G.E.O.R.G.i.A

I cannot explain how long I had been dying to go home. All this grown-up stuff, was really on my last nerve. I was literally craving "home". What a enormous appreciate I have for my dear mother. Raising me, was not an easy job, and I didn't turn out that bad, so kudos to Mother.

Side Note::

 I am extremely grateful for my Parents. I truly have a love and appreciation for them that I cannot explain. "Distance makes the heart grow fonder" is a very true statement. But growing up and becoming less ignorant helps makes the heart grow fonder as well. :) Being away has caused a huge reality check in what parents do. Besides the roof over my head, the yummy dinners, and washed clothes, I longed for a goodnight hug more than anything. Yes I am very blunt, & rarely emotional, but talking about my parents really can bring tears to my eyes. Everything they have done for me, has lead me to where I am today. I know with out a doubt, that I would not have all the blessings in my life if it were not for them. I know that every decision they made, was in my best interest and for me to succeed. Through the rollercoaster relationship that we once had, I plan to only go up from here. I love them more than I can explain, and greatful that my Heavenly Father sent me to such an incredible family.

-----Back on Track------

It was time to visit home! Dana, my roommate from college was getting married! Whoo Hoo! It was my first time in the Atlanta temple EVER, and shortly after it had re-opened. It was so beautiful. The temple, the sealing, the happy couple, E.V.E.R.Y.T.H.I.N.G! The fact that Bryan & Dana allowed me to be a part of their special day, was amazing. Thank you so much!

 

  Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Bryan Tyner

Spending time with my family while I was home for the wedding was an included bonus:) My sister and her adorable children made me the happiest girl ever. I cannot get over how fast time flies. If I wasn't playing with McRae, I was rocking baby Cannon to sleep. The entertainment was priceless.Children are precious. However, they're always sweeter when they aren't yours :)

[ In addition, I've realized I'm much to selfish at this point to have kids anytime soon. Spending time with my husband, is my number one priority...We are VERY excited to start a family, but not for many years.]

Being home was great. Between the outlet malls, lunch with mom, mom's cooking, family badmitten and nightly runs, I had such a great time. Spending time with my sister and mom was such an enjoyment. It was definitely a BREAK from reality. However, I missed Zach more than I ever imagined possible. Coming home to him, was the best peace of mind.

Cant WAIT for us to be home at ThanksGiving.

Saving Second Base.

Some people are born with the ability to run, and others the ability to train, either way...eventually, you become a RUNNER. And that, is a big deal. Being 20 years old, 120lbs, & 5'2" DOES NOT translate into a runner. I have learned to admire those who consitently excercise. Several months ago, I got the absurd idea to start "running" on a weekly basis. And by "running" I mean walking, with a bounce. My legs are the length of your average 7 year old, which means any average adult can literally walk my running speed. Regardless, I was making an effort. A co-worker and I decided to set a goal.....the Boise:Susan Komen's Race for the Cure-5K was exactly 2 months out, and we were sure we would be ready.

I soon realized I was completely out of my mind. I started running as much as I could & eating a lot healthier. Having two jobs, and being gone from 8am to 10pm, made it extermely difficult to eat healthy. Surprisingly, I stuck to it. Running 1/4 of a mile would literally make me want to cry...The first time i ran a consistent mile, without walking, crying, or cursing, was huge accomplishment. It became motivation. I wanted to see how far I could go. By no means was it entertaining, but it made made me feel amazing. There were a few mornings I'd wake up before work, and go run in the morning. For those of you that know me, know that sleeping is something I take very seriously. To wake up earlier than normal to RUN, was the first sign that I had literally lost my mind.

Race for the Cure was almost near, as my best friend Shannon was running with me. Both of us have dear people close to us who have been affected by Cancer. To run for a cause, made it all the more worth it. The big day came, and I had never been more nervous, but excited. There was PINK everywhere! People, everywhere! To run the race with my best friend was an amazing experience. And the fact that we ran the entire way, and crossed the finish line...((NOT in last place)) made all the gross food and horrible sore muscles worth it. Yes, I understand I'm bragging about 3.1 miles, however like I said, I AM NOT A RUNNER. So for all of you that are, You are amazing.

Zach's New Pride and Joy!

So everyone knows I work all the time. From 9 in the morning until 10 or 11 at night. It's not my favorite thing in the world, but everything has it time and season. Zach goes to school on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and works Monday, Wednesday, & Friday. We are both constantly busy with anything but each other:(  Zach is super lucky to have MOST of his evenings spent doing whatever he likes...(((EXCEPT being with me))).

SO....HE DID WHAT ANY NORMAL GUY WOULD DO...

He got a brand new G.i.r.l.f.r.i.e.n.d!

[[I like to refer to her as the 'other' one.]]

- He spends JUST as much time with her

-He spends JUST as much money on her

-He gets JUST as excited to see her

-AND he gets even more excited to ride her..

If you would have seen this when he originally traded his other in, you would be a little more impressed. He basically brought it back to life. I'd love to sit here and use dirt bike lingo...However, I know nothing. When i would get home from work late at night, I'd find him just getting down messing around with it, with dirt and grease from head to toe. This went on for at least 2 weeks straight. With all the time and energy he has put into this, I won't be surprised if they take their relationship to the next level soon.

Despite my whining on his obsession with 'fixing things up', it is so nice to have my own handyman around 24/7. I know his new love and I are pretty close in rank, BUT if Zach knows what's best...He'll keep me in first. XOXO

We're Still Alive.

Yes, So I've disappeared the past 3 months. You can call it 'hibernation' if you'd like, since it is now March and we are still getting SNOW. Anyway. The past few months haven't been too crazy. We did make the HUGE step of moving in with my in-laws. Yes, I know what your thinking. BUT...we figure if we have an opportunity to live rent free, utility bill free, free internet........WHY NOT! Zach and I are both gone about 10 hours a day, so it was hard to come to terms with paying rent somewhere where we were only there to sleep. So, just until the end of summer, we are living at the Luekenga's! We're pretty lucky they are even having us! People say its not easy to live with your in-laws, but I bet its not too pleasant living with a newlywed couple either! Thanks Tony and & Lez!

I got a GROWN UP JOB! It is so fabulous. I now work at a Property Management Company, currently part time, and I absolutely love it. Having my own desk and computer, you can imagine all the fun I had shopping for "office supplies". I still work at Maurices, part time as well, about 4 days a week. Between Zach's school and his job, and my two jobs, it is a little stressful for us, however it makes us appreciate our time together SO much more!

INSTEAD of chopping off my entire head full of hair.....We decided to CHOP the bangs first. Oops. Just got bored. && besides....it's JUST hair :)

www.myfitnesspal.com

I have started a new workout and diet plan. By no means and I declaring I am overweight, however I have never seen my body change so much! Whether its being married, birth control, always on the run nd hardly ever eating a good/healthy meal, or POSSIBLY the fact i love cookies,candy,&anything else unhealthy. I am going home to Georgia the first of June for DANA&BRYAN's wedding, and i MUST be back at my Senior Year/Cheerleading body weight! Any tips on excercise or healthy snacks would be GREATLY appreciated.

Lastly,

"Don't worry about your clumsily expressed feelings. Just talk to your compassionate, understanding Father. You are His precious child whom He loves perfectly and wants to help. As you pray, recognize that Father in Heaven is near and He is listening."

-Richard G. Scott

I am so very grateful for the opportunity we have to communicate with our Heavenly Father. Prayer is a sure way to strengthen ourselves and our relationships with others. Having daily prayer is such an easy way to assure happiness in my life. I love my Heavenly Father and knows he listens and responds.

..."Growing Up"

Okay, okay...So I'm only 19...BUT HELLO! I'm married, work 2 jobs, school is on its way, I write checks monthly for bills, I've got my own insurance plan, and I live 2000 miles away from home! So, do I feel 19? Negative. These past 4 months, I have definitely learned the meaning of "growing up". This was the first Christmas and Thanksgiving that I've ever spent away from Georgia with my family. Talk about weird! We wanted to...Wait, I mean I WAS DYING to go to Georgia for at least one of the holidays, but making TWO trips there this summer, it just wasn't in the cards for us. Understandable. I just got a new job at Maurices, as an Assistant Manager ((which ROCKS))..as well as working at Tucanos still, and with Zach working two job as well..there was just no possible way to make it happen. Christmas Eve was spent at Zach's parent's house with all the siblings together. Luckily, I had that night off. We ate lots of yummy food and played the Newlywed Game. Zach and I being the youngest and most recently married, were just thrilled that we didn't lose! It was such a good night to spend with the Luekenga's.

It was great to wake up Christmas morning to Zach who was grinning ear to ear about having Christmas together. We both went into separate rooms and grabbed each other's stockings that `Santa` had prepared and we brought them in at the same time. Christmas music was playing and we opened our gifts. Zach was super surprised with a new GUN, a tool set, and his favorite; Clothes. (Sarcasm) Santa left him some Root Beer by his stocking, socks, candy, and a couple new ties. I was super stoked to find UGG boots :)- which I have NEVER liked, until recently, on many people, especially myself; BUT hey, I live in Idaho. We had a great Christmas and are so lucky and incredibly blessed with the jobs we have!

To add to the fact of me 'growing up'...we even have Christmas cards made for our extended family and close friends. First off, who all do you get Christmas Cards from? OLD people with families; Until now. Yes, I know...How retarded are we to make a Christmas card of us two? Slightly conceited, eh? ...Well calm down. I'm homesick like crazy and wanted to be a part of my family's Christmas SOMEHOW! AND we only printed 10 cards to send out...to people that we NEVER get to see. So we aren't THAT lame. I am so grateful for everything and everyone in my life.  I love my family more than they know, and distance DOES make the heart grow fonder, but I've had enough distance. I miss my niece and NEW nephew a whole lot, along with my sister and awesome parents. I can honestly say I would be going MORE nuts if we didn't have Zach's family close by.

Happy Holidays && A Better New Year!