Visits

What a lovely couple of months this has been. Two of my very dear sisters came to see me and N. and our cute little apartment! With L., we worked and slaved over a successful Thanksgiving dinner, shopped 'til we dropped at the mall on Black Friday, went to the Zoo, and got to visit our sweet grandmother. With M., we got to go camping on the beach where we reset our hearts to the rhythm of the ocean waves, we shopped 'til we dropped at Ikea, and I got to see all her pics from Sweden! What an experience! I sure wish I had internet access at home so I could post some more pics of all our adventures. You'll have to ask if you want more details, unfortunately... Time to get back to work!

More on M.'s subject of Dinner Parties

I don't think I've been to a dinner party that sounds as much fun as M.'s. We did go to dinner last night at C.'s house, though (my Freshman roomie). I haven't seen her for 5 years, and it was fun to catch up. We got to meet her hubby and eat lasagna. Turns out her husband, served in Brazil and was excited to talk about it. We've got it all planned out how we'll tavel together to Rio, then Sao Paulo, and finally to Campo Grande and the Iguacu falls. We figured our schedules were pretty much booked because of the Holidays, but sometime next year we can probably fit it in :) We're SO excited now for L. and Fam to join us for Thanksgiving!! Details to follow...

6 Months

It's official! N. and I have been married 6 months today! We can't believe how fast time has passed. We haven't done much (if anything) to celebrate the last 5 "month" anniversaries, and probably wont do much to celebrate this one. Still, it was fun to get a call this morning after N. had left for the hospital just to hear him say, "Happy Anniversary!" He never reads this blog, anyway, so I don't mind sharing - I just might make him some cookies before he gets home tonight to surprise him! So fun. This is great!

Pretty Tricky

We're not allowed to wear jeans to work. It makes life pretty lame, but I'm learning to deal with it. Today being Halloween we were allowed to wear a costume. Jeans are my costume. And pigtails. Ha. :)

Grapefruit Trees!

Grapefruit Trees!
Originally uploaded by kjcard.

Our sweet little babies... We've grown them from seeds! There are three of them... Our other babies, Piggly and Wiggly were given a burial at sea last week. They departed this world two days apart. I'm afraid their bowl became a little too toxic for them... Poor babies. We miss them! But these little trees are sure cute!

Our new computer

Our new computer!
Originally uploaded by kjcard.

We got a sweet new setup... 24 inch monitor... Dell something or other... We really needed it so we can both do our homework at the same time. The fact that Age of Empires III was coming out and needed the most up-to-date system to run didn't have ANYTHING to do with it, of course. The fact that it was on our computer the day it was released doesn't mean anything, either. It really was for me. Really! It was my birthday present! Um... N.? Can I have a turn??

Winning Pumpkins

Winning Pumpkins
Originally uploaded by kjcard.

We won! The LDSSA (Latter-day Saint Student Association) at WesternU held their annual Halloween party last night. We were bribed with prizes so people dressed up and brought carved pumpkins for contests. All the little kids were so cute! There was everything from Bam-Bam to Darth Vader and Luke to an I-POD and a 3 foot high wig! We, of course, won the pumpkin carving contest! We won a little card game called SWAP. Our hard work sure paid off! The pumpkins from the two year old and six year old we were up against didn't stand a chance! Ha... We had sloppy joes, decorated cookies, had caramel apples, and everything! It was quite the shin-dig. It's fun to have such a big bunch of good LDS families to hang out with! Please admire our pumpkins. Really.

Happy Birthday to ME!

And what a happy birthday it was, at that. I got to play "Hot and Cold" before we left for work to find my birthday card. N. had made it by hand - so sweet. My boss bought me a doughnut on the way to work, and gave me a bundt pan and a rolling pin - two things I had bemoaned not having during earlier baking adventures. She's such a sweetheart! When I got to my office, I had to wait outside as there was a sign that read, "No Birthday Girls allowed (yet)." After a few minutes, I was ushered toward my corner that was bursting with color and confetti! Streamers were hanging all over and the admissions committee will be wondering why all the files A-K are full of glitter and confetti! Such a fun surprise! It really lightens up this dark corner, and makes it a fun place to be. My sweet co-worker K. did it for me. For dinner we went to Buca di Bepo's and wandered around the shopping center enjoying the warm evening. Afterwards, I was so tickled to open some fun packages - always exciting! N. got me Rumikub! I had been eyeing it for a while. We've already played it 6 or 7 times. So fun! The best was getting to chat with everyone throughout the day. It's always so nice to be remembered! It's N.'s birthday on Oct. 5th, so I've got some surprises in line for him. He wants to eat fish... keep me posted on any good halibut recipes you've got!

Visitors!

We had a fabulous time with L. and J. and their two bobby socks! It was little K.'s first time at the beach, and she really enjoyed the sand! Little I. was just happy to have somone hold him and flirt with him once in a while. It's so fun to see his mom get him to smile and laugh. He sure responds to her attention! L. and I got some baby clothes shopping in and only accomplished the whetting of our appetites for more! We took tons of pics - coming soon! We miss M. and wish we could call her in far away Sweden!! We're sure she's having a blast, though... lucky ducky!

Alas, I repent!

I repent, I repent, already!! Sheesh... I've been avoiding blogging because I'm trying to get some stuff together for the Biz. Mom wants a whole page, so I've got to scrimp and save to get that type of quantity! Well... I got my new tooth, and it was uneventful - I signed up for more classes at BYU, but I'll say more in the buzz. We're going to get a new computer for our birthdays - it is really needed, especially now that I need to write papers for my classes. We're in the research process, now, which is fun - especially for N.! He lost is PDA/phone at the hospital the other day (it was stolen, really...) :( Fortunately, it was insured. We're still hoping it will turn up. I repotted all of my babies this week in the most beautiful pots - I don't have a way to upload pics very easily, but I will when I get the chance! N. needs to do some research online in the next couple of days, which means that chance will be coming shortly. Guess who's birthday is coming up next? I.'s!!

Outh! My Toooth!

I hate the dentist. I never hated the dentist before. Maybe it's because I never had anything wrong with my teeth before. N. and I went to the dentist now that I've got the insurance for it through work. It had been 6 months for me, two years for him. I walk in feeling fine, and walk out with a $400 charge, two fillings and a crown! The dentist was amazed I wasn't in agony. What the HECK?!? And N.? Not a care in the world... Not that I would wish this on him, though! I'm just jealous... Oh. And I'm teaching the Sunbeams (3-4 yrs old) at church. N. get's the 15-16 yr olds. Maybe there is justice in this world. Maybe not... We'll see :)

Thoughtless Thoughts

I'm only writing today because M. tells me to. It may be telepathically or something, but the message comes through one way or another! I guess my problem is that I can't think of anything to write. This comes from my habbit of not thinking. I tend towards events in my blog, which doesn't make it very interesting if nothing is happening. I guess the only exciting thing happening lately is that N. and I went to Target and got some planting pots for my babies. I'll post pics of the pretty pots as soon as possible! Oh - Piggley and Wiggley are doing fine. They say "Hi (glub glub)."

BOM Challenge

In response to S.'s questions: We Three (and Mom) are reading the BOM by October, or something... I can't remember the exact date. I guess L.'s YW class was given the challenge, so L. gets to (has to :) do it herself. M. and I thought we'd join in the fun. I get to read 60 pages on Sunday because I'm working full time and doing independant study school so that doesn't leave me a whole lot of time in the evenings. Anyway, M. only THINKS she's beating me! Little does she know... bwa ha haa....

Sweltering Days in Vegas

Oh, I love my June Bug Babies! Little I. stole my heart once more as I was given the gift of getting to hold him through church. Such a privilege! It was so much fun to be with family again. K., of course, made everyone's day with her little pout and funny antics. The best part was playing with mith and m'dear sisters. There's nothing like family to put life back into perspective and give it a bit of spice! And M. - I promise I'll be good! :) You can count on it! I finished chapter 1 already - how about you??

Pioneer Day in Delta

The ward thinks we're inactive - two weeks away, and they're wondering where we've been! Family has a way to congregate in the summertime and there's just no way around it. Last weekend it was a whirlwind of a trip to Delta where the whole clan (grandparents, siblings, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, first-fifth cousins...) got together for a huge family reunion. We had an "Our Family Only" day at the reservoir with a boat, a couple of jet skis, inner tubes, and a ton of kids to keep an eye on. N. got to learn how to drive a boat and had a blast pulling everyone on the inner tube. I made the mistake of joining the 14 year old boys on their ride (they really wanted some extra weight so the tube wouldn't flip over!). Oh BOY was it a ride, but I was sore for quite a few days! My attempts at waterskiing behind a jet ski were a joke, but I'll try it again someday. I can't remember anyone's name, but we made some family friends and look forward to another reunion soon!

2 Beached Whales :D

2 Beached Whales :D
Originally uploaded by kjcard.

Here is a taste of the long awaited pics! Cute hats, huh?

I Am A Gypsy

I'm glad M. could see my potential! Thanks, M.! My gypsy wanderings have been halted for a while - just until I can get that swing back in my step. Two nasty high speed falls on rollerblades can do some damage to one's swing. I don't have to sit on a pillow anymore at work, now, so that's improvement. It helps having an Osteopath for a caravan driver. My whiplash didn't last long with him around. We spoke in church today. I always wanted to be the cute new family that got to tell how they met. It went really well - look for highlites in the Biz n' Buz!

Quite the Weekend

It was a wild weekend for N. and I! We figure we have to take advantage of the days we have off and really live it up. We wont be living in So Cal forever, so we've decided to enjoy the opportunity while we have it. Saturday was a slow trip through traffic down to Mexico and a little city called Tijuana! We found a convienient place to park in the States and a bus that would take us in for a good price. We walked our legs off all over the tourist parts of the city and haggled our way into some very good deals. It was quite the adventure for me, who had never haggled for anything before. I mostly took a back seat and watched the master! N. was amazing - and everyone went away happy, for the most part. It's a shame we wont be back for a while because some of the people were so nice and friendly - I would have liked to make friends with some of them. We ended up with a beautiful clay pot, a pair of beautiful blue earings, a leather wallet, and four very sore legs the next day. Sunday was a blessed day of rest! Monday, however, it was on the road again as we headed for the beach in Santa Monica. We got up early so we could get the free parking and just slept in the car until the sun was warmer. We bought cool beach hats and walked ourselves silly once more. Up and down the beach we went, from Santa Monica to Venice and Muscle beach and back again. There were all sorts of street shops and performers and we had a blast! The ocean was fun to play in and the sun felt so good. What a fun couple we are turning out to be!!

It's all about the bandana in the wilderness

DSC00438
Originally uploaded by kjcard.

I worked hard to make sure my attire was appropriate. Dang, I'm good at looking like I know what I'm doing! This was my first backpacking trip, my first time rappeling, and my first time drinking boiled stream water. (The doctors tests are still out... so far, no signs of infection... we appreciate your prayers).

Skunk Cabbage Meadow

DSC00414
Originally uploaded by kjcard.

We stayed in Skunk Cabbage Meadow and hiked about 11 miles or so throughout the three days. We were really glad we've been running together 3 times a week to train for it!

Rappeling in Boulder Basin

DSC00463
Originally uploaded by kjcard.

We had such a blast last weekend in San Jacinto and Boulder Basin! We backpacked it for three days, and threw in some rappeling in the end. It was quite the adventure. The Biz n' Buz reserved my most interesting tidbits of information, so I'm afraid a bare outline of our exciting adventues will have to do to quench your thirst. Aren't I a cute mountain climber?

Hopalong!

I got a job! I'm working at N.'s school doing data entry for admissions. The people are really friendly. I had to pick a nickname from a list - You can call me "Hopalong!" I'm a working fool, now, so call me in the evenings! Please!!!

Honeymooners

Honeymooners
Originally uploaded by kjcard.

I'm not sure anyone else has a copy of the few pics we took in BC - We were walking down "Lover's Lane" in Stanley Park. (Hey, no rolling your eyes allowed! It's CUTE, ok?!)

Cute Couple

Cute Couple
Originally uploaded by kjcard.

Here's a taste of the photos to come - ah, amor...

Girlfriends are Nice

Knott's Berry Farm, it turns out, is not solely interested in the making of jams and jellies. Boy, was THAT a shock, as I came screaming and flayling down the craziest, wildest rollercoasters around! While N. studied away (good boy!) I got to runnoft with some friends A. and C. to play a bit. A. won some tickets on the radio, and thought I might enjoy the change of scenery. We were there for a total of about 5 hours and managed to get in 5 rides. One each on the "Silver Bullet," the "X-elerator," the "Ultimate Scream Machine," and twice on the "Ghost Rider." It was GREAT! and I was told the lines weren't bad. The worst was for Ghost Rider, where we had to wait in line an hour each time. We entertained ourselves with "If I lived on land or see..," "Telephone," and other silly games. I love being married and having a best friend. It is awful nice to have girlfriends, though.

So Fun!!

We spent all day at the BEACH yesterday!!! SO fun! It was very windy and we brought tons of sand home with us. It was my first time actually swimming in the ocean and playing with the waves. It was GREAT! A little frightening, but N. stayed close and taught me the ropes. Pretty spiffy. We got a little sun, and enjoyed a picnic lunch. I took pics, but they were on a film camera, so it will take a while before they get developed and scanned and all that. On our way home, we happened to pass by an R.E.I., so we couldn't help but stop in. That's where N. bought me a wedding pressent!! A brand new R.E.I. sleeping bag, foam pad, and air mattress! Yeah! I've never had my very own, so I'm very excited. We're planning on camping all summer long. Sweeet!

Meatloaf for dinner!

So, since I can't be as funny as M., I won't even try. I will, however, allow you all the pleasure of joining me in my cooking adventures! (And other such nonsense...) I made meatloaf last night! I called mom for a recipe, and though I had only half the ingredients, it turned out great. N. said it was the greatest thing I've made so far, which has me wondering about the quality of my previous concoctions. Still, my taste buds confirmed its edibility and that makes it lunch today, as well. It took me about 40 minutes to make from start to prayer time. I'm still slow at it, though, so I figure with practice, I'll be able to whip things together a lot faster. I don't have the recipe with me, but here's what I remember:

1/2 cup ketchup (I only had canned tomato sauce)
2 T Worcestershire Sauce (I had none, so I added some dashes of pepper)
2 Large eggs
1/2 tsp salt (mix all this together, then add...)
1 lb hamburger
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup quick oats (I added a little more of most everything, because I really added 1.3 lb hamburger!)
2 T minced garlic
Parsley and Thyme were recommended, but I didn't have any. So, I tossed in some garlic herb seasoning I had.

Then, on a cookie sheet with a lip around it, I put 4 loafs about 5 inches long each on a piece of tin foil. I poured the remaining tomato sauce over them and topped them with a little cheese. I served it with corn, some leftover salad, and raspberry jell-o with banana and pineapple! The jell-o was by FAR the tastiest thing there, but N. said he liked the meatloaf best. "Haven't I caught myself a fine husband?" as Lydia would say. :)

So there you have it folks! And the fun and adventures have only just begun...