Fabric Craze

As I sit here I am waiting for fabric to be posted to buy. I feel like it's black Friday.... for fabric. Reading on their website it sounds like some of the fabric goes REALLY fast. I have had my eye on this fabric since I came across this website almost a week ago. I started making a wish list, the end of the list was "All of it". I may have a slight problem. 😬 If you like fabric you can relate. I don't know what it is with fabric, maybe its the possiblitly that it can be whatever you want, I'm not sure. All I know is I love it. (Just ask Daniel....)

I got the fabrics I wanted! I'm so happy! I got on Facebook after I ordered and there were a lot of comments about how some specific fabrics sold out in less than 5 minutes. I had some of those fabrics and felt victorious and slightly guilty for feeling so. Look aren't they so pretty! They are going to be really soft too! I can't wait for them to come. 

Also talking about fabric I am selling some of my creations! Head on over to my website to check it out. I am currently doing a 20% off sale, simply use the code: WELCOME at check out. It has been a lot of fun so far. I make them all to order (so if you have any special requests with your order, let me know.) I also have an instagram account so you can stay up to date @skirtswithshirts.

Decorating a Rental: its starts with packing

I was talking to someone today on base and he found out I enjoy decorating. He started telling me that someone wanted to teach a class about decorating a rental, but we were interrupted and he wasn't able to finish what he was saying. I'm not sure what he was going to say but it did get me thinking about what I've learned about decorating rentals so far. This might be my first PCS, but I've been living in rentals now for several years.

Take my advice or leave it, this is just what I've figured out so far. This is from reading a lot of blogs, listening to advice, and a little bit of trial and error. And I'll probably change things as I gain more experience.

The key to unpacking and making your rental feel like home starts with PACKING.  For months I did research to figure out the best ways to pack, I got labels for each room off amazon, the labels were color coded so I could easily look at it to know what room it was going in. I put them on the two opposite corners so I could easily see where it would go. Next to each sticker I wrote the specific things that were in each box.

I really like this system and I will definitely be doing it in the future but I did face a few challenges.

• My apartment I was leaving was REALLY small and there were only so many places we could put packed boxes so a lot of the packing had to wait until we had the moving truck and could move boxes into it.
• I only had so many days of vacation from work so I wasn't there the main packing day-- so NONE of this happened; every box was pretty random. But I'm so grateful for all the great people that were willing to help, we definitely wouldn't have left when we did without them. 
• We had great friends that we knew from college come help us unload the moving truck. I wanted to have each box go directly to the room that it was meant to go in, but once again I didn't want to ask them to do my extra "crazy" moving system so everything just went wherever there was room. until it looked a little like this:
  

Once everything was out of the truck we started moving everything into the rooms they belonged in. We then quickly unpacked the contents. Things were put away with thought but not really well organized. I will be going back and organizing things a little better. But this got the stuff out of boxes and where we could use it. Most of our house was unpacked within three days.(Or maybe I'm forgetting how much wasn't done when I had to go back to Utah to teach.)

If you want your new place to feel like home get rid of those boxes as fast as possible! I still have 2 boxes sitting there reminding me I just moved in. I've also noticed the longer they wait the harder it is to unpack them. If you don't need what's in them get rid of it or put it in storage.

Now that you have your lovely belongings in your new place its time to decorate! My favorite part!

Our New Life

I have been thinking about updating this for awhile, but something else always seems to distract me. But today as I was sitting at the computer not wanting to apply for jobs I wondered over to my blog. Its hard for me to want to apply for a job when I just left the perfect one. This past year I was teaching clothing at a middle school in Lehi, Utah. There were challenges and struggles, but I loved it! You are probably wondering if I loved my job so much why did I quit? The answer is simple, I love my husband more. He graduated from BYU and commissioned as an officer in the United States Air Force.

With his commissioning, meant our first PCS (Permanent Change of Station) we were moving. We packed up, I took my vacation, and we drove across country; which was definitely an adventure! Since I had to get back to work we made the drive in as few days as possible. We had some fun times, like spray paining cars in Texas, and some not so fun times, like when the moving truck broke down.. (Side note: if you are renting a moving truck I recommend Penske they were great to work with when the truck broke down, they hired movers to repack all of our stuff into a different truck-- I've heard other moving companies aren't that nice.)

But we finally made it! We got really lucky and found an apartment the first day we were here. We signed the lease the next day and started moving right in.

I went back to Utah, finished the school year, and now I'm back! I have loved decorating the apartment. I have done a lot throughout the apartment but I don't have a single space complete yet. I will post pictures soon with some advice for decorating a rental.

Field Training

Dropping Harris off at the airport

Harris is gone to Field Training. It is only a month... not nearly as long as our separations will be in the future. But its the longest we have been apart so far. One of the hardest parts about it is not being able to talk to him. Ever since we became friends we have pretty much talked all the time, either texting, calling, or in person. It has always been instant, I think of something I want to share with him I can. He will get any message just moments later. But while he is at Field Training we have to communicate through letters. As romantic as getting a love letter from my Airman sounds... it kinda stinks. I want to hear how he is doing... I worry all the time. And when I worry I can't call, FaceTime, text, or even email him to make sure he is ok.

While I was thinking about how we just have to communicate through letters it reminded me of my grandparents. In my church we believe in sharing our testimonies of Jesus Christ through missionary work. Because of WWII my grandpa was a soldier instead of a missionary. After the war he met and fell in love with my grandma. However, they felt they needed the blessing of a mission in their home. So after receiving special permission from church leaders my grandpa left my expectant grandma to go to New Zealand to be a missionary.... And how did they communicate... through letters. Not only was it a lot longer than a month but the letters took a lot longer to get to each other, they had to travel across the ocean on a ship.

When I told my grandma about how my experience seams so little compared to what she went through she just gave a little laugh as she reminisced those times. And agreed it took a long time to hear from him. She then said something wise about how it was hard but we make it through it. And that is the truth. It is hard... but I can do hard things.

Student Teaching

Time to Leave

I am doing my student teaching and it is well shall I say...hard. I feel like I am trying to swim up stream, but I'm caught in a current. Not only am I not going up stream but I feel like I am drowning.

In my major at BYU we have a junior high/middle school experience as well as a high school experience. I am finished with the junior high and now I am at the high school. I feel like it is a lot harder... but maybe its just because I made it through the junior high and it is in the past. Its not really the teaching that is hard but more all the logistical things... like getting papers copied. Sounds ridiculous that that is one of my main stresses... but its true.

I do want to say that I enjoy teaching. But it will (I hope) be easier after I have taught for longer.

...19 more days....

The Unexpected

Yesterday I was having a normal day, I was at work when my phone rang. My phone announced that that Hubby was calling. I was excited that he was calling but I knew that he shouldn't be calling so I was immediately filled with concern. Harris told me that his knee had been injured so he would be coming home but he has a spot to come back to field training next year. His plane would be landing at 7:30 and I needed to be at the airport to pick him up.

After getting off the phone I had so many mixed emotions. My husband is coming home, that was exciting, I missed him. But he had been injured, I didn't know how bad it was. He wasn't able to finish field training, which was sad and frustrating. Was that going to delay everything? Would he have to be in school another year?

When Harris got to the airport to fly out he called and was able to tell me more information. He told me that his Field Training Officer called him into her office to tell him that she ranked him #1 in his flight! He was told that leaving because of his knee wouldn't effect his chances to become a pilot. Probably the most reassuring thing he said was that he would be POC. Basically what that means it won't put him back a year. He will be able to continue on in the ROTC just like he had finished field training and next summer he will go back.

****

Harris told me just to pick him up from the curb, I was fine with that so I wouldn't have to pay for parking. But when he was still waiting to get off the plane I parked so I could see him sooner. He called right as I was parking and said he was on his way to the baggage claim. I ran through the airport to meet him. My mixed emotions were gone and I was so excited that I was about to see him. I looked up to see if I could see him coming down the escalator... I couldn't. I looked over to the baggage claim to see if I could see him... I couldn't. I looked back and forth until I spotted him. I started running again-- he saw me and started going to meet me. It was wonderful to be in his arms again. I had missed him so much.

On the way home Harris shared so many stories and experiences he had from field training. He was doing so well and making new friends. He wished he was able to stay there and finish. I wish he was able to as well. Yes I missed him and am glad he is home but he needs to complete field training and he was doing so well.

Field Training Begins

It was Memorial Day 2012-- Harris and I were texting, we were dating at the time. I was visiting my grandpa, a WWII vet. Harris asked me what I thought about the military, a fitting question being it was Memorial Day. We were getting more serious, I dreamed about having a future together. I was trying to read into his text. Did he want to join the military? I loved our country but didn't think I could be a military wife. The truth was I had specifically said multiple times that I could never marry someone in the military. So in my text I said something about how I respected military members and asked why he wondered. He said it was because he has a lot of family who served in the military and then listed off family members who were in the military. That first text started me thinking. Could a marry someone in the military? Would I be willing to marry Harris if he was in the military?

A few months later, after we were engaged Harris' brother talked to him about joining the Air Force. By that time I was willing to marry someone in the military. I was willing to be with Harris even if there would be long separations. I would do this because I loved Harris and I loved our country.

I remembered this last night as I was helping Harris get ready for Field Training. I knew it was going to be hard.

***

Yesterday I left work early so I could help Harris get ready. I cut his hair, sewed on his name tapes (and by the way those are so hard to sew on, I will have pay someone to do it next time. I don't even care that I am going to be a sewing teacher. My finger is still sore from pushing the needle through so many layers of fabric.) I did a late night run to Walmart to, cut cables (threads) and pressed his blues. While I did all of this I tried not to let Harris see the tears that would come to my eyes every once in a while. I was trying to be strong. I didn't want Harris to worry about me while he is gone.

Sewing on name tapes

As Harris was packing I could tell he was nervous. His brother was over quizzing him, which just made Harris more nervous.  He was stressed about getting everything packed as well as trying to quickly recall the information he had studied as Nathan drilled him.

After getting everything packed perfectly and ready to go Harris and I went to bed a little after midnight. We got just 3 hours of sleep so we could get to the airport on time. It was a long ride to the airport knowing that my husband would be leaving. But I stayed strong. I didn't cry. At the airport we said our goodbyes. As I watched him walk away I started to cry.

Harris and I have never been without each other for more than a week since we had met. Since we have been married it has just been weekends-- and those weekends where we had been apart we were able to text or call each other. But this time Harris would be gone for 23 long days. With only hand written letters. I couldn't hold it anymore, and I let the tears come and sting my eyes.

Work today was also a struggle. Memories of us and him would sneak in and bring a bitter-sweetness feeling with them.  I would think of things that I wanted to share with him after work. But then remembered I couldn't. At these times tears would come to my eyes and I would try to not let them fall.

The highlight of today was a call I got from Harris when he was in Dallas on a layover. I was so giddy when my phone rang and I knew it was him. I had hoped he would be able to call, and he had! It was wonderful to hear his voice. He told me that he studied a lot on the plane and he feels ready for field training. Knowing that he feels more confident helped me to be a little happier.

I love Harris and can't wait for him to come back. Let the count down begin!

Beginning of Summer

Well its been a long time. Life has been crazy. Every semester I'm in school I don't blog. But classes are over again, so I have time to blog. Spring semester was really really crazy, my classes went really fast. I took 10 credits in half a semester. Everyone that heard thought I was crazy (I thought I was crazy too). My favorite class I took was Design in the Home. I got to design a house which I loved! Well I guess I should say I loved it all except the part where I only got a half hour of sleep the night before my big project was due.

The house I designed (when it was almost finished)

I also took food science, which was a really cool class. I learned lots about food-- how food gets from the farm to the table. I also had a lab that went along with the class. In the lab we would make foods with a control and some that would turn out better and some would turn out worse and we found out why. It was really interesting, I hope it helps me cook better.

So what are we doing with our summer? Killing mosquitoes (and black flies). Five years ago Harris started working at the mosquito abatement. He left to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The next year I started working at the mosquito abatement then left to serve a mission as well. Harris came back and started working there again. A few weeks later I came home and started working there again too. And boy he was cute.... I guess the rest is history.

So we keep coming back for our summer job. Harris rides his bike all day dropping water soluble packets filled with pesticide to kill the mosquitoes that are in the storm drains. I go around to running water checking for black flies and treating when we find a lot.
Did you know that a female mosquito can lay 100-200 eggs at a time? So if you have any standing water around your house dump it out! Change water in bird baths and horse troughs every 7 days.

I thought when I got married I graduated from the singles ward... but I guess not. In our church the leadership and other jobs are voluntary. We believe that the leaders receive revelation from Heavenly Father on who should fill these jobs. Well, Harris was just called to be the second councilor to the bishop in a singles ward. So that means we both get to attend the singles ward. It is really weird being back in the singles ward, especially when we haven't been married that long. I feel old,  being married and being the wife to a bishopric member, and young because I am not old and wise like most women that are in my position. I hope that will adjust to it and feel a little more comfortable. I'm sure knowing more people will help.

That has pretty much been our summer so far. But it will change pretty soon because Harris will be going to field training for the Air Force. I am pretty nervous I have not been that long with out him in over two years. But I guess I should get used to it because when he is deployed it will be a lot longer than this.
I read a blog the other day from a military wife and she said that the hardest part is the time leading up to her husband leaving. I sure hope that is true!

Ups and Down of Our Home

I have been wanting new couches for a while. Our old ones weren't really bad... but not really in-style any more. And with the the red and green plaid fabric it always felt a little like Christmas (especially since the outside of our apartment is green and the shutters have Christmas trees on them).

The Old Couch

Harris and I would occasionally look at couches online but we never found any thing we really liked; until Thursday. I think spring made everyone in the mood to get new couches because there were a lot that we liked. We decided on our favorite and set up a time to go look at it. We wanted my dad to help us get them with his truck, but he was out of town. So it was up to us; some how we managed to put a couch, love-seat, and ottoman, in a Ford Ranger.

Harris' friend came over to help move out the old couches and bring in the new ones. As soon as the couches were in, he brought in a lot of his things to store at our house. (He had to be out of his apartment on Thursday and can't move into his new apartment until today.) I am excited for his things to be gone so I can see what our living room will look like with the new couches. Even though we have a lot of extra things I have enjoyed sitting on my one little couch cushion, it is very comfy!

Saturday I made pillows for our couches! I am so excited about how our living room is looking. Now I just need to replace our baby blue curtains. But I haven't decided what color yet, but I do know they will not be baby blue.

Last night I was getting my beauty sleep when all of a sudden there was a loud crash. It startled me awake and I quickly realized what happened. Our closet rod had fallen down! I guess there were one too many shirts on it. Our clothes are still on the bottom of our closet. Waiting for us to fix it. But it will require a trip to the hardware store, and I don't have the car today.

Easter

On Saturday we went to my grandma's house for an Easter egg hunt, and to roast hot dogs. A very large portion of my grandma's land isn't manicured so there is a lot of tall grass. This made it perfect for an Easter egg hunt. The eggs for the little kids were in the shorter grass and the teenager's eggs were hidden in trees, the tall grass, and anywhere else that they found to hide them.

On Sunday we went to church. I love going to church and hearing more about Jesus Christ. What a blessing it is that he came to this Earth to live for us and to die for us. I am so grateful that he was resurrected, to break the bands of death. Because of him I am able to be with my family forever!



Sunday night we went to Harris' aunt and uncle's house. A lot of family were there, even some from out of state, it was so good to see them all. While we were there we had a little mini Easter program. Several people read stories about the Savior and we sang a song that went along with each story.

Monday I spent the day finishing lesson plans for my final project for a class. And today has been full of finals.

Harris got called in to meet with the cadre, this afternoon. I went with him and before the major had Harris come in he let me come in and stand behind his desk so I could watch Harris salute. (He looked so good!) While we were meeting with the major we found out that Harris has been selected to go to field training this summer. It will be for 21 days... but we still don't know when. While we were talking to the major he said that there are many people that didn't get to go (60% national selection rate) and for Harris to do his best and not waste his slot. He told Harris to do it for his brother. It really hit me when he said that. Harris' brother was in the ROTC it was his life long dream to fly for the Air Force and at the beginning of this school year he was disqualified for medial reasons. (His brother is still working to get back in.)

I'm glad that Harris was selected for field training now he prepares more and we wait to find out when he goes...which I hope is soon.

Closing Social

Last night Harris and I went to the closing social for the ROTC. It was broom hockey on ice. Harris had a lot of fun playing. And I had fun watching. There was a lot of falling!
While we were there the Cadre told us they still haven't heard who has been selected for field training. Hopefully we find out soon that Harris has been selected.

End of the Semester

Well it is the last day of the semester. I am exhausted... But I still gave things to do, like studying. Here are a few things that have happened in the past few days. 

Saturday we had an Easter party with Harris' family. It was a lot of fun and really cute to watch the kids find the eggs. 

Yesterday was my last day in preschool. I have had a lot of fun learning about children and teaching while in the preschool. One thing I love about the BYU preschool are the variety of teaching strategies to help the children learn. When the children come to school each day they can pick a center to go to. The last two weeks I had a music center where the children were able to explore different musical instruments. Monday I was at the gardening center, the kids thought it was so cool we had real dirt in the classroom.

Tonight Harris took down the flag on campus so I went to watch. While the cadets were waiting to take down the flag two guys came up to them and thanked them for what they do. I am grateful for those that recognize the men and women in the armed forces. While the National Anthem was playing it was an amazing site to look out across campus and seeing everyone stopped giving their attention to the flag.

Happy Spring

I painted this over the weekend. It makes my door look so springy. Now I just need to plant flowers.

For one of my classes this semester I have been a TA for a foods class. (It is to prepare me to be a foods teacher.) This week they had their final project which a magnificent meal. For the assignment they have to plan a meal and budget the allotted money, have a table setting, and be able to do it all in the time given. They did a great job, their table settings were really cute so I thought I would share some of them.

Classes for this semester are just about over... which meals I have a lot of homework and studying.

Teaching

In the fall I will be doing my student teaching. I will be teaching FACS classes (home ec.) in a high school and a junior high. I recently found out that the first half of the semester I will be at Bennion Jr. High. I will be teaching teen living and CTE FACS. Teen living helps students understand and cope with personal, family, and social challenges. Emphasis is placed on communication, decision-making skills, and building stable relationships with family and peers. I am really excited that I found out one assignment and looking forward to what high school I will be going to. 

I also found out that I passed the Praxis, which is the test I have to take to get my teaching license. I am excited to start teaching soon… I just have to finish my classes.

Busy...Busy...

I've been busy... so I haven't blogged. Things are still crazy but I want to do better at recording our lives. My student teaching application has been submitted and now I'm waiting to find out what classes I'll be teaching and where at. (I will be a Family and Consumer Science teacher, basically home ec.)I will be teaching half of the semester in a middle school/Jr. high and half in a high school. Harris is waiting to find out if he has been selected field training and when he will go. We should find out about both the student teaching and field training in the next month or so.

For one of my classes I am a teacher in the BYU preschool. So far it might be my favorite class, I love it! On Monday we had a practice fire drill. When we were walking back in we saw an Army ROTC cadet. At least three kids got really excited and said, "There's an army guy!" Then the girl next to me added, "I think he is going off to war." (Some of my classes almost feel like war... lol.)

Dinner with Friends

We had dinner with our friends Brad and Alexa. They made dinner and I brought a cheesecake. After dinner we decorated gingerbread houses. The guys decided they wanted to make one together. I bet you will never guess which one the boys made and which one the girls made.

My Cheesecake

Recipe for the cheesecake

Fridays at Work

I work doing early morning custodial at BYU; I work from 4:30 am to 8:00 am. Since working that early is kinda hard my boss lets us have breakfast on Fridays! I love having it to look forward to during the week. Today we had French Toast with strawberries, hot chocolate, and cuties it was delicious!

Finals

Before Christmas can really come Harris and I have to make it through our finals. It keeps getting harder to focus and study. Naps, movies, and Christmas music all sound so much better than studying. It is Wednesday and I am half way done.

So much to study... and that's not all.

Good luck to anyone else taking finals!

Christmas Celebrations

This weekend has been a lot of fun. On Friday we went to Ikea with the Harris family for a Swedish Christmas dinner. It was fun to be with the family... and to try the food. But it wasn't my favorite.

Ikea Dinner

After dinner we went to my in laws to celebrate Harris' and his brother's birthdays. 

"It's a sweater"

On Saturday I made candy with my mother-in-law and two of my sisters-in-law. Saturday night my parents took us to Macaroni Grill for Harris' birthday. A lady sang 'Happy Birthday' to him in Italian, it was really neat. After dinner we saw the Christmas lights at Temple Square. Then we went to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas Concert. It was really good especially the organ solo by Richard Elliot. 

Temple Square

I love this time of year! I love how so many people are remembering our Savior, Jesus Christ. It is a time of year of family, treats, generosity, and most of all faith. 

Harris I love you, and happy birthday!

Fall 2013 Parade

Yesterday the Air Force ROTC had their parade and award ceremony. The cadets looked so good, especially Harris! The awards ceremony went well and Harris got several awards, I am so proud of him. After we went to Dickey's, I love southern BBQ it reminds me so much of my mission. While we were there it was interesting to see how Harris was treated wearing his uniform. He received a lot of respect from those at the restaurant. A lady even came up to him and thanked him for his service for our country. Her sincerity really struck me. I am definitely grateful for him!

At Dickey's (we love free ice cream!)