Adrianne Jayne Young

Ya Hair?

2011-11-14T01:22:00.002-06:00

I think I'm going to go dark again...

like this:

or this:

but without the bangs. Too bad a simple change of hair color won't erase the 20+ that have accumulated with my blonde tresses. :)

Post It Notes

2011-10-13T13:24:00.000-05:00

I go through about 50 a day. My desk is littered with them. They're stuck to the perimeter of my computer screen, colorful reminders of all of the things I need to do and say. They basically run my life.

I love post-its, and I get to use pads provided by doterra. Blue, Pink, Orange, and Green. I would go buy some cute ones, but they would end up in the trash can in a matter of days.

Tough Life.

Request

2011-10-12T13:50:00.001-05:00

My sweet husband has been asking me lately why I haven't been updating my blog. There are several reasons why I haven't, but more important than all of those is a reason why I should: Jed likes to read my blog posts. And I think that's pretty cute.

So, lately we've had a few exciting things going on. I've been working at my new job with doTERRA, which I love. Jed has been working hard at his job as a counselor at Heritage Schools. Our work shifts are pretty much opposite, so when we do see each other for more than 30 minutes a day (which hasn't happened often lately), we like to relax and watch movies or go to dinner. Jed has gone an a couple of weekend trips with his fam. Kev and Sandy came in town, and we all went to Lagoon with Adam and Erika and their fam. It was a blast!

Today I am feeling pretty sick. Besides cramp attack, I have a really hot/sore/itchy/sick throat and I am just a bit miserable at work.

It all started last night, and Jed was super sweet and brought me home FLOWERS! Half a dozen of beautiful, bright, and cheery Gerbera Daisies. It really cheered me up and helped me forget about my crampies. I split them in half and brought a little mason jar with some of the flowers to work so I could look at them all day. So glad I did, cause they are beautiful. Thanks Jedi!

Return of the Jedi's Wife..

2011-09-21T23:03:00.000-05:00

While I've failed to properly nurture and grow my blog lately, Jed and I have been doing lots of stuff, which I'd love to enlighten you all on in the days to come.

But first, can I just cyber scream?

_____________________________________________

Thanks... to be continued.

Staying busy...

2011-07-28T20:49:00.000-05:00

I haven't blogged much lately because I feel there is just too much to say! Things are complicated but in a good way, so here are the simplified happenings of our lives.

We are moving two blocks away to an apartment so we can be next door neighbors with our couple-friends Jessy and Kyle Kubal. Kyle and Jed served their missions together, and I have been friends with Kyle since he got home. Then he got married to Jessy a few months after us, and we all hang out whenever we can! I will probably never see my husband again, but at least I'll have a girlfriend to hang with anytime I want (right, Jessy?).

Tomorrow I am heading to St. George with a few MG girls. I am super excited because I have never been there before!

I am still on the job hunt and am working hard at BYU and at my internship at the Aquarium. I am enjoying it, but somedays I leave home at 7:30 and don't return until 10 or 11.

And life is good! I don't mind being busy as long as it's a good-busy. I hope it stays that way!

What's keeping you busy nowadays!?

My sista, Jordan (or Jorge)

2011-07-26T17:39:00.000-05:00

After receiving a text from Jordan telling me how bored she was (I don't believe it), I decided to head on up to Lehi and spend the afternoon with her and her two youngest boys. My brother in law and two oldest nephews are at lake powell for a family thing, so Jordan has been alone/will be alone with the two baby boys (1, 5) for 8 days! Yikes!


I hung with these guys (minus Mike)

Anyway, it was a blast! I watched her organize her house a bit, got to play with my favorite boys ever, and we had a nice picnic via Cafe Rio at a nice and shady park in American Fork. After dinner, we (aka Jordan) made delicious tapioca pudding-- a wonderful redemption over my tapioca failure of the century on Sunday.

We then watched the Bachelorette after spending 20 minutes talking about how lame it is this season. It really is...

It sure was a treat spending time with half of the McClellans! I wish I could do it more often!

My sista, Miss Maggie

2011-07-24T22:00:00.002-05:00

I just spent about an hour talking to her. She is artsy and cool. And she is starting grad school at George Washington in a few weeks- Museum Studies!

Halloween '07

BYU Football!

You might want to go read her blog-- Shoes you this day. She is pretty brill, and I like her concept!

HP?

2011-07-14T00:06:00.000-05:00

Yes please! This time tomorrow, I will have seen and loved it.

CANNOT WAIT.

Welcome Home Bremen!

2011-06-30T11:27:00.000-05:00

backstory: My Brother Bremen has been working in Mali, Africa for the last year and a half! He just got home, but I haven't seen him yet because he is in the DC area. So, for those of you who know him (particularly family), here is some exciting news:

What a stud!

Be there, or miss out!

Bright and Sunny Disposition!

2011-06-24T12:35:00.000-05:00

Today is going to be a long day, but it should be a good one. I've had too many bad long days lately. You know how it goes!

I keep telling myself that I'm not in school, so life is much easier than I'm used to, but really it's kind of harder. Many days I've been waking up at 5:45 and staying busy until 9 or 10 at night (as in getting home that late). I always have clothes and makeup in my car, ready for the next change I can't make at home.

BUT at the same time, I get to actually read books! Books that I enjoy reading! Books that I can leisurely stroll through.. instead of cramming 100 textbook pages into one night.

And I still get one or two naps a week.

But I never get to see my husband.

And summer is slipping away toooooo fast! I have so many things on my summer to-do list that I haven't even thought about doing yet. What are you hoping to do/accomplish before the summer is over?

Seriously contemplating...

2011-06-22T12:17:00.000-05:00

starting a book club.

for real. Like with little sandwiches and punch and everything. One book a month.

Who's in!?

Yard Sale

2011-06-17T12:25:00.001-05:00

Tomorrow morning 6/18, we are having a yardsale. And before you start thinking, "How in the world do two newlyweds have enough to sell at a yard sale.." we're not the only ones. We're having a combined yard sale with our lovely friends/land people and even they will have lots of additional items from extended family. I think there will be quite a lot of great stuff. And this should be a nice yard sale. Not a yucky one. I am excited!

Items being sold:
Queen Bed and other furniture
TV
Books
Toys
Clothes
Craft stuff
Home items (kitchen, bedding, etc)
And lots of other things that you need!

So you should come. And I am contemplating making treats or something.

We are at 70 N 200 W Springville, UT 84663
8am until Noon...ish

Tell your friends and fam. Ok thanks!

Ahh Memories...

2011-06-15T00:01:00.001-05:00

Tonight Jed and I spent some time cleaning out our storage room. I pulled out the two GIANT scrapbooks I made of his mission while he was away. We spent some time looking through them.

A) My husband is such a wonderful man.

B) I am dang good at scrapbooking. Why haven't I touched it since he got home? Seriously.. check out a few bad photos of some random pages! Click it. Make it bigger.

Thaaaanks!

Pearl Harbor

2011-06-13T22:46:00.001-05:00

Pearl Harbor was definitely a humbling experience! Before we met at the theater for our scheduled tour, we spent some time walking around the museums. The museums are put together so beautifully! I was so impressed. There was information about the US and Japan, and everything was very unbiased. The first museum was focused on like in each county before the attacks. I really liked seeing the comparisons between the Japanese army and the US army and every day lifestyles. The second museum was focused more on the attack. We read accounts and stories from those who survived, there were pieced from the ships, and artifacts from the people who live aboard them. It was really interesting to see.

Once it was time for our tour, we went to a theater and watched a film about Dec. 7, 1941. It was very moving, and I learned a lot. Mostly it was interesting to see how there were signs of an attack, but they were all ignored.

Next, we boarded a ferry and went to the USS Arizona memorial. The water was pretty cloudy from all the rain, but you could still see parts of the ship below. It was very quiet and moving, and it was a reality check to see all of the names listed on a beautiful marble wall. I will always remember the feeling there.

A few good places to eat...

2011-06-13T22:34:00.003-05:00

We ate at many yummy places, but these were the most anticipated and most delicious!

Egg'n Things-- The best macadamia nut pancakes with coconut, guava, and maple syrup. YUM!

Famous Matsumoto's Shave Ice. Best with condensed milk on top!

Giovanni's-- the BEST shrimp truck on the island! Delicious shrimp sauteed in olive oil, garlic, and all kinds of deliciousness!

A Giovanni's "half plate"

Byodo-In Temple

2011-06-13T22:25:00.000-05:00

Filming location for Sun's father's house in LOST.
Built to recognize the first immigrants from Japan.
Built without a single metal nail.
Beautiful, peaceful, housed in a cemetery, spiritual, smells like incense, take off your shoes!

Dole Plantation, Hawaii

2011-06-13T22:19:00.000-05:00

The Dole Plantation was a nice stop for an hour or so. We walked around and saw different variations of pineapple, visited the fish, took lots of pictures, and admired all of the different attractions. The best part was the chocolate covered pineapple wedge I got. Yummm!

Snorkeling in Hawaii

2011-06-13T22:07:00.001-05:00

I never got around to finishing our Hawaii posts. There isn't much to say about this collage except that snorkeling was scary at first, but ended up being extremely beautiful and relaxing! I hope we get to do it again some day!

Taken at Hanauma Bay, Oahu. Also, the sea turtle picture was taken at Turtle Bay on the North Shore

It's just a "me" thing...

2011-06-13T12:08:00.001-05:00

Sometimes I worry that it seems like I complain too much.

Really, life is good. But ya know, there are days.... where you basically have to complain and whine yourself out of them... or do that silly little thing called "trying to stay positive." :) Usually these days end up being Mon, Wed, and Friday... and it may or may not have something to do with the fact that those are the days when I workout at 6-7:15, go to work 8-12, and then do my internship from 1-6... with at least two hours of muscle-spasm inducing traffic.

Truly though, life is good. I just have always been a little melodramatic... mostly because it is one of the only ways I am funny. Because I'm not very funny, but I pretend that I am. So there is my secret.

and oh no... this post is starting to remind me of something, so I better stop.

Anyway, today I am thinking about.... grilling with my husband tonight, Strawberry days with the Joneses (hopefully) this weekend, and tomorrow when I get to visit my Grandma on her 90-something-th birthday (with my favorite oldest sister).

Here is my motto today (and everyday):

Sunny Day

2011-06-07T11:18:00.002-05:00

It's actually starting to feel like summer. I love it.

My childhood summers included walking to the town's waterpark called Super splash. I would spend my days practicing my dives, daring watersides, and searching for pennies. Watching dumb kid shows like Nick Jr and whatever else was on back then. I loved riding bikes and playing basketball with my neighborhood friends, and I always did some kind of exploring through the woods around our house.

My teen summers included swimming all day in one of my BFF's pools, eating sour bomb pops, walking to the neighborhood grocery store and buying snacks, TP-ing friends... and foes, amusement parks, tan skin and cruising Noland Road with friends. Nights were late late late. And I had so much fun!

Now my summers include a few weekend getaways to Wyoming, reading, trying to exercise, and the occasional fun activities like hiking, water parks, amusement parks, cook outs, camping in the mountains, and so much yummy summer food (corn on the cob, watermelon, fruit fruit fruit, and grilled deliciousness). While all of this is so much fun, I still work (and usually do some sort of schooling). Between Jed and My schedule it's hard to get away for any period of time. But I still love summer so much!

Bring it on!

Oops-- I forgot

2011-06-03T12:48:00.001-05:00

alllllllll about my blog since discovering...

pinterest.

Trouble.

My alter-ego

2011-05-27T12:25:00.007-05:00

LOVES Chanel.

I obviously cannot afford anything Chanel... and I never really have. BUT, if I did spend money on fancy purses, make-up, jewelry, perfume, etc, then Chanel would be my top choice.

I did own some Chanel lip gloss and mascara once (I was forced to buy it in order to get my makeup done there for senior prom. so lame), and it made me feel fancy.

I love these new ads. They just make me so happy.

Tonight

2011-05-24T22:49:00.002-05:00

I think I could bathe in chocolate and still not feel any better!

Aren't we women just psycho sometimes!?

Remember when...

2011-05-19T22:54:00.002-05:00

I really think that high school was the busiest time of my life. Most days, it started at 4:30am and ended after midnight.

BUT... things were nice back then.

Basically, I could spend my money any way I wanted, and my parents took great care of me. I'd come home late at night from a long day of seminary, swimming, school, work, and homework and have a plate of dinner waiting up for me.

Things I looked forward to were letters from Jed, Friday night girls nights, family nights where we watched the office together, and finishing tests/papers for schools. I loved going to church and seeing all of my beloved ward family members too.

I definitely love life now even more, but I really cannot believe that my worry-free days are over. Do you remember when worries seemed plentiful, but in the grand scheme of things, you had none?

My kids are going to hate me for reminding them of this every single day of their lives.

What were your worry-free days like? Do you prefer life now to life in high school?

Laie Temple

2011-05-19T00:34:00.004-05:00

On Sunday Jed and I drove to the North shore and spent some time walking around the temple, watching a film at the Visitors Center, and stopping by BYU-Hawaii.
This was the rainiest day of our entire trip, and it was even flooding on all the little road we were driving.
The temple was so beautiful, and I had no clue it was so old. It was built in 1918 (completed), and it was the first temple built outside of the USA (because at the time, Hawaii wasn't part of the US). I believe it was also the 5th temple built in the church. Amazing, isn't it!?
This was when I first discovered the beautiful Plumeria flower. Smells delicious, and is so perfectly adorable that it looks fake.
There is an undeniable spirit at all of the temples on the Earth, but I loved feeling the strength of the many islanders who built this temple with their faith. It is an amazing place.

Hawaii's Scenery

2011-05-18T23:37:00.002-05:00

Aloha!

Jed and I had a fabulous vacation to Hawaii. It was the first real vacation we've ever been on-- even the first time we've flown together. We left early Thursday May 5th, and got home a week later, late Thursday May 12th. It was a beautiful week, but I was ready to get back to all my responsibilities!

Instead of boring you all with a day by day rundown, I will just give brief overviews and highlight a few awesome things we did.

This first post is about Hawaii Scenery-- one of my very favorite parts of Oahu. Flowers were everywhere, everything was green. Trees, grasses, and bushes covered the land. The water was beautifully blue. The sand was different colors and textures on every beach. It did rain quite a bit while we were there, but the low-laying clouds looked so majestic sitting on the mountaintops. I loved it all!

This collage includes Hanauma Bay, Chinaman's Hat, Diamond Head outlook, Plumerias, Hibiscus, Waimea Valley, pineapple fields, and several random beaches. Isn't it beautiful!?

One day, Jed and I found a beautiful beach on the East side of the island. Most beaches have slimy rocks along the bottom once you get a few feet in, but the beach we found that day was pure sand all the way in. I loved it. I would squish my toes in deep and not worry about a single slimy creature trying to attack me!

Hawaii Blog Post

2011-05-18T12:18:00.001-05:00

TONIGHT.

I am so grateful

2011-04-28T23:01:00.000-05:00

that I get to relax and do nothing from time to time. All I want to do is sleeeeeep and read catching fire.

Happy Easter 2011!

2011-04-24T09:42:00.001-05:00

Easter is such a humbling and inspiring holiday. I am so grateful for my knowledge of Christ, his atonement, and his gospel. Today honors the most significant day in history, and I am grateful for all it implies for me and YOU.

Here is a picture of my mom and 3 nephews celebrating Easter on Friday.

Yippee!

2011-04-23T16:04:00.002-05:00

Yesterday was a beautiful day! I had lots of family around, and I graduated! Jed is so sweet to me, and I love this picture!

I will post more pictures later!

Fake it till you make it!

2011-04-21T08:30:00.002-05:00

Today I'm graduating college. Well... not really. Tomorrow I graduate. Today I attend commencement exercises where Elder Richard G. Scott (my fav) is addressing the grads and their families!
Tomorrow I'm graduating. Well, not really. I'm walking at the convocation ceremony where my great uncle will be speaking to the Marriot School of Management graduates (which includes me), but before I technically graduate (in August), I have to finish my internship.

So really, I'm just pretending to graduate, but it sure is fun!

Baptism

2011-04-18T15:25:00.003-05:00

A couple of weeks ago, we were privileged enough to attend my nephew Cameron's baptism. I can't believe he is growing up so fast!

Cameron is a special boy, and he was lucky enough to get baptized on his actual birthday! So cool!

This is my oldest sibling Jordan (isn't she beautiful!?) and her brood of boys! Love these boys so much!

Here are some fun facts about Cameron:

He plays lots of sports including basketball and soccer. He LOVES playing with Uncle Jed. He can be really shy or really outgoing depending on who he's around. He loves the song Fireflies by Owl City (so cute that my little nephew listens to some of the same music I do), and Cameron has a strong interest in art and drawing. Cameron is also really into video games on Wii and online!

He is just too cute for words! So proud of you Cam!

Doesn't he just look so happy? He used to be such a ham in front of the camera-- not anymore!

Books

2011-04-15T09:53:00.007-05:00

Right now, I am reading four books. It is kind of hard to decide which book I want to read and when, but they are all very fun or interesting! It might take my like 6 months to finish all four (actually, I would love to be finished with all of them in 6 months-- especially HP), but I kind of like switching it up, even if it takes longer to read them all.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
J.K. Rowling
Of course all Harry Potter books are really great reads. I started this one in highschool and never finished it, so I am trying again. I'd also like to read the 6th and 7th books as well.

Food Rules
Michael Pollan
My workout buddy told me about this book and lent it to me. So far I haven't gotten too far in, but I'm liking what I see. The book is basically split into three sections: 1) Eat Food, 2) Eat mostly plants, and 3)Don't eat too much (or something to that affect). Basically the book discusses the American Diet, and share simple and true "rules" about eating!

The Death and Life of Charlie St. Cloud
Ben Sherwood
I really enjoyed the movie Charlie St. Cloud, so I thought I'd read the book too! I just started it last night, and I read the first 100 or so pages, so needless to say, it is a fast, easy, and entertaining read. I'd recommend it, based on what I've read so far.

The Hunger Games
Suzanne Collins

A few weeks ago, one of Jed's kids at his work told Jed he had to read this book, that is was the first BOOK he'd ever read and that he liked it. I've only heard good things about the Hunger Games from pretty much everyone, so I'm excited to read... or listen. I am listening to this one on CD. You know a book is good, when you don't want to get out of your car cause you're so interested in what's going on. That is so this book.

What books are you reading right now? What books would you suggest I read next?

to pieces

2011-04-07T23:58:00.002-05:00

My body is falling apart.

My left knee.
My right heal.
Sunburn all over my body.
Bad back.
And clicking jaw.

P.S. I will be freshly arrived in Hawaii in four weeks from right now. TOO SOON!!

I'm a guest blogger

2011-04-06T09:26:00.002-05:00

on my sister's awesome blog-- Shoes You This Day. Check it out... you might end up liking her as much as I do.

Mainstream

2011-03-30T23:23:00.003-05:00

Since finishing Little Women on CD, I haven't had time/energy to find a new book on tape that is readily available at the library that I may or may not have a valid membership with.

So, I've been listening to the radio, and I have a few favorites that truly brighten my mood when I hear them...

Cee Lo, "Forget You"

(I have to use the Glee version because the original song does not actually say "Forget," and there aren't any good youtube videos of the edited version.

Bruno Mars, "Just the Way You Are"

Bruno Mars, "Grenade"

DUH! Katy Perry, "Firework"

Rhianna, "What's my name?"

(Love me some Rhianna)

These are obviously the same songs the rest of the country loves, hence the incessant playing on the radio, but I'm actually not tired of these ones yet, even if they play every 5 min! Oh well...

Also, what do you think about this? I kind of hate it...

p.s. can you tell that I am procrastinating studying?

I can see the future...

2011-03-25T12:06:00.004-05:00

In six weeks, I will be here:

Byodo-In Temple (replica of Japan's Fiji Temple)

here:

Oahu's famous spot for shave ice

and here:

Laie Point. A tsunami punched out that hole

Cannot wait!

Hawaii Perk #1

2011-03-22T22:45:00.003-05:00

Is it kind of sad that one of the millions of reasons I'm so excited for Hawaii is for the vast array of potential profile pictures I will come home with?

:)

Goal

2011-03-21T08:20:00.002-05:00

I want to look like this again:

right after I graduated HS.

Overwhelming, it seems.

Props to you.

2011-03-20T21:26:00.004-05:00

I'm not trying to hate or anything, but....

I really never want to be a mom on campus who scrambles around trying to push a stroller through a crowd of a million freebie-loving, texting-addicted, wired-to-their-ipods, and not-looking-around-students (hey... I was one once too, minus the freebie-loving part). It's stressful enough trying to get around without the extra bulk of a stroller, baby, and a mary poppins bag that includes all of my stuff AND the hypothetical baby's. My nerves just cannot handle that kind of stress.

So it is extremely pleasing to know that I will be graduating before I have a child. THAT is a fact that can't be changed... unless some crazy coma comes over me and I am not able to finish my internship but somehow am able to get pregnant. or something weird like that. I never thought this would happen.

On the other hand, Jed might be in school some day when we have a child. And then I might try to visit him with our baby. But that is kind of annoying too... so I probably will only let Jed see our baby off-campus. Unless... it's a special occasion. Sorry HONEY.

Oh, and my husband is awwwwesome. And he bought me two purses and a jacket for under $30 yesterday. They are amazing. And he took me to see limitless, which was pretty good. And he and I substituted in Nursery today. It was beautiful. He LOVES little children.

Me, The Runner

2011-03-18T09:56:00.003-05:00

I've always considered myself a runner. Not that I've always ran. But that's just what I do when I want to get in shape. In middle school, I ran track and cross country, but once I got to high school, I gave it all up for swimming, hallelujah.

My brother Bremen is a running all star. He went to state every year. He's done several marathons, including the Boston one. He lives in Mali, Africa and runs with the incredibly fast Africans. He is a skinny sight to behold.

My sister Maggie is also a runner. She ran all through school, and continues even now... years later. Her forte is keeping a fast pace for long distances. She kills me when we run together.

Clarification: Me, the distance runner.

We Leaks run distances.

So, with that said, I have to admit I have NEVER done a workout program. Crazy, huh? I mean... I've tried the 8 minute abs on youtube a few times. I've almost died while attempting yoga (that's another story for another time). And I've has a go with strength circuits at various gyms. But I've never stuck with anything for longer than a week, besides running, that is.

So about a month ago, I started running and things were going well.

Then on Fast Sunday, a man stood up and talked about waking up at 5:30am to work out. I laughed in my head as I vowed I would NEVER do that. Two hours later, I was listening to an announcement for Relief Society workout mornings that would start the following day. Psh...

Two weeks ago, I started 6am workouts every MWF. So imagine my surprise....

shock....

glee...

delight...

when I began seeing REAL results from these morning workouts. I guess it's common knowledge, but this is new to me.

I'm realizing that running is great cardio. It makes me feel energized, healthy, strong, happy... but it does not transform a body. And let's face it... mine needs to be transformed.

Right now my back, arms, hams, and abs are sore, and those are great places to be sore, I'd say.

So thanks Jillian Michaels, Tony Horton, and Tracy Anderson (and Jandee... my workout buddy) for kicking my rear into gear so early in the mornings. It's paying off, and I can feel it!

This is it...

2011-03-14T08:13:00.002-05:00

What i made for my godson Apollo (and his mom Bonnie)

Oh, you know me...

2011-03-12T01:36:00.002-06:00

I think I'm oh so crafty and smart.

Tomorrow morning, I am throwing a shower for one of my dearest friends Bonnie. A BABY shower! It's not going to be super fancy, but we will have lunch, open presents, talk A LOT (MGs... hello, don't we always?), and decorate onesies.

I have such an awesome idea. And it may or may not include JUSTIN BIEBER lyrics. You have one guess.

I'm going to raise my godson right, ok!?

I have spent the last two nights working diligently on some sweet little gifts. I reeeeally want to post pictures, but I'll have to wait until after the shower. I hope Bon likes them as much as I do (and doesn't notice the flaws). So come back and tell me what you think!

Women, Families, and Julie B. Beck

2011-03-06T18:56:00.002-06:00

Today in RS someone mentioned this article by Julie B. Beck in March's ensign. This article is kind of targeted towards parents and leaders of the Youth. I can identify with wanting to prepare for that stage of my life, but also, sometimes I feel like a youth. I feel like I am so young in the gospel, and I want to grow! This part stuck out to me:

"The story of Isaac and Rebekah is an example of the man, who has the keys, and the woman, who has the influence, working together to ensure the fulfillment of their blessings. Their story is pivotal. The blessings of the house of Israel depended on a man and a woman who understood their place in the plan and their responsibilities to form an eternal family, to bear children, and to teach them."

In RS, some of the women touched on the idea that one of a woman's greatest roles is to set the tone in the home. The more I thought about it, the more I wholeheartedly agree. We do have a sacred influence on our homes and families. We can use this to strengthen or even weaken.

Also, the article really talks about the importance of families in today's society. I agree. I know the family is sacred and should be protected. I want to show the world that having a strong family is good and right.

So anyway, I wanted to share this, not to make anyone feel guilty, but because I found it as a nice springboard to make myself a better wife and someday mother. I hope you enjoy!

Skinny Minnie

2011-03-06T01:31:00.004-06:00

I'm not a skinny minnie, but I'd like to be because I might be a little tired of being called "big booty Judy" (I won't tell you who calls me that though. It is a name of endearment).

BUT I have been running almost every day for the last three weeks, which is really good. I am pushing myself a lot and also being a little bit more careful about what I put into my body (even though I just drank a big glass of Pepsi and it is 12:30 at night). So I'm hoping I can look ok in my swimsuit when we go to HAWAII in less than two months. or at least not terrible.

I plan on living in my swimsuit for a week, so I need to look good.

Also on the Hawaii transformation to-do list:
Tan
Whiten teeth
buy swimsuit

Today, we bought one of those big work-out balls. I don't know what they're called (core?), and I was just messing around on it and trying the exercises shown on a paper it came with, and OMG.. I LOVE it. It allows me to work areas of my body that I wouldn't normally work (especially since I've been mainly focused on running). I would highly suggest it to anyone who is looking to tone up a bit. I've also noticed that when I use it, I am super shaky, so I really want to keep going and strengthen my core and balance.

Anyway, I am enjoying these subtle changes I am doing. Jed is also being really good. He's been running with me, or by himself (since our schedules are so different), or even swimming at his work. It keeps me going, in a competitive way.

On a side note, I made a friend with a young mom in my ward at a stake RS activity last week. Today she called and invited Jed and I to go shooting with her and her husband. It was SOOOOO fun! I shot a revolver, little handgun pistol, fun little .22 rifle, and most importantly, I pushed through my fears of shotguns. I was really proud of myself, and it's always fun to see Jed in his element (country). The couple was really fun, and I am so thankful they invited us to an exciting afternoon of shooting!

That's all for now! Thanks for hanging on this long :)

Sunshine in the Soul

2011-02-27T17:54:00.003-06:00

Last night and today, Jed and I attended Stake Conference. To be honest, it kind of sneaked up on us... I remembered about 2 hours before it started, while I was running.

So anyway, I'm really glad that I remembered because it was very enjoyable! They talked a lot about the temple, coming to the rescue of others, and holding on when things get rough.

I love sitting with Jed at meetings because we are those really annoying people who whisper to each other from time to time. Or write notes.

and this was the highlight of the meeting:
me: "You're cute."
Jed: "Everyone will be jealous of me @ the nude beach because my wife is so hot!!!"

Oh wow! Thanks honey! Someone thinks I'm going to go to a nude beach with them.... and I have no intention of that happening.

Speaking of nude beach, I need a new swimsuit. I have been looking lots, and haven't found a TON, but I like a few. So where do you buy your swimsuit? I've looked at Kohl's, Target, Modbod, Shade (they don't have their collection up yet), and a few of the department stores. Got anywhere else that will lead me to the perfect swimsuit?

Advice Needed!

2011-02-19T14:37:00.002-06:00

Is it dumb to use most of a tax return on a vacation when you could use that money in about a million other more responsible ways? I've always said it's one thing I wanted to do before expanding our family, but now that it's time to actually drop the cash, I am having major second thoughts. ADVICE PLEASE!

Birthentine's!

2011-02-16T23:04:00.003-06:00

I just love seeing everyone's blogs report on their amazing Valentine's day! It is honestly one of my favorite days of the year (if not my absolute favorite).

I had a plan to take a picture of every moment of the day, but I, of course, failed!

But Jed spoiled me as always, and the day went splendidly!

We started by sleeping in (Jed usually works from 6-9am, then again from 3-11pm, but he took the whole day off to hang out with me)! Then I woke up and got breakfast going (it's the only nice thing I can do for Jed on "My" day). And Jed helped! We made hash browns, crepes, and orange juice.

Next we exchanged V-Day gifts! Jed gave me a bag full of candy and a box of chocolates. I pretty much gave him the same. Then he gave me my new favorite movie "Life As We Know It" and a very generous gift card to Victoria's Secret for two (or more if I wait for a sale) new bras (I passed the point of "want" long ago... this is a NEED). It was just what I wanted!

Skip forward a few hours: We went to the mall and bought Jed a new wallet for his V-Day real present.

After breakfast, I got ready and we went to one of our favorite places-- the Provo Beach Resort. We bowled and played in the arcade. Once we cashed out our 1,000+ tickets, we headed to the mall, then got Frozen Yogurt! Yummm.

Jed dropped me off at work, where everyone was very nice. They sang to me like 5 times and I got lots of treats and some sweet cards!

A couple hours later, Jed came and got me and we went to my sisters for dinner! She made a wonderful gourmet dinner complete with chocolate covered strawberries! I got some more small presents, and we watched my new movie!

It was really a great day, and I felt super loved! I am so grateful for my husband and all of my family and friends who spoil me so much!

Adrianne Says..

2011-02-14T15:49:00.002-06:00

"Happy Valentine's day to all!"

I hope you all get some love and attention from someone special today!

Nothing to say...

2011-02-09T22:59:00.002-06:00

except I LOVE "my life as liz"

AND

I am not even human right now. My neck and back hurt so bad I could claim disability. I can only look straight ahead or else my head feels like it's going to snap off of it's pedestal.. aka my neck.

AHHHH

Announcing...

2011-01-29T11:42:00.002-06:00

I have accepted an amazing internship at

The Living Planet Aquarium!!!

I will be the Field Program Coordinator. This is an awesome position where I will get to do all of the following:

Plan fun and educational events for all ages
Do lots of service projects that improve the environment
Plan and execute all of these exciting events
Lead groups in insect collection adventures
Work with all current and future volunteers
Recruit more volunteers
Improve risk management plans
Organize and create a database for all volunteers, sponsors, and events

I am really excited and look forward to working with families and kids. I think I will learn a lot and finish with a deeper appreciation for the Earth, its animals, and also improved skills in my area of study!

Here are the detes:
I will start immediately, and work only 10-15 hrs a week until September (I need 400 hours for my credit, but I will probably end up doing more). This is great because I will still be able to work a part-time job, so I can still make an income.
I will probably ask a lot of you to come and participate, if you want/have time.
This means I get to walk in April and officially graduate in August!

I am so grateful and excited!

Think Pink

2011-01-26T23:48:00.001-06:00

Last night I asked Jed if he will wear pink when I have breast cancer some day.

He said yes.

and I (almost) cried.

Another Ridic Moment

2011-01-25T22:31:00.003-06:00

I would never ever ever say that I am a great storyteller. In fact, I believe just the opposite. I am a terrible storyteller. BUT here's the problem... my life is filled with ridiculous moments, and I really wish I could tell them well.

I was talking to my sister Mags today, and I told her all about an interview I had for an internship yesterday. The interview went amazingly well.

But that wasn't the point.

She was laughing hysterically about a minor detail I shared.. another one of those ridiculous moments that makes me think God really has a sense of humor. It kind of made me feel good, so I thought I'd share it on here.

After about an hour of talking and filling out paperwork, my interviewer and I went into the administrative area so she could make a copy of my Driver's License for a background check.

No prob.

Except, I've been bragging to anyone who will listen about my amazing new wallet I got at Target for $5 a couple weeks ago.

Not bragging anymore.. I mean, the wallet is still awesome, but it totally betrayed me yesterday.

When she asked for my DL, I reached for my wallet and attempted to get it... chatting for a few minutes as a struggled to get it out of its tight little nook behind the clear, plastic window in my awesome new wallet.

A few minutes turned into 5. Which turned into nervous laughs.. and 5 more minutes.

"I'm so sorry," I said, "It's a new wallet, and a little tight. Wanna give it a whirl?"

So I passed it along... and she struggled... for another 10 minutes.

And eventually, we ended up in the maintenance workshop (behind a bunch of caged birds and fake coral) talking to an old man named Art as he scavenged for some pliers so he could reach into that tight little pocket and get my DL. He cursed the "husbandry" people for taking all his tools, but don't worry. Master craftsman Art got it out.

"You saved the day! Thanks Art," I said.... beet red, and super embarrassed.

My interviewer said, "Maybe someone was sending you a sign not to work here."

"I hope not! Sheesh!"

Seriously though... I hope not. Someone wouldn't NOT hire you because of something like this, would they?

Only me.

P.S. Remember those boots in my last post? I bought 'em... this morning! :)

For my birthday (aka Birthentine's), I want...

2011-01-20T17:02:00.008-06:00

To go see this:

With:

Wearing:

(a NEW BRA, of course) and these:

Hot black boots.

Carrying:
A wonderfully ginormous purse that I will have to see to love (hence no picture).

And maybe sneaking:

(My favorite V-Day candy)

Can't wait!

Wowza

2011-01-18T20:34:00.003-06:00

So.. I've never really considered myself as a slacking blogger. I tend to update fairly often... sometimes too often. So I'm pretty disappointed in myself right now. First, I didn't take ANY pictures of Jed or myself on Christmas.. or Christmas eve... or new year's... or our anniversary.

We even had an amazing anniversary that we celebrated with dinner at the Old Spaghetti Factory and a night of super fun skiing at Sundance. This doesn't even include our marathon of eating shrimp and drinking Martinelli's. I really do love my husband so much. Literally, he makes me laugh every day. He has a passion for life that I try to keep up with. He is without a doubt the best friend I have ever had.

My sister Maggie has been in town for the last few weeks and will be here until next Wed. I am drunk off of sister time, and I want more! We have been shopping a lot, eating a lot, laughing a lot, and spending a lot of great time talking and bonding. I must admit, one of my favorite things about hanging out with my sisters is getting to hang with my baby nephew carsten. He's like one of the girls!... and I just love him more than words!

Also, Birthentine's is in less than a month. The Young home is gearing up for the super holiday by displaying one wood block V-day thing, one ceramic, heart-shaped bowl, a couple of candles... and the new heart-shaped plates and plate rack I bought from Thai Pan trading. Any donations to project Birthentine's decor overload will be happily accepted.

I don't wanna talk about school or work right now.

I've started curling my hair with my straightener, which is actually faster than straightening it. I love it, and it is a nice change. I've also been experimenting with a few outfits... I like sprucing up for spring.

Maybe I have issues, and I really wish I could be like some of the people in love so dearly who save the world every day that they wake up (cough, Leanna, Jordan, cough.. and many others), but I love TV. Right now I'm watching The Biggest Loser, Bachelor, and Teen Mom. Also, I'm casually watching America's Worst Cook (food network), Bridalplasty (train wreck), and probably 1,000 others than I'm forgetting.

I need a project. Like something that won't break my back and take hours of frustration (aka sewing. I need a break after my semester long sewing class)... preferably something that will give me accomplishment. I also love reading, but I am just not in the mood to read right now (and I do listen to my beloved books on CD every day). Ok, thanks.

Here is a little something to leave you with... a little something that has had me and Jed busting a gut for weeks now...

Love you all!

Christmas Highlights

2010-12-29T23:31:00.004-06:00

We spent Christmas eve at my sister Jordan's house in Lehi. We had the usual dinner of hor'dourves... veggie plate, shrimp cocktail, coconut shrimp, chicken pillows, baked brie, and some other things.
We played some games.. scum, BS.. so fun, and I won both.

Christmas morning we were alone at our apartment. We woke up around 8, and had our own Christmas. It was really nice and laid back.

Around 1pm we headed back to Jordan's and had our traditional ham dinner. It was so yummy! We hung out all day and played with the nephews and all their new toys.

Sunday we headed to church and later, My dad and step mom came to stay with us. It was my step mom Ann's birthday, so we had dinner and some dump cake Jed made for us. We exchanged gifts and watched Despicable Me, Brian Regan, and the Office... my dad is a huge fan.

We have been working all week, but starting tomorrow I get another four day weekend. Jed is working more than usual, and I wish time could stop for a second and we could just relax.

Here are the gift highlights from each other and extended family:
Adrianne:
Toy Story 3 Blu-ray
Beauty and the Beast Blu-ray
Fried green tomatoes dvd
NEW Paula Dean Pots and Pans
Slippers
Bead watches
nice kitchen knives
electronic label maker

Jed:
Avatar (Jed got this for me too, so we'll have to exchange it)
A super awesome remote control helicopter
Sled
Headlamp flashlight thing
Carhart coat
new fishing stuff, including a new reel and pole (from his parents)
that new ratchet tool thing from Black and Decker

The most precious gift we got was from my sister Jordan and her husband Mike. They have spent hours and hours (like in the 100s) transferring all of our family's home videos from so many years ago. We only had our videos on VHS, and they were mixed in with old tv comedies and other random stuff. So they condensed 18 hours of boring footage into 4 dvds of the highlights. I thought I'd seen most of this footage, but I've probably only seen about 1/4 of it. It is such a blessing, and so amazing to see each of me and my three siblings as kids. I was such a cute baby!

Overall, Christmas was wonderful. Now, we're just looking forward to New Year's and our 2 year anniversary on Sunday! Hope you all had a great holiday!

Thoughts

2010-12-27T18:17:00.002-06:00

Don't you just hate it when you leave your phone at home and you can't text sweet nothings with your husband?

Today I talked about heartbreak with my coworker who is going through it as we speak.

Marriage is the best! Heartbreaks are the worst. Luckily, I'll never have to experience another (love) heartbreak again. Yayy!

Christmas was great! I'll share more later.

Dad and Ann are in town.

I have wonderful in-laws!

Our two year anniversary is on Sunday! Wowzers. I'm so glad I don't have to go through the whole wedding thing again.

My husband dreams

2010-12-22T13:57:00.002-06:00

This morning I was making the bed (a rare event) when I spotted several blood stains all over Jed's side of the bed. It looked like quite a lot of blood, so I texted him and asked where it came from and if he was ok.

His reply:
"I had a dream that I was boxing someone."

Me:
"Rover Dover Roo" (I love you)

Him:
"My dream was so intense last night. When I woke up I had a bloody nose and lip."

Hahahaha.

How does this happen!?

Oh Christmas Tree...

2010-12-13T17:20:00.003-06:00

A couple of weekends ago, Jed and I traveled to one of our favorite places in all the world-- Afton, Wyoming.

Our mission: Find a Christmas tree.

Besides getting to hang out with the Benches, our main goal was to go into the wilderness and find ourselves our dream Christmas tree.

1. The snow was knee deep in some places
2. Christmas trees in the wilderness are quite different from the ones you see at Christmas tree lots (wilderness trees are pretty bare and kind of sad looking).

We went with Adam, Erika, babyBench Taylor, and dog Aspen. It was really fun walking through the crisp, uninterrupted woods, each of us searching for the perfect tree. I'd hear someone yell "Over here! The perfect tree." Then, we'd all make our way to check it out, and we'd find something wrong with it. But finally, finally, each of us found our family tree, and all was right in the world.

Overall, it was a great experience, and I definitely want our kids to enjoy it too! Jed grew up doing this, but this was my first time! I will always remember it!

Anyway, here are some pictures of the experience.

Doesn't this look magical? It was!

A) Ignore how gigantic I look. B) Seriously.. knee deep snow!

So handsome!

Jed after victoriously chopping down the tree he found for us!

The Benches! I love that Taylor is an outdoorsy girl. It was pretty cold, but she was smiling the entire time. She LOVES being outside. Such a cute family! (Sorry I posted a picture of Adam with his eyes closed... it's my favorite one)

Yet, surprisingly.. updeat!

2010-12-10T17:19:00.003-06:00

(Name that movie, and get 10 points from me)

I feel like maybe I've been a bit of a downer lately. I'm sorry bout that.

To make it up to you, let me tell you about my beautiful day.

I woke up at 8 and showered. Jed came home at 9 bearing gifts of yummy groceries. He made us a delicious breakfast including eggs, bacon, hash browns, and English muffins.

Next, we continued watching Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Then, around 11, we decided we were pretty tired, so we took a snuggly nap together. This happens so rarely, but when it does, it just fills my heart.

Two hours later, I was at work.. yuck. But I calculated my hours, and I could only work 3 hours today to meet my 20 hr/week max. JOY!

So, now I am home. It's 4:30, and I get to spend the rest of the night watching movies and hanging out with my sweet husband.

Uncertainties

2010-12-08T16:09:00.004-06:00

Oh hey!

Remember that one time when I had 3 weeks to find an internship (in Commercial Recreation, event planning, or anything related), with no leads, no contacts, and no motivation besides fear.

Oh wait.. that is right now. I am dying from stress. Life is full of so many uncertainties, and I don't like uncertainties. I'm a planner. I like having a plan, and knowing what is going to happen.

Right now, all I know is that I'm married, love my husband, and the church is true. That's it, pretty much.

Thanksgiving 2010

2010-11-26T11:09:00.006-06:00

I had a big challenge ahead of me-- making Thanksgiving dinner all my myself! I really don't know what generations before me did without the internet! I was on it all day looking up recipes, videos, and more (with a little peak at facebook here and there).

All Ready!

The Menu:
Turkey
Mashed potatoes and Gravy
Sweet potato souffle
Crock pot stuffing
Cranberry Sauce from a can
Homemade pumpkin pie with homemade pie crust

First, I made the pumpkin pie. I have never made a pumpkin pie OR a crust from scratch, so I was pretty excited. Once I had the crust going, I realized I don't have a rolling pin, so I had to "roll" (aka squoosh) the crust dough by hand. I think it turned out pretty well.

Next, I made the stuffing and prepped the bird. I put him in the oven, and started on the sweet potato souffle and mashed potatoes.

I planned to have everything ready once Jed got home at 3:30, but we sat down to eat at 4:15. I have to say, it was pretty good, AND I got to use my (mom's) china for the first time in our home!

Final thoughts:
It was DELICIOUS
It's a different experience eating a meal you cook, versus cooking a meal someone else cooks. I can't decide if it tastes better or worse when you put all the effort into it, but it is a very good feeling!
I don't know what all the fuss is about. It wasn't so bad. But if I had a crowd of people coming, I would have been super stressed, plus it was pretty hard timing everything so it would all be finished at the same time.

After dinner, we cleaned up and headed to visit my Grandma Leak. I was so glad that we stopped by because she had only eaten a couple of scrambled eggs, and when we showed up with Thanksgiving dinner for her, she was so appreciative. She is the best cook I know, and I was thrilled to receive an "A" grade from her. She was very proud of me for making the entire meal. It felt good!

Next, we headed to the annual POOP part (Pig Out On Pie) thrown by my aunt and uncle in Bountiful. I have a HUGE family, and there were a ton of people there. The England's made over 50 pies for the party, and every single one was delicious (I ate banana cream, key lime, and chocolate mousse.. yum).

After the POOP party, we weren't too pooped to try to get a free kinect game (for our xbox) Dance Central at Old Navy. We arrived at the one in Provo and there was a short line formed already, so we were a little afraid we wouldn't get a game. We got there just before 10pm, and around 10:30 my bare feet in flats (no socks, and the flats have a design with holes in it) were FREEZING. I was legitimately afraid of frostbite, but this sweet biker man brought me a blanket for my feet. It touched my heart! Just after 11pm, the employees came out and handed out the wristbands, and WE GOT ONE! Yayy.. so we jumped back into the truck and warmed up. Five minutes till midnight, we found our biker friend and got back in line. I was worried that we would have to wait in the check-out line for super long, but we grabbed and went.. and were in and out in 15 minutes with over $300 worth of stuff for less than $100. Success!

Sorry so long! Happy Thanksgiving!

A work in progress....

2010-11-23T18:24:00.002-06:00

I'm still learning to how to do wifey things like cook. We're doing our own mini thanksgiving with turkey, mashed potatoes, sweet potato souffle, and crock pot stuffing.. and maaaybe green been casserole. So today I went grocery shopping where there were no shopping carts available and where I stood in line for like 30 minutes.

Oh, and one other thing..

I may or may not have accidentally bought a whole chicken instead of a turkey...

oops.

Remember...

2010-11-22T20:47:00.002-06:00

This!?

It makes me laugh a lot!

Jed's new ride

2010-11-21T00:56:00.003-06:00

This is what my country husband drives now...

But I'm gonna try to steal it when I can... :)

GREAT NEWS!!!

2010-11-20T09:43:00.003-06:00

The satanJeep is gone, gone, gone!

Here is an abridged list of things that went wrong with the Jeep for the 1 yr 7 months it was in our possession.

1. A/C went out ($$$$)
2. A/C went out again ($$$)
3. DEATH WOBBLE (tried to fix it at least 5 times $$$$)
4. Replaced battery cables ($$)
5. Replaced CV axels ($$$$), twice (under warranty the second time)
6. New radiator LAST WEEK ($$$)

and I'm probably forgetting a lot that has been blocked from my mind. Oh jeeeeeeeeze, what a nightmare this has been. Now that it is gone, I feel like a giant weight has been lifted from our shoulders. Hallelujah!

This is me

2010-11-18T21:49:00.002-06:00

It's hard to find a picture that shows the core of who I am. I like to believe I'm pretty versatile... pretty dimensional and maybe even complicated (sometimes I can't even figure myself out). But this picture is a pretty good representation of me, or things that make me who I am.
1) This was taken on Valentine's day
2) I love candy
3) I pretty much wear black 90% of the time
4) My chin is one of my most dominant features. It sticks out... a lot.
5) I have always been told that I make crazy faces and use facial expressions to show how I am feeling or what I'm thinking. This says, "Life is so great, I could just faint!"... or something like that!

Yup, this picture says a lot about me! (Don't ya just love my dark hair!?)

New York City

2010-11-17T16:01:00.006-06:00

I've been there (summer 07)...

Times Square
Tiffany's
Radio City
Central Park-- the fountain in Enchanted and countless other movies
Beautiful Brooklyn Bridge
And the amazing MOMA, which houses Vincent Van Gogh's Starry Night.
I may be a small-town Midwest girl for saying this, but it was an entirely new world, and I loved it all (except the urine and vomit that welcomed me to every subway station I went to).

bad habit

2010-11-16T21:07:00.001-06:00

Sometimes, purely for my husband's sleep-deprived body, I wish I didn't swish my feet at night.

Lately, I've realized I swish all the time. My feet just like rubbing against something.

Crazy friends...

2010-11-15T10:58:00.004-06:00

I sure have a lot of them, but I just came across these pictures, and this night, these girls take the cake.

I can't stop laughing.

Adrianne, Stephanie, Kayla= Normal

Adrianne, Stephanie, and Kayla= totally CRAZY

(I don't know what's crazier-- Kayla's face or my quadruple chin)

It's ok. laugh.

One time...

2010-11-14T01:14:00.005-06:00

There once was a time when Jed and I had never kissed, and this time was prior to Oct 15, 2008. Jed got home from his mission Oct 9th, and I couldn't wait to fly home and see him. The entire flight home, I nervously listened to sappy music and wrote words-lots and lots of words. Once I got off the plane, the first thing Just Jed (no longer ELDER YOUNG) did was plant a big wet one on my lips. This moment started one of my favorite memories.
Jed and I spent a lovely long weekend together catching up on two years of life. We decided to spend one day driving four hours to St. Louis, Missouri (on less than an hour of sleep, might I add?) to go to the temple and do baptisms.
There, we met Sarah Eames and her new boyfriend Nathan Foster (who are now married). It was such a fun day. First we met up and did some temple work. Then we had a picnic in the park. Then we spent the rest of the day at the awesome City Museum. It was a day of friendship, adventure, and fun.
Just look at these pictures! Who wouldn't want to do this stuff?

This is a great memory!

Let me introduce myself...

2010-11-13T19:46:00.003-06:00

Hello! My name is Adrianne Jayne (Leak) Young. This is me...

I choose this picture because it's not posed... simply me checking to see how my hair looked, oh. and I'm covered in mud.

I know a few people read my blog, and while most of you know me pretty well, some of you may not. Let me tell you a little bit about myself.

I was born February 14, 1989-- Valentine's day, which also happens to be my favorite holiday.
My mom calls me her heart baby because of the holiday I was born on. Also because I was born with a hole in my heart and because I came into my family's life in a time of turmoil, and my mom says I healed many broken hearts. Also, I love my name. I love it. Is that weird? My middle name Jayne comes from my dad, whose name is Jay. My brother's middle name is Jay too. I like family names a lot.
My husband, "Just Jed" as he's known now, and I have been married for almost two years. TWO YEARS. can you believe it? He makes me laugh everyday and most of the time we talk to each other, it's using some kind of speech impediment or weird voice. He has fiercely blue eyes and lanky legs.
I go to Brigham Young University, and I have blue blood coursing through my veins. Both of my parents and all three of my siblings went there too (two of which have graduated and a Brother-in-law who has graduated with a master's from BYU). I wonder if my kids will go here someday... even if they don't, I will still love them.
I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day saints. I was baptized at age eight. As a kid, I played a firefly, ladybug, and butterfly at various ward Christmas parties (this still puzzles me).
As I've grown, my eyes have gone from chocolate brown to green. I like my green/brown eyes a lot. I think they are my favorite feature. I love reading, eating, cooking, baking, crafting, sewing, shopping, primping, playing, and listening.

That's me! Nice to meet ya!

Boriiiing!

2010-11-09T22:12:00.003-06:00

I have opened up a new blog post like 15 times, but I have nothing to write. Here are some random thoughts...

I have been super tired the last few days. I think it's because it gets dark earlier.

Tomorrow, I have to wake up at like 5 am and drive Jed to work, then hang out somewhere until my 9:30 class. SUPER LAME. Sometimes living far away from school/work is a major drag.

On a happier note, Sandra (Jed's Mom) was in town this weekend, and we had a lot of fun! We went to Ikea and walked around and spent all Saturday at a family friend's wedding. It was fun going back to the Salt Lake to the Jordan River temple to see a sealing. It reminded me of Jed and my special day. I barely know the bride and groom, but I teared up a bit (don't tell). We also went to Cafe Rio... yumm!

Reality TV Loves

2010-10-29T14:22:00.009-05:00

Ira Glass, of course! (Though, he is technically on the radio... but he did produce a TV show for a couple of seasons)

And who doesn't love Trista and Ryan-- the only long-lasting successful Bachelorette couple!

I love the Jones family, who stars on Quins by Surprise on TLC!

Can't forget Tori and Dean (and Liam and Stella) on Oxygen!

I love Maci from MTV's Teen Mom!

Ashley from the Biggest Loser's last season! She was just so nice and sweet and cute and funny!

Oh Mondo! I love Project Runway and all of your funky cool creations!

Watch TV much? Yess...

And those are my reality TV loves... for now!

Oh Sunshine!

2010-10-19T22:05:00.002-05:00

Sometimes, I wake up to sunshine and instantly think, "I'M LATE!!!!"

Waking up and sunshine should never happen at the same time... unless it's Saturday, Sunday, or a special holiday.

Today, they did. And once again, I was an hour and a half late to my 8:00am class.

You'd think a sewing class would be ok to skip once and a while, but it's actually on my top priority list of classes I need to attend. always.

I love you sun, but only when I'm in my car on the way to school!

Bread Bummer

2010-10-16T20:30:00.002-05:00

Today I decided to try making some plain old white bread.

Everything was going to perfectly.

Then I put two loaves in the oven, and started watching Step Up. Next thing I know, I am waking up totally startled... running to the kitchen.

I don't even know how long those loaves were in the oven, but it was too long. They are pretty brown and have a hard and thick crust. But the insides are yummy...

What a bummer, man!

Rough Hands...

2010-10-13T23:55:00.002-05:00

Washed a gazillion dishes.
Did three loads of laundry with...

the homemade laundry detergent I made tonight. It's legit. Recipe number 9 here.

Also swept and cleaned surfaces (stove top, counters, table, chairs)

My baack hurts.

Oh, and I made delish chili found here on my family's recipe blog.

Tonight was a good night.

Jeddybear and Kiddos

2010-10-10T22:37:00.003-05:00

I'm not sure that I've mentioned it yet, but Jed and I received our calling and are now permanent primary substitute teachers. Jed was instantly excited, but I was a little nervous. I love kids, but I'm not sure I love the idea of being with different kids each week, never getting to know any one group very well. Also, I've never worked with kids before. Sunday school, yes. Relief Society, yes. But I've never taught anyone under 18. (except maybe a little here and there to my nieces and nephews)

So today was our first try at our new callings. At first we were told that we weren't needed, so we headed to the adult sunday school class (which is... slightly on the dry side).
Then, we were rescued by one of the primary leaders! We rushed to an adorable class of four kiddos who were all eight years old.

They were... hilarious. Jed and I were laughing the entire time.

Also, we didn't have a manual, so we were told to teach the Plan of Salvation.

My husband is my hero.

Today was one of those days when I just sat back and watched him work his magic. He amazed me a) with his ease of explaining the gospel and b) his ease with working with kids. They LOVED him! I interjected a little, but I could tell they only wanted to hear from him.

The kids were so awesome, and it really got me excited to work with more kids in the future!

I am so excited for the time when we will expand our family, and I will get to watch Jed interact with our kiddos every day. I may not know much, and I definitely have a lot of flaws, but I can't wait to teach our kids about the gospel and all the happiness it brings us. I am confident that with Jed on my side, I can do almost anything!

Sew Wonderful

2010-10-07T16:12:00.002-05:00

Today I sewed for FOUR hours. This is what I did...

Sewed 8 darts on a dress skirt... then seam-ripped 4 of them... then redid them.
Talked girl talk with all my sewing friends...
almost cried 50 times (from frustration)...

and little else.

Sewing is hard, man.

Also, last night, Jed and I tried a new restaurant in Springville, and talked for the first time in like a week. Like really talked. Had a conversation. Shared feelings. Laughed, and smiled, and had tears coming from my eyes from his funny stories. It was heaven.

Then we went to bed at 8:30.

On my way home today...

2010-10-05T00:14:00.003-05:00

I saw the most beautiful Fall scene all around.

Today was very rainy and slightly cold, I felt kind of achy and sick... but I LOVED it. I am in the mood for fall soups. Wanna share?

slobber

2010-09-28T23:36:00.001-05:00

Babies have been taking over my life, and I love it!... Love them!

Now on to making my own.. not really.

Canning and Third degree burns...

2010-09-19T23:23:00.006-05:00

This weekend Jed and I made a quick trip to Afton, Wyoming to visit Adam, Erika, and baby Taylor. As always, we had a really good time!
Friday night, Jed and Adam went to a scouting backpacking trip/campout, and Erika and I stayed home and canned peaches. As I've mentioned before, I have never canned before but have been wanting to learn lately. It was a lot of fun chatting girl talk with Erika and canning three varieties of peaches until 2:30 in the morning.
Saturday, the boys came home then left to go chop the last load of wood that the Benches need for the winter. While they were gone, Erika and I got started on the applesauce that we decided to can at the last minute.
Unfortunately, we experienced a freak accident with a pressure cooker that sent one of us (but not me) to the ER and left one of us (not me) with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd degree burns up and down the arms. It was very traumatic for us both and a very scary situation. It really isn't a laughing matter, but that's how we chose to deal with it once we got home from the hospital (and even while we were there... but the nurses and docs didn't have such a great sense of humor). I have to say that a lot of remarkable things happened that left me feeling like we (or Erika, rather) was prevented from having much worse wounds/burns and was very lucky despite the terrible burns she received. She is doing a little better now... even if she does kind of look like a mummy with those dressings on her arms. (Erika! get better soon!)
Once the boys came home, we had to explain to them everything that had happened that day.. including no applesauce being made. So what did we do? We decided to plow through the night and finish the applesauce and start and finish the salsa we had planned to make. The boys really stepped it up, and we got it all done (even Erika spent all night working with us.. even though she was on some serious pain meds and had every reason to retreat to her bedroom and be waited on hand and foot.... not saying I would do that or anything.... but you know, I would have).

We finally got to bed at 4:30 am last night.

But we finished everything!
We finished and split with the Benches 45 jars of applesauce, 16 jars of delicious salsa, and close to 40 jars of peaches total.

All in all, I'd say it was a pretty eventful weekend, and I'm grateful for the Benches and all they do for us! I love canning and hope to do and learn a lot more in the years to come!

Here are some pictures!

Don't these peaches just look delicious!??

Well.. they are! I love the sound of the lids sealing. Pop!

Notice that this was around midnight... I was grinding the applesauce (no make-up or hair done... i look 11)

Don't worry.. these arms look even worse now. Don't you just want to cry looking at them? Erika is the strongest person everrrr

Good work, team!

P.S. don't forget to look at the other post I did tonight about my fun night with Kelly Clarkson!

My BFF's Bonnie and Kelly

2010-09-19T22:55:00.004-05:00

A couple of weekends ago, Bon invited me to attend a private concert for her company at their annual conference in Salt Lake. Who was performing, you ask? None other than my good friend Kelly Clarkson. I did not hesitate for a second, but gratefully accepted the invitation!

We had a blast! At first we were sitting in the chairs at the back (it was a very small concert compared to a regular on-tour one... so even sitting in the back row of the chair section was super close), but her awesome music pumped us up more with each passing minute. We couldn't resist the draw the the stage, so we got up and made our way to about 15 feet from the stage. It was awwwwesome! We found some of her work friends, we were all singing and dancing and having a blast. It was definitely a night to remember. She, of course, sang our favorite songs-- Since you've been gone and My life would suck without you.

Here are a few of our silly pictures from the evening!

Thanks Bon, for the awesome girls's night!

Ok... so maybe that last post was a little on the dramatic side...

2010-09-17T09:38:00.003-05:00

But you know how I am.

The Leak girls just have this natural talent of making everything 1 million times more dramatic than it needs to be. In fact, my husband is so hilary-ous that he has totally learned to speak "Leak" and he makes me laugh when he says dramatic things just so I will better understand what he is trying to say.

Anyway, here are some things on my mind.

My nose is very chapped from having a cold this last week. It stinks cause it looks like I have crusty snot around the base of my wide leak nose, but it's just flaking skin. yuck.

We are going to WY today to visit Adam and Erika and baby Taylor. We love it there a lot! And Erika teaches me a lot of cool stuff... like good life skills and knowledge. Tomorrow we will be canning lots of yummy peaches, something I have never ever ever done before. I've been wanting to learn to can really bad, so I'm grateful she invited me up earlier this week via text messaging (it was a last minute thing, deciding to go up there). I even bought jars and everything.

I always say, "I texted...." and Jed thinks it's just "I text.." even in past tense. What do you guys think?

I listen to books on CD. I love it. It is something my dad has always done.. and I hope I can always do it too. I just finished Nicholas Sparks' Rodanthe book (forgot the real name) and now I'm listening to Dear John (since I couldn't get myself to read the actual book).. next I'm gonna try listening to I am Legend.

ok... gotta go to class now

Personal Crisis

2010-09-14T23:37:00.002-05:00

I need to evaluate my life. seriously.

I have no idea what my style is. I kind of just buy whatever I like, but it's not cohesive.

I need to figure out my clothing style and my home decor style.

How do i go about doing this?

Am i pathetic?

My freshman year, I had two roommates who each had their own sense of perfectly-defined style. When we went shopping, I could pick out their styles in one second. With me?.. it's just whatever is cheap and somewhat appealing. I want to be more like those girls were/are.

Also, I have a terrible habit of buying clothes that are too big for me. I was 0/4 last weekend on my shirt purchases fitting correctly. and I took off the tags before I could take them back (AGAIN), but they're still cute.

I NEED AN INTERVENTION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jed's 23rd Birthday

2010-09-09T22:39:00.003-05:00

Yesterday we celebrated Jed's 23rd birthday. I LOVE birthdays, and I hope I made him feel extra special... even though he didn't get to open one present from me (he got a TV for his birthday... a few weeks ago). We got up at 6, and I made him muffins, but they weren't going to be finished before he left, so I made a PB&J and thermos of milk for him. He had to work for a couple of hours in the morning and in the evening, and he had 5 hours of school in between, but once he got home he was greeted with a birthday sign, balloons, and me making a German Chocolate cake... from SCRATCH (i firmly believe it is the yummiest thing I have ever made... ever.. waaaayyy better than last year's). But before we ate the cake, we went to dinner at Red Lobster, thanks to my Mom and Dad who both sent him a gift card there. Growing up, I always thought Red Lobster was kind of white trash for some reason... but that place is (1) Expensive, (2) pretty nice, and (3) DELICIOUS! Our food was amazing! Seriously... I was super impressed!
Once we got home we lit the candles on the cake, and I sang to Jed. He blew out the candles, but was too full to eat the cake.... but nothing stands between me and chocolate. Next, we found Blu Ray (?) AVATAR waiting for us from netflix. It was the first time we watched a blu ray (?) on our new TV. AMAZING.
We only lasted like 30 min though cause we were so tired.
Then... bedtime!

He doesn't like taking pictures...

Blue border? I dunno...
Don't mind that the cake already has two pieces cut from it....
I love this picture... he is SO handsome!
Happy Birthday, my love! I hope it was a special one for you. I love you and thanks so much for everything you do for us. You are the best friend/husband a girl could ask for!

New Apartment.

2010-09-05T00:02:00.001-05:00

I love everything about it.

I ask Jed probably 10 times a day if he loves it as much as i do. I think he probably does.

Once everything is unpacked I will post pictures!

Today was a goood day

2010-08-27T20:57:00.003-05:00

1. biggest paycheck of the year for me and jed
2. pell grant came through
3. tons of positive feedback about fancis, my blue celica and sold it to a very nice man to surprise his daughters with
4. celebratory dinner at Shoga or Olive Garden (we can't decide)

Songs I know the words to, that make me dance, and that make me fall asleep

2010-08-25T15:24:00.004-05:00

A song I know all the words to:
Taylor Swift: Our Song

A song that makes me dance:
Kelly Clarkson: Since You Been Gone (totally reminds me of church dances)
ALl of the videos are terrible quality, and the dance remixes are embed disabled... so here's the link
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HeMN5oqGuGA&feature=related

A song I can fall asleep to:
Damien Rice: Delicate

Home Front

2010-08-22T09:06:00.002-05:00

Did I mention that in a few weeks Jed will no longer have to work saturdays and sundays?
Did I mention he'll be working full-time with benefits?
Did I mention that he'll still be able to take a full-time school schedule?
Did I mention he's a very hard worker and takes great care of me?

Did I mention we are moving?
Did I mention it is a super nice apartment with a washer and dryer, 2 bedrooms, a ginormous storage room, and wonderful landpeople?
Did I mention it's in Springville?

Did I mention that these are big changes, but great ones... answers to our prayers? We feel so blessed!

Oh, I did? Ok... sorry!

bad mom

2010-08-20T20:09:00.003-05:00

I am a bad mom.

After a lunch of corndogs, I took my boys swimming, but it was closed. So we came home and looked up ideas on the computer. We ended up going to the arcade and they each got a measley $2 (gotta save the rest for swimming and arctic circle tomorrow). Then they played with friends all day while I did laundry, played bejewelled, and watched T.V. I just made dinner-- pizza. and now we are starting our movie marathon night complete with rice crispy treats.

Plus side: good news on the home front, Carsten threw up on me (I have that effect on babies, and yes it is a good thing cause I love him and wish he was here with his brothers), and served carrots, pears, grapes, and apples.

A song that reminds me of someone, of somewhere, and of an event

2010-08-19T15:45:00.002-05:00

Someone:
Casi Bludorn, my lifetime friend, is the one who inspired me to do this challenge, so I will dedicate this song to her. In high school, we were both into dispatch. I'm pretty sure we only knew three of their songs, but they were and are really good. All three remind me of her, but this one she posted as knowing all the words to, so here it is.

(I could also do Paper Planes by MIA for Jed... he has a cute dance for that song, so I always think of him when it plays)

Somewhere:
While Jed was on his mission, I kept a terribly mushy, gushy play list on repeat for basically 2 years. I would listen as I walked from the Bean Museum parking lot, past the bell tower, and toward campus.. then back. Every time I hear Jordin Sparks' NO AIR, I think of the bell tower. I also think of snow.

An event:
Growing up I used to go to the Lake with my neighbor/friend Melanie Chadwick as often as I could. Later, once we became good friends with Courtney Monroe, we all three went, and had a blast. One summer, we made the ultimate summer mix, and I can specifically remember dancing so hard on the dock that it was shaking and we could stand up straight. It was so fun! Baha Men: Move it like this. so bad.

Jello

2010-08-18T09:32:00.001-05:00

My leggs are like jello. They keep giving out on me, which isn't good considering I am on my feet allll day due to football season tickets (worst week of work every year).

I walk like a grandma. I look like a duck.

sad...

know why?

I told Jed I wanted to start running every day and slowly cut out sweets. He bought me the nike chip that goes in my shoes, and he bought a used itouch, so I can see how far I've ran and how long it's taken and stuff. It's really cool, and it does motivated me to run.

but my oh my, I hurt!

A song that makes me happy. A song that makes me sad.

2010-08-16T15:32:00.002-05:00

A song that makes me happy--
Lady Antebellum- Perfect Day

A song that makes me sad--
Carrie Underwood- Just a Dream

or

Brand New- Tautou (I totally didn't know this was in New Moon)

Favorite and Least Favorite song!

2010-08-15T22:36:00.003-05:00

My least favorite song is EASY!

Seal- Kiss from a Rose

This song played ALL DAY every day at Super Splash, the neighborhood water park I spent all my summers as a kid. UGH! (But the music video makes me like it more... darn)

Favorite Song is a little harder, there are tons that I like! I like all genres, so it's hard to pick one favorite, so I will post a few that I think I could listen to allll day long! These songs make my heart swell.

Beatles-- Blackbird. From my fav Beatles song (one of my favorite bands ever), and my favorite movie!

LOVE Destiny's Child and the beautiful acoustic in this song. Emotions.

I guess I am depressing because all of the songs that come to mind are slow.. and maybe a little sad. I like chill music, what can I say?
So here is one more. I don't care.. I LOVE Chris Brown. This is my fav song from his newest album. Crawl.

August

2010-08-12T11:30:00.002-05:00

I have no clue what the point of this post is... except that I am bored at work, and I think typing (even if it is for a blog post) looks "busier" that playing bejeweled on facebook.

We spent last weekend up American Fork canyon for Jed's family's reunion. It was really good to see everyone, even though several people backed out at the last minute (which is what Jed and I are doing for the Goodrich reunion this weekend... lame). There were about 20 people there I'd say

We got there Thursday afternoon after shopping for groceries and visiting with Jed's parents, little brother, and Adam and Erika. We shared a nice little campsite with A & E, and things were pretty perfect. We had the biggest campsite, so it ended up being the main congration area for everyone. That's where we ate all of our delicious meals, played games, and mostlg just talked.

On Friday we had tickets for the Timpanogos cave tour, and being from a state with many many caves, I was pretty excited to check it out. I thought that the "hike" mentioned was going to be a short walk to the cave, but I couldn't have been more wrong. They tell you to allow an HOUR AND A HALF to get from the bottom of the mountain to the top. It is 1.5 miles and around 1100 feet of elevation. I am not lying when I say it was a challenge for everyone. Our camelbaks really came in handy, and my delicious caramel chex mix saved my life. I don't know what was harder... going up in the hot sweaty sun, or coming down with a bladder full of at least 32 oz of water. The cave was pretty cool too... nothing super amazing, but I enjoyed myself (and it was a nice break from the heat).

On Saturday, we all went to a nearby lake in the mountains and went "swimming." Really, it was too freezing to actually swim, but we took the Kayak and there was a rubber raft and tube, so people were paddling around and dipping their feet in. Adam and Erika's dog Aspen ate a dead rotting fish. It was pretty disgusting.

The rest of the time was spent eating treats, yummy meals, and talking. I am definitely still getting to know some of Jed's extended family, but I love them all.

Oh you know what else?

I didn't take one picture, and I didn't shower from Thurs morning to Sunday night. I was literally wanting to crawl out of my own skin. That was the best shower of my life.

One cool thing I learned was about omelets in a bag. Jed's ingenious mom presented these for one of our breakfasts. What you do it fill a zip lock bag (the size up from a sandwich size) with onions, mushrooms, tomatoes, peppers, cheese, and ham (or whatever you want or don't want), then mix in 2-4 eggs (4 takes a long time to cook though), you boil a pot of water, and everyone writes their name on the top part of the bag, then you put it in the water so the top is sticking out and wait for it to cook. It might take awhile, but it was nice because we were all able to make it exactly how we wanted it. I think this is a camp food we will keep around for the rest of our lives! It was so yummy!

Overall, we had a spectacular time and we look forward to the next chance we get to cam pout with the Youngs!

temporary

2010-08-02T14:39:00.001-05:00

this design is temporary. apparently my other one got deleted by the source.

today is monday. tomorrow is wed. the next day is friday.

then off to the YOUNG family reunion!

Catgory 5 Sunburn

2010-07-30T10:51:00.002-05:00

That's what my husband has. So i can't hug him or squeeze him... or even touch him from the chest up. (due to two successful kayaking adventures this week)

But isn't he just so cute!?

It's just a shame...

2010-07-28T11:19:00.004-05:00

Last night, I washed a ton of dishes and made a delicious dinner. Jed went kayaking with a friend, and overall, it was a great night! All day I had been craving a sweet treat and so I begged Jed to take me out for ice cream. Finally, at 10pm I convinced him too (this is like a daily occurrence. the begging, not the receiving).
So, while we were driving, I was debating. Malt Shoppe, or Sonic. I knew if I went to the Malt Shoppe I would get a rootbeer float, and I wanted something frozen, and I don't like the Malt Shoppe's Malts or shakes. So I chose Sonic. I finally decided on my old favorite. A Strawberry Limeade creamslush/flurry/freezer thing (they change the name like every second). Large.

So next thing I know, this little boy has skated out to us and handed Jed a drink that is OBVIOUSLY not frozen. It is all jiggly.. ya know? Like Water? He mumbles something about the ice cream machine not working, and I'm like... why didn't you tell is this when we ordered. He answered by saying "It JUST happened.".... like you couldn't even tell me.

and at that moment I was furious. FURIOUS people... what is my problem? I was so mad that this chance to have something was RUINED, and it's hard enough convincing Jed to take me out for a sweet treat (if it weren't for him, i would be even fatter than I am).

It kind of ruined my night. I just put it in the freezer and stayed up until midnight just so I could eat it frozen.

Am I a freak?

(p.s. this is not the first time I have gone to Sonic when their ice cream machine is broken. I vow never to go again)

Naps

2010-07-20T18:27:00.003-05:00

Oh how I love naps! I take one almost every Saturday and Sunday... and I usually take a few during the week too. I have napped during classes, seminary, work, car rides, movies, and oh so much more.

Some days I wake up looking forward for my chance to nap! There is nothing better than snuggling deep between the blankets and snoozing for an hour... or two.

But lately naps have been breaking my heart. Life seems sweet as my eyes close and I gently fall asleep, but I am waken up by an incredibly sharp and painful headache. This contrast (soft and sweet to harsh and loud) is quite uncomfortable, and I just hate it.

Body!? Why don't you like naps anymore?

Why does my brain hemorrhage every time I wake up?

Why do I suffer from brain aneurysms at the exit of the REM cycle?

Why doesn't Excedrin Migraine kill you instantly, headache!?

Suggestions anyone!?