First Time

There is A LOT I don't miss about being single but I think what I don't miss the most is being alone. It may sound ridiculous and sometimes it sounds even silly to say but I'm terrified of being home alone.

Tonight was the first night I spent alone since Nic and I got married and my evening went something like this....

I got off work and drove home in the typical 5:00 traffic.
Luckily I only live about 10 minutes away from where I work so it doesn't really take long to get home.
When I got there, I got a brief hello/goodbye kiss, a "how do I look" for my important business dinner tonight, a "what would I do without you" (after noticing a button was undone), and an "I love you" before the door shut behind him and he was gone.
I immediately felt disappointed that his work thing didn't involve spouses but I tried to ignore the feeling and went to cook dinner instead.
After cutting too much lettuce and too many carrots I remembered it was just me who would be eating at our little kitchen table tonight.
The kitchen had never seemed more silent.
As I'm eating away I'm thinking to myself, "Wow, do I really chew this loud?? I might need to work on this!" and then I remember, I'm the only noise in the whole room and I don't feel so bad anymore.
After I did the dishes I thought to myself, man that was a lot of work for just one person.
I couldn't stand the silence a second longer so I called my mom and talked to her until it was time to leave to do some visits for my church.
At the visits I chatted and chatted (something I'm really good at by the way) but also because I wanted to prolong it as long as I possible in hopes that I would find my hubby's car right next to mine when I got home.
I was sorely disappointed because I came back to not only a silent empty house but a DARK one.
Yes, I am a 21 year old woman afraid of the DARK. I admit it.
It is a HUGE fear of mine.
I hate being in the dark when I'm even with someone but when I'm alone, it is a hundred times worse.
What is probably a "normal" noise that I hear every day suddenly becomes this horrifying sound attached to something lurking in the darkness that is out get ME.
Man, it sounds silly when I write it down...

Lets just say,
I don't miss being single.
I don't miss coming home alone at night.
I know there is a FIRST for everything, but I hope this was also a LAST!


It was music to my ears when I heard, "Moo Moo, I'm HOME!"
...and he bursts through the door with this innocent smile that melts my heart every time, a plate of brownies, and roses.
Sorry ladies, this knight in shining armor is all mine :)

Lets Get Personal

My 3-hour afternoon class was canceled today.
LOVE it when that happens!

I busted out my favorite mix of songs "Better than Radio"
and away I went.

Color-coded the closet

Just.How.I.Like.It

As I was satisfying my slight OCD, I couldn't help but laugh when I compared Nic's side of the closet with mine.

On his side you will find....

Shirts: WHITE, BLUE, GREY, BLACK, BROWN, and a splash of RED

Hangers: ALL WHITE

On my side you will find....

Shirts: EVERY color of the rainbow {except maybe orange?}

Hangers: WHITE, BLUE, PINK, BLACK, TAN

Sheesh you'd think two people in love would have a little more in common inside a closet.

Oh Nicky Poo, I love you and your plain colors

They make me smile :)

On to the next OCD satisfying project....

MOVIES organized by Title

We watch a lot of One Tree Hill around here. 

I also did homework in between but that isn't very much fun to do or mention for that matter.
I'd say it was a successful day!

Glamping

I work with the Youth at my church which I love because they ALWAYS have super entertaining stories and make me feel like I am back in good old high school all over again!
Tonight I learned something new from them and I have to share.
It is right up my alley.

What do you get when you add two of my favorite things...

GLAMOUR + CAMPING = GLAMPING

Pinterest

yep, you heard me alright!

I don't know if I am crazy or have just lived a sheltered life.
A little girl time, some manicures and pedicures, lots of giggling... sounds like a GREAT idea to me :)

I'm ready to go GLAMPING.
Who's with me??

Wishing Away Time

There are things that I don't love about myself.
Things that I know I could work on, do better, change.
Wishing time away is one of these things.

On Mondays I find myself wishing away the week for another weekend,
THEN i could spend more time with Nic.

While in class I find myself staring at the clock counting down the minutes until it is time to leave,
THEN I could have more time to study.

I find myself counting down the semesters, classes, and days until I graduate with my degree,
THEN I can do what I love most and teach.

The moment I met Nic I wished we were dating,
THEN I could get to know this man who made my heart skip a beat every time we were in the same room.

After dating for a while I wished that Nic and I were engaged,
THEN I would know that I couldn't lose him.

After we got engaged I counted down the days wishing we were married sooner, 
THEN I could spend the rest of my life with the man I loved.

See what I mean....
I was complaining to my dad yesterday about yet another busy week ahead of me and he said: "You are so young and have so much ahead of you. Enjoy the journey!" ... and it really hit home for me.

Life IS a journey.
THESE ARE the moments.
They only happen once and in an instant, they are gone.
I will live EVERY moment and take it all in because,
I live a beautiful life.

Dear Mail Man

Dear Mail Man,
I'm not sure if you know this or not but ever since I was a little girl I have LOVED getting mail. There is something so exciting about opening up the lid and finding an envelope inside. When I was a little girl I used to wait anxiously for the holidays to role around because it meant Christmas cards, Happy Birthday cards, and a card for every other holiday including Easter and Valentine's Day from Grandpa. Since he lived far away he wanted to remind my little brother and I that he was thinking of us. I would tear open the envelope and read the kind words that were written to ME. Occasionally they would have money inside, which as a little kid, was even more exciting. I felt rich every time. My grandpa would tape coins and gum to the side of every card and I.LOVED.IT! When I was in the second grade we moved to Boise, Idaho and I had to leave my friends behind. At first this was devastating news to me until I found about a little thing called a PEN PAL. My best friend in Washington became my first pen pal after that and we wrote to each other a couple times a month. Now I not only waited for the holiday cards but I would wait for the letters from my friend. When I moved away to college the envelopes that contained heart-felt messages from close family and friends were the ones I cherished the most. Being homesick and alone in a small town can really make a person crave the familiar. About that same time, several of my friends served missions and I looked forward to every letter to know how they were doing. And if all of this isn't enough to explain how I feel about mail, even when I get a bill I STILL get excited. But I think the BEST part of all so far... was when I got my first piece of mail with Meagan Williamson on the front cover. This happened to be my brand new social security card. So basically what I'm trying to say mail man is that your kind service makes my WHOLE day! Thank you for all you do.

Love, the girl in the yellow apartment

Pinterest

A smile spreads across my face when I open my box and find a key inside... which means that today I got a PACKAGE in the mail!!! and what better then a little surprise from Forever 21.

What is your favorite part about getting mail?

I was Featured!

Remember over the weekend when I decided to make hubby and I a treat, which really turned out to be treats for the whole neighborhood?! 3 dozen is a lot for 2 people
Reminder HERE

Well, I can't even explain the emotions I felt when I got an email yesterday from my new blog friend Amy at One Artsy Mama! She is featuring my chocolate chip pumpkin muffins are her amazing blog today!

Even though I haven't known her long, I already know that Amy is one the most thoughtful, genuine women I have ever met. She spends her days as a stay-at-home mom with her lil cutie Noah dressing up and crafting away.
I'm tellin' ya this gal has got talent.
Check it out!

Ya I know, I'm lovin' it too!

Thank you so much Amy for featuring me on your blog today!
You totally made my day!
Drop by and visit Amy! {oneartmama.blogspot.com}
I know you will think she is the best just like I do :)

Puppy Updated

Thought I would fill you in how these little guys are doing....

I can't BELIEVE how FAST they grow!

Almost 2 weeks old already.

still in the kiddie pool haha

Don't you just want to cuddle up with one?!
It is probably a good thing that I don't live close and can't see them... I might get attached.
Who wouldn't though right?

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins

Remember when I told you HERE about how much I love Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookies?
Well... I think I might have a pumpkin-flavored sweet tooth problem because I also like Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins!!
It is raining here today and in light of this "FALL SEASON" feeling that is in the air, I decided to add a little pumpkin to our dessert tonight!

4 eggs

2c sugar

1 (16 oz) can of pumpkin

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 1/4 c vegetable oil

3 c flour

2 tsp baking soda

2 tsp baking poweder

2 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp salt

12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips

Mix eggs, sugar, pumpkin, vanilla, and oil until smooth.

Mix the rest of the dry ingredients together.

Mix the rest of the dry ingredients and pumpkin mixture together.

Fold in chocolate chips.

Fill muffin tins 3/4 full
Bake at 400 degrees for 16-20 minutes
{makes about 3 dozen}

There ya have it, a DELICIOUS Fall treat!!!!

Remember this adorable apron I got during this? It has the perfect colors for Fall! :) 

I'm linking up here today http://oneartmama.blogspot.com/ 

check out all of the fun Fall foods! 

Baby

GOTCHA!!

No, I'm not having a baby {yet} but someone sure did...
7 to be exact!!

My dad gave me a call last Friday and said "Congratulations you are about to have a brother or sister!"
I went dead silent for a good 30 seconds...
{This is what was going on in my head}
I thought Edie had a hysterectomy?
Isn't it SUPER dangerous in your 50's (40's even for that matter)??
There is just no way!!

Then after I found some composure I asked "Who?"
and sure enough, it was this little momma right here

she looks pretty exhausted (who wouldn't be after delivering 7)

Gertrude, Gertie, Gert Gert, and now MOMMA!

I am secretly in love with the little chocolate brown one on the left... shhh don't tell! 

It was a completely unexpected pregnancy, but boy they are sure cute!
Did I mention they were born in a kiddy pool? haha

New Favorite Song

Music touches my heart 

It moves my soul

and somehow, after hearing a new melody 

I'm never the same.

That's how I felt today when I heard her sing....

Walk on the Water by Britt Nicole

You look around, staring back at you

Another wave of doubt, will it pull you under? You wonder

What if I'm overtaken? What if I never make it?

What if no one's there? Will You hear my prayer?

When you take that first step into the unknown

You know that He won't let you go

So what are you waiting for? What do you have to lose?

Your insecurities, they try to hold to you

But you know you're made for more, so don't be afraid to move

Your faith is all it takes, and you can walk on the water, too

So get out, and let your fear fall to the ground

No time to waste, don't wait, and don't you turn around and miss out

Everything you were made for, I know you're not sure

So you play it safe, you try to run away

If you take that first step into the unknown

He won't let you go

So what are you waiting for? What do you have to lose?

Your insecurities, they try to hold to you

But you know you're made for more, so don't be afraid to move

Your faith is all it takes, and you can walk on the water, too

Step out, even when it's storming

Step out, even when you're broken

Step out, even when your heart is telling you

Telling you to give up

Step out, when your hope is stolen

Step out, you can't see where you're going

You don't have to be afraid

So what are you waiting, what are you waiting for?

So what are you waiting for? What do you have to lose?

Your insecurities try to hold to you

You know you're made for more, so don't be afraid to move

Your faith is all it takes, and you can walk on the water

Walk on the water, too

I have insecurities and sometimes I don't feel good enough,
But the lyrics of this song inspire me. I looked in the mirror today and thought....
What am I waiting for?
What do I have to lose?
My faith is all it takes,
To walk on water.

(go here to listen to it)
I promise it will alter your perspective and touch your heart too.

2 Years

2 years ago today I fumbled around for two hours as nervous as a little Kindergartner on their first day of school.
I tried on at least 50 different outfits, each time reconsidering and tossing it in a panic. My entire closet lay in crumpled mess on my bed.
When I finally settled on a pair of jeans and a t-shirt, I still wasn't entirely sure it was the right one but I went with it anyway.
I re-checked my makeup for the third time just in case something might have smudged in the midst of all the shirts that were taken on and off and added some lip gloss.
I waited by the door for over a half an hour, he was late.
When I finally heard a knock at the door I took a deep breath, pulled myself together, and answered it with my feelings written all over my face: excitement, sincerity, nervousness, giddy....

2 years ago today my whole world changed.
2 years ago today I went on my first date with Nic.. my last first date.

It feels like it was yesterday... Wingers, put put golfing, King Kong, mint chocolate chip ice cream, and holdling hands for the first time.

Looking back I realized I had NEVER acted this way getting ready for any date in my whole life. I should have known with how nervous he made me, that he just might be the perfect person for me. The one who ignited that fire hidden inside of me and filled my stomach with butterflies.
I ate maybe 3 bites of my whole dinner because I was so nervous but somehow I felt completely full. I talked a mile a minute.. I'm not even sure he could get in a single word with all of my jabbering and yet somehow, the date ended with the promise of a second one :)

Since we got married I realized the time clock started over with May 21st but I know that for me, it began on September 13th and that day will always be a part of me, part of what I consider how many years we have spent together...

Happy 2 Years!!

You are my whole world and I've never been happier since the day I met you.

Love,
Your Wife

A Getaway

On Friday we packed up our bags and headed out of town with our friends Mindy and Beau.
A weekend getaway to Bear Lake (pictures of it here from our trip last year) that consisted of Le Beau's famous raspberry milkshakes, a hike up to Bloomington Lake, fun times with great friends, and a beautiful wedding! ..... just what we all needed!

Him and Me, Random as Can Be!

I'll admit it right up front.. we are quirky, silly, goofy people.
Our quirks are probably what made us fall in love in the first place so I kind of like them :)

Me

* The radio or TV volume has to be on an EVEN number {I freak out and change it if it isn't}

* I can't stand sleeping with a pillow under my head, instead I surround myself with them {my family used to always tell me I looked like a burrowing bunny}

* I'm not a huge fan of pets and am slightly afraid of big dogs

* I never stop singing and have been called a personal jute box

* I brush my teeth so hard the bristles are mangled after one week of using it {for some reason I truly believe it is cleaning my teeth better}

* I can't stand going to the doctor and will avoid it at all costs

Him

* When reading a book or watching a movie.. forget about ANY form of communication

* He doesn't know how to blow his nose {his idea of nose blowing consists of rolled up toilet paper and stuffing it up there}

* He calls himself a "closet nerd" and is usually found playing Halo

* When we run he always makes sure that I am on the inside of the sidewalk to ensure my safety {so sweet I know!}

*  He sings out proudly at church even though he is slightly tone deaf {I love this about him haha}

* He researches everything before making a decision or purchase {i.e. household items, diamonds, places to live, schools to attend, etc.} 

We

* We both aren't huge fans of change

* We have a routine we stick to every morning

* We eat the same thing for breakfast and lunch every day; we rotate between 2 dinner meals every night {shrimp and rice or salad}

* We like to have photo-shoots where we pretend to be in a certain situation and act it out haha

 Pretend like you are watching a horror movie

 Pretend like you are about to be bit by a mosquito

Pretend you are REALLY bored

I always said I'd marry a nerd and couldn't be happier that I found him! I love our life together even if it is random as can be!