Nic's Criminal Justice Banquet

Nic and my brother David got recognized tonight at the WSU criminal justice banquet held at the Timbermine Restaurant in Ogden. They both received awards for graduating with higher than a 3.5 GPA. Congrats guys!!

National Teach Kids To Save Day

I had the fun opportunity to participate in the National Teach Kids To Save Day. Nic's Aunt is a school teacher and she was kind enough to let me come and teach her 2nd graders today.

Here is the press release:

Davis County Students Learn ABC’s of Saving from Zions Bank on National Teach Children to Save Day

Davis County, Utah; April 30, 2008 — More than 1,650 students in Davis County schools learned financial ABCs from Zions Bank employees in honor of National Teach Children to Save Day. Students discovered the concepts of interest and budgeting, and discussed “needs” versus “wants” at schools throughout the county, including: Adelaide Elementary, Bluff Ridge Elementary, Cook Elementary, Creekside Elementary, Eagle Bay Elementary, East Layton Elementary, Farmington Elementary, Kaysville Elementary, Knowlton Elementary, Meadowbrook Elementary, Nuames Early College High School, Reading Elementary, Sand Springs Elementary, Snowhorse Elementary, Specturm Academy, Viewmont High School, West Point Elementary, and Woods Cross Elementary. All students were provided with their own calculators to help them figure their income and expenses.

Twenty-eight Zions employees traded in their balance sheets for chalkboards in order to get Davis County students “fiscally fit” during April. Throughout Utah and Idaho , more than 230 Zions employees volunteered to teach 13,000-plus students.

I love the Spring!

The flowers on Temple Square are in full bloom and look so pretty!

Institute

Nic and I have had the opportunity to serve on the Institute Council at WSU over the Marrieds Committee this school year. Thursday was our last class. Nic and I had been counting down the days for it to be over just because of the work and stress that accompanied that *calling, not to mention the driving in rush hour every Thursday from downtown SLC to Ogden. Yesterday when we left our final class, I cried the whole way home. I am really going to miss the people on our committee, our instructor, and the wonderful lessons and spirit that we were able to feel every week. I am not just posting this because I recently gave my blog address to my committee either ;) ! Nic and I have had so many fun memories up there. When Nic and I were dating he was on the council over the Friday Activity Nights and we would be at the institute until 2am washing dishes and cleaning up the gym on Friday nights. We have been so blessed by these callings and now that its over I am sad to be leaving. Not to get too preachy in this, but I really have a testimony of service. When you try to give service to the Lord he blesses you SO much that you are just further indebted to him. I hope I am not setting myself for getting a new calling...

*Side note for my extended family: "Callings" are opportunities to serve in our church. They are volunteer positions that you are asked to serve in and you can choose to accept them or not. This was a calling that Nic and I received at the school he was attending, but we also have callings in our own church that we go to on Sunday's (i.e. teaching Sunday School)

Antelope Island

Oh my heck-what an amazing Saturday! We went hiking out on Antelope Island and it was AMAZING! Nic and I hiked the Doolly Knob trail and the view was so beautiful. From one side you could see from Brigham City to the point of the mountain...on the other side you could see the Great Salt Lake and clear out to Wendover. My favorite part was viewing the wildlife, as you can guess. I have included a bunch of pictures below. The most amazing part of the day came when the sun was starting to go down around 7:30pm. Nic and I saw 2 coyotes! I never thought I would see a coyote in my life because they are so rare to see. I feel so blessed to live in such an amazing place!!

More Pics...

You may have to click on some of these to see them...

1st Horseback Riding Lesson

I had my first hordseback riding lesson on Friday. It was so much fun! What a work out, I am so sore! It's funny that people think all you do is sit on the back of the horse. We spent most of my first lesson learning balance and holding your own weight. I also learned all about the different ways a horse moves. My trainer is AWESOME and is so knowledgeable. She is a national champion barrel racer. I am so excited to go back!

This is a picture of my trainers horse (1 of her 7 ;) and her new filly.

When are you going to have kids?

I know many of my friends can sympathize with the frustration that comes from hearing this question! I want to respond: "Are you inquiring about my medical problems or my sex life? Either way, it's none of your business!". In our Marrieds Seminar class yesterday we had a long discussion about that. Having children is between YOU, YOUR HUSBAND, and the Lord--and that's it! I think its so insensitive for people to ask a couple that; namely because you have no idea what is going on in their lives. I have friends reading this who are trying to get pregnant, and can't. I have friends reading this who have gotten pregnant and lost their baby. I have friends reading this that can't have children because of medical problems. (I love blogs because you can totally get on your soapbox and vent :) I know there are things that I do that are irritating, but this is just one of those things I wish people would be more careful about. It is such a sensitive, private, matter. Having said all of that, my family is pretty good about this with me. I don't mind our siblings or parents joking about when they are going to get to be an aunt/grandparent etc! I hope people with children will just understand that they shouldn't judge other people. That's a good lesson for all of us on every subject isn't it! Alright..I am done. Let me hear your opinion....!

NO DEBT!

THE CAR IS PAID OFF! What a wonderful feeling! 2 years ago we paid off my car and totaled it a few months after making the last payment--so let's hope history doesn't repeat itself!! Nic and I have been determined to not have any debt going in to law school (since we are going to rack up a whole bunch in Student Loans over the next 3 years)! It is a great feeling to have the car paid off and be able to save any extra money that we make now. Nic and I are a little old fashion when it comes to money--we are fine with sharing one car, holding off on getting a house to save money, and not using credit cards or buying things on credit. We don't have nice things, but I am fine with waiting until I can have the things that I really want (probably another 10 years of waiting, but that's ok with me). I am grateful that Nic is that way because he has really helped me to plan for the future and be good at saving.

Pet Updates

I wanted to post some pictures of my chicks that are growing SO fast! I also included some pictures of my cute bunny as well.

Sorry for the absence!

Sorry for the absence friends! I was sick throughout last week and have been slow to log on and get up to speed with my blog. We had a really fun weekend planned and nothing seemed to turn out as planned :)! Friday was supposed to be my first riding lesson. I have arranged my work schedule to work extra time throughout the week and get off early on Friday's for my lessons. Well, Friday afternoon rolled around and I was dressed and ready to go for 4pm. 2 minutes before my lesson was scheduled it got cancelled :( ! I was all dressed up with no where to go--maybe to a rodeo I guess! So, I will have to report on my first riding lesson at the end of this week. Well on to Saturday..I was so excited to go to the Baby Animal Days up in Cache County. We arrived there to see about 1,000 cars and 1 million children under the age of 5! Don't get me wrong-it looked like a fun little set up, but there were literally no activities for adults. I thought I would at least get to see all of the cute baby animals, but all of the kids kept butting in front of me in line!! I mean I paid $8 to get in and they got in for free!! LOL-I am teasing! We did see a couple of cute things including some mini jersey cows (which I had never seen before) and some baby Alpacas (now I want one of those!!). Here are some pictures of what we saw...

Traditional Conference Girls Night

This is a day that I look forward to all year! My mom and sisters and I get together 2 times a year on General Conference weekend during the priesthood session for the guys. This year we went to Firehouse Pizza (love that place!!) and then we went shopping. It is always so much fun to have time with my sisters-they are my dearest friends! I love you guys!!

She's Gone Country...

LOOK AT THEM BOOTS...!









Well, I bought my first pair of cowboy boots today! My very own Tony Lamas!! Next Friday I am starting horseback riding lessons! I am going to take a 1/2 hour lesson each week. I am really excited. I plan on having horses and I don't want to just know how to sit on the back of one--I really want to know how to ride. I will of course keep you posted and let you know how I am doing!!!

Cheer Competition

Wendy's Cheerleaders competed today at the U of U. They took 1st place and Wendy's choreography was AWESOME! Great job this year Wend & Jess! (Those are my 2 younger sisters in case you don't know that :)

Friday Night

Friday night Nic and I went with my sister Wendy to the Utah Regional Ballet's "Legend of Timpanogos". It was AMAZING! I have never seen a contemporary ballet before, but I was so impressed. Wendy's friend was the principal dancer and she was totally amazing--absolutely wonderful! I would highly recommend supporting their program! We went to a great restaurant on Center Street and had a wonderful evening!

Chick Update

The chicks are now 20 days old and growing so much! I just wanted to post some pictures so you can see how they are looking these days!