2012

This year has gone by incredibly fast I can hardly believe it.  These are a few things that Highlighted my year. 

I chopped off my locks.

Cider is potty trained!

Went the the Sundance Film Festival. 

Sent Allie off the Peru.

I got to watch Joshy Promenade.

I experience The Color Festival. I still don't get all the hype.

Finally, I got my associates degree.

Cider went swimming for her first time.
Moved in with Janessa and Tyson for a month.

I successfully made the move to San Clemente by myself

My blue eyed boy came home from deployment! HALLELUJAH! Longest six months of my life. 

J and I celebrated our one year anniversary. 

J and I went skydiving for Mariah's birthday.

I got a new job watching these kids.  Seriously, I love them.

J and I got a new nephew Jaxon and a new niece Penelope.

I finally made it to a DMB concert.  I thought I had died and went to heaven.

J and I went to the Marine Corps Birthday Ball.

Celebrated Thanksgiving with the Parkers.

Went to the Happiest Place on Earth with ma best gal pal.

 J and I took Cider to the Beach for her first time.  She hated it.

 J and I put up our first Christmas tree.

In this year I feel like I learned so much. 

I learned:

how to be a little less dependent on my blue eyed boy.

how important it is to always express your love for those in your life.

My family is my biggest fan.

It feels good to get good grades.

California is expensive.

  It's ok to make new friends.

trouble making puppies can turn into well behaved dogs

Learning how to do things on Youtube can save you $.

Exercise is as important as sleep.

No matter what the day will end and a new day begins.

Thankful Thursday

I have loved reading everyones thoughts on the things they are thankful for this month.   It has made me think a lot about what I am thankful for.  It's never too late to show gratitude.  Here is the list of things that I am most thankful for to catch me up to date.

• My Mom -  She is amazing at sewing and I love all the things she had made throughout the years for me.  If I ever have a question with cooking she is my go-to-girl.  I love our daily phone calls.  She has become my best friend and she is babe.

• My Dad - He has given me so many great memories.  He always showed such an interest in the things I was involved in.  He was always there to help me with Softball or improve on my skiing.   He had such a great laugh and knew how to have fun.

• Jordan - He knows how to keep me happy.  He knows how to make me laugh and smile even when I get mad at him.  He makes me want to better myself.  He is always so willing to help make dinner and he is the first one on dishes.  He will play card games with me all night even if he would rather do something else.

• My Brothers - They always knew how to make me cry when I was little, but I like to think now I'm pretty tough because of it.  They are such big supporters now.  So glad I always had them to look out for me.  They are incredibly talented.  Everyone of them makes me proud to be their sister. (this picture really shows their personalities)

• My Sisters - They have always been there for me.  They always call, text, or Skype to chat.  I know that they would do anything for me without even thinking twice. I love that they always listen and give me the best advice.

• Nieces and Nephews - They always bring happiness to me.  I love them to pieces.  Hearing their sweet little voices and receiving their hugs and kisses melt my heart. 

• The In-Laws - I couldn't have asked for a better family to marry into.  Since day one they have always made me feel welcomed.  I know that they would do anything for Jordan and me.  They are a great example of love for me. (This picture is too good not to share.)

• Cider - She is the joy of my home.  Coming home to her everyday is a highlight.  She is always happy to see me and ready to play.  She will cuddle with me anytime I am hanging out on the couch.  It's the simple things that keep her happy.

• Friends - So grateful that throughout my life I have always had a friends.  Some are old, some are new, and some are only for a season.  Knowing that you always have people standing behind you and to help you keep going is such a blessing in this life.  

• Temples - I have been so blessed to live so close to temples.  The blessing that temples are able to bring people are amazing.  I have received so much peace, comfort, and happiness knowing what I do.

• My body - Thinking about the human body really makes me want to throw up, but it really is amazing they way it is able to work.  I am so grateful that my body can run, jump, skip, and wriggle my fingers and toes.  Loosing the function of a tiny pinky could be a game changer.

• Good books - There is nothing better than losing yourself in a good book.  I love when you are able to learn something new, get a good laugh, or simply escape into a world a little less stressful than you believe yours is.

• Hot water - There is nothing better than taking a hot shower to warm up.  I couldn't imagine washing dishes in cold water.  That just doesn't work.  Relaxing in a hot tub is great. 

• Home Cooking - I love comfort foods of home.  Being able to leave the dinner table with a full belly is something is always be thankful for.

• Smiles - Sometimes all you need to see is an unexpected smile to change your mood.  I am thankful for the kind people that will smile and say hi even if they don't know me.

July

Wow, I am so behind on blogging it's ridiculous.  Last time I blogged was before Jordan was home.  Anyway we just got back from Utah.  We decided to use Jordan's leave and visit our family.  Here is a little photo summary of our trip.  Like usual I really wish that I had taken more pictures.  I need to be better at that. 

 My Sister Cortney had her baby just a few days before we arrived.  I was so excited to meet this little boy.  Jaxon Bear Brown is this little guys name.  It was fun to watch Jordan hold something so tiny compared to how large he is.

Madison is such a sweet girl.  It was so good to see her.  First thing she said to us when we went to their how is "new baby, new baby." She is a great big sister and was so excited to show us her new little brother.

 For the 4th of July we went to Park City for the usual Fuller activities.  We had a BBQ and played some crazy ball.  This year my mom joined us and I was glad she was there to keep me company while Jordan played crazy ball until his heart was content.  Also, the whole state of Utah was on fire while we were there so fireworks were banned.  What a bummer.  We had glow stick though while we watched the fireworks from memorial hill.

 Jordan's dad was kind enough to take us to Lagoon.  Quickly I learned that I am no longer 15.  So I'm only 21 but I really can't go on all the rides at amusement parks like I used to.

For our anniversary I gave Jordan his present a little early.  I gave him all the gear he would need to go camping.  I am excited we can finally camp on the beach.  We got to use our new camping equipment.  We went with Jordan's family for the weekend to Starvation Reservoir.  Dave got to take his boat out and we had so much fun tubing.  We stayed up late playing catch phrase.  I can't even begin to tell you how hard I was laughing the whole time.

  We got back just in time to watch my brother Nick drive in the Riverton Demolition Derby.  It was his first time doing the full weld and he took first place.  I'm so glad that Jordan and I were able to support him.

 My little brother Josh had quite the hair.  He was kind enough to let me straighten it.  It is crazy to me how much my brothers look alike.  The middle picture is best.

Brittany Wagstaff is my long lost BFF.  In high school I swear we were together everyday and now I get to see her once in a blue moon.  Anyways she was kind enough to take us out on a boat ride.  We went surfing and now I have an urge to put aside my fear of sharks and learn how to surf ocean waves. 

 I have don't know why I thought skydiving would be a great idea? I have never had the urge to jump out of a plane.  For Mariah's birthday we (Mariah, Dave, Me, and Jordan) all went skydiving.  I was really probably one of the coolest things I have ever done.  I highly recommend it to everyone!

 While we were in Utah we celebrated our one year anniversary.  We spent the night at Hotel Park City.  We didn't even get the chance to enjoy how nice that hotel was after our wedding so one year later we went back.  Our Cake maker was kind enough to recreate the top of our wedding cake so we got to eat a fresh one.  Yum.

Jordan gave me an infinity ring.  I love it.  He was actually able to pull of a surprise before i ruined it.  Somehow he knew I had been looking at them.

You are probably wondering what this disgusting picture above is.  Well when we came back from Utah we discovered we had a leak in our apartment.  Who know how long it was leaking.  Of course it was in the master closet.  A lot of things molded including all of my shoes and some clothes.  On the bright side we got a bigger nicer apartment out of it.

Well that can pretty much sum up our very busy trip to Utah.

Happy Birthday Lady

Today is the ladies (my mom) birthday.  There are so many great things that I could say about my mom I don't even know where to start.  She always has been the rock of my family.  She always keeps everyone together.  There have been times where it would have been so easy for her to say things are too hard and be weak.  Instead, she has always faced adversity with great courage and bravery.  Her example of pressing forward is something I always look to.  

I always say that she drives me crazy but I think it's just because we are so alike.  It kinda shocks me the more I look and act like her.  Seriously, if I could only do half the things she can accomplish in one day.  She knows how to make the most out of twenty-four hours.  She is so talented.  She knows how to take care of a yard, she had great organization skills, she is great at sewing, she had taught me how to crochet, she is good at keeping a clean house, she is a hard worker, she had some great recipes, and the list could go one forever.

I love that my mom had taught me to love the Gospel and the trust that Heavenly Father knows what he is doing.  She has been such a great mom.  She is always looking out for all of her kids whether we know it or not.  She is so loving and will always tell us how much we mean to her.  He simple notes that she writes to us me the world to me.  

I am so grateful to have her not only as my mother but also as my friend.  She has been there for me especially since Jordan has been away.  Happy Birthday Lady.  I love you.

Weekend Recap

This weekend was absolutely wonderful.  The weather was perfect I couldn't help but be filled with happiness.  Friday night I went with my mother to go see "The Lucky One".  I love Nicholas Sparks.  He really knows how to write a good love story.  I did like the movie and Zac Efron was looking mighty fine.  There were a couple scenes that made me feel a little uneasy especially having my mom sit next to me.  I'm very immature and I get all embarrassed when a love scene pops up.

Saturday I was lucky enough to go watch my favorite niece Madison play in her first soccer game.  She did so great and I am glad that I was able to go cheer her on.  Later that day I took Madison with me to lunch.  We both enjoyed a delicious salad from Cafe Rio and we went to see Chimpanzee.  It was a really cute show.  Little Oscar was so cute you couldn't help but fall in love with him.  

Later that day I was able to go to Kris's graduation celebration.  She really deserved it.  Now I can call her Master Kris.  I ate some more yummy food then hustled to the High School to watch Josh Promenade. 

 Heber is a funny little town.  I love that every year the Junior class all promenades.  It's kind of a community event.  It is so weird to me that my baby brother is going to be a senior this up coming school year.  He looked so handsome in his tux and did a great job dancing.  After everyone promenades the kids get to dance with their mom or dad.  Josh and my mom were so cute dancing he even threw in a spin or two for my mom.

Sunday was also great.  I really think the sunshine makes everything ten times better.  Madison decided to come to church with us and when we sit down for sacrament meeting she holds out her hand with a potato bug.  It kept her entertained most of the time.  That little girl is full of surprises and will keep you on your toes.  Of course its Sunday so I went to the Fuller's for a movie and ice cream.  I really forgot how great Harry Potter is.  I sooooo wish Hogwarts was a real school.

That pretty much sums up the weekend.  Now on to finals week.  I can't wait for the semester to finally be over!

11 Questions

My sister-in-law tagged me in her post.  I actually had fun writing this post.

11 Random Facts about myself

1.  I really want to live on the East Coast at one point in my life.

2.  Thinking about people sliding their teeth on a popsicle stick gives me the chills.

3.  Vanilla Coke can make any day a good day.

4.  I change my mind about things a lot!

5.  I love finding a new band/artist.

6.  I don't like to think of things to paint but once I do I really enjoy myself even if it turns out very mediocre.

7.  I only eat popcorn with Jordan.

8.  I wish I wasn't so shy when meeting people.

9.  I love the way carpet looks after it is vacuumed.

10.  My future family car is a Land Rover LR4 with lots of customizations of course.

11.  I love to cook and try new recipes. 

11 Questions to answer:

1.  What is your favorite past time?

Watching movies with my roommates eating licorice multiple times a week.

2.  What is your favorite color?

Purple it has so many pretty shades.

3.  What is the most memorable experience you have had?

My wedding day was pretty memorable.  When I think about it all the same feelings return.

4.  If your could do anything what would it be?

I wish I could travel where ever I wanted whenever I wanted with whoever I wanted.

5.  What is your favorite movie?

Favorite are 21,Dear John, The Notebook, The Vow.  Girl Movies.

6.  Where would you go on vacation to?

I wish I could go back and explore Europe some more.

7.  What is something that has made your a stronger person?

Healing from a broken back.  I really learned patience and how to rely more on the Lord.

8.  Who is your idol?

My mom.  I still don't know how she has managed to do everything she has done.

9.  If you could change one thing from your past what would it be?

I wish I was nicer to everyone I came in contact with.

10.  What is something unique about you?

I stopped drinking milk because I didn't want to worry if I was drinking 1% or 2%.  Weird brain of a 3 year old.

11.  Where do you plan to be in ten years?

In ten years I hope the have happy healthy kiddos, a job I love (stay at home mom), and still completely head over heels in love with Jordan.

The Proposal

This blog is kinda like my public journal.  I have just realized that I never documented "the proposal".  I would hate to forget that day so before things get lost in time here is the story of the proposal.  

It was March 2011.  Spring break was here and I was looking forward to visiting my sister and her husband in Fresno for a few days and then I was going to venture south to Camp Pendleton and spend a day or two with Jordan.  

At this time Jordan was in S.O.I. (School of Infantry)  We only got to talk on weekends so this whole thing was kind of sketchy.  There was never a 100% chance that they were going to get libo on weekends (it wasn't uncommon for someone to get in trouble and screw it up for everyone else).  Anyway, we already knew that we were going to get married that summer, but we had so few opportunities to see each other between then and summer everyone was telling me that I would come back engaged.  For some reason I just really wasn't expecting it.  Jordan had told me he went ring shopping and just didn't have enough money.  Which wasn't hard to believe since he was still a student in the Marine Corps. 

I remember Jordan was able to talk to me during the week somehow and he was telling me that they were going to have restricted libo for the weekend.  I was so stressed out thinking about what would happen if we had to spend the weekend on base.  Everything ended up working out and he was able to have unrestricted libo.  Friday night we just hung out and ate some Cafe Rio (that is one of our favorite past times).  Saturday was our only full day together.  I had to drive back to Utah Sunday.  So I kept thinking to myself that if it was going to happen then today was the day.  Saturday we woke up and went to the San Diego Temple.  It was special it was the first time that we had done that together.  I remember being in the temple and looking at him and thinking to myself how excited I am to spend forever with that kid.  I was for sure that if it was going to happen then he would do it there since we had thought that that is where we would be married.  It wasn't even mentioned there after we walked around for a bit.

After we did baptisms

 After the temple we decided to go to Sea World.  I hadn't been there since I was a tiny tot and I love ocean animals so of course I was thrilled to be there.  Jordan and I were walking through the Shark exhibit.  He LOVES sharks.  As we were walking through the tunnel he started acting weird and had his hands in his pocket.  I thought to myself "oh no if your going to do it please don't do it in the shark tunnel."  I'm fully aware that is not very nice to think but it was the truth.  Luckily, he was just pulling me aside to look at a wall a shark teeth. Phew!

Sea World. Thank goodness he didn't propose in the shark tunnel. Phew!

Sea World was fun but it was time for dinner.  He surprised me and took me to The Melting Pot.  YUM! We had both never been there before but seriously my taste buds were in heaven.  Dinner wasn't finished until 11:00.  My hopes of going back to Cedar City engaged were over.  I was so tired and ready to go to bed but Jordan insisted that we go to the beach.  I caught onto his plan so I played along.  The car ride to La Jolla was kinda weird.  I just knew it was coming.  We took a blanket down to the beach and just talked for a bit.  It was  freezing by the way.  Jordan told me to stand up, but I was content sitting wrapped in the blanket.  I asked him why and his response was because he wanted to play a game. HAHAHA a game?  I was being stubborn about it but gave in.  By the time I stood up the kid was on his knee with a box and asked, "Kiersten will you marry me?"  I just freaked out and said yes.  I tackled him to the ground and gave him a hug and a kiss.  Five minutes after the shock had worn away Jordan was like do you want to see your ring? Haha I was so excited I forgot to even look at the ring.  He pulled it back out and I remember thinking it looked really familiar.  He asked me if that is the right one.  I was so confused how he knew.  He then proceeded to tell me about how he knew which ring I had my eyes on and how I actually brought the ring to him.  Jordan has a few tricks up his sleeve.  I had showed my sister some rings that I liked and Jordan secretly contacted her and got the info on her favorite one.  Luckily, it happened to be my favorite too.  He had is dad pick it up.  Before I left to California his parents had a "package" that they needed me to take to Jordan.  I was just some clothes that he wanted and some new garments.  His dad kept telling me to be very careful with this package and to not leave it in the car because it has garments in it and they are very special.  I just remember thinking ok Dave I'm not a dummy I know they are special.  His parents ended up packing in the ring along with his clothes.  What a very clever husband I have.

We tend to be very photogenic couple.

 I can still remember those feelings of excitement.  I remember thinking how weird it was that something that we talked about in high school was actually happening.  I remember calling each other fiancé for the first time and thinking how weird it was.  Ah it really was such a great day! I couldn't have though of anything else that I would have wanted to happen.  I felt like I was in a movie. Isn't that how every girl wants to feel?

Happy Birthday Dad

From time time I was a baby until he passed away we spent every day after school  like this talking.

Today is my dad's birthday.  I couldn't help but think of him all day.  When I think about my dad I just smile.  He was always really good at making me feel special.  Despite the struggles he had I always knew that he loved me.  He was always at my softball games.  When he didn't have a license he would ride his crappy mountain to my games.  He would make sure that I could hear him cheering for me.  

Everyday after school first thing I would do is go up to his room and talk about school.  He always seemed interested in my day.  In our after school chats I learned some life lessons from my pa.  He taught me to never trust a skinny cook.  He also taught me all about boys.... beware this next thing I am about to share is a little graphic but this is just how my dad was.  I think when I was in 8th grade and I was telling him about cute boys or something  he told me and I quote "just remember, boys think with their wrong head." blahahaha I never have forgotten that lesson. Haha who tells their 13 year old daughter that? 

 He had such a great laugh everyone loved to be around him.  Anywhere we would go he would make new friends. He would always make funny deals with us.  I remember on our last shopping trip together I really wanted these jeans but I didn't have enough money.  He told me if i bought him a coffee then he would get them for me.  It was a very logical trade.  Another one of my favorite deals he tried making... he was unsuccessful at closing it.  He told me he would take me to McDonald's if I bought him a Big Mac.  I asked him why would I do that I hate McDonalds.  He said he just testing me.  Another one of his favorite things to say to see if we were paying attention.  

He was so talented at everything he did.  He was a great hunter, he was an amazing artist, he sucked at cooking but was good at grilling, he was a great gardner and loved birds, he loved books, he had a great understanding of the scriptures, and more than anything he loved his kids.  I don't doubt that for one moment.  I know that one day I will see him again and I can't wait to be back in his arms.  I love my dad and I am grateful for the man that he was and the wonderful example of love he was to me.

 Daddy Daughter Date

1950's Housewife

I am not against females rights by any means.  I enjoy my right to drive a car, vote, and get an education.  The height of any lady's existence doesn't have to be the day that she is able to stay at home, cook a meal and keep her house clean.  If you want to own a business, join the military, race an indie car, own a motorcycle, or run for president then do it.  I'm so glad that its totally acceptable for females to do that kind of stuff.

 I really think I was born in the wrong era though.  The things that get me most excited in life are exactly the things that little girls are told to do since the day they are born.  I love to look cute, cook meals for the husband, and make crafts.  I take pride in a clean home and I can't wait to taxi my kids around to all their different activities.  When I grow up I just want to be a housewife/mom.  It's not because I am trying to die without having a "real" job.  Taking care of kids is a rough job.  I know this to be true from many summers spent babysitting.  No matter how tired I was at the end of the day I wouldn't take back the energy we used making playdough, going outside and becoming mud monsters,or comforting them if they would get hurt or were sad.  Seriously, I can't even imagine the kind of joy I would experience as a mom.  I am totally fine being a stereotypical housewife/mom.  I would be good at it.  I could excel in this "profession".

Spring Break

Spring break is almost over.  I had so many ideas of how I was going to spend my week off from school.  I was going to finish reading two books, finish the research for my psychology paper, enjoy the sunshine, and figure out where the crap Jordan and I are going to live when he gets home.  

 I ended up only reading two chapters total...  I haven't done any official research, but at least I think I have a permanent topic.  This week was beautiful especially for March in Utah.  I did enjoy the sunshine by hitting a bucket of balls.  I forgot how good it feels when your club connects with the ball perfectly.  It feels so effortless, it sounds beautiful, and the ball goes nice and straight.  I took a random hike to bridal veil falls.  It was nice to have quiet time and just think.  I think about at least a million random things daily.  I took out the holga camera and snapped a couple of pictures.  I can't wait to get my film developed and see how they all turned out.  One of my friends, Kelsey, got married and I was so happy that I was able to support her and new new hubby Taylor and attend their sealing.  She looked absolutely beautiful.  Cider and I have been on a few walks and played fetch.  If only the weather would stay this nice forever (I hear a storm is coming this way though. BOOOO!). 

  I have talked to Jordan twice this break.  I think thats a new record, twice in a week.  He is alive and well.  I learned about MotoMail.  It's a great tool that lets you send letters to Jordan and within 48 hours he is supposed to get them.  So even though I might not get a response it helps me feel better that he knows that I am thinking about him. 

I have found an apartment in San Clemente that looks like it could be the perfect fit.  I will be really excited if everything works out and we have a place to live.  There is a park within walking distance and Jordan will only be 15 minutes away from work.  That sure beats the 40 minutes he had in Oceanside. We will have an extra bedroom and bathroom so all is welcome to stay whenever they would like.

Lately, I have had a love for J. Crew.  The outlet store in Park City always has such great deals that I can not pass up.  My wardrobe is being replenished with J. Crew and not Nordstrom... Folks this is a very big deal. 

Even though I didn't do exactly what I had planned for spring break I think that I found better alternatives.  I have really enjoyed this break from school and I am now dreading Monday.