Clay & Katie Hardman

A Few of Our Favorite Things

2012-02-07T17:48:00.003-07:00

Favorite TV show: Arrested Development, & Modern Family (yes we are a little behind)

Favorite restaurant: Firehouse Subs (you MUST try their subs, they are to die for)

Favorite hats: Astros and Brewers (Christmas gifts)

Favorite network: Netflix (again, we are a little behind)

Favorite team: Utah Jazz

Favorite movies: Sherlock Holmes & Real Steel

Favorite market: Emigration/Harmons

Favorite treat: Carlucci's Chocolate Petite Decadence (see photo...yummy)

Favorite game: Scramble with Friends (Claymore that is...I am no good)

Favorite new toy: iphone

Favorite app: Instagram (Katie)

Favorite conversation topics: Law School & Buying A House

Favorite colors: Navy & Coral

Favorite Candy: Butterfinger Hearts & Cadbury Eggs

Favorite Cream Cheese: Einstein Bagels Honey & Almond Cream Cheese (seriously yumm!)

These are just a few of our favorite things right now!

Life Is Good

2012-02-03T22:03:00.001-07:00

So I don't mean to be that person (just like every one else) who once they get an iphone only post iphone pictures. But since I got my iphone it's too convenient to always have a nice camera on you. So pardon the last couple post with only iphone photos. I promise I will still post pictures from the good old Canon. Life has been good for us the past couple weeks since Claymore's surgery. We are slowly but surly getting back into normal life. Here is a little of what we have been up to the past couple days.

Today at work was the first official "Sports Jersey Day" to celebrate the Super Bowl this weekend. I don't care about the Super Bowl at all, and honestly don't even know who is playing...so I represented Claymore's Yankees. People loved it.

Now that we are living in a house one of my goals is to slowly gather holiday decor. I have a hard time with holiday decor, and crafts because most of the time they look tacky, homemade, and seem to take over the whole house. So after much research on Pinterest I decided to just bedazzle some letters for my mantle. I got all the supplies and was determined to finish before February. It took me quite awhile...I glued on every single sequin individually. I love how they turned out. I think they are festive, beautiful, and aren't over doing it. I finished February 1st. That's as crafty as it will go for me for awhile...I'm all crafted out.

With Claymore out of work for the past couple weeks, it has really let me take a step back and realize what a wonderful job I have. I feel so blessed to work at such a wonderful company, with great people, and to help provide for our little family. Everyone is so kind and helpful to me, I really couldn't ask for anything better. We have hired on 3 new designers this last week, so things have been kinda crazy trying to get everyone on the same page. But, all the new designers are so sweet, I am excited to work with them and get to know them better.

Speaking of work I have been assigned to work on a very special project. It is one that I was not too excited about at first but the more and more I work on it the more I truly love it. For this specific job I was able to go and tour through the Beehive House and Lion House. And when I say tour, I mean go into rooms and space and touch things that the average person would never get to see. It was a really awesome experience for me. I had never been in the Beehive House before, and it had been over 10 years since I had been through the upstairs of the Lion House. It was a really special experience to be in Joseph F. Smith's bedroom where he received the revelation for D&C 138, and to learn more about Brigham Young.

This week we are housesitting and babysitting for a family. It is our first time doing this to someone who isn't family. We are watching two boys and a dog. So far it has been a fun night talking about cute girls, sports, playing x-box, and eating pizza. Boys are so easy to please.

This Weekend We...

2012-01-29T15:17:00.003-07:00

This weekend we...

Went out on a dinner date to Smashburger, our favorite.

Had an oreo shake that was to die for.

Watched the new X-men movie.

Attended a bookmaking/bookbinding class with my dad taught by our colleague Steve Goodwin.

Made my very first sketch book (see above).
Looked at abstract artwork for our little red brick house.

Played on my iphone way too much...Clay too.

Took a nice, much needed nap.

Enjoyed Setebello pizza with mom and dad, another favorite.

Went and cheered on the Utah Jazz and Jimmer of course.

Went to hear Jason & Xanna speak in their ward, our first U of U married housing ward experience...
Started watching "Modern Family"
Claymore took his first steps without crutches!
Our weekend was lovely and as always much too short...until next week!

Shout Out To My Sweetheart

2012-01-24T09:52:00.001-07:00

Although things have been pretty low-key, and somewhat boring in Claymore's life the past couple weeks after graduating, loosing his job, having leg surgery, and getting sick through it all, he has accomplished so much at the same time. Yesterday Claymore was offered a great job with a big company! It is close to our house, and will provide us with a significant amount of money that we can save for our upcoming adventure to law school. Which leads me to my next point, yesterday Claymore also received a personal phone call from the dean of one of our top law school choices, telling him that he was accepted to the school! We are thrilled about this news! Yesterday was a day full of many blessings that made a very snowy and gloomy day very happy! We are looking forward to Clay's new job and law school in our near future! I am so proud of everything he does and the hard work he has put into preparing us for our future!

Twenty.Three.Years.Old

2012-01-23T18:45:00.000-07:00

My birthday this year was sweet, simple, & practically perfect.

It was spent at home with the ones I love most.

We ventured out only for a free Firehouse Sub, and dinner at Market Street Grill with my family.

The day started out with a rainstorm all morning (a first for my birthday)

and within seconds changed to a full on blizzard!

So, because of the awful weather it was nice to stay in an warm!

We loved spending the day together playing on my new phone, snacking on v-chocolate frogs in bed, eating delicious food, and ending the night with "Pillow Talk!"

Thank you to everyone for all the birthday wishes, texts, and phone calls!

I had a wonderful day and am so excited for the upcoming year as a 23 year old!

KatJac 23!!!!

2012-01-22T10:27:00.002-07:00

Katie bug had a birthday yesterday (Shout HOORAY!), and so we're going to blog for her, today.

One year older, and wiser too. Happy birthday, bug-a-loo!

Katie's happy day was a little bit, well, she probably had better parties back in the pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey days. Since I, Claymore (yes, another rare blog appearance), am broken, we had to stay at home for the good majority of the day. We were able to get out for Katie's favorite lunch treat, Firehouse Subs, where she received a free meal because of her birthday. We had plans to go shopping later that afternoon, but Mother Nature had a birthday gift for Katie as well. The blizzard and lack of a wheel chair kept us homebound until dinner time, but we then went with Katie's family to Market Street Grill and had a superb dinner (FRESH FISH!).

So, the big day was a bit lax overall, BUT, that was OK because Katie's main birthday present was a new IPhone! In other words, she really wanted to stay home and play on it all day anyway. And I now know from experience that it doesn't take long for those monkey sounds in Temple Run to drive you bonkers.

I'm sure Katie will do a better job relating the events of the day on her own, but she needs to know from me that I hope she had a great day and that I love her very very very very very very very very very very very very much! I normally would have posted a "102 Things that I Love About Katie" blog post, but instead I will post this recorded video of her. Because a video says a million words, and this is video evidence of everything I love about my Katie wife (specifically the last shot)!

Happy Birthday Katie!!!

My Work Space

2012-01-20T12:29:00.000-07:00

As many of you probably know sometimes it is so boring to come to work and sit at a desk in an office all day long, in a space where nothing is yours. But the fun thing about having your own desk is that you can personalize your space to make it yours. You can fill it with things that are fun, meaningful, colorful, and spark interest as someone walks by. Our office is designed as an open collaborative space. You have access to see just about everyone's personal work space. It is fun to see how each person is so different in they way they personalize (or don't personalize) their work space.

How do you personalize your space, whether it be at your home office, or your space at work?

My space is simple and is currently full of finish boards and fabric samples. I have brought a couple things to make my space more enjoyable and fun, but I would still like to hang more pictures. Some of my favorite items on my desk include:

-A framed picture of my favorite photo of Claymore and I, our engagement picture.
-A white pot with a beautiful leafy green plant (that I sometimes forget to water...)
-A fun Color Revolution calendar that I was given this year courtesy of the Shaw Contract Group.
-An awesome, and beautiful Element 790 desk lamp, which I have hung Schonbek Crystal samples from.
-A sticky-note pad that looks like a block of wood, courtesy of Gunlocke.
-My FFKR sketchbook.

The Last Surgery

2012-01-17T22:13:00.005-07:00

I have been a little MIA the past couple days because I was spending every possible second with Claymore before he had his last surgery on his leg, and now caring for him while he is recovering. As many of you know Claymore has had many leg problems, and many, many leg surgeries. The last surgery was the major reconstructive surgery the day after we got engaged. You may remember that for the majority of our engagement he was on crutches and I was wheeling him around in a wheelchair to get us out to our wedding planning appointments. During that surgery they filled Claymore's leg with metal: plates, and screws, lots, and lots of screws. This metal did its job in reconstructing Claymore's leg and now almost 2.5 years later it was causing him a lot of pain with the changing of season and the irritation of everyday moving. We knew that he needed to have this metal removed at some point in his life, and now couldn't have been more perfect with the in between period of finishing up at BYU and starting law school next fall. We got Claymore on insurance, made the phone calls and scheduled the surgery for a few short weeks away.

Claymore's surgery was on January 16, which conveniently was Martin Luther King Jr. day. I had the day off work and was going to be paid holiday pay to sit with my husband in the hospital. We were thrilled to find out that his surgery was at 9:00 am and that it was same-day, outpatient surgery. We woke up early, showered, got the house all ready for him to come home to, and in a blizzard drove out to the hospital. I was a little bit of a nervous wreck trying to hold in an occasional tear, and ask billions of annoying questions, but we made it through the day. We (me, and Clay's parents) checked in, and waited in the hospital room with Clay while we waited for his surgery time. They took him into surgery at 10:30 am and took us to the waiting room where we took full advantages of their basket of crackers and cookies and waited for the long 1.5 hour surgery.

Finally Dr. Scott came to tell us the surgery was over, went well, Clay was awake downstairs, and then handed me a bag of souvenirs which was the gigantic metal plate and bag of screws taken from Claymore's leg...yay. We quickly ran down to the cafeteria, where we had a surprisingly delicious lunch and then went to go be with Clay in the recovery room. I felt relieved to see him alive.

When we got into the room, Claymore was wide awake, perky, and happy to see us. The only frightening thing was his pale gray face, an orange leg, and a blood pump hanging out of the bandage. We were able to talk with him while he continued to come out of the anastesia, passed all his vitals, and was able to take his pain pills. Finally we could take Claymore home, where he wanted to be (hospitals tend to make him a little cranky). The nurse gave me a huge list of things he can't do, can't eat, when to take his pills, and then showed me how to drain and measure all the liquid draining into the blood pump hanging out of the incision...

We got Claymore home and in bed and the only thing he wanted to do was cuddle with me and watch Arrested Development. I don't know if it was the Lortab, discomfort, or what but he wanted to do just about anything but sleep, which is what he needed to do. He didn't sleep the rest of the day, even when I was trying to ignore him so he would rest. He was also about to eat all our food he was so hungry, but I didn't mind because it was brining the color back into his skin. After many times of emptying the blood pump, and almost passing out myself, and sleeping as far away from him as possible, not to bump his leg, we successfully made it through the night. It was a long day.

This surgery is much different from the last, and I sure am glad, the last one was horrible. We are taking it easy around our house for awhile while Clay will be on crutches for about a month or so while his weak bone (filled with lots of holes from the screws) is growing back to normal, and while his incision is healing. We are really hoping that this will make life much easier on Claymore and that he will not feel the constant discomfort from the metal he has felt for many years now. We will go back to the doctor on Thursday to see how things are looking and to remove the pump from his leg, thank heavens.

This so far has been a good learning experience, even though Claymore is basically a pro at this now. I now know why I did not go into nursing, and I also know that Clay and I can help each other through tough challenging times. It is much easier to go through these kind of things as husband and wife and we are learning a lot by going through this together. It has also been nice to spend some time relaxing together, because it is time we haven't had a lot of since we got married. We are so thankful for everyone who has helped us, supported us, and who have prayed and fasted for Claymore. We are especially thankful to Clay's wonderful parents who have been there for Claymore through every single surgery and have provided him with him with everything he needs to get his leg where it needs to be. We are truly thankful and are hoping for another quick recovery so we can get back to doing the things we love.

Group Date

2012-01-10T19:59:00.006-07:00

This last weekend we went on a group date with several of our good friends!

We had a blast together!

Lots of fun, lots of laughing, and excellent company!
It was a fun combination of married friends, single friends, BYU friends, U friends, roommates, and highschool friends!
Thanks for a fun night guys!
Yes Claymore is squatting down in the picture trying to be short...he's not really that short!

I Keep Lists

2012-01-07T17:32:00.005-07:00

I keep lists, like lots, and lots of lists.
Its programmed in me to be that way, its a part of who I am, and it keeps my life in order.
You can call it a habit, an obsession, or organization, either way I like lists.
Where am I going with this...
Last night I was fortunate enough to go to the Broadway play South Pacific with my parents and little sister at the theater downtown. I absolutely loved it!
So this is just one more thing to add to a list I keep of "Broadway plays I have seen!"
This is a list I hope will keep growing every single year!

Wicked x2

Lion King

White Christmas

Little Mermaid

Mary Poppins

Catch Me If You Can

Jersey Boys

Phantom of the Opera

Les Miserables
South Pacific

For Christmas I got tickets to see Beauty and the Beast in March! I can't wait to add that to the list!
What Broadway plays have you seen? Which ones are your favorite?

America Meets Charles & Ray Eames

2012-01-06T17:20:00.001-07:00

I watched this clip today and thought it was fabulous!

I hope that one day I can own an Eames Chair!
That's every designers dream right?!

Warning: If you don't care about the Eames chair...not worth 11 minutes of your time!

Our Holiday "Break"

2012-01-04T21:53:00.002-07:00

My poor Claymore, I always cut off his head when I attempt to take pictures of us together...
This Holiday "Break" We...

Saw "War Horse" and "Tin Tin"

Ate lots of good food

Clay went snowboarding twice

Took down all the Christmas decorations

Spent hours with our families

Played lots and lots of board games and card games

Opened lots of presents
Decorated sugar cookies, and ate them

Skyped with Steven in Hungary

Rang in the new year of 2012 by barely staying up until midnight

Attended our first Jazz game of the season

Made funeral potatoes for the first time

Braved the mall on the day after Christmas for some exchanges

Got in lots of hours at work and made extra money

Played with our new "toys"

Updated my passport with my married name

Drank lots of sparkling cider

Went to the gym the day after Christmas and the day after New Years

Clay played lots of X-box live
Organized my thousands of photos into albums on my new computer

Lit off arial fireworks

Did lots of laundry and house cleaning
Found an excuse to eat at Firehouse Subs
Spent a morning in Park City shopping at the outlets

Vacuumed up thousands of little pine needles
Took lots of pictures

Attended a BYU basketball game with all the Hardman boys and missed Provo

Clay had his last official day of work at the MTC

Slept in and took long naps

Kissed at midnight
Organized and set up my new laptop

Joined Netflix

Revamped our blog page

Made chocolate pies

Wished and wished for a fresh snow fall

Received new movies from the New Years baby

Wore new clothes, accessories, and pajamas

Spent as much time together as we possibly could!!!

Happy New Year!!

2012-01-01T12:44:00.003-07:00

Happy New Year!!!

Bring on 2012!!

2011: A Year In Review

2011-12-31T12:31:00.001-07:00

This year I thought it would be fun to do a little recap of each month in the year 2011 with some of the most memorable moments from 2011...enjoy!
January

Went to San Francisco with the Jacksons
Completed my very first edition of my blog book
Katie turned 22 years old

February

Had a Bartlett girls getaway in St. George and did Parade of Homes
Took lots and lots of pictures for my photography class

March

Went to St. George for a softball tournament
Started going to the gym faithfully
Filled our little apartment with plants from an interiors plant class

April

Clay turned 24 years old
Celebrated Clay's birthday with friends at a Kalai concert
Got in my very first car accident
Watched the royal wedding

May

Skyped with Steven in Hungary for Mother's day
I sewed Claymore a dress shirt, me a jacket, and a little girls dress

June

Welcomed Jason into the Hardman family
Clay's softball team "The Turtles" won the softball intramurals championship
Attended both plays at Tuacahn
Clay went to a Dodgers game in LA with the Jackson boys
I started working at FFKR as an interior designer and commuted to and from SLC everyday

July

Purchased a table and chair set off KSL
Went to Park City for a weekend and heard Idina Menzel
Watched lots of firework shows

August

Graduated from BYU and Clay and I walked together
Traveled to New York City for a week and were "trapped" in the hurricane
Attended a New York Yankees baseball game
Went to several Broadway shows, the Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, & the Guggenheim

September

Moved to Salt Lake City into a cute little red brick house
Received my diploma in the mail
Remembered those who fell on the 9/11 ten year anniversary
Got a brand new queen sized bed
Attended a best friend's wedding

October

Carved a gigantic pumpkin at our ward party
Chopped my hair short
Gave up Dr. Pepper for good

November

Participated in lots of leaf-raking service projects
Made pies for Thanksgiving for the first time
Watched them turn on the Christmas lights at Temple Square the day after Thanksgiving

December

Attended our first ugly sweater Christmas parties
Celebrated our 2 year anniversary
Claymore officially graduated from BYU
Got to Skype with Elder Jackson

We had a wonderful year in 2011! We are looking forward to ringing in the new year of 2012!

My College Graduate

2011-12-29T16:59:00.004-07:00

Well I am a couple weeks late on this but Claymore is now officially a college graduate! Although he walked with me back in August when I graduated, he still had one last semester to go. Claymore now has his bachelors degree in Finance from the BYU Marriott School of Business! The business program is the best major that Claymore could have picked. He has learned so much, has become interested in all aspects of business, and has made some close friends (and me friends with their wives!) He has put so many long hours into studying, preparing presentations, group work, and spending countless hours in the Tanner Building. This last semester for Claymore was more of elective classes, pre law classes, and an internship. Although it wasn't as extensive in group work, core classes, and presentations, it was a hard semester. Claymore ended his undergraduate degree with a 4.0 GPA! I am so proud of Claymore and all the hard work he has put into getting his bachelors degree. We are so excited to be able to spend some time together as college graduates (with no homework!!) before we head off to law school! Congratulations Claymore, I am so proud of you!!

2012 Pantone Color of the Year: Tangerine Tango

2011-12-29T09:24:00.004-07:00

Pantone Reveals Color of the Year for 2012: PANTONE 17-1463 Tangerine Tango

Dance into the New Year with this vivacious and appealing reddish orange
CARLSTADT, N.J., Dec. 8, 2011 – Pantone LLC, an X-Rite company (NASDAQ: XRIT), and the global authority on color and provider of professional color standards for the design industries, today announced PANTONE® 17-1463 Tangerine Tango, a vivacious, enticing hue, as the color of the year for 2012.

The 2011 color of the year, PANTONE 18-2120 Honeysuckle, encouraged us to face everyday troubles with verve and vigor. Tangerine Tango, a spirited reddish orange, continues to provide the energy boost we need to recharge and move forward.

“Sophisticated but at the same time dramatic and seductive, Tangerine Tango is an orange with a lot of depth to it,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “Reminiscent of the radiant shadings of a sunset, Tangerine Tango marries the vivaciousness and adrenaline rush of red with the friendliness and warmth of yellow, to form a high-visibility, magnetic hue that emanates heat and energy.”

Over the past several years, orange has grown in popularity and acceptance among designers and consumers alike. A provocative attention-getter, Tangerine Tango is especially appealing in men’s and women’s fashion. Fashion designers featured in the PANTONE Fashion Color Report Spring 2012, including Tommy Hilfiger, Nanette Lepore, Cynthia Steffe by Shaun Kearney, Elie Tahari and Adrienne Vittadini, are incorporating this attractive orange into their spring collections. A fun, lively take on a traditional autumnal hue, Tangerine Tango will surely carry through to fall fashion as well.

A winner in cosmetics because of its versatility, Tangerine Tango is a bit exotic, but in a very friendly, non-threatening way. Add a sultry flair to lips, cheeks and nails with Tangerine Tango. An unexpected eye shadow color, Tangerine Tango is a complementary opposite that flatters blue or green eyes. When paired with brown eyes, it brings out an amber cast.

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-26T20:41:00.002-07:00

Clay and I had a wonderful Christmas this year! We were able to spend time with both of our families, did fun activities, ate good food, and of course were completely spoiled with gifts!

On Christmas Eve day Claymore and a bunch of family and friends from both sides of the family went skiing and snowboarding! I stayed home with my mom and dad and baked food for the weekend parties and did some last minute mall shopping! We spent Christmas Eve night with the Hardman Family! We missed most of the annual sugar cookie decorating due to snowboarding...but we were still able to decorate some, which is one of my favorite Hardman traditions! We had a wonderful candlelit dinner as a family! (We missed Rulon & Lori's family!) We then played a very competitive game of Christmas Cranium that Xanna made! Our team came in at a close second...although we lost it was a lot of fun! We then listened to family members perform some Christmas songs and we ended the night singing Christmas hymns together and listening to dad read the Christmas story from Luke 2. We then opened our Christmas Eve presents and the whole family got Ninja Turtle PJs! They were so awesome, so of course we had to take some pictures!

We also got some Christmas Eve PJs from my family! Like I said we were spoiled this year! We are now stocked up on our PJs for the year! After an exhausting busy day we cleaned up a bit, set out our gifts and went straight to bed and slept all through the night! I was so tired we forgot to read "The Night Before Christmas"... I was bummed when I remembered.

Our Christmas Day was wonderful, but was crazy running around from place to place! We woke up early and opened our gifts from each other before getting ready for the day! Claymore got a smashing new suit ensemble and Claymore got me a new Macbook! We rushed to my parents house at 8:00 AM to Skype with Steven from Hungary! It was so fun to talk to him and really was the highlight of our day! He looks great, is doing well, and is looking forward to the last 6 month stretch of his mission! Although he talked a little funny, we loved talking with him! Again, we had to take some family photos!

Right after Skyping we got to open our presents from my family! We were totally spoiled and are so excited about our gifts! We then headed to our ward for our sacrament meeting. It was quite wonderful having Christmas fall on a Sunday and to attend church. It truly helped remind us what a special day it is and what it is all about. We then had one hour to spare to play with our new toys, while the funeral potatoes (yes I just learned to make funeral potatoes and they turned out fabulous) were cooking and before we had to be at lunch. My mom's family did a big Christmas lunch at our house. It was fun to spend time with our cousins and Grandma B! We left that party a little early to go spend the rest of the night at the Hardman's house! When we got there we again got to open presents, and again were were totally spoiled! We then had a light dinner, and spent the night chatting and enjoying each other's company.

Clay and I truly had a wonderful Christmas, and one that we will never forget! We were so grateful that we were able to spend so much time with those we love most. I am sad that the Christmas season has come to an end, but we are looking forward to the year to come!

Christmas Festivities Continue

2011-12-24T11:35:00.001-07:00

Yesterday at work we had a great big potluck lunch and the interior designers decided to wear ugly sweaters! It was a big hit, and all the architects were wishing they would have joined in on the fun!

Me, Kylee, Stephanie, and Gus in our ugly sweaters!

Right after the potluck Dad and I headed out to Hale Theater to see the play "Christmas Carol" with my family. It was just as good as I remembered from when I was younger! We were so glad that Grandma Ballard and Aunt Connie were able to join us! It was a perfect way to get ready for Christmas Eve!

Tonight we are celebrating at the Hardman's house with all the Hardman family!

Merry Christmas Eve!!

Christmas Card 2011

2011-12-21T08:06:00.001-07:00

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from us to you!
Made on Shutterfly.com

Two Year Anniversary Date Night

2011-12-20T16:46:00.003-07:00

Last night Claymore and I celebrated our two year anniversary!

Last year our anniversary was on a Sunday so we were excited to celebrate on the actual day (12/19)

Unfortunately we both had to work all day, so we had to wait until we got home from work.

We exchanged gifts in the morning and Claymore sure did spoil me!

Claymore came running in the door around 5:30 with a dozen long steamed red roses for me!

They are beautiful!!

We rushed to our 5:45 restaurant reservation at The Melting Pot!

We still had gift card money left from last year and a coupon so we decided to go again.

As always it was sooo delicious!

We sat by a couple who was also celebrating their anniversary.

They were celebrating 33 years! We will get there one day!

We tried to fit a lot into one night so we were literally running from one reservation to the next!

We decided to go and see the new Sherlock Holmes movie after dinner!

We were both dying to see it! and it did not disappoint!

Our last stop of the night was a carriage ride around Temple Square.

This was fun, festive, romantic, and memorable for us to ride around the temple we were sealed!

We couldn't believe that exactly two short years ago we were at the same place as we walked out of the temple hand-in-hand for the first time as husband and wife!

Temple Square was beautiful with all the lights, colors, and people!

Our ride ended right as they were turning off all the lights for the night so we made it just in time!

Our ride was beautiful and a nice time for us to reflect on how lucky we truly are!

Clay and I can't believe that we have now been married for two years!

It seems like just yesterday we were married, but at the same time I can hardly remember my life without him in it anymore.

We have accomplished so much this last year!

We are looking forward to new adventures and the new year to come!

Bring on year number 3!

Two Years

2011-12-19T08:10:00.000-07:00

Dear Claymore,

Thank you for making me the happiest girl alive,

Thank you for being the world's greatest husband,

Thank you for bringing joy to my life and always putting a smile on my face,

Thank you for being my best friend,

Thank you for your unconditional love,

Thank you for taking me to the temple to be sealed to you,

Thank you for marrying me two years ago today!
I love you forever!

Hardman Family Ugly Sweater Christmas Party

2011-12-17T21:16:00.001-07:00

Claymore and I attended our very first ugly christmas sweater party tonight!
It happened to be the Hardman family Christmas party!

We had a blast comparing sweaters, having fun, eating good food, playing games and taking pictures!

We are so excited for Christmas to finally be here!

We had fun tonight with the Hardman family!

And yes...those are beer cans on Clay's ugly sweater...and no he didn't drink them!

This Weekend We...

2011-12-11T22:23:00.000-07:00

Went shopping at H&M and Crate & Barrel!

Bought Christmas Presents!

Went to Blue Man Group!

Tried Emigration's sandwiches...yummy!

Watched Christmas movies.

Studied for last finals of an undergraduate (Clay)

Went to the ward Christmas party.

Took pictures of the kids with Santa at the ward party.

Sat on Santa's lap!

Went to a girl scout boutique.

Did a puzzle in one day!

Went to the Zoo Lights at Hogle Zoo!

Wrapped Christmas presents!

Had an amazing family dinner!
Went to the Messiah with the Hardman family!

Zoo Lights Date Night

2011-12-10T21:12:00.003-07:00

We went on a holiday date night to the Zoo Lights at Hogle Zoo tonight!

It was freezing and fun!

I hadn't been to the zoo since I was a kid!

It was fun to see some of the animals but most were asleep.

Thank you Claymore!

Christmas Lights

2011-12-09T19:31:00.005-07:00

Claymore put up old fashioned Christmas lights on our house for me!
They are the same lights that hung on his grandmother's house when his mom was young!

Now our house looks like a ginger bread house!

I adore it!

Christmas Fun: Elf on the Shelf Style

2011-12-08T08:21:00.004-07:00

After what seemed like forever of begging, look who showed up on our shelf this morning!

He makes me smile!

I haven't picked a name for him yet though...poor little guy!

Nothing like a little elf to keep the Christmas spirit alive around the Hardman house!

I hope he hasn't noticed I haven't done dishes in two days...

I think next year he is going to need the girl elf to keep him company...

It's Beginning To Look Alot Like Christmas

2011-12-05T20:18:00.005-07:00

This weekend we...

Put up the big old fashioned Christmas lights on our house!

Picked out the most perfect huge Christmas tree!

Inherited an air hockey table.

Bought new Christmas lights, and got out our ornaments.

Decorated our second Christmas tree together!

Watched "Home Alone" by the Christmas tree.

Ate Gandolphos sandwiches, our Provo favorite!
Did more leaf raking service!
Had another yummy fondue dinner!

Made Oreo cake pops, AND homemade Oreos for the the family party!

Taught Young Mens, and Sunday School at church.

Sang our hearts out at the Jackson family pageant!

Printed hundreds, and hundreds of flyers to be delivered through the ward...

Took naps.

Listened to Christmas music.

Watched "Stupid Crazy Love"

It sure is beginning to feel like Christmas around the Hardman's house!

I am so excited for this Christmas seasons!

It's Finally December!

2011-12-01T20:24:00.001-07:00

Well today is December first. Can you believe it?

Am I the only one who feels like this year has just passed by way too quick?

It seems like just yesterday that it was last Christmas!

I am very excited for December this year!

Now that we have a house to decorate, I am more excited than ever for Christmas decorations!

So much in fact, I put them up the day after Thanksgiving!

This will be our 4th Christmas together!

Crazy huh!?

Clay and I have alot to look forward to this upcoming December month...

Picking up and decorating our Christmas tree!

Family Christmas parties!

Watching Christmas movies! My favorite White Christmas...obviously!

Baking holiday treats for loved ones!

TWO YEAR Anniversary!!

Clay's real graduation from BYU!

Law School offers!

Christmas light night drives!

Christmas Carol Play!

Paid Christmas vacation time!

Christmas Eve PJs!

Talking on the phone to Steven in Hungary!

Christmas Day!

Warm Fuzzies

2011-11-27T19:46:00.001-07:00

Many of you may remember President Monson's talk where he talked about warm fuzzies.
If you don't remember this talk, watch below it is so sweet.

This Sunday was Claymore's turn to teach the young men (4 young men total in our ward)
His topic was on service.
So Claymore decided to throw in the talk on warm fuzzies.
He decided to use the warm fuzzies as a way to challenge the young men to do service.
So what did we do?
We created warm fuzzies for his class, with a little touch of Claymore (the eyeballs!)
They turned out really cute!
I wanted to keep one as a pet...not really, but they were cute!

The bad news is that Clay didn't get to teach his lesson today because everyone was gone.
So he gets to teach his lesson next week.
The good news is that he is already all prepared!

Day of Service-Leaf Raking

2011-11-26T21:20:00.000-07:00

Today Clay and I spent our morning with some of our ward members doing a day of service.

We went from house to house raking up leaves for those in need.

It felt good to serve those in need at this time!

We were able to talk to the sweet widows in the ward, got some treats, got to know ward members better, and were able to serve a family who's husband/father passed away the day before Thanksgiving.

Although it was a lot of work...and we have been exhausted the rest of the day, it was worth it!

It was another perfect way for us to welcome in the holiday season,

and remind us what time time of year is all about!

Black Friday

2011-11-25T19:29:00.001-07:00

Clay and I started out our Black Friday at 7am doing some Black Friday shopping.

We didn't want anything big, and were not searching for anything in particular.

We did find some cheap movies, and some great stocking stuffers!

We had an enjoyable time together shopping!

After a long exhausting morning we were excited to come home and rest.

Tonight we spent the night with my family on Temple Square to see them turn on the lights.

It was our first time seeing them turn the lights on for the Christmas season!

It was beautiful but freezing cold with a ice cold wind.

We enjoyed walking around temple square and through the visitor's center!

We then enjoyed dinner at the Lion House where it was nice and warm!

What a great start to the Christmas holidays!

My First Chocolate Pies

2011-11-24T20:02:00.001-07:00

Thanksgiving this year was wonderful!

My assignment...the chocolate pies, our families favorite!

I successfully made a chocolate mousse pie, and a homemade chocolate pudding pie.

I even made the pudding from scratch!

They both turned out amazingly delicious!

Pretty good for my first time making chocolate pies!

My 2011 Thankful List

2011-11-24T08:00:00.003-07:00

As always at this time of year I am very mindful of the things I am thankful for:

My Heavenly Father

My wonderful husband & best friend

Both of my amazing families that I am a part of

The Book of Mormon

Mine & Clay's jobs and steady income

The little red brick home that we live in

My sweet Thatcher pup

Our new ward

The youth I get to hangout with through my calling

My awesome friends, new and old

My college degree & BYU

Temples

My health and strength

My wedding ring

My car that gets me anywhere I need to go

Technology that makes my life easier

My nice warm bed

My day-planner and journal that keep my life organized

My pink Camelback water-bottle that goes everywhere with me

My mint chap-stick & MAC lipstick
My purse that holds my life

Nail-polish that keeps my fingers looking nice

My wardrobe, particularly my scarves and boots right now

My flatiron & curling iron that keep my hair in control

Holidays and family time

Good books and good movies

Vacations to new places

My many future opportunities

And of course the list could go on forever. I truly am beyond blessed.
I have a wonderful life, and I am thankful for it!
Happy Thanksgiving!

Hardman Family Weekend

2011-11-22T15:20:00.002-07:00

This weekend Rulon & Lori and their adorable little children came to visit for a couple days.

We don't get to see them often so we made the most of it and packed it full of Hardman family fun!

Friday night after work we had tacos and spent the night chatting and watching football.

Saturday morning we had family pictures and spent they day at Planet Play in Draper.

We had fun eating pizza and beating kids (little league football teams) in games!

We spent the rest of the day at home relaxing after an exhausting morning.

We then ended the night with sandwiches and the movie "Gnomeo & Juliet."

After 3 attempts to watch this show, Clay and I successfully stayed awake for the whole movie!

Sunday we did our own thing all morning because I had to teach Sunday School, we had meeting with the bishop, temple recommend interviews, AND tithing settlement...

Yeah we were at church all day long it seemed!

We then all met back at the Hardmans for our family "Thanksgiving Dinner."

It consisted of roast, potatoes, orange rolls, cheese ball & crackers, and pie. It was beyond delicious!

And then we again spent the night playing with our cute nephews and niece and chatting.

Last night we met again as a family for soup and a big FHE from Dad.

We sang "Once There Was A Snowman" for the opening song, had a wonderful lesson from dad, and ended FHE by playing "Button, Button, Who's Got The Button"

We had a wonderful time together as a Hardman family this weekend.

It was so fun to all be together and spend time with Rulon & Lori's family who we miss so much!

We can't wait for the next time we can all be together!

And yes...I am lame again and didn't take a single picture...I'm ashamed.
Hopefully our family pictures will make up for my laziness!

St. George Weekend Getaway

2011-11-14T19:54:00.001-07:00

Last weekend Clay and I escaped to St. George with his parents.

We got to drive the Audi down to St. George to stay for the winter.

We arrived late Thursday night.

Friday morning Clay spent the morning golfing with his dad,

While Clay's mom and I went shopping for our family pictures and some new clothes!

I got spoiled :)

We spent the rest of the afternoon window shopping at our favorite St. George stores.

I spent time napping and relaxing while Claymore was busy with law school applications.

We went to dinner at Anasazi, our all time favorite restaurant ever!

As always, it was to die for and we all left completely stuffed!

We ended our night watching "Fast Five," which we all felt was a disappointment.

Saturday morning we cleaned, did laundry, and packed our bags.

We decided to take the scenic route home and drive through Zions Canyon.

The drive was amazing! It was the most beautiful time of year for this drive.

All the changing leaves, the blue sunny sky, against the red rock mountains was breathtaking.

We stopped at a little restaurant for lunch and I FINALLY bought some turquoise earrings!

On our scenic drive home we drove through many of the small towns in Utah.

They were charming, quaint, little towns.

I can't help but wonder how on earth they survive!

We made it home safe, but were sad to leave the warm St. George weather and come home to snow.

As always, we had so much fun, and we so glad to spend time with Clay's parents.

We had a wonderful weekend together and can't wait for our next St. George getaway!

And...I was lame and didn't take ONE SINGLE picture...sorry!

eleven.eleven.eleven

2011-11-11T21:27:00.001-07:00

Today is 11.11.11...days like this don't happen to often especially on a special holiday.

Happy Veterans Day!

I am thankful to all those who have served, are currently serving, or who will serve our country.

This Weekend

2011-11-06T19:44:00.005-07:00

This weekend we...

Took down all the Halloween decorations.

Raked up all the leaves from the front yard tree.

Attended the IIDA Trade Show for Interior Designers.

Ate at Smash Burger.

Got new leopard shoes for me, and new loafers for Clay!

Drove to Herriman for Ryan's surprise birthday party, and hungout with friends.

Went to the grocery store.

Did the laundry and cleaned the house.

Went to a baby shower for a lady at work. Cutest preggo lady ever!

Went to Settebellos with our good Provo friends the Paxtons who we miss so much!

Watched Captain America.

Woke up to a winter wonderland and the first blizzard of the season.

I finally got a calling...Sunday School teacher for the 16-18 years olds...wish me luck!

Went home-teaching with Claymore (I am his temporary companion).

Took a long Sunday nap.

Had a wonderful Sunday dinner with my family and Grandma B.

Wrote our Steven missionary.

It was a crazy, busy weekend packed full of fun and as always went by way to fast!

Hope yours was as good as ours!

Next weekend we will be in St. George.
We are hoping for a little bit warmer weather and lots of time to relax!
We can't wait!

Candy Art

2011-11-03T20:58:00.002-06:00

I am very often impressed and inspired by abstract art.

I like artists who do something no one else does.

The unique use of materials and color are astounding.

I found these art pieces by artist Craig Kanarick and have been staring at them for days!

I love, love, love these! They are so colorful and fun.
You just can't stop looking at how many awesome kinds of candy are out there!

I want to hang them in my kitchen!
{I put the prints into a collage form for sake of space}

Halloween 2011

2011-10-31T18:56:00.003-06:00

Happy Halloween!!
Tonight we are handing out candy at our new house to all the neighborhood kids!
Hope you all have a wonderful and safe Halloween!

Another Season, Another Disappointment

2011-10-30T18:46:00.001-06:00

Do you remember last year how mad I was that Mondo didn't win Project Runway?

I was mad because he was obviously the clear winner, and he didn't win.

Last week was this season's Project Runway finale and it was a major disappointment to me.

I am equally as mad and annoyed as I was last year.

I can't stop thinking about how unfair it was.

In my mind Viktor was clearly the winner, without question.

Week to week he produces the best, most beautiful, best constructed/tailored garments.

Each week the judges like his stuff, tell him how good he is...but he never wins.

All season I have crazy enough been agreeing with Josh, who I hate, about how Anya's lack of sewing/tailoring/fitting is unfair compared to those who have gone to school and have a degree.

Anya is full of great ideas, and has produced some nice garments throughout the season, but if you have to sew the model into the dress, and cut the model out of the dress, it is not correct, and in my opinion not worthy to win every single week.

That should not be allowed on the show, because it is clear lack of skill that is important in the industry.

Now onto the final runway...yes, Anya did make some beautiful dresses.

But...she made them all last minute and every one of them looked the same.

There was no variety which is something they have wanted all season long.

Anyone can wear one of her dresses and have it look flattering because it is oversized and flowy.

And honestly, they are not that hard to make.

In my mind she showed no growth, or ability to think outside the box and produce something we haven't already seen before, and from her all season long.

And also, none of this season's finalists really produced that great of collections...at least nothing like what has been seen in previous seasons.

To sum up, I don't think that Anya should have won...I feel she was favored all season long and if she was competing against any of the other season winners she wouldn't go far at all.

I am just excited for next season which is the All-Star season!

5 Reasons To Love Thursdays

2011-10-27T18:21:00.000-06:00

1. My recycle bin at my desk is emptied on Thursdays.

2. It is the day in between my two hard workout days.

3. I get to eat dinner with my family!

4. Tomorrow is Friday!

5. I get to watch Project Runway! Last episode tonight...tear...

World Series 2011

2011-10-26T19:44:00.002-06:00

Although our Yankees didn't make it to the World Series this year we are, of course, still watching.

This year we are cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals!

Halloween Surprises

2011-10-22T19:30:00.002-06:00

I came home from work on Friday feeling exhausted and tired.

I walked in the house and on the table was the most beautiful flower arrangement, put together completely by my darling husband. (Sidenote: When Clay and I were dating on Halloween he brought me orange flowers. I loved it so much I told him it had to be a tradition, and so it has!)

Clay went out and bought flowers, a pumpkin, carved the pumpkin, and arranged the flowers!

I was so impressed and it is the most perfect fall decoration a girl could ask for!

He is so thoughtful and romantic, I love it!

Also, since October 1st I have been begging Clay to let me buy a pumpkin, but he has kept me from doing so in fear that the middle school kids close by would take it.

On Friday Claymore also surprised me with a pumpkin...

But not just any pumpkin...a HUGE, long pumpkin!

I'm talking like over 50lbs of pure pumpkin!

So tonight at our ward party we brought our big pumpkin and carved it.

We threw a lot of ideas around but in the end decided to make a big happy jack-o-lantern!

Our awesome pumpkin was the talk of the neighborhood!

We brought it home and put it on our porch and lit it!

It looks fabulous and the Hardman house is now officially ready for Halloween!

Thank you Claymore for surprising me with beautiful halloween flowers and an amazing pumpkin!

I love you and thank you for being my pumpkin!

Peace Out Dr. Pep

2011-10-20T17:45:00.002-06:00

If you have followed my blog for awhile you may remember this post.

(I don't know why the picture is gone now though...it was a Diet Pepsi can.)

After I posted this I stopped drinking soda completely.

It was hard, because I love soda, but I did it!

And now I don't even like Diet Pepsi at all anymore! I think it tastes horrible!

Then awhile back I started drinking Dr. Pepper, and let me tell you, I love, love, Dr. Pepper.

Well today I drank my last Dr. Pepper.

I am going to once again quit drinking soda.

I have committed myself to work out more and soda isn't helping me achieve my goal.

So from here on out...no more soda...help hold me too it!

This Weekend We...

2011-10-17T18:07:00.005-06:00

This weekend we...

Decorated for a wedding reception.

Attended Kelsey & Chris's sealing in the Salt Lake temple and luncheon (it was beautiful!)

Served ice cream and cupcakes at their reception.

Got a new 8" shorter haircut and I love it!

Had professional photos taken for graduation (can't wait to see them!)

Clay got boxing gloves, and I got new navy blue shoes.

Ate a yummy dinner at Biaggis.

Clay went to a snowboarding video with the boys, while I hungout with my family.

Cleaned up the house.

Did loads, and loads of laundry.

Walked to church hand in hand on a beautiful fall morning.

Had a big Sunday family dinner with the whole Ballard family (except Steven.)

Made the perfect batch of choco-chip cookies using a new recipe.

Watched a Halloween movie in bed.

Yet again, we had a wonderful weekend with family, friends and each other!

Just A Photo Today

2011-10-12T20:18:00.002-06:00

I sure do love my Thatcher pup!

Housesitting & Homecoming

2011-10-08T21:20:00.001-06:00

This weekend we did a little housesitting!

We had a fun time and sent Blake off to his last highschool homecoming!

The New Provo Temple

2011-10-03T20:27:00.000-06:00

Remember in my post below how I said that general conference announced some exciting news for our family? And remember how I like to do shout outs on my blog? Well this is a big shout out to my awesome dad who is the architect of the new Provo Tabernacle Temple! My dad has secretly been working on this project for 3 months with the church, without anyone knowing about it! He anxiously awaited the announcement from President Monson and he sure was glad it came! I am so proud of my dad and all the hard work and dedication he puts into his work that has gotten him to where he is today! I am so excited for him and this fun new restoration/temple project! This is an amazing opportunity that will not only bless his life but our life too! This will be such a wonderful blessing to the city of Provo and for all BYU students! I am sad that we no longer live in Provo and will not have the connivence to visit this temple anytime we want. But, we can't wait to see it when it is done!

Congratulations dad! I love you and am proud of you and your hard work!

General Conference Weekend

2011-10-02T15:51:00.003-06:00

We hope you all had an amazing General Conference weekend!

We sure did!
Conference announced some exciting news for our family, we were able to feel comforted through hard times in our family right now, we were able to be spiritually fed, receive answers to prayers, and of course we were able to spend quality time together all weekend long!
We are so thankful to be members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
and for our sweet prophet Thomas S. Monson and all who serve with him.
Our life is sweet and wonderful from the blessings of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ!

A Bad Hair Day

2011-09-28T19:38:00.003-06:00

Do you have days when you have a hard time focusing because one little thing is constantly bugging you?

Well for me today (well I guess all week) it's my hair.

I was scheduled for my 8 week haircut next Saturday.

I am desperately, and I mean desperately, in need of a haircut.

Well my hair lady called me a couple weeks ago and had to move my appointment...

Her next available time on a Saturday...one month further out!

That is 12 weeks with no haircut! I never do that, ever.

I think I might just die.

Flowers On The Table

2011-09-26T18:17:00.003-06:00

Fresh flowers on the table on a Monday morning, start the week off in the right way!

This Weekend We...

2011-09-25T21:16:00.002-06:00

Went to a best friend's wedding.

Went on a long scooter ride and got Nielsen's Frozen Custard.
Watched "17 Miracles"

Got our new bed sheets in the mail.

Cleaned the house, and did all the laundry.

Learned how to make Dutch almond tarts.

Saw the new movie,"Moneyball."

Attended the General Relief Society Broadcast and stake dinner.

Spoke in sacrament meeting.

Went on our annual "Fall Leave Canyon Drive" in the Audi.

Had a wonderful Sunday dinner with family.

And ended it all cuddling in bed!

It just doesn't get better! We can't wait until next weekend!

The General Relief Society Meeting 2011

2011-09-25T19:27:00.007-06:00

First, forget not to be patient with yourself.

Second, forget not the difference between a good sacrifice and a foolish sacrifice.

Third, forget not to be happy now.

Fourth, forget not the 'why' of the gospel.

Fifth, forget not that the Lord loves you.

Proof

2011-09-24T17:53:00.002-06:00

Proof that dads really do love dogs...and that dogs really do love dads! :)

Pantone Fashion Color Report Spring 2012

2011-09-23T08:20:00.002-06:00

Right now I am currently loving Pantone's fashion color report for spring 2012!

But let's not skip fall!

Mr. & Mrs. Christensen

2011-09-22T17:53:00.002-06:00

Claymore's best childhood friend Ryan Christensen got married today.

They were kind enough to let us share their special day with them!

We spent the morning at the temple with them were we were able to attend their sealing, take many pictures, enjoy a fabulous luncheon at Christopher's Steak House, and spend the whole night at their beautiful reception at Western Gardens in Sandy!

The whole day was absolutely perfect! We feel so lucky to have them as our friends!

We are so happy and excited for them at this wonderful time in their lives!

We can't wait to hangout with them as a newly married couple!

Congratulations Ryan & Jaime we love you guys!

Clay and his best friends!

Laying In Bed Alone

2011-09-20T21:58:00.000-06:00

I am laying in bed alone tonight...for a little longer at least.

Clay has had a long week, with long days, and late nights in Provo.

Which is where he is right now.

This leaves me home alone, something I better start getting used to for law school.

I don't like being home alone without him....or anywhere without him for that matter.

He makes me feel safe and protected.

I don't know how I survived without him to be honest.

I feel scared in a house full of noises by myself.

I am going to try to fall asleep without him with every light in the house on...because I'm exhausted.

We will see if it actually happens...but I will try.

I miss him while he is gone and can't wait for him to come home!

On a similar but different note...have you seen that youtube video of that old couple?

If you haven't, click the link above.

It sure is adorable!

I can't wait for the day when Clay and I are an old, wrinkled, retired couple!

Where we get to spend all day, everyday together, being silly and being in love!

Oh those will be the days!

It Looks Like I Have The Chicken Poxs...On My Feet...

2011-09-16T12:37:00.002-06:00

On Tuesday night I spent two hours outside late at night watching Claymore's softball game.

On Wednesday night Clay and I went on a long stroll through our neighborhood.

Both occasions I wore really cute, skin exposing sandals.

Well one of those nights...I can't figure out which one, my feet were eaten alive by mosquitoes.

I have huge mosquito bites all over my feet that have swelled up to the size of nickels.

They itch so bad, I could cry.

And now...it looks like I have chicken pox on my feet.

I will spare you a picture but, please go away soon...

I Love Thursdays

2011-09-15T12:48:00.000-06:00

Yay, today is Project Runway day!

Happy Thursday blog world!

A Pinterest Trend

2011-09-12T19:00:00.004-06:00

I always feel like I am the one going against the popular trends.

I don't know why, but it just seems like that. I guess I am boring, who knows.

Well there is a new trend out there, you've probably heard of it, baking everything in a Mason jar.

I hate...hate...hate this trend.

I really don't understand why it is so popular but it is exploding all over Pinterest.

It drives me nuts!

It looks so disgusting! See picture below...

Am I the only one who feels like this is beyond weird?

Why would I want to eat my cake, or drink my drink from a Mason jar?

We all have, and register for when we get married, cute plates, bowls, and glasses.

Who decided to replace them with cheap, chunky, canning jars?

That probably once...or will once you eat out of it will hold canned peaches...

Its just not cute or appealing to me in anyway.

I mean really look at the pictures...

Spongy, soggy rainbow cake in a Mason jar...

or a beautifully frosted rainbow cake slice on a plate?

Do you see the difference?

An Upgrade

2011-09-12T18:25:00.004-06:00

When Claymore and I got married, we tried to be frugal and get as much hand-me-down furniture as possible. One of these items we received was an old brass, full sized bed, which is a Jackson family heirloom. It was the bed that my parents slept in for 20 years and I inherited the big bed, since I was the oldest child when my parents upgraded. I had it my last couple years of highschool and slept on it when I would come home for the weekends in college. I thought it would be perfect to take into our marriage, and it would save us some money. And it did just that because we didn't have to buy a whole new bed set. We have now had the brass bed for almost 2 years. The only problem is that Clay and I both like to spread out and roll around when we sleep. For the last year and a half, we were constantly waking up to each others kicks, slaps, arms in your face, your pillow stolen, or almost falling completely off the bed. Clay and I knew that one day we would need to upgrade, but figured it to be another 10 years down the road when hopefully we could afford it.

After spending a week in New York in a luxurious king sized bed, coming home to our little full brass bed was tough. On top of being in a new place, I don't think I slept well since returning. We had a little left over money from our trip and we thought that this might be the time for us to make the upgrade. But without even looking much into it realized it wasn't going to happen because we missed the Labor Day sales, and we had a strict budget. Then on Friday morning my mom texted me saying that RC Willey was having a mattress sale. So we made a date night out of it. We spent the night with an extremely annoying sales men, laying on all the different mattresses in the store. It was a fun evening together.

It turned out my mom was right (as they always are) and RC Willey was still having their Labor Day Sale. So Claymore and I were able to purchase the best Serta, queen size mattress set we could find! But because of the great sale they were having, we were able to get with our mattress set purchase a free bed frame, headboard, TV, pillows, new sheets, more pillows, and a mattress pad! Can you believe that?! We couldn't either and we really got a steal of a deal! We got way more than we bargained for and ended up spending only a little more than our budget we had set for just the mattress set.

We picked up our new bed the next morning, set it up and spent all day Sunday lounging around because it is the most comfortable thing we own! We are completely thrilled with our new purchase! Clay and I slept like a king and queen the past couple nights in our new bed! It really is amazing what an extra 6 inches and a nice Euro-top mattress can do for a good nights sleep!

And now we have a brass bed for our guest bedroom so we can officially have visitors!

Remembering 9/11

2011-09-11T08:21:00.002-06:00

Today is the 10 year anniversary of 9/11.

I cannot believe that it has already been 10 years.

I remember this day like it was yesterday.

I remember where I was and what I was doing when we heard the sad news.

Today we are remembering those who lost their lives, those who sacrifice for our freedoms, and the wonderful country which we are so blessed to live in.

Nail Polish Stickers

2011-09-09T09:23:00.000-06:00

While in New York I bought those cool nail polish stickers and I finally tried them last night!

Let me tell you they are awesome!

They were easy to put on, no mess, no smell, and they look fantastic!

I may never want to buy nail polish again!

Interior Design Quotes

2011-09-07T20:51:00.000-06:00

It's Official

2011-09-05T19:52:00.001-06:00

I got my diploma in the mail this weekend!

Its now completely official that I am a college graduate! I've got the proof!

Our Trip To New York

2011-09-04T19:58:00.009-06:00

Well we are finally moved into our new place and we just got internet installed so I can FINALLY blog about our adventure to New York City. Clay and I planned this trip right after we got married, and we have been saving since our wedding for this trip. We booked everything about 6 months ago after we had enough money to pay for everything right then. We had been awaiting our vacation for months! We decided that this trip was going to be a graduation gift to ourselves. We planned to spoil ourselves and do lots of things, go to two professional baseball games, see a couple shows on Broadway, shop our hearts out, and eat lots of good food! It turned out to be a little different than we expected but we still had a wonderful time!

The weeks leading up to our trip were stressful, with packing, moving, sleeping at different places, living out of suitcases, and trying to finish everything up before we left. The day to leave finally came and we were so excited! We got to the airport at the perfect time and made our 8am flight right on time! We were supposed to arrive in New York half hour early. It was a terrible, bumpy flight. This is where our adventure begins.

About 70 miles from New York City they announced to us in the air, that there was a major earthquake on the east coast and JFK is closed for the time being, until all repairs on the towers can be made. We were told we would circle around until we could land. After an hour or so of doing this they decided to divert our plane to Hartford, Connecticut because our plane was running out of fuel. When we landed in Connecticut, our plane was taken to way back, into who knows where, in the back of the airport along with all the other hundreds of airplanes that also were unable to land into JFK. Once we were stopped we were not allowed to leave the plane, and we just had to sit and wait our turn for fuel, maintenance checks, and then we would see from there if we would have to stay in Hartford, or if we could fly into JFK. After another couple hours, we were finally told that we could fly into JFK. Well we still had to wait our turn to take off, and then land at JFK...it took another couple hours. So basically we could have flown to Europe in the time it took us to finally get to New York...ha. We finally landed and were able to get our bags. We were picked up by our shuttle and were taken to our hotel. It was a long, long, tiring day. We went straight to bed, and both slept like rocks.

We stayed at the Helmsley Park Lane Hotel, which is located right next to the Plaza Hotel (from Bride Wars) and right across from Central Park. After much debate about where we could stay that was in our price range, we picked this one, and it was perfect for us! We got really lucky because we were actually going to stay right by the water in New Jersey and take the ferry to New York everyday. If we would have stayed there, we would have for sure been evacuated, so we were so thankful for our decision to pay a little more money and stay in the city.

On our first day in New York City, we decided to do a little site seeing and shopping in the morning. We strolled around our hotel, through central park, and up 5th Avenue. Claymore bought me a manicure/pedicure pass which I also did this morning, while Claymore went to some boy stores! The pedicure was amazing, and was already much needed after the first day! We also bought our subway passes, and found an amazing little pizza place that became our favorite place to eat!

On our first day in the city we also went to the Guggenheim Museum! This was something that I was just dying to do and I am so happy that we were able to go! The museum was amazing! The exhibitions were unique but the building itself was what was truly amazing! I loved being able to stand in such a beautiful structure designed by Frank Lloyd Wright! I think Clay actually enjoyed it to!

After the Guggenheim we wandered back home to get ready for Claymore's highlight of the trip, or should I say his life? Yes, we were going to a Yankees game! In preparation for this Claymore bought me a Yankees jersey that I could wear to match him! We were so excited to go see the new Yankees stadium, see the players, and to watch Clay's favorite baseball team ever play some ball! We wanted to get there extra early to watch batting practice, but we found out that the Yankees don't allow people to watch their batting practice/warm up, and they did it before anyone got there. Clay was bummed but we did get to see the Oakland A's practice. The stadium was amazing! It was huge, beautiful, and packed full of die hard Yankees fans, just like Claymore! Claymore was in complete heaven and complete awe! He couldn't stop smiling, it was cute! We wandered around the stadium, in all the shops, and of course ate some Yankee stadium food, and a Yankee's hot dog for Claymore. We had great seats and had a wonderful time! Although the Yankees lost, it was still an awesome experience that we will always remember!

Clay's favorite Yankee: Jeter, and my favorite Yankee: Cano!

On the next day our adventures were seeing and shopping at Times Square! I was so excited about this because in my mind this is what you think of when you think of New York! It was amazing! I loved this part of the city! There was so much to look at, it was just fun! On our way there I dragged Claymore though the Fashion District to go to see Parsons Design School, and go to Mood Fabrics. I loved this! Unfortunately there were no sightings of the Project Runway cast. But Mood sure was incredible! I couldn't believe I was actually there!

It was quite rainy this day and we didn't have an umbrella, so it made for a fun time of running from store to store, and from subway stop to subway stop. We still ended up getting soaking wet! And it was sooo humid that I thought I just might die! We spent the day at Times Square and then went to The Empire State Building! While we were there it wasn't raining but it sure was windy! It was amazing though! I loved seeing the entire city from so high up! It truly is a concrete jungle!

haha look at my hair! Sooo windy!!

That night we went to our first Broadway play! We saw, Mary Poppins! It was fabulous! I absolutely loved it! I hope it is as wonderful here in Salt Lake as it was in New York! The acting was incredible and so were the songs! It was so fun to see a Broadway play in New York, the real thing! We have borrowed the Disney movie Mary Poppins to watch this week to see how they compare!

The next morning we decided to venture downtown to go and see Ground Zero, Battery Park, and The Statue of Liberty. It was a fun, but long and hot day. This whole day consisted of waiting in lots of long lines. All in all, it was worth it for us to see the Statue of Liberty up close but next time we come back we won't mind seeing it from a distance and avoiding all that craziness! It was an all day event! It was cool, and we are glad we went! I didn't know that the Statue of Liberty was a gift from the French...did you? It was right after we got back to Manhattan and to our hotel that we heard that they were starting to evacuate Staten Island and Battery Park, so we made it just in the nick of time! Again we got lucky!

After the Statue of Liberty, we of course did some more shopping. We went to the first Macys, the original Tiffany & Co. and The Nike Store. I got some great Tiffany jewelry to add to my collection! We had so much fun shopping that we were almost late to our second Broadway play. After much debate about what other show we wanted to see we ended up picking the new Broadway play, "Catch Me If You Can" based on the life of Frank Abagnale Jr. We really enjoyed this play! Although the music wasn't as catchy as they usually are, they did a fabulous job of retelling the story and the acting was incredible! The guy who played Carl Hanratty was the original Fiyero and played a role in the original cast of Rent, so basically he was amazing and the star of the show! It was at this point where everything in the whole city started to shut down in anticipation for hurricane Irene...Great.

On Saturday we had our hopes up that some stores would still be open so we attempted to do a little more shopping but we had no such luck. Everything was closed, including all the Subway stations. They were advising everyone to stay inside as well. We did some site seeing of what we could find that was open as we walked back to our hotel. We visited Rockefeller Center, and some cool old Catholic churches. It did start to rain in the afternoon and the whole city was in panic. We decided to go to the grocery store and get some snacks and water just in case. We were in the store for over an hour! It was nuts. We really spend the rest of the day in our hotel room watching movies because it was raining outside and nothing was open. We decided to stay in for dinner as well, but the only place we could find that was open (literally) was our hotel's bar...it was good food but cost us an arm and a leg! They charged us $14 for water...really?!

Hurricane Irene was suppose to make her hit on New York City in the middle of the night Saturday going into Sunday morning. It was rainy and windy all night, I admit I had a hard time sleeping. I was terrified that we would loose power and be trapped in our hotel without power. When we woke up it was windy and still raining so we stayed in for breakfast and watched more movies and the news. It really was not as bad as it was anticipated to be where we were at. Clay and I really didn't technically know when hurricane Irene "hit" New York City Sunday morning. Around noon, it was looking clear outside so we wanted to get out so we decided to go out and walk around and try to find lunch. To our surprise the streets were full of people again, and we were easily able to find some lunch at a little deli. Although the storm had completely passed, minus a grey cloudy sky, about half the city was still shut down. We think New Yorkers were taking advantage of the situation, because the city never sleeps! We were not able to go to church or do a session in the temple because it was cancelled and closed, but we still walked down to see the temple! Seeing the temple really was a breath of fresh air for us! It was beautiful! After we went on a long walk through Central Park. It was a beautiful day down in the park! And the river was flooded, it was quite the attraction!

Notice the couple making out...haha

We ended our Sunday night by having dinner with my family friend Stacey at the most amazing restaurant called Park Avenue Summer! After the hectic week it was fun and comforting to see a familiar face and then of course our meal was amazing! We were so thankful for Stacey being so kind for taking us to dinner! We love you Stacey! Thank you!

Monday morning came way too fast. We woke up early, packed, checked out, and went out to spend the day doing all the last minute things we wanted to do! We did more shopping and site seeing. We tried to go to a Portuguese restaurant that Clay was dying to go to but they were closed so we went to our second choice which was Eatily and it was the most amazing food I think I have ever had! It was such a fun place. I am sad we discovered it on our last day! I have never been to Italy but it felt like i could have been there! If I lived there I would do all my grocery shopping there! It was amazing! (no pictures of this day...camera was packed) We were nervous that the airport was going to be crazy with 9,000 flights cancelled the days before, so we left for the airport early. It was a good thing we did. We went 3 hours early and only waited for one hour there. It was crazy but not as bad as I thought it would be. We made it home with no problems...thank heavens!

Our trip to New York was amazing! Although it had a lot of unexpected twists...I mean really...the ONE week we choose to visit their is an earthquake, hurricane, and tornado threats, for the first time in over 75 years! What are the odds!? The only planned thing we had that got cancelled was a Mets baseball game. We were bummed. We were also not able to visit some museums we wanted to go to but we were lucky we fit all the things we really wanted to do in the first couple days! We had a wonderful time! It was so fun to spend time together in such a fun city! We can't wait until the day we can come back! But next time please no earthquakes or hurricanes!

Here are some pictures of what Hurricane Irene brought.

Yes, they dug up all the trees so they wouldn't blow over...

A similar sign was posted on almost every door. So disappointing.

All Subway stations were closed...

There were umbrella's everywhere!

Everything was tied together so it wouldn't blow away

The one and only tree we saw completely blown over...

A Funny Email Response

2011-08-31T14:35:00.004-06:00

It is not everyday that you get a response to a professional email that says:

Katie,

I now like to murmur like Laman and Lemuel “it is a hard thing which YOU have required of me”

Haha I sure did love this, it made me smile! (and feel bad I am asking such a huge task of him!)

Irene

2011-08-30T14:50:00.003-06:00

Meet Irene,

She sure caused a lot of havoc on our little vacation last week in Manhattan...

More to come on that and our trip later...so stay tuned.

P.S We were also threatened this weekend by an earthquake and potential tornadoes.
Great timing for our vacation right?

Needless to say we had an adventure of a lifetime, and are glad to be back in good old Utah.

New York City Bound

2011-08-22T18:00:00.001-06:00

Early tomorrow morning my darling husband and I are leaving for a week in New York City!

We couldn't be more excited for our romantic getaway!

See you all in a week!

20 Months

2011-08-19T22:36:00.000-06:00

In 4 months we will have been married for two years!

Time sure flies when you are in love with your best friend!

Happy 20th months to my sweetheart!

A Glimpse Into My Everyday

2011-08-18T17:19:00.002-06:00

City Home Collective came into our office the other day for a tour.

They took these amazing photographs of the office and wrote a very nice blog about the company!

Check out their blog and their beautiful pictures that give you a small glimpse into my everyday!

P.S. Three pictures are of my dad's personal office! (with the green Eames chair!)

All pictures via City Home Collective

Graduation: August 2011

2011-08-14T20:57:00.006-06:00

Claymore and I had quite the busy weekend with all of our graduation festivities.

It was a wonderful weekend and I am FINALLY a college graduate and...

a BYU ALUMNI! Weird huh!?

Now they just want money out of me...haha seriously though...

All the fun started on Thursday afternoon for Commencement.

After much stress, and almost thinking we wern't going to go (Claymore couldn't get home because all the roads were blocked for the Tour of Utah) we made it in time for the processional.

We lined up by college (I went with the Marriott School) and we all walked up to the Marriott Center following President Samuelson and the faculty.

(We did have to wait outside for about 30 minutes in the hot sun before this started

And boy was it hot under those cute hats and gowns!!)

We then entered the Marriott Center with all the other graduates, faculty, friends, and family.

We listened to some speakers and then we heard the Commencement speaker Craig Christensen who is a member of the Quorum of the Seventy.

He gave a wonderful talk about who we are now and what we can do in the future.

Although I am the one who officially graduated (Claymore walked early...he still has one semester left)

We decided to walk with his school, the Marriott School of Management.

The commencement started at 8am.

We filled out our cards, chatted with friends, took pictures, and lined up early in the morning.

We then entered the Marriott Center once again and listened to more speakers.

They all gave wonderful talks, I enjoyed them even though they were directed to the Business Majors.

We then were able to walk across the stage, shake the Dean's hand and get our empty diploma.

(That is always so disappointing! Mine should be here in a couple weeks!)

The Dean was sweet to me. When they read my name after Claymore's and my major

He thanked me for joining their Convocation and for marrying a business major!

I was glad that some of the other boys had their wives there too with my same major!

So I didn't stand out too much thankfully!

Although I was not able to attend my own college's convocation, (it was at 5pm that night)

I had a wonderful day.

I was so happy for the opportunity I had to walk with my sweet husband and that we could celebrate this huge accomplishment together, hand in hand!

Not many other's can say they did that, so I feel so blessed to have been with my sweetheart!

Clay and I are both fortunate to have wonderful families who have provided us with this amazing opportunity to receive our education at BYU.

They did a wonderful job at both ceremonies of paying tribute to the families, and spouses for all they have done for the graduates. I couldn't agree more.

We are so lucky!

Our parents (and sweet Shalene!) were able to come and watch us walk!

I loved having them there to spend our special day together!
It was so fun to see their proud smiling faces up in the crowd.

We (even me too) were invited to a party at the Tanner Building after where they gave us little turkey sandwiches (which were dang good) and free Marriott School t-shirt!

After that we went to breakfast with my parents to Mimi's Cafe (along with all the other graduates!)

We celebrated with the Hardman's last night by going to Goodwood,

and going to see the movie "The Help." It was a amazing, I loved it! Go see it!

Now I am officially done, and it finally feels real!

I can't wait for my diploma to come in the mail, and to one day show my children all that I accomplished and how important it is!

I am proud of myself, and happy to be done with this chapter in my life (for now at least!)

I am so thankful to my parents for providing me the opportunity to go to the college of my choice to study among great people and professors.

I am thankful for wonderful in-laws for always supporting me in my dreams and goals.

And I am thankful to my sweet husband for staying up with me to read through my papers, listen to me talk about furniture and plants, and to stand by my side through it all.

A List of Random Things & Thoughts:

2011-08-14T20:18:00.017-06:00

Does anyone else think that Katy Perry's song "Last Friday Night" is an awful lot like (and a more dirty version) of Rebecca Black's "Friday"? I hate both songs...how about you?

Whoever thought up the current off ramp situation for Provo Center Street is an idiot...I can't wait for that to be fixed. I don't know how someone hasn't died every single day on that exit.

Did you know that men's and women's shirts button in different directions? If you didn't and you need a way to remember, my teacher in my sewing classes said: "If you are on a date, driving in the car heading to dinner, and he is driving, and you are both slouching a little so your shirt puckers open at the buttons, you could both see into each other shirts." Get it, boys buttons left over right, and girls buttons right over left? I don't think I will ever be able to forget that.

Call me boring, plain, or uncrafty but I am really getting sick of the same crafts over and over again. I don't see the need to go overboard with felt/fabric flower headbands, DIY ruffled shirts, and fabric wreaths because before you know it they will be majorly out of style. Time for new ideas...

I am loving Pinterest right now. It is such a fun website. I don't know if any of you fellow pinners feel like this, but I feel like it is so hard to narrow down your boards. If I wasn't embarrassed I would probably have over 100 very specific boards. It would make me so happy, but everyone else would hate looking through that huge organized mess!

We will be leaving for New York in a few short weeks and I have been trying to think of things I want to buy there. I want to buy something special that I will always remember the trip by and something that I will use alot/wear all the time/or always display. But I just can't seem to come up with any amazing ideas...

I am constantly thinking about things I want to do to our new house and old things I want to refurbish. I am excited. Lately, I can't stop thinking about finding the perfect Welcome Mat...they say alot about a house and I want an awesome one that doesn't cost me an arm and a leg.

Packing everything you own up in boxes is no easy task. I want to keep things organized and make sure I am packing things so that nothing will break. But that is a lot harder than it seems.

We were able to go see the movie, "The Help" last night and I loved it. The movie was fantastic and the story was inspiring. I cannot wait to start reading the book!

Speaking of books...I am currently reading "Catching Fire." I am now about 200 pages into the book and it is finally making a turn to be more exciting. The book is very similar to "The Hunger Games," which I felt like took way to long to get exciting. I really like these books but I just wish I didn't have to read 200 pages of Katniss being depressed, and rebellious. Does anyone else feel like that? A side note on this, I sure am excited for the movie of "The Hunger Games!"

Continuing on "The Hunger Games" tangent I have going on, we think it won't be long until the whole "Team Peeta" and "Team Gale" silliness begins. Much too similar to the Twilight series.

I think it is a little strange how everyone is finding ways to make everything in Mason Jars. Again, I guess I'm not very cute or creative but I think this new trend is weird. I would so much rather sip my lemonade from a cute glass, and eat my cake from a pretty plate. I know it is trendy but I think it looks cheap...

I finally graduated...like for real. It was really exciting and life after college, as a college graduate, feels so real! I am so thankful to my parents, and Clay's parents, and Shalene for coming to our ceremony! It made it so special to share this big day with some of the people I love the most! Thank you to everyone else for your support, comments, and kind words on this big day!

I can't wait to move into our new place and unpack all my pots and pans so that I can start cooking again! I have loads of recipes I have found on Pinterest that I am just dying to try! If there are any good ones I will be sure to share them with you!

And last but not least we went swimming at the Hardman's yesterday and I caught this picture of Clay and his pup Annie taking a nap in the pool! haha

Happy last couple weeks of summer everyone!

Blogging Slacker

2011-08-07T11:39:00.004-06:00

It is true, I have been a major slacker at updating my blog with worthwhile posts this month.

I have honestly just been tired and busy, and blogging is the last thing on my mind.

I'm not saying this post will be spectacular but I am in the mood to post.

So here are some pictures of my handsome husband and a little update on our lives.

These pictures were from Claymore's co-ed softball league that just ended. No, I didn't want to play, so I was the number one fan and team photographer. (Although the only person I wanted to photograph was Claymore!)

First of all summer is coming to an end way to fast. I cannot believe that we are a week into August and that in a few short weeks everyone will be starting school again (not me though yay!) and that our life will be really busy again.

We have had a wonderful summer so far and are sad that is is so quickly coming to an end. These next couple weeks are going to be the best weeks of the summer. Next week we are walking in our graduation ceremonies and then I will officially be a college graduate! And Claymore will almost be a graduate! We are so excited! I think after our ceremony real life outside of college will feel much more real.

Also in a couple of weeks, we will be vacationing in New York together! We are so excited for this! It is a graduation gift to ourselves and honeymoon #2! We cannot wait to spend the week shopping, sightseeing, attending two professional baseball games, and seeing Broadway shows! Claymore surprised me with a Mets jersey this week. Now I have two...he is so thoughtful haha.

We have also slowly been trying to pack up our little apartment as we prepare to move to Salt Lake. It doesn't feel real yet. I am not enjoying spending our nights packing. Then after all the packing comes days and days of cleaning. We are not excited for this but we sure are looking forward to moving into our house and starting a new chapter in our lives!

Well that is all for today. More to come on our big events of next week! Happy Sunday!

Park City Weekend & Deer Valley Music Festival

2011-07-31T13:19:00.001-06:00

Claymore and I spent the weekend in a beautiful Park City condo with my family.

It was a wonderful little getaway to the cool mountains.

We had a wonderful time together.

We loved shopping at the outlets, reading our books, and swimming in the pool!

We were fortunate enough to go to the Deer Valley Music Festival!

This was a special concert. We were able to hear the one and only Idina Menzel!!!!

It was amazing! She is so beautiful and has the most amazing voice! And she's really funny!

She sang songs from Rent, Glee, and of course Wicked!

I was blown away when she sang For Good, and Defying Gravity!

I loved every minute of it and feel so lucky to have heard her perform live!

Thanks mom and dad for a wonderful little vacation!

Project Runway Is Back

2011-07-28T09:08:00.002-06:00

I am so happy that Project Runway is back with a new season!

I can't wait to watch every week!

I have missed it.

I haven't decided who I like yet, who I can't stand, and who I want to win!

But I can't wait to keep watching!

P.S. I love Heidi Klum, could she be any more beautiful?

It's Raining, It's Pouring

2011-07-26T20:27:00.002-06:00

Can you believe that it is almost August and we are still having huge rainstorms?

So big that they leave the streets looking like this?!

Also, Claymore showed me this tonight. I guess I am like the only one who hasn't seen it.

Have you seen it? If not watch below.

It is truly amazing!

Long Pioneer Day Weekend

2011-07-24T08:45:00.004-06:00

I know I am a little early on this since it isn't even over yet!
Clay and I are really loving this long weekend!

We spent Friday night up in the mountains, BBQing, and playing games for mom's birthday!

{Happy Birthday Mom! We love you!!}
We had so much fun together!

Last night we spent the night swimming, hot tubbing, playing volleyball, and playing with the little kids at the Hardman's summer party!
Again, we had so much fun!

Today we are relaxing and having mom's birthday party!

We don't know what we are going to do tomorrow yet...we have too many different ideas!

We are just excited to both have the day off!

I can't explain how excited I am to spend a WHOLE day with my Claymore!

That just never happens anymore. It will be like Christmas in July!

{Happy Pioneer Day!!!}

19 Months On The 19th Day Of July

2011-07-19T19:29:00.002-06:00

Today on the 19th of July Claymore and I celebrate 19 months of marriage.

I love you more than ever.

Thank you for supporting me in all I do, I love you forever!

Happy 19!

First Bees Game Of The Season

2011-07-18T19:20:00.002-06:00

First Bees game of the season tonight with my family!

(I know I am a little behind...)

Claymore couldn't come and I sure did miss him. So Blake was my date for the night!

We plan on attending many more before the end of the season!

Lots of games with fireworks next week!!

A Wagging Tail At The Front Door

2011-07-17T19:22:00.005-06:00

I have been seeing much more of this little guy lately and he never fails to make me smile!

Lately he is loving rolling around in the cool grass at night!

He is so cute, I love him.

Rush Hour Traffic Observations

2011-07-12T19:18:00.013-06:00

I have learned alot about myself, the laws, and other people these past few weeks as I spend an hour with only my radio to keep me company as I drive through rush hour traffic each day. This post isn't for sympathy, or to wine about something pointless, it is purely to document my thoughts and feelings as this is a major part of my life right now. Some are as follows:

1. Drive the speed limit, and drive the speed limit in construction zones. I see AT LEAST 5 cops each way pulling people over.

2. I may be developing some sort of anxiety about getting rear ended, or rear ending someone else in rush hour traffic. I get really nervous and uncomfortable if someone is following me too close to me. I purposly slow way down to get them to back off.

3. Most everyone on the road during rush hour, drives like an idiot. It is surprising that there isn't more accidents.

4. Speaking of accidents, if there is an accident (big or small) plan on coming to a full stop, or close to, for quite a while.

5. Truck drives make my blood pressure rise.
6. Don't cut off a semi. It could be up to a $750 fine...if you survive. (This is a billboard that I see every.single.day)

7. If you leave even 10 minutes past 7:00, you will get stuck in more traffic than if you would have left the 10 minutes earlier.

8. Semi trucks will drive in the farthest left lane all they want, even though they shouldn't. Again, it makes my blood pressure rise. Way to hold up traffic.

9. I am starting to become somewhat terrified to drive on the freeway under construction when it is dark, and pouring rain. It is really and you can't see a thing.

10. I have seen more people pulled over, and handcuffed on the ground in the past two weeks than I have ever seen in my whole life.

11. Find the lane you need to be in and stay in it, otherwise it is really hard to get over, and people honk at you for cutting them off in order to make your exit.

12. When you see a single rider in the carpool lane and you are mad at them for cheating the system, look below their rearview window to see if they have the express lane pass. It makes you not as annoyed.

13. There are still many people who do pass you by using the carpool lane that don't pay for the pass.

14. When you are at a dead stop in traffic don't look at the people around you because everyone is mad.

15. People will work so hard to pass you...good job, you are ONE car ahead of me...

16. When you drive past the prisons and the prisoners are out, don't get distracted and stare at them, keep your eyes on the road.

17. Wear sunglasses! Otherwise you are squinting and end your drive with dry eyes from the AC.

18. If you are feeling tired on the morning drive, make sure to have a Dr. Pepper on hand.

19. Make sure to have lots, and I mean lots of CDs or books on tape on hand, because the radio gets old fast!

20. I never want to have to, or have my husband commute ever again!

A Visit From Nephi (Not The Ancient Prophet)

2011-07-10T16:36:00.002-06:00

For those of you who read the blog I made for Steven on his mission, remember this picture?

This is the picture sent of him and Nephi (don't know the Hungarian spelling). Nephi is a Hungarian and Switzerland citizen who served his mission in Hungary. He ended his mission the month before Steven got to Hungary from the MTC. Nephi's fiance is currently a member in Steven's ward.

Nephi moved to Salt Lake to attend LDS Business College. He came over the other night to visit with us. He told us lots of stories about the mission, Steven, Steven's companions, the Mission President, and also a lot about himself. We had a wonderful night visiting with him and hearing him speak Hungarian. He said that Steven is doing well and that he is always positive, happy, and upbeat!

We were so grateful for the opportunity to meet Nephi! We look forward to meeting his fiance in September and hearing more stories about Steven!

A Happy 4th of July

2011-07-06T20:17:00.003-06:00

We had a wonderful 4th of July!

This was our third 4th of July holiday celebration together!

We spent time with family, played softball, had a BBQ, and ended the night with fireworks!

PS: yes I look hot, sweaty and tired...and yes Claymore needs a haircut...ha

My First KSL Purchase

2011-07-05T08:14:00.003-06:00

Yesterday Clay and I made our first purchase off KSL.

For our new little home we wanted a new kitchen/dining table and chairs.

I found this one on KSL the night before and thought it was perfect!
So we went and picked it up and we only paid $40 for all of it!
We love it and are so excited about our purchase!

It was somewhat of a scary experience not knowing what it really looked like or what the sellers would be like. But thankfully they were a normal, cute, little family!

We took it home, cleaned it up and now all it needs is some sanding and a new coat of paint!

An Update In Words

2011-07-03T12:21:00.001-06:00

For those of you who actually read this blog of ours you have probably been wondering where on earth we have been this last little while. I feel like we are just your average young married couple who doesn't have a whole lot going on, but at the same time I feel like life is a whirlwind of craziness in our simple lives. Life has been so busy that for this first time I haven't even really had the desire to blog...weird right? Well anyways, here is an update on our lives in words.

Katie: I started my new job, like a real, legit, big kid job. I am a full time employee, on salery, with insurance, and will be wearing t-shirts with the company's logo once they arrive. Weird right? Where did time go? Am I really this old? This is a time in my life I never thought would come and now it is here, and this is my reality for many, many years, until Claymore can support our family from his career. I am loving this new job and this new chapter in my life. I couldn't feel more happy and blessed for the opportunities I have been given. I have my own huge desk, business cards, and a lot of responsibility. I am working on some amazing, huge, projects that I couldn't even dream about helping with! I feel like the luckiest 22 year old out there! With this new job comes the commute to Salt Lake and back everyday. It is long, and made for a long week, and a grouchy attitude at the end of the day. I don't know how some people do that everyday for hours each day, and do it for years and years. I would go crazy and my back would hurt so much more than it already does. Clay has been very patient and understanding and lets me whine to him about how much I hate rush hour and how bad some drivers are. I'm just waiting until I can get Harry Potter on CD to listen too...haha! Although commuting each day is somewhat of a trial in my life, it is worth it to be able to do what I am doing! But I can't wait until we are up in Salt Lake.

Claymore: Claymore received his LSAT score last Monday and is now about to start the long application process to law school! We are excited and nervous at the same time about this new adventure! It is finally starting to feel real and we are excited for the possibilities that lie ahead of us! Aside from thinking about which law schools to apply to Claymore has been working his butt off at work since the LSAT. He has been working every spare minute he has, I am so proud of him for working so hard. Claymore also received a huge scholarship from BYU for his good grades! He decided to not take summer semester and move the classes to fall semester to be able to apply his scholarship. This is going to make for a big last semester for him. Again, I am so proud of him, his hard work, and his good grades! He is so dedicated to what he does and it shows. Clay and the Turtles are heading down to St. George next weekend to play softball in the Heat Stroker Tournament! They will be playing softball all night long and hopefully winning all their games! They are way excited for this tournament and excited to see the Turtles team again. I will not be going due to work, but I will be cheering them on from Salt Lake!

Free Time: Although we haven't had too much spare time these days we have been enjoying our spare time together. We enjoyed watching "The Voice" (we are so sad that it is over) this past little while. Clay is also on a coed intramural team. Although I chose not to play due to my lack of ability to catch and hit a ball, I enjoy watching and once again being the teams number one (and only) sideline fan. We have also had fun bowling with the Parrys, and visiting with the Wards. We have also been blessed to spend a lot of time with our families the past little while. We also have some fun family plans for the 4th and the upcoming weeks that we are looking forward to!

House Hunting: I am the most excited about this part of the post. The hunt for a place to live in Salt Lake come August, has come to an end! Finally! We are so relieved and this came to us as a huge blessing, and at the perfect time. A family in my ward owns a home and rent it out to people. Currently their daughter and husband are in the home but will be closing on a house of their own at the end of this month. This family approached us to see if we would like to rent from them. We went and looked at the home yesterday and were so excited about what we saw! It is better than anything we could have asked for. It is a whole home, with wood floors, washer/dryer, a huge backyard, a porch, and in a perfect location. We can't believe how wonderful this home is and we are so excited to move in and make it our own. The only thing that is scary is that there is no dishwasher...I know how will we survive...and we have to mow the lawn...so I am going to have to finally learn...haha. Now over the next month or so it is time to start collecting boxes, packing stuff up, and slowly taking it to Salt Lake. One more thing about moving to Salt Lake...once we are there we will be closer to family! Two of Clay's siblings just moved to Salt Lake so we are excited to be closer to them and be able to hangout with them!

Church: Well Clay and I are officially the worst church members ever. I think I mentioned that our ward is at 2:30 pm...well it has been really hard for Clay and I to stay to all our meetings due to family dinners, parties, etc. Well for the first time since we have been in the ward, today Clay and I will be attending all three meetings of our own ward. Don't judge us. The good news is that the bishopric has already visited us, and my visiting teacher is the RS president. So we are constantly being kept track of! Also, Claymore finally got a calling! He is excited about it! Did I mention, that once we move we will be in a family ward! I am kinda excited for this! It will be something new thats for sure. Hopefully I can work with the young women, or be the ward librarian!

Upcoming Events: Tomorrow is a PAID HOLIDAY for me! Can you believe it! What is better than getting a paid holiday on your second week of work!? We will be spending the day tomorrow with family (after Clay gets off work...) to celebrate Independence Day! We will be playing baseball, BBQing, and watching fireworks in good company. We are also looking forward to seeing the new Harry Potter movie, Draper Days, family summer parties, and pool parties! We are also excited to attend Bees and Owls baseball games this summer! We also plan on continuing to take full advantage of our Pass of all Passes and going to 7 Peaks, and Trafalga lots with friends!

Well I think that about wraps and sums up our life for the past couple weeks. It sure has been busy but we are slowly getting into our new schedule and looking forward to the next couple months as we apply for law schools, move, start a new semester, and keep working as hard as we can!

Living The Baseball Dream

2011-06-25T15:52:00.003-06:00

Today Claymore is in LA with the boys at a Dodgers game having a wonderful time!

They are living the baseball dream!

I am spending time with the girls--doing non baseball things, also having a wonderful time!

St. George Weekend

2011-06-22T11:55:00.003-06:00

Claymore and I spent the weekend in St. George with his parents.

We had a wonderful vacation full of good food, fun activities, naps, movies, and good company.

We did an endowment session in the St. George Temple, it was my in-laws first time in the St. George temple! It was wonderful and so beautiful!

We went four-wheeling in Bloomington.

There was a recent fire there so there, so it was really dry and dusty.

We left with our faces caked with dirt! Even though we got really dirty, it was so fun!

We also spent an afternoon in the desert community Kayenta and looking at the art galleries!

It was beautiful!

While we were down in St. George we had the amazing opportunity to go see both Grease, and The Little Mermaid plays at Tuacahn!

Clay and I bought tickets to The Little Mermaid a couple weeks ago and Clay's parents surprised us by taking us to see Grease! They were both so good! I loved the experience!

It was so beautiful surrounded by the red rock mountains, and a star filled sky.

I can't wait to go back!

We also did some of our favorite St. George activities such as shopping at the outlets, spending hours in the big TJ Max/Home Goods, playing Bocci Ball, laying out at the pool, eating at Anasazi and The Pizza Factory, going on walks, watching movies in the theater room, sleeping in, taking pictures of desert plants, and taking many, many naps!

We had such a wonderful little vacation in St. George. We were sad to leave.

It was the perfect way to celebrate finishing college, and a wonderful last little vacation before I start working on Monday.

Thank you Denice and Larry for such a wonderful weekend, it couldn't have been more perfect!

Happy Father's Day

2011-06-19T08:21:00.005-06:00

Clay and I both have amazing fathers!

On this Father's Day we couldn't be more grateful to have them in our lives.

We are so thankful for all that they do for us daily, and the unconditional love they show us.

We love you so much and hope that you have a wonderful Father's Day!

Thank you for being the two most wonderful dads!

This post about Father's Day wouldn't be complete without mentioning my wonderful Claymore.
Although he is not yet a father, I know that one day he will be the most wonderful dad.
I know our children and just going to adore their daddy!
I am so thankful for all that he does for our little family and all that he is striving for.
I am so thankful to have such a wonderful husband and best friend.
I don't know where I would be without him.

Today Clay and I have been married a year and a half!

I love you more than anything Claymore, Happy 1.5 darling!
I love you!

Little Girls Dress

2011-06-18T11:25:00.003-06:00

Well here is the finished product of my little girls dress for my sewing class.

This was the last assignment of my undergraduate at BYU.

It was such a fun project after the stress from the man's shirt.

I love the way it turned out and can't wait to have a little girl to wear it one day!

A Quick Catch-Up

2011-06-16T16:29:00.002-06:00

A quick little catch-up of our lives, here I go...

Claymore took the LSAT...only 2 more weeks until we get his score back!
We used our Pass of all Passes last weekend and went to Seven Peaks. It was so fun! Unfortunantly I got totally fried...not fun
We finally saw the movie "The Adjustment Bureau."
We rode our bikes (Clay mountain bike, Katie cute beach crusier) to Seven Peaks, it was fun!
I took my last final and finished college today! Woo hoo!
Clay has been getting "kicked out" of work for working over his shift because he has nothing to do! ha
This weekend Clay and I have already had the bishopric and the relief society presidency come over to our appartment to "visit" with us...haha scary.
At 5:00pm today I will no longer be employeed.
On June 27th I start my new job as an interior designer in Salt Lake!
I may or may not be starting to freak out about the thought of commuting to Salt Lake everyday...
This weekend we are headed to St. George, and there we will see two plays at Tuacahn!
Next week I have scheduled like 100 appointments in Salt Lake...fun.
Next week I also get to do lots of hanging out with my husband and family!

Lots of new and exciting things are just around the corner for us and we are excited for this new adventure!

A Look Back At My Time At BYU

2011-06-15T13:15:00.001-06:00

As my time here at Brigham Young University are coming to an end I had to take some time to document my thoughts and my experiences about the last four years of my life spent in the Provo bubble. I chose to show my experiences and thoughts about BYU through pictures I took in my Photography class of some of the buildings on the BYU campus.

BYU is one of the last universities I ever pictured myself going to. Regardless I needed to keep my options open so I applied anyway knowing my future was already to planned to go to the University of Utah, where I had been born and raised to attend. When the acceptance letters started coming in I found I was accepted to all the schools I applied for and now it was up to me to make a decision. After talking to many peers about their decision to attend BYU and some heavy persuasion by the fun girl who sat next to me in Acapella, Sara Smith, she convinced me to be her roommate and attend BYU. It was a quick decision, one that I knew if it didn't work out I could always transfer back to Salt Lake after one semester. This is where my BYU experience all began, one that changed my life forever.

My first year at BYU was a blast. I had more fun than I felt I had ever had in my whole life. I had no rules, no one cared what I did or who I hungout with. I had an awesome year. I made my best friend, hungout with and kissed different boys, went on tons of dates, attended every sporting event, gathering, university activity, dance, party, etc. I took 12 credits, didn't have a job, took naps everyday, and spent way to much time playing, having fun, goofing off, and doing not enough studying and school work. Surprisingly I did good my first year and only had to retake one class. At the end of this year I realized I was actually sad to move home for the summer, but did it anyway. I liked my new life at BYU with my new friends. But I knew everything was going to change because next year all the boys we knew would be gone on missions and it was time for a start fresh.

For year number to at BYU we lived in the most popular/social apartment complex set up for sophomore girls and boys just home from their missions. The apartment complex is known for getting people married. I was not interested in getting married, I just wanted to have fun. This year I got a job, which I still have to this day, I roomed with amazing girls, made new friends, went on many more dates, had a big-time ward calling, and again regardless of my new job and new classes spent way to many hours up late playing. I had a fun year here living at Liberty Square. This year was a big year for me. It was in my sophomore year of college that I declared my major, which I absolutely loved, and where my life was changed when I met the boy of my dreams. My life was changed forever after reconnecting with my Claymore. I spent every hour and second possible with him, spent less time with my roommates, and found myself hopelessly in love with a returned missionary.

I stayed at Liberty Square the whole year, staying through spring and summer to keep my job. Claymore and I were still dating even though he moved home and had major leg surgery. I missed Claymore in Provo and couldn't wait for fall to come around, so he would be back in Provo. We got engaged and spent the rest of the summer spending every minute possible together, spending countless hours at the pool, and planning a beautiful winter wedding.

For the next year Claymore and I both moved to Condo Row. I lived with my friends again, while Claymore was brave and went in solo. We weren't in the same ward but lived a couple buildings away from each other. I didn't enjoy Condo Row too much (except the location) because all I could think about was getting married, planning a wedding, and trying to find any time to spend with Claymore alone where there were no roommates. We spent every weekend at home. I never saw or hungout with my roommates and started going to bed early. I was the party pooper but I didn't care, I was getting married!

December finally came and we got married and moved into our first apartment. Our life has been blissful every since. Our grades improved, we worked hard at our jobs, and we got to walk to school together everyday. Although we see less of each other now days we are still as happy as can be and we are so grateful we are going through these last years of college together. We are so lucky and blessed. We have lived in Harmony Square since our wedding and are getting ready to move at the end of August on to new bigger adventures.

Although I didn't attend many athletic events, spend countless hours flirting and"studying" in the library, eat lunch with a huge group of people everyday, or find myself wearing BYU clothing, I absolutely loved my experience at BYU. Attending BYU was the biggest blessing in my life, something that has changed who I am, who I want to be, and has made me a better person. It is where I gained both a temporal and spiritual knowledge, gained a higher education, listened to the words of the prophets, made life long friends, and found my eternal companion. I loved living in the Provo bubble, living in a world with no swearing, no drinking, and no drugs. I loved being surrounded by good wholesome people who had the same standards and values as me.

The BYU campus is amazing and so beautiful. Although some of the buildings are ancient while others are new and modern, the campus is so full of rich history. With my job of doing interior design on campus I feel so blessed to be able to learn about each individual building, meet professors and faculty personally, and get to go in some places on students most people don't even know exists! Throughout my 4 years here at BYU I was taught by amazing professors, took amazing classes, worked with amazing people, and were surrounded by some of the most amazing students.

Although I am now moving onto a new chapter in my life, one without tests and homework, I am going to miss being a college student, and I am going to miss BYU. We are excited for what lies ahead of us as we will be moving, going to law school, and starting a family. I am so thankful for BYU and for all that I have learned and experienced here. I have learned many life lessons here, and learned who I am. I hope that one day my children will want to also attend Brigham Young University.

Last College Class Ever

2011-06-14T19:40:00.006-06:00

This post is going to be short and sweet...

Yesterday I attended my last college class ever, like forever!

I also turned in my last homework assignment ever.

Today, I ordered my cap and gown for graduation in August...

And on Thursday I will take the last final of my life!
Thursday will also be my last day of my campus interior design job...tear.

I can't believe I am really this old!

I'm full of different emotions...

Crazy, exciting, weird, awesome, scary, cool!

I guess it is now time to be a real adult.

Softball Intramurals Champions

2011-06-10T08:31:00.004-06:00

Last night Clay's intramural softball team, The Turtles, won BYU's intramural softball championship after beating (10 running) the same team 2 games in a row!

And guess who was on the losing team? Riley Nelson! They boys were excited to beat him!

The boys played really hard and were thrilled to win the championship!

Winning the championship is a big deal but getting the prize shirt is even more exciting!

It gives you major bragging rights!

For most of the boys it is their last opportunity to play intraural softball at BYU,

so they were excited to end their intramural career with a bang!

The team (and the wives) ended the night by celebrating at Dennys (don't know why...?)

Congratulations boys!

Go Turtles!

Love, your #1 fan!

Clay Has A New Shirt

2011-06-07T22:52:00.003-06:00

Well after many, many hours in the sewing lab I am glad to say that I have finished my second project!

And now...Claymore has a new shirt!!

I altered and made this shirt to fit Clay's body "perfectly" and I think I did a pretty dang good job!

If I do say so myself, it looks fabulous on him!

I am so happy to have the hardest project of the semester done!

Now I finally get to make a little girl's dress!

Thank you Claymore for dressing up tonight to model your new shirt for me!

Turtles In The Playoffs

2011-06-05T22:02:00.002-06:00

At Clay's softball games I have become the team mom.

So I take pictures, lots and lots of pictures.

This week is the playoffs and the championship game on Thursday!

See you there!

Mr. & Mrs. DeGooyer

2011-06-04T12:17:00.004-06:00

Yesterday my sweet sister-in-law Xanna was sealed to the love or her life Jason.

It was a beautiful day and we were so grateful to be able to be a part of their special day.

They are now officially Mr. and Mrs. Jason DeGooyer!

Their temple sealing was beautiful. We were able to be there in the sealing room with every single one of Clay's siblings! It was wonderful and very special to our family.

Xanna looked absolutely beautiful! She handmade and beaded her entire dress!! Oh and Jason did about half of the beading?! Can you believe it?! I know...me neither!

Clay and I at the luncheon

For the luncheon Jason's mom had her friend who owns a resturant cater it and it sure was delicious!
We were surrounded by wonderful food, gorgeous decorations, and great company!
It was fun for us to spend that time getting to know Jason's family!

They had an amazing slideshow of pictures of them throughout their life!

They had a backyard reception in the Hardman's backyard that night.

It was stunning and a wonderful day for an outdoor wedding reception.

The yard was decorated so beautifully with white and green flowers everywhere.

Everyone who walked in was speechless at the beauty of their yard.
They served italian ice and red velvet cupcakes! They were delicious! We all ate way too much!
Clay was a groomsmen and I was a bridesmaid!
It was so fun to dress up and be part of the wedding party! Oh Xanna made all the skirts too!

Instead of doing a sign-in book they did a sign in quilt. Isn't it beautiful? My amazing mother-in-law made it for them and it couldn't have turned out better!

Clay and I were in charge of sitting at the quilt, and welcoming guests. Woo hoo! We rocked our job!

We also got to hangout with these little cutie pies all night that we don't get to see very often!

It is so fun having Rulon, Lori, and their kids in town!

We are so lucky to have the cutest niece and nephews in the whole wide world! We adore them!

(I was never able to get a picture of Asher! He was running around the whole time!)

Cute little Sage played with me all night! She is so darling and was the most beautiful flower girl!

The wedding couldn't have been any more perfect!

It was fun to spend the day with the people we love to celebrate the marriage of Xanna and Jason!

We are so excited to have Jason in our family and can't wait to keep getting to know him!

Now the newlyweds are honeymooning in Mexico and it is time for us to get back into real life.

Here is a video of Kelton and Claymore pretending they are elephants with their ties! Haha cute!

They adore Claymore it is darling!

Steven's Official Hump Day

2011-06-02T07:59:00.001-06:00

Can you believe that it is already Steven's Hump Day on his mission!

One year ago today we spent the morning together as a family for the last time in two years and we dropped Steven off at the MTC.

Now he has been traveling all around Hungary for the last 9 months dilligently serving his mission and his Heavenly Father.

Steven is now serving in the big city and is finally a senior companion.

He loves his mission and is working hard everyday to be the best missionary he can be!

We are so greatful for him, for his service, and for all the work he is doing daily.

In just about another year we will get to see him again and travel around Hungary!

We can't wait!

Happy Hump Day Elder Jackson!

P.S. Remember you can get weekly updates from Elder Jackson on his mission blog HERE!

Our Weekend In St. George And Playing Catch Up

2011-05-31T16:56:00.002-06:00

Well as always life around here has been busy and crazy with a family wedding around the corner, school ending in 3 weeks and the big LSAT next week! Needless to say we have been working and studying very hard. Amid all the craziness we were able to enjoy the weekend in St. George for our annual Jackson/Kevern/Ballard Memorial Day getaway! It was wonderful, relaxing, and just the boost I needed to end things around here with a bang! Sadly, this weekend I did not take one. single. picture. So hopefully this post isn't too boring with no pictures to look at. This year we did not stay in Green Valley but in some new condos in Hurricane. They were amazing, new, nice, and best of all, not crowded at all! Unfortunately due to my awful class schedule Clay and I were not able to leave for St. George until Friday night while everyone else got there Thursday afternoon. So we missed shopping in St. George.

We left Provo around 4 on Friday evening, bundled up, and eating Gandolpho sandwiches. We got there around 8. The weather was amazing, I was actually warm. My family greeted up and we spent the night chatting on the patio and going hot tubing. We headed to bed early.

On Saturday we spent the morning relaxing. We went to Joanns for their Memorial Day sales and scored big time on my cute fabric and pattern for my little girls dress. We relaxed more, had lunch at Bajio and then all the girls got pedicures, yes it was amazing. All the while Claymore was studying for the LSAT and went to lunch with his grandparents who were in town. When he got back we spent the afternoon at the pool and ended the night with dinner at Chilis as a family. We came back spent the night chatting, playing games, and watching movies.

Again, Sunday was extremely relaxing. We randomly had some Koreans staying at our condo from my dad's singles ward. So we spent the morning eating a good breakfast and talking with them. It was a cold and windy day and no one really wanted to be outside so we spent the day in. We went to church in the afternoon and then headed to Hurricane to show Clay some of the family sites/houses/cemetery. After a good long drive we came home to a BBQ and Sunday naps. After we woke up we ate a quick dinner and Clay and I went to Ivins to go visit Grandma and Grandpa Bartlett and Aunt Gail. We had a lovely conversation around the dinner table talking about their family history. Gail was beautiful and reminded me of my Grandma Jackson. We headed back to Hurricane and ended the night with games and went to bed.

On Memorial day, Monday, we had to check out at 11. Clay and I decided to stay a little longer and spend some time at the pool. It was wonderful weather and everyone was going on so we were basically the only ones there. After a couple hours at the pool, we showered and ate lunch at the Pizza Factory. We then ran a couple errands where I finally found shoes for the wedding! After that we were on the road headed home, sad to leave the beautiful sunny weather and come back to the cold and the rain. We made it home in great time and spent the night unpacking, and watching a movie together. We had a wonderful little vacation, it was a fast, but a much needed family getaway. We loved spending time with the family, seeing Kelsey, meeting Chris, relaxing, and catching some rays. We are already excited for our next St. George vacation this summer.

Well enough about that, in some other news as mentioned about this is a big week for us. Xanna and Jason are finally getting married this Friday! We are so excited for them and so excited to be part of the wedding! It will be so fun to see them start their life together as husband and wife! We are also excited to get to spend time with Rulon, Lori, and our cute little nephews and niece! Although it will be lots of fun, we still have the biggest test of Claymore's life on Monday which he will be studying non-stop for until Monday. I wish I could help him...we are looking forward to getting one step closer to knowing our future.

We are still house hunting with what seems to be no success. I want a house/duplex so bad. Something nice, and in a good neighborhood with a good ward. So far everything is not available for August or is out of our price range. It is frustrating spending hours searching for something with no luck in return but hopefully things will start to pop up for August and we will find something wonderful. Keep us in mind if you see something.

I can also admit that one reason to my lack of blogging is because I did cave in and join Pinterest...it is probably not a good idea seeing as how much time I already spend on it but my imagination and list of things to do/want to do/want has tripled in size. It is an amazing site with so many wonderful/creative things out there that you can do on your own. Check out my page and if you have Pinterest I would love to follow you!

Things in my sewing class are moving right along, quicker than I would like at times but I can't believe how fast time is going. I am almost done with my men's shirt and I must say I think it looks great. I hope Claymore will like it, wear it, and appreciate how much of my life I have dedicated to this project. It has been great but I don't think I will make a habit out of making Clay dress shirts...its much easier to just buy them. I am getting more and more excited to start on my little girl's dress next week. I haven't decided if I will keep it or give it away yet but I am excited to see how it turns out!

Well I feel like I have done a lot of rambling. All in all we had a wonderful weekend in St. George and are getting so excited to see the WHOLE Hardman family this weekend at the wedding! Also in three weeks, do you realize that I will be done with college...like forever...how exciting is that?! It is getting more real by the minute I can't wait! I am looking forward to a new chapter in my life.

P.S. Pray for Claymore!

Homemade Brownies

2011-05-26T19:27:00.001-06:00

Ridiculous sounding right? I mean a box of brownies are only .99 at the store...

Wrong.

Homemade brownies are so much better and are ridiculously easy to make!

My mom always said there is no need to buy boxed brownies when you can make them from scratch.

So I grew up making this brownie recipe with my mom, and we think they are the best.

I made them tonight and they are wonderful, so I thought I would share the recipe!

One Bowl Brownies

1 1/2 sticks butter

4 squares Bakers Unsweetened Chocolate

2 cups sugar

3 eggs

1 tsp. vanilla

1 cup flour

nuts or chocolate chips (optional)

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. In the microwave melt butter and chocolate together for 2 minutes. Stir until chocolate is completely melted. Add sugar, eggs, and vanilla, mix together well. Stir in flour, nuts and chocolate chips, mix together. Pour into a foil lined and greased glass 9x13 pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes. Enjoy!

Easy right?! And so delicious! You have to give them a try!