of the yacht we rented. We cruised for 2 hours (next time we might only do 1 hour) and had appetizers served. Yum.

We wanted to do the demo for the new skin care in a spa but both spas at Lake Las Vegas wouldn't cooperate...LAME! So, we settled for a suite. It wasn't what we thought it was going to be but we made the best out of the situation and we were happy with that. 

The food was AMAZING! I went to breakfast by myself and drooled over this. The eggs for so creamy. I need to duplicate them asap. 

They upgraded me because they wanted me to be in the main building and when I got in my room, they had this basket full of stuff from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory! I felt so spoiled. The event planner I worked with was awesome. We became bff's. 

Here is the cruise we went on! It was so cool. Celion Dion lives on the lake so we were trying to decide which house was hers. They were all so nice!

My room! I admit, it was nice coming home to that room at night after each day. It was much needed. Nephi and I really want to go back. 

Uhh, CPK @ the airport. I would kill to have one in Idaho!!! I totally broke my diet but I ended up losing 2 pounds? Weird. I guess it's from all the walking. 

My closet. I never unpack my clothes like this. Do you? It was nice. I felt way more organized. 

Now that the event is over, I am feeling kind of lost. I don't have any major projects to work on and my "boss" (I hate saying that word. It seems so old school), has been so busy and not really involving me in other projects so I am just working on Social Media and cleaning up my office and computer. I needed a few days like this but I think I am just getting bored now...I am going through a small crisis about it but good thing I have amazing friends (Sarah & Stephan) who know exactly what to say to make me feel better! I love them.

Poor Nephi is in his last 2 weeks of school and has been working like crazy on homework. I have never seen him work so hard and be so down on himself. I just ache for him because I know that the material is hard but that he is capable. He just needs to believe in himself. So, if you know Nephi personally, give him a call, send him a text, or write on his Facebook wall with some encouragement! He needs all he can get right now.

Also, I am going to be an Aunt...tonight!! My little sister Kendall is in labor as we speak! She went in last night to be induced and her water finally broke about 2 hours ago. I can't wait! Every time I think about it, I just want to burst out crying. Last night I even had a dream that I was pregnant...weird, weird. But, we are just so anxious and excited for the first grandbaby in our family.

I have a lot more to say but this is a long post...looks like I may have more time tomorrow if my work load continues...

Oh the memories

Last night, Nephi went to the library and I went to the gym. On the walk back to our car after we were done, we passed a few memorable spots.

One day, about a month after my break up with my ex-bf, I was walking down this path from the library to...(who knows where). I was on the phone with my good friend from Nebraska, T*Starr, (I don't even know if she knows this happened) and before I got to these trash cans I saw a little movement but didn't pay much attention to it. I kept walking, and chatting away, and then suddenly this guy with a pig mask comes out and snorts at me! I let out a small yelp, giggled nervously, explained to Theresa what happened, and then moved on. 

FAST FORWARD 3 WEEKS:

It had been some time since I broke up with my ex so I was thinking I needed to start socializing with the boys at church more. I randomly made friends with this guy in my ward, Andrew. We hung out one Sunday night and were chatting on the porch outside his complex and he asked me a hypothetical question. 

He asked: "Let's say you were making out with your boyfriend in the apartment lounge and then a guy in cut-off jean shorts, no shirt, and a pig mask were to come in and scare you. Is that ethical?" 

I said: "Uh, no! That's dumb. Does he have nothing else to do with his time!?"

His jaw dropped. 

I continued: "Oh, and a few weeks ago I had some guy with a pig mask jump out and scare me on campus. That was so dumb!" 

His jaw dropped further. 

That was Nephi & Andrew in the pig masks. They call it "pigging". 

FAST FORWARD ONE WEEK:

About a week later, Andrew and I had a common friend that was having a birthday party. I asked him if he wanted to go together so we planned to meet up that evening and walk over to the party together. Before he came over, he texted me "we will be there in 5 min." Um, "we", I thought. When they got there, I was introduced to Shawn and this guy named Nephi. As soon as I shook Nephi's hand I squeaked, "I have a crush on you!" I instantly wanted to take it back after I saw the shock in his facial expression and hear everyone laughing. I clarified, "Well, in the Book of Mormon I have a crush on you." Uhhhh...*Awkward RM moment. I had only been home for 4 months.*

That night, we went to the party. The night consisted on Andrew taking of his shirt to try to make me even more awkward, telling everyone I was crazy because my planner weighed 5 lbs, and embarrassing me while country dancing. Man. That night was a chore and definitely wouldn't be the night that I thought would cause Nephi to have interest in me. 

At the end of the night, they all walked me home and as I went up the steps to my door, I turned around before they walked away and invited them to an outdoor concert that was happening the next evening. None of them committed but sweet Nephi said "Yeah, maybe. We will let you know." So I said, "Well, don't you need my number then?" Nephi, shocked again, said, "Uh, yeah, what is it?" I gave it to him and then said, "See. That was easy," (oh, I am so whitty). 

FAST FORWARD ONE DAY:

Turns out, Nephi was the only one who could come to the concert. Coincidence? Not really. But we went together and had a great time sitting on a blanket listening to students play guitars. This turned into a great conversation starter [since Nephi loves the guitar] and eventually into a challenge to write a rap song. 

*This was the first time in a long time that I felt comfortable in front of a boy and not nervous or anxious that he was going to move too fast.*

As we were leaving the concert, Nephi said we should find bikes without locks to ride home. Uhhh...funny at first, then weird when he actually took one, and shady when he rode it home with me. I tried to convince him not to take it but he said he did it all the time! What was I suppose to say?

FAST FORWARD ONE WEEK:

Two weeks later, Nephi and I competed in this guitar playing contest with Andrew as our judge. Before this night, I had no idea how to play the guitar, couldn't sing for my life (still can't), and had long pretty nails (which we cut so I could play the guitar). That night Nephi won the contest and I owed him a snoasis (the best shaved ice on the earth).

It took me about a week to go out with him and I think he still bought it. During that week, Nephi didn't heavily pursue me, which bugged. So, I went out with 2 other guys, and almost started a relationship with one. Then comes in sweet Nephi for the kill. He didn't push hard, but just enough to convince me to let him visit me at work (even though I was done with boys), brought me a snoasis, played the piano with me, laid in the grass with me outside the library where he sneakily put his arm around me, and I never looked back.

Two weeks later we had our first kiss (at the dunes in the moonlight while fireworks literally went off), two months later we started dating exclusively, six months later we were engaged, and ten months later we were married!

Our 1 year anniversary is in 1 month. 

Betcha didn't know that funny story.

A Quick Facts Update

Some quick facts about Nephi and I lately:

• Nephi got a 83% on his last Chemistry test. Eek! I was beyond excited. So much hope. So much hope.
• I am going to Vegas next week for this huge event I have been planning for work. I am SO excited for it all to actually happen! A lot of blood, sweat, and tears have gone into it and I can't wait to meet all the wonderful people in my company. 
• We never go out on Friday nights anymore. We live in Rexburg and traffic is rough on a Friday night [considering we only have 2 lane streets and no turning lane]. We have indulged in Friday night television, aka, watching this show. Don't judge. We kind of love how cheesy and over-dramatic it is. 
• We love Conan. I need more sleep, yet I will stay up to watch Conan almost every night. 
• We are both considering deleting our Facebook accounts. Never once have I considered this until recently. I am having a hard time not getting frustrated at people. I believe that Facebook reflects who you are and what you represent. It's like your personal PR and not everyone is considerate of that and too many agendas are being pursued [personal & political] and it is driving us crazy. Will we do it? We don't know. But we figured out how to change our privacy settings last night so don't be surprised if you can't access our profiles soon. (I can't delete mine because I manage Social Media for work and I have to have a personal account to manage our page.) 
• Nephi is always cold. Seriously, always. Every night I am just sitting on the couch or doing dishes and I notice how quiet it is and turn around to see Nephi hunched over by the heater rubbing his hands together. Bah! It's funny. 
• We are still on the apartment hunt! I am going to go see a few places this week and we hope to have a place secured by next week. This is not easy business like I thought it would be. 
• Babies. Everyone is having babies and I LOVE it! I love seeing all the cute pregnant girls in our ward and I just drool over all the cute babies. Yesterday during sacrament I turned to Nephi and said, "I want one..." He responded by asking, "Do you want one in 9 months?" I sighed, "No." Crisis. Averted. (Just kidding...) But seriously, we talked about it last night on a serious note...It was crazy. I'll stop. I've said too much. 
• Dots. I love Dots, but have officially started to go off sugar, today. Bah.
• Bread. I love bread but have been off it for the past 3 weeks. It's been rough at times but it made me realize how much bread we eat. I am thinking about creating a "His & Her" cookbook for women who diet with skinny husbands. This no bread thing can be hard when your husband is sitting across from you eating pizza or a burger in a bun. Killer. 
• I got Nephi a bow-tie for Easter!!! It is adorable! I can't wait for him to wear it. He is pretty excited too, actually. (No, I did not force him to like it. He likes it according to his own freewill.)
• Nephis cousin gets home from his mission this week and his other cousin is having a baby shower this week! It's pretty exciting and I love being part of his great extended family. 
• I miss my mom, a lot. Almost cried on the way to work this morning thinking about how wonderful she is. 
• I am learning a lot about people lately and actually learning, not just observing. I can feel growth in my understanding of others habits and behaviors. It's a big deal for me. This clip has helped me a lot personally. 
• So grateful for the people of Nebraska. Talked to my good friend Jay the other day (I swear, people from Nebraska know exactly when to call) and caught up. I told him how I have been struggling with a few things/people lately and he suggested going to the temple. The next day, he sent me names from some family history he has been doing and I was baptized and confirmed for 5 people! I feel so blessed to have a temple so close to us. A literal 3 minute drive, without traffic. And even more than that, to have the opportunity to be baptized & confirmed for those who didn't have the opportunity. Saturday was exactly what I needed.
• Nephi is the best. The end.  

So that's us!