I finally get to do a quick catch up! Not tons of pictures, just one here and there to show what went on when I was MIA for a while. Hopefully I'm back.
Jon and I went to a friends wedding in October. I wore these totally awesome, totally cute shoes. The toe went to a point and they had a huge buckle across the toe. I love those shoes! The only down side is they are a little big. So I have to walk slow to keep them on. Seems easy enough. Until you have a husband dragging you into a temple with marble floors and can hear the clank of the heel miles away. So Jon kept telling me all morning how much he hated those heels. How he needed to fix this. Right... I just ignored him. After the sealing Jon and I traveled home and sat around for a bit to wait for the luncheon which was back here in the valley. When it came time to go I looked EVERYWHERE for those shoes!! When I asked Jon if he had seen them, he said he took care of them... ??? What? So I went out to the dumpster...



I left them there.. If he hated them that bad I can always buy new!!
These are our pumpkins from way back! Jon wanted to paint this year. I thought it was tons of fun and they turned out pretty awesome. I loved the glitter pumpkins on the end!


On the first big snow storm Jon and I happened to be out working on the house. I kept having to hunker down in the garage in front of the heater to warm up. You can't see the snow but believe me, it was coming down!!




Here you can see the snow on the roof across the street. Crazy cold!!


Jon was in the middle of it the whole time trying to get the tent built on the house so we could rock. He was up to his knees in mud by the time we went home.



- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Quick Post...

I have had a few (to many) people tell me I need to update the blog. That tells me that I really am slacking. I feel like I say this every time I post, so my new goal is to keep you all up to date much more than I have been. How am I going to do this? I finally broke down and installed the blogger app for my phone. I really didn't want to be one of those people blogging every picture they take from their phone. But if this is what I have to do to keep you all informed, then I'll take one for the team! Nobody can accuse me of not being a team player now!!!
Anyway, this picture still makes me giggle. We had to find a way to basically move a whole house to get it level. Good ole man power wasn't working, so we went to good ole Jeep power!!! (insert aww, and a small tear in Jr's left eye) it worked though!!


And here is a totally out of date pic of the house, I'll post more as soon as I take more. And it's not a lie, remember the app?


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Some Traditons Never Die... And I'm Glad They Don't

Any person who in some way or other came from the family of Jean Reeder will know exactly what these mean to me.

But for those of you who don't, let me do a little explaining first. My Grandma Jean Reeder past away years ago. She was an English woman who never quite let go of her proper English ways. Which, I think, is only ONE of the MANY things we all miss about her.
I remember sitting in a chair at her kitchen table, watching her shell peas from her garden into a big bowl.
I remember playing under the big willow tree in her front yard, while she sat on the front porch.
I remember her shaking her head and giving a tiny smile when anyone said the word "fart", She always preferred the word "stinker".
I remember she always asked, and waited politely for a kiss before you left her house.
I remember when she lost her leg to diabetes, she never complained.
I remember the one and only moment I saw her let go of her proper ways. I was teasing her, and making her laugh about never having to find a matching sock again. And she quietly picked up the reach and grab tool (you know the ones with the claws on the end to pick things up without bending over) reached over and pinched my boob with it. Then laughed very hard at herself while I sat in shock.
I remember the last day I saw her alive. She was in the nursing home sick. And couldn't even speak to me. I couldn't kiss her goodbye. That was the only time I had ever left her and not kissed her goodbye.
I remember how much I regretted that, and still do to this day.
But one thing I remember most is how much she loved Christmas.
Over the years she made every single person in the family a stocking for Christmas. The girls were always done in white and red, and boys in white and green. I realized how much I missed this when I married Jon. Only I had one of Grandma Reeders stockings to hang. He didn't. I was so excited when it started floating around that there was a little old woman making them out of state. I have never met her, but I picture a cute little old woman much like my grandmother. I hope she knows what she has brought back for me. When I got them in the mail it was like getting stockings right from Grandma Reeder again. They look exactly like what she used to make. AND I L.O.V.E. THEM!!!

House Update

I keep getting told I need to get new pictures of the house up. So before I forget, get behind and the pictures get lost in the big black hole that is the digital world of saved images. Here we go.



Not much has been going on.. We have just been trying to get the roof done. So these don't change a whole lot.



But I have to say.. It does feel good to be this far along!

Dreams, And Roof Top Dinners...

The house is coming along.. I actually have some new pictures that I want to get on here but I want to take a couple more of the progress. I'm thinking tomorrow will be the day to get that done. We have been doing the roof the last couple of days, Last night Jon and I had dinner on the roof. It was actually a lot of fun. You know the norm.. Just chillin on the roof.. having some Mickey-Dees. Not my top choice but for a nice sunset dinner on a roof top but definatley not the worst thing, my cheeseburger happy meal was very much enjoyed!!

The other day Jon and I FINALLY had a morning to sleep in together. We haven't had a day off together in who knows how long! Anyway.. I woke up and told Jon that I had had a dream that night.. He in turn said "HEY me too!!"
He then told me to tell him what my dream was about.
So I went on saying how we were getting married and we were so happy. Blah blah blah... Oh and you know how dreams are totally weird and ANYTHING can happen.. so I also told him how a devilishly immodest lady friend showed up asking for him.. (dont worry it was my dream... He just rolled his eyes)Then it was back to the good parts and all wedding bells again.. Don't ask me where the chick came from for those two seconds. My dream was all warm and fuzzies.. aww....
Then I turned to Jon and asked him what his dream was.. I was sure his was cute too..
He just looked at me smiled and said....
.......... In my dream I came home and you had bought comcast and I could watch football all I wanted..

Nice.....


Love him..

Busy... Busy.. House Busy...

I have been so behind with my blogging skillz (like the Z?) Not so much my skillz, but blogging period. Jon and I have been so busy (title ringing a bell?) with the house. We are out at the house four days a week, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from four to nine thirty. Then here is the mack daddy of work days... We are out there on Saturdays from seven in the bright and early AM to seven in the PM. So much has been done though!! I can't believe how much we have been able to get done! I have to much to catch all of you up on. So here we go!!

This is out little dug lot... Everyone together.. Awww..



Here is Jon standing in the middle of our footings.



Okay maybe this one is a bigger AwWwwWWw.... Jon wrote his name in the footings, even though he knew it would be covered and never seen again. He was just happy to know it's there.



Our foundation...



Our filled foundation.. Yes its different... THERE'S DIRT IN IT!!



The first wall to be put up.. I'm not going to lie, it was pretty exciting!



And now out house has the exterior all framed... YAY!





More has been done, I need to take more pictures.. So hopefully I will have a little more to share soon!

Finally...

I usually don't like to post really small posts.. BUT!! Last night Jon and I found out this next Wednesday.. YES this next Wednesday, 21st of July we go stake out our home! What does this mean? It means we will break ground Thursday or Friday!!!! (but just to be safe, lets not hold our breath, and expect something else to hold us back)Yep, we will finally be starting to build our home! We close on Monday! I can't wait! It seems like forever has gone by while waiting! Most likely because it has.. But any who, we are pretty stoked. We are going to start taking pictures of the progress. I know it will be long, but I'm so excited to just be going. When the happiness runs dry we may have a post on our hands saying how sick I am of the whole process. Well I'm thinking a Popsicle may be in order right about now. I will post more when I know more. Until then, I'm going to go feed addiction.

Helter SW-elter...

Up until about.... TONIGHT!! Jon and I have been able to stay pretty cool; considering we don't have AC or anything that even might closely resemble it. I have a fan that was probably the best purchase ever made!! But now the picture above shows how we have been living. I have a slight addiction to Popsicles as it is, but now that they seem to be the only thing to sooth the warmth that I can't seem to hide from. I need to stand and say.. "My name is Chelsea.. and my last Popsicle was five minutes ago. And my next one will most likely be when I'm done with this post."
There, I've done it. Glad to have finally let myself out into the open. I'm not kidding nor am I exaggerating when I say I eat about 6 or 7 a day!! I tell myself it's okay, because it's better then ice cream... Right? I could be downing a quart a day to stay cool and gobs more calories.. so the alternative, Popsicles are much better..... Right?... RIGHT?!?

Jon and feel like we are so close to getting this house business on the road. We are in the middle of these pre-construction meetings.. Not the most fun thing in the world. But they are kind of interesting in some parts. I like having everything little thing explained to me. Can't wait to start, and get take some photos of the progress.. here are the first ones! This will be where our new home will be!!


This is looking down our street (Madison Lane.. SO CUTE!) towards the East.


Here is the lot we bought!

Since I totally stunk and getting things updated for the holiday here are two of my fave pics I took from the 4th! They're from the phone so the quality isn't amazing.. but you get the point.


These are just a few of my cousins.. They keep me laughing when they are all around. Love them all!!

Our Story..

**Note this post is one day early, But dang it! I have plans tomorrow!!**

Well it has been one whole year! I can't believe the time has gone by so fast!! We have had so much fun together this past year, both ups and downs, but I couldn't imagine doing it with anyone else. Ever since Jon and I were married, I have been meaning to write down "Our Story" of how we met. I have never really taken the time to sit down and do it. But I want it done before I forget all those quirky fun details. So for one year, why don't I start by writing it down here? Then I will be killing two birds with one stone. FINALLY writing it down and getting a post in at the same time.. Pretty genius if you ask me.

Let me take you back to a time of snow and... Just kidding..

In January of '09 I was siting in my bedroom reading, or doing something productive I'm sure.. When I got a call from a handsome young fellow. His name was Scott. We have been really close friends for years. The type of friend you tell each other exactly what you are thinking, no matter how bad. I was used to him calling or showing up at odd hours, so to have him call so late wasn't anything new. If you know Scott, you know that when he wants to say something, it just comes out. Being tactful isn't his strongest attribute.
"I have a date for you!" Is what came out. Now that I have explained Scott.. If you know Me, you know that I'm totally against blind dates. They are awkward and you never get someone to act "normal". So me, being the sweetheart I am very politely said... "NO! I don't do those!" After a few minutes of talking he said that I owed him one chance to set me up on a blind date.. and I reluctantly said yes. Then Scott told me he was going to have "the guy" call me to tell me exactly what day.
A few days went by, and I didn't really give it to much thought. I think I was secretly hoping that the kid would chicken out and not call. I really hated blind dates! I got a call while watching some good ole' American smut TV with Sam, (reality shows) I remember because I didn't want to answer because I would miss it, but I didn't want to miss an important call either.. Dilemma!! I answered, and there was a voice on the other end that sounded a little confident if you would have asked me at the time. I still remember the conversation, because I laughed at it when I got off the phone.
Jon.. "Hi is Chelsea there?"
Me.. While thinking.. Of course I'm here.. You did call MY phone didn't you? "This is her."
Jon.. "Hi! (yes there was that much enthusiasm in his hi) This is Jon.. Well my names Jonathan, but my friends call me Jon. My family calls me Jonathan. So you call me whatever you want. But.. my names Jon."
Me..(Okay crack head Jon) "Hi.... Jon? We already know my names Chelsea."
Jon.. "Do you go by Chelsea, or Chels?"
Me.. "Both, I guess it depends on if I'm in trouble or not." (he laughed.. He laughed a lot actually)
Jon.. "Well now that we know each other, I was wondering if you were doing anything this Friday?"
Me.. "Not anything that I know of at the moment."
I know I sounded really cold, but I really hated blind dates.. Loathed THEM is probably a better term! But promise, I did give him a little here and there. I know a laughed a little. Especially when he went off on his Jon-Jonathan rant. We talked for a little bit after that. I was surprised how easy he was to talk to. I'm sure his rants helped with that a lot. I'm not kidding when I say the kid was all over the place!!
Then Friday, January 9th came. I was late getting home because of work. It wasn't the best day, and I most definitely was NOT in the mood to entertain someone I didn't know. Scott had asked Sam to go, So we would all know each other. Her and I couldn't have been in more opposite of moods. She was excited while getting ready, I was getting ready because I had to. When Scott and Jon came to pick us up, I was still getting ready. Like I said before work kept me late, so he was sitting on my couch when I came downstairs. I put on a happy face and perked up and luckily Sam was the only one that knew I wasn't thrilled with the idea of the date. My first impression of him... I still can't quite figure out. He was wearing a nice gray and white stripped sweater. And his hair was butched short. He caught me looking at it and said. "She went a little crazy."
We went to Olive Garden for dinner. The wait was crazy long! But we were able to talk and get pretty comfortable with each other for the circumstances. At one point Sam and I were both looking at his hair, and Sam asked if I thought it had been Dyed. I said yes, he heard us, waited a couple minutes and said..
"YEP! I was totally a girl and went and got my hair 'did' for my date!" I was laughing so hard! I couldn't believe he fessed up to it! The wait was so long for our table. So Scott and Jon peaked over at the hostess table to see which number our buzzer was. Then like a champ, when no one but us and few other impatient costumers were watching he reached over and pushed our number to buzz us up.. Voila!! We walked up with our buzzer.. buzzing and they took us to the next table. Done and Done!!
Dinner was actually a blast! We didn't talk about anything really important or serious, we just had fun. After dinner we went to a movie, I couldn't even tell you what the movie was. We were late so we had to sit on the front row. It was a horror film I know that. But Jon-Jonathan and I spent our time whispering and laughing. Then the cheese ball reached into his pocket and said "Would you hold this?" I reached out my hand and he grabbed it.. I rolled my eyes at him and just said.. "Really?" He just smiled HUGE and said back "Worked didn't it?" then he wouldn't let go. We hung out a couple more times, and things were going pretty well. I liked him and I knew it! Then I did it.. The one thing every one knows me for. Running.. I told Jon I just couldn't see this going anywhere and it would better if we were just friends. You see the thing is. I had.. received?.. The impression that Jon-Jonathan was going to be around for a while. I needed to open up. This scared me because we had only been dating.. "hanging out" whatever you want to call it for a week. So I stopped it the only way I knew how. Want to know how that turned out?... I'll share a little something from a book no one gets to see.. it's scary in there..

January 18, 2009

Jon and I decided to just be friends... But it was pretty apparent when we were together tonight that there was more there than "just friends". So we will take it slow... I'm so grateful, He said we could take as long as I needed. But he wanted me to know that he was committed. He wasn't going anywhere, and he would wait as long as it took for me to come around. And he was excited!.
He is amazing..

Isn't it funny how when you say your going to take things slow that's when they go fast? It's like the secret saying to get things moving!! My Grandma laughed when she heard I told him nothing was going to happen. I had told her that I knew something else was there, but she just laughed and said, "Nobody tells Chelsea what to do!" Meaning I tried to out-wit fate or something.
We dated you know.. the kind where you swear you're not exclusive cause you don't want to move fast.. but you're turning down other dates that come your way.. Yeah that kind. There were so many other funny little tid-bits that happened. But this post is getting pretty long. So maybe I'll share those another time.. who knows though you may all be done with the mushy dating posts for a while. So I'll wrap this up.

Jon asked my dad to marry me at 4 weeks. Yes.. 4 weeks since the blind date, we had only known each other ONE MONTH!! It still freaks me out. At the same time I felt like I had known him forever. He actually proposed on February 6th, 2009. Five weeks and one day after we met. This was so crazy for me, But I knew it was right. Everything about it was right. I had been proposed to before, I knew exactly what NO felt like. So Yes for me, was easy figure out. And I'm so glad I did. We were married in the Logan LDS Temple on June 23rd, 2009. I love you Jonny, Happy First Year!!

Planning Plans...

So a big CHUNK of our time lately has been to random little house things. Not even things that you would think you needed to spend a lot of time on. Like the house plan. I was sure I would take a few weeks to weigh them all out then choose one and that would be that. I should have known myself better than that. I should have known I would go back and forth, making Jon pull every last strand of hair from his head because he thought we were done with this step weeks ago! Not when I'm your wife buddy. There's the pantry, the entry way, the master bedroom, the kitchen, the back door.. yes believe it or not the "back door" mattered.. On one plan it was a "back door" on the "side" of the house.. A "Back Side Door"?
ANYWAY!!! While flipping across plans I saw this one..





The plan was roomy, had so many places to go so you dont feel cramped (remember that word.. cramped) plenty of space, a living and family room, a great master.. It was amazing!! I thought, "This was totally easy! I love it!! Then I took a little peak at one that had been built... (can you hear the disapointment in my text)



CRAMPED!!! My roomy house plan was actually a small, cramped space. Not a big deal. It could be cozy.. but it would also not get a long with lots of stuff.. and that ladies and gentlemen is what I have.. STUFF!!
Then there is the buffer plan. Its nice. Looks small on the plans but inside is actually really nice..



...and this one has a half basement. Which I like the idea of. Room to grow. put a couple more rooms have a place to get away to and relax.. you know the norm.. right? But the front of the house wasn't a big turn on, if you will with me. It's grown on me A LOT!! But I still have other favorites.



Then after being sure this was it, I was done looking!! Really I was... Until I found this...



Okay, okay.. Not quite that. But it felt so much more open! One level.. Which I was sure about at first. But Its growing on me.



4 beds, 2 baths.. and it flows ever so nicely. The only complaint I have is the pantry, or food storage isnt right in the kitchen. Other plans have nice pantry's. I can do without that right? There is way more cabinet space in this one anyway.. Right?


Front could use some work.. But you can make anything nice with a few extra touches here and there.
So I was wondering.. If we put it up to a blogging vote (which it wont be the deciding factor) what would you all choose. Little note.. Don't even think about option #1.. I'm not kidding when I say no room.. The living room off to the side may.. MAY fit love seat and a chair.. TOPS!! Option #2.. or Option #3??

Cruiser

For the past couple of years I have been OBSESSED with the Cruiser Bikes.. I want one so bad.. I would even totally put a basket on it.. AND a bell.. yep.. Just a random thought I thought I would share!

Long Weekends Just Don't Last...

Since I have waited an ENTIRE week to update this, I think it will be easiest to do it day bay day... Don't you think?

Friday..
I'll be totally honest, I don't remember much about Friday. But I do know we just bummed around with a few friends and watched a movie. But what did before ending up there is a mystery. Does anyone else ever do that? I know it was non-stop. But I can't for the life of me remember what I did!

Saturday..
Jon and I went with some friends (Derek, Chris, Sam, Celeste, Matt, and of course Jon and I) to the taping of MTV's Bully Beatdown.. It's a show where people (nerds to be completely honest, HEY! Not from my mouth..) send in a tape of themselves telling why their "bully" should get what he deserves. Then the bully (of his own free will) is put in a cage up again an MMA fighter... Let's face it, the guy doesn't have a chance. But if he does make it, he is given 10,000 dollars!!! I would totally take a beating for that amount! Maybe... But if he doesn't win, the "nerds" get the money.
It was pretty fun to see how the taping all works out for that show. The brought all the audience in first and taped all the reactions before anything was even going on. Then we watch the takes of the host telling the viewers what would be happening. Sometime 4 or 5 takes. MTV wouldn't let anyone have any phones or camera's inside or I would have a few pics to show you all! I have to admit I felt a little naked without my phone for a whole day.
They flew everyone here to Utah and shot the whole season this last week. I didn't know they did it like that. (Insert what would have been a comment from Jon after that sentence here... "That's what she said.." I am thinking way to much like him these days) Then we went up the canyon and had a campfire. Just great.. I love Summer, spring.. the beginnings of summer! I LOVE IT!!

Sunday..
Jon and I just took it easy.. He work the grave shift so we spent the day relaxing. Then when over to his parents house to play a couple games. Simple... Relaxing... Fun.. Just the way I like it.

Monday.. (Memorial Day)
Jon and I woke up, got ready and headed to my Grandma's house to have a "light lunch" Then headed to his parents house for Dutch oven in the afternoon. Sam and Derek joined us and it splendid.. (insert cheesy smile here)

And that was Memorial weekend.. Enjoyable.
Last night Jon and I went to park (which was spotted with water from all the rain)with Derek, Sam and Chris and cut open about 50 glow sticks, dripped them all over some old grubby clothes and played hide and go seek in the dark. Pretty much all around a good time! Lots of laughing, tripping and running from unknown things Sam and I heard in the bushes! I hope you all had a great week as well!

P.S. They put the gutter in on our street!!! YAY!!

10 Things...

Thanks Tawni!!
Terms of this award: must list 10 things about yourself, thank the person who gave you this award and pass it on to 10 wonderful bloggers.

1. My middle name is Jo. I was named after my Great-Grandpa Joseph Parker. Unlike some people, I actually LOVE my name.. Chelsea Jo. Maybe because both names have something to do with someone in my family.. Or maybe just cause I like the sound... Chelsea Jo..

2. My favorite color is Baby blue.. I personally think my parents tried to pound this into me, I probably never even had a chance to decide a favorite color for myself, My baby blanket and doll are both baby blue. ;) But it's my fave just the same. And I probably wouldn't change it anyway.

3.I loved the show "Golden Girls" growing up! Still do! My Grandma Parker and I used to sit and laugh till our sides hurt at that show!

4. I have a pet goat, Her name is Harley. She is pretty much AWESOME!!

5. Jon and I are getting ready to build our first home.. And I don't quite understand why everyone asks "Is it your first?" or "Are you planning on doing it again years down the road?" If we ever do build or buy again, it's not in our plans now. We are just trying to get through this one!

6. I get to work with my husband, even if we aren't in the same department. I love driving to work with him on the mornings we work the same shift.

7. One of my favorite pass times is spending time with family.

8. Most people that don't know me very well can't believe I LOVE to go camping! I guess I don't have the "look", and I don't exactly know what that's supposed to mean. I didn't know there was a look???

9. I love to have my nails painted.. While most girls love to go get tips put on (which at a time I did too)I would much rather have a nice classic solid color. I love the look of nicely painted nails!

10. And for the grand finish!! I met Jon on a blind date, and had never met him before. Although... My Great-Grandma Parkers maiden name was Dattage. Yes, try to figure that one out.
**Don't worry, we checked, we're not related... closely. ;)**

I tag:
1. Erin
2. Lonna
3. Ariell
4. Chelsie
5. Amy
6. Dani
7. Christina
8. Kami
9. Whitney
10.Gwendolyn

Blog Stalkers...

Lately I have had SO MANY people tell me they read my blog, but they don't follow or comment. So in a word.. "Blog Stalkers" I totally understand this!! I do it all the time! I read so many peoples blogs and never comment, I just see whats going on in their lives, so I'm totally guilty of being a Blog Stalker. But it got me thinking.. I wonder how many people actually do read my blog and rarely or never comment. So just to see.. How about you all just leave a quick note. Now I understand this is going to be very hard to do, since most of you that read this still probably won't. It's totally against your M.O. And also because I'm asking you to come WAY out of your comfort zone. But I promise I will only ask it of you all this once. But even if you don't.. Thanks for reading just the same!!

Sadness, Happiness and Everything in the Middle...

So many things have happened in the last couple of weeks! I don't know where to start. Maybe from the beginning.. Yes?
Mother's day was awesome!! We got to spend the first part with my Mom and the second half of the day with Jonathan's Mom. My Mom made some delish baby back ribs, and everything else BBQ that you could want! There is just something amazing about going to the parents house for Sunday dinner. It's like a little escape from everything going on in life.. a little break. Then at Spencer and Beryl's we played some games and chatted! Just over all a really great relaxing day!

Jon and I when to our "First time home buyers class" last Saturday too. It was the longest 8 hours of my life!! But on the plus side we know a lot more about homes that we did to start out! And the money to help with our closings is pretty much going to be worth it I think! We also had to go to a counsel session on Wednesday to finish it up. Still a little freaked out (come on, it's a big deal, and a lot to sign to) but over all feeling pretty good about the whole thing!

This last weekend has been a bitter sweet one. Spencer, Ariell and two of the kids moved to Texas this last weekend. I'm kind of a boob, I'm not going to lie. Jon and I have become really close with Ariell and the kids and seeing them leave was pretty hard. Poor Jon had to hear me boob about even the next day as we were going to a wedding. Even though I'm a little selfish about it, I am so happy for them to be together! I love that family so much and they deserve the very best! I can only hope that someday Spence will be station here in Utah..**Hint Hint** ;) Now the sweet part of our weekend was Harley's wedding. Jon has a group of five guys that are just hilarious together.. I love it! Them being together for this wedding was so much fun. And a pretty good bunch of guys if I may add. Two down three to go!!

New Trends for Hair...

Jonathan has been needing/wanting a haircut. But with his busy schedule he hasn't been able to get in to get it done. He asked me if I have ever cut hair, I told him with confidence that I had. It's never been hard for me to hurry and chop someones hair when the are so completely desperate to have an untrained hand do it. And not to toot my own horn, but in the past I have been pretty good at it. So today Jon grabbed the shears from his Mom's house and brought them home for me to do it. I wasn't anxious at all, I just started chopping away into the style he wanted. It was looking pretty good for the beginning stages.. I got the back and sides all trimmed up and grabbed to shears to try and tame the top before I shaped it. Well... how do I say this.... I thought I grabbed one guard.. and I grabbed the other short guard.. :/ went right to the center of his forehead and... There is was. A nice diamond of short hair.. he got really nervous when he saw my eyes get huge!! But when I started back into the cut he calmed down a bit.. I could tell he was trying to look into the window to see what had happened and how short it was. But he didn't have his contacts in so it was useless. He couldn't see the damage! I finished and cut it into his normal cut and let him go shower wear he able to get close to a mirror, which is when I heard him scream.. "YOU SCALPED ME!!!" I felt so bad but I couldn't stop laughing! He was nice enough to say "Thanks for trying, You did a great job." I knew he was just trying to figure out how to say "You idiot!! Short shear long shear!" So I went back to it, blended it, it's a little shorter than he would normally like. But thankfully my non schooled skills are okay enough to hide it enough so he didn't have to buzz it off. I refused to let him buzz his head. Two weeks or so it will fill in enough, then he wont need another cut for a month. It will all work. I hope.... On the bright side he liked the rest enough to say that I could do it again when his bald spot grows in.. ha ha ha.... I shouldn't laugh but I can't stop. I would have posted a picture, but Jon said that this is something that can be laughed at but it doesn't need a picture to remember it. So he wouldn't let me take one...:( Sorry.

As Good the Second Time Around as The First...

I looked at the calender this last week while trying to make a couple appointments, and noticed how far along into the year we were. The same feeling I had a year ago rushed back when I saw the month May. One year ago I was so excited my cousin and one of my best friends was going to get married. I was so happy for her! So happy to see how happy she was to start this new exciting journey in her life! I think May will alway have that effect on me. Then I flipped one more month and saw June. And all the giddy feelings of last June came back. These two months were so important to me last year! And again, I think June will always have that effect on me! A year ago I was so excited to do all this with one of my best friends. How many cousins (that are actually close) get to do all that together. Love ya Natalie Smoot!

Changes of Focus...

Since Jon and I found out we were approved to build our home random questions pop up everywhere, "Should our current black and white bathroom be in the guest bathroom, or in our room?" "Should we dark woods or light?" "Guest rooms, Office, Craft Room?" "Lawn mower, garden, trees?" "Stone or brick?" All while Jon is finishing up his EMT-B class and his Wildland Fire class. This summer is going to be so busy, so much work, and so much fun! The memories we will make while building our home will be amazing, as well as stressful at times. We go to the first time home buyers class this May that will officially be the first thing to do as we start. I hear it's a long 8 hour class that I will want to pull my hair our by the end. Hmmm... I'll have to bring Cherrio's for Jon. Yes, that will be a must!

....Things are Happening so Fast...

This last January Jon and I started looking at houses. We didn't want to buy quite yet we just wanted to be in the market for a couple of years. Well in true "Us" fashion someone else had different plans for us and we heard about Neighborhood Nonprofit Housing. Just for kicks we looked into it, and everything ended up falling into place. We sent in our application and after two long months of waiting today we found out we have been approved!! We are building our home! If everything goes according to plan we should be able to dig in June or July.. Happy one year to US! The thought of my very own yard just makes me giddy! I can't believe we walked into this. Jon and I have learned to just walk through the open doors until closer, then just choose another door. We are so grateful for this opportunity and I can't believe how lucky we are that it has come up! I will keep this updated with everything! Well I'm off to look at house plans!!

Love a Man in Uniform..

This past week has been a big one for Jonathan. He emailed one of the guys at the station my dad worked with about the wildland class. In a nut shell, just asking when the class would start and when he needed to get signed up for it. When he got a reply his eyes got wide and he said, "No way!" The email said that he had missed the class, it had already started but some calls had been made and the instructor (another guy from the station) was fine with Jon going into the class a couple weeks late. It also had all the numbers he needed to call to get his name on the lists, the email was ended with "You're lucky we like your father-in-law so much to have done this for you :)." He is so lucky!! He would have had to wait a whole year for this to come up again! Jon is so excited to start his Fire training. This week he starts, the instuctor gave him all the information he needed to catch up what he missed, and my Dad is also helping him on the side as well. We are so lucky to have these things work out for us right now. Now I will just have to enjoy my one night a week home with him.. since all the others he will be at one of his classes..

Something to Blog About...

It's been so long since I have been able to update our blog! I think the best way to go about this is to just do a bit by bit, here and there of what has gone on.

First of all Jon and I noticed our toilet kept leaking! Yeah not the funnest thing to come to day after day! So after trying to figure out the problem for a couple days, we decided the best bet would be to call our landlord, who is amazing by the way. He is always right on top of things! He sent someone right over to fix it. So we thought, after about a week the thing was leaking again!! So yet again, we called him up and guess what!? We got a brand new, never been used, totally clean toilet, sounds pretty lame, I know. But I have never had the pleasure of sitting on a brand new throne before! I thought it was pretty neat!

My dad has started a new therapy and we are hoping he will be up and walking in no time.. The only problem is the brace they have him wear is pretty painfull for him. I don't think he minds much if it means he will be up walking again. I can't blame him, if my legs were like his right now I think I would be willing to try anything about now too. I'm just gratefull he is still with us. I can't imagine what things would be like if this had all turned out differently.

This last weekend for Easter Jon and I took of to go see our sister Ariell and her kids. We had so much fun! We went to an easter egg hunt and played to our hearts content. Jon and Kaden even got to go have their "Man Time". Which the two of them really needed. We Colored eggs too! I havent done that for a couple years, and I must say that will be something I pick back up! I forgot how much fun it is! Jon mixed a few colors... okay ALL the colors and was able to get the perfect shade of Army green. We all did little things on one our eggs for Spencer. Who comes in about 24 days if I remember right!! WOOT WOOT!!

Another thing that has been taking over our lives is Shelf Reliance. It's a food storage company for those of you who don't know what it is. I have been to a couple parties now and am planning to do one of my own this month, I'm so far behind on it I haven't even sent out the invites!! Maybe that should be a HUGE to-do for this week! If anyone is interested let me know.. More the merrier right?

Today we found out our nephew Harrison (Lonna's son, and pretty much all around just a big deal of a kid.. I mean it, he's the bomb diggity!) broke his leg! The poor kid just asks his mom everytime he wants to be moved. While talking to her today We heard him say it and it was the cutest thing I have ever heard.. that is if the reason for it wasn't so sad of course! He will be getting his cast next week sometime. LOVES TO THE BARLOWS!!

LAST OF ALL!!! Has anyone else had spring fever as bad as we have?? Jon and I are getting ready to pull out hair. With this weather we keep getting teased!! Nice warm day, then BAM!! Six inches of snow on our front step! REALLY??! To prove out stir crazy we are, right now.. at almost 8 at night we are in sweats and sweat shirts laying outside on our front long huddled up in a blakent blogging.. we just couldn't take it anymore! So here we are.. Stickin' it to the man!! The weather man that is!!

Hopefully I will be a little better at this, and keep it up more often.. see you all soon!!

Letter To Mom... and her old co-workers..

Dear Mother, and anyone else who was around at the time,

Remember when I was younger, you were working, and I would need you so I would call about every 3 seconds until you would answer your phone. I'M SORRY!! I am so sorry to the co-workers at the time who had to sit and hear your phone go off over and over and over and over again, or answer your work phone and have to tell me constantly that you were busy and you would call me back when you had a moment. Now that I have a place to work myself I see how annoying it can be to tell children "I don't know where their Mommy is, but she will call them when she has a moment." Or sit and listen to peoples phones ring over and over..

I am sorry Mother dearest..

Love Chels..

I'm Not Old Enough For This...

I'm going to take a small moment to jump up on my "Soap Box". Please, Join me. First with a little story. Today while at work I needed to use the restroom, so I went in, did my deed. Then while washing my hands, a saw a silver glint on my head. So I kept my eye on it while I dried my hands. Then poked and tugged around to see what could be in my hair.. I'll tell you what was in sitting so nicely on the top of my head..... A GREY HAIR, No not grey... SILVER. I had the nice old lady sheen to it and everything! What is going on here. There is something wrong with this picture! If anyone needs me, I'll be in my darkened room sleeping off the depression of my first grey, I mean Silver hair.

.. Okay to be honest I got a pretty good kick out of it.. but I'm still a little depressed about it.

The Student... Is Still The Student...

Things have changed so much in the last year, I have had a lot of time to reflect on the good, the bad, the sad, and the things I thought I would never have to face. I met and married an amazing man. I am so grateful for that. I never understood how people, like my own parents, could meet someone and know that's where their lives would stay in just a few weeks. Until it happened to Jon and I. I am grateful the time was right for both of us, we both know it had to be since we had plenty of opportunities to meet before we did. Out of it I grew up a little, the type of growing you can only do by listening, which was good for me. Most of you will know, I don't listen very well. I'm kind of stubborn, like my Grandmother said, "No one tells Chelsea what to do." But someone did and I listened, and I'm so happy I did.
Another growing moment in the passed year was watching my own dad fight for his life. I never thought I would have to watch that. I watched the strength of my Mom, even though she didn't believe she was being very strong. She has managed to keep the household going. My Dad is so strong to fight through what people said he shouldn't have lived through. My Mom is strong enough to fight through it with him. I am so grateful for my family. For the strength we share together, even if most of our strength is pure stubbornness to get through. Sometimes its good to be stubborn, when you're fighting for your family. I learned that after trying to be less stubborn.. Because we all know I am. But there is a time and place for it.
I was also welcomed into a new family. With the time frame mentioned earlier, we didn't really know one another very well since Jon and I were even still getting to know each other. I have always kept walls up that people had to, in a way break through before letting them in. With this new family I learned I can instantly love almost strangers. It helps that they all make it so easy; but even then for me, and again my stubborn nature, it never was. I am grateful for them, I am grateful for Jonathan, and I'm grateful for my family that even though we have known each other for years. We learned about a new side of each other this year. Okay off my soap box.. and hopefully off to bed, cross your fingers.

...Thank You, Thank You..

I wanted to do a quick post to tell one of my blog buddies THANK YOU!! Dani you saved my bacon! Dani totally fix our other blog. Jon and I started a fun little blog to do something extra together. You should all check it out. My button is on this page Mars and Venus. And post my button on your blog, more readers more comments more fun!! While you're at it check out the craft blog button, That's Dani's she made over our blog because I just couldn't get it done, everything I tried it just didnt look right. And Dani swooped in there and fixed it. HA !! I sound like a crazed 14 year old with a crush.. Hmm.. watch out Dani.

Thanks again.

We Are Covered!!...

The first of this year it finally happened, I was giving enough hours to become benefits eligible! Yeah I know, I only work 24 hours, and yes I know, many weeks Jon turns out about 50 or so hours, The difference is he is PRN. So basically his hours can drop at any time without notice, Or trust me we would have had insurance a while ago. But we had to wait for one of us to be guaranteed the hours. So now we can pretty much have any accident happen, not that we are hoping for it by any means. But the eyemed will be great seeing as how we both can't see.. Get my pun?
Now we are just waiting it out till Jon can get guaranteed some. Then hopefully sometime full time, or his EMT fire stuff, which ever comes first.
Nothing much else has happened, I did forget however (Jon was sure to point it out on an earlier post) to let you all know the last thing he gave me for my birthday. I don't know how he knew I have always wanted some, but he did and gave me my very first set of PEARLS! I was so excited! I have even worn them with my PJ's, My Mom keeps saying that my pearls won't dress up my grubbies.. I completely beg to differ! I think my pearls will dress up anything! I will have to get a picture of it and post it! You will all see how dressed up pearls can make anything look! :)
This next week I am going to try Zumba classes. With it being so cold I need to find something else I can do to keep active, other than being outside. Basically Zumba is a dance workout class kind of thing. If that makes any sense at all! Anyway, I'm going to go check it out, I will let you all know how awesome it is next week so you all know if you need to come with me or not ;)

Three Girls And a Boy...

This last we weekend we were able to see Ariell, my sister, and her four kids. Hailey, Kaden, Hannah, and Addyson. They are so fun!! And so close in age. Lets see if I can get this right, Hailey is 5, Kaden and Hannah 4, and cute little Addy is now 3. We all went to the Fun Park with Grandma and Grandpa Dattage, Jonathan and Kids played in the soft play. Then we all went and won a pretty awesome number of tickets, so the kids could get a few prizes. Then we headed to the Dattage's and had a pretty sweet pizza party for Addy's birthday. Her cake was so cute, I wish I would have gotten a picture of it. It had Disney princesses on it and their skirts LIT UP!!! Well one lit up.. the totally ripped me off on the package I got.. LAME-O!! I was still super cute though.

Jonathan Hailey, Hannah, and Addy making funny faces.
Kaden, Hannah, Hailey, and Jon.

The Kids made a pretty awesome tower!

More funny faces.. That seems to be their favorite and I love it!!

Wish you could have been there with us Spencer!! We sure love your kids!

(Their Dad is serving in the US Army)

Birthday Birthday!!...

Things have been so busy lately that I didn't even get to post anything about my Birthday, which normally wouldn't be a problem. But I really have to show everyone what an amazing husband I have! I should have come home and posted about this the next day!! Better late than never I guess, Well Jonathan started the day out by taking my to a movie. I really wanted to see The Princess and the Frog, but like any other man out there he always said he wasn't going to go to a girly movie. He ended up breaking down and surprising me by taking me to it. Then we went to get a light lunch, because we were meeting my family that night for dinner.
After dinner, Jonathan took me to the Anniversary Inn. He packed us both a bag and everything. It was so much fun! He really out did himself.

This cracked me up, All that money spent on making a sweet sauce room, and the can't even spell James' right!!There was sparkling cider waiting in the room for us!

This was the HUGE TALL bed! It was nuts!

It even had stairs to get up on it!! I was so scared I was going to fall off!

The brought us the movie package soon after we checked into our room.

I love, love, LOVE Hot Cocoa so Jon arranged to have have this waiting there for us.

The Tub.

This was the wallpaper.

The ceiling was all GOLD!

Jon also arranged for us to have breakfast in bed the next morning.

The pool table in the room.

Thanks Jonny!! I love you!! I was great!!