Muffins

INGREDIENTS:
2 cups flour
6 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 egg
1 cup milk
4 tablespoons oil

DIRECTIONS:
In mixing bowl combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Make a well in the center. Combine egg, milk, and oil; add all at once to flour mixture. Stir just till moistened. Slightly grease muffin cups or line with paper cups; fill 2/3 full. Bake in a 400 oven about 15 minutes or until golden.

Options:
Fill muffin tins 1/3 full. Top each with 1 teaspoon of jam. Then top with enough batter to fill each muffin 2/3 full.

German Pancakes

INGREDIENTS:
3 eggs
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup milk
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons butter

DIRECTIONS:
Heat a glass pie plate or a cast iron pan on lowest oven shelf until very hot at 400. Meanwhile mix eggs, flour, milk and salt in blender and beat until very smooth, 1 minute. Remove pie dish from oven and add butter. Return the dish to the oven until the butter melts. Add the batter and bake 20 minutes until golden. Serve with powdered sugar, jam or syrup. Applesauce is the traditional accompaniment, however the others are equally if not more tasty.

This may be doubled and put into a 9x13 dish.

Option: Add 1 cup of pie filling to the pan right before adding the batter. When it cooks the batter surrounds the pie filling.

Crepes

INGREDIENTS:
1 1/4 cups flour
4 eggs
1 cup milk
1 1/4 cups water
3 tablespoons oil or melted butter
1/2 teaspoon salt

DIRECTIONS:
In a blender mix all ingredients at high speed for 30 seconds. Scrape down sides and blend 30 seconds more. Refrigerate at least 10 minutes, ideally an hour.

In a non-stick skillet over a medium heat, spray, and then ladle in 1/4 cup of batter. Tilt the pan around to spread the batter into a crepe. After a few minutes, take a heat proof rubber spatula and peek under crepe, if barely brown in spots it is ready to turn. Take a big pancake turner and flip the crepe. Cook for 30 seconds more and slide out of pan onto plate. Separate each crepe with napkins or waxed paper.

Fill with jam or berries and powdered sugar.

.006

That is the amount of points I am lacking in order to get my scholarship.

Hat and Door ditchers

First off, this is a hat I got in California when we were visiting Lizzie. It was only like $7 I think! Anyway, I've never worn hats like this before. I wear beenies often enough, but actual hats, not so much. But I LOVE IT! I know I look kind of silly in these pics but oh well.

Now for the Door ditchers. So we are just sitting at our couch, watching TV and eating Pizza, when someone knocks at the door. You have to know- we never have random guests. Usually we know if someone is coming. It is RARE for someone to come over that we aren't expecting. So we usually pause a second...look at each other with serious faces (like- how DARE someone come over to OUR place without letting US know!)...and then one of us opens the door to see who it is. Well...we open the door to see this on our doorstep.


At first we were like- oh my gosh...someone is really nice. We will have food for a month! Then we noticed the details of each box.

Why would we need a HUMONGO bag of potatoes and a TON of rolls?

If you zoom on the presents picture- you will see names such as...Jessica, Laura, Sarah, Melissa...hmmmm...yeah. If you forgot, those are NOT our names...and we do not have 4 daughters either. So suddenly we are realizing...okay, this is not for us. So we seriously start laughing...a lot...and then feeling awkward because we are like.. Great, someone went to do a good deed to a family that really needs it...and they messed up and put it on OUR doorstep. What do we do?! We were thinking- okay, if they realize they made a mistake they will feel really bad and probably wont want to come knock on our door and say..."uh...excuse me but we accidentally gave you a bunch of food and presents. Can we have it back?" And of course all the presents said they were from Santa, so of course we couldn't take them back to him. So we decided to call the Elders Quorum President....no answer...Relief Society President...no answer...Relief Society Secretary...no answer...counselor in the Bishopric...finally an answer! We read him the names on the presents, and he realizes it's one of the families in the ward and that it was someone's job to take these things to random families in the ward and they must've messed up. It was simply one of the trailers down the road...so we offered to take it. So we drove to find it, carefully sneaked the boxes on the doorstep...I got in the car and drove off while Clay would knock and run away. Well, I was waiting around the corner and it was taking a long time. I thought- I know he's not THAT slow of a runner. Well, I guess he had some problems. As soon as I drove away Clay turned around to the door shutting. He guessed they couldn't see him because he could hear their voices and they were saying things like "I thought someone was at the door....no one was there? huh..." But they didn't notice the boxes. So Clay was like....GREAT, that's the whole point. We have to do this right. So he creeped around the back, creeped back in front, shoved a box closer to the door so they'd see it, knocked, ran to the next trailer and hid so they couldn't see him, but he could see them. No answer for a while, then the man poked his head out, saw the boxes, looked around, and then took them inside. Whew! THEN, Clay ran back to the car. What a night!

Anyway, we still can't stop laughing about it. We didn't think we put off a "can't give my kids presents for Christmas" kind of vibe at church. hahah....Anyway, it made for a good night.

Hair and Skirt

Here is my new hair done by Stephanie Mitchell. I LOVE IT!
I can leave them all to the front like above, or kind of sway them to the side like below...


Here is my skirt that I made in my sewing class. I LOVE IT!



I wore it with the belt to church- this is without the belt.


This is what Clayton likes to do...he is kind of funny- the headset is to talk to his friends online while they are playing. A lot of times I here, "OH MAN! WOW! GOOD ONE MAN! OH DUDE- DID YOU SEE THAT?!" Other times he is simply having an everyday conversation while shooting robots repeatedly until they die. I actually tried playing with him- HALO- it's like the most famous video game in the entire world...anyway- I was better than I thought I'd be. Don't get me wrong- completely AWFUL- but better than anticipated. I could only take like 10 minutes worth. I don't like killing...even if it is a robot that is taking over the world:)


Here is our Christmas Tree. Again, I LOVE IT!


This is below our tree. It is so a dvd christmas. I'm not even going to fake it. I could've "hidden" or fooled Clay with wrapping, but he already knows basically everything that's under there... so why put in the effort? It was amazing, every movie that Clay loves had AMAZING deals the past 2 months. So amazing I was able to get him 5 dvd's for under 35 dollars. Crazy cool.

Well, since I've posted...Idaho has been snowed on excessively. Serious blizzard-like snow. Serious freezing temperatures. This morning when we came home from church, it was 8 degrees. Guess what I said to Clay, "Well it's doubled in temperature since this morning". Yep, that's right- it was 4 degrees when we left to GO to church. It was a little scary because I went this morning to start the car...about 20 minutes before church...and when I opened the door (which by the way took me a minute to get open- it was frozen shut) my hands got wet from the snow. When I went to touch our screen door to get back in the house, my hands started to freeze to the door. I quickly took them off the door before it actually happened, but it made me jump a bit! Needless to say, it's cold.

I keep thinking I should take a pic of the outside of our house..but everytime I think that, I just don't want to go outside. So maybe you'll see it in the spring.

Sorry it took so long to get pics and I never have pics lately. We don't have a camera. We took all these pics with Patty's camera. BUT, we will soon have a camera...wait no- I will have a camera soon and there will be lots of pictures! Yay!

Merry Christmas! I love the Savior and I love this time of year when more people are giving and trying to love each other. I hope we can all be even more loving and kind to each other than usual. I love you!!!

Cold...cold....cold...cold...COLD!

So...it is currently 11 degrees. A few days ago it was 8 degrees. My fingers are just barely thawing and I've been indoors for around...20 minutes. Also, the freezing process occured from being outside for just over 1 minute. Walking from one building to another. And I froze enough that I needed to thaw. It is just too darn cold. This morning, I drove to school, right? Right. Well- I'm wearing my big boots. The ones that are fluffy and you wear over jeans? Well...my toes still felt like they were going to fall off. EVEN WHEN I WAS WEARING HUGE BOOTS! I drove to school without Clay...lucky duck, he got to sleep in. But the whole way to school, literally at least a minute long- I was screaming at the top of my lungs "IT'S SO COLD! I'M SO COLD! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!" I'm not exaggerating. This is actually what I did. Don't ask why. I'm guessing it was just my bodily instinct to try and distract myself from the wretched death cold I was experiencing.

On that light note, school is basically done. I have one more test to take, and then all I have to do is show up for classes. Oh yes, and I need to make crepes for lunch. Yes- that is an assignment from my cooking class. I love assignments like that.

So I know everything I'm getting for christmas pretty much, and I am so stinking excited I can hardly wait! I just want it to come now.

Speaking of Christmas. I'm soooo excited to go home. Firstly, to see my family. Secondly, to relax, eat good food, and watch lots of movies. Thirdly, to get OUT OF THE COLD! Yeah yeah, you Oregon folks may think you have it bad with your 30-40 degree weather...well, let me tell you...that sounds like hawaii to me. Seriously, yesterday I was thinking- hmmm it's not that cold today. It was like 37 or something.

This is what you get for living in Rexburg, all you can think about is the weather. So boring...I know.

Welllllllllll....I suppose that'll be all. Till next time. MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Snow...Christmas Devotional...

Well, today it has officially snowed. Or last night I guess. Rexburg is frosted white. It is always so pretty the first few days...then after a week or so- I'm pretty sick of it. But I will soak up the awesomeness of it for the time being. YET- the first days are always the most dangerous. We passed like 3 cars on our way up the hill today that couldn't move becuase it was so slick. We were barely moving ourselves. You probably could've walked faster than we were going. BUT- we made it! That is the important thing. We were walking to class, and I was holding on to Clay's arm...and I said, "Man, a lot of people's bums are going to be soar today" and I kid you not within 2 minutes I fell on my bum. Thank GOODNESS I had my strapping husband to hold on to. Otherwise it would've hurt! I really only felt wetness...rather than hurt. Anyway, I thought maybe Heavenly Father thought it'd be funny to have me slip right after I say that...give me a hint of irony.

Side note- I am in a computer lab, and the classroom next to us has a bunch of men singing at the top of thier lungs with not much musical prettiness- "NOEL, NOEL, NOEL, NOEL....BORN IS THE KING OF ISRAEL!!!" Random. People are always singing around here, but usually people try to sound pretty...

Well, I got myself, Clay, Patty, Paul and Makayla tickets to see the First Presidency's Christmas Devotional last night. I've never been to live general conference or anything like that, so I really wanted to go to something- so I tried for the devotional. We go the tickets, and went! It was so wonderful. All of us, when we walked in the conference center were in awe, and literally were saying things like, "wow...". It was HUGE! It seemed way bigger in person than on the TV, and as a result, made the tabernacle choir seem rather small. We were in the second row of the very middle of the balcony. We loved it. I seriously recommend going if any of you get the chance. The sound and power that comes when the entire congregation sings is amazing. We were just sitting there you know, and then everyone began, "Joy to the World!" and it was amazing! It gave me chills. All of us turned and looked at each other because we weren't expecting such a sound. I couldn't help but smile, and I turned to Makayla and she was smiling too. It was wonderful. Then, when the choir closed with "Silent Night" with the congregation joining with the last verse, that was quite wonderful. That brought the tears on. You could tell the spirit was present when the prayer was said, as there were many many sniffles, if you know what I mean:). I loved it, it was so worth the hours we drove to get there. Then of course, they decorate temple square so beautifully. I felt so blessed to have been there. I couldn't stop thinking, "I'm so grateful for the gospel. I'm so grateful that Jesus Christ was born." Everytime I thought those thoughts I got watery eyes. It was just a powerful thing. It's true that you should get the same spirit and message whether you're there or not- depending on your spiritual preparedness, but I truly think there is power where some 20,000 odd people are gathered together to celebrate the Lord through song and prayer. And then the talks were wonderful. I loved Elder Eyrings stories about their Christmas pageants, and how they eventually had Samuel the lamanite preaching, with mobs throwing foil ball weapons at him...and him having to remind them that Samuel couldn't be touched, and that it took courage for someone to step up to the part of Samuel. I loved that. I also loved President Monson's stories of the widows he visited. They are such good men. I love to hear them speak.

Well, this weekend I got my hair done by Stephanie. It is AWESOME! Clay and I LOVE IT! We tried to go for the same color as Rory, and Anne Hathaway...she did perfectly. Then I also got front bangs and a little trim with the front a little longer than the back. I love it! I would have a pic, but I forgot to have Patty take it...Anyway. It will come soon enough.

Well, that's it for now. Merry Christmas!

HSM3

Okay, seriously? I loved this movie. I want to see it again, today! I won't...simply because we are poor college students- but if I had a million dollars, I think I might see it two or three more times before it comes out on DVD. I LOVED IT! The dancing, the singing, the story line, the acting- all better than the first two and all heart-warming and hilarious. There were really only a few cringe-moments where I thought, okay that is really just WAY too cheesy- but quite honestly, most of it was just wonderful. I loved the songs...I just loved it all. You know what I love as well? I love that Troy and Gabriella are together in real life. It just makes things so much better. Anyway- if you like the first two- SEE THE THIRD! You'll love it!

The going on's of Danielle and Clay...

Well, I just woke up from a long nap. This is the third nap this week I think! Maybe 5th actually. Not sure- Clay has convinced me to take naps with him lately. Both of us have been SO TIRED. I think it is school overload catching up to us. I finally have time to take a nap, so it's really quite nice. I really only have one big project left, and one big test- but the rest of my classes are pretty much smooth sailin from here! Thank goodness.

Yesterday and Today were filled with funeral-type settings. Clay's Grandma passed away on Saturday and because her and her family are catholic, we had a rosary last night, and a funeral today. I never really knew Clay's grandma because she had a stroke about 4 and a half years ago. Since then, she hasn't really talked or responded much to anyone. From the last two days, I have become so excited to meet her, and get to know her on the other side. I already knew she had to be a remarkable person by just knowing Paul, Clay's dad. He is one of the kindest people I've ever known. Also, all of his siblings are just like him! And get this- there are 12 of them. Seriously, from what I can tell...not a mean one in the bunch! Anyway, from the people who spoke about her the past few days, I can just imagine the type of woman she was, which sounds incredible. She was always serving and always loving everyone. The priest who talked today, who was also her nephew, shared with us a note he found in her house that she had scribbled on. It said, "God first, neighbor second, me last." She had little notes like that all over her house. Anyway, I feel like I know her just through stories and from knowing her children and grandchildren- and she is just wonderful! Though funeral's are sometimes so sad, the whole time I couldn't stop thinking of how excited I was to see her in heaven and thank her for the family she gave me, and the lessons she taught me without ever even speaking to me herself.

Oh- one more thing I wanted to share about her that was really funny. Her daughter spoke today- and just as a background- Paul and his brothers are MAJOR hunters. They love to hunt. So anyway- she said that her mom always wrote sick notes for her sons to get them out of school...but didn't want to lie, so she wrote, "If my son doesn't get to go hunting, he will be sick. So he won't be in school today." Something to that effect. I just thought that was so funny.

Well, I better get to some homework and some house duties. I am so grateful for family and for how blessed both Clay and I have been to have such amazing people in our lives. We both came from wonderful families and are so grateful for everyone! We love you all! Both family and friends.

Another tag...

So I started this tag like....over a week ago- but got sidetracked I think- then I got tagged AGAIN. So I figured I'd come back to it!

10 Years Ago....

1. I was 10 years old! In 5th grade.
2. I DESPISED my teacher. He totally made us late for the jog-a-thon and always made me stay inside for recess. Seriously.
3. I was super excited for middle school. Steph and Jenni were in middle school and so....pretty much I was out of the loop!
4. I thought my sisters and their friends were the coolest people in THE WORLD. Constantly listened quietly through their shut bedroom doors.
5. Had a crush on a boy with a rat tail that was braided all the time. Yuck.

5 Things On Today's List Of Things To Do....

1. Eat (yes, I have to put that on my to do...otherwise it sometimes doesn't happen)
2. Clean stuff...living room, bathroom, kitchen, sewing room, office....any will do
3. Do my Teaching of the living prophets homework
4. E-mail my English group...they still haven't emailed me their work like they were supposed to.........
5. It's the end of the day...so there really isn't much left to do...

5 Snacks....

1. Saltines
2. White bread (homemade)
3. Chocolate Chip Cookie dough
4. Frozen raspberries
5. Top Ramen (uncooked)

5 Things I Would Do If I were A Millionaire...

1. Buy or build a house
2. Buy a second car
3. Invest in real estate
4. Go shopping- buy amazing shoes and wonderful dresses- and tights
5. Buy Clayton a big screen TV and an even better sound system...and both of us blackberries because we think they are cool.

5 Places I've lived...

1. Springfield, OR
   
2. Yachats, OR
   
3. Rexburg, ID
   
4. That's it!

5 Jobs I have had...

1. Insurance Examiner
2. Tax Accountant
3. Sales associate-Artco(I was so lucky- I sold Christmas Cards in July...let me tell you- so many people were happy to hear from me!.........................right.)
4. Sales associate-Excel Drug
5. Bookkeeper (I worked for my Dad on this one)

5 People I Am Tagging...

I've seen a lot of people do this tag before....sooooooooooooooooo whoever wants to can.

California!

All these pics are from Lizzie's blog- we didn't take pictures because we don't have a camera, so anything on our blog will be from Lizzie or Patty. So, sorry if these are repeats for you!



Well...sadly, we are home again. We woke up, left at 7am- it was 60 degrees outside, and when I got inside my home, it was 46 degrees. Then this morning it was definitely 30's outside. What a change. I think we were more cold in church today simply because we've been in warm weather all week!

Where to start. It was wonderful! The kids loved Clay's family and both Tanner and Kate were OBSESSED with Clay. Saturday morning, Tanner was hanging out with us while we were getting ready to leave and I said, "I'm going to miss you Tanner!" and he pointed at Clay and said, "I'm going to miss Clay". Oh dear.

It was so great to just relax, shop, hot-tub, bake, and spend time with Lizzie and her family. Clay's parents were great- we didn't have to pay for a thing and they totally spoiled us. They were so nice and it was so fun to spend the week with them as well. We saw twilight and I will give my review...now! I really really liked it. I really really want to see it again- I think I had mixed expectations, and for me- the first time I see a movie that I have been waiting to see forever, is always a little dissappointing. This wasn't nearly as much as the Harry Potter's, but I am so excited to see it again because I can tell I will love it, now that I see all that was left out and stuff. There were a few things I thought were absolutely perfect:

1)The Cullens. I LOVED THEM! A few points:

• When I saw pics of Jasper before the movie was out, I thought- ech. Couldn't they have improved on that one? But his acting was AWESOME! He was perfectly serious and torn by feeling all the emotions of everyone around them.
• Alice was amazing- I think my favorite part of the entire movie was when she was pitching in the baseball game. Who else would do a perfect high kick every pitch other than Alice Cullen? And she was so cute, of course. I can't wait to see more from her in the upcoming sequels.
• Carlisle? Hello- perfect moment when he walked in Bella's hospital room. I loved it.
• Esme- so motherly- so loving, I loved her in the scene where Bella first met the family at their home- she was so happy, so true to the book.
• Rosalie- so many people thought- oh she wasn't pretty enought, but I thought she was great! I'm guessing it was hard to find drop dead gorgeous models to play in this small upcoming film. She was dead on with the character. I loved, loved, LOVED her scene when Bella came to the house and wasn't hungry. Perfect.
• Emmet- there wasn't much of him so I dont' know completely. But what I did see, I liked.
• Overall- Cullens couldn't have been better in my opinion. LOVED THEM!

2) Edward and Bella. Edward was way cool, so was bella. Because they were the main characters, of course I was more nitpicky, but I still really like them and will soon love them I'm sure. I thougth Edward's opening scene where he first talked to bella with a simple, "hello"- was perfect. So old-fashioned, so edward.
3) Random actors like Jessica, Mike, Charlie- you know, the human ones, were all way cool. Played their parts perfectly in my opinion.
4) Overall, great film. So excited for New Moon (which has been comfirmed to be made).


Well back to California. If you read my sister, Lizzie's blog, you'll know this- but if not, you should know- we were at the local Zoo and just so happened to run into Kate Hudson and her kid! And some random other people who were probably her family or whatever, but she was standing right next to us! I saw her, thought she looked just like Kate Hudson, then she spoke, and she has a very distinct voice, so I turned to Makayla and at the very same instant we were like- it's Kate Hudson!!! Then I told Lizzie, so of course she told Kate, "You are so cute," and Kate said, "Thank you!" and Lizzie said, "Have a nice weekend!", kate:"You too"...end scene. Then Patty was further behind us, so didn't see any of that- and she is standing two feet from Kate, finally realizes who it is, and stares wide eyed and jaw dropped. It was so funny- us girls were absolute dorks. Anyway- you should also know, my sophisticated husband...while this was all going on, kept turning me around, AWAY from Kate Hudson, to point out to me the big penus a zebra had. Nice. He kept saying, "Hun, look at that zebras thing, it's huge!" I never saw it because I kept saying, stop it! Kate Hudson is right there! He was embarrassed of us I think. Anyway- it was way cool. She was way nice, seemed way down to earth and cool. Blended well. She looked nothing like the pic above. She had a ponytail, big sunglasses that covered half her face, boots, a huge shirt...if you even care...

Anyway, thanksgiving was a blast. Lizzie had the table decorated so beautiful. The food was wonderful and we just had a ball.

Now that I'm home, I have a ton of stuff to do. I really did no homework over the break and I will pay for it this week! Why am I blogging? I am a professional procrastinator.

We're back, and cold, and ready to be done with school in two weeks! Love you all!!!!!!!!

The Library.....

well, the library isn't that fun. I sit here and I try to work on my stupid spreadsheets class assignment and...oh! I don't know how to do it.

What's new.

Meanwhile, I'm thinking of cookies I want to make, things I want to sew, and how cold my hands are. My body isn't cold, but my hands are. What do I do about that? Put on gloves while I'm typing? I think not.

So I've been talking to me papa lately about CPA requirements. Well, I just realized I haven't announced our new plans. Ha...oh well. Anyway- we are pretty sure that we will end up staying one more semester in good ol' Rexburg. Meaning- Clay will be done in July. WELL, I was originally going to be done in April, but Crandall & Oseen, the company I worked for last tax season, called and offered me a job for this next tax season! They offered me more money and everything! So anyway- since Clay won't be done until July, I could just put off my last semester, work the tax season, and graduate in July when Clay is done! It is actually quite perfect because I would've had to get a job in May anyway, while I'm waiting for Clay, but this is perfect because it's a good job that I'm already trained in, and its' definite that I will have a job! So back to the CPA requirements. Well, I guess I didn't realize I would be working another tax season, but because of that- that will cause me to have 6 full months of experience in the accounting field. To become a CPA, you need to have 150 college credits, and 1 year of accounting experience under a CPA, and of course- pass the CPA exam. Well...I kind of always thought of 150 hours as getting a masters degree which does NOT sound fun to me. That is like- a whole year more of school at the least. Well, turns out- I don't think I really need to get a masters. I will only need 22 more credits after I graduate to hit 150, meaning...I could really just take independent study ones from BYU or something after I graduate...WHILE I'm working, finishing up my experience requirement...and I could probably be a CPA within 7 months of graduation (if I got a job right away). This is of course- if I actually passed the exam.....WHICH is really scary sounding...quite honestly. Anyway- I'm definitely considering it much more than I was before. I know that was probably really boring to everyone except maybe...my dad...but, oh well.

We are going to Lizzie and Shad's house with Clay's family for thanksgiving week. We are SO excited! It will be such a nice vacation for Clay's family I think. They haven't been down there before and I think they will really like it. I am soooo excited to see the kids and spend time with Lizzie! AND, of course- not be cold.

I am so excited to see Twilight........................I am seeing it when we are at Lizzies. I hope we see it on Monday(we leave saturday for Lizzies- the day after the movie comes out) because I am SO anxious! I also am so excited to see HSM3 when it comes to the cheap seats. If only it was there already!

Well........I'm going to go find Clay and tell him we should eat dinner. We have this event we are required to go to because BYU-Idaho makes everyone go to so many fine arts events in order to graduate. Something about expanding our culture. Whatever. Tonight is: Extravadance! Hopefully it's good. We have to dress up in Sunday clothes for it (shirt and tie for Clay). Clay was going on and on about how it's not fair for him to have to dress up because people who aren't going for the requirement don't have to dress up. (They scan your ID card so that the school knows you've gone- but they won't scan if you're not dressed right, but you can still go in- just not get credit) So anyway, he went off talking about equal rights and how he has none. ha. Silly boy. Do your husbands whine and grine when they have to wear a tie? I always tell him he has to get used it because he'll be wearing one daily once he gets into the workplace.

Well, things are good. We are incredibly blessed- we realize more and more each day how everything is just set up perfectly for us- even when we think we are being given a trial, it really turns out to be a blessing!

Overall in a nutshell......our house is awesome.......Rexburg is cold.....school is hard.....I'm obsessed with chocolate chip cookies lately.....Clay is sick but on the road up.....I can't wait for thanksgiving and christmas break......annnnnnnd that's it! Love you all!

OH.........Harry Potter........

wow.........................I CAN'T WAIT! I guess this preview will be on the big screen with the twilight movie. WHY did they HAVE to move the movie to JULY!?!?! It looks so good! This preview alone has caused Clay and I to decide to have a Harry Potter marathon.

Easy OREO Truffles

PREP TIME: 30 min TOTAL TIME: 1 hr 30 min SERVINGS: 42

INGREDIENTS
1 pkg. (1 lb. 2 oz.) OREO Cookies, finely crushed, divided
1 pkg. (8 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
2 pkg. (8 squares each) BAKER'S Semi-Sweet Chocolate, melted

---------------------------------------------------------------------
MIX 3 cups of the cookie crumbs and the cream cheese until well blended. Shape into 42 (1-inch) balls.

DIP balls in melted chocolate; place on waxed paper-covered baking sheet. (Any leftover melted chocolate can be stored in tightly covered container at room temperature and saved for another use.) Sprinkle with remaining cookie crumbs.

REFRIGERATE 1 hour or until firm. Store any leftover truffles in tightly covered container in refrigerator.

Back step...Etsy...no go

Yeah....so I know this is crazy- just the past million posts I've done have been ALL about my excitement for etsy right? Well- I don't know what happened, but I just woke up the other day...and thought...I don't really want to do it anymore. I was like- what?! You don't?! You were so excited! But I really am just not feelin it anymore...I still think Etsy is AWESOME- I will probably shop there whenever I get the chance, but I just don't know about being a seller anymore. I looked it up on this list they've made- the top sellers, and basically every top seller was a "supplier"- meaning, they supplied fabric, beads, chains, thread, etc. There were barely ANY hand-made sellers on the top list. So I am really just feeling like it's WAY unlikely that I'd be successful, and I just don't really think I'm up for it right now. Who knows, maybe one day I'll get in that boost again- but I don't know. Then since I was so confused at my U-turn change of mind, I even prayed about it. I still don't feel good about it. So...there's my answer. Halt on the Etsy project! It's cool though- I have my serger, and am loving it! I haven't had a chance to sew that much yet though because I've still been trying to finish moving everything out of boxes and into real places in our house. But I am still loving sewing and excited to try and make more homemade things. Yep...STILL passionate about sewing- just not selling. Anyway............

We went to our new ward today. It's a family ward, LOTS of little kids, LOTS of teenagers, LOTS of people of ALL ages. Huge ward. Anyway, it was fun- people welcomed us. I met the daughter of my hardest accounting teacher. I hope I get a calling soon. I know a lot of people are like...ohhhhhhhhhh rest while you can! or- I wish I didn't have a calling- or whatever. But....I guess I just never really feel like I belong until I have a calling. Also- they have this awesome enrichment this week- cooking with grains and sprouts or something like that- I was way pumped, until they said it was thursday MORNING! at 9am! What the heck! They better not have all their enrichments like that- I would never get to go! They are also having an apron enrichment sometime soon. Isn't that cool? I like their enrichment committee already. It's funny- until today, since we've lived in our house, we have been feeling like we are kind of all alone, don't have to worry about anything cause we dont' know anyone- and all of a sudden we feel like everyone's watching us! Just because our whole ward lives around us you know? It's hard to explain.

In my sewing class we've been making a button up, collared, darted blouse. I will probably be done this tuesday. I'm super excited. It looks awesome. Clay said I should make 15 more! haha. It has little puff sleeves. I love it! I also feel super cool because I made it- you know? I would take a picture, but we don't have a camera. Lovely!!! I think I'm going to just ask for money for christmas so I can get a nice camera.

Well........that's about it! Love you all!!!!!!!!!!!!

Voted...renting...

Well, Clay and I voted today, and I must say- I feel great about it! I just loved going and doing my duty.

Clay and I have decided we simply HATE being renters. We are so stinking excited to have enough money to buy our own home. Our house is fine, our landlord is fine, it's just.......................this is the 3rd place we've lived so we've come to realize that this is just how landlords around here are I guess. When they need to do something, they knock, open the door and say, "hello?" while sticking their head in. LIKE that does any good. So anyway- they feel like they can come in your house whenever they want. Next, we are just sick of having to wait on landlords to do things. When we have our own house, we will hire people and get it done on OUR time table. UGH- so our landlord is redoing our siding of our shower right? Well, we are THRILLED that he has been fixing everything up because that means he's a good lanlord that cares about us living decently right? Well, we have lived here 4 days now, and we wont have a shower until tomorrow. (for your info- we have coincedentally been to Clay's parents house the past 2 days, so that is where we've been showering.) So lastly, managers/lanlords just don't care about you OR your stuff. In our first apartment, we found blood on our bathroom floor once, when we knew neither of us had bled. Come to find out, the manager had been in our apartment to change something on the heater or something. Our second apartment, they brake our plunger and leave it there without saying anything or replacing it. This place, the lanlord took Clay's speaker off of the cynder block it was on, took the cynder block, and used it to help with the shower. Did he ask? No. We came home to find them where they were- in the shower. Clay's speakers on the ground. Clay was FURIOUS! by the way. I mean, that is expensive stuff, and they feel like they can just take whatever they want from our place and use it for whatever they want. The point is- this kind of stuff has happened at EVERY PLACE WE'VE LIVED since we've been married! What is the common factor we want to avoid? RENTING! UGH- We are so excited to live in our own house. Maybe this is an Idaho thing- who knows. I'm just hoping once the shower is done we will never see our lanlord again. He's fine- 10 TIMES BETTER than our last one, but it's just- don't they realize this is our home? We aren't just random objects that don't have minds or lives. We do go to the bathroom, or get dressed, or do things that you wouldn't want people walking in on. We do have belongings that we don't want to be touched. I think that owners around here just look at students like little objects that don't really exist like they do.

Anyway....you all probably think that we are the biggest whiners in the universe. We really aren't. It's just that these things really happen. Would you want them to happen to you? Maybe they do happen to you! I don't know. Oh well.

On a good note, they did tell us we could bathe. Lovely. Like I'm a child that loves to soak in my dirt.

On a sincere good note, I get my serger tomorrow! YAY!

Moved In

Well, all our stuff is moved in, our key from our old place is turned in, and I filled out a change of address form. YAY! We still have a ton to sort through...so the places is kind of messy- NOT NEARLY as messy as our past two apt's when we moved because this place has so many places to put things! We love it! I must say- every part of my body is sore! Feet...back...legs...arms...bum...But the point is- I don't hear any baby cryin next door, heels stomping away upstairs, grossness from the other next door, or the sound of water running- telling us " CRAP! GET IN THE SHOWER NOW! IT WILL BE COLD IN SECONDS!" Nope- we don't hear ANY of that!

So a TON of people came to help us. We were so blessed. Clay's family, of course- they are amazing workers. Then 2 of our neighbors, and I think 5 people from our ward all came to help. It made it a lot easier than last time. However- remember how I said, we don't have too much stuff? I WAS WRONG! We have so much stuff it's insane. I'm sure it's nothing compared to those with houses. Anyway- Clay's dad, the handy guy he is, noticed there was an antenna ontop of the roof, went down to the basement, then the side of the house, and him and Clay somehow figured out how to get us tv! Yeah, it's only like 4 channells and 1 of them (abc) is really crappy- BUT we seriously, seriously, feel like we've died and gone to heaven. Sad, right? But it's true. We were just so happy that we not only have an awesome house to live in, but tv too!

That's pretty much all I have to say for now. Pictures to come. I really want people to visit now...so come on over to idaho and visit us! You can sleep in your own room if you want:) However, it will either be with the turtles (they have cages and stuff) OR with my sewing machines:)

LOVE YA!

Random

Well, I've decided I must've scared everyone off with my ANTI-FUR post last week. No one is commenting anymore. OH well:) I've decided I'm DEFINITELY doing an Etsy Shop. I'm SO EXCITED! I plan on officially opening shop December 1, 2008! I get my serger November 4th- so that is when the sewing will begin! It's actually perfect timing because I just got a JoAnns flyer in the mail with one of those 10% off entire purchase! YES! I am sooooo excited I can hardly stand it! Oh- also, the reason I'm not opening for a month is because we are going to Lizzie's for Thanksgiving, and she will take the pics of all my stuff.

I am on Etsy...literally all day long looking at different products- what sells, what doesn't...looking at Martha...getting more ideas...basically I am way excited, but way nervous as well. Don't worry- I'm not going to go spend a billion dollars on this...I'm just going to make probably 7-10 items to post up front and then see how it goes! I am pretty nervous that I get all excited, and then it BOMBS! Yikes. That would stink. BUT, it is very very easy to see that happening. There are over 170,000 etsy shops right now. Crazy right? So whose to say I'd make it? No one. Anyway- look forward to December 1st because that is opening day!

Onto other business. We are moving this week! SO EXCITED! We are basically irking to get out of this place. Everytime I hear our neighbors or hear music in the ballroom, I think...thank goodness we are leaving!!! I have officially packed all our random wall and shelf decor. Thats....it. We really don't have much to pack. So- it won't be a big deal at all! Clay packed books and most of his electronic stuff. The great thing about this move is- I am pretty much going to have my sewing/craft room ALL to myself. Well, what I mean is- an entire room dedicated to just that. Clay can hang there if he wants:)

I can't remember anything else I was going to say. School is good. I think I find out my midterm grades tomorrow...I think...hopefully they're good..............................

Oh yeah- friday we are going to the Leslies for Halloween. The girls will play the piano in their little recital, and Rebecca and I will make homemade donuts and we will have a spooky dinner and everything! I'm way excited:)

Thaaaaaaaats it! Love to you all:)

Etsy

So I am thinking of starting an Etsy Shop. I am picking up some mad skills in my sewing classes, and am becoming more and more inlove with sewing every DAY! Since I'm soon getting a serger, I figured I could put my new found skills to work! So my question to all of you are- should I do it? I really don't know a WHOLE LOT about Etsy...so for any of you who know people who have an Etsy shop, or shop on etsy, or whatever- please just tell me ANYTHING I need to know. Especially- do you know how likely it would be that I would make profit? Is it hard to use? Things like that. I am actaully really really considering doing this soon. Ideas I have of things I would make are really endless...but I think I would start with 1) Pillowcases (boring, I know- but they are so pretty...you still haven't seen them- but BOTH Clay and I love them) 2) Cloth Napkins (Amy- I still don't know why YOU haven't started an etsy shop). They are simple, I know that I am able to make both of those items to be quality, and...........yeah. That's about it. I of course, would love to eventually expand my inventory BUT, I figured I'd probably just take it easy until I see if I could actually be successful at this. BUT, we are getting ahead of ourselves. PULEASE! Give me anything you know about Etsy. If you read my blog, have never commented- and know something about etsy- PLEASE SHARE! Love you all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Grandma's Chocolate Chip Cookies (revised)

SERVINGS: 24




INGREDIENTS:

1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1 egg
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 tablespoon vanilla
1 1/4 cup white flour
1/2 cup wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup chocolate chips

DIRECTIONS:

Beat together room temperature butter, brown sugar, eggs, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Mix in baking soda and salt. Add flour all at once, beating until just incorporated, no longer! Then add chocolate chips by hand or quickly in mixer and roll into balls onto cookie sheets or use cookie scoop.

Bake at 375 for 11 minutes.

If frozen, cook for 18 minutes at 300.

When I first adjusted the recipe, Clay said, "Mm! These are good! It's a really good combination of chewy and crunchy." :)

Just call me Pheobe Buffay...I'm takin a stand!

So basically today in my english class we were practicing researching and looking at all sides of things. My teachers tarted off with us reading an article from PETA. Those who don't know what PETA is- it's People for Ethical Treatment of Animals. They are people like in the movie "It could happen to you" (with nicholas cage and that bratty wife) when the wife comes out with that big fur coat and they come and splash her with red paint. Anyway- I read the article and was HORRIFIED
! However, I was a little skeptical about some of the things they said, thinking- probably a lot of things were the rare exception. Yet, I was still a little disturbed, and it got me thinking...

THEN, to oppose PETA, our teacher had us read an article from the IFTF (International Fur Trade Federation). This article focused on the industry and how much employment it creates, and the good environment it creates for these animals.

So obviously, I would need to do a little more research to really believe whether or not animals are treated fairly in these farms. However- I don't think I care (obviously I do- I don't want these poor animals gassed and then wake up while they're being skinned--it happens)...what I mean is- either way, I still don't want to wear fir and don't support the fashion. The scriptures talk about not using animals for anything that we don't need- and they also say that all living things have spirits. I just feel like fir is not a necessity in any way shape or form (at least in america- I understand if some countries are cold and need warmth and HAVE to skin animals for warmth) and there is no reason to excessively kill these animals so that we can look like this-

or even-


I know most of you are probably thinking- Danielle, you are crazy! What has gotten into you?!- Well, maybe being married to my husband has softened me up, maybe this has always been lurking inside me just waiting to come out:) I think it's honestly a combination of the two- but I just think that animals shouldn't be killed when it isn't needed- and I acknowlege the fact that animals ARE needed at times. But not to the extent that a lot of us think we do.

I know I will probably get all these comments with facts about factory farms or scriptures or what EVER about how it's okay, or they treat animals okay, and probably people telling me about a billion things I have used or worn that are at the expense of animal lives- but the point is- even if they treat these animals like gold...they are killing them in the end for fashion. And yes, I know I do a lot of things wrong- like I probably shop at places that make kids suffer in foreign countries or something...but I am just taking things that I learn and trying to go one step at a time. Right now, I just so happen to be thinking about animals and how sweet, innocent, and pure their spirits are. So...that's what I'm talking about. I'm not trying to change the world with one big swoop- I am just taking things as they come to me, and trying to do something about it!



I know, I know...I'm a freak! And...of course, my true hippie roots are showing. But, whatever- I just wanted to let you all know, and encourage anyone who might read this to not buy fir. By the way- I'm not judging anyone that does- and I still love you. Please don't act like I am pretending I'm high and mighty for thinking this way, or judging others. I feel that my last controversial topic like this(vegetarianism) was completely misunderstood.

Chef Danielle

Well, I've come up with a grand idea (for me personally, at least). Since Clay and I have been married, I have really wanted to create my own cook book. I have wanted a cookbook filled with recipes that I actually make and LOVE. I have a lot of GREAT recipe books, but I want one that is personalized with what I actually make. SO- I had a great idea to create a blog called "Chef Danielle". I am going to slowly put recipes on there- probably like every night or every few days when I make something, I'll put the recipe. I want day to day recipes that I use. Then, once I have a lot of recipes, I will use the blurb book resource to create a real hard copy cook book! I am SO EXCITED! And this way, it wont take hours upon hours to put together my recipes. I will just do it day to day as I actually USE the recipes, ya know? So I know I have Dinner on Janus Street, which I love- but I wanted one that only I contribute to so that I can put the recipes that I, myself will actually use- ya know? But I've made it open to the public for commenting and viewing...because really- wouldn't the be selfish of me not to let you in on all these great recipes?! (I'm only half joking...this is one of the many flaws I have- I am very prideful about my baking) Anyway- I am SO excited about this! I put the link on this blog so you can visit if you like! You don't have to, obviously. Who knows how often I'll update- probably regularly...hopefully anyway. Well, love you all!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Moving....AGAIN!

Well, that's right. We haven't even been married 3 years yet and we will have lived in 3 different places!

If you are wondering why...go ahead and read the previous two posts.

We are moving into a small house- the owner calls it 2 bedroom, but we call it 3. One of the bedrooms we count is considered a laundry room...but it's as big as a bedroom (and we don't have washer and dryer). It's very spacious, has a front and back deck, an entire yard, and TONS of storage. It is more expensive than this place (we'll be spending probably about 100 more each month) BUT- we've come to the realization that the price we pay right now, is the quality we will get...anywhere we go. So we are okay with paying a little more for a LOT better quality of life:) Down-side is it is about 5-10 minutes from school (as opposed to our 1 minute away right now). So I won't be able to walk everywhere like I usually do. That's okay though. It's winter anyway, so the walking would definitely be less. We move November 1st! Pretty exciting. I don't think our managers are too happy with us, BUT- it's their problem they never renewed our contract with us. We were done with our contract in July!

Just thought I'd let you all know. We will be very equipped for visitors now!!! Everyone come!

PS- the house is old, but not old like this crap hole we are living in right now. We feel right about it, and feel right about the Landlord.
PSS- Clay is excited that we wont have neighbors (wall-to-wall neighbors) because now we can finally BLAST our sound system with all those action flicks:)

Small update on the bathroom issue

1) Our entire apartment smells like a toilet. I'm not even exaggerating.
2) We used the toilet anyway because Clay said when the son was here, he flushed it, and surprise surprise, it flushed just fine! So Clay claimed it was fine for us to use the toilet, so we did.
3) Clay says last night when I'm walking in the bathroom, "I don't mean to scare you hun, but just be careful around here because if the ceiling of the bed place fell in, I'm sure that means this area isn't that stable. So if you feel unstable or see the floor cracking, get out of the bathroom". Yeah, do I really need to explain my reaction to THAT?!
4) Sorry for all male readers- but I have just started my period. Isn't that lovely? Right when something is wrong with our bathroom and we will have men coming in and out all day today, and I'm scared out of my mind to put even a square of toilet paper down my toilet--I have a heavy, crampy, oh so lovely period.

That's it. If you don't understand these strange points- just read the post below.

And you think your apartment/house is bad...let me tell you...

Remember my posts...long ago, when I talked of this amazing deal of an apartment that was way cool, way hip, and just so unique and awesome?! Hm...let me tell you a little story.

Tonight I thought, "hey, I'm going to clean the kitchen and make a nice dinner. Italian Skillet Chicken. Oranges. Perfect." I am just about done making dinner, and BANG! BANG! BANG! Clay goes to answer the door and...what the heck?! His socks are wet. He looks and our entire bathroom is flooded a couple inches and the toilet is overflowing. Who's at the door? The Bed Place (the store we live above) person comes barging into our apartment strait to our bathroom, turns off the water, and begins to tell us that the entire store is a lake. We are like...uhh what the heck happened? We were so confused. She calls Jim, the lanlord, and he is hours away from Rexburg, so he says, "I'll call my son"- WHAT?! MY SON? Well- okay. Of course a mid-twenties dancer (yes, he is a dancer) would know how to fix a flooded store and apartment and figure out what happened. Of course. Does this man not understand WHY THIS HAPPENED?! Maybe because he is always REFUSING to hire PROFESSIONAL help! He just has his son or himself fix everything- temporarily! Never quality, never timely, never ANYTHING. So the lady from the Bed Place tells us they have tiles on their cieling and they fell through, bursting with water. She thought a pipe burst or something. Well, Eric--the son tells us that this all happened because we clogged our toilet. OH REALLY! Well, we didn't exactly have any floaties on our floor, or toilet paper, and OH YEAH- we didn't even flush the toilet and have it clog. I think that is something we would notice, ya know? OH YEAH- how could us clogging our toilet, cause the roof of the bed place to FALL THROUGH?! So they tell us- "we turned off your toilet, but you can use the one in the ballroom" Hm. Okay. So in the middle of the night, or early in the morning, when I am not exactly decent- I'm supposed to go in the creepy, dark ballroom- in the creepy I am legend-like hallway to go to the bathroom? Where nasty teenagers go all the time? I think not. We wont have a toilet until tomorrow, when Jim gets back. No big deal. And then there's also the fact that we (and when I say we, I mean Clay--he is such a sweety) had to bleach clean our entire bathroom as well as hallway floor. And then there's the fact that we can't control our heat, WHATSOEVER. And then there's the fact that I can't seem to ever get the hang of my 50 year old oven, even with a thermostat inside, because at some heats, I have to do it 25 degrees below what I want, and some I have to do it 25 degrees above. And then there's the fact that every single light in our apartment has a short...so anytime the upstairs neighbors...well...WALK, we experience BRIGHT light, or an outage. And then there's the fact that we take cold showers all the time, and have a kitchen sink that gurgles the upstairs neighbors leftover water. And then there's the fact that I could go on and on and on FOREVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Is $375 a month really worth all of this? I thought so at one point, but now I'm wondering...I know we wont move though because we will be moving in april. That is just too much moving for my taste. I don't mean to be a whiner...but...well...maybe I do mean to be. I just thought you should know- when you have noisy neighbors and think, ugh, these apartments suck- or you have a minor but annoying quirk to your place- just remember Danielle and Clay, and the marvelous memories they are making in their apartment.

New Trailer

Okay- you can't deny the fact that this looks good!!!

From my blog to God's ears...seriously.

So I'm hoping that didn't sound disrespectful or anything (the title)- you will see what I mean by it.

So you know how in my last post I talked about how I would ask my sewing teacher how often they replace surgers? WELL- the very next class after I wrote that, today, I walk into class and what do I see? ALL NEW SURGERS AT EVERY DESK! What?!?!! The first thought was- "OH my gosh, I am too late! I can't believe I was late by A WEEKEND!" Well, my teacher comes in and I ask, "Sister Lammons, what does the school do with the old surgers?" She says, "They sell them at the surplus sale. I think they are selling for around $300" Holy smokes! So I get the name and info and stuff. The surgers are less than 4 years old, it's a Janome MyLock 644D for anyone who likes to know the specifics, and mother approves as well as my sewing teacher (who, by the way, is buying one for her sister...which of course she wouldn't do if it was a bad deal!). So basically- this is all meant to be. WHY?! Because just 4 days ago I sold my laptop for EXACTLY $300!!!!!!! No Joke. I am blessed. Clay tells me to not get my hopes too high, just incase something goes wrong. I tell him: TOO LATE! I am soooooooooooooooo excited! YES YES YES! I just had to share with all of you. BY the way- if any of you have been wanting a surger, and there is some way you could pick it up or I could bring it to you- I'd totally be willing to get one for you. One of the sewing teachers said she is pretty sure they are selling for $275. We'll see. Anyhow- TOTAL GOOD DEAL! Lizzie- I tried calling you to see if you were interested...just got voicemail. But anyway- just let me know! Here's a pic:


Love you all!

Quit Work...andddd other randomness

Well, I realized today it's been about 2 weeks since I've posted! That's probably a record for me! I'm sure you figured out that I quit work from the title! Well, it's true. It was Clay's idea actually. I really haven't been getting to work that much- we only get paid of there is work to do. It's not exactly hourly. We bill companies, so if we have no work from companies, I don't get paid. The thing is, we weren't getting any work! But I was still going to work, hanging around waiting to see if work would come, to just go home and have wasted a few hours doing nothing. Even with coming home early, I was majorly stressed because my life became: school, work, homework, bed. Over and over again. It was getting to be a little stressful. So, we decided the best thing would be for me to quit! I am so happy. Now I have time to really focus on school, AND have time to keep up the house and do some things for myself!

School: it's going great! I think. None of my teachers think that telling their students their grades is cool or something. I swear. I have no idea how I'm doing in most of my classes because my teachers have simply not let me know! Usually they have grades posted online, or hand back assignments or tests or whatever! But nothing! Oh well. I think I'm doing well. I am enjoying all my classes. I feel like I'm learning a LOT, which is good. I am loving my sewing class. All we've done is made a pillowcase and we are almost done with pajamas. But the thing I love is that it is distilling in me good habits that mom always taught me whenever we sewed something-but I was always too frustrated and never quite believed her that I had to iron everything, or had to pin everything before I sewed it. For some reason I believe it now, and I really really enjoy sewing! Sorry mom, I hope that doesn't hurt your feelings. I know your an amazing seamstress, and I've always known that- and my teacher is teaching me EVERYTHING the same exact way you taught me, but for some reason (probably because I was just a rushed teen, and you are my mom) I never really got it until now. But now I want a surger SO BAD! I am going to as my teacher how often they replace the surgers in the classroom (because they have really updated stuff I think) and see if they sell them when they replace them. Anyway, it's great fun.

So I've mentioned this before- but it's official. Both of our cameras DIED! At the exact same time! How do these things happen??!! They were both working absolutely fabulously, and then suddenly died when the batteries were fresh, or fully charged, and after we'd taken like 5 pictures. Seriously. So Clay, my tech mastermind husband that he is, found that Circuit City will buy electronics from you for the parts. So we wont be getting MUCH for them, but at least we wont be trashing them in the dumpster for NOTHING! I was so happy to hear that. BUT, my whole point here is to say- we have no camera! Which is very unfortunate because I need to show you guys so many things! My pillowcase I made, Bruce, and everything else in my life! Oh well. Someday we'll have one.

Weekend:

So Patty and Paul took some time off to go to this awesome cabin in Island Park, which I will discuss in a bit, for a few days. They didn't want to leave Makayla alone, so she came and spent the night with us! We showed her around campus (we showed her the little statutes where we officially became engaged and many other places), got pizza, and saw THE DARK KNIGHT! Yowsa. Was that a ride. So I was a little nervous to see it. Clay absolutely LOVED IT! Of course. Why would I ever think otherwise? I....well...lets just say, I'm not exactly looking to see it again. There's no doubt that the acting was absolutely SUPERB, and the action and actual movie was just plain well done. However, it was just kind of wierd. I'll put it this way- when i went to bed that night, and yesterday and today, I think about it alot, but I don't get scared. I'm not scared at all that the joker or two-face is going to come and kill me. I just keep thinking, what did all that mean? It was just a lot of random creepy/wierdness. I guess I'm still processing it. I would never recommend it to my sisters or my mom. Also, it wasn't so much disturbing images (don't get me wrong- there were some of those) but just disturbing dialogue. The theater was PACKED! It was friday night, and it was the first night it came to the cheap seats--so...you know, the college kids were all over that. In front of us were two girls that every time batman did something cool, they squeeled and clapped a couple times. It was kind of annoying. Then there was some guy pretty close to us, that was quite the opposite. Everytime the JOKER did something cruel and unusual, and killed a lot of innocent people, he yelled, "YEAH, THAT WAS AWESOME!" No joke. The entire crowd was silent everytime he did this. I wondered if he was some distant relative of the joker.

Anyway- the next day we went to the cabin that Patty and Paul were staying at with Patty's sister and husband. The cabin was crazy cool. The woman hand painted EVERYTHING! Walls, ceilings, toilets (yes, toilets), columns- it was awesome. There was so much detail- incredible. Words and pictures really can't describe it. While they played Wii, Makayla and I watched My best friends wedding in one of the bedrooms, and then we all watched Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. Oh, how I love that movie. I've decided I need to rent and see all of those old timey musicals/dancing movies. I don't know how many of you know this, but I kid you not- White Christmas is probably in the top 5 for my all time favorite movies. I LOVE that kind of singing and dancing. By the way- AMY- the whole time we were watching 7 brides for 7brothers I kept thinking of you- especially the scene where the brothers are singing in the snow and that one brother is swinging around the axe almost chopping off is foot. I was laughing so much....Well, anyway- then we came home...hung out a bit, went to bed...and had a relaxing day. I made peanut butter swirl brownies, to die for.

Well- if you've made it this far...I know it's not always easy or fun to read big long posts with no pictures. I don't expect you all to read. I love you all! I hope you had a good conference weekend. I didn't get a chance to hear the second session of saturday. I am going to watch it tomorrow. I am so excited. I don't know how many of you read my blog, and I know that I read many people's blogs that dont' know I read them (that may sound stockery- but I promise it isn't) so I wouldn't be surprised if some people read mine without my knowing it. That being said, I want everyone to know that I know the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the truest church on this earth. I know it is Christ's church and I know it's teachings are true. I know that Thomas S. Monson is a true and living prophet and that he receives revelation from and speaks with God. I know that the Book of Mormon is true, and I know that if you read it, and follow Moroni's instructions at the end of the book, you will know it's true. I also know that the Bible is a true book. I know that prayer works and that Heavenly Father listens to everyone. I know that Christ lives and I know that He atoned for all of our sins, big and small, and that if we repent, and lean upon Him, we will be forgiven and feel of His love for us. I am imperfect and have so many things to work on in this life, but I know that as long as I keep trying, I will be okay. I do not say these things lightly, I really do know these things from many, many experiences that have shown me these things. I am not saying this to be preachy, or sound arrogant, or any of those things. Simply, I feel it would be selfish not to share what I know with anyone that reads this blog in case it could help them come to the same knowledge. If by any slight chance anyone reads this and has questions about any of it- go to mormon.org. You will find many answers there. I love you all! That is why I shared this. If anything has made me happy in life, it has been because of the gospel.

Goodnight!

Doctor Visits

Well, just to update- Clay has been feeling a TON better, but--he has been extremely exhausted and unable to sleep well at night. His joints feel loads better, but still not quite perfect. Well, after what's been over a couple months, Clay finally went back to his doctor. His doctor did his thing (I was there for the whole thing) and said, as if it weren't a big deal at all, "Well it looks like the Lyme is all gone, but I'll check again in a month to make sure." !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So- it's official, Clay's Lyme disease is ALL GONE! So then he checks him for mono, which he suspected the last visit, and Clay has suspected since he is so exhausted all the time. Turns out, he has mono. So the doc gave him stuff to get rid of that, as well as something to help for sleeping. (By the way, if any of you want to know the specifics of what Clay is taking, just ask- he takes a TON of random stuff, so I figure there's no use in detailing it out) Then, he checked brain type stuff- and Clay appears to have some sort of neurological problem, which the doctor said is ADD:) Now, I must admit- neither Clay nor I were very surprised about this new found awareness. Clay sometimes gets really hyper- probably none of you have seen this side of him, but I do. Both of us just about bust out laughing when the doctor said that, just because we both thought of those times that he is basically bouncing off the walls. I don't mean he's like a crazy boy or anything, he just gets in these tiffy's of boredom- when we are living our normal everyday lives. Anyway, he also has trouble concentrating on school stuff(this is what he tells me), AND the doctor said that a lot of the time when people have sleeping problems, it is strongly connected with ADD. The thing I loved about it was, the doctor acted like it was no big deal- he's like..."so I'll give you this, to get rid of that"- like you can get rid of ADD with a snap of the fingers. Seriously, this man might sound crazy to some, but we trust him with our lives. He is a miracle worker. We even decided he is going on the list of Christmas Cards to send. Soooo we are pretty dang excited out of our minds! Clay WILL have to go to the doctor 3 times a week for 3 weeks though, to work on the sleeping and ADD thing. Which are basically the same thing according to the Doc. So that will be rough, but so worth it. We are so grateful, and so happy.

Now, my doctor visit. So I went to the health center (cheaper) to get rid of these HORRENDOUS allergies. First off, I get to be welcomed by a single gentleman, probably Clay's age who basically wants to hear my life story. He asked me how my day was twice, three times maybe. My answer never changed...always, "good". What the heck? Okay, then he has me stand on the weight scale thing- I ask if I take my coat off-" whatever you want"..umm okay. I was actually looking for an answer that would tell me what I'm supposed to do. I just stand there...it beeps, and he just stands there and looks at me. Hello? What the heck am I supposed to do next?! I don't know. I just step off. He tells me to follow him. Uh..okay. He has me sit in this chair. Asks me how my day was. Of course. Then asks me what I'm studying. Taking his sweet time while he's doing all this, by the way. I tell him- he says, "oh I'm actually in an accounting class right now" me-"180?" him, with a smile-"yes". Anyway, suddenly out of no where he says, "This is a good movie". I'm thinking- what is a good movie, this scenario? what is your problem? I dont' knwo what the heck he's talking about so I just don't say anything. He says it again, "This is a good movie..." I'm like, "uh..." He says- "the music that's playing, it's from the movie" I say, "oh- I can't really hear anything" I wonder why, you are sucking the life out of my arm right now!!! (he freaking took my pressure TWICE IN A ROW- MY HAND STARTED TINGLING!) I tried listening to the music and it was just instrumental randomness. He says, "It's from Charly, It's a good movie". I again, don't say anything. It's very apparant now that this idiot doesn't realize I'm married and is trying to make me like him. What GUY "recognizes" the soundtrack music to CHARLY!?!?! I'm just sure he has probably heard it every single day, finally knwos where it's from and uses it as a line to pick up girls. I'm not some snobby cocky girl, trust me- I know this guy was idiotically trying to get on my good side. I finally ask him if I can take off the stupid finger snap thing, and he says "oh woops, sorry...I guess it's getting late in the day huh". Whatever. He puts me in this small room with a buzzing noise and I am just all alone in this enclosed room tapping my foot impatiently. Finally this lady comes in and looks at me like I'm a moron when I tell her I've been suffering from the worst allergies of my life. I am very friendly, and I am even laughing a little at myself to make light of the situation. She just looks at me like I'm a wuss and leaves me to my lonesome once again. Finally she tells me I can get a shot- but tells me I might have to take OTC stuff too- WHAT THE FREAK IS THE SHOT FOR THEN?! Well, I got it anyway cause it was cheap and I've heard it works- but talk about drive me crazy. A DIFFERENT person comes in and says, lay down, it's in the buttocks. Joy.

Well, that was my experience today. Now I'm in the lab waiting for my friend to study with me. Good day!

Allergies...tortoise...

Well- guess what? We have a new member of our little family! Well, I suppose it is growing quite big if you think of what I'm talking about as family. HA- well anyway. We now have a tortoise! Yes, i know all of my sisters are thinking- danielle, you're crazy! So here's the deal. I get home one day to Clay dosing off on the couch. He says, "wake me up at 6:30"....I say, "Are you meeting with Ben then?" (His friend ben and him work together for school alot) He says..."No..." I say, "are you meeting with someone?" He says, "yeah..." I say, "Who?" Clay-"a couple" Me-"who?!" Clay-"just don't worry about it..." So now I know he's up to something. Finally I get him awake to say, "Well I looked on bulletin board..." bulletin board is a school thing where students just post things to sell...right away I know he's up to some sort of mischeif. Apparently, some couple was putting their russion tortoise up for adoption. a.k.a. : free. Now- for those of you who know NOTHING about animals, tortoises usually run for about $100 at a pet store. Clay has wanted one for SOO long. This was free! So, I said "ooookay...but where will we put it?!" Long story short, the tortoise is HUGE! Full grown..and we have a huge tupperware cage thing for it. We call her Bruce. We thougth it was a boy, and called him Bruce, and then realized she was a girl. (Mom- it reminds me of Gilmore Girls, you know- bruce, Sookie's midwife) Anyway, the first night we got her, I was totally freaked because she was SO different than rosemary, and then the next day I thought she was way cool. She just wanders around our apartment and minds her own business. She never gets lost either (we lost Rosemary a couple times already-she's so small and quick, and likes to hide). Bruce has already eaten lettuce out of Clay's hand even. Pretty fun. Clay is wayyyy happy, so it's worth it. We completely rearranged our apartment and are getting rid of one of our desks to accomodate it:) Here is a picture- our camera doesn't work (of course) so this one isn't Bruce- just some pic I found online. But he looks JUST like this guy.

Well, I have about the WORST allergies known to man. At least that I know of. I finally gave in and started taking allergy medicine (over the counter). Before i started taking the meds, I sneezed unstoppably. AND my nose is SO stuffy that it always feels like I need to sniff snot, blow my nose or whatever. And when I sniff, or blow, it sounds like an elephant. Literally. Clay told me yesterday that I sounded like that thing people use as musical instruments, which they used to be laundry scrubber things...where you rub something against them and they make a funny noise. That gives no good explanation. Okay- I just found this picture. I know it's silly but THAT is what I'm talking about. He said that I sound like THAT, when I sniff my nose up- when people rub sticks against it or something. Lovely.
So anyway, I blow my nose about 50 times a day, and that is no exaggeration my friends. It has gotten so bad that my nose is completely callased (however you spell that word) and I wake up with crusties outlining my nostrils. Attractive, I know. When I blow my nose, barely anything comes out and I am still stuffed. UGH! The meds aren't helping with ANYTHIGN but the sneezing. That's IT! I'm seriously considering the shot. Any opinions on that? Just keep in mind, my quality of life has seriously gone DOWN because of this horrendous hay harvesting season.

Well, last night we went on a date! I was so excited. We went to see Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 (Clay was the one that asked me to see it with him- he is so sweet. Trust me, he's not some sensitive chick-flick lovin guy. He asked cause he knew I wanted to see it:)) and then we got snocones from Snoasis:) YUM! Red raspberry and cream. Can't get much better than that. The movie was good, not as good as the first one, but still good. Both of us liked it...didn't think: LOVED IT! It was just, good. I'm wondering if I'd like it better watching it with a bunch or girls. Probably.

Well, that's our life. Love you all!!!