One of Those People

When describing things I like or enjoy I would most likely tell you I love to ski, eat Cafe Rio, watch movies with the husband, online shopping, and looking up weird things on the world wide web. Never in a million years would I consider myself an animal lover, let alone a dog lover.  I always thought "those people" were a little different in the brain.  My sister and I got into one of our first silent fights because I thought she was a weirdo dog lover.  Little did I know I was headed down the same path.

In December Jordan and I added Cider to our family.  My world was kind of turned upside down.  I couldn't get enough of her for about 3 days then I had had enough.  I felt as though I had lost all of my independence.  I was on puppy patrol 24/7.  Every hour or more she needed to go potty.  She was always trying to chew something.  She didn't know her name.  She thought digging up the lady's plants was exciting.  There are a million things I could name that I didn't like about her.  Day 3 I was ready to sell her to anyone that would take this dog away from me.

Lately, something has changed.  I don't know if it's my attitude or Cider.  It could be a combination of the two.  All of sudden I don't mind taking her out to potty.  I love to hear her tail hitting the inside of her kennel when she is having a good dream.  I love that she curls up by my feet and watches tv with me.  I love that she is learning what is right and wrong,  She is doing so well in puppy school.  I love how excited she gets to see me after I have been at school all day.  It makes me sad when she sits by the door and watches me leave.  Ok I am making myself a little nauseous admitting all of this.  Those few statements qualify me as "one of those people". My day is consumed with Cider.  I don't know what I would do without this little pup.  She is such a good companion.  She really has been there with me always to keep my company when I am lonely and missing Jordan more than any other usual night.

Now one of the things that I would tell you that I enjoy are animals.  Every time I see any dog I get so happy and just want to play with them.  Everyday my future occupation changes lately they revolve around dogs.  I would love to be a vet, or a trainer.  Don't judge me.  I just love dogs.

If this came running towards you how could you not smile?

Who would have thought?

Best Friends Forever

Jessica and I have been friends since almost the beginning of our time.  We became friends when we were two.  Honestly I didn't even know two year olds had friends.  The proof is in the pudding though we have many pictures together and memories from then.  

I things I remember...

• Our sisters dressing us in doll clothes (reference to the picture)
• Playing dress up.  You never let me wear the princess costume.  I always had to be the cowgirl.
• sneaking into your hot tub
• you almost cutting off my braid that went down to my butt
• driving in the barbie jeep
• being terrified of your mysize barbie
• camping trips
• writing letters to each other
• Heber apparently isn't part of Utah
• talking about junior high boyfriends
• weekend sleepovers
• asthma attacks in the middle of the night
• trying to talk to people over different frequencies on the walkie talkies
• taking ice cream to the ice cream man

Even though I moved in kindergarten Jessica and I have managed to stay friends.  Just like any friend ship we have our times that we are closer than other.  Even if we haven't talked in months and I need something I know that she will always be there for me.  She always has.  She was there for me when my dad passed away, when I got married, I knew that she wished she could be with me when I broke my back.  Basically what I am getting too is you only meet a once in a lifetime friend... once in a lifetime.

Looking back on 2011

In one year my life has had more changes then I could have ever imagined.  I have been so blessed with so many positive growing experiences.  2011 is a year that I will always reflect on.  I want to highlight some of the more important events from each month.

JANUARY:

The first of January Jordan had to go back to Camp Pendleton to SOI.  We spent every weekend looking at each other like this.... This picture was a typical "date night" for us.  I have such an appreciation for Skype.

 Towards the end of January I met a new friend.  This is Kelsey.  She helped me through some long lonely months.  She was someone that I could tell her how frustrating the Marine Corps is and she totally got me.  We have so much in common and I will always be thankful for her friendship.

I also went back to school after taking the fall semester off.  I don't even know what I would have done without these girls.  I love them to death.  I will always remember taco Tuesdays, going to new places for lunch, and countless hours watching movies and heating up the corn sacks.

 FEBRUARY:

This picture isn't actually from February but this is the month that I got the ok from the doc to ski! yay no more back brace... even though i ditched it i bit earlier.

MARCH:

For spring break I was able to make my way around the great state of California.  I got to spend several days with my Janessa and Tyson.  I always love hanging out with them.  Then I got to spend a couple hours in Newport Beach with the girls.  I continued to Camp Pendleton to spend a couple more day with Jordan. That weekend we got engaged.  I had no clue it was coming.

 APRIL:

Jordan surprised me and was able to come home for my birthday.  We had a went skiing together, took engagements, and hung out with the families.

 MAY:

I bought my first new car.  Thats a big deal ya know.  I was able to fly out to California and visit Jordan over Memorial Day.  We had a great time shopping and just hanging out.

 JUNE:

This was pretty much my last month as an unwed lady.  Tuesday night bowling was a must.

 JULY:

I must say I have the best friends in the world.  If you ever need someone to plan a bachelorette party for you Brittany is the go to girl.  She knows how to throw a great party.  I had so much fun with the girls and felt so special to them that night.  

Jordan and I got married! YAY! Easily the best day of 2011.  I don't even know how to describe my feelings of that day.  I couldn't stop smiling... ok I'm really lame... I have a huge smile on my face just thinking about it.  There was no better feeling than knowing I get that boy forever!

We honeymooned in Jackson Hole, WY.  Took a hot air balloon ride, saw a play, checked out Yellowstone, and tried to get over that fact that after what felt like hundreds of days apart we actually didn't have to say good-bye anymore.

 AUGUST:

Haha what the heck is wrong with my lip.  I still don't have any answers.  Jordan was in the field for five days so as this was happening he had no clue.  I woke up one day and my lip was just a tiny bit swollen. The next couple days it just kept getting bigger and bigger.  Finally Friday came and I went to pick Jordan up from work.  He took one look at me and drove me straight to the hospital.  I spent 2 and a half days there.  Honestly I had a great time.  Jordan never left my side.  He is pretty good at that.

 SEPTEMBER:

We took advantage of a 3 day weekend and make a trip to Knott's Berry Farm.  Its like a thousand time better than Lagoon.  Even better there weren't any lines.

 OCTOBER:

We were able to get together with Nick and Cortney and Janessa and Tyson and make a trip to Disneyland.  I hadn't been there since kindergarten.  It was great to be with everyone.

First Marine Corps Birthday Ball

San Diego Zoo

 NOVEMBER:

Tim McGraw made a stop at Camp Pendleton.  My first country concert.  I loved every second of it.  Free concerts are a bonus to your husband being US property.  

Jordan and I were able to celebrate our first Christmas together.  We had it a bit early because of his deployment.  We enjoyed spoiling each other. 

 DECEMBER:

We moved out of our first apartment and put our lives on hold for the next 6-7 months.  Jordan left for his first deployment.  I hate good-byes!  The good new is 6-7 months is no big deal when you have forever.  This is nothing we can't handle.

 Cider came to our family.

 We were all able to be together for Christmas minus Jordan.

After reflecting on the whole year I really can't believe that all happened.  I love my life and I am so excited for the new adventures that await me.