The Best 40 Dollars Ever Spent on KSL

After hearing about the wonders of the Jumperoo from several of our friends, Nathan and I were finally convinced to buy Eliza one. We had a gift certificate to Walmart, but saw the Jumperoo was $85.00 there. Yes. $85.00. On our budget, we simply couldn't justify that- even with a gift certificate.

A couple of nights later, I checked the classifieds on KSL....and voila! We found a brand new Jumperoo for less than half the price. Eliza has been a happy camper these days. So have Nathan and I.Eliza, who constantly needs some sort of stimulation, has finally met her match. In a few minutes, her needs for entertainment are satisfied and she is worn out. Mercifully.
However, there is one thing the Jumperoo DOESN'T have. Eliza examines the toys...And sees that they don't compare.......to her fists.Ahh! Sweet relief!Best part of all- it's free!

Crazy Utah Weather

A couple of day ago, I drove to Springville to visit Becca and Kyle. Little did I know that a wind storm of massive proportions was on its way. While there, we could hear the wind howling and remarked several times: "That is SO loud! It must be pretty bad out there."

On the way back to Provo, the wind was incredibly strong. I was concentrating on keeping the car on the road and in the correct lane when all of a sudden, the plastic bumper on the car in front of me blew off, causing him (and subsequently me) to swerve. Disaster #1 averted.

Seconds later, Disaster #2 presented itself. A billboard (yes, a regular size HUGE billboard) flew across the middle of the street, immediately followed by Sonic sign. It was crazy weather. Eliza and I made it safely home, but as I took her out of her carseat, the wind began to pick up again. She startled and starting panicking, gasping for air. Of course, this caused me to panic. We made it inside, where I waited for the roof of our garage to fly off. It rattled all night, but somehow stayed in place. However, our neighbor's makeshift garage wasn't so lucky.

On the news last night, it said wind gusts in Springville and Provo peaked at 74 mph. That's category 1 hurricane force winds! While reading about the weather phenomenon, I stumbled across this:I'm glad I didn't hit that sign...and that it didn't hit me.

All In A Day's Work

I survived. I worked a full day, came home and made dinner, cleaned and it's only 7:30!

How did my mother do it?

Jeopardy, Bible stories, and then bed. Just like mom used to do.

Feisty

An Award?

My sister-in-law and friend, Jenny, has extended the Lemonade Award to my blog. I'm not exactly sure what this means, but it made me feel loved. Thanks, Jenny! Now, I suppose it's my turn to list the blogs I enjoy reading. So, this will be all of the ones in my sidebar that are recently updated. Haha.

Oh Gosh
How Could You Not?!
Embarrassment
Tim & Cait
Miss Frazzled
The Moncurs
The Tanners
The Hendricks
Reasonably Swanky
The Harvills
The Reese Family
The Stells
In the details
Seagull
Brittany and Josh

I'm not sure what the rules are for this, so I mostly wanted to say: Thank you, kind blogging friends, for being so awesome. You have given me great support, advice, and encouragement. Futhermore, many of you have been a source of inspiration, showing me I can survive some of life's greatest challenges. I especially appreciate all of the many posts that have brought a smile to my face.

Blogging has been quite different than what I expected. It's pleasantly surprising to feel so interconnected with my fellow man (or woman). Mix and mingle. Become friends (if you already aren't). I'm sure you'd get along.

Gainfully Employed- Again

I got a job! THE JOB. The job I saw and thought: "I could work. I could support this family while Nathan finishes his degree."

After an 8 step hiring process, a personality and aptitude test, and four interviews- I got it! Nathan and I have been praying Heavenly Father would work things out for us and gratefully, He did. It feels so strange to have a career-oriented job, a 401K, insurance and all of these other adult things.

My job title is "Billing Maintenance Coordinator." Primarily, I will be responsible for the billing and accounting for SirsiDynix, a company that provides online library software to state governments, public libraries, universities, and international businesses and libraries. After speaking with the Chief Financial Officer, I was informed the company would even pay for me to get my Masters in Accountancy. How about that!?

Although I am excited, the job is somewhat bittersweet. Although it is a relief to have a stable, reliable income and the possibility of a rewarding future at this company, I feel sadness at the thought of being away from Eliza for eight hours a day. It's going to be hard. Thankfully, Nathan is around. He is going to be a full-time Mr. Mom. And to help him before classes (and for a sanity break), my dear friend Becca will watch Eliza a couple of hours a day when our schedules overlap. I love Becca. I trust her. So really, I'm not worried about Eliza. Mostly just me. Selfish, huh?

My mother worked full time when I was a little girl. I always missed her. I always wanted her. I remember standing on chairs in order to look out the window and watch for her car pulling into our driveway. Hopefully, that will never happen. The company told me if I ever wanted to go part-time, I could. Once Nathan finishes his undergrad at BYU, I am sure things will change. But in the meantime, I feel immensely blessed.

Somber Party

Nathan's band is featured this month in Provo's Acoustic Sessions. Each month, one band is filmed performing a song in various Provo locations. The video is amazing! Somber Party plays on the roof of a downtown building, performing their song "Eliza Eden." This song came together in about twenty minutes the week after Nathan and I were married. Truly, it was an amazing and beautiful experience to watch these friends of mine write such a lovely song. I think you'll like it. Enjoy!