Wally -

Our sweet Wally had to be put down yesterday. He was 18 years old, we got him when I was about 6 years old he will always be a part of our family. Here are just a few of the pictures of Wally that I have.

Christmas with the Lloyd's

Yesterday (Sunday December 23, 2007) was Christmas at the Lloyd's. Everyone's schedules were so crazy that we decided to do our celebrating and gift exchange a couple days early. It was so fun, we had a really nice dinner very festive and delicious. Then we watched a bit of Claymation Christmas - its a classic. Then did gifts, we were even able to have the Arveseth's join in the celebration via web conference. It made it so much nicer to have them there and to be able to see the kids open the gifts we had for them. We are so blessed, with loved ones and fortunate enough to be able to have gifts to give and gifts to receive. What a blessing it is to live in this time of the world, to be able to spend Christmas with family even though they live on the other side of the country.

Here are the pictures from the first of our Christmas celebrations.



I hope you all have a Merry Christmas and that you feel the joy of the season and remember what we are really celebrating!

Basement Pictures this weeks progress

Basement Update

Pictures taken on 12/12/07

A note to the world.

Today was Mitt Romney's address on his religion, I think he handled it wonderfully. Our country is founded on the freedom of religion and a separation of church and state. For those who are disappointed or upset that he did not explain his religious beliefs, here is what Joseph Smith would tell you and what he told the world in a letter in reply to a news papers inquiries to what the members of the LDS faith believe.

This is it, this is now contained in the scriptures and explains very plainly and openly what our beliefs are.

People who have questions or think we are a bunch of crazies should take the time to really learn about what we believe and how we live. There are no horns, no multiple wives... Yeah there are minivans, and lots of kids and with that lots of strong marriages and happy families. There are standards that we strive to keep which keep us safe and healthy and happy.

THE ARTICLES OF FAITH
OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS

History of the Church, Vol. 4, pp. 535—541

1 We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.
2 We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression.
3 We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.
4 We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.
5 We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.
6 We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.
7 We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.
8 We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.
9 We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.
10 We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.
11 We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.
12 We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.
13 We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.
Joseph Smith

For more information go to http://www.mormon.org/

That feeling, before you throw up...

Yeah, I have it...
I just told my employer of 3 years that I will be leaving in about 2 weeks... Probably on the 21st...
I have thought about changing jobs before but it became so real today, yeah I have been going to school for a year to get to this point, but who knew it would happen...

I think I will take the job I have been offered at Smith's Pharmacy, its so close to home and convienent for me, I haven't really looked anywhere else, but for right now at this crazy time of life it will be the smoothest transition for me from one job to another. I might see about getting some hours in a hospital somewhere to see what its like, I am planning on shadowing one of my co-workers from Smith's she works at Jordan Valley Hospital in the IV center so that will give me a different perspective on things.

Hopefully it will all go well and not be to difficult to find a replacement here for me and then to get through the hiring process at Smith's.

Don't get me wrong I am extatic about getting on at the pharmacy full time and am thrilled that they are so excited to have me working there. It will be awesome! Its a bitter sweet excitement though.

Pharmacy technician Licensing!!!

I took my test on Friday and Passed! All I have to do now finish my hours, only 76 left to go. I got a 460/500 on the test, the lady who administers the test said it was the highest she'd seen (I don't know how many she's seen but yeah for me!!!)

I am so excited! I just have to find a way to get through my hours so I can get working in the field!

More basement photos

So I realized that I needed to do this today and get more pictures because they are really cruising now... So here's today's photos!

way delayed update...

I didn't realize how long it has been since I updated the photo's on here, these were taken on November 13... I will have more to put on this week too.

Good Sunday

Yesterday was a really good day. I wanted to share!

It was the missionary farewell for Jennie Wood one of my friends that I grew up with, she is going to the southern most part of Chile where its cold and there are penguins. She will be an awesome missionary, she has become such a spiritual person. It was a really nice meeting, nice to go back to the ward I grew up in where my parents live.

Then I got to decorate and bake the cake for Corrine's birthday dinner. I made the pumpkin cake (the recipe is on the recipe blog - check all the comments for changes!!!) It was the most successful one ever, I dug out the original recipe and found the key problem to how its been made in the past. It turned out awesome, I will post the picture on the recipe blog when I get a chance.

Then I altered 2 of the pants we got for Jake's new job, both successful changes, I have to get a patch for the 3rd pair, but thats easy stuff. He's going to be working at the Target by our house doing stuff in the back, he'll be fork lift certified and other fun stuff like that. It will be so nice for him to not have a really stressful job! So because of the stock room conditions we went and got some Khaki's and red tee's from the DI because they will get beat up pretty easily... And for $31 we were able to get 3 pairs of pants and 4 shirts, 3 of the shirts are brand new and the 4th is an IZOD Polo shirt that is in great condition!!! It was fun to go and find stuff there for so cheep and be able to get quality things. The pants, one pair was way too long, the other needed a button and the patch is for the 3rd pair which has a worn out spot on the bum (men and their wallets...) But they are all in great shape otherwise... So fun.

Then after a lovely pork chop dinner and yummy cake, we got out the Wii and watched the kids bowl, its amazing how they pick it up, so smart!
We went home and my visiting teacher came, my first ever, I am 24 and this is the only visiting teacher I have ever had. Its pretty exciting.

Then we got to watch The Next Iron Chef finale, it was a close battle but the bald guy, Michael Symon won, I was kind of surprised actually, but he's very charismatic so he'll be fun to watch!

So that was my good day yesterday!

Basement from 11/01/07

These are a bit out dated but I forgot to put them on here, so here we go...

Halloween Costume

Here you go Hillary! Here's a couple pictures of my costume this year. I did it much less crazy than last year, but it worked. One little girl that came trick-or-treating asked if I was Cinderella. I realized that this costume is very versatile, I can be a pirate wench (crazy like in Pirates of the Caribbean), bar wench (not crazy), Cinderella, with a different over skirt - more of an apron, Can-Can dancer, Swiss Miss, pj's (with just the white part and some curlers),a Gypsy... I can't think of any more, but I bet there are some...

Attempts at being Positive...

I am annoyed today but trying not to be.

Things I am so grateful for and am blessed with.

1. Jake: I love him, he loves me and we are so happy together.

2. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints: Its such a blessing in my life, especially to know of the plan of salvation and to know that this life even though it seems long now will be like a blink of an eye in the eternal perspective. And to be able to pray for help and know that I will receive it, not always in the way I would like, but always in the way I need.

3. Family: I don't think anyone has a more wonderful family, an amazing support system and full of love. Who could ask for more.

4. Modern Medicine: without the medicines we have now I would probably have died a long time ago. From Sudafed to Ibuprofen to Levoxyl I am very lucky to have the advantage of being treated during illnesses.

5. TiVo: How did we live without it?

6. Radio: If I didn't have access to the radio during work or travel I would probably yell a lot. Plus I would have been stuck on the freeway forever this morning.

7. Blogs: Entertainment, journaling, venting and even trying not to vent. Sometimes an email just doesn't cut it.

8. Living in Herriman: It's a whole other world away from the stresses, plus its with people I love in a comfortable and continuously improving environment, the basement is coming along nicely!

9. School: it will improve my life and knowledge, it also provides me with a sense of achievement and an exciting future.

10. Digital Cameras: Its so nice to be able to take a picture and see how it looks in case you need to take it again.

Well writing this and talking to Jake took the edge off the frustration! Apparently counting to ten to calm down can be more than just numbers.

I have been tagged!

I have been tagged by my sister, Hillary Arveseth.

Here are the rules: 1. Each person list 6 facts/habits about themselves. 2. At the end of the post, the player tags 6 people and posts their names, and then goes to their blog and leaves them a comment, letting them know they have been tagged and asking them to read your blog for the rules.

1. I am somewhat OCD about weird things, I can't stand ticking clocks, when my staples isn't straight and lined up with the tape an phone on my desk (yeah I just fixed them). Those are only a few instances...

2. I love singing in a choir, but am petrified of singing alone - except in the car

3. I read, a lot. Once I start a novel or series I can't stop until I am finished, usually within a couple days, it takes over my life.

4. Thursday is my favorite day because my shows are on. Grey's Anatomy and the Office, and Ugly Betty

5. If I get the guts to go for the Pharmacy gusto I will have to become a Chemistry major, I haven't taken chemistry since 7th or 8th grade...

6. I have an ironic disease. Graves' Disease, its ironic because my name is Graves (if you didn't know...) My doctor thinks its so funny.

And now, I will tag... Jake, Mallory, Mary & Tyler (individually!), Brooke, Suzanne (you guys need to start blogs anyways...)

Basement Progress

Well we took some pictures on the 12th of the basement and I never got around to posting them, and then I took some last night, so here is what a week can do.



I will keep updating and do some fun stuff to show all the progress! We are so very excited for the basement!

Temple

I know this is a bit late, but going through the temple on the 13th with Suzanne was such a fun experience! It was Suzanne, Suzette (her mom), Troy & Candace (brother and sister-in-law), Wendy(cousin), Verl(uncle), Me & Jake, and Tiffany & Dave. It was really nice to go and the Timpanogas temple is absolutely beautiful.

When we came out it was raining and then our camera batteries died... So here is the best picture, I will get some other's from Suzanne and add them in here soon.

What a Week...

Well this week has been kind of crazy. Last weekend was conference which was wonderful, I really enjoyed listening and watching all the talks and having such a spiritual weekend. One fun thing we have going is that we are in the choir for regional (stake) conference, I guess like every 3rd or 4th stake conference is now a regional one with a broadcast from the conference center. ON the 21st of October it will be the Salt Lake South conference, its like 104 stakes. Ranging from 4500 S to point of the mountain and from at least Herriman (where I live) to I think Park City if not more. Its done by mission, so the Salt Lake South Mission. Anyways that isn't that important.. But its more time consuming then I thought it would be, we have practices very frequently. We are singing 2 congregational hymns which we have to have memorized with parts and then 2 arrangements in addition that have to be memorized. Its so fun to be back in the choir setting I really enjoy it. One new and interesting development is that my range has changed, I don't know if its from the lack of practice or if its just shifted. But I am now singing 1st alto instead of soprano its been kind of a challenge but really fun to learn new parts to songs. We actually have a dress rehearsal tonight at the conference center, its going to be lots of fun!

Well we have had a couple stressful weeks with some health issues for Jake, but he's doing better and fighting to get caught back up in school and stuff. He's looking for a new job, that doesn't require 2 hours of driving and not getting paid enough and not having insurance...

The basement is coming along quite nicely, they started putting insulation in yesterday, so the electrical is done and its going to be really nice. There are somethings I would have done differently but it should be very good and I will make the things I am unsure about work to my liking and find ways to make things be the way that is functional for me. I will get some new pictures soon.

I had to take the week off from the Pharmacy because its been so busy this week. Its been pretty nice to be able to go home, but I should really try to focus on getting my hours in... Whatever.

With regards to pharmacy stuff I got registered for my test, November 30th is the day that will hopefully change my career. I am also starting to think more seriously about going for the gold and getting my PharmD, to become a Pharmacist. It would be about 6 years of school... So I wouldn't graduate until I was 30, but it might be worth it, I would be able to work part time and still make a really excellent salary... So we will see, the pre-req's are scary to me, Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, Chem 1 & 2, Organic Chem 1 & 2, Calculus 1 & 2, Physics and some other classes to get into those plus writing and stuff. Its kind of a scary thought, I am pretty sure I could do it, but its so much work and a really long time... So we will see! (I guess I should get through this first huh.)

This weekend will be amazing! I am so excited. Suzanne is going through the temple on Saturday. It will be so wonderful, she is my best friend since 7th grade, which was about 12 ago and we have been through a lot together and I am so excited that I will get to be there when she goes through the temple for the first time, what a wonderful thing to experience. I know she is nervous and anxious about the the G's thing but she is such a spiritual person and has been through so much in her life that it will really be a great experience for her and I think it will reiterate the principle and truthfulness of eternal families and the blessings of exaltation we are promised.

***
One thing I have mentioned before but still need help on is on Jake's blog, he is really hoping to get that XBox deal, we've had 1 person do it, Thanks Hill!, but need 11 more, it can only be one per household or else I would do it for him, but I can't... I know there are some free offers on there that can be cancelled according to the directions through the link thing, so if anyone would be so kind to look at it, we just need 11 more and then we can get it and would be so excited!!!
***

Random Things

Reading
I recently decided to read the Jane Austen novels, I started with Persuasion and now am reading Mansfield Park. I really enjoy her writings, I have read a little about her life (and I saw the movie Becoming Jane which was really good) and it seems like she wrote herself into the stories, in the main characters always going through hard things and struggling to prove themselves to those around them, its very similar to her life. I really enjoy reading these books, well really any book, I always tried to get out of reading growing up, but now I really like to read and try to have a novel that I am reading all the time, even with all the other things I have going on its nice to have a book to read to help me relax.

Grey's Anatomy
Well I love Grey's Anatomy, its an awesome show. This season has been pretty good, all 2 episodes, last night's was kind of sad. I hope they have some happier episodes or things happen so that its not all sad stuff. But still its an awesome show.

Traffic
Well I am so sick of traffic. Living out in Herriman and working in Murray is pretty crappy especially now that they have both 13400 S and 12600 S torn up and under construction. It takes 30 minutes to go from 50th West to Bangerter (I think like 3200 W or something) then it takes another 30 minutes, if there are no accidents to get from there to my office... Its totally lame. Especially because some days it will take an hour and fifteen minutes and then on other days it could take 40 minutes total, so its hard to judge time to leave, I am not a big fan.

Friday
I am so glad its Friday!!! And conference weekend, we could use some uplifting this week.

Oh one last thing.
If you read this please check out Jake's blog, he's really hoping to get the 12 people he needs to do the little offer things, some are free and some cost like $5 and some are things you might actually want to try.

Basement Pictures

Check out this awesome bathtub! I am excited for it!!!


This is the whole for the piping for the bathroom

Here is the gas Fireplace (I am hoping that it won't stay on the floor...)

Basement

I am so excited for the basement! It is coming along so great!!!

They have done lots of framing for the kitchen (including my walk in pantry) The laundry room is also framed.

The Bedroom's are basically framed, the office and the bathroom (I believe we are getting a jetted tub) We also will have a gas fireplace in the living room because they would have had to buy another furnace to heat the whole basement so instead they decided to do a fireplace, which is awesome! The vents for the heat/ac are all in I think the electrician is going to be starting this week or the beginning of next week and run all the power and cables and stuff, I think we are still looking for a plummer, but I am not sure.

In talking to one of the guys working on it he said its probably about a month away from being done!!! YEAH!!!!
I am so excited!

When its finished we will have a party! (I really like throwing parties, if you haven't all noticed that already...)

I have some pictures, but I forgot them today, so I will put them on later, maybe tonight!

Getting ahead...

I swear its impossible to get ahead, or even caught up sometimes. I all aspects of life. It is so frustrating...

I try not to complain - so that is all I will say...

Talk Like A Pirate Day

Here is my favorite Pirate!

Ben & Amber Bawden September 15, 2007

On Saturday September 15, 2007 our friends Ben and Amber got married!

Here are a few of the pictures that Jake took at the wedding.
We wish them the best and are so very happy for them!

Amazing Night!!!

So last night was the Muse concert and it was awesome!!!

I didn't think they'd let us bring in a camera so we didn't bring ours, and I totally wish we had, they did allow cameras (although most were camera phones)... So the pictures aren't from last night, but whatever.

The opening bands deserve some note here, the first was Immigrant - the keyboard player looked like he was Amish... They were loud and needed to shower, but pretty good.

The second band though holy crap, you will never guess who it was... Juliette and the Licks. Holy crap, she went from this in Christmas Vacation, and was the Other Sister and has played some great roles to being an insane spandex-kneepad wearing spaz of a "rock star"

Although she was in white last night, this is a pretty good example...

Oh, it was so funny. I was laughing so hard.

And this is how she dances... Flailing about... Its weird.

Now for the real band.

Muse

The lead Singer Matthew Bellamy is a remarkable musician, he plays many different guitars and is an amazing pianist, he could be a concert pianist alone and be so successful. One of his guitars was so cool, it lit up and the square where the lights were was another way to play it, it did like sound effects, there were times he even would play it with his mouth, it doesn't make much sense when I say it like that but it was so so cool!

They had awesome lighting effect and smoke and video and all kinds of cool stuff!

So for those who don't know who this band is and want to find a new band. Their genre is NewProg - New Progressive Rock. They are kind of loud (especially in person) but have some amazing songs!

It was great fun - my ears are still ringing and my voice is still scratchy, but worth it!

Pharmacy Tech in Training

Its official, I am an intern. I started working in the Smith's Pharmacy last night. It was a bit overwhelming but lots of fun. I got to ring people up at the window and the drive up. I watched the other girls speed through entering prescriptions into the computer. I hope I can do it as fast someday... I got my white Jacket and everything. Its pretty cool to see it all in action.

I am so tired from it, I still work at Allstate from 9-3 and then I work from 4-9 at the pharmacy. So 12 hours, with a 35 minute commute to Allstate and then back to Herriman, so I spend over an hour in the car to get to and from work so I had like 20 minutes to eat lunch/dinner before going to work at the pharmacy.

It will probably be a long 180 hours of interning... Probably through November if not into December.

Concerts!

Next Wednesday we are going to see Muse in concert, and yesterday Jake finally was able to win some They Might Be Giant's tickets from 101.9 The End. So we have one concert next week and another the week after that! Its going to be a fun couple weeks!

My Camera...

I have had 2 comments about my photography/camera. I know nothing about photography but I do know about my camera, and its all in the camera. Jake and I got a nice camera for ourselves a year or so ago. Its a Kodak Easy Share Z650. I absolutely love this camera. The settings are awesome and easy to figure out. The way I got the pictures of the splash park, with the awful lighting (it went from stormy to glaringly bright) was the action mode, which is used to capture kids and sporting events. I think that the camera makes all the difference and if you are looking for a new camera I would highly recommend this one. The only downside is that its not flat, so it can't go into a pocket easily. But its lightweight and comes with a neck strap and uses AA batteries which is really convienent.

Splash Park

Today Corrine, Jenna, Aubrey, Lydia and Hillary and Abi came out to Herriman to play in the fun splash pad park. The girls were so cute!!! They played in the water and on the playground. Its a really fun place with fountains and showers and a jungle gym type play ground. I got a couple cute pictures to share!

It was impossible to get them to all stop and smile because of all the fun things to do.

One of the funnest things was to push the button to activate the water Lydia even got to come and play, well lay in her stroller but she had lots of smiles for us!

Here is Aubrey on the uneven bridge, she was so proud of herself that she figured out how to cross it all by herself.It is so fun to see them all playing together and having such a great time, I wish that the Arveseth's didn't live so far away.Jenna always is good for a cheesy smileAubrey did a little pole dancing on the rainbow

Jenna liked to lay in the puddles and to lay on the fountains when they were spraying

After playing for a long time we picked up Jake and met Tim at the I-Hop for some dinner. Yeah for his 2 for 1 coupon, dinner was cheap! Thanks Tim!!!

Jake's Accident

Well, something is always happening around our house. Unfortunately....Yesterday it was a car accident...He was rear ended on his way home from work, he was on the freeway going north on I15, at about 7200 S traffic stopped suddenly, the car behind him didn't...

The car rear ended him which make him spin out and do a 180 so he ended up backwards on the freeway. His car came to rest up against the 2007 Camry that hit him. Jake's got a bit of whiplash and is on muscle relaxants and in physical therapy for a couple days at least.

Blessed

Emma LuJean Arveseth

Here are Jake and Emma and Me, after the blessing.

I love baby blessings, they are so spiritual, sometimes not very reverent with crying and talking but even with that it is so spiritual to see a baby held in the arms of the loving priesthood holders, father, uncles, grandfathers and greatgrandfathers. Having all of that power coming together to bless an infant that has come so recently from heaven is so wonderful. I can't wait for the day when Jake will be able to hold his child in his arms and give them a blessing. That will be amazing.

Thanks for the Help!

Well I cut it shoulder length, with some side bangs. Its not a great picture of the bangs, but its a cute picture. Here are hair styles I have had recently.

This is long, (from Mallory's Wedding)This is Shoulder Length (Christmas, 2006) Short, Brooke's High School Graduation
Short after cutting it off for Locks of Love

I need to do something to improve my hair, its grown out of its cut, what style do you think looks best? If you have other suggestions, please let me know!

Trends we love!!!

Yesterday Jake and I bought Guitar Hero 2 for the XBox 360, Brooke has it for her PlayStation, but is leaving for school soon so we got it for our system, its such a blast to play, I am not very good at it, but I still really enjoy it.

* a complaint though about the guitars, they are right handed, yeah I can flip it over and play lefty but the bar for the long notes is then above the stummer thing, which can be troublesome. Stupid right handed majority. *

Last night a couple guys from the Elders Quorum came to visit and meet us because we are new. And when I answered the door Jake was playing and one of the guys was like, is that guitar hero, and came in a played with us for a song, it was so funny. They talked about a football activity that is happening and then decided that getting all the guys with 360's to put together an XBox activity would probably be a bigger hit then the football, a little church Halo 2 party... It would be quite the success though, if they did do it.

Grades

Well they are out again, I got 3 A's and 1 A- !!! Pretty good I would say!

So I am off for 2 weeks!! Then I will only have one class and my internship left before finishing the program and hopefully passing the National and State tests!!!

I get more and more excited to get into the pharmacy business!

Happy Birthday!

Well yesterday was my 24th birthday!!! Yeah! It was a really good day, I went to lunch with Corrine, Jenna, Aubrey, Lydia, Kat, Zach & Makayla we went to Spaghetti Mama's, it was fun to spend some time with just the sisters (and kids). Then Jake and I spent the day together, since he is recovering from toe surgery, we played video games and were lazy, I am still really bad at guitar hero, but improving. Then Brooke brought home an icecream cake from cold stone for me and we got pizza and played all night! It was such a fun and relaxing day!

Saturday is Jake's birthday he will be 25, so I am his age for 3 days...

Tomorrow night is his birthday party, I am hoping it will be a big success, and that it won't rain... It's pretty fun to plan a party and to know how many friends we really have, it should be good!

I am hoping it will all come together nicely and that Jake will be feeling well enough to enjoy the party!

Spiritual Note

So I might be a slow learner, but there has been a message I needed to learn and it has finally sunk in, hopefully.

I have been finding myself angry a lot lately, at people and things I have no control over. I have let these feelings fester and even spread them around. And even though I knew logically I couldn't change the things happening I was angry that they were happening and that no one would do anything to fix them.

I was told by my wise mother that the only thing I could do was control my actions, reactions and feelings. Like a dumb kid I brushed her off as not understanding my side and maybe not caring enough about my feelings.

Apparently it was so important for me to learn this lesson that my brushing her off didn't stop the promptings from coming and guiding me to action.

I believe the the Holy Ghost works through us to help each other and that if we don't listen to the people around us that he make the answers show up in other ways. This time it was Harry Potter, Sacrament Meeting, Sunday School, Relief Society, Army Wives and Good Morning America, it took a lot of effort for it to come together in my mind.

Instead of letting things that others do make me mad, I need to just love them for who they are and overlook the problematic things that get me so worked up.

Many times we say things and don't realize are biting comments or might hurt another person's feelings, everyone does it, sometimes we realize it and apologize and other times we don't recognize the hurt we've caused or we are too proud to admit we were insensitive. And other times we might do it to prove a point, knowing what the effect of the comments will be.

We aren't perfect, and as hard as we try we all might slip and let things comments happen, but if we are aware of it then maybe we can prevent them from happening as often.

I need to be grateful for what I have and focus on the good times and acts of kindness that surround me. I also need to remember the times that I might act in a way that would hurt the feelings of those around me and remember that I have been forgiven or given other chances to prove that I am a caring person.

I am determined now to apply that in my life, I cannot control or judge things other people say or do because it is their agency that they are using and I cannot inflict mine on them, just like they can't make me do what they do.

In reacting how I have in the past I fill my mind and life with anger, hostility and resentment, and the only person that hurts is myself. It makes me act in a way that resembles the things that have hurt my feelings, I become the problem and the insensitive person...

It is internal and if I let it could go on to affect the relationships I have. With my family and especially with my Father in Heaven.

A big night

Last night was a pretty eventful night. I finished one of my classes for the semester, and I got an A in it. And Jake's parents got both car's into the garage, I am not sure if they can get into the cars while they are in the garage really, but they parked them both in it last night!

Time to Update...

Ok, so here we go...

Corrine did get to go out to see Hillary and help her recover after surgery. She was gone from the 25th and came back on July 1st at about 2 am. Hillary is doing much better now so it was good that Corrine could go out there, it would have been a really hard week for the Arveseth's because of Steve's test this week, for more info check out her blog...

So as you all know we moved into Jake's parents house at the beginning of July and they sold that house and we all moved into the new house last Friday & Saturday. It was an even longer and more difficult process then our first move of this time because of how much stuff they have. We'd been packing for a few days, our stuff was/is still mostly in storage, but anyways they hired movers for Friday, we got up and started getting things ready at 7:30 the mover's came at 9:15, they loaded and unloaded by 5:15, so 8 hours. Most of the boxes were unloaded into the garage to save time (they are expensive especially with over time) The mover's cost about $1600 for the 8 hours of work. Even with their whole moving truck packed full there was still a lot of stuff at the house, Jake and I worked to get things put away and in a way they could be used (we also waited for the Sears delivery people) but we worked at the new house until Midnight. Janet and Gerry did load after load in their cars until about 12:30. Then we got up at 7:30 Saturday and found that they had already been doing loads, so we got moving again and finished emptying and vacuuming the old house by about 12, the people who had bought the house had already brought a load of boxes over. We were supposed to be out of the house before they came, but whatever, we worked so hard.

The garage is still full and the rooms aren't all unpacked, but its coming along. Soon the basement will get started and then Jake and I will move all over again! But that move will be the last for a couple years at least. So it we are almost done.

Sunday was Makayla's blessing and Jenna's birthday. Both went very well. Jake and I were lucky we made it, our alarm didn't go off or at least didn't wake us up... Plus we had stayed up until about midnight Saturday bringing in boxes and putting stuff away (trying to find our church clothes was a challenge).

I can't believe Jenna is 5, she starts kindergarten in a couple months, its so crazy!

Appendectomy and Airfare...

Well late last night Hillary had to go to the hospital via ambulance because of her appendix. She got out of surgery a little while ago and might get to go home tonight because she did so well in surgery. I don't know all the reasons why but they had to do it standard surgery not laparoscopically.

Its really hard to have her gone, this is her second surgery and third hospital stay since moving to Connecticut and its scary relying on phone calls to know what is going on. If she was here we'd be there waiting to find out what was going on. I wish they'd move home soon, but I know that being out there is what is going to get Steve's career going enough to comfortably support his family so that they can move out here. So as much as I miss them and wish they were home I know that its for the best.

Corrine is trying to find a way to fly out there to be with her while she is recovering, and because she needs a bit of a vacation. I hope she can get a flight that isn't expensive, she's trying to get a buddy pass from a friend of hers. It will be hard though because this Sunday is Jenna's 5th birthday, and she might not be back by then. I hope that it will work out though, I think for Hillary's sake it would be nice to have a visitor.

If Corrine can't go I think that my dad might, but I don't know, it depends on what kind of help they are going to need.

Jake suggested I go too and I would except I have school so I couldn't get away until Thursday which another week wouldn't matter but this Friday is moving day so this week won't work... Maybe another time though.

Everybody's Doing It...

Well since all but 2 blogs I look at have them then I guess I should do one too!

50 Things to know about us...

1. Jake and I have known each other for 8 years, we went to Junior Prom together, dated as seniors and got married after his mission.
2. I forced him to go on a date with me after his mission - seriously forced. 3 weeks later he proposed! And we've been Married for 3 years.
3. We just moved out to Riverton June 1st and will be Moving to Herriman June 29th...
4. We have the best families ever - Both sides are awesome (that can be hard to find)
5. I had my thyroid Nuked August 2005 - its officially normal.
6. For about a year I was on 6 prescription meds and now I am down to 1, which will be a life long pill.
7. Jake has an X-Box 360
8. I have a Wii
9. In my 4th grade autobiography I predicted for my future that I would marry the best nintendo player ever... I was right!
10. I love being in the sun especially boating.
11. Jake does not - but he's learning to!
12. I love living with Jake's parents and sister, its really fun and so good for everyone!
13. Yeah I was the one that was missing a couple years ago, boy that was interesting. We had just gone and had Rox (the Graves' dog) put down, she had cancer. Then we went to lunch at Chuck-a-Rama with Gerry. The basement was a mess, and Jake's parents didn't always/usually lock the front door so my dad went to see if I was home and just came in... Clothes were strewn everywhere the bed was a mess and there was stuff on the floor everywhere. So he thought it was a crime scene and called the police, went the the neighbors house, Corrine called someone who worked in the same school district as Janet (Jake's mom) and got Gerry's cell phone number and tada I was found!
14. Until the boy was killed by a bear a couple weeks ago I couldn't wait to go camping this summer... Now I am a little hesitant.
15. I love school. LOVE IT! I can't wait until I can work in the pharmacy - hopefully hospital IV lab!
16. Jake is going to program video games for his career.
17. Jake is the oldest of 2 and I am the youngest of 4.
18. We are the only ones in my family not to have any kids - we are behind.
19. Jake and I don't care about Utah sports... Well sports in general.
20. I am addicted to Grey's Anatomy and all the CSI's I can get!
21. I really really miss my Jeep. Jake got to drive it before me when I had it, because I couldn't drive stick.
22. We have 2 birds- Cali & Princess, Princess is crazy.
23. Jake went to Brazil on his mission
24. We have plans to got to Scotland- its been our plan since high school, it will happen someday!
25. I make lists compulsively
26. Jake really doesn't like it when I do that.
27. Next Friday's move will be #6 for us in 3 years...
28. By the time we get moved into the basement it will be 7...
29. We love Happy Sumo and try to introduce all our friends to it.
30. I am on day 2 of giving up Diet Coke. My head hurts.
31. I hate that we make too much to qualify for fafsa and too much for low income housing, yet we can't afford rent or tuition.
32. I first fell for Jake because of his amazing voice. He's the best singer I know!
33. Being an adult isn't what I expected, its better and worse all at the same time.
34. I love to craft (pictures will come to Corrine's blog soon)
35. Jake and I built our computer all by ourselves! Is screaming fast!
36. I am afraid of stairs, like climbing them... But I love roller coasters and high rise amusement rides.
37. I have 2 nieces named after me! Well maybe not after me but they share my middle name! Aubrey Jane and Makayla Jane.
38. Jake and I both love to cook and are pretty good at it too!
39. Since marrying Jake I have learned to like a lot of things, like Pineapple, Sushi, Teriyaki, Godfather's Pizza, Video Games, computer stuff, going to the movies, and 101.9's morning show with Chunga and Mister.
40. He's learned to tolerate Decorating shows, put up with rearranging furniture, how to pick out clothes for me (he's really good) and he now loves holding and playing with babies and little kids.
41. Jake's favorite food is sushi
42. I can't stand the texture of shrimp or mushrooms - if you think about it they are very similar...
43. We eat out too much.
44. We are hopeful that we will be the next family to have a baby out of the immediate family.
45. We don't really have a ward right now, so we don't have any callings.
46. In our last ward I got called to be a visiting teacher 1 month before moving... the time I went was great and I was Auntie Anne's best friends visiting teacher.
47. Last year I made Pirate Costume's for halloween, so that is what we will be for years to come! They took forever. Go to Jake's Blog to see a couple pictures. (I plan on having our Halloween party an annual thing)
48. Jake cleans bathtubs better than me... So I let him.
49. Our bird Cali can sing the Andy Griffith theme song - its so freaking cute.
50. From where we live in Riverton it takes about the same amount of time to get to Murray as it does to get to Orem.

(I can't believe I came up with that many things... Some are kind of lame.)

The move

Well the offer was accepted and we are getting ready to move - again. From what I know we have to be out of the house on the 29th. I think Jake's parents are getting movers to move everything in the house, but we will have to move the stuff from storage. Details will come as I have them for that.

An offer!

Yesterday an offer came in on the house!!! It sounds like a really good offer, it was more than what Jake's parents were asking for (because they want the washer and dryer). And I think that everything will get moving and they will accept and hopefully all the financing will go through super easily and then we can get into the new house! I am so excited!

Not about moving again, but the new house, its huge and awesome! I am thinking we are going to get a big Uhaul and just make one trip to the house with all of our stuff. Where its packed into the storage unit we should be able to find the right size of truck for all of it. Then we will just have our clothes and bed to get from the house which we can do with the Uhaul too.

Hopefully this next move will be easier since we are already packed and ready to go! (plus the parentals will be around to help the day of the move and it will be on our terms not the apartment complexes.)
The only thing that will be hard is that we won't be the only ones moving, Jake's family will also be moving. Luckily its like a mile away from the old house. With all the experience we have now it should be cake! I hope it all happens before Gerry goes to Nauvoo!

3 Years and 2 weeks

With all the stress of moving and school and stuff, I neglected to mention that Jake and I have now been married for 3 years, our anniversary was on Mother's Day (May 13th) Its crazy to think its been 3 years, time sure flies and yet the time we've been together feels like forever (in a wonderful way). Its impossible for me to imagine what my life would be like without him, I am so in love and so happy to have him as my husband.

We have had a rough and bumpy 3 years, filled with love, and heartache. Not because our marriage wasn't strong, but because of our health, mine in particular. 2005 was a very rough time for me, I found out then and started treatment for my thyroid problem - Graves' Disease - we went through some really hard times, because the treatment took my thyroid levels from super high to super low and it controls everything basically, I went nuts. Even though I tried so hard to manage my weight, I knew it would be a battle, it didn't seem to matter, I couldn't do anything and the drop in my metabolism and all the other changes caused me to gain about 50 pounds. Yikes. Which added to the depression and exhaustion with life I was feeling already. It was a spiral that I couldn't slow down, the only source of comfort I had was the love I had for Jake and the love he had for me, and the love from my family (both sides). I didn't understand and didn't want to accept what was happening to my body. It was miserable. I cried, daily for months about it, about the fact that I didn't feel like myself, and I had no control. My sweet husband was always there for me and knew when I needed to be held and comforted and when I just needed to be alone. He has always really understood me and has been able to provide the right comfort at the right time. I don't think I told him enough what that meant to me. He is so strong, I don't know how he put up with me, but I am so glad he did. I couldn't have done it without him.

Well as of 7 weeks ago my T4 and TSH levels were in the "normal" range, I have to go back today for more blood work and hopefully it will also be normal. Being "normal" will help us do the things we want in our life and prepare us for the future.

Jake's health took a crazy turn in December, that took him to the hospital and added lots of meds that made him another person, with no personality or interest in life. The preliminary diagnosis was Bi-Polar Disorder, but after stopping the medicines and changing his environment (job) he has come back to be the man we all know and love. So a little crazy + too many drugs was not the right thing for him. Having the faith that life would be ok with him changing jobs even to a lower paying and longer driving job was hard but really made all the difference in the world. We are so grateful for the support we had from family and the church, and we are so glad that things are better.

Sorry for the tangent... this was supposed to be about 3 years of marriage. They have been the best and hardest and most worthwhile years of my life. I have seen Jake grow and turn into such an amazing man, I hope that I have improved myself as much as he has. I love him and want everyone to know that!

Especially you, Jake- I really love you and am in love with you more and more everyday.

Well almost a week later...

The apartment is finally empty and clean. All thats left is to turn in our keys and we are done. It was an insane move that took way too long. With all the babies being born and family drama, we didn't have enough help.
Luckily we had some last Friday to move big things, but the majority of our possessions were moved over the last few days with little or no help.

Corrine was an angel and came and cleaned, she's very talented, she can hold Lydia and vacuum at the same time. Jenna and Aubrey were so cute and played show and elevator through our empty closet and bedroom. They are so cute.

You don't realize how much stuff you have until you have to haul it to the car from the apartment and then from the car to the storage unit and soon (hopefully) to the house.

Thanks mom for the car, it saved us!

We are hoping Jake's family will get movers for the move to the new house and that they can get our stuff too. If not hopefully we will have the help we need so we can just caravan trucks in and out easily enough to move it all quickly. Where its all stacked and stored it should be easy and faster than this last weeks move. The sooner the better but hopefully enough time that I will be able to move without being so sore.

What a day...

So yesterday was the day that we had to move our big furniture. Barb and Gary are on their way to Connecticut right now to be with the Arveseth's and meet their newest granddaughter, Emma, so we had to move yesterday.

Its was a bit of a calamity. Everything went smoothly in the morning, Jake and I took the day off which was good, we got a bunch packed and ready to go in the trailer in the evening...

Then we couldn't get a hold of Jake's mom to see if they had the room ready for the new bed to go in and had stuff ready to go out... So I left our apartment at 5:00 to go make sure it was ready and to take down or pack up things to make room. It took me 45+ minutes to get there with traffic. Janet was there and we cruised at getting the bed down and she took 3 loads in her car to their storage unit. When she was gone one time I called to check on the guys, Jake, Darin and Gary, who were supposed to be loading up the trailer... It had a flat tire, so they went to change the tire and put on the spare, but didn't have a lug wrench, so Darin had to get one and they had to wait to load until after that. Then when they got the spare to put on, it was flat too...

Jake tossed the tire in his car and ran over to Maverick and put air in it and brought it back. They hurried and loaded up the trailer (the storage unit closes at 9:00) and came out. They also had to hurry because Wednesday night a realtor called and had people who wanted to see the house between 8:00 and 8:30. So Janet and I pulled the bed out of Brooke's room and got it out on the lawn so that if the people got there we wouldn't be in the way. Then when the guys got their with the trailer, we tossed that bed and headboard in the trailer and went and unloaded. But our bed needed to go into the house, so we thought we'd just do the same thing and put it out on the lawn while the people were there and then take it in after they left, but when we got back they weren't there yet, so we hustled and took the bed in and of course when we were almost through, (bringing in the mattress) the people showed up so we had to just throw the quilt on the bed and get out of the house. It was like a mad dash all day long. Jake and I packed from 7:45 a.m. til' 4:30 p.m. with a few breaks in the middle to get more boxes and some lunch. Then we were still running and moving stuff until 10:00 pm and then we slept. Pretty good, considering it was on our air mattress...

So I am still exhausted, and have so much more to do still!

Pictures of Emma

Emma Arveseth

Well it happened last night, Hillary had her baby! She and Steve now have 2, Abigail who is 1 1/2 and now Emma who was born at about 10:20 last night *Connecticut time* from what we know everyone is doing great and it was a quick delivery. We are very excited and hoping to get some pictures soon. Its really sad not to have them here where we could go and visit and hold the new little baby and share in their joy. We miss and love them while they are away from us, and not being able to be with them now has made it even harder.

As soon as I get pictures they will be posted on here for all to share in the joy.

Busy Week

Well, its been a busy week but nothing really that exciting has happened. But here's an update.

I started school again on Monday, I have 5 classes this semester I spent 250 on books alone... My Monday teacher had a "glitch" and didn't show up for class. Tuesday's teacher was a bit cookey, and Wednesday's teacher was out of town, luckily I knew that before class. The fifth class is online, and kind of nerve racking. Its math 1050, and I need to work hard, because I am not so good at math. I hope it works out alright.

We got a lot of stuff moved last weekend, well big furniture and some decoration totes that haven't been unpacked in a couple moves, we haven't gotten much else in that area done. I did get a few things over to Corrine's house for the yard sale this weekend, so hopefully I will have some pocket money by the end of the weekend.

Its packing night tonight, we need to get it done, with our busy schedules we need to do it all as soon as possible.

Last Sunday was our 3rd anniversary, can you believe it? Its great, we are doing well and making good decisions that will improve our future. We are planning on celebrating it next month some time, after the moving is all done. We were going to go to Denver in June with the Hicken's but that trip had to be cancelled to pay bills. So we don't know what we will do, maybe go camping or something, but we will celebrate later.

What else...

The only other thing that I know and am worried about is moving... Its pretty much always on my mind. If anyone has free time next Thursday we are looking for volunteers to help move the rest of our furniture and help with whatever boxes and stuff is left.

If you are interested let me know!

Thats really all for now though

New house pictures -link-

http://picasaweb.google.com/cjgraves/NewHouse

To see the house we are going to be living in go to this link, its so pretty!

Final Grade update for Spring Semester

I'd have to say that I did pretty well for going back to school after 2 years off. I wish it had been a 4.0 semester, but it wasn't quite it was a 3.75. That does improve my cumulative GPA from 3.69 to 3.70 so I guess its good.

Well it was three out of four for A's, the fourth was a B. I will just have to do better this semester.

PSA: just for the girls

This is totally random information, but its my blog and I can do what I want.

* Jake has already mocked me about it, that is why there is a disclaimer*

So, I was wandering around the store the other day and I saw Veet, the hair removal stuff, there was a big green bottle of it, that was made for dry or sensitive skin, its the one that has the "razor" thing, its like a spatula really. So I decided I would try it, I hate shaving my legs, it always makes them really dry and itchy.

It works, its awesome!!! It took 3 minutes, it was super easy, and worked great!!! It itched for like the last 30 seconds but the spatula thing worked great, not only to remove the hair but also to get the itch, without scratching the skin really.

My legs usually get the bumps after shaving, but not this time!! And they are smoother than any shave job could have ever done. I was worried about being sensitive to it or having a reaction, because I do to everything else, but no, there were no problems at all!!!

I will update this blog when I start getting stubbely again, to let you know how long it works for me!

Well its Wednesday and half way over

I am glad that its Wednesday, because its closer to the weekend. But the evenings keep getting away from me. I am trying to get things packed up for moving, but its not going quite as planned. We have to be out of our apartment by the 31st... But we are house sitting for my parents on the 25th when they go to Connecticut to be with the Arveseth's for the new baby to come. So we really need to be pretty much ready to go by the 25th.

We also don't know how we are going to move our stuff. Hopefully we will be able to rent a truck or something and borrow family and friends... (That means you guys) To help us move. Its going to be tricky because Jake's parents are also getting ready to move and we don't know when that will all happen hopefully it will all coordinate and go smoothly.

The other part of the half way over is the break between semesters... I start again on Monday. I am going to be taking 5 classes this semester, I hope I can pass math. I am taking math 1050 online, so I am kind of nervous. I hope I can do it in addition to everything else that is happening in my life.

Even with all the complaints and stresses, I really feel that things are going the right way, that we are making good decisions and following the promptings from the Lord and that our choices are what will lead us into the life we want for ourselves and someday to have a family of our own.

Other awesome news

I have gotten 2 of my grades back from Spring semester, and they are both A's. I know that one of the other classes is an A. So It will be at least 3 out of 4 A's. I just have one class I am not sure about... I hope its an A too!

Exciting Moving News

So we are moving, and until recently its been mostly stress. Now its getting exciting. We are moving in with Jake's parents for those who didn't know.

They are in the process of selling one house and buying a new one. The stress was caused by the fact they hadn't found a new house, but last week their offer was accepted for the new house. It is in Herriman, its really nice. There is currently and unfinished basement, but we will be finishing it as soon as possible. I am not sure but I think we will be doing some of the work ourselves. Like the sheetrocking and stuff. I don't know what it really involves, but we are pretty excited and will work hard to get it done and do it right.

I am hoping they will let us help choose the flooring and details for the basement since it will be our space for a couple years. I am all about making it uniform to the rest of the house with fixtures and stuff, but it would be so fun to be able to pick like the shower and the carpeting, or wood or tile flooring. I think they will also let us have some input on the lay out of the basement. Its totally unfinished right now, a blank canvas. So I am really excited to see what we can do with it!

There is still the stress of selling the house they are in now. I think it was built last year if I remember right. Its nice, 3 bedrooms (one of the bedrooms is really designed for 2 kids to live in, its huge, has 2 closets and a lot of floor space), an office, a really big kitchen and a living room and a family room. It is 2 1/2 baths. Its located at 13400 S and about 5000 W (not exact...) There is a playground across the street, in the neighborhood, not on a mainstreet or anything and a big park within walking distance. So if you know anyone who needs a house, this one would be a great starter house, one with young kids or a grandparents house. Pretty much anyone, it does have limited parking, but not too bad.

So yeah, I am really excited to move in with them, it will be so nice and they are going to save us about 500 a month on rent and other expenses. Plus Jake won't have to drive from Midvale to Orem every day. Just Herriman to Orem, which isn't so bad!

I will post some pictures of the new house later, I have to load them onto the computer. But I am super excited!!!!

Baby Lydia Pictures

Lydia Claire Prestwich

Born March 20, 2007

Lydia and her Daddy, Tim!

Me holding Lydia

Jake and Lydia