A New Chapter

Eastern Idaho was home to Marshall and I for about the last 7 years, and for Kade his entire life. When Marshall and I first got married the plan was always to someday try to make it back to Washington if we could, but we tried to not jinx ourselves by over thinking or talking about it. But every time I would go home to visit my family the over thinking and talking about it would come back. Then it would fade and essentially became this cycle of I want to live in Washington so bad then to but I love my life in Idaho. Yeah I'm cray cray I know. In the back of my head I honestly thought we were going to live in Idaho forever. I just felt like that was what was going to happen and that I needed to accept that Washington just might not be in our future. I came to accepted that and was happy!

Then life happens. After submitting many applications to this company Marshall has wanted to work for a couple of years they offer him a job. We were both in such shock that we both just literally sat on the couch for almost a half hour without speaking. Then Marshall was instantly psyched for it and ready to go. While I was sitting on the couch trying to hold back tears. All of sudden this 7 year long life in Idaho was going to be horribly hard to leave. Idaho was where we both graduated from college, fell in love, started our careers, semi-fully became grown ups, had our first child, and grew up more as people than any other time period in our lives. What was wrong with me? This is what I wanted our entire married life. To move closer to my family. Have Marshall have a job that he will love and can grow in. Why is change so ridiculously hard?

I never really intended on having Marshall not take the job offer but it did cross my mind. The idea of it all was just harder than I expected. We ended up saying goodbye to our life in Idaho three short weeks later. Both Marshall and I worked up until the last few days before the big move. Those three weeks went by too fast and not fast enough all at once. Southeast Idaho will always hold such a special place in our hearts. It holds many memories very dear to me. I'm sure that his new chapter in our lives will prove to be just as important as the last. While talking with a friend a few days before leaving I was telling her that one of my favorite quotes is roughly if your not moving forward your moving backwards. Moving to Washington is moving forward for our family. I am so excited(most of the time) that we made this decision and have been given this oppurtunity. So I'm going to try to take my own advice. Here is to embracing the new, change, and growth.

Birthdays, Randoms, and Marriage

As most of you all know if you read my blog, are friends with Marshall on facebook, follow of any Marshall's social media accounts, or have met and talked with him for more than two minutes he loves the Bulls and he loves loves loves Derrick Rose. Derrick's birthday was the beginning of this month, and last year Marshall begged for the two of us to celebrate his birthday and we did so now I guess it is tradition because we did this year as well. Last year we made red velvet cinnamon rolls(obviously because they look like Roses and are red for the Bulls), but this year Marshall wanted something a little bit more traditional Triple Chocolate Cake(Marshall calls is Holy Jesus Experience). So I made cake and we celebrated Derrick Rose's 25th birthday. Now I know to some of you this may sound so absurd or crazy, but I think its little things like this that make marriages and relationship awesome. Did I know really anything about basketball, the Bulls, or Derrick Rose before I met Marshall. No, I most certainly did not but its important to him, and so I respect that in his life and listen. Marriage and relationships are all about give and take. Marshall didn't know anything about sewing, crafts, the Kardashians or cooking before he met me, and now he does because he knows its important to me. I have always known that marriage and relationships are about working with and respecting each other, but I guess that I'm realizing its the little things that make it that much better like me making a cake once a year to celebrate an important day for Marshall, or Marshall giving his opinion about the dress I'm sewing or who just got kicked off of Project Runway. Happy belated birthday Derrick Rose and Happy relationships to everyone!

 

 

Aunt Nancy and Uncle Marshall

My sister Betsy and her family came and visit us Idaho this weekend. It was so much fun to spend time with them. We went to the movies, had a fashion show, ate good food, and played till we couldn't play anymore. I love being an Aunt, and Marshall loves being an uncle. I don't think there are many titles or roles better than it!

 

a few of the highlights:

-tanner putting out the forest fire. it was a big one!

-having Ella sit on my lap for the entire movie. i felt so loved.

-listening to Soffie talk to her food. it is the cutest thing ever.

-making chocolate sundae dog piles on the trampoline. i was usually the ice cream.

-doing tricks with Kinsley on the trampoline. we both won trophies.

-tanner showing us his work out routine. he hammers his fist to work out:)

^^ Is he not the most handsome fire man you have ever seen?!?! ^^

Happy Mother's Day

Mom,

             You are seriously the best! You are one of my best friends, and I don't know what I would do without you. I don't know if I have ever met someone with so much love to give. You know how to make everyone feel loved, heard, understood, and taken care of. I just hope that someday I can be half as good of a mom as you have been to me. I love you to the moon and back Mom! Happy Mother's Day from your most favorite and beloved daughter!

Nancy

  Mother!

              Thank you for everything that you have done for me. I couldn't be where I am or who I am without you and your support. You have always been my number one fan ( I guess that's where I get my obsession for being Derrick Rose's biggest fan from, you taught me well). You have been such a great mom for both me and Miles, and its obvious to everyone around you. I love that your kids are such a big deal to you, and you are a big deal to us( I'll say it for Miles). You are such a down to earth, strong woman, and I hope you always remember that in whatever endeavor you pursue. I know I'm no big  time athlete but If I were you know I would thank you first when I won the MVP award, or say "Hi Mom!" to the camera after scoring a touchdown. But even in life we can still score metaphoric touchdowns and get awards and this is my chance to say " HI Mom and thank you, I love you so much!" Love you bigger than the temple!

Marshall



More Than Stepping Stones

Knowledge will be a stepping stone towards a successful life, but experience is the road to it. 

Lately, I have caught myself jumping ahead in life a little more than I would like. I need to live and enjoy the moment. I have been so focused and worried about exactly when Marshall is going to graduate, when I am going to get my promotion at work, when we are going to try and start a family, when Marshall will have a career, when we will be able to buy a house, and the list just goes on and on and on. Yes, I need to be prepared for the future, but I need to enjoy my life. I catch myself saying I can't wait till our life hits this or this or this point. I need to stop feeling that way, because if I don't I will always be looking ahead for satisfaction. Life is good where I am at now, and I need to remember that. I need to experience everything that life has to offer. Life is more than stepping stones to get to our destination, it is the experiences that get us to our destination.

The Birthday Girl

We were lucky enough to be invited to our niece Kinsley's Birthday Party. She turned the big 4! It was such a good day just spent with family and having fun!

Some of our favorite things about Kinsley

-your british accent with a lisp. cutest thing ever

-how much you absolutely love cats

-the way that you can't say ice cream, because you have to scream it because you just love it so much

-when you hug us so hard you crush our bones

-your facial expressions. they seriously are the best

-all of your awesome nicknames you make for marshall (marshall darshall farshall carshall padarshall tarshall)

Kinsley we just love you! 

^^In the words of Kinsley, "I am going to tackle you!"^^

^^there is almost too much cuteness in this picture to handle^^

Valentines Day Garland Tutorial

It is crazy to me that soon enough it will be the middle of January, then February, and finally Valentines Day. Time just flies by sometimes. I have never been a big Valentines Day person, but since being married it has slowly grown on me a little bit. I do love being spoiled though, and  Valentines Day is all about being spoiled and spoiling LOL. I guess its about love too and love is a really good thing.  I have just really been obsessed with door decorations lately whether  its a wreath, garland, simple hanging, or what not. So, I decided to make a garland for Valentines Day this year. It is really simple, but I absolutely love it. I hope you guys do too.

Valentines Day Garland 

Here's What you'll need:

-felt (colors of your choice)

-an old book or sheet music

- a sharpie or pen

- scissors

-thread

-sewing machine

Step One: Either draw, print, or trace the shape of a heart, and cut out to trace.

Step Two: Using the sharpie or pen trace the heart onto the felt and pages from the old book.

Step Three: Cut out all of the hearts. Be sure to stay just inside the sharpie or pen line so it is not visible.

Step Four: Starting 1/3 down for the top of the heart sew across the heart with sewing
machine slowly adding one heart at a time(I did a pattern, but random or one solid color work too).

Step Five: Hang your garland, and enjoy the view!

Janet and Nick's Wedding

Oh I just love weddings! My sister Janet got married this last month, and yes I know I am barely posting about it. It was so much fun to be home with most of our family, and nice to have a small break from everyday life. Janet looked absolutely beautiful like she always does, and it was just a wonderful ceremony and reception.

Movie Night

It doesn't get much better than movies, ice cream, soda, and rolos. And on top of all that getting to watch those movies with my hubby.

The Drive In

We went to the drive in movie theater this last weekend with some friends, and it was a blast. The movie theater here in Rexburg is always a double feature, and the first movie didn't start till 9. So, it makes for a pretty late night. But guess what? I actually stayed awake the whole time. I'm usually the grandma of the group who goes to bed by 10, but not this time. I think Marshall was completely shocked and pretty impressed. It was a good night with good friends, good food, and good movies.

  (By the time I remembered to take pics of us it 

was too dark, oh well. Oh and the Drive In was on our summer fun list!)

KK & MM

We spent this last weekend at my brothers house with his family and my Mom. It was such a great weekend. Marshall and Kinsley(our niece) have always had a special bond. They constantly tease each other, wrestle, play, and have several nicknames(most of Kinsley's for Marshall are made up words) for each other. But as much as they tease they really do love each other, and they are very entertaining together.

A few of their conversations

(Kinsley has a british accent with a lisp... so keep in mind while reading)

Marshall: "Kinsley I need to tell you something"

Kinsley: "What Marshall?"

Marshall: "I love you!"

Kinsley: "I love you Marshall! But your crazy!" 

Marshall: "Kinsley your a silly goose"

Kinsley: "And your a stinker Marshall. Marshall the stinker!" 

Our New Niece

Her name is Adeline. She is as sweet as can be. Always adorable. Super cuddly. The most precious. She steals everyone's heart. And is absolutely perfect. Oh we just love her.

Reminiscing

Last night I was wasting time on the internet as usual when I ended up at my dear friends' blog(yes you AshLynn). I was looking through some of her old posts when I came across one about our beloved Taco Nights. Taco Nights started almost a year and a half ago, and sadly ended this last April. Our group grew apart. AshLynn is beautiful as ever and home for the summer. Matt L. is a college graduate traveling the world. Matt J. is home working, and getting ready to get married(so excited for you). Then it just leaves Marshall and me. Someday we will get Taco Night back, and it will be just like old times. Old times are the best.

Pictures of our last Taco Night courtesy of AshLynn(http://itsadeerworld.blogspot.com/)

Bear World

Marshall and I have been wanting to go to Bear World for a while now, and so when Marshall's little brother, Miles, decided to come up and visit us for the weekend it was perfect timing. Plus it was on our Summer Fun 2012 bucket list, now we have one down and nine to go. Bear World is truly awesome! We saw deer,  elk(even an albino elk), buffalo, wolves, and tons of bears in the drive through portion. After driving through we went to the petting zoo area, and get to see bear cubs up close(pretty much the cutest things ever), pet deer, and see the fattest pig ever. Oh, what a great day!