Steve & Amy Shumway

Time marches on

2012-01-15T18:37:00.000-08:00

I cant believe its been 3 months since our move to Vernal, sheesh!

Steve is really enjoying his new job at Nalco. I went with him to work the other day- I wasn't allowed out of the truck in the oil fields because I'm not down with steel toed boots and hard hats, so I took some nail polish and gave myself a mani in between riding to the different pumps.

I started my job at the hospital in ER registration and am enjoying it. I'll only be working a few nights per week so I have plenty of time for school. I started my classes last week, Physiology and Human Development. Liking them so far!

I got registered for my very first full MARATHON! I am doing well in my training so far- haven't walked once in all my miles. I may be whistling a different tune when it comes to running 30+ miles/week! April 21st is go time!

My older sister Tawn is here this weekend visiting from Colorado, so fun to see her!
My brother Dalton just passed his year mark in Chile, he is doing so well! I archive his letters and pictures in a blog, check it out at http://elderwharton.blogspot.com/

Hope this update finds everyone happy and healthy!

Our move to Utah

2011-11-20T20:29:00.000-08:00

Wow, has it really been that long since my last post?? Yikes!

LOTS to catch up on!

Steve got a job offer in Vernal, Utah as a application engineer for an energy solutions company called Nalco. He goes out to the oil fields and makes sure that the chemicals are balanced and running smoothly. There is great opportunity for rapid growth and advancement with this company. They are treating us really well so far- we moved here in October. Steve has a couple cousins out here that have made this transition so easy. Loren has made me feel like we don't live among strangers. I love that I have some familiar faces so close by.

I have been enjoying my time as a stay at home wife, cooking dinner every night, making Steve's lunches, working out, doing sewing & painting projects, and just soaking up this new life! All good things come to an end though- I have a job interview tomorrow at the hospital here as a housekeeper. I'm really not sure what all that job includes, but the hospital offers tuition reimbursement & scholarships to those who are pursuing anything in the medical field. So that will be AWESOME when I start up school again in January. The nursing program is great here, and all my credits transferred from Austin, so I'm really not being set back at all, except for the fact that I couldn't take classes this fall because we moved in the middle of the semester. Once you are accepted into the RN program, everything is FREE! Tuition, books, supplies, scrubs, EVERYTHING! This is because of all the oil that comes from Vernal, the town receives certain royalties/scholarships that are given to the schools. The school is so small that it has more than enough money to cover all the students' expenses. Seems too good to be true, huh! More and more I'm learning that this move has been an unbelievable blessing to us.

I do miss my people though- Texas will always be home to me. I don't know how I got so lucky to have met all you Austinites. Miss you guys more than anything. I cant wait to come home this week for Thanksgiving!

Also, one of my besties, Leah Sannar got blessed with a perfect baby boy that they adopted last week. We are having a shower for her this weekend! Cant wait to meet the little man! Stay tuned for pictures from my trip home this week!!

We went on a cruise the week before we moved, so fun that my fam joined us, the perfect send off!

5 days...

2011-04-25T21:15:00.000-07:00

Tyson & Ashley are coming in 5 days!!! The countdown is coming to an end :)

Grandmother's passing

2011-04-25T20:25:00.000-07:00

Steve's grandmother passed away and she will be missed dearly. She is finally reunited with her sweetheart. We were able to go up to her funeral and spend some time with the family. It was such a great trip, we miss the Shums already.
Practicing our song for the funeral.

The only picture I got with the whole family

Carolyn, Katie & Becky comparing who is the whitest

We were able to see our good friends Tyson, Ashley, Kyle & Leah. Love you guys!!!

2011-03-27T15:26:00.000-07:00

Spring Break sure was nice to get a minute away from school! Its just non-stop. I feel like I don't have any time to think, I just have to GO! Work, school, school, work. That's all I do anymore.

Ever since we moved out to Texas, Steve has been talking about how he wants to be in Utah for General Conference, to go to Chuck-a-Rama with all the Shums and then go to Priesthood, and then to Grandmother's afterward. I surprised him with a plane ticket for this upcoming Conference next weekend, he is so excited. I'll be staying home to hold down the fort.

I think that's about it, not too much new stuff, just busy busy busy. I need a vacation!

February

2011-02-14T12:01:00.000-08:00

I cant believe we got snow in Austin!! Don't laugh Utah readers, but this is really the MOST snow I've EVER seen in Austin. The whole town shuts down and this is why- we don't have road plowers. I passed 2 cars in the ditch on my 3 mile drive to work. I got to work and we called and canceled all our patients for the day, and then on my way home, I did a 360! It was really scary, but no cars were around, and it was in slow motion, so I was okay. It was fun to have a snow day- Steve called in sick. Later that day it got up to the 50s and was really sunny. It was short lived, but definitely exciting.

Okay, I have to be that annoying wife for a minute that brags about her husband. We both have class on Valentines night, so we celebrated on Saturday. He woke me up with breakfast in bed, heart-shaped french toast. So sweet!! Then, he had gotten a couple of canvas' (he knows I love to paint!) and had us paint something that represented 'us'. Isn't he so creative??

He decided to paint the gazebo that he proposed to me in. (Awwww) Its not finished, but here is what he has so far...
I wanted to paint the Manti temple which is where we were married.

After that, he set up my massage table and gave me a 90 minute massage! For someone who isn't a massage therapist, that is a really long time!! We later went to SUZI'S for sushi, it was so good- I think we found our new favorite restaurant.

He is so great and I love him dearly. Thanks baby for a wonderful Valentines Day!!

Check out Dalton's blog

2011-01-27T19:52:00.000-08:00

http://elderwharton.blogspot.com/

Well, we tried...

2011-01-23T21:07:00.000-08:00

Hahaha, we did try, but Lydia is strolling, Tawn is dancing, and me & Steve's feet are planted and not going anywhere for a while. Dalton is the only natural looking one. Miss you, brother!

Content (adjective)

2011-01-15T09:27:00.000-08:00

Things are going. Dalton left Wednesday for Chile for 2 years. I really didn't think that I would have a hard time with that, but alas. I cried for 2 days. I thought I was depressed, but really, I'm learning that I'm just not the biggest fan of change and growth. I thought that I was a 'change it up' type of gal, thriving in new experiences and ready for the next adventure. I'm getting to know myself better and I'm not that type, not really. Things will never be the same. My baby brother will come back a grown man, go back to school, find a wife and have a family of his own. Gone are the days where he would come to our house and sleep over, staying up all night with Steve playing video games and eating panda express. Its overwhelming. I'm happy now, so excited for him. I love my brother, I'm so proud of the man that he is growing up to be. He is in the right place at the right time. We had very, very special and sacred family moments the night before he left. I will never forget the feelings that were shared between us all. I love my family, I'm so blessed. Good luck, Dalton, see ya in 2 years!

The Switch

2011-01-05T19:33:00.000-08:00

I haven't been shopping in a long while- I thought it was necessary to update my wardrobe a bit and get some skinny jeans and a tunic or two. I go to Kohl's (which I've always loved) Junior section and grab some things that I'm pretty sure are my size. I look for the dressing room with the most mirrors (some dont even have them inside the room!) and begin to try on these clothes that I thought for sure would have stayed in the 1980's. What the...?! Nothing fits! I know what you're thinking, skinny jeans are supposed to be tight and uncomfortable, but really, this wasn't right. Even the 'loose, flowy' tunics just fit weird. So I tried the next size up, fit better, but still sooo uncomfortable in all the wrong spots. I decided there was nothing left for me to do (some of you know where I'm going with this...) I went to the WOMENS department.

I tried on a small, and it felt awesome!! In the womens department, you wont find any super low jeans that give you camel toe, or shirts that are made too short to show off your belly button piercing. Just nice fitting clothes made with comfort in mind. Wow, am I old or what! I'm 25 years old and I guess that qualifies me to be a woman, but I didn't think shopping in the womens dept came till much later...

So move over, Britney Spears, make room for Lauren Conrad's line, because I've made the switch to the womens department!

adoption update

2010-12-22T16:38:00.001-08:00

Its been a long while since our adoption post, and I thought I should give an update. We went as far as we could with orientations, interviews and classes- the next step was another 6-week class only offered on the night that Steve has school. Go figure. He is so close to graduating (May 2011), so we decided to put the adoption process on hold. With both of us in school and working full time, its been easy these past few months to have our attention diverted from our baby hunger. Its all good though, we will pick up where we left off once Steve is done with school.

We are excited for Disneyland with the Shums at Christmas!! What a wonderful time of year that we get to celebrate the birth of our Savior. Merry Christmas, everyone!

Thanksgiving Weekend

2010-11-28T19:45:00.000-08:00

We had a fabulous week!! Dalton got his mission call to Chile Santiago West Mission, so Tuesday he went through the temple for the first time. It was such a neat experience to be there with him. I wish that we got more (and better) pictures outside the temple when it was still light out, but oh well. My parents and Steve and I went with him. Such a great day!

We have 2 new additions to the family!! Sweet baby chicks, just 3 days old! We went with my family to get some chicks for my mom- I grew up on a mini farm, and they have had chickens on and off for years, and it was time to go get some more. While we were there, I fell in LOVE with these two little ladies and needed to bring them home with us. Right now, we are keeping them in a laundry basket in our laundry room, but, next week I am getting them a little coop so they can be outside in our yard. I'm so excited to have fresh organic eggs everyday! They wont start laying for about 6 months. Steve wasn't thrilled, he still has yet to hold one.

How much do I love my man? He came home on Wednesday night with this beautiful bouquet for me. Why? Because he loves me :)

Thanksgiving day was awesome. We usually do some sort of service project as a family during the holidays. This year, Thanksgiving morning, we did a project for an old man who owns a produce shop. My dad has been going to this store for a few years, and has made friends with the old man who owns it. He charges next to nothing for the food & my dad has witnessed on several occasions, he will just give away fruit and vegetables to frequent customers who usually don't have the money for it. The store is in a really poor area. It is literally falling apart, I'm surprised its still standing. The owner now has cancer and has been unable to run the shop, so his son comes in runs it for him. My dad came to the son and let him know that since his dad has given so much to the community, that in his father's time of need, he would like to give back to him. We painted the ceiling, pillars & walls of the store. It was such a rewarding experience. I don't have pictures right now, but I will get some from my dad's camera and post them soon. The son was sooo appreciative, the act of service without any expectation of anything in return was so foreign to him. It was a great missionary experience. Some of my most favorite holiday memories are of our family serving others. We are so blessed, and being able to serve others reminds me of that.

After painting, my family and us headed down to our time share in New Braunfels. We had an awesome homemade dinner by momma and just played games and watched movies all weekend, and did a little shopping on Friday at the outlets in San Marcos.

I set up our tree on Saturday! Its so little and cute, I just LOVE Christmas!!

Go, go, go

2010-11-18T15:02:00.001-08:00

Thats all I feel like we do anymore is GO! If we are not working, we are at school, and if not that, its homework, church callings, visiting & home teaching, mutual, ect. Sometimes I forget what Steve looks like, so I have to keep his picture as my wallpaper on my phone. Ok, not really, but I miss him. We need a getaway. Thanksgiving cannot come fast enough, and then Christmas!! I need a break!

Love my job

2010-10-24T20:36:00.000-07:00

My boss (chiropractor) has networked with a lot of different bands & musicians for years and I was able to take advantage of that this week. I almost got to work on Robert Plant a couple of months ago, but it fell through. This past Friday my boss had me go to the Frank Erwin Center to work on the Gorillaz before their show! It was awesome being backstage & walking past the dressing rooms & music rooms all day, watching them rehearse & being there for the sound checks. Massaging them was just like working on anybody else, they are just normal people who have blemished skin & buy their underwear at old navy! :)
I was brave enough to ask for tickets to the show & surprisingly got floor seats for Steve, Dalton & me. So fun- its times like these that I just love my job!!

School

2010-09-23T14:12:00.000-07:00

I have been in and out of college for years until I decided that what I really wanted was to be a massage therapist. I could educate people about their bodies; helping them achieve their physical goals and being a healer at the same time. There is no better feeling than "fixing" someone, relieving them of pain & improving the quality of their life. I know this may sound sappy, but to have the insight and intuition to heal with your hands is an amazing gift. I'm willing to risk sounding conceited when I say that I'm pretty good, amazing even. Well, to each his own... :)

I don't like the spa atmosphere. Fussy big shots who feel a sense of entitlement aren't my kind of people. After 3 years of being in this field, I now work and 2 different Doctors' offices, no more spas. I really like it, but my body cant keep up. Its only been 3 years and I hurt all the time- not just after 7 hours of straight massage, but even on my days off now. I'm always hurting & tired. I don't want to do this for the rest of my life- I cant imagine what I will feel like 10 years from now. Sooo... Ive decided to go back to school to get my RN!!

I think that with nursing, I will feel that same sense of accomplishment at the end of my work day that I do in the doctor's office, probably even more so. All the bad things about massage (no benefits, contract labor, spas, tips, ect.) don't exist in hospitals. So, I'm pretty excited about that.

This is my first semester back to school in like 5 years. Its taking some adjusting.

I did need to rant for a minute about text books. Seriously. My math class requires us to have the 8th edition of the text book- I swear, the only thing different about this one versus the seventh edition is that they changed the cover from a picture of a flower to a fish. They get to charge me $170 for this novelty. How much math changes in a semester?? Apparently so much that they need to replace an entire text book. Who is it that is making these decisions to rip off poor college kids? And why are the colleges in cahoots with this person? Are they not making enough off the tuition itself? I'm not a fool, I'm not paying that.

I went on Amazon.com and found a paperback used copy for $22.

In other news-

Steve will apply to the Austin Fire Academy in December! He is so excited for this, and I'm so excited that he has found what he wants to do! He will graduate in May with his business management degree, and then we can figure out what the plan is once we know the outcome of the application. Keep your fingers crossed for him! Its super competitive in Austin. Average number of applicants is about 3000 (yes, that's three zeros behind that 3) and they take roughly 100 from that group. They test mostly personality and character in a super long, hand written test with essay questions. I'll have him double up on his adderall that day :)

I'm not expecting anyone to have made it though this long update, but if so, you are more loyal than I had anticipated.

Happiness

2010-07-15T16:43:00.000-07:00

I wasn't sure if I should post this yet or not, but I'm excited and want to share! Steve and I turned in our papers today for Adoption. We are going through a private Christian agency through the state. We've been preparing to make this decision for about a year and have thought through many different paths to take. We have decided that this is the best one for us at this time. We are excited for our family to grow! Its going to be a long & difficult road and will take a while to get our case worker, interviews & all our home studies done, but, we have taken the first step! I will keep you all posted on our progress!

Summer time happenings

2010-06-27T10:15:00.000-07:00

These pictures are all out of order!!

We had our 4 year anniversary in May, Steve's 27th birthday, and my 25th birthday in June. I had a rough time with this one. We went to the Cheesecake Factory for dinner and had some games at our place afterward, and then Sunday we had 'family' birthday- We didn't have a 2 or a 5 candle, so I turned 944 this year :)

Steve and I were both released from our callings (Elders quorum 1st counselor and Primary secretary) . I was so ready to get out of primary, Ive been there for 4 years! Steve has been called to Ward mission leader which he is getting used to- the elders are pretty eager which usually isn't Steve's strong point, so he gets annoyed, but I think things are smoothing out. I am the Young women's 1st counselor, and I love it! I taught today's lesson on Revelation and it went really well. I have always wanted to work with the youth, I'm looking forward to getting to know the girls better. There are only about 7 active YW total, which is very different from my home ward growing up, but I think it will give us an opportunity to get closer. Its a different pace coming from a primary with 70 active kiddos.

We went dancing last night at Coupland dance hall which is waaay out east- population 27. Not really, but its a tiny town. The AC was not working, I don't remember the last time I was so hot and sweaty. It was fun though, we need to get out more and practice out Texas two step.

I wanted to show you my progress on my family tree! I ordered a black iron decorative tree and thought it would be really cute to add all the family members around it. I still need a few more pictures, but you get the idea. Ill post more pics once its finished!

Welcome to the family, Lance!

2010-05-18T14:19:00.000-07:00

We went to Utah last week for the wedding, it was so great to see everyone! We sure do miss living there.

Its nice to have another in-law added to the family- Ive been the only one for 4 years now! We are excited for the family to continue to grow. Kyle, you're next!!

Camping

2010-03-29T19:49:00.001-07:00

We went to Marble Falls this last weekend and hiked through the Llano river and camped on an island. It was pretty fun- we saw some big fish & tons of bluebonnets! I dont know that we will go again, its alot of work to pack everything in, just to leave the next morning. Lucy was quite a little trooper- she swam most the way even though she hates the water. She doesnt like to be dirty, so she stands on anything that will keep her up and away from the sand. She is such a diva. Here are a few pics of our trip:

We got some snow!

2010-02-26T21:09:00.000-08:00

Yes, snow! Ive never seen it stick in Austin, so this was kind of a big deal. The news showed kids "sledding" (on yoga mats, since they dont sell sleds in TX) down hills, mostly in slush and mud. So funny!

Steve got me a rose bush for Valentines day, and I just happend to plant it the night before the snow, so this is me being sad. I hope its still ok!

the latest fertility stuff

2010-02-15T22:05:00.001-08:00

We started with a new fertility specialist in January and we really love him. He has such a great reputation around Austin, and I know so many women that have had quick success with him. I've done like 6 rounds of clomid and havent had any luck yet, so today I went and had an HSG x-ray done. Basically they squirt dye into my uterus and fallopian tubes to check for any blockages. Sounds pretty harmless, right? Wrong. Oh my gosh, so painful. I dont know if it was becasue of the pain or what, but I almost passed out. She sent the images over to my doctor, so I will call tomorrow and see what he has to say about them.

This has been quite an experience that we have had these last few years. We have been trying to start our family for almost 4 years. Sometimes I wonder why we have the trials that we do. Maybe they arent trials at all. Maybe its a blessing that Steve and I have had more time to grow and bond with one another, really learning everything and appreciating each small trait in eachother. Maybe Im suppossed to learn patience, or that this really isnt MY life, its the Lord's.

Sure do love you, babe! We've have had some great times just you and me-

We will make good parents one day, till then, we remain positive and happy, sometimes thats all you can do. We do appreciate all the thoughts and prayers that you all are sending our way. :) I'll try and keep our progress posted!

Christmas

2010-01-17T11:02:00.000-08:00

This whole post is out of order and I'm too lazy to correct it, sorry!

Val got engaged over the Holiday- Welcome to the family, Lance! We are so excited for yall.

We had Christmas early at my parents house (on the 23rd) and then took off that night on our drive to Utah so that we would arrive on Christmas eve to see Steve's family. It was so much fun- lots of great times and too much good food.

Im so greatful for...

2009-12-22T07:11:00.001-08:00

This season is such a great opportunity to really see all the blessings that the Lord has given you through the year. I am greatful for Steve and that he is able to take me to the temple and that we are only an hour away from San Antonio. I love this temple- it will forever remind me of the confirmation that I received a few years ago to move out here to Texas. Im so thankful for family, mine specifically. I really believe that we chose our families before we got here, I love them and am thankful for all their support and help that they extend. I'm so excited to see the other half of my family in Utah in just a few days!

Merry Christmas, everyone! I hope you all take some time to see how blessed you really are.

Thanksgiving, new countertops & new hair!

2009-12-05T20:57:00.000-08:00

Steve came to me a few days before Thanksgiving and had this great idea to tile our countertops. I went along with it, not thinking that he would actually do it, but then the next day, we were at Home Depot choosing our tile! I was still hesitant, Steve has never tiled anything before, I think he may have helped his uncle once years ago. We bought all our tile and all the other stuff you need. We were going to start the day after Thanksgiving since we had all weekend off work. Thanksgiving was at our house this year for the first time. I was in charge of the turkey but since I had never done a turkey before, I decided to do Cornish game hens instead. They turned out so good!! Each person got their own baby turkey that they got to carve themselves, so cute. I even stuffed each one! Am I domestic or what! We had my family over, it was lots of fun with yummy food.

Friday morning, Steve got up early to start on our counters. I didnt get any before pictures, but it was just the normal ugly cream colored laminate that they had on all the counters in the mid 80s. You can kind of see how they looked in this first picture. Here are the progressive pictures with Steve hard at work.

Arent they beautiful?? I love them, and I love Steve for doing them! He did such a great job, I am really impressed. Thanks lovey, they are great!

I never did like my flat bob as you can tell from my earlier post, but then I came across this fabulous picture of a razored bob on Kimberly Caldwell. She is so cute, and I love her hair even more. I have gone to 2 different stylists to try and achieve this cut, and am still working on finding the right way to style it. I have never had this short of hair and I was really nervous, but I do like it! You can tell by the last picture how excited I am. :) I may need a few more razored layers...

Friends & More puppies

2009-10-25T20:02:00.001-07:00

Well, Lucy got knocked up again and nine weeks later we have 3 precious puppies! They are white, tan & black which is a nice mix- last time she just had 2 black ones. She started her labor around 4:30am and we were up with her till she had the last one at 7:30am- then we had work that morning- we all were so tired. They sure are cute, I know I will be ready to get rid of them once Lucy no longer cleans up after them .

We were going to go with some friends to a haunted house last night, but the line was insanely long! We went to eat at Johnny Carions (YUM!) instead and then went to a movie. They boys saw GI Joe and us girls went to see All About Steve- it was so random, but pretty funny otherwise.

I got back in touch with a couple friends from high school, we have been getting together once a week or so. Its so nice to be able to see friends after years of not keeping tabs and still be able to pick right back up where you left off. Good friends are hard to come by, so if you have them, hold them close and dear to your heart. My mom always tells me to be the kind of friend that I would want to have. Wise ole' woman :)

My ugly new bob

2009-09-29T16:58:00.000-07:00

So, we've all been there, I guess... a bad haircut. You know when you see someone with a super cute cut and you think 'Oh yeah, I could totally do that too!' only to find out that you really dont have the right hair or face shape. I seriuosly feel like I'm 8 again. I'm going to start some prenatal vitamins, I hear that they help hair grow fast.

Weekend fun!

2009-09-13T19:15:00.001-07:00

My cousin AJ (from Utah) was selling security systems in Houston for the past few weeks and wanted us to come visit- I'm so glad we were able to take a little trip to see him!

Houston is about 2-3 hours away, so Steve and I and my brother Dalton took a little road trip. We got there Friday night and came back on Sunday. AJ had to work on Saturday, so we found things around town to do-

The Galleria Mall is 3 stories of shops shops shops! They have one in Dallas too that we went to last year with Steve's family. We seriously walked like 5 miles- so much fun. There is a big ice skating rink on the bottom floor that was fun to watch all the people fall down.

One of the sales guys was gone for the weekend, so he needed someone to take his dog out to go potty- I happily volunteered. Oh my gosh, this pug is the fattest thing ever, so freaking cute, the picture doesnt do her justice! She had a hard time breathing through her squished face, I wanted to take her home with me :-(

We dropped him off at the airport this afternoon, I'm sad we dont get to see him much, but I guess thats what happends when we all grow up and start lives of our own.

We went camping last haoliday weekend with some friends from the ward, I'll post those pics as soon as I get them from my friend. I didnt take any with my camera.

quick update!

2009-08-29T15:31:00.000-07:00

Im so bad at blogging, sorry!

We are expecting a new house guest!! My sister Tawn was looking for an apartment just for 6 months- nobody will allow a 6 month lease, only 9 or 12. So, Steve and I offered her one of our rooms which will help all of us out. We can use some extra dollars each month and she will be able to save money and not have to worry about a lease. Win, win. :) She moves in Sept 1st, I'm excited for our late movie nights and added company for Lucy.

I've already started on my Christmas shopping- I'm pretty impressed with myself. Hopefully nobody will need to return anything, bc I think all the stores have a 90 day return period. oops!

I finished the Twilight series, finally!! Most people that have read it say they finished in a weekend- Its taken me 6 months! Its not that I'm slow, haha, I just dont get sucked into books to where I cant put it down. I'd read for a few hours and then put it down for a couple weeks... I'm pumped for New Moon to come out Nov 20th, you better believe I'll be @ the midnight showing! yipee!

Its still so freaking hot! I cant wait for Fall. I love Texas winters, they are like 60 degress! Today was about 102...eeek!

Master cleanser...

2009-07-02T22:52:00.000-07:00

So, its way harder than you think! I was only able to do 4 days total, and lost 6 lbs. I was super pumped to finish the 10 days, and even passed up Johnny Carinos Italian at work on day 3. Ten days is just SO long, I will attempt it again in a few months. I really think its still a great thing if you can get passed the hunger- some people say they werent hungry after day 3, which day 3 was definately my worst day, I was just tired of the lemonade and wanted something to eat by day 5. Anyway, that was my progress. Let me know if you try it!

Master cleanse day 3

2009-06-24T20:05:00.001-07:00

Today was pretty rough. You know when you get so hungry that you start to get in a really bad mood and super irritable? Thats the feeling I've had all day! The grumpiness started last night and hasn't left yet. I think I may have not added enough maple syrup (which has all the calories) to my lemonade today, so I was pretty low on energy too. I've lost 5 lbs so far, which might all be water weight, but 5 lbs is 5 lbs, right? I thought about maybe finishing the cleanse with juices and broth instead of lemonade, but I'm staying strong with the lemonade as of tonight, I'll let you know how tomorrow goes.
During my cleanse, I am taking a break from the gym. This is tough because thats where I spend most my evenings after work, now I have to keep occupied at home without using up too many calories. I hope tomorrow is better!

Master Cleanser Day 2

2009-06-23T15:04:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure how many of you are familiar with the master cleanse aka lemonade diet, but basically it consists of pure maple syrup, fresh lemon juice, and cayenne pepper. You cant eat anything, youre only allowed the lemonade and water. Its a great way to wash toxins out of your body and to promote a healthier diet after the cleanse. I am going for 10 days which is the recommended minimum time. This is my 2nd day and I'm feeling pretty good. Yesterday my energy was down, but today its up above normal. I havent been too hungry, if I do get hungry, I just drink more lemonade. I dont know if its the cleanse or the lack of chewing, but the clicking in my jaw is completely gone. I have never been a victim of headaches, but this cleanse has a list of benefits, the major one being a reduction or total elimination of headaches and migraines. Check out the book if you havent heard of it, and if you have done this, let me know how it went...I think I'll need some encouragement through my 10 days. I'll post my progress and maybe some before & after pics.

Happy Anniversary to us!

2009-05-28T19:17:00.000-07:00

I cant believe its been THREE years already!

Seriously, they have been the fastest years yet. We have grown and accomplished so much since we've been married. We were listing some specifics, and it shocked us! Between the both of us, in the the past three years, we have ...

- owned 7 vehicles

- had 9 jobs (probably shouldnt post that one!)

- lived in 4 different cities, 2 different states

- had 6 different callings in 4 different wards

- bought our first home

- belonged to 2 different gyms

- banked at 3 different banks

- flew & drove between TX & UT 8 times

And lots more, so much can happen in such a short amount of time!

Sorry, these pictures are backward...

Steve got me a beautiful white gold, diamond studded necklace. I love it! We went and had dinner at PF changs so I could have my lettuce wraps, SO GOOD!

After my pedi, we went to the pool

We went to IHOP for a yummy breakfast, then Steve took me to get a Pedicure :) He knows what I like!

I love you so much, lovey. Thank you for all that you do, I couldnt be happier. xoxo

Our Trip to Utah

2009-05-11T20:09:00.000-07:00

We went to Utah to help Lydia drive back from school, and it was a very short trip! Here are a few pics. I've noticed that the Shumways are not a picture taking family, nor do they like their picture taken,so I dont have any of this trip, sorry, but i will get 'em next time! We had fun with our friends too, we sure do miss everyone up there!

The puppies are here!

2009-04-27T17:54:00.000-07:00

Lucy's puppies came right on time Saturday night. She was such a little trooper! She has a helathy boy and girl who were just 15 minutes apart. They are so cute and are growing so fast! Lucy is a great little mommy who hates to be away from her pups.

We are leaving for Utah tomorrow to pick up Lydia from school and to help her drive back home. We're excited to see everyone!

Happy Easter

2009-04-13T17:39:00.000-07:00

We had a really great Easter Sunday. My family came up and had dinner at our place, so the cooking was up to me and Steve! I made a Thai coconut shrimp soup that turned out SO good, and Steve made Teriyaki chicken that was delicious. My mom brought some fried rice, so all togehter, it went really well!

After dinner we went to the park down the street and all took naps under the trees- it was such a nice day! Dalton and I attempted to fly kites with no such luck :/

We found out that Lucy is pregnant! She's due in just 2 weeks, so I'll get some pictures of the puppies when they come. Will anyone be interested in a Schnoodle pup?? :)

Hope you all had a Happy Holiday!

Summer Plans

2009-04-03T22:59:00.000-07:00

Sorry I am so lame and dont update my blog like all the rest of you!

We are coming to Utah just for a few days so we can help my little sister drive back to TX. I'm sad its not going to be a very long trip, we really wont be able to do or see a whole lot while we're there, but it will be nice to get away from work for a bit.
My job is going really well; I started a few months ago in a doctor's office working in the Physical Therapy department. I love what I do and the doctors that I work with, they are all so great!
Steve is loving school and doing very well. He has made A's in his last 3 classes, I'm so proud of him! School has been tough for him, and I'm so proud of his dedication to finishing his degree.
We are excited for conference this weekend, we go to my Aunt & Uncle's house and stay the night. The guys go to Priesthood while the gals stay home and watch chick flicks. Super fun, we look forward to it every 6 months!
I'll try and get some pics up soon!

A new doggy!

2009-02-28T14:16:00.000-08:00

We adopted a husband for Lucy- His name is Jasper and he is in need of some good training :) He's gotten better in just the week that we've had him, I think he just had some neglectful previous owners. Our family sure is growing...not necessarily in the way that I had originally hoped for, but I'll take what I can get :/

They really like eachother a lot, they go everywhere together and dont like to be without the other one. He's sweet.

Blast from the past!

2009-01-26T12:56:00.000-08:00

So I was going through some old e-mails and found pictures! Yeay! This first one is of one of my friends Missy on her wedding day. And then there are a few of my roommate Lauren and I mud wrestling! yikes, we had some good times. These are maybe 4 or 5 years old? I cant remember. We're all married and have our own families now! Crazy how fast time flies. Hope you girls are doing great! miss ya!

A Happy Holiday

2009-01-04T16:58:00.000-08:00

We spent Christmas eve & morning with my family here in Austin, and then at about 2:00pm started our long drive up to Utah. We drove the 24 hours straight through. (Steve is awesome- he drove 12 hours, then I took over for 3, then he took back over when the bad snow storm hit, then took us all the way to his parents house in Pleasant Grove.)

We had a great time just being lazy around the house, watching movies & playing games with Steve's family. It was nice just to sit and do nothing for a while! There was so much family to see and visit with. Sometimes its really hard not being able to be closer to everyone, I feel like I'm missing out on a lot.

Tim & Brittney had their baby right before we got there! Conner is so precious, I'm glad we got to see him!

We also saw Tyson & Ashley, and spent a day with them. They are so nice to reserve time for us!

My cousin AJ also got married while we were there. That was so great to be able to be a part of his special day. My family drove up for his wedding too.

So much to catch up on!

2008-11-25T17:33:00.000-08:00

Sorry this is so past due, I was finally able to go out and get some new cords for my camera, so here goes the latest news! These came out backward, sorry- I'm still trying to figure out this tricky little blogger!

Everyone is posting pictures of their cute little babies, I was getting jealous, so I thought I'd take a picture of my precious baby while he was sleeping. Just look at him!! I just love him to pieces! He is everything to me, and I really dont know where or who I would be without his patience, unconditional love, and loyalty.

I really dont deserve him, but I will continue to try!
He is literally going to kill me when he sees that I posted that picture. I just had to, sorry baby. haha

Steve and I got Dalton a Coldplay ticket for his birthday, and then when we told Tawn & Lydia about it, and they wanted to come too! It was SOOO much fun! It was an awesome concert, plus my sides hurt all night from laughing with my freaking hilarious and weird family... we really are so crazy, I love it. Its fun now that we're getting older and age difference isnt much of a big deal- Dalton is 17 now, and Lydia is 20, I'm 23, Tawn is 25...we all have more in common now, its super fun being close with my family. And Steve just fits right in! I love that he really is just another member of the family. I know too many couples that that is not the case, its sad when in-laws dont get along.

Tyson and Ashley came and took a break from their busy lives in Utah for a whole week!! It was awesome...way too many stories for the ole' blog, but we had a great time. We went to the Temple in San Antonio, the Alamo, downtown Austin, and of course to tons of restaurants. I seriously gained 5 lbs. while they were here, no joke.

BFF! :-)

Its so great having friends that you dont have to stress about entertaining when they come to town- They were happy as a clam just hanging out with us around the house. We love them and are sad they live so far away :( Well, I guess its us that live so far away, since we're the ones who moved.

Halloween was pretty low key this year. We went as white trash, and I was so excited to be able to destroy one of Steve's hideous shirts, its salmon pink, as you can see I am wearing below :)

Justin and Michele took us to a party, and they went as McDreamy (I think) and Michele went as her prego sister-in-law, lol. Priceless.

Our other BFF!

We watched a scary movie after the party, and then went home and went to bed, haha. I guess you're pretty old when you're home and in bed before 1:00am on Halloween. Thats okay though- I seriously love to just be at home with Steve and do nothing, thats my favorite thing in the world! :)

Our Home

2008-11-08T20:00:00.000-08:00

I meant to add these earlier, but these are a few pics of our place. I do have quite a bit more blogging to do, and a lot more pics to add of this past week with tys & ash, but I lost the dang cords to upload pictures! I'm so mad, so we'll have to go buy some new ones. Until then, I can only add pics that are already on my laptop, sorry! :/ More to come!! xoxo

Viva the Alamo

2008-10-29T20:03:00.001-07:00

Yeay! Tyson and Ashley are coming for a visit! They called us a couple days ago with some great news- they scored a couple buddy passes and are coming this weekend all the way from Utah! We're gonna have so much fun- Alamo, here we come! lol I thought the above picture was appropriate. There are also some other great things that have come out of Texas, for those of you who dont know... Rattlesnakes, Bluebonnets, the Chainsaw Massacre, Mexican food, Walker the TEXAS Ranger aka: Chuck Norris, and of course, the Longhorn. Now you know why Texans are so prideful ;)

I did get a new calling in our ward- I am the 7 year old's primary teacher! I'm pretty excited about that, I love that age. I taught for the first time last week and I now know I'm going to have to be a little bit more stern. They seem like a good class though.

I'll post some pictures of our up coming week!

Back to life

2008-10-21T12:01:00.000-07:00

It was so much fun having the Shumways come visit. There was lots of driving, eating, and more driving. I hope they had a good time! BYU didnt do so good, so that was a downer, but UT made up for that.

Steve and I are having no fun getting back to real life. My work has been pretty slow with the economy going the way it is- Massages are the first thing to go when people start pinching pennies. I'm starting to look at other options, just until things start to pick up again. Steve's work thankfully is not affected- people will always be getting sick and need drugs!

I cant believe November is just around the corner, didnt we just have new years?!? Time goes by too fast- Steve and I have been married for 2 & 1/2 years already! I still feel like I'm 18 sometimes, but then my body has friendly ways of reminding me that thats not the case. Steve came home from his church meetings on Sunday, and told me that he had mentioned to the EQ president "It feels like we're just pretending to be adults with all this responsability, like someone older and more qualified will step in at any minute and take over." haha Well, I have a feeling that this thought will be running through our minds plenty of times over the next few years of 'adulthood'. Its really no fun paying a mortgage, being in debt, planning for retirement, ect. It does feel at times that I'm just playing house. I hope I grow up soon!! :)

2008-10-14T18:16:00.000-07:00

Getting ready for the Fam!

2008-10-14T17:50:00.000-07:00

Steve's family is coming into town tomorrow, and we're so excited! I hope all 5 of them are ready to share our 2 bedroom condo for the weekend! haha The boys are all going to some football games (BYU in Dallas & UT in Austin) that they are super excited about, and us gals are gonna hit the shopping and movie theatres!

Steve and I bought our first place in July in North Austin, and we just love it! Its a lot of stress being a home owner, but its super rewarding. All those months living with the parents finally paid off! :)

Steve was just called to be the 2nd counselor in the Elders Quorum! We're excited about that, he's a bit nervous because he has never had a calling quite like this one, but I know he'll do great. We are also ward missionaries which is just amazing. Its so great meeting with investigators and watching their testimonies grow. We love our ward!