OUR TURTLE!

Chad's brother, Sean got a turtle last week. Chad instantly wanted one of his own. However, I did not want a huge tank in the middle of our house so I politely turned him down. When we heard of little turtles, I warmed up to the idea. When I came home from work the next day, I was welcomed by a little turtle and a very happy Chad. We decided on the name Violet but the next day Chad wanted to change her name to, Shelly. We have yet to come to an agreement so... We will let you decide. Let us know what you think.

P.S. Here she is.

Summer To Do List!

I was once told that a goal is not a goal unless you write it down. So here's me writing it down. Now you guys (if anyone really reads this) can all hold me to it when summer is done. These are in no particular order.

1. Go camping. At least once. I've never been a big camper, being the youngest of 3 girls. Chad on the other hand is. I'm getting new mind set of what camping is and honestly I'm getting pretty excited. I even want to fish. That is a big step for me.

2. Go to Arches and Mesa Verde with Chad and my parents. My dad has wanted to go there forever and I've never been. Chad couldn't believe it.

3. Sew! I have a lot of projects planned including, a quilt, skirt, and several backpacks and purses, and some great throw pillows.


4. Read at least 3 books a month. On my list is a book called, Princess Academy, (my El. Ed. classmates told me I need to read it.) The Life of Pi, and The Help. I'm always open to new suggestions.

5. Get running shoes and consistently run. I have a love/hate relationship with running. I love the way it makes me feel after running, and I love the way it makes my legs look. But I HATE the feeling when I'm running.


6. Refinish my dresser and my lamps. I've been waiting til summer to finally get our bedroom to match.

7. Get my cards for card group finished earlier than the day before card group. For those of you who don't know, I'm in a card group. My mom is too. Each month we make 12 of the same cards and then exchange them and take home 12 different cards. :) It's crazy fun, especially with my mom. However, we always seem to be working like mad to finish our cards the night before they are due. At least for the summer, I will be early. Hey- I already have the next two cards brainstormed. :)
8. Use a new recipe once a week. For our wedding, Chad and I got some great cook books. I set this goal the first month we were married and have been pretty flaky with keeping it. SO, here it goes! If anyone has any quick and easy recipes that'd be greatly appreciated. :)


9. Finally- I want to keep a regular journal. Regular meaning at least once a week. I made a cute journal a few months back and I've used it a bunch, but I want to really keep track of what and how I'm doing.

I think these 9 goals will be more than enough to keep me busy. Ready, set, GO!

Status: Reading

Ok, So remember that one time I was all, "I'm going to be so good at blogging regularly."..? Well, then finals came and thwarted my plan, as well as a trip to California. And also, a new love got in the way..... reading.
I took a Children's Literature class last semester and honestly, It was the best class I have ever taken. Not only did it help me with my future career of teaching, but also it really did wonders for me now. It has sparked a love of reading. I've always been weird about reading. My mom is a total book worm and literally has a library in her house. I knew reading was supposed to be fun but with the approach of my teachers and the idea of reading to be only be tested on a book dragged that interest to it's grave.
One of the ideas my teacher gave to inspire reading was to introduce new book titles every day to spark interest. So, it may not be everyday, but here's a couple to get you interested....



If you have not hear of The Hunger Games, you are in for a serious treat. This book really sucked me in. Not only did I read the 300 and something pages in no time flat but I read the sequel (Catching Fire) which I thought was possibly better than the first. For all of you who have read it, surprise! a third one is on its way in August. I wont tell you much about it because it's better to go into this book with no background knowledge.
If this post doesn't persuade you, listen to this. I told my friend, Ashton, my mom and my sister about it and they've already finished it. And recommended to others who have now read it. So hopefully that will help.



Another I recently read that was really really interesting was called, The Chosen One by Carol Lynch Williams. It's about a 13 year old girl who lives in a polygamist commune who is directed by the prophet to marry her 60 year old uncle. This book is definitely not fluff reading but it is very intense and a great read. I also learned a lot about the polygamist culture. I was almost late for work last week because I HAD to finish the ending. Extremely intense. Anyways...

HAPPY READING!