I am looking forward to General Conference this weekend.  I could use the spiritual guidance that I know I can receive if I listen with an open heart.  I just hope Jamison will let me listen ;)

We've been trying to have fun and keep busy at our house.  While Tyler is at work, I find myself getting easily depressed and bored stuck at home.  So I have to find ways to shake it up!  Since Jamison loves going outside, I try to take him on walks as often as possible.  We have gorgeous views around our neighborhood too, so that helps a ton.

We also go browse the thrift stores at least once a week.  AND I found a fun craft we could do to help get ready for Halloween.  (We used the outline of Jamison's foot to make the ghost and Jamison added his own artistic touch by scribbling all over them.  Aren't they adorable?)

I'm really concerned that once it's too cold and snowy to take our daily walks, Jamison and I will both go a little crazy.  I'm looking for ideas of things we can do to keep life exciting (and I am definitely open to suggestions).

Jamison is, I think, going through a growth spurt.  His 12 month pants are getting too short.  I tried putting him in 18 month pants but they are still too long and when he trips (which is often) he gets pretty mad.  Plus they are huge around his waist.  So for now he just looks like I don't dress him well.  He's also got his molars coming in.  Worst teething experience ever.  Poor child.  He's also trying to state his independence so he throws things when I tell him not to, and he runs away if I try to get him dressed, change his diaper...well, basically he's obstinate all around.  I thought his temper tantrums were bad when he was 9 months?  I had no idea.  We now get shrieking and screaming, he throws things, and usually he throws himself on the floor to scream.  He's a crazy banshee (whom I dearly love: insert cute picture to remind everyone how adorable my baby is....)

He's going to make the cutest little dinosaur this Halloween!  I can't wait.  :)

What I'm thinking about today....

* My husband and I will get to be together from now until December. That is four months. I did the math...we haven't been together for four months at one time in over a year.

*I cannot believe how fast my little son is growing. And he's so clever! He has been finding ways to wriggle out of his Swaddle Me for weeks now and last night he managed to completely break free. (Lest you think I torture him by putting him in a straight jacket, please understand that he startles a lot in his sleep and wrapping him up tight is the only way to ensure he gets a good sleep!)

*Next week Devin and Leisl will come into town. I am excited to introduce them to the south, to their nephew, and to Alligator Tail (Devin's special request).

*We are moving across the country. Again. When we left Rexburg I thought I would cry, but I never did. Yesterday as I drove through Sumter and realized I would be leaving in less than two weeks, I teared up. I will miss this humid, ghetto place.

*Packing is an absolute pain. The worst part is knowing that within a few months, I'll be doing this all over again. And probably a few months after that as well. Ew.

*I am so grateful that I have been blessed with a sweet, caring husband. Even though his work has prevented us from having a "normal" family life, I am counting my blessings. I have a husband who loves me, who is alive and well, who can provide for the needs of our family, and who, because of technology, I can communicate with every single day despite the miles between us.

*I am also grateful that I have been blessed with a healthy baby who I can cuddle with every day. My heart goes out to those who are not so lucky as to have a baby they can hold and love...who are struggling to get pregnant, who have to bury their little ones, or who have to see their babies suffer in the hospital.

*There is a lot of questions about our future. We are still far from decided about what to do once Tyler finishes at BYU-Idaho. It is stressful, it is scary, but it is something that every person has to go through...that decision as to what direction they want their life to take. We are no different from anyone else. We'll figure it out.

*We still don't know where we will live when we get to Idaho. We haven't found an apartment that meets our needs and our budget. More and more every day we are learning to be led by faith. It will work out. We will be fine.

Help Me Out!

My son grabs my hair. All. the. time. Also, I hate how when I put him on my shoulder to burp him, he gets a face full of hair. So I either have to wear it in a pony tail for the rest of forever or...get a mom cut.

I started looking at hairstyles online and found three I liked. I asked my family which one they liked best and got mixed answers. Tyler likes the longer one, but I worry it's still too long. My sister likes one of the shorter ones, but I wonder if they are too short. Because the thing about having a new baby is that I don't always have the time to do my hair. So I still have to be able to pull it back. But I want to be able to wear it down sometimes too. I'm so indecisive about what style I want. I don't trust myself to choose something that will look good. I was looking at pictures of hair styles I've had in the past and decided that I pretty much hate my hair. So, if you could all be dears and tell me which of these styles you like best...it would maybe help. Or maybe I'll just second guess it all anyway and continue putting off the decision making..

#1-This is possibly my favorite...but also the one I am most afraid of...what if it looks bad? Or doesn't work out? Or can't be pulled back? Oy.

#2-This is the one Tyler is voting for. What's up with guys always liking longer hair better? Also, the new glasses I got today kind of look like hers.

#3-I'm loving the layers in this one.

#4-My sister informed me today that she likes my hair best at this length/style.

#5-This one is kind of like #3...and sometimes I look at it and say it is my favorite hair cut ever...and sometimes I hate it. But I always love how cute my sister looks in this picture.

What say you, friends? Any of these stand out?

Good-bye Utah, Hello Hubby

Sorry, folks, no pictures in this post. I had a friend tell me yesterday that she was disappointed I didn't take more pictures while I was in Utah. The thing is...I was there to visit! And that's what I did. I spent lots of time with people doing things...and didn't worry about pulling out the camera. I just enjoyed the memories I was making and the people I was making them with.

I had a super fun time in Utah, but just like any other vacation....it came to an end. Tuesday morning I left the snowy state. It didn't snow the whole time I was in Utah...but it snowed like crazy when my mom was driving me to the airport. Go figure.

During my travels back to South Carolina, I found myself experiencing a great deal of tender mercies. I feel it's appropriate and important for me to take note of those.

*Despite slipping in the snow and seeing at least a dozen accidents around us, Mom and I made it to the SLC airport unharmed (and on time!)

*Even though my luggage was 2 lbs overweight...the lady didn't charge me! (It would have been an extra $50...ew!)

*I was able to get an aisle seat on every single flight (A pregnant woman's dream)

*Even though my flights were scheduled ridiculously close to each other, I made it to all of them on time.

*Though I spent plenty of time in the days leading up to my travels being nervous about traveling alone...once I actually had to do it, I was calm and confident.

*My carry-on fit onto every plane...even though other people had to check theirs at the door. (Last time I checked mine at the door...it ended up in baggage claim. Not cool.)

*When I arrived at the airport in Florence, SC I got to see my handsome husband.

Tyler decided it would be fun if he picked me up from the airport and took me back to North Carolina with him (where he is still working). The airport is the half way point between our home in Sumter and where he is staying in Fayetteville, so it worked out great.

And that great man I am married to was super sweet. When I got to the hotel I found flower petals on the bed, my favorite cereal on the counter, and a bag of chocolates. My hubby sure knows how to treat a girl right. :)

Visiting Utah

My trip to Utah has been pretty darn great so far. I have really enjoyed the time with my family, as well as the opportunity to see some old friends. But of course, family is number one! A few highlights of the week...

*Picking my sister up in Price so that we could spend the weekend together and having her insist on making me a cookie in her new Easy Bake Oven before we could leave her apartment.

*Eating Papa Murphy's pizza (vegetarian)...I have missed it so much!

*Getting to have a baby shower where my Utah friends and family could be there. We had sooo many people show up, it was crazy! We ran out of room, people were literally standing in the halls. It makes a person feel loved. :)

The overwhelming amount of adorable baby presents I now have to sort through and ship back to South Carolina.

An old co-worker of mine, saying hello to the baby. Does anyone else think I look rather large???

The Snoopy blanket lovingly handmade by a former Young Women leader I had. Tyler is gonna love it!

*Sitting next to my sister during Relief Society and knowing what the other is about to say, without them saying anything.

*Going to my grandma's house, eating chips, and chatting with family.

*Going to the aquarium with the whole crew.

Awesome Clown Fish at the aquarium...very photogenic little guys. :)

Feeding the penguins...this was super fun to watch!

The penguins moved through the water so fast that I think I took about ten pictures before getting one that wasn't blurry!

Petting the String Ray

All the sibs

*Visiting the many people I love at Courtyard at Jamestown. Sometimes I feel like that is my second home...I fit right in. Even though I hadn't worked there in over a year and a half, I kept trying to help out in the kitchen and answer the phone. Silly me.

*Sitting around the dinner table for literally hours after finishing the meal...just visiting.

Happy New Year!

Happy 2011 everyone!

(Funny little note...as I was writing this post I actually wrote 2010...good thing I edit before I post! Writing 2011 on everything will take some getting used to!)

Just for kicks and giggles, I decided to write a list of things I am looking forward to this year.

*Meeting my sister-in-law's fiance next week

*Visiting Utah in two weeks...and getting to stay for two weeks! Yay!

*Baby births galore! There are so many coming up this year!

*The birth of our little son :)

*My family coming to visit in June.

*All the fun holidays and new adventures that are sure to come our way.

2010 had its ups and downs, and I know 2011 will too, but bring it on!

P.S. I'm not trying to make everyone in cold places feel bad...but how can I not be excited about the "winter" weather I'm experiencing in South Carolina right now? New Year's Eve it was 66 degrees Fahrenheit at 5:30 p.m. when Tyler took this picture. I put on shorts just because I could...and then took them off because as you can see, my belly gets in the way just a bit! I can see I will need to invest in maternity shorts before this baby comes though!

P.P.S. Tyler felt our baby boy kick for the first time today! It was such a sweet experience for both of us. I'm so glad, now it feels like he is sharing what I get to feel every day. :)

A List of Blessings

It is so easy for me to focus in on the hard things in my life. The challenges and frustrations and stresses...we all have them.

Today I was reading a friend's blog and their positive attitude reminded me that despite the trials in my life...I have a lot of blessings. So I decided to list them.

And since it's November and seems to be the trend to list the things we are grateful for...let's count this as my thankful post. (though I may do another one later...who knows)

I am blessed...

*that Tyler has a job that meets our monetary needs.

*to have a job where it doesn't matter if I have to come in late because I woke up dizzy or sick (and where they don't mind if I need to take a nap in the middle of the day).

*with a mother-in-law who is always there for me, and who feeds and clothes me (I wouldn't have any maternity clothes yet if it wasn't for her!)

*to have a cell phone and access to computers, making it easy to keep in contact with family and friends across the country or across the world.

*that Tyler is currently living only two and a half hours away, making weekend and holiday visits possible.

*with a healthy baby who I feel squirming around all the time.

*with transporation I can rely on.

*to have my very own apartment.

*to be able to get heat in said apartment.

*with a husband who is perfect for me, and treats me with love and respect.

*to have many family members and friends who care about me and keep in contact with me.

*with physical health and strength (my wimpiness is all my own fault...I should exercise more).

*to have been given a good education and the opportunity to finish my bachelor's degree.

*with a dad who took his education seriously and can answer almost all of my medical questions (and thus keep me from spending unnecessary money on doctor's visits).

*with a knowledge that I have a Heavenly Father who loves me and watches over me.

*to have experiences that strengthen my faith and testimony.

Of course this is such a small list of blessings...there are so many things I have been blessed with. Why is it that I forget so often?!

This, That, and the Other...

Within the past couple of days I have...

Hung out with this girl:

Seen a play where these two performed:

Fallen in love with this car:

while at a car show with this guy:

I just can't wait to get home to this man:

But first I have to celebrate the 19th birthday of this girl:

Happy Birthday, Sis!

Check List

Clean the bathroom. Check.

Vacuum the house. Check.

Sweep and Mop the kitchen floor. Check.

Catch up the laundry. Check.

Plan out Relief Society activity. Check.

Waste gas trying to track down a client. Check.

Make dinner. Check.

Begin putting together Tyler's birthday gift. Check.

Pay bills. Check.

Get Father's Day Gifts ready to be sent....hmmmm not yet. I am having the hardest time with them!!! Does anyone know where I can find an 8x10 picture of Christ??? I checked Deseret Book AND the Distribution Center without luck. Sigh.

Happy Monday Everyone.

T-minus 10

I'm sorry, this just seemed kinda fun. So...why not?

Ten things I want t0 say to ten different people:

10. You are the BEST thing that ever happened to me and I love you SO much.
9. I miss having you to talk to all the time, but I'm so proud of you for what you are doing.
8. We just have so many memories. I am so glad we have the relationship we do.
7. I probably couldn't have survived my first semester of college without you.
6. Thank you for your awesome example. I have always looked up to you.
5. Having you in my life has made it so different, and so worth it.
4. You are so strong, and you've shown me that I can make it through just about anything.
3. We couldn't have been better friends, or more connected, if we'd been biological sisters.
2. I would never have made it to where I am now if it wasn't for your service and love.
1. Your strength and your faith have been a great example to me, and I've appreciated the time we had to become closer.

Nine things about myself:
9. I do not like cooking.
8. I miss going to school.
7. I make jewelry just for fun...but I'm scared to try selling it.
6. I waited for a missionary.
5. My life would not be complete without music.
4. I like to read.
3. I hate traveling (the plane rides, the long drives, etc.), but I love seeing new places.
2. I wish I could get paid to do something I consider a hobby.
1. I have a pet rat that I am allergic to and can't have in my apartment, so it lives with my parents.

Eight ways to win my heart.
8. Serve
7. Show me you care
6. Hug
5. Let me know you are thinking of me
4. Smile
3. Do something crazy
2. Call me, out of the blue, just to say hi
1. Share your testimony

Seven things that cross my mind a lot.
7. My husband
6. Music
5. My family
4. The church
3. "I hate my job"
2. The future
1. Fun memories

Six things I do before I fall asleep
6. Brush my teeth
5. Turn out the lights
4. Cuddle
3. Talk way too much
2. Re-arrange my pillows
1. Pray

Five people who mean a lot.
5. Tyler
4. My four parents
3. My siblings
2. Vanessa
1. All my good friends!

Four things you're wearing right now.
4. Earrings (birthday gift from Tyler)
3. Old Navy Jeans
2. My wedding ring
1. Two shirts (I like layers)

Three songs that you listen to often.
3. "Ocean Avenue" -Yellowcard
2. "Defying Gravity" -Wicked
1. "Ring of Fire" -Johnny Cash

Two things you want to do before you die.
2. Travel more (Star Trek style-"Beam me up, Scotty")
1. Have a family (kids, grandkids...)

One confession.
1. I wish I could do more with my singing voice. When I was younger I dreamed of Broadway and The Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

Counting My Never-Ending Blessings

This weekend was...I don't really know how to describe it. But it gave me an opportunity to recognize the blessings in my life, and to be grateful for what I have. Ready?

1-A knowledge that this life is not the end and that my family can be together forever. The older sister of one of my dear friends died Saturday morning. It was sudden and tragic and I was so sad for their family. But I was also happy to know that they have faith and know they will be reunited with her one day.


2-People who are willing to serve...and an opportunity to serve. My friend's sister was attending BYU-Idaho. She was driving down to Utah to visit her family for the weekend when her tire blew and her car rolled just outside of Pocatello. Her parents and younger brother drove up immediately and saw her before she died. They couldn't fit all her stuff in their car, so Tyler and I volunteered our truck. This resulted in a last minute trip to Utah. I had to find someone to take over the crisis line I had for work that weekend and someone to deal with all my church stuff. Everyone was very helpful. And Tyler and I were grateful that we had the opportunity to serve my friend's family. Especially because in situations like this...there is so little we can do.

3-Safety. We drove our truck to and from Utah within 36 hours. Enough said.

4-Friends. Our truck had some brake problems when we had just about reached our destination, but luckily we know a guy. :) A friend of mine who used to be in my parents ward who knows about mechanics and has his own awesome little garage behind his house. He helped us replace the brakes and some other part, and taught Tyler how to do it, and only charged us for the parts. Which...saved us a lot of money.

5-Family. My parents let us stay the night. Not that most parents wouldn't do the same. But they were loving and helpful, and Mom volunteered to help me buy a plant or some flowers for my friend's family. They fed us and watched out for us. And served us in a million little ways not just this weekend...but all the time. Family is the best. We also saw Meagan and Zach and they fed us too.

6-Technology. It never ceases to amaze me. Our phones, which allowed us to keep in contact with my family, his family, all my friends...I was able to plan the trip, keep everyone updated on our progress, and communicate with my friends about putting together a special something for my friend's family...all while traveling. Plus Tyler was able to do his homework just as easily from my parents home as from our apartment. He can even remotely access a school computer from a different state. Seriously...wow.

7-Nature. It snowed on the way down. And rained on the way back. And sometimes the sun was shining. But despite my dislike of snow in May, I appreciated how green it has made the mountains and valleys we saw along the way.


8-My little apartment. Even though going down to Utah and seeing the family is always nice. And even though we were glad to help out a friend...it's always nice to get home. I think I am done traveling for a while. Though maybe not as long as I might think...after all, this next weekend is Memorial weekend...

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day!

To some of the BEST mothers in the whole world.

I had a really great quote from church today that I was going to put in this post...but I can't remember it now. Which is too bad because I remember it was awesome.

It is my firm belief that no post about mothers would be complete without a list of some of the awesome things they do. So here is a list of the things I appreciate that BOTH my moms do. Cuz now that I'm married...I'm blessed with an extra mom in my life.

~They pray for me and my husband all the time.

~They call or text just to say "hi, I was thinking of you."

~They are always available when I need someone to talk to.

~They send cards and packages for holidays and other occasions.

~They are always ready when I need advice.

~They share awesome recipes.

~They are strong in the gospel and set an amazing example for me, my siblings, and everyone they come in contact with.

This list doesn't cover even an eight of the wonderful things that my moms do. They are the best.

Weekend In Review

I have no pictures from this weekend because I'm still fighting off my nasty rash and I do NOT want pictures to remind me of it later on.

So you get a list instead.

This weekend was full of:

-turning the truck on and off while Tyler tried to fix the idle

-driving from place to place to find someone who could give us an alignment on the car

-antibiotics to get rid of my rash

-snuggles and naps as we try to avoid the stresses of homework

-Serenity (good movie, we love it! And we are excited for a Firefly marathon!!!)

-rootbeer floats, cookies, meatloaf, pizza...food :)

-Phase Ten and MadGab, two games I love!

-Church responsibilities and visits

Now it's on to a new week. More homework, housework, regular work, job interviews, church responsibilities. Bring it on :)

Almost there...

14 hours!!!! And I'll be with my husband again. :)

Happening in the next little while?

-New phone plan. I am seriously SO excited!

-Day Trip to Yellowstone. For the next week all National Parks have free admission!

-Getting set apart. I waited until Tyler would be here.

-Tyler starts school (Tuesday)

My Secrets to a Happy Life.

I didn't know I had any secrets to a happy life. But last night as I was laying in bed wishing I could fall asleep, I realized I know how to be happy. I just need to utilize it more. Here's what I've discovered...

1. Be thankful.
When I realize the little things people constantly do for me, I do feel gratitude. But it's when I EXPRESS that gratitude that I really feel good. Once I start to say thank you to people for the things they do, I start to realize how many other things I can say thank you about. And then it starts this chain reaction where I am running around being grateful about everything and thanking everyone for what they do for me...and it makes me happy. What's more, I think it makes them happy. Who doesn't like to have their work appreciated? Also, it doesn't matter if I've thanked them for that thing before. If I'm still thankful for it, why not continue to express that gratitude? As I become more aware of the ways I've been blessed by the people around me (and by God...you definitely can't leave him out!), I realize how much I have to be happy about.


2. Read Scriptures.
Sorry to all of you out there who aren't religious or who don't like scriptures, but this is my blog and my keys to happiness, and that includes scriptures. This is a recent discovery for me, which is a little embarrassing. Not to say that it's the first time I've read my scriptures, or that I never appreciated them until now. But just recently I realized how much of a difference they can make in my life. I started a new goal of late to read my scriptures every day (I'd been a little slack prior to that) and it went really well for about five days. Then I skipped two nights because I thought "I'm too tired. It will be okay if I just don't read today." Guess what? It wasn't okay. Those two days had all the elements of my previous five days, minus the scriptures. And that's when I realized what a difference reading the scriptures can make. There was just something missing from my day. Something that was preventing me from feeling as good, working as hard, or smiling as much. Looking back, I realized that the only difference in my life had been reading the scriptures. So I'm back to reading, and I'm much happier. It just brings a better spirit into my home and my life.


3. Stay Positive.
Life is so full of things that can get me down. Yes, I am one of those people who looks at the glass as half empty. I am also one of those people who stresses about every. little. thing. Even the things that don't matter. I play the "what if" game way too often. Over the years I've been given various challenges to help me have a more positive attitude. There are three that I have been trying to implement in my life, and it is slowly getting easier to be positive naturally. A) For every negative thing I say, I have to come up with two positives. B) At the end of the day (usually as part of a journal entry) I have to list three things I am grateful for that day. C) Whenever something upsetting, stressful, etc. happens, I have to find the bright side. It is hard to do these things, but they are helping me so much! And I've decided that it's worth the struggle, because I feel better about myself knowing that I'm not always being negative and bringing others down with my bad attitude. Also, life just seems better and easier. Even though recently my life has had more challenges, they haven't seemed as overwhelming....most of the time....

Three Things Tag

I was tagged, so here goes....

3 Names I go by:

1. Tenika

2. Tiki (my brother's nickname for me)

3. Twirp (what my dad used to call me as a kid)

3 Jobs I have had:

1. PSR worker (current)

2. Personal Assistant

3. TA to a Psychology professor

3 Places I have lived:

1. Rexburg, ID

2. Spanish Fork, UT

3. New Zealand

3 Favorite Drinks:

1. Water

2. Lemonade

3. Hot Chocolate

3 T.V. Shows I watch:

1. Criminal Minds

2. Bones

3. NCIS

3 Places I have been:

1. South Carolina

2. Canada

3. Michigan

3 people who text me regularly: (I don't text...sniffle...so I'll change it to call)

1. Tyler (when I'm at work)

2. My mom/family

3. Rachel Mae

3 Favorite foods:

1. Pasta

2. Salad

3. Ice Cream

3 Favorite books:

1. Scriptures
2. Wicked

3. My dad's books

3 Favorite Colors:

1. Red

2. Black

3. Blue

3 Favorite Hobbies:

1. Reading

2. Making Jewelry

3. Spending time with the hubby

3 Things you can find in my refrigerator:

1. Milk

2. Eggs

3. Condiments (ketchup, ranch dressing, etc.)

3 Things I do everyday:

1. Shower

2. Check my email

3. Spend time with my amazing husband

3 Things I am good at:

1. Listening

2. Remembering to make the bed

3. Writing letters

People I want to tag: (feel free to use this even if I don't tag you!)

1. Courtney

2. Laura

3. Megan

How Does She Know That You Love Her?

Anyone who has seen the Disney movie Enchanted will probably burst into song right now. The point of this blog is actually not to show you my awesome Disney singing abilities...but to list some of the millions of reasons I know my husband loves me. Like the song says he shows me "a little bit every day" through the things he does. I would feel ungrateful if I didn't list them and thank him.

-He lets me sleep in as long as possible in the morning (I'm not a morning person)

-He lets me use extra hot water in the shower...meaning less hot water overall...

-He mops the floor because he knows how much I hate doing it

-He deals with my crazy need to cut my hair every two months

-He knows I hate video games and only plays them "sparingly"

-He turns off movies when he knows I'm tired

-He stays up late with me when I can't sleep

-He helps me with the dishes/laundry/household chores

-He compliments my dinners even if he doesn't particularly like them

-He lets me take pictures even though he hates them

-He opens all my doors, all the time

-He listens when I rant and rave about stupid things

-He pretends to be interested when I talk enthusiastically about my jewelry projects

-He supports me in my job...and when I want a new job...

-He respects that I need space sometimes

-He tells me I'm beautiful

-He lets me watch my show every Wed. night and if we won't be home, he records it for me

-He doesn't complain when we have grilled cheese or corn dogs for dinner because I didn't feel like cooking

-He is ready with chocolate whenever I need it

-He humors me when I compulsively check my email four times a day "in case" my sister emails

-He helps me cook several times a week


-He calls me randomly throughout the day to see how I am doing and tell me he loves me

-He watches movies he's not interested in because he knows I want to see them

-He doesn't complain that I won't make pork or steak (I think it's nasty stuff!) and goes without

-He lives with my crazy quirks

-He paints my toenails (practice for when I'm pregnant and can't reach them!)

-He never leaves the house or hangs up the phone without telling me he loves me

-He drives when we go places together because he knows I hate driving

-He lets me listen to my Christmas music...even though it's not his style

-He works hard to bring in money for our bills

-He pays the bills each month without complaint


-He listens to me babble all night long (I don't know what it is...but when we go to bed, I suddenly have so much to say!)

-He forgives me when I accidentally hit him in my sleep

-He lets me talk even when he doesn't care one little bit about what I'm talking about

-He lets me sleep with an extra blanket even though he gets hot

-He lets me warm my cold toes under his warm legs

-He warms the car up in the mornings for me

-He cuddles when I've had a bad day

-He lets me do laundry my way (even though it's different than his way)

-He encourages me to make friends

-He wrote me a song

-He goes shopping with me

-He goes with me to get the mail...even when its FREEZING outside

-He tells me what he is thinking or how he is feeling

-He forgave me, without even yelling, when I smashed the car into a post

-He shares everything with me

-He will drop everything to give me attention

I really think this list could go on forever, but I know I've made my point. I am so incredibly lucky to have a husband as loving as Tyler. He makes me feel special each and every day...and I never doubt his love!

The Wedding Itinerary

I'm pretty sure I won't be blogging again for a week or two, so I thought I'd do a quick blog entry now. It's just a list of things I've done in the past few weeks...

• July 17th: I finished up work at Courtyard. I still have dreams about the residents and miss them like crazy!
• July 19th: My sister's 18th birthday...and also the first time I met Tyler's youngest sister.
• July 20th-21st: my mom, Tyler's mom, and myself went up to Rexburg. We took most of my stuff up and got it unpacked in my new apartment. I had a job interview (it's not 100% but without actually saying the words "you're hired" I basically was told I was hired...more to come on that...)
• July 25th: I went through the temple for the first time...and also met Tyler's dad for the first time.

And the plan for the next few weeks...

• July 29th: my family will go up to Rexburg
• July 30th: my wedding! Pictures, marriage, luncheon...oh my!
• July 31st: the reception in Spanish Fork (come if you can! 6:30pm-8:30pm at the church by my house...call or email if you need directions)
• August 1st: Tyler and I fly to South Carolina to begin our honeymoon
• August 8th: our open house in South Carolina (6-8...again, everyone is welcome to come!)
• August 10th: Tyler and I leave South Carolina and real life will begin again shortly there-after.

I'll see everyone again...AFTER I'M A MARRIED WOMAN!!!

Love is in the Air...

I've been sitting at home feeling sorry for myself because I can't be with my valentine. Then I thought...well, I still have things to be happy about and grateful for. And that inspired this blog entry...a list of things I love! Okay, a bit corny, but oh well! Of course, I can't list EVERYTHING I love, that would take forever. Nor can I number them in importance. But here it is, a list of things Tenika loves:

~I love singing! Especially Broadway. I dunno, I just love belting it out. I also love singing duets with my sister.

~I love my family. This will be debated, I'm sure, but I feel like I have the best family in the world. My parents are always there for me, always! My siblings are so much fun and honestly they are so sweet. My grandparents are the nicest, most adorable people you will ever meet, and the same goes for my aunts, uncles, and cousins. I have some super fantastic memories with all of them.

~I love my friends. I have been blessed with amazing friends. I've always felt I could turn to them. They are always there for me, with a listening ear, or a smile...whatever I need.

~I love Tyler. Yup, he gets his own bullet point. He is honestly one of the best things that ever happened to me, and I am so so lucky to have him in my life. He's the best.

~I love sunsets. Have you ever sat and watched one? They just creep across the sky, painting it different colors. And the sun becomes this amazing ball of burning orange...it's breath-taking!

~I love snuggling under a warm blanket. I enjoy being warm, so I love the feeling of something cozy and warm that I can curl up under.

~I love food. I'm a pretty picky eater, but when I find something I will eat...I love it.

~I love feeling the warm sun on my skin. Not to the point that I'm turning cherry red and peeling but just when you first walk out into the sun after being inside an air-conditioned building.

~I love reading a good book. Historical fiction is probably my favorite genre, but I'm open to trying other kinds as well. I can really get into books though, and I love that!

~I love helping people. It feels so good to know that you've helped someone else. That's what I love so much about my job! I'm offering a service to people who would be in a bind without me being there. It's so fantastic to hear them say "thank you, I don't know what I would have done without you." I love being able to tell them, "I'm glad I could help" because I am!

~I love listening to kids laugh. Hearing a happy child makes me happy, even on the worst days. Who can be sad around someone so small and happy?!

~I love my religion. There is so much peace to be found in the scriptures, at church...throughout all the opportunities open to me as a member of the LDS church.

~I love my rat. Is that silly? I really do. He's adorable and funny and so much fun. I've grown really attached.

~I love the smell of rain. MMM...what can I say? It just smells so fresh and earthy.

~I love writing. I'm not super good at it, but it's fun to try and express my feelings through the written word. Or make up fun stories about other people. That's fun too.

~I love to learn. I am a very curious person and I enjoy increasing my knowledge. For a while I lost that passion because I was so ready to be done with school but...now I'm really missing it. Learning can seriously be so much fun!

~I love taking pictures. I also love looking through old pictures. They all tell stories, and it's fun to remember them, or if they aren't your pictures...to hear the stories behind them.

So there is just a few things that I love. What about you???