Welp

I haven't posted in over 7 (almost 8) months... And now that I'm finally taking a moment to write I don't even know where to start...

How about one sentence for each of the seven months:
August: With the beginning of school I was crazy nervous.
September: Basically all I remember about this month was trying to keep my head above water.
October: I was a spork packet for Halloween.
November: David's beautiful mother passed away.
December: With the passing of David's parents, the holidays were difficult.
January: We were excited to begin a new year fresh and move past 2011.
February: Disneyland.
March: David has been extra sweet, giving me what seems to be a birthday month!

Soo... That's about it. Let's see if now I can get myself to post more often!

I think this means it's real...

I think I actually start teaching on Tuesday.

Scary.

"Enduring to the end means improving to the end."

"Sit tell in the saddle, hold your head up high
Keep your eyes fixed, where the trail meets the sky
And live like you ain't afraid to die
And don't be scared, just enjoy your ride." -Chris LeDoux

Thanks for the many life lessons Lynn. Your funeral was beautiful today. Enjoy your ride, we'll all see you soon enough.

Whoops.

One year and a month and a day (yesterday)...
Crap I'm horrible at the whole anniversary blog post idea!
I missed the real 1 year mark on here, but I figured that the whole one-one-one would be cool-- Then I went and missed that one too!
Arg.

Anyways! All that matters is we're still deeply in love.
You know the cheesy: I love him. I love her.
But really, he's the best.

This summer has been fast, short, and BUSY!
I do school every day. He does work every day.
We both do Insanity (almost) every day.
We both come home at night and stare at the wall trying to contemplate how we're going to make it through the next day.
Then on the weekends we either:
a) do homework
b) play with friends (aka family)
c) go camping

:) It's a wonderful life.

Excuse my rant...

Ok honestly. I'm sick of this. I have class everyday (no, I don't have a problem with this, I quite like school, which is good considering my major) and everyday the same thing happens. I really don't appreciate that everyday as I am just about to walk out the door I think "uhhoh, I have five hours of class with no break and I'm hungry."
Dang it!
First of all, I'm already late to class (almost). But I go scavenge anyways. Soon, I realize they're is NO food in the house (no matter how much there really is). Then I think, I could stop at Wendy's... NO! I will not spend $2.99 on gross food- that's at least 4 D.I. books I could have in my classroom.
At this point I really am going to be late (if I go the speed limit) so I grab something I really don't want and head to the car.

Today I gnawed on some extra stale Hint of Lime chips that I think were left over from my birthday in march.

I really gotta go buy some fruit snacks.

us

Today is: 375 days.

You name it, and we've probably been through it this year.

{i
love
him.}

Summer School

Today I...


















studied out on the lawn.

It was pleasant to the fullest extent.

Moab Trip

First, Charlee helped me pack everything into the car:


By the time we got there that night, it was just time to go to sleep...

The next day we went hiking. The next three pictures were taken on the easy part of the trip. This hike was literally the hardest hike in Arches, the signs said: Primitive Trail. It was only about 5 miles, but took us a good couple hours. Very hard, but a blast!

Here's one of David and me:

And one of Mel and Staci:
Look at my husband! Super HOT! I mean-- look at those calves! ...oh and the view is pretty ok too.
No words really describe this one... (troll hair?)

That night Stef and Nate came up with their girls. Super fun! We went on a hike the next day.
It was gorgeous.
The whole hike was up a little canyon, switching from one side of the other. Each time we crossed through the stream. Some sunny parts, some shady parts, through the water, out of the water... We loved this hike.


I honestly don't remember taking this picture... And I have no idea who the guy is... But I'm sure Mel remembers it, (she remembers arms like that quite well)...


As you can see from the pictures above and below, all Farnsworth ladies got tired at one point or another...
Through the river...
We found a few caterpillars, Alice kept one on a stick for a while...
At the end of the hike there was this beautiful 'bridge'.
On the way back we messed around. This picture is of Mel spitting the water onto David n Mimi...

I thought this one was darling: David giving Mimi a drink...


All in all: AWESOME camping trip!

This was our second trip to Moab this season. Hopefully we'll make it down much more this summer!

Just Some Simple Easter Pictures...

Rest Of The Stay-cation

Here's what we did for the rest of our wonderful mini vacation...

Saturday: We slept in as late as we pleased and then decided to walk down to the pizza place a couple blocks away-- but then we saw it was gross weather and drove instead. Good choice considering that from there we went to Fast Kart! So much FUN! (besides the forever long wait) My arm is still a little sore from turning so much, but we were both pretty good! Of course David was much better than I-- but at least I beat out the slow guy in the group that went with us! :) From there we went back to the hotel to relax; including the jacuzzi, then a shower, and then a bath. Haha! It was super nice. On our way out we perfectly happened to drive by David's mom-- her and Shelly were up to see the symphony, and they were parking at the hotel we were at the timing couldn't have been more perfect! Just a minute difference and we wouldn't have been able to see them!
Then the best husband ever took me shopping... aka walking around in the cold snow while I picked up something to admire how cute it was only to see the price tag and put it down running.
I'm a master at this type of shopping. From the Gateway we found this small and DELICIOUS Thai place. We ate to our fill and then had some more. On our way home we met up with my amazing mom-in-law and Shelly! They came up to the room for about 10 minutes just to say hi before they went back to Orem. Soon as they left we collapsed into bed and watched tv till our eyes couldn't stay open anymore.



Sunday: Early this morning we woke up got ready and ran over to Temple Square where we met up with David's Aunt Kathleen and cousin Cody and his new wife. We all enjoyed Music and the Spoken Word and then walked around the visitors center for another hour. It was great to meet Cody and Stephanie. We went back to the hotel and relaxed for a while before church (it was fun to find some random ward to attend). We literally did not leave our room
for the rest of the day. We took naps, watch Jersey Shore, and ate leftover pizza... I told David multiple times: "I've never been this bored and ok with being this bored before." There was absolutely nothing to do, and I loved it. I read mags, watched August Rush, and found all kinds of new hidden places in Mario on my gameboy.






Monday: Our last day... We woke up and packed quickly. Then we went and ate the breakfast buffet at JB's (the restaurant connected to the hotel), it was pretty disgusting. But we were expecting exactly that, so it was just fine. We grabbed the rest of our things, checked out and drove all the way home. And just to top off how great of a weekend it was, I sang my little heart out to country the whole way home.

It was the most perfect Mini Stay-cation EVER!

Mini Holiday

So after many weeks of absolute INSANITY David decided that a mini vacation was absolutely needed!
My wonderful Valentines day surprise was a reservation for a room up in SLC for the entire long weekend!
I've been looking forward to it all week. By Thursday I was counting down the hours!!

We started out with a crazy lady asking us for help on the street. She kept telling us she wasn't crazy, which didn't help her argument. We took a stroll down main street and stopped at Vasuvios for a tasty organic bite. It was amazing. Paninis will never be the same.

We then walked back to the hotel, settled in, and we're falling asleep now. Goodnight!!

Oh, and here's the view from the room:
Notice Temple Square in the right corner, the Conference Center in the middle, and the Capitol Building!

Dad

Joseph Lincoln Raynes PhD, age 64, passed away peacefully January 10, 2011, surrounded by his eternal family, after a battle with brain cancer.

He was born June 21, 1946, in Provo, Utah to Beth Milner and Lincoln Frances Raynes; he was the second of eight children. Much of his childhood was spent on the Oregon Coast. While at BYU, Joe met his beautiful wife Alice Nielsen in a laundromat and it was love at first sight. Their first conversation began with his joke about both having red hair. They married in the Salt Lake Temple on May 27, 1969. They have ten children, all redheaded. It was impossible to be around Joe and not know he loved his family, the Gospel, and serving others.

Joseph completed his Bachelors and Masters degrees at BYU and earned his PhD at Texas A&M University. He served and inspired others throughout his lifelong career in Education. He was an Elementary School Teacher, Principal at Joaquin Elementary, Dean of Continuing Education, Dean of Trades and Technology, and Associate Academic Vice President at Utah Valley State College. He was instrumental in bringing the Education Program to the now Utah Valley University. He loved being a Professor of Education. His influence is carried through the countless teachers he molded.

Traveling the world extensively, Joe was always in search of opportunities to serve others. Fluent in both Portuguese and Spanish, he lived in Bolivia and traveled throughout South America with his young family while working with the Bolivian government. He lived in Colonia Juarez, Mexico working with the Juarez Stake Academy, and traveled to Mongolia to develop their higher education programs during their transition from Communism. He was a gifted storyteller who weaved his life experiences into tales that both entertained and edified.

He was a dedicated servant of the Lord, who served an honorable LDS mission in the Brazil North Mission. He labored as Branch President at the MTC, Bishop of Cascade 2nd Ward, High Council Member in Orem Cascade Stake, and Ordinance Worker in the Mount Timpanogos Temple. A gifted teacher of life and salvation, he lived to bring action to the Gospel’s precepts.

Joe was a builder of homes, ideas, and lives. A gentle giant, who was steadfast, thoughtful, humble, and strong; he spent his life in quiet service. His greatness was shown by his Christ-like love, the warmth of his smile, the power of his patience, the richness of his intelligence, his ability and desire to teach even the hardest of hearts, his comedic timing, and his gift to uplift others through his faith, stories, and unconditional love. His love of the Savior showed in everything he did.

He is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Alice Nielsen Raynes, and their ten children: Janelle (Nathan) Gerber, Michelle, Denise (Paul) Pitcher, Alison (Marshall) Smith, Melanee, Stefanie (Nate) Farnsworth, Jonathan (Daniela), Danielle (Bryan) Kennedy, Derrick (Alexa), David (Sydney), and their 17 grandchildren. He is also survived by his father and five sisters.

We will post details for the viewing and the funeral soon.

Loving this...

My family (Harris') has been watching this Miracle Mashup so much they can sing it all together as if it was all made this way.

Hope you enjoy as much as we do!

Dear Stress,

BRING IT ON!
I can handle it.
Why?

bam.

My Prince Charming...

It's his birthday!!
I'm by far the luckiest girl alive, and I love him more than anything.

We did lots of things to celebrate including: (but not limited to)
-Seeing Scott Pilgrim vs. The World
-Eating at Rice King
-Shopping (but only as much as a man can handle)
-Eating at Chilies
-Relaxing
-Wearing the big cupcake at church
-Opening presents
-Breakfast in bed
-Spending time with family

Happy Birthday to the Mr. Incredible of my world!

Best Video Ever

EMBED-Woman Too Excited About Arrest On TV - Watch more free videos

yum?

Sometimes I pretend I can cook.
Ha.
You know, I boil water and then pour a box of noodles and flavoring stuff in.
Easy.
Then I look at the clock and think- 'OK MUST GET THIS OFF HEAT BEFORE THE BIG HAND HITS THE 3!'
CanDo.
Then I get on my computer and start looking at pictures or blogs. or both.
Relaxation.
Then I hear weird sizzling behind me and realize my food is done.
Panic.
It's been done for 15 minutes actually. Instead of cooking it for 20 minutes, I guess I decided that 35 would be better.
Wonderful.
So things are nice and stuck to the bottom, there's an awkward smell throughout the apartment, and there's some noodles that are much, much darker than the others.
Awesome.

Why yes, at this moment I'm eating it anyways.
Delicious. (or not)

(p.s. someday in the future I'll blog about the way WE make smores. Gotta do what cha gotta do.)

A long time coming....

To everyone who made our most important weekend the most amazing weekend ever.

Thank you to Daddy Harris, who helped in every aspect of the reception and wedding and gave me his only daughter.

Thank you Mommy Harris, who planned every detail and made sure moment by moment was perfect for everyone, but especially us.

Thank you Mama Raynes, for putting together the luncheon and taking big rocks off our backs to create a wonderful day.

Thank you Father Raynes, who although he was sick needed bed rest, worked tirelessly on our special day and apartment to make it a wonderful experience we will remember forever.

Thank you Kyle, who worked hours and hours to put together our dream wedding.

Thank you Gavin, for always being available to help with anything and everything.

Thank you Connor, for helping everyone with what they needed right then.

Thank you Raynes siblings, your help and support through the last year has gotten us to where we are today.

Thank you Leah, who put together the bridal shower and worked at Sydney's side throughout the most difficult times. For being the best friend anyone could ever ask for.

Thank you Brylie, for being my cuz to the end. Listening to me jabber on and on through the entire semester about the pointless stuff.

Thank you Hilary, best boot buddy of all time. I can always count on getting a smile from you!

Thank you Jon for giving me a great man night. We did man things. It was awesome.

Thank you Derrick for being willing to take on anything we threw your way.

Thanks to Denise and Sammy, Stef, Nate, Alice, and Scarlet, Alexa and Derrick, Penfold family, and Uncle David, Bixler Grandparents, Gordon, and Price family for all traveling so far! It meant so much that you would take that time to travel for us.

Thank you momma Becky for being the go-to girl for any and every wedding question we possibly had, for doing the flowers, helping with the shower, helping with the cake, and everything in between.

Thanks to everyone that came to the church all weekend long to help get things ready. Especially to Bryan who made the reception possible.

Thank you to Corina who catered the delicious food for entire lunch-in.

Thank you to so many others.
We know we could never possibly name everyone, but hopefully this is one, (small) step closer.
We love you.

Thank You.

20 DAYS

Wedding wedding wedding wedding wedding wedding wedding wedding wedding wedding!

It's pretty much all I think about lately...
Like here's the list of where my mind has gone in the last ten minutes:
-cupcakes
-lights
-tablecloths
-my dress
-their dresses
-tuxes
-gifts for my gals
-fruit cabobs or just fruit?
-do I have to serve carrots?
-do out-of-towners have places to stay?
-how do I not send that particular person an invite?
-what if it snows (thank you Utah.)
-gazebo
-need a box
-sign in book perfection


So in order to get everything done, I've sorta kinda come up with a timeline-ish (in my head). I need to sit down and write it out because it figures I should get the invites out before I start cutting pineapple.
Goal of the week: Get invites out ASAP!
I thought I'd have them out by last Friday, that didn't happen for a long list of reasons. Now it's Friday again, and 90% of the invites are still here. Oops. I blame myself completely on this one!
Anyways, these should be getting out sooner or later. (Hopefully before the wedding at least.)

Last night me and Connor spent an hour and a half stuffing 500 envelopes. At first I was hesitant to let him do it, but I got over that quick when I realized my stack. We actually had a great time doing it! We chatted the whole time about everything from school to wedding to how awesome David is to soccer. It was great to connect with him again and spend some one-on-one time with my little bro (while getting some wedding help too!)

Here's a picture or two of how we did it:

This is Connor smiling about to fill that last envelope...


Then I showed him that was only one brick... We were half way done instead of totally done... I told him to smile, but he said this was a better face. Haha I couldn't agree more.


This is me imagining the amount of paper cuts I was about to get. :) I'm very happy to report we're all paper cut free!
P.S. please ignore the laundry in the background. It's the last week of school for both my parents-- if you have teachers for parents you know completely what I mean.

Also my wonderful friend Hope came and helped me with the last pile! So nice of her!! Sadly I didn't get a picture of her doin it... But I'm sure she's more than ok with that.

All in all we've got them all stuffed!! They all just need: licking (gross), labels, return address labels, a swirl in the back, and a handful need some inserts.

And that's my update to all on the Good Time Happy Fun Blissful Joyness of Wedding Planning for the day!

fin

Creepiest Toy Ever

I got it in my happy meal and all it says is:

Ha, Haha, Ho, BABABABAP, and Rumpelstiltskin!