Just the Two of Us

Not including our Honeymoon, Clint and I have never taken a vacation all by ourselves. We have always been with either friends or family. Don't get me wrong, I love our family and friends and love to go on vacation with them. But, this year I wanted to do something with just Clint; no one else. Clint has to take 5 days off in a row, so we decided to go to Bryce Canyon, Grand Canyon and Zions National Parks. Mostly because Clint has never been to any of them, or if he has he doesn't remember them, and also because I had to write a report on a national park for the class I took this summer (all done!). Just a disclaimer: Because it was just the two of us on this trip, most, if not all, of the pictures on this post will be of Clint and me. :)

First stop: Bryce Canyon National Park! This is my favorite National Park in Utah (I haven't been to any outside of Utah, so I can't say). It wasn't too hot, which was oh so nice! In fact, it didn't get over 85 degrees while we were there. I think that's almost perfect! If you ever want to go somewhere out of the country, but don’t want to spend a lot of money, go to Bryce Canyon. There were so many people from out of the country that at times I felt like I was in Europe or Asia! Everyone was speaking anything but English.

Clint and Me

(It was a little bit of a challenge at times to get a good picture of us with no one else to take it.)

The one thing I really wanted to do was to go down into Bryce Canyon and hike among the red, orange, and white rock. I LOVED it! I wished we could have done it all day, but my feet hurt after awhile. Wow it's been a long time since I've actually hike!

(A very nice man, who barely spoke English, took our picture after seeing us struggle to take it ourselves!)

Clint gathering firewood like a real man!

We didn't want to camp in the campgrounds and we happened to see a friend of ours who is a Park Ranger, so she told us of a nice road to go on to find a spot to camp. It was PERFECT!! I think this was my favorite part of the entire trip! Although there wasn't a bathroom, the view and secludedness made up for it. We would just sit on our camping chairs and look around listening to the crickets in the trees (not sure what they were, but we called them 'our bugs'. They sounded a lot like crickets, but faster). We stayed here two nights because it was so nice. We were kind of sad to leave (kind of because I wanted a real bathroom!)

The view from our camping spot.  Georgeous!

Next stop, the Grand Canyon! So, I've been to the Grand Canyon on the North side, and I wasn't all that impressed. This is how it went my first time there: 'Oh cool! That is really far down. WOW! Ok, let's go.'  I told Clint this, but he still wanted to see it. I don't think he really believed me. He sure did when we got there! He said: 'This is it? I mean it's cool and all, but I thought it would be better.'

We did a short little hike, sat in the shade and watched people marvel at the Grand Canyon, took some pictures, and then we left. It sure is amazing! (but Bryce Canyon is better).

Yep!  Sure is Grand!

We were going to camp in a campground near Grand Canyon, but as we drove around it, we still couldn't get over how secluded it was at our last spot and how close together everyone was at this campground (no privacy at all!), so we didn't. We drove back to Kanab and stayed in a small campground just outside of the Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park. There were people there, but they were on the other side of the campground and there were lots of trees, so it was nice. I think I only saw one person the whole time we were there. Plus, it was only $5!

And last, but not least, Zion National Park. It was so HOT!! But, I thought it was beautiful! One hike (it was really a walk) went right next to the river and ended at the river so you could get in and play. At first I didn't know this and I saw people with their swim suits on and I thought to myself: That is not good hiking attire! I was so confused, until we reached the end. The river was nice and refreshing! We took our socks and shoes off and waded in the freezing cold water. I sat down in it and I was dry by the time we got back to the shuttle bus; that is how hot it was! I would love to go back when it's not so hot and when I'm not so ready to take a shower!  Four days is a little too long for me to not take a shower.

(It took us awhile to get this picture!  Fourth time's the charm!)

The water was so cold and so nice!

I have to be honest; I was a little worried to go on a trip all by ourselves for this long. What if I didn’t like being with him for so long? Or what if we got sick of each other? But, I am happy to say, we didn’t. It was so nice to get away from TV, work, the internet, cell phones and especially the Xbox. I had Clint all to myself for 4 whole days, and it was so nice! Sometimes I wish we could do this every day. I guess if we did, it wouldn’t be called a vacation.

Gross!

We have bugs in our garden.  Our zucchini and squash plants have those zucchini bugs (I think that's what they are called) so I have been spraying the plant with a mixture of water and dish soap because we heard that it would kill the bugs when they ate the plant.  Plus it is easy and cheap.  I don't think it's been working.  They seem to multiply by 20 each time I go out there!  I try and kill the ones that I can see when I'm out there, but there are eggs all over the leaves.  It's really disgusting!

And then, while we were watering the other day, we found this big caterpillar/warm thing inching around our tomatoe plants.  Clint wanted me to kill it.  I think he was a little scared to kill it, but so was I!  That thing was HUGE! 

So, we finally gave in and bought some bug-killer stuff (don't remember what it's called) to get rid of them.  We put it on Friday, so we will see if it works.  Sure hope so!  At least they aren't in our house!  I don't think I could handle that.  Oh the things you learn when you plant a garden :)  Bytheway, we now know to plant marigolds near our tomato plants.  If you know of any other trick, let me know.

The tomato worm. 

I don't know why they are called worms when they are so big!  This one was as fat at my thumb.

Easy Banana Cream Pie

I love, love, LOVE Banana Cream Pie!  On Sunday I really wanted one, so I figured I could just make one without a recipe and with whatever I had on hand.  It actually turned out really good!  Here is what I did:

1 package Banana pudding

1/2 of 8oz cool whip

1 graham cracker pie crust

1 3/4 c Milk

2 bananas (more if you want!)

Cut bananas into pieces and place on bottom of pie crust.  I bought my pie crust at the store because it was more convenient, but you can easily make your own with graham crackers and butter or with vanilla wafers.  Wisk banana pudding and milk together for about 1 min, just to get it all mixed.  Mix in cool whip.  Pour mixture onto pie crust and chill for at least an hour. 

Clint LOVED this pie, and actually asked me to make another one for later that night!  I would have taken a picture, but I was enjoying it way too much and by the time I thought about taking a picture, it was all gone.  Oh, well...  Let me know if you have a better recipe; I am always up for a good piece of Banana Cream Pie!

Everything and Anything

This past month or so has been quite busy for Clint and me!  I guess I will start with the sad stuff and move onto the more happy stuff.  I have to warn you this post is a little long!  But, atleast there are pictures :)

My Mom's Mom, Barbara LaRue Zwhalen Lambert, passed away on June 5, 2010.  It was a little expected, but still very hard.  She was staying with my parents the past 6 weeks or so, so that is where she passed away.  She was born on January 18, 1922 so she lived a long and productive life.  She served in the Marines as the head cook and married my Grandpa who was in the Navy at the time.  Together they had 9 kids with 8 of them still living.  This made for some very fun and very large family get togethers!

I love my Grandma very much.  She taught me to always be kind to others, love everyone, stay faithful in the gospel and to work hard.  She would always ask how I was and what I was up to and she would listen even though at times I'm sure it was kind of boring! 

 

My Grandma was very beautiful, I think, even when she got older.  I think that this picture is from right before my Grandpa and her got married.

My Grandma and me. 

My Mom and Dad were in school and going to work right after I was born and so my Grandma took care of me often, even when she broke both of her ankles!  She was amazing!

My Grandma and Grandpa

It's a little hard having so many deaths in my family in such a short time.  I feel like everytime I turn around someone else is getting old and starting to die.  I don't like dealth; I never have.  I especially don't like funerals and I wish that I could never go to another funeral again.  It's not that they are horrible, it's just that I tend to remember each and every funeral I have ever been to and the feelings that I felt at each one.  I also tend to cry when I see or hear someone else crying and I don't like crying.  My eyes get red and puffy, my nose runs and I talk funny.
  One Sunday in Relief Society we were talking about the Plan of Salvation and one sister commented on how she loves how she can go to funerals and be happy because she knows that there is life after death.  I wanted to comment and almost disagree with her, but I didn't because I didn't think it would have been appropriate.  Yes I know that I will see my Grandma, Grandpas and Aunt again, but that doesn't make it any easier for me to have them pass away.  I am happy that they are healthy, but I'm sad because I don't get to see them for what feels like a long time.  Death is never easy, no matter how much you know or how strong your testimony of the gospel is.  I know this sounds a little selfish and very childish, but it's just how I feel. 

Anyway, now onto something much more happier!  Clint graduated and now has his MBA!  I am so proud of him!  It feels so nice to finally be done with school and have him home at night.  The only problem is that now that he's home at night, I have to actually cook something for dinner...

Clint with his Master's hood.  I was so jealous!  Someday I want to get my PhD.  I love school and Clint doesn't really care, so it's kind of funny that he is the one to get his Master's and I'm not.  But, someday, when we have more money, hopefully I will.

My sister, Jessica, graduated from High School! 

This makes me feel so OLD!  I remember when she was born and when we hated each other.  Now, she is one of my best friends.  I think my parents were smart to have us share a room when we were younger, although at the time I wanted to runaway!  We would stay up late talking and just being goofy.  I am so proud of who she has become and everything that she does.

My youngest brother and sister have graduated from Elementary school. 

They are so ready to move onto Jr. High!  This makes me feel even older.  I remember my Mom telling me she was pregnant and going to the doctor and learning that my Mom was going to have twins!  I am so glad they are my brother and sister!  Spencer is so funny he cracks me up every time I talk to him.  And Emily is so nice and good with animals.  If you ever want to know what kind of dog is what, Emily will know.  She loves animals; anything and everything about them!

Clint decided to play Soft Ball with the bank on a city league and has liked it so far.  The only down part to it is that they haven't won a game :(  Although, they have been close twice!  But, he has fun doing it.

We put in a garden!  This picture is of our raspberry plants.  Clint LOVES raspberries and so when a lady at his work offered us her raspberries plants (she can't take care of them anymore) Clint was so excited!  He talked about it for weeks!  We were a little nervous that they wouldn't make it because of the shock of them being transplanted, but out of the 50 plants we got (yes, 50...) about 47 of them are starting to come alive!  We don't think we will get raspberries this year, but next year we will have a TON. 

My sisters and brother came down over Memorial weekend and helped us put in our garden and to have some fun.  I haven't taken a picture of it yet, but it is a lot bigger than I expected!  We planted corn, tomatoes, onions, zuchinni, and squash.  We really hope something will grow and we get atleast one tomato!  This is our first time planting a garden, and we sure are learning a lot.  Don't worry, we didn't make my siblings work the entire weekend.  We also went shotgun shooting, had a Bar-B-Q, played games, and visited the cemetary (my family does that every year so we had to).  We loved having them here.  It was nice to have a full house for once.

I'm all grown up

Since I have been done Student Teaching I have been looking at teaching jobs and because I live in a kind of small town, there aren't too many Science Teaching positions open.  There were a couple at the Middle School here, but I didn't catch them in time, and, to be honest, I really don't like teaching Middle School aged kids!  I've tried and they are a little too immature for me!  Anyway, I had given up all hope when I happened to look last Wednesday and there was a position open and it was EXACTLY what I was looking for!  Part time, science, at a High School.  Perfect!  So, I ran around that day getting everything that I needed to apply for it and the next day I went and turned in my application. 

I didn't think I would get an interview until the next Wednesday or so, but they called up on Monday and set up an interview for that afternoon.  I was so nervous!  I spent the rest of the morning brushing up on my teaching skills and philosophy and looking up interview questions that they may ask.  There are some tough questions out there!  The interview went well.  Thankfully they didn't ask the tough questions that I was dreading.  I actually Student Taught with one of the interviewers, which made me even more nervous (not that I didn't like her, but that I knew her and she was helping interviewing me!).  I walked out feeling ok, but over analyzing everything that I had said (that is just what I do).  I called Clint and told him a play-by-play of how the interview went.  Clint told me to stop worrying and that I did great (he really is the best husband ever!).  So, I made up my mind that I didn't get the job and to stop worrying about it (for me, this is the only way to stop thinking about something). 

Well, this morning one of the interviewers called and asked some questions on specific classes I had taken and then told me that I only needed one more class and I would be qualified to teach Earth Systems (which was one of the classes they needed a teacher for) and asked if I would be willing to take that class this summer if it meant I would get the job.  I said yes, and she said thanks, we will let you know our decision.  That made me so nervous!  I was fine until that phone call!!  Anyway, I went to the library to look up that one class to see if it was offered this summer at the University and it is.  But, I didn't want to sign up for it if I wasn't going to get the job.

And then I got a phone call from the principal at the High School and she offered me the job on condition that I take that class, of course.  AHHHH!!!!  I said I accepted it and I would take that class this summer.  I was shaking so hard I could hardly hold the phone.  I know this is a very long story, but I need to ramble to someone, and Clint is at work and I have talked his ear off enough these past few days while he has been at work (hopefully he doesn't get in trouble!). 

So, I am officially a high school science teacher!  It feels good to have gone to school for so long and work so hard for something and have it finally pay off.  One of my dreams is finally coming true.  And, yes, I know it's weird to dream about being a science teacher, but that's just me.  I am a nerd and proud of it!

Circle of Life

My sister-in-law, McCall, had her baby. She is one of the cutest little babies I have ever seen, but I may be a little biased. She came a month early, but both Mother and baby are doing great.

Chloe
(How adorable is she?)

My Grandpa Walgren passed away on March 29, 2010. It was a long time coming, but still very hard. Each time I saw him I always told Clint: "This will probably be the last time I get to see him" and I've been saying that since before we got married three years ago. He had diabetes and the past 4 or so years the disease starting getting to him.

My Grandpa was a very special man to me. I always looked up to him and he was my favorite

person to talk to because he would always make me laugh. One thing that has stood out to me about my Grandpa was that he paid attention to details. My family and my Grandparents were all hiking and we would take frequent stops (mostly because of me...my face goes really red when I do practically anything and they were worried that I would get overheated). Each time we stopped, Grandpa would point out little things like a pretty little flower amidst weeds or a squirle or something like that. At first I was so amazed that he saw those things! But, then I started looking for them and I had so much fun showing him all the things that I saw. He taught me to slow down and enjoy the things around me because you may see something beautiful that you may have missed.

I love this picture of him. For some reason, it reminds me of President Hinckley. My Grandpa was very knowledgeable when it came to the gospel. I remember whenever he and my Grandma would come to visit we would all sit around the kitchen table and just talk. My Grandpa wasn't a very loud person, so when he spoke, you listened.

Me and Grandpa!

He was making a funny face, but my Mom took too long taking the picture...oh well.

I LOVE this picture of him!
This is exactly who my Grandpa was. Always pulling a funny face whenever he could.

Uncle David, Auntie Sheri, My Dad, Grandma, and Auntie Shelly all doing my Grandpa's favorite expression. Love it!
I love my family very much. I have gotten to know my extended family a little bit more these past 6 months and I can honestly say that I have the best family in the world! I wish we all lived closer so we could do things together more often.
My testimony of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints has increased tremendously. We believe that there is life after this one here on earth and that we will see those who have passed on once again. I know that someday I will see my Grandpa and my Auntie Wendy again. I still miss them, but I know that they are finally home and are healthy once again.