Glamorous Organization

I was taking off my jewelry last night when I noticed my small box of earings wasn't in it's usual place. But instead my wicker basket was filled with contents from my top drawer. So I opened my drawer to find all of my jewely layed out in a beautiful, felt display case. Jake remembered that I'd mentioned finding a better option to store my earings rather than sift through them each time to find a match. Isn't it beautiful?! What a great guy.

Patience and Deliverance

This week has been full of exciting moments and congratulating phrases. My aunt with 3 little boys had a baby girl Monday night. Bentlee Rae Guiles. Jake completed his certification to become a Hunters Safety instructor. Good job love!! And last night, I got a very anticipated letter from the University....... We hadn't expected it until Friday or Saturday so we hadn't even bothered to check the mail that afternoon. We raced home as soon as we could. My pulse was racing, knowing that our lives could change in a few moments. Opening the mail box we saw a large enveloped stamped with the University logo. Flying up the stairs and through the door the anticipation was killing us. I plopped down on the living room floor and tore open the package. Jake yelled for me to wait because he wanted to record it. I honestly, started hyperventilating because I couldn't wait any longer. He FINALLY told me to go ahead and my eyes scurried over the paper to find the answer we needed. I found the words "pleased" and "acceptance" and burst up into his arms, almost knocking the camera out of his hands!!! I settled down enough to finally read the entire letter. I found that I will also have the oppurtunity to do my clinical work at Logan Regional Hospital. Which is great so I won't have to commute to a different hospital in the state! We are so very fortunate and relieved that my hard work has finally paid off. I will start August 25 this fall and will graduate 5 semesters from then, May 2010 with an applied science degree in Radiologic Technology/Radiography!!! Ahhh the end is in sight. Thanks for everyone's support!!!! It's been a stressful battle, but we made it!

The lion gets a hair cut

Jake's mom used to read a story to him about a lion that got a hair cut. Just like the lion, after a hair cut, there's a large pile of red hair/mane!!! He never wants to cut it off because he likes when it curls in the back. Although he's handsome no matter what.... long hair combined with a "thinning" scalp isn't the best option. So, we had a little fun Saturday.

Here's a picture I snapped of Jake while he was doing some homework.

After my lion's hair cut.

It turned out pretty good. We were happy with the results.

For those who are curious.... my interview went really great! The University has made their decisions, but I won't find out till sometime this week. I'm super nervous, but whatever happens will be the best for Jake and I right now.

"..and they call the thing rodeo!"

A few days ago Jake and I went to the Dodge National Finals Circut Rodeo in Pocatello with a friend of mine and her new hubby. The first time we went to this rodeo was in 2006 on one of our first dates. So we decided to keep up the tradition. We've attended this same rodeo three years in a row now! Everytime, we talk about when we were dating and how we really hit it off that night at the rodeo. AAAhhhhh memories.... See how it went this year in a few shots we took.

Easter 08

Jake and I decided to stay in Logan for Easter this year. We felt like we needed to be at our own ward Sunday for our callings and that it would be Easter just the same as long as we celebrated the Saviors' sacrifice and resurection. We planned a fun dinner with a few of our neighbors and friends so we could still enjoy some company for the Holiday. It turned out great! I learned how to make Au grotten potatoes and carrot cake... both were delicious. We even had a visit from some mystery bunny that morning! He left us grass and candy filled baskets. Mine also included hair supplies and love notes stuffed into each egg. Jake got his favorite treat in the world Mountain Dew. It turned out to be a beautiful sunny day and a relaxing time to reflect on the Savior.

Simply Jake

I just had to take this very moment I'm captured in to express my fluttering thoughts for Jake. I'll never understand how I became so fortunate to ever find Jake, never-the-less marry him. I'm not putting down anyone else's husband but.... I absolutely KNOW I married the greatest man in the world!!! I'm sure Marjorie Hinckley could have argued, but I feel extremely fortunate. I love how he captured my heart two years ago. I love how he speaks to me so gently because I'm a girl. I love how he stops dead in his tracks to hold me and tell me I'm his very best friend. I love how his icy blue eyes make me weak in the knees. I love how he works in his shop all afternoon to build me something he knows I'd love. I love how he looks when he's ready for church, or setting across the room in the temple, or even when he comes home from work. Dang, he's good looking! I love how he can share his strong testimony with a stranger. I love his dirty, calloused hands. (men's hands shouldn't be soft) I love how he looks into my eyes everyday, with such an expression of love and appreciation on his face. I love how he treats every woman so kindly, because he hopes someone else would show the same kindness to his own wife in a time of need. I love how devoted he is to everything he does. Scouts, school, work, service, it's always his very best. I know our sons will learn from their father, because he acquired all of this from his. I love my life and how Jake contributes to my everyday happiness. I challenge every reader to reflect on their own spouse, to remember how blessed we are. I'll have Jake for eternity, my dear companion.

Good news

I got a letter in the mail yesterday from the University. They want me to come interview for the Radiology program April 2nd. I was sooooo excited! One step closer to being accepted.

sPrInG bReAk

We've been waiting for a break since the beginning of the year, and we finally got a chance. Jake and I took off to St. George for a few days. We got to spend lots of time with Tiffany (Jake's adorable sister) because she goes to school down there. It was beautiful weather! Shorts, t-shirts and swimsuits by the pool everyday. We did some shopping, relaxing and even a trip to the temple.

It was so gorgeous. The spirit was so strong when we went to our session. I won't forget how wonderful those few hours were.



I know a little contradictory... but we only lost about ten bucks when the night was over. We almost died laughing when Tiff won $40 in nickles!! Her first time as well might I add.



Our Story

February 22 marked two years from our first date. This significant date also marked a year from our engagement! So we had dinner and watched the video Jake made on the day he proposed. It was fun so see how nervous he was and what we did that day, including the actual proposal. So, six months after Jake and I started dating I wrote a story. Well, it's our story. I loved how we met and our experiences along the way. There were so many significant moments that I had to put them all together. After we were married Jake asked me to finish our story, since our engaement and wedding had taken place after my first draft. I completed it while he was in Alaska this past September. Pretty cute!

Valentines

Yesterday wasn't our first Valentines together, but it was our first as a married couple so it made it a little more interesting. :) I woke up to the words, "Good morning Valentine." He's so sweet to me in the morning! Later at work I got a text from him that said, "I kinda wanted to do this in person kneeling down in front of you but........ WILL YOU BE MY VALENTINE? It made me giggle out loud. He's so adorable! Jake really is a true romantic and I feel like I really lucked out snagging him for my husband. He picked me up for a suprise lunch. I felt so cool holding his arm at the resturant. That night we met at the theater because I volunteer at the hospital on Thursdays after work. He looked so handsome. We saw Fools Gold. It was really funny and entertaining! After the flick we exchanged gifts at home. I told him not to waste money on flowers cause I'd rather him spend money on something that won't die the next day. He got me the cutest shoes I'd feel in love with at the store one day. I was so excited he remembered! He's really good at that. Then I gave him some candy, rodeo tickets (we had our first kiss after this rodeo two years ago) WE'RE MARRIED! So I was happy to share. The best part about yesterday, and every other day, is the way I feel with my sweetheart. He makes me laugh all the time and tells me I'm his best friend. I practically fall into his bright blue eyes and flashing smile. We've been together for almost two years now and he still has the WOW factor. Thanks for our time so far, I can't wait to see what eternity will bring. I love you Jacob!

Proper care and feeding of Jake

I just finished this book, recommended by a few other women I know that have read it. Suggested for a great start for a happy marriage. I decided to read it because Jake it the most amazing, caring husband and why not see if there's anything else I could learn to give him the best care from me. I meant to read it before we got married but the wedding planning took up all my time. At first I was hesitant because it seemed like a book about putting women in their place, in the home with the kids, really against anything but a traditional home. But it's not. It's about how to make yourself happy by serving your husband. It explains how men think. How men were raised by women as children and embraced by women as adults, so always seeking acceptance, approval and appreciation from us. The book showed me how to appreciate Jake even more than I did before! Jake said that one of the reasons he wanted to marry me was because of how I served him. How wonderful I treated him when we were dating and how I always did special things for him unlike girls he'd dated before me. Even though I already made him happy, he said it's even more wonderful now, because of things I picked up in my book. I suggest this book to even the happiest couple. I bought it at the Book Table. It's not too long and very entertaining for whomever is intersted.

Hurray!

The Obstetrician I work for is training me to be his medical assistant. And today I accomplished the most difficult task. I drew blood! All by myself, on a real person! It was so slick, just like no problem! I can call myself an experienced phlebotomist now. How sweet does that look on my resume? I was so proud, I decided it was blogworthy.

I've been tagged

Check out my answers, you'll get a great tour of our apartment!

1. A picture of myself within the last week.

Ha, this was before church Sunday morning. I hadn't even showered yet, but Jake found the opportune moment to take a picture anyway. I was making friendship bread.

2. The dirtest part of my house I keep putting off.

Putting those dishes away.


And folding the laundry.

3. What my child is doing while I'm posting this.
Sorry no little tikes yet. But Jake's like my baby cause I pick up after him all the time. He's at school like a good little boy.

4. Best decorated part of my house right now.

Well it's the newest decor to my house right now. Remember, Jake made it for me? It was too big for our bathroom so it's in the bedroom to match my Jake-built nightstands!

5. What I would buy right now if I had $100 to spend on me.
I'd actually spend it on Jake, but since that's the next question I'd buy something new to wear to church. I love new clothes! But hey if you add a few zeros on the end of that number I'd purchase one of these babies!

GMC Acadia. It's always parked outside my office saying, "never gonna happen!"

6. What I would buy my husband if I had $100 to spend on him.
I'd take him to Cabela's and let him run around the store until he found something he wanted for $100. That way he get's to look at all the animals and take something home.

7. My New Year's Resolution.
FHE every week. Temple every month. And not forgetting any birthdays!

8. Favorite activity this week.
Still to come. This weekend my family's coming down to go to the Utah State basketball game with us! Their Christmas gift from Jake and I.

9. Photo of the inside of your fridge.
Here she is. I never noticed how many beverage options we have. Thirsty?


10. Favoite movie in the last 6 months.

We saw this right after Christmas. It was awesome!

11. Favorite pair of shoes right now. (Or a picture of your closet... whatever is more intriging.

Here are my favorite shoes. Jake got em for me for Christmas.


And here's part of the closet. Pretty tidy actually!

12. Photo of your bed and nightstand.

Jake pretty much built every piece of furniture in our room!

13. Favorite baby picture of you or family member.

Jake of course. He's so adorable! Look at his little boots. I can't wait to have a little guy just like him!

14. A picture of your computer and surroundings. Where exactly do you blog?

We're portable. Like our fridge? It keeps us motivated when we're hard at work.

15. Take a picture of your front door.

Welcome to the Nelsons'.

16. What color are your bath towels?

Just tan. Goes great with everything.

This was actually kinda fun. Jake wanted to know why the world now has access to our living space. It's a blog thing. If you got tagged just answer these questions about yourself!

At the New Year

The holidays were great, but we're back on track. Jake started classes on the 7th and he's miserable. He really dislikes school, but he knows it's the smartest decision to finish. He is working part time for closet organizers using his handy carpenter skills. I applied for the Radiology program and am waiting to hear if I am accepted. In the mean time I'm working full time as office manager for a landscaping company and part time for the University as a TA in Human Anatomy. We're both very grateful for our abilities and oppurtunites. We can't wait till we're done with school to start our own little family.

Our First Christmas!

Jake and I had a memorable first Christmas as a married couple. We loaded our gifts into the car the weekend before Christmas and headed to the Durfee's (Tayli's family). Jake went duck hunting, of course, with Tayli's dad the next morning. They were successful. We had a party Sunday night with Tayli's siblings. There were so many little faces. No pressure on us. :) On Christmas Eve we braved the blizzard to Jake's parents' in Highland. It seemed like forever before we arrived. Stopping to deliver gifts, snag Grandma Rowe and even fix a flat tire. Jake was a hero to the woman and 3 small children traveling on Christmas Eve. Stories and games around the Christmas tree at the Nelson home was so much fun. Jake's dad read us the nativity story while adorable little Kenedy helped act it out. The next morning we found Santa's gifts displayed around the fire place. After one of Jake's mom's famous cinnamon rolls we exchanged gifts. We were so spoiled but were most appreciative to have each other and our wonderful family and friends. Our holiday season rounded up on New Years Day at Beaver Mountain. Now we're back to work with achy muscles, but we look forward to what the coming year has in store!

Jake suprised me with another hand made gift.

A beautiful shelf for our bathroom! He's so talented.

Even the bow was amazing.