Condie

Families Can Be Together Forever

2011-09-20T11:34:00.000-07:00

I have a family here on earth.

They are so good to me.

I want to share my life with them

through all eternity.

Families can be together forever

through Heavenly Father's plan.

I always want to be with my own family,

and the Lord has shown me how I can.

The Lord has shown me how I can.

Our Lovely Lainey Bug

2011-09-19T13:30:00.000-07:00

Lainey was only 12 days old when we had Sydney Demsley come and capture some pictures. We realize we are completely bias, however, I don't think I've seen a prettier baby...ever!

Here are some of favorites of our little Lainey bug. Which one is yours?

Sneak Peek

2011-09-15T11:56:00.000-07:00

Just a little teaser of Lainey's newborn photos. We love her.

Bath Time

2011-09-14T12:31:00.000-07:00

Lainey's First Bath

All Clean

This is what a bath does to our Lainey Bug.

I Never Knew...

2011-09-12T10:58:00.000-07:00

I NEVER KNEW IT WAS POSSIBLE...

TO LOVE SOMETHING SO MUCH!

She's Here

2011-09-09T11:29:00.000-07:00

Lainey Marie Condie

Born: August 24, 2011

Weight: 7 lbs. 9 oz.

Height: 20 inches

Happy Due Date to Us

2011-08-19T09:57:00.000-07:00

Today I am due. No baby yet.

I have officially tried everything (and I mean EVERYTHING) that is supposed to help push this girl on through, but like Garrett says, she is as stubborn as I am.

I am so grateful for the opportunity to have a baby, don't get me wrong, but at 40 weeks I am ready for her to hang out in our arms, not my belly. Looks like it's just a waiting game.

Can't take the anticipation? Just visit HERE for any and all updates.

It's the Final Countdown

2011-08-08T20:18:00.000-07:00

38 1/2 Weeks.

Baby girl could come any day now.

So what am I doing to speed the process along?.

FYI: First time mowing a lawn in my 23 years of existence. Notice how straight my lines are?

Shower

2011-08-05T20:41:00.000-07:00

I was fortunate enough to have two showers thrown for me here in Rupert. The first was by Jessica, Tamara, & Makyla Barras, and they pulled out all the stops. It was a darling lady bug theme and the food was to-die-for. Sadly, I forgot my camera, but for the second shower I was prepared. This was thrown by two ladies I work with, Diane Newman & Jennifer Cutler. It was so much fun and they made sure no detail was missed. Here are just a few pictures from the shower.

How cute are these dipped ice cream cones?

Nursery Part 1

2011-08-04T20:07:00.000-07:00

Have you ever seen cuter baby bedding? Welcome to our nursery...or at least one corner of it. I absolutely love it.

If you want adorable, custom made bedding, then you need to contact Leslie over at adorableclothingandmore. She made this darling bumper, crib skirt, sheet, blanket, and changing pad cover. She's incredible and everything she makes is quality. Leslie will do any color scheme/pattern you want.

My mother-in-law, Debra, chose this out and gave it to us as a baby gift. Love the colors and fabric; I would have chosen the same thing! I can't wait for our little girl (who has yet to have a name, which is causing anxiety) to sleep in this darling crib set.

32 Days Away

2011-07-18T09:10:00.000-07:00

I'm big. Here's proof.

At church yesterday everyone kept saying "Anyday now, right?" I should have just said yes. Instead I gave the explanation of "Actually, I am a month away, due August 19th." Then, said people would look at me with that expression we all know and love - where your eyebrows raise and you can just hear their thought process of Well, you look like you're going to pop! Pretty sure I was the topic of conversation at many a Sunday dinner table among ward members.

Garrett asked if I wanted to put on a tighter shirt to take this picture to do my belly justice. I opted for a flowly look as to distract from true size of the mass in front of me.

Even though this last little bit of pregnancy is going by SO SLOW and I can't see my feet at all, I am so grateful for this experience. I love feeling our baby girl move each day. It seems almost impossible to think that another human being is growing inside of me. So for now, no matter how many Back Away, This Belly is About to Blow looks I get, I'm going to try and savor the last few moments of this experience, even as I watch my ankle bones slowly disappear...

Summertime, and the Living is Easy

2011-07-16T15:32:00.000-07:00

Summertime means boating. Garrett has been out on the river almost every week so far!

Here are some pictures from boating on the 4th of July. My family and our neighbors, the Faux's, came along.

Child Labor

2011-07-14T08:19:00.000-07:00

You've met Aggie,

our adorable and 1/3 of the time naughty dog.

She has become quite lucrative for our neighbor kids. Ali and twins Jake & Isaac approached us with their new business - WE DO DOO-DOO. They clean up dog poop. Only charging 3 cents a poop (and seeing as we're their only clients), we couldn't pass up the opportunity.

The bill and accompanying receipt.

Call us what you want for taking advantage of little children - slave drivers, selfish, heartless *insert your word choice here* - but I believe it was a win-win situation.

*no children were harmed in this. also, we tipped well.

lawn mowing machine

2011-07-13T14:35:00.000-07:00

My man mows a mean lawn.

(and looks good doing it)

9 Weeks to Go...

2011-06-14T19:04:00.000-07:00

We're Going On A Bear Hunt

2011-06-07T18:01:00.000-07:00

Do you remember singing that song in your preschool days?

The weekend before Memorial Day, we took a pre-camping/bear hunt trip with our friends Derrick and Jessica. We went to Featherville, ID and hiked, ate, fished, and just enjoyed the great outdoors. No bear in the end, but we left happy and relaxed after our weekend getaway.

Heading to the Bear Hunt

Camp Site

Setting Up Camp

Derrick and Jessica

Tinfoil Dinners Anyone?

How Good Looking is He?

About 28 Weeks

Mr. Handsome Himself

Looking at this never gets old.

If you look really close you can tell this is actually a human, not nature.

Like Mom or Like Dad?

2011-05-16T19:53:00.000-07:00

Don't get me wrong - the 3d ultrasounds are amazing, but I never know quite how to take them. Even though you can see features, it's hard to tell what the baby is going to look like until they come out. Incase you want a little peek of baby girl, here you go. Garrett thinks she looks like him...what do you think?

For Samantha Faye Spendlove...

2011-05-13T11:51:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day and Motherhood

2011-05-09T10:54:00.000-07:00

Garrett is a very thoughtful person. Even when we were engaged, I have always received a Mother's Day gift from him, even though I wasn't a mother yet. This Mother's Day there was a gift, but this time with more meaning because soon I will be a mother.

For Mother's Day Garrett got me a Canon Rebel camera - something I have been dying to have since we've been married. With a babe on the way, we knew we wanted something great to capture all the memories. I am so excited to take pictures and maybe I'll even put some on this blog...(since I never do). Garrett also gave me a manicure and pedicure which I can't wait to take advantage of. I never thought that being pregnant meant I would let myself go so this gift is much needed.

I cannot wait to be a mother. I sat in church yesterday and looked around at all of the women who were celebrating Mother's Day. I loved seeing the older generation walk into church with their corsages pinned to their dresses. I remember my grandma always wearing one on mother's day that my grandpa had bought for her. I loved seeing an elderly sister walk into church with a big hat on with feathers, which she wore the entire 3 hours of church. I loved seeing the little babies looking over their mother's shoulder, something that I can't wait to embrace.

So with my camera in hand and a new manicure and pedicure, it looks like I'm getting closer and closer to really experiencing Mother's Day, but more importantly - MOTHERHOOD!

I just don't know...

2011-04-25T10:31:00.000-07:00

I just don't know how to decorate my blog.

I just don't know what to blog about.

I just don't know what to name our baby girl.*

I just don't know if I already blogged about the fact that our baby is a girl.

So there you have it. I just don't know!

*Suggestions for names are welcome. The only rule is that she cannot be named a name that could be either a boy or a girl name, or just a boy name. If you hear it, you have to think girl. For example, no: Courtney, Tori, Jordan, etc. You catch the drift.

Karma

2011-03-10T14:02:00.000-08:00

My freshman year of college I had a roommate named Jackie. Jackie cared for and loved animals, thus she had given up meat for many years. All of us roommates didn't quite know how to deal with a vegetarian roommate, so of course we teased and made fun, even though we really loved her and ~~her Boca burgers.~~

Fast forward 4 1/2 years. Karma can be cruel, yet highly comical. Since being pregnant I have not been able to eat meat, smell meat, touch meat, look at meat...you get the point. If contact with meat is made, contact with the toilet will be made. What am I supposed to eat?

Dear Jackie, please forgive my lack of understanding. What I should have been doing was consoling you, because meat is delish and you've been so deprived...trust me, I know!

Musings by Garrett

2011-02-16T13:47:00.000-08:00

Have you seen the buhzillion ads on TV for the new Justin Beiber movie? Keep hearing his songs played over and over again? Apparently Garrett has.

We were driving the other day and Garrett turned to me and said (in a straight face), "I really am supposed to be a Justin Beiber...my parents just never fostered my talent."

I love this man!

The First Trimester

2011-02-14T10:20:00.000-08:00

Now that the news is out, I think it important to write down what we have experienced so far this pregnancy. Considering my brain went away to my belly, I am bound to forget.

On Monday, December 13th, I woke up feeling different. Throughout the day I kept wondering if I was pregnant, but kept shaking it off so I wouldn't get my hopes up. After a miscarriage 3 months earlier, I couldn't take looking at the worst straight line ever seen on a pregnancy test. After getting home from work, I couldn't take the wondering anymore and peed on the stick. I set it down on the counter and walked away, wanting to give the test the required 3 minutes process. I was so apprehensive when I walked back into the bathroom, but couldn't contain myself when instead of a negative, there was a plus! I cried and called Garrett right away.

That night I had Garrett give me a priesthood blessing. I couldn't help but feel terrified that we'd miscarry again. Throughout the blessing I felt peace and new that this was the real thing, however, there was a part where I was told there would be challenges with this pregnancy. It scared me, but I put faith in the Lord and knew it would all work out.

So far everything has worked out. We have experienced two very challenging situations, but we have been able to face them and come out on top. I have been advised not to over-exert myself in any way, which has been hard. My pride is hurt when I see Garrett coming home after a 10-hour day, only to push the vacuum around the house or cook dinner. I have always been independent and it's been a learning experience to let go and allow myself to be served.

I have been very nauseous since day one, but feel so lucky to have those feelings. Before, when we miscarried, I never felt any symptoms. Even though sometimes it isn't fun, I actually am grateful for the sickness I feel. It is a reassurance that everything is okay.

Now we're to 13 1/2 weeks and pregnancy is beginning to settle in. Pants are getting tighter, moodiness is an everyday occurrence (poor Garrett), and my face has never seen so many red things all over it. Even so, nothing can take away from the miracle that we have been waiting for!

Garrett has been wonderful this whole time! He rubs my aching feet, cleans our house, puts up with my antics and makes sure I am as comfortable as can be, all while working full time and going to school full time. It brings tears to my eyes to think of all exhaustion he's going though. Thank you. Love you and our baby more than life itself!

Condie Creation (title by Garrett)

2011-02-10T19:11:00.000-08:00

Sweatpants are my best friend.

Surprise! In celebration of the month of love, we thought we'd share our new love with you. We are almost 13 weeks pregnant and ready to love our little baby, due August 20th. We feel so blessed to be pregnant and are counting down the days until we get to hold our little one in our arms.

It's the Little Things

2011-02-03T13:32:00.000-08:00

Hubs and I were at a restaurant the other day with the youth from our church. As hubs was about to give our order, I had to use the restroom. I told him to order for me.

After coming back from the restroom, hubs was still ordering. How could this possibly take him so long? It was later explained to me by our bishop, who was nearby, that hubs had them go check if the lemonade he ordered for me was "light" lemonade or regular. He knew I don't like to drink regular lemonade and was a stickler for "light lemonade".

It makes me smile to know that hubs knows me just as well as I know myself. That's Love.

Confession

2011-02-02T12:30:00.000-08:00

Confession: I am a terrible texter-backer (new word?). So please understand that if you text me and you don't hear back until a week later...or never...that it isn't anything personal. I just read a text and then forget! I'll work on it...sometime.

Happy Birthday Garrbear!

2011-01-07T13:11:00.000-08:00

Today Garrett is 26! He is getting the best birthday gift ever...but I can't spill the beans yet. Happy Birthday! And now, a picture tribute:

Love you...3 times!

If You Thought the Leopard Shoes Were Crazy...

2010-12-10T13:51:00.000-08:00

Then call me crazy again. I LOVE this leopard pencil skirt. Wouldn't it be fabulous to wear to

Christmas parties?

Here

I'm Dreaming of a...

2010-12-03T11:09:00.000-08:00

Boot-Filled Christmas. Some of my faves:

Find it Here


Crazy, I know. But I love them! Find it Here

And last, but not least, it would be nice if these came with the boot filled Christmas as a bonus:

Gotta Love a Good Asics

If Only I Had A Bearskin Rug

2010-11-23T12:52:00.000-08:00

All schools were canceled here in Rupe-town for the rest of the week because of the blizzard we've been having for the past couple of hours.
It makes me want to do this:

While eating this:

Instead, I am sitting at work, watching the wind whip at the windows while snow blows in every direction.. Ugh! So what do I do while 3/4 of Rupert is all cozy at home?

It may entail fries-
Which I may have ordered with my lunch-
I may have enjoyed them-
Even though it's a no-no!

Guilt is setting in, but only in the parts of my body that the fry fat hasn't reached yet...so I guess my guilt isn't that much! I taught Zumba this morning and will teach it again tonight. That will cancel out SOME of those fry calories...or maybe I'll just use those burned calories to fulfill my current daydream of a fireplace, hot chocolate and warm cookies. Now if I only had a bearskin rug...

And So It Begins...

2010-11-20T06:58:00.000-08:00

Backyard

Front Yard

We woke up at 7:30 am to kids screaming. The neighbor kids had realized it snowed over 4 inches. Needless to say, Aggie joined in the action. It was her first time with snow, and she went crazy!

Aggie Loves Her Some Snow - noticed her covered face?

Fall=Leaves=Trees

2010-11-04T12:29:00.000-07:00

Our little home is looking more and more like just that - a home. Our grass is now lush and it was time to up the ante. Some friends have a tree farm and helped us get some foliage for our yard. Garret is such a hard worker and with the help of our friend Tyler, five trees were dug up and planted in our yard. It has completely changed the look of our house.In all we planted four maple trees and one oak. Garrett said he got the oak tree so that when he becomes the prophet he can make his pulpit out of it. Good luck with that Garr.

All five trees.

First tree planted. Don't dog the tree planting clothes I have on.

Hard Working Hunk

Garrett, his dad (Dean), and Tyler - the tree man.

Maple


A leaf from our oak.

I can't wait to start raking up leaves!

Halloween Party

2010-10-31T17:30:00.000-07:00

I could not think of a clever title, so it just states the obvious. On Friday, Oct. 29 we had a Halloween Party at our house! We had a great time with the Jones, Gooch, Schow, DuBois, and Wheeler couples. Here are a few pictures from the game we played - HALLOWEEN MINUTE TO WIN IT!

Andrea trying to get the oreo to her mouth. Isn't this a great picture? She and Tyler, her hubbie, won the grand prize.

Megan claiming victory.

Michelle

Tatiana unrolling the streamers. Quite the action shot...(joking)

Megan giving it a "whirl", no pun intended...(joking, yet again)

Please notice our 8 months pregnant Talea giving the donuts a go.

Gooch working those abs for the donut.

Ryan was all business when it came to this game.

Craig is classic in this pic. I think his neck was turned around 180 degrees.

Happy Late Halloween!

Crafting of Sorts

2010-10-25T17:35:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was a blast! My mom and sisters came up to the Minidoka Craft Fair. How big could a craft fair be in Rupert, ID? It is actually one of the biggest in all of Idaho. I think my family was surprised at how big the craft fair was. I loved walking around all the booths, getting ideas of things I could make (it's true, I'm too cheap to buy things, unless I can't recreate it). After moving from a basement apartment to our house, I realized seasonal decorations were sparse. Slowly I've been making some things to decorate our home, especially for fall.
Here is a taste of what I've been up to.

My friend Jen Pinther and I made these box shelves back in July. I absolutely love them. Beadboard makes everything better. Each season I will change out the ribbon and
what goes inside.

I wish I had come up with this idea, but I got it from dejavucraft.blogspot.com. It is a Halloween topiary. You take cupcake liners and glue them to a foam ball. Jen Pinther and I had a great time making them while we ate Doc's cheese sticks...THEY ARE TO DIE FOR!

This is a simple way to get a seasonal craft. I bought this frame at the DI, painted it Metallic Gold, added some ribbon and vinyl letters.

Vinyl letters take two. I spray painted some old plates, added some vinyl letters and put them on my plate rack.

Starting this month, my friend Tenille Claridge and I started a craft club with some gals from our ward. We meet once a month and do a craft for $15 or less. Tenille was in charge this month and did a phenom job.

Here's the finished product of what us craft club ladies did. I found some sparkle pumpkins that matched perfect.

Ok, I didn't make these block letters. My sweet mother-in-law bought them for me. Aren't the adorable? Each side of the block has a different number on it, so you can count down to special events. Only 6 days until Halloween.

Aren't these pumpkins the cutest thing you've seen? Garrett and I came up with the idea of painting some stumps orange, adding some stems and creating pumpkins for our porch. I absolutely love having these out on display.

A fall/halloween post wouldn't be compelte without a picture of the pumpkin we carved. Our friends, the Wheeler's, invited us over and we carved Stanley, our pumpkin.

What have you created this holiday season? Any ideas for winter?

Meet My Peeps {Allyce}

2010-10-20T11:18:00.000-07:00

Meet my dear friend Allyce. Allyce and I have been friends for well over a decade. One thing you should know about Allyce is that she has an impeccable memory. She remembers everything about a person, even their half birthday! You can check out Allyce here.

What is your full name?
Allyce Katie Jones

Where do you live?
The armpit of Utah

What is you favorite color?

Bright Orange

What is your favorite Restaurant?

Firehouse

What is the craziest thing you have ever done?

I ate something out of the garbage... it had been there for over 12 hours

Do you have a favorite word?

Man

What movie can you recite by heart?

Matilda

If you could trade lives with anyone, who would it be and why?
By former flatmate Ina- because she still lives in Germany and I'd love to go back!

What was your worst middle school moment?
Being tardy to spanish class

What are 3 things you cannot live without?

A calculator, sleeping bag, and remote control fan

What song always make you feel happy when you hear it?
Become You- Indigo Girls

Who was the last person you talked to on the phone?
Heidi

What famous person do you most resemble?
None... I have quite a unique look.

What book you have read has changed your life? How?
A Grief Observed by C.S. Lewis... it's an interesting look at the grieving process. It helped me to become more compassionate

What is the single best decision you have ever made?
Going to Utah State

If you could write a book about anything, what would it be?
Left-handedness

What is the best pickup line you have ever heard?

I was blinded by your beauty so I'm going to need your name and number for insurance reasons

My String

2010-10-15T10:41:00.000-07:00

When I think of my relationship with Garrett, I think of flying a kite. I am the kite and Garrett is the string. He keeps me grounded. He keeps me from flying away. He give me my freedom to fly around, however, he knows how to direct me to keep me safe and up in the air. With him, I will never fall to the ground.

My emotions have been out of whack for the past month or so, and sadly Garrett has taken the brunt of it all. He shows great patience toward me and life without him would be pointless. Garrett, I love you. I want to be all that I can for you. Thank you for keeping me grounded.

Meet My Peeps {Aggie}

2010-10-11T19:03:00.000-07:00

Each Wednesday, for a bit, I am going to be a spotlight on someone I know and who I think you should know. So get ready friends and family of mine....you may be next.

The week you're going to get to know Aggie, our adorable Black Lab.

What is your full name?
Aggie...that's it

How did you get your name?
Utah State University Aggies

When were you born?
March 12, 2010

What is your favorite word?
Lexi or Walk - (Lexi is my grandma dog. She's my favorite person to play with)

3 things you cannot live without?
1. Bones
2. Food
3. Attention

Favorite Food?
People Food

What do you do to get attention?
Go steal clothes out of the laundry until Garret or Sarah notices me

Any guilty pleasure?
Digging holes in the backyard, which I'm not suppose to do.

Aggie and her BIG bone.

(Creepy eyes in all the pictures, I know. But since our camera broke we've been using a weak sauce one that I can't figure out. But look at the size of that bone!)
We Love Aggie!

You May Not Know...

2010-10-11T13:35:00.000-07:00

Being the avid *cough* blogger that I am, I realized that I haven't shared much information about our lived since, shall we say May? So to make up for lost time, here are some tidbits of the Summer and beginning of Fall that slipped through the blogging cracks.

You May Not Know...

We both graduated from USU on May 8, 2010. Garrett = BS Interdisciplinary Studies. Sarah= Journalism & Communications and Health & Wellness
We moved it Rupert, Idaho. Garrett is working at A+ Solutions Counseling Agency and for the Minidoka School District. He works with kids who have behavioral problems. I started out working for Impact Athletic, teaching fitness classes, however, I recently switched over to the Best Western Burley Inn, working as a personal assistant (more hours, better pay).
We got a puppy, who is not so much a puppy anymore. She's a black lab and we named her Aggie.

Memorial Day camping trip to Bear Lake with the Condie clan. We brought Abbey (my sis) along. We went to Minitonka Cave (we were the first guests of the season) and played Minute to Win It. Of course Garrett and I brought home the victory.My sidekick sister, Emily, got married to Joshua Armstrong. She wore my Grandma's wedding dress. It was beautiful.
After the wedding, Emily and Josh had an open house in Cali (where he is from). Disneyland couldn't be missed.
The Fourth of July in Rupert is a BIG deal. Seriously - just ask Sam Nef Spendlove. She knows what I'm talking about. Anyway, my family came up. My dad and I ran in the Rupert 4th of July 5k, the family went to the parade and boating. It was a great time. We also got to celebrate my Dad's birthday while he was here. THE BIG 4-9!

On the 24th of July there is a race in Oakley, Idaho (population 1000) called the Goose Creek Run-off. It's a 10k. Garrett, his mom (Debra), and I all joined in and complete the 10k. At the end they had a drawing for a Nordic Track X7i Treadmill (you've seen it - it's the one with Jillian Michaels on the commercials). Anyway, they drew out my name and I won the treadmill. It goes up to a 40% incline, has wi-fi and all. I still can't believe it. What a perfect gift! It now sits proudly in our master bedroom.

(This is a BIG picture because winning the treadmill was a BIG deal)

The first part of August we found out we were expecting a baby sometime in April. We were so excited, however, it wasn't meant to be. About 8 weeks later I had a miscarriage. It was a blow, but we're doing ok. We still get sad, but know that there is a plan and all we can do is move forward. We've kept it pretty quiet and don't really need any sad feelings or condolences; that is not why I am writing about it. We have accepted what has happened and are looking forward to the day that we can get pregnant again! And we are excited for our sister-in-law Anna and my sister Emily to have their babies in March and May.

Since we thought a baby was on the way, we needed to get a reliable car. Goodbye Oldsmobile and welcome Nissan Pathfinder. Notice the Aggie Blue Color?

Please notice the air that all 5'3 of me got? Impressive, I know.

Lastly, the annual Labor Day camping trip to Bear Lake with the Condie Clan was a great time. Garrett and I rocked Minute to Win It yet again, but Jennifer and Jeremy gave us run for our money this time around. We went to the beach and ate double our body weight. We tried to hike it off at Bloomington lake. Why does camping food have to be so good?

Well, there you have it. A full report of our summer in October...you'd think I'd get the hint that I've got to keep up on the blog. We'll see. You may not have known, but now you do!

Have you tried?

2010-10-11T13:23:00.000-07:00

If not, you're missing out. These two beauties together make magic in your mouth. I have discovered that the best ratio is 2 peanuts to one candy corn, but that's just me talking. Try it. Love it. Thank me.

2 Years = 2 Few

2010-09-03T09:17:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, the G-man and I will celebrate our 2 year anniversary. This blows my mind. It doesn't feel like 2 years, however, at the same time it seems I have been married my whole life. 2 years down and an eternity to go. I can't wait.

I love you Garrett...3 times.

Miracles DO Happen

2010-08-14T12:43:00.000-07:00

Yes, that is me. Yes, I got up on a wakeboard. No, hell did not freeze over, but it almost did.

That being said, my little sister came and stayed with Garrett and I for a week. While she was here we went boating. I had to try and imprese her (since I Garrett and I are far past the stage of impressing each other). I have tried waterskiing all my life and never got up. However, second try on the wakeboard I was out of the water. I am sorry inflatable tube, but you are taking a back seat from now on because I, Sarah Condie, am now a wakeboarder!

Here are some pictures of Garrett and Abbey - aka the Pros.

And in case you didn't believe me the first time, check this final picture out!

The Price Was Not Right For Us

2010-08-04T17:18:00.000-07:00

For our honeymoon (almost 2 years ago), Garrett and I went on a cruise. On our way, we stopped at THE PRICE IS RIGHT. We were sure we'd hear them say "COME ON DOWN", especially with our fabulous shirts. Alas, it was not mean to be, but it was a fun experience. Watch and see if you can pick us out. We had the best seats in the house, probably because we got in line at 2 a.m. Enjoy.

Life

2010-07-28T12:48:00.000-07:00

My Grandma. Carol Swenson.

This weekend will be the last time I get to see her.

She is sick.

Dad told me I got my voice from her.
There are parts of her in me that I'm sad I won't long remember.

Even though we love her here, it's time to let her go.

Grandpa is waiting for her...

Our Love Song

2010-07-21T16:45:00.000-07:00

The title of our blog is "Backwoods Boy & a Fairy Tale Princess." How did this blog title come about you may ask? Have you ever heard the song Livin' our Love Song? Of course you have because it is oober cute. Anyway, one day, back when Garrett and I started dating, he told me I had to listen to this song. He said that when he heard it he thought it fit us perfectly because it talked about a boy and a girl that were like us - backwoods boy and fairytale princess. Garrett is a backwoods boy because he is from Rupert, ID. I was playing Belle in Beauty and the Beast at the time, thus the fairytale princess. From then on, this song became our song. The music video doesn't really do the song justice and Jason Carroll looks like a creeper, but listen to the lyrics because they make me cry every time I do. Enjoy.

We're Still Alive and Idaho Spuds

2010-07-15T15:18:00.000-07:00

Everyone apologizes for not doing blogs on a regular basis. I'm not going to, because I've already given myself a guilt trip about it. I use our blog as a way of journaling, so I've been missing out on keeping track of all the memories. There following are the reasons I have not been a good blogger/journal keeper/keep a journal commandment follower:

1. Our camera broke...a long time ago. And we haven't bought another one. So no picture = no sense in doing a blog because pictures make it fun.

2. We moved. Sure it was over 2 months ago, but I'm still recovering. Probably will be doing so for a year.

3. I feel like when I write a blog something monumental has to happen or I have to find something witty to say. Monumental things have happened, but not camera to capture it. And as far as the witty thing goes, I've not nothin'.

So to keep you all updated and so I don't forget to document this later, here is what has happened in the past little bit in no particular order:

May 8, 2010 ( 2:00 pm) - Garrett and I graduated from USU. Garrett in Sociology and me in Broadcast Journalism and Health and Wellness.
May 8, 2010 (5:00 pm) - Garrett and I moved to Rupert, ID. Land of a million dreams.
May, 10 2010 - I started my new job. I work at Impact Athletic and Raquetball Club teaching Zumba, Step Aerobics, Pilates, Group Power, and Boot Camp
May 12, 2010 - Garrett started his new job at A+ Counseling and Behavior Systems. He works will ages 3-45.
Went camping to Bear Lake
Went boating - failed to get up yet again. Don't worry though, everyone else did
Had the famdamily up for the 4th of July. Celebrated dad's big 4-9.
Emily (my sis) got married to Joshua Armstrong
Went to Emily's Open House in Cali
Hit up Disneyland and California Adventure
Bought our first grill...we're growing up
Put in a sprinkler system
Put in a Lawn
Got a puppy. Her name is Aggie. She is a black lab and super cute and sometimes obedient. (See, don't you wish I had pictures...)
Ran a 5k
Got called as Beehive Advisor in our ward. Garrett is 1st Counselor in the Elder's Quorum. Kind of sexy in a righteous sort of way.
Got accused of stealing gas from a Maverick. They found out they were wrong. Thank you, Maverick, for sending a policeman to my door at 7 am on a Saturday morning.
Went boating again. Didn't even try to get up. Realized that the tube is my domain.

That's all I can think of right now. It's a long list, I know, but I didn't want to forget anything. Someday I will show you all (and by all I mean Anna and John & Debra who are the most loyal and only blog followers) pictures of our house.
So until next time...

When We Grow Up

2010-05-06T09:02:00.000-07:00

Her Wants:

His Wants:

Kids can dream, right?

I Thought Growing Up Would Feel Different

2010-05-03T12:24:00.000-07:00

Finals week has begun and I am sitting here realizing that this Saturday, May 8th I will be graduating.

Growing up, when I thought about being a college graduate, I thought I would be smarter or feel older. I feel neither. But I am relieved to have this chapter over. I love to learn, but it will be nice to experience life without school since it is all I have known.

Graduating is bitter-sweet. I have loved Utah State University and college life. Sometimes, when I walk on campus, I think of things that I will miss about this chapter of my life. Here they are, in no particular order:

Ambassadors - I have {loved} ambassadors. It really was the best part of my experience at Utah State...if only I could have been groomed to be a professional and remained an ambassador for life!
The preacher outside of the TSC
The professor who rides his unicycle around
Koch Scholars - 2nd best experience of USU
The beauty of campus. Everytime I am up on campus I get a rewarding sense of nature. It really is the most beautiful campus
Living in the basement of Rex & Edna (90 and 87 years old). We love them so much and will miss talking to them each day. I will not miss the 2x2 shower that constantly springs up mold, changes temperature whenever it wants, and won't let me bend down to shave my legs.
Learning - I LOVE TO LEARN
Friends - so many dear friendship made, lost, rekindled. I will never forget my "bosom" friends
The garage that Sam Nef and I lived in and all the memories that accompany it
Basketball games - can't get any better
Football games - could get better
Teaching fitness classes to students
Truly becoming myself and finding out who I am and what I want
Aggie Ice Cream - Blue mint I love you!
Giving Tours
My nose hairs freezing as I walk to class in the winter. Then my nose becoming a faucet as it thaws.
Getting stopped by the missionaries all the time! Do I not look like a member?
Becoming a TRUE AGGIE
BECOMING AN ULTIMATE AGGIE
BEING ABLE TO FINISH IT ALL OFF WITH MY BEST FRIEND AND LOVER and GET TO GRADUATE AND WALK ACROSS THE STAGE WITH HIM!

There are millions more, but I didn't want to make the list too long. Goodbye USU. You are such a large part of my life and my heart. I will miss you and will be a fan for life! As Jen Putnam says, "Utah State Makes Dreams come True!"

My Apologies...But You'll Understand

2010-04-19T10:01:00.000-07:00

After we got back from our cruise we realized something terrible happened - our camera broke. We don't know how and we don't know when, but it gave up the ghost. It was pretty crummy timing considering some BIG things are happening and we won't have a camera to document the following

Graduation
Moving
New House
All the other stuff we do

So there will probably be a lack of blog posts because pictures are better than words. Hopefully someday when we are all grown up and graduated we will get another camera. You'd better watch out because then I'll bombard this blog with pictures!

Peace.

There Once Was a Time Without Snow

2010-04-06T13:05:00.000-07:00

It snowed a foot last night. Thought posting this would warm me up.

Cruise-a-thon 2010

Jerica took this picture from the ship. Isn't it magnificent.

On the deck of the ship...didn't know Nate was taking the picture right then.

Getting a Tattoo

Our Taxi...It was a Suburban (stick shift)

The Final Product

On Our Water Taxi

Lovers Beach

The warm Mazatlan Sun, my favorite place

We got the Silver Medal in the cruise's Volleyball Tournament. 2nd out of 32 teams. The guy in the middle is our friend Dominic. He had all gold teeth which made us know he would be a valuable asset to our team.

Our friend Nate & Jerica, We Love Them

Getting Ready to Board

The LONG drive down & back

Ode to You, Tuna

2010-03-24T11:07:00.000-07:00

Dear Tuna Sandwich,
I rediscovered you today and want to thank you for making my lunch indulgently satisfying.
I love the omega 3-fatty acids you give me. I love the perfect symmetry that envelops my taste buds as I taste that perfect combination of wet and dry. I love that you are healthy and as I eat you, nestled between 2 whole wheat slices of bread, I think that I am a size 2. Even though you stink up my hands and breath, I don't mind because you, Tuna Sandwich, are wonderful. Ode to you, tuna. I hope we meet again soon.

Goodbye. Probably Won't Miss You.

2010-03-03T08:41:00.000-08:00

The title may seem cruel, but we might as well face the truth.
Goodbye Logan. I will not miss you or the seasonal depression you bring me as I breathe in the toxins from the cow-poop inversion.
Goodbye School. I love to learn but will not miss the stress you bring me or the 7:30 am classes everyday.
Goodbye House. I will not miss the loads of laundry or the dishes that pile up or the 2x2 shower that keeps growing mold.
Goodbye Work. I will not miss you making me feel like I work for Michael Scott.
Goodbye Everything. Probably Won't Miss You...because tomorrow I leave to this:

SEE YOU ALL IN A WEEK!

Home Can Be a Heaven on Earth

2010-02-28T20:57:00.000-08:00

I can't wait to move to our house in Rupert. I just wished I'd seen the plans for this beautiful home before we built ours. It's just over the river so I can drive by it with envy anytime I'd like.*Please notice the hitch it still attached...can I say "Curb Appeal".

Just incase you haven't yet caught the essence, here's one last look.

If Jake Chooses Vienna I will Never Watch THE BACHELOR Again!

2010-02-11T08:32:00.000-08:00

Enough said.

I Love Apples

2010-02-10T08:46:00.000-08:00

An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away...

Garrett and I have been doing an apple cleansing. Information about it is here.

Our sociology teacher swears by this and does it once every couple of months. Now we aren't doing the full 3 days. Since this is our first time we are sticking with just 2. However, it is hard. I must admit that I have never hated apples so much. Right now I am on my 10th apple during this two day experience.

I know it seems and dumb and weird that we're doing it, but why not try! Only 12 more hours to go...cant' wait to sink my teeth into more organic apples!

Hunger hasn't really been a problem because you can eat as many apples as you want. I do feel better after one day of doing it. Those toxins should be flushing right through me! I'll let you know how we do on the long stretch. Until then, enjoy your food. You could just be eating apples.

February Goals

2010-02-09T08:26:00.001-08:00

I have decided to make a goal to make goals (kind of a conundrum, eh?). So each month I am going to make a list of a couple of goals to work on that month. By the end of the year I should have a good, long streak of goals and will be on my way to perfection...I think that's how it works :)

Usually people do this in January, I know, but I just got this idea so February, here we come.

Sarah's Goals:
1. Go to the Temple Each month
2. No Sweets Until March (for the cruise's sake)
3. Call people back when they call me (especially my visiting teacher). For some reason I hate the phone. Have you ever noticed that people usually call you just when they want something. Ah, the beauty of getting older.
4. Read all the school and scholarship material that I am assigned.

Well there you have it. Four goals for February. I figured if I posted them I would be held accountable. What are your goals?

VIVA EL FEBRERO!

Just Can't Wait

2010-02-03T08:06:00.000-08:00

ONE MONTH

UNTIL THIS

AND THIS

ON THIS

HOPEFULLY I WILL LOOK LIKE THIS

AND NOT THIS

I JUST CAN'T WAIT TO GET OUT OF THIS

HER OLD BONES (HAPPY BIRTHDAY)

2010-01-23T08:34:00.000-08:00

AS OF TUESDAY I HAVEN'T STOPPED HEARING ABOUT SARAH'S BODY HURTING HER. MAYBE ITS BECAUSE OF HER BIRTHDAY, AND SHES GROWING UP AND GETTING OLDER, OR POSSIBLY IT IS JUST BECAUSE SHE HAD A KILLER WEEK OF WORKOUTS(AS THE INSTRUCTOR SHE HAS TO HAVE THE WORKOUT BE HARD ENOUGH THAT IT WORKS HER TOO!!). BUT SHE ISN'T GETTING OLD, AND I KNOW THAT SHE IS NOT WEAK EITHER, BUT JUST I WANTED TO WISH HER A HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND TELL HER HOW MUCH I LOVER HER AND APPRECIATE ALL THAT SHE DOES. LOVE YA SARAH!!

PS. I AM A FIRST TIME BLOG POSTER, AND HAVE NO IDEA HOW TO ADD PICTURES, THUS BEING THE REASON FOR THE SORT POST AND BEING PRETTY PLAIN- SORRY!

I'm A Big Kid Now!

2010-01-07T10:04:00.000-08:00

This is my Best Friend!

Today is his Birthday!

He is turning...

But I did not make him that. For breakfast I made him this

And for after dinner I will make him a cake. It will look like this
But no matter what I make for him or give him, it will never be enough. He has given me more than I could ever imagine. He makes me laugh. He puts me first. He teaches me how to be a better person. He thinks I'm beautiful. Even when I look like this
He's a quarter of a century old but I love him more than ever. He is patient, ambitious, courageous, strong, fun, loving...and a TOTAL HUNK!

Happy Birthday Garbear! I Love you...3 times.

It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

2009-12-06T17:48:00.000-08:00

Here at the Condie basement apartment, we love Christmas. LOVE LOVE LOVE IT! Looking at the calendar today we realized that we have a full month of activities ahead of us...but first we have to survive finals this week. We can't wait for a break from school and to actually spend some time with each other and not have to worry about school.

It finally snowed here in Cache Valley, making it look more like the Christmas season. Of course with Christmas comes all the decorations and it has been so fun decorating out little dwelling. Now don't expect anything grand, however, because #1 we are still college students and #2 we live in a cozy (and I mean COZY) apartment. But below are some pictures of our apartment with the Christmas spirit.

Of course with Christmas comes the lights at Temple Square. After the fun and eventful Condie Family Reunion Thanksgiving in Salt Lake City, Garrett and I went to look at the lights in Salt Lake City with the Condie clan. You can't help but feel the true spirit of Christmas when you are walking around the temple grounds, looking at the lights and hearing the music.

Thrown into the mix of pictures is our most recent family picture that Garrett's aunt Lisa took on Thanksgiving. She is a fabulous photographer among many other things. We are so glad that we could get to be in the Ward family photo as well.

Christmas is truly the best time and year. We can't wait for Grandma & Grandpa Martin's Christmas Party, my Mom's Birthday (she's the best! And she's turning 48 on the 16th), Doughnut night, sledding, singing, and the Swenson Family Christmas Spectacular! I guess that's what I love most about Christmas; being able to spend time with family and recreating yearly traditions. What are you family traditions? Have a wonderful holiday season and happy new year!

I tried to do those detail shots that people do...obviosly my little digital camera didn't quite cut it. Someday I'll have one of those fancy cameras and you won't be laughing...

We love being able to have a mantle and fireplace in our apartment.

Our little tree, which it on top of a table to make it look taller. We have a tradition to get an ornament everywhere we travel. It's so fun to decorate our little tree and remember all the memories.

Jen, Jer, Skyler & Kendyll at Temple Square with us.

Ward Family (Garrett's Mom's Family)

Garrett and Sarah...not our best shot but you all know how good looking we REALLY are!

Condie Family

We're Thankful For Our House

2009-11-22T20:20:00.001-08:00

2 Months in Pictures

2009-10-07T12:11:00.001-07:00

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. So here is ourlife since we got back from Des Moines, IA in late August. We are glad to be back, but back in school is another thing... This picture above is us riding the Train at Lagoon. Over UEA (last weekend) we went with my family to Hogle Zoo and Lagoon for a fun weekend.

Abbey and Mom with the Elephant. Believe it or not it was farting while taking the picture. No lie.

John, Anna, Abbey and Cache on the Train. Cache was a trooper at Lagoon. We love going because it's Frightmares at Lagoon and the park is all decked out in Halloween stuff.

Pilot Sarah on the Flying Aces.

Garrett who flew his plane the highest.

The baby elephant is new at Hogle Zoo. She was just born. Her name is Zuri. Isn't she so cute?

The big daddy elephant.

You could never guess that this was Garrett's first time at a zoo...

They had these awesome hats at Hogle Zoo. I couldn't resist the picture opportunity.

NOW ON TO THE BIGGEST NEWS! We are officially homeowners now. On September 23, 2009 we closed on our house in Rupert. We are so blessed to be able to have a home and are excited to eventually move into it. Below are some pictures of the house. They are kind of old because we haven't taken any pictures of the finished product. I promise they will be up next week.

Master Bedroom and Closet

The darling Sante Fe doors up against the painted wall so you can see the contrast of colors

This is the living room. The front door is the dirty one shown in the picture. Now it's beautiful, deep colored, solid wood door.

The back of the house.

This is before all the exterior was done, but you get the gist of it. This is the what she looks like! We absolutely love it.

We asked if we could keep the port-a-potty, but they wanted it back!

Our fireplace. It now has tile around it.

The master bathroom. I love the big garden tub. I've missed getting to take a bath.

This is our laundry room.

This is the guest bathroom

Our beautiful mahogany cabinets.

These are our hand carved wood floors, covered in a ton of dust. Just imagine their beauty!

This is our kitchen. I can't wait to use the pantry in the corner and cook my little heart out.

Another shot of our living room with the fireplace. We had the mantle match the cabinets throughout the house to create a good flow.

We are so excited for our house. It's crazy to think we're homeowners. We will be moving in when we both graduate in the Spring. Until then it will be our little weekend getaway retreat. Thanks to Dean and Debra for taking pictures and keeping us updated all the time and to Jen for her drive-by updates on her way to work.

Now onto the Cassia County Fair and Rodeo. Since the day Garrett and I met, I have heard nonstop about the Cassia County Fair and Rodeo. Garrett even planned to come back in time for the fair from summer sales! I must admit that the Cassia County Fair and Rodeo wasn't a let down at all. I loved tasting all the yummy food (scones, maple bars, pretty much everything I shouldn't be eating) and watching the Wards show their Steers was great. My favorite part, however, was watching my own little cowboy in the rodeo. Garrett joined Wesston and Wesston's friend in competing in the Wild Cow Ride. The winning team gets a belt buckle and amazing bragging rights in Rupert and Burley.

The Wild Cow ride is nothing like I have every seen. A team of three has to chase down a cow, put a saddle on him, and ride it through some barrells. This is all while firecrackers are going off so the cows aren't too happy. I watched and screamed until I couldn't talk watching Garrett and the crew compete. And guess what...THEY WON! They beat out all the other teams. I am so proud of Garrett and his Strong, Muscley Body and the pride he gave me in telling everyone that my cowboy won at the rodeo. Here are some pictures of the event!

Here we are getting ready to watch the rodeo.

*notice Debra's peace sign*The Cassia County Fair is so great that we invited my parents and Abbey to come up to join in the fun!

Before the Wild Cow Ride began. As you can see Wesston and Garrett both have on their belt buckles from their previous win right before their missions. A lot was on the line this time around.

I am so proud of my Cowboy. They got new belt buckles worth $150. Notice in the above picture that my dad wanted to join in the celebration. He. Jeff Faux and Dean are going to do it next year...right?

Well the eternal post is over. Between all of these events Garrett has been working hard at Mount Logan Middle School while doing full-time school. I am working 3/4 time as a receptionist at the Dental Office and am teaching Aerobics and Pilates at USU. School is going good. I just turned in my graduation packet for the Spring today with Garrett. We're doing it...we're growing up. First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes school, then comes a home...what's next?

A Much Needed Update

2009-08-08T10:49:00.000-07:00

So much for my blogging every week! It's sad because I have all the time in the world out here and for some reason I just keep putting it off...like I have anything else to do. In order to officially update all 5 or so of you who actually look at our blog, I am going to do a top 5 list of things have have happened since the last update:

1. We're coming home! We have enjoyed our time in Reno and Des Moines this summer but both Garrett and I are aching to be back in Logan and Rupert to see our families and get back into the usual swing of things. Since our car's untimely death we have decided to fly home instead of hitchhike. We will be leaving Des Moines on Tuesday, August 11 and are excited to have 2 weeks of summer before school starts.

2. Our house is getting closer and closer to being done. We've heard that the sheetrock is up and shingles are on but don't have any pictures of that yet. Garrett's parents, Dean and Debra, have been so sweet to go check on our house every week and send us updates. Here are some pictures they sent about 2 or 3 weeks ago of the outside of the house. It is further along now and when Garrett and I get a chance to go to Rupert we'll update the pictures.

3. I have a new job. When we get back to Logan Garrett will return to Mount Logan Middle School where he is a hall monitor/snack giver-outer an I will be back at Dr. Jensen's dental office as the secretary. However, every Monday and Wednesday from 6:30-8:30 at night I will be teaching step aerobics and pilates at Utah State. I am so excited for this opportunity. Many of you may not know but I became a ceritified personal trainer in April and so now I'm putting it to use. If you are ever around come to one of the classes. It should be fun. Also I have another blog titled For A Fitter Life that you should check out. It's just a blog where I'll post information about having a healthier lifestyle and improving on fitness. I just started it so hopefully it will begin to get some traffic.

4. Garrett has done awesome this summer. With the tanked economy, selling alarms hasn't been a breeze, but Garrett has risen to the occasion and completed his goal for the summer. I am so lucky to have a husband with so much drive and ambition. I know that I will never have to worry about being taken care of. Garrett is a go-getter...the best husband there is.

5. It's time for the Condie duo to run another half marathon. Earlier this summer Garrett and I registered for the Top of Utah Half Marathon, right after we'd completed the SLC half marathon. This time around it should be a good one considering all the training we've been doing *notice the hint of sarcasm*. With Garrett's work schedule we haven't had time to properly train but regardless we're putting on our running shoes and doing that dang 13.1 miles even if we have to crawl. It's August 29 so maybe we'll see some of you there are you run past us...trust us, you will. Time doesn't matter, right? Just the feeling of completing it.

Well that's about all that's happened in our world. Thanks for all the love and support everyone gives us as we're so far away from home. We can't wait to see you all and pick up right where we left off.

VW Passat (2001-2009) RIP

2009-07-28T15:38:00.000-07:00

Des Moines - Garrett and Sarah Condie's VW Passat, 8, died unexpextedly Saturday, July 25, 2009 at the Jordan Creek Mall in West Des Moines, IA.

The Passat leaves behind his two owners who were shocked to see him go and who are grieving for the loss of their vehicle, especially after recently dumping money into the piece junk.

The Passat entered the Condie family in 2006 after Garrett's mission. It provided fun times for Garrett and saw him through his 3 years at USU. People were amazed at the sound system the then-bachelor Garrett was able to put in. He could put any lowriding hispanic's sterio out of business.

After unexpectedly not starting after a trip to the mall, many techniques were used to revive the poor Passat. However, after a towing to the dealership, the Condies made a tough decision to pull the plug instead of sinking more into it.

Goodbye Passat. We will miss you, expecially because you left us high and dry. But no worries, we will get over our grief and eventually move on. Goodbye Passat. Rest in Peace in your new upcoming home: the junkyard.

A private funeral service will be held later this week. The family would like to thank everyone for their outreach of love and support. In leiu of flowers, please donate to the Condie Car Charity which will go to a much needed couple *cough* who have resulted in a similar car death situation.

Nauvoo

2009-07-09T12:26:00.000-07:00

When we found out we were moving to Des Moines I was most excited about the fact that we were only 3 hours away from Nauvoo. Not wanting to pass the experience up, Garret and I along with Russell, another sales rep, went to Nauvoo on Sunday. Sundays are the only days we have off and what better way to spend it than going to Nauvoo.

Garrett had already been but not I. I just ate it all up. I love learning and learning about church history really opened my eyes up. I've been reading the D&C each day trying to even learn more. Here are some pictures from our journey. The weather was perfect and it wasn't crowded at all. It felt like we were on a personal tour the whole time.
Crossing the Mississippi

Entering IllinoisThe original Sun image
Lyon Drug is where Garrett's Grandma served when she was a missionaryI am jumping rope over the rope we made.
Joseph, Hyrum and Emma's Graves

I told Garrett we needed to vary our "stand by each other with our arms wrapped around each other" pose we always do. Thus, I am sitting on the stairs of Joseph's Red Brick store by a flower pot. This is where the Relief Society was established.
This was Garrett's pose of choice... This is the seventies hall. I loved all the artifacts it had in there.

And we're back to the traditional pose in front of the BEAUTIFUL Nauvoo Temple.A statue of Joseph and Hyrum

Coming away from Nauvoo both of our tesitmonies were stronger. I felt so lucky and blessed to be a part of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints. I am also so grateful for the opportunity temples give us and to be able to be sealed to Garrett forever. Going to Nauvoo was a dream fulfilled and something I will never forget.

I Should Be Exercising...

2009-07-04T10:51:00.000-07:00

It's no secret that I love to exercise but lately I seem to lack the gusto to go. The weather here in Iowa has been rainy, rainy, humid and rainy. With dark skies and wet pavement it makes me just want to stay inside under a blanket all day. But then at the end of the day comes the guiltiness of being lazy.

So I should be exercising right now but I am finding things to do to put it off until I can't anymore. Thus, the blog post. It should keep me from hitting the gym for about another 15 minutes...

The reason our blog hasn't been updated for awhile is that nothing much has happened. We did drive from Reno, NV to Des Moines, IA and I thought I would have a ton to blog about. It turns out the sagebrush and antelope of Wyoming can lull anyone to sleep and Nebraska, though beautiful, is flat and pretty much the same thing over and over again.

Des Moines is breathtaking, lush and green. The only thing I don't like about it is that I don't know where anything is. Usually I use the mountains to realize what's North and South but here everything is pretty flat and there are so many trees you can't see anything. At least we're breathing good, oxygenated air.

On our way from Reno to Des Moines we stopped in Rupert and Logan to say hi to our families quick. We miss them so much. In Rupert we were able to stop by our lot and see that the foundation for our house has been poured. EXCITING!

Originally our house was going to be finishing by Novemeber 1st, but with interest rates rising our house's deadline has been pushed up. We should be first time homeowners by Septemeber...CRAZY. We are both so excited to have a home of our own and for the opportunity we will have to live in Rupert.

Well, I guess it's off to the gym. Don't get me wrong, I am grateful for the opportunity and time I have to exercise it's just that this murky weather makes me lazy! Until next time...

An Update & An Announcement

2009-06-18T19:54:00.000-07:00

I really need to get better at this blog thing. Now that Garrett and I have 5 friends actually looking at our blog I guess I had better update it more than once a month. Five friends doesn't mean high demand so updating twice a week would just be absurd. So I'm going to go with once a week to every two weeks...maybe...

So here is what has been happening in our lives lately. As of right now we are still in the bountiful land of Reno *cough* but will soon be getting the heck out of dodge (is that the right saying? I think I heard my mom say it once). This is where the announcement comes into play.

No, I am not pregnant. That is not the announcement. *Drumroll, please* On Saturday we are heading off to Des Moines, Iowa to sell for the second half of the summer. That's it. That's the grand news. It may not seem like that big of a deal to you but to us it is heaven sent.

Reno has been hard. The economy here is terrible. Every 1 in 23 homes is foreclosed. And the unemployment rate is 13%. Now that's a prime spot to be selling alarms, right? WRONG!

So we are definitely excited to be going to a new area and another part of the country. I have never been to Iowa before and am excited to see what it is all about. The most exciting part for me is that it is only 3 hours away from Nauvoo. I have never been there and am excited to see all the old church history sites.

Now that the announcement has been announced it is time for an update. Nothing much has changed here in Reno. Garrett still goes out each day, working hard and is doing awesome. He has averaged about 1 a day and it almost halfway to his summer goal! I am so proud of him. How hard it would be to go out each day and knock on doors and get rejected again and again. But when he gets that one sale it makes his time worth it.

I am still being selfish out here in Reno, doing whatever I want during the day. Usually this means I spend my morning with Garrett, kiss him goodbye to work, exercise, nap, clean and do some projects. However, this week that schedule has been altered.

As of today I am on the mend from a cold. Out of the blue I got the common cold and have been battling to not get Garrett sick. He has been so good to me. The other night I was going to sleep out in the living room on the couch so I wouldn't get him sick. I woke up to see that he had moved the mattress in on the living room floor so he could sleep next to me. How cute is that?

He has gotten the bath water going for me each day, made sure I take my medicine on time, bought me immunity smoothies and just rubbed me when I ache. Poor thing has got no attention as I am knocked out on the couch 90% of the time due to drowsy medicine. What a man! I am so lucky to have him in my life. He always puts me before himself and wants what is best for me. Oh I just love him.

You'll be glad to know that I am 87% better. No more sore throat and no more aches and chills. Just a leaky faucet of a nose. But all should be well by tomorrow.

Last I wanted to post some pictures of our drive last Sunday to Lake Tahoe. I had never been and pictured a lake just like Bear Lake. When I saw Tahoe I was speechless. It is a huge, vast oasis of water. So much bigger than I ever thought it would be. The scenery was breathtaking and I wish we could've spent more time there (It was 50 degrees and Sunday...so yeah).

We may not be the most photogenic bunch but we sure are a lot of fun. Thanks for surviving this tremendously long blog but like I said, we're so much fun so why not read it!

A Step Back in Time...

2009-06-01T12:05:00.000-07:00

Sundays are the best days out here during the summer. Of course church is thrown into the mix, but the best part is that Garrett and I get to spend a whole day together! I just love Sundays.

Even though Garrett is exhausted by the time Sunday comes around, he always makes sure to take me out of the compound (the fond name I gave the Apartment complex) so that I can see a little more of Reno and a little less of four surrounding walls. I am so lucky to have a husband who endlessly puts me before himself.

This Sunday we went to Virginia City, an old historic mining town. It is about a 40 minute drive up in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. It was so beautiful to wind around the mountains and see the pretty landscape.

Virginia City is kind of like Jackson Hole, only much smaller. They profit off of the cowboy theme. Store workers are dressed as cowboys and the women as saloon girls. And there are plenty of saloons.

One of the neatest parts of Virginia City was the old cemetery, dating back to the early 1800s. It was nostalgic to walk to boarded sidewalks and watch as people passed by riding their horses.

Reno may be one the armpits of the world, but when you venture out into the surrounding scenic treasures you can really appreciate this land.
P.S. It was really bright! I couldn't look at the camera.

The Biggest Little City...

2009-05-21T13:10:00.000-07:00

It's summer and that means it is time for selling. Garrett sales for APX Alarm and this summer we are currently in Reno, NV. Very exotic, right? I just love going for jogs on the trail by our apartment only to hear rattlesnakes in the distance and try not to let the leaping lizards get the best of me. But really, we are grateful that Garrett has this job and is able to do so good at it.

We arrived in Reno a week and a half ago. We are living in really nice apartments. Many other sales reps have complained about the apartment but to Garrett and I it is heaven because: 1. There is a dishwasher 2. There is disposal 3. There is a tub 4. It is a huge tub. So huge that 4 people can fit in it, seriously.

Garrett is doing well this summer. Reno has been hard hit by the economy so it's been tough to sell. However, Garrett has been able to sale everyday. We know it is because of all the prayers that are on our behalf. Thank you. It is tough but Garrett does well to push hard everyday. The foreclosure rate here is 1 in every 23 homes. Can you believe it?

We won't be in Reno much longer. Probably 2-3 weeks at the most. Then it's off to somewhere new and we have no idea where.

Sometimes I get lonely being at home all day but it had been a nice break. I get to work on some projects, go to the gym, and take naps. I feel bad doing all this knowing how hard Garrett is working all day. But I do have a job as well. I work for APX writing news stories for their website. I write approximately 10 stories a day.

We are so blessed and miss everyone, but it's fun to have this new adventure. Don't forget about us here in Reno.

This is Garrett and Wesston, ready to leave to Reno from Rupert. The two drove their motorcycles out and I was left to fend for myself with the stick shift Passat. Good news is I only stalled 3 times the entire 8 hour journey!

Still Alive After 13.1

2009-04-22T19:23:00.000-07:00

We did it! Garrett and I finished the Salt Lake 1/2 Marathon. It took us just under 2 hours and 25 minutes (I beat Garret by .01 of a second). It was great to see many members of our families out supporting us.
The night before the race Garrett got about 30 minutes of sleep. He was so nervous, not knowing what to expect. When we got to the starting line there was a gospel choir singing getting everyone excited. As we were waiting in line for the port-a-potties at the starting line we saw the Black shirt team from The Biggest Loser. We were able to talk to them and they were really nice. I even shook their hands and since I talked to them Garrett owes me $6 dollars.
We were in the port-a-potties when the actual race started, but no need to worry because with over 13,000 people participating in the race it takes a while to cross the finish line.

The race as a whole was good. About mile 11 the marathon winner ran past us...sad when a marathon runner is faster than you are at a half marathon.
Crossing the finish line was great. Garrett and I ran through holding hands.

I am so proud of Garrett for accomplishing this. He is so good to support me in my hobbies and even does them with me. With that being said, I'm still trying to convince him to run a full marathon. This is where I need your help! Pump him up for it. I'm shooting for the St. George Marathon in October. Garrett can do it!

Gar and Sar the Runnin' Pair

2009-04-13T19:29:00.000-07:00

Have you ever seen the movie Run Fat Boy Run? Well if you haven't you'll get to see it reenacted when Garrett and I run the Salt Lake Half Marathon on Saturday April 18. It will be the anniversary of when we got engaged and to celebrate we are going to endure over 2 hours of torture...kidding. It's just a coincidence that it's the same day and we enjoy running.

We have been training since January for the half marathon and we're glad it's finally here. For those of you that don't know a half marathon is 13.1 miles. Garrett has been a real trooper, waking up early on Saturday mornings to run anywhere from 6-10 miles.

Some pictures should be up on Saturday when we have pictures of us sprinting (or should I say crawling) across the finish line at the Gateway Fountains. We're so glad that our family is going to be there to support us because we need the motivation.

"This land is your land. This land is MY land!"

2009-03-22T18:41:00.000-07:00

We made a huge step in our lives this week. We traveled up to Rupert and bought some land! Crazy, huh? It was a big decision but we knew it was the right one. Garrett and I have always figured we would end up in Rupert and have been casually looking at homes on the market so we wouldn't miss a good deal. As luck would have it we found some land that was a steal of a deal. We couldn't pass it up. And with Obama's new $8000 tax credit for 1st time homebuyers we knew this was the right time. With the economy being down construction cost is also down and we have realized that building a starter home is possible. Thanks to Stan, the #1 realtor in Rupert (or so his wife brags...but I believe her) we have hopefully found a builder that will make it happen.
So we now have land and before the end of the year we hope to have a house. We won't be able to move to Rupert until May 2010, so it may sit empty for awhile, but we want to take advantage of the tax credit.
We feel so blessed to be able to have this option and I know that it's mostly because of Garrett and all his hard work! Below are some pictures of the land. It's a lot and a half, almost a 1/2 acre. The best part of it is that we will be next door neighbors with Kris & Jeff Faux. They are the ones who set Garrett and I up on our first date...and the rest is history. We feel so excited and blessed. We can't wait!

Garrett's new girl...

2009-03-03T15:32:00.000-08:00

Scary title, huh? Don't panic! Two weeks ago Garrett and I caved and bought a motorcycle. It's a Honda Shadow 750, black. Today the temperature was 65 degrees and Garrett and I were able to take "her" out on a ride. It is so much fun! I can't decide if I enjoy the ride or the look on Garrett's face as he drive more.

It was a big step, getting a bike, but I think now is the time to do it. In the future we'll be having kids and won't be able to do something like this. Plus, when we go to sell in the summer, Garrett can cruise around with the boys to sell alarms.

Many people have asked if I'm glad we got a motorcycle. For some reason I think wives are suppose to disapprove of their husbands love for toys. Not me! I love it. It feels so good to ride and have the wind whip across me. Pictures will be posted soon. There aren't any today because just as soon as we pulled it out and went on a drive Logan weather kicked in,turned murky and we had to put her away. But soon you'll see us cruising by and if you're lucky Garrett may give you the biker's hand signal!

Our First Post

2009-02-22T20:14:00.001-08:00

Garrett and I have caved! This is our first blog. I've had a blog for awhile because I had to set one up for a class, but I never posted anything. All of our friends and family have been starting them and we want to keep up to date.

I consider myself pretty technical savy. However, when it came to changing the background of our blog I struggled. I have made websites and the fact that I couldn't change the background caused me turmoil for days. Thanks to Anna, our sister-in-law, the blog has a background.

I sat down with Garrett to pick out a blog background...big mistake! His response to "Do you like this one," was "Whatever you want." After begging him to at least have some say in our blog he chose the color brown. Trust me, this was a BIG step.

Well, we hope to get some followers and want to keep you updated so look for more posts to come, after we finish our homework of course...*cough, cough*!