An Ode to Rexburg

These photos were taken in April, on two separate but equally snowy mornings. (Notice how on one day my car is still caked with ice and snow even though it is parked under the carport.)

I'm so glad we're past THAT.

And on to warmer and sunnier events in a place that looks a little something like this.

(Real pictures not stolen off the Internet coming soon.)

But despite the cold weather, don't think I hate Rexburg. I am actually quite fond of this town. We got to do things like go shooting and wear cowboy boots while walking around the farmer's market.

 

And, since Justin was pretty much done with school in December, we were able to spend a lot of time together. We went to the Temple regularly, watched a lot of Red Box movies, read books and of course did a puzzle. We even got to cook together. (Let's be honest, if Justin didn't help, dinner might not have happened quite so often.)

Classic Spaghetti Dinner

All in all, it's been a great nine months.

Now where did we leave that Budget truck. . .

1 Year (and one week) ago. . .

. . . looked like this.

What a blissful day it was.

The perfect date.

April 25th.

Since I never really posted any pictures from that day in history, here are a few more.

For our big one year celebration we did several celebratory activities. Justin took me shopping in the morning (which is a big deal because he hates shopping), and while we were out we went to lunch at Cafe Rio. Afterwards we came home and decided to catch a chick flick at the cheap theater (I know we really spared no expense). Then Justin cooked a really nice dinner that we even dressed up for. We dined, we danced, we made merry. It was the best anniversary.

Here's to many more to come.

A Blessing

This was Justin two weeks ago at my parents house  

after his interview at Western University in Pomona 

(thanks for the picture Dad):

This was justin one week and five days later 

when he got the acceptance letter:

Actually that last one was a reenactment depicting what he was feeling on the inside. What really happened was this. I was sitting at my computer and Justin was gone running an erand for me. Then all of a sudden I hear the door open and extreemly determined footsteps thumping down the hall. Before he got to me he called my name in the most serious voice I have ever heard leave his toung. I was somewhat worried by his tone and hurried walk until he got to me and shoved the letter in my face. I scanned as fast as I could to see what school had sent it. 

Unless divinely guided in another direction, we are going to Pomona! 

He's on a special North West track, which means that we will spend 

the first two years in California, and the last two in Oregon.

He will also be doing an intensive summer anatomy course, (kind of to get ahead) 

so his first day of class will be June 14!

Any one know of a good place to rent?

Guess Who's Back!

(That's Justin if you can't tell)

And I am oh so glad.

Now all we can do is wait,

and interview some more,

and then probably wait some more.

Tonight, while we were waiting (while Justin was studying for a test), I decided to put some of these pictures in a photo album that we got while we on the scene. . .

. . . in Hawaii

. . . 11 months ago.

I know, I'm an over achiever.

Missing

I'm flying solo this whole entire week while Justin is away checking out some schools. I miss! It is so lonely. I'm trying to stay busy to make the time pass as fast as possible.

Where will we end up? No body knows. But at least I can find comfort in the fact that wherever we go we will still be flossing together at night and occasionally wearing matching pajamas.

On Love and Basketball

Justin put me on his co-ed basketball team. It's a ward team.

They kept forfeiting because they didn't have enough girls show up.

Do I play basketball? No. 

Have I ever played basketball? No. 

It's the least I can do though for the guy who cooks me dinner whenever I ask; 

The guy who makes a special trip to fill up my car that is out of gas when it is -12 degrees outside; 

The guy who warms up his slippers just to put them on my cold feet;

The guy who is patient enough to teach me how to snowboard and shoot a layup even though I am so embarrassingly awkward at both.

The least I can do is play basketball even though it puts me so outside of my comfort zone (the pool).

My very first game in my whole life was last Thursday at 10:15 P.M.

10:15! 

The hour alone should have been enough of an excuse not to play. I can't keep up with these single folk, especially at 10:15. 

But I played. 

I played with all of the love I could muster. 

So much in fact that I even scored a few points.

Basketball isn't so bad.

I love Justin.

A Cooking Fiasco Worth Blogging About

Occasionally we eat breakfast for dinner. Usually because I can't think of anything else to eat or just want to do something fast. Today was one of those days. Before a trip to the grocery store for some eggs (and 75 dollars worth of other items that we were in need of), we decided to have french toast. I hadn't had it in a long time and it sounded like a good solution to the looming dinner problem (yes, to me it is a problem) of the night. When we got home with our bags of food, Justin asked me if I would cook the french toast, so he could study. Fair enough. And besides, french toast is like the easiest thing to make.

I got to work.

The eggs were mixed, complete with sprinkle of cinnamon, the pan was hot with a light coating of Pam.

In went the first slice.

There turned out to be only enough room for one at a time, but I was in no rush. As it started to brown I realized it was still soggy. I turned the heat up a little and pulled it off after a moment longer on the stove.

In went the second slice.

Oops, didn't spray the pan. (We don't have non-stick pans.) Oh well, it will be fine.

To my dismay, the remains of the first attempt started to burn in the pan that now must have been much hotter, and so did my second slice. I began pealing the corners up with the spatula, which I realized a few seconds later was melting right off into my pan! It started to smell like burnt everything so I pulled the whole pan off the heat. As I swung around toward the sink the pan brushed up against the plastic bread bag which immediately clung and melted to the bottom of the pan. At that point I knew that I was not going to save this.

And so did Justin, because he got up off the couch and came to the rescue. He got another pan and finished the french toast while I proceeded to scrape melted spatula and wallow in self pity. I can't even make french toast! I used to make it all the time as a child. A child! Really. Am I now digressing in my cooking abilities? I didn't think I could get any worse. Apparently I can, and the french toast is proof.

Thank you to my husband who is patient when I manage to let things like this happen. . . And for blaming in all on Aunt Flow. His french toast was wonderful by the way. And he is now scraping the remains of the bread bag off our pan while I sit here, still puzzling (and laughing inside) over this whole thing.

A Tribute to the Month of Love

Sending some love. . .

We made these cookies a while back just for fun. My grandma gave us her sugar cookie recipe with some baking things for Christmas so we had to indulge.

They were good.

Justin made the heart one for me.

He loves me.

ABC's

So I normally avoid these little things, but this one was short. And besides, Lauren got me and I can't say no to family!

Age: 26

Bed size: Queen with a King sized down comforter :)

Chore I hate: Grocery shopping

Dog's name: Sadie (may she rest in peace)

Essential to start my day: Breakfast

Favorite color: Usually blue

Gold or silver: Both

Height: 5'6''-ish

I am: Loving Justin for making dinner tonight

Job: Temp (Substitute Teacher)

Kids: Hopefully in the not-too-distant future

Living arrangements: I live in a two bedroom apartment with Justin--AKA best roommate ever (no offense girls).

Mom's name: Lisa the machine

Nickname: Crys

Overnight hospital stay: There was that week in Argentina to get my dang appendix outa there

Pet peeve: Toilet paper that isn't on the right way or doesn't unroll easily

Quote from a movie: Who's the more foolish: The fool, or the fool who follows him?

Right or left handed: Right

Siblings: Shannon, Jamie, and Zack Bloom Fool

Time I wake up: 6:00 if I must. Later is better.

Unique thing about my car: Her name is Bessy.

Vegetable I hate: I'm pretty sure I don't like Brussels sprouts

Ways I run late: When I over estimate my getting ready abilities as well as my time

X-rays I've had: Foot--also in Argentina

Yummy food I make: When I make food, it's good (emphasis on when)

Zoo favorite: Riding the camels in Arizona

Tag. Shannon's it.

New Hair, New Purse

Both compliments of Shannon. She had a purse like this only teal. My heart wanted teal, but I went with the brown one for almost half the price. I followed my logic this time. Next decision, maybe not so logical.

Old News

Justin graduated.

Step one.

I am a very proud wife.

Step two: Get in to medical school

We made a couple of Christmas gifts this year.

It took some time, but was fun.

And we made one for us. . .

A Family Home Evening board with picture magnets.

We spent Christmas Eve with my parents

and my sister and brother-in-law in California.

We went out for pizza just before closing time at 9:00

A fun Christmas Eve memory.

Who goes to get pizza on Christmas eve!

We did.

December Festivities

We helped put together our ward Christmas party and took home this lovely poinsettia. We also decided to do a little experiment to feel more Christmas spirit. We are keeping track of our good deeds with using wrapping paper links to make a Christmas chain. Instead of taking away, we are trying to add to it. Those slips of paper in the glass are ready and waiting, beckoning us to serve.

Justin finally got to shoot the gun that his grandpa gave him. Saturday was the only chance we had to go try it out. So we went. It was snowing. I am such a good wife. PS we forgot to bring earplugs so we made due. That glove box tampon is always good for something.

We babysit our cute niece Ava on occasion. She likes to try on our shoes.

Justin's parents gave us a bunch of Christmas decorations including lights and these wonderful shatter proof ornaments. They didn't come with hooks, so we didn't know how to hang them at first. Then I thought, we can string them! Dental floss is another one of your very versatile toiletries.

Merry Christmas!

Lesson Learned

Never sub for an unfamiliar second grade class when you don't feel well, or have a canker sore on your tongue, or both. On a happier note, elementary students have their plusses:

They actually like you! (usually)

And oh the pictures!

I have also received as gifts, a half eaten fortune cookie, a broken frog eraser top, and several origami frogs of all different sizes (these kids were obsessed with frogs).

End of a Season

Swimming is done. For now.

Here are the approximate results from our championship meet.

200 IM: 2:39-ish, 6th place

500 Free: 6:34 or 35, 8th place (that's more like it)

200 Medley Relay (B), 2nd place (we got 3rd but our A relay was disqualified)

200 Free Relay (A), 1st place

400 Free Relay (A), 1st place

It was a really close meet, but out of the four teams that competed, we still ended up third. Not quite the victory we had hoped for, but it was still a fun season anyway.

Halloween etc. . .

Friday

Justin's parents came to visit.

They brought Abigail (Justin's sister's baby) while Rachel received the first of 2 parts of radiation to treat what might be left of her thyroid cancer.

Swim meet.

I arranged to swim a few events at the beginning of the meet so we could make it to the ward halloween party. . . being on the activities committee and all.

• 200 free: 2:22. (right after sprinting a 50 back in the medley relay)
• 50 free: 28.00 (still tired from the 200)

Ward Halloween party.

We dressed up as a crazy chemistry teacher and his apprentice.

Justin convinced me to compete with him in the relay race which included:

a 3 legged dash. . .

Justin eating a doughnut on a string in three bites with no hands. . .

and me bobbing lightning fast for an apple.

It took us 58 seconds.

We won.

Duh.

Saturday

Halloween.

We did some shopping during the day and then stayed in and played dress up with Abigail.

Sunday

Church as usual.

To learn more about we believe go here.

Dinner with Jeff and Lauren.

We trade off cooking dinner on Sundays with Jeff and Lauren (Jeff is Justin's brother). They live two buildings down from us. We love being so close to them.

Monday

Applications.

Justin finished up his applications for medical school and got them sent in. Now we wait to fill out secondary applications.

Tuesday

Justin's parents left.

They took Abigail to see her mom for a few more days until she got a bigger dose of radiation and can't be around her for another 10 days or so.

Other

School.

Justin has been doing well in his classes and continues to study hard and do well on his exams. I have been subbing in the district and worked a couple of days last week.

Swimming.

I continue to swim three days a week and am getting ready for the championship meet which is this Friday and Saturday! I will be swimming the 200 IM, the 500 free, and all three relays.

That's the latest. Hopefully I can get some pictures of our awesome costumes to post, so check back soon.