It's true, we survived our first year of marriage! It's hard to believe a year has already gone by. A lot happened this first year: we've lived in 3 different places, we went on a cruise and to Disneyland, we sold 2 vehicles and bought 1, we got Toren graduated from college (mostly), we've been unemployed and hired for new jobs, we got a puppy...and we've loved every minute of it. I can't wait to see what the next year brings!
Every morning when I get Baxter out of his crate to go outside he does this stretch routine. It's pretty funny. This video is actually from about a month and a half ago when his crate was too small for him. We got him a brand new crate recently and I've noticed that his routine is substantially shorter now.
It's finally here!! This season's Biggest Loser premiers tonight! I've been counting down the days and now the hours (9 1/2 more!). This season each of the partnerships are related (husband and wife or parent and child). And, according to previews, I know it's going to be an AMAZING season.
So make sure you're home by 8:00 or set your DVR and prepare to by inspired.
I knew I'd have another Toren-less Saturday since BYU was playing (though I always hope for a Coug win, I have no interest in actually watching the games). I decided to make a day trip up to Seattle. My parents are out of town and David and Laura are at school, so it was just John at home all alone...and bored.
I arrived at about 10:30 ready for some fun...only to find John sprawled on the couch in his pajamas. Without too much work, though, we were out the door just after 11. Our first stop was put-put golf. Between the water traps and secret sink holes, I scored about 100 over par or so. John played slightly better than me.
Terrorists attacked America seven years ago today. Many lives were lost and many more were changed forever. I'm sure we all remember where we were heard the news. Here's my story:
It was my senior year of high school, and I was driving from seminary to school. I briefly heard something on the radio about a hijacked airplane, but there didn't seem to be much more information than that. When I was walking to my locker shortly after, I saw a group of people gathered around the TV in my English teacher's room. Curious, I joined them.
A hijacked commercial airplane had crashed into one of the World Trade Center buildings. I was in shock. And just a few minutes later I watched the second tower collapse.
A summer wouldn't be well lived without several blackberry cobblers. It's just one of those things that makes summers in the Northwest incredible! So, Toren and I went out blackberry picking the other day to enjoy a delicious cobbler that night. The blackberries were thriving, so it only took us about an hour to pick plenty of berries. The most challenging part of the picking excursion was keeping Bax out of the berries.
Toren turned 27 yesterday!! I should have posted something special about him, but I forgot (to post, not his birthday). Luckily, his sister decided to give him a shout out. Her post is really cute and thoughtful. Check it out if you want.
We didn't do anything to special or romantic to celebrate. He requested to have his mom make her amazing BBQ chicken for dinner and a layered chocolate cake for dessert (both were incredible). After feasting, we watched America's Got Talent...followed by Dog the Bounty Hunter. And that was about it!
I did surprise him with a gift he's been DYING to have: a shock collar for Baxter. Now, I'm sure many of you will think it's cruel. I'll admit, I kinda feel the same, but we talked to a neighbor of ours in Utah that trained his dogs with shock collars. The result was quite amazing. His dogs would stop on a dime when he gave the command. They listened to him 100% of the time. They were some of the best behaved dogs I've ever seen. Toren really wants Baxter to be a really, really good dog. He's not too misbehaved right now (he is only 6 months, after all), but Toren wants to train him properly. The shock doesn't actually hurt the dogs, it just gets their attention and they learn quickly that it's a result of doing something wrong. Bax has been really receptive to it so far. I'm still not big on the idea, but I'm willing to give it a try. I told Toren, though, that if I changed my mind at any point we would return in and get him a consolation birthday present.
Interestingly enough, yesterday was also my Mom's birthday. To celebrate, she helped drive my sister and brother to Rexburg for school. Since I couldn't help her celebrate, I want everyone to know how much I love my mom. We are the greatest of friends. She is an example to me in many, many ways. And she provided me with the foundation I needed to have such a wonderful life. Thanks Mom! I love you!
