OUR FOREVER FAMILY

MAC & CHEESE

2011-08-13T16:14:00.001-07:00

Bug loves Mac and Cheese

HOME

2011-08-09T18:03:00.001-07:00

"HOME USED TO FEEL SO FAR AWAY,

SO DISTANT FROM MY HEART.

BUT NOW I FIND ITS CLOSE TO ME

FOR LOVE IS IN YOUR ARMS!"

WITH EVERY PASSING DAY OF OUR LIVES I GROW MORE AND MORE IN LOVE WITH THE MAN THAT I MARRIED. EVERYDAY HE SHOWS ME MORE LOVE, KINDNESS, PATIENCE

AND FORGIVENESS THEN I THOUGHT THAT I WOULD EVER KNOW. I HAVE FELT SO UNGRATEFUL LATELY BECAUSE I HAVE BEEN SO STRESSED OUT AND WORRIED ABOUT THE UPCOMING SCHOOL YEAR AND THE FACT NATE WILL BE PULLED IN SO MANY DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS WITH SCHOOL, CLINICAL'S, AND WORK. I HAVE BEEN STRESSED ABOUT SEEING HIM LESS, SPENDING LESS FAMILY TIME TOGETHER, AND JUST WORRIED ABOUT THE TOLL THAT THIS WILL TAKE ON OUR RELATIONSHIP. WITH ALL THE WORRYING I HAVE BEEN DOING I HAVE NOT REALLY STOPPED TO THINK ABOUT THE AMAZING OPPORTUNITIES THAT THIS WILL BRING INTO OUR LIVES. WE PRAYED FOR SO LONG ABOUT WHETHER THIS WAS THE RIGHT DIRECTION FOR OUR FAMILY AND THE RIGHT CAREER FOR NATE. AFTER MANY NIGHTS OF WORRY AND PRAYERS WE KNOW THAT THIS IS THE RIGHT DECISION, AND I AM SO GRATEFUL TO MY HEAVENLY FATHER THAT NATE HAS BEEN GIVEN THIS OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE THE CAREER THAT HE WANTS. I KNOW THAT IT WILL NOT BE EASY AND THAT THE NEXT YEAR WILL HOLD MANY TRIALS, BUT I ALSO KNOW THAT IF ANYONE CAN DO IT, ITS NATE. HE IS SUCH AN AMAZING HUSBAND AND FATHER, HE HAS SO MUCH FAITH THAT EVERYTHING WILL WORK OUT AND THAT WE WILL BE OK. IT IS BECAUSE OF HIS FAITH THAT I KNOW THIS TO BE TRUE. I LOVE YOU SO MUCH NATE, YOU TRULY MEAN THE WORLD TO ME, I KNOW THAT I CAN BE A PAIN AND THAT THINGS ARE NOT ALWAYS PERFECT, BUT YOU ARE THE BEST HUSBAND AND FATHER I COULD EVER ASK FOR. I HAVE ALL THE FAITH THAT YOU WILL DO GREAT THIS NEXT YEAR, YOU ARE GOING TO BE AN AMAZING PARAMEDIC AND I CAN NOT WAIT TO SEE THE OPPORTUNITIES THAT THIS WILL BRING INTO OUR LIVES. "TE QUIERO MUCHO"

HOGLE ZOO

2011-08-07T09:26:00.000-07:00

For those of you who don't know, my Brother Rod and his wife Melinda are soldiers in the US army and are currently in training. While they are in training their little boy Reid is in Utah staying with his Grandma and Grandpa Epps. Nate and I decided while we were up North for our anniversary that we wanted to take some time to see him, so we decided to go to the zoo. We picked Reid up in park city and Grandma Ann, Joshy, my friend Ashlee, her mom and nephew Bodie all met us there. Although the Zoo was not as exciting as I remember we had a blast hanging out with family and friends. It was fun to see Izzy with all of her cousins, she had a blast riding the train, and watching all of the animals. I think Reid's favorite part was the "animaltronic Dinosaurs", although he was too afraid to get close to them, especially the one that sprayed water on him. Joshy's favorite part was the choo choo train, he was so excited to ride it. I loved seeing his excitement at the sight of the train, his eyes instantly lit up, and of course his excitement every time he saw a new animal. Posted below are some pics of our fun day, hope you enjoy.

4 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

2011-08-06T16:23:00.000-07:00

(FOR TIME AND ALL ETERNITY)
FOUR YEARS AGO I MARRIED THE LOVE OF MY LIFE AND THE BEST FRIEND THAT I COULD ASK FOR. OVER THE LAST FOUR YEARS WE HAVE EXPERIENCED

*HAPPINESS

* FIGHTS

*TRIALS

*SICKNESS

*FINANCIAL BURDENS

*BACK SURGERY AND 2 FOOT SURGERIES

* TWO ASSOCIATES DEGREES

* ACCEPTANCE INTO THE PARAMEDIC PROGRAM

*TRIPS TO THE CABIN, CALIFORNIA, IDAHO, IOWA, DUCK CREEK, FISH LAKE AND ARIZONA

*STARTED OUR LITTLE FAMILY WITH THE BIRTH OF OUR BEAUTIFUL BABY

ISABEL SHERYL BUYS

WHETHER GOOD OR BAD, EVERYTHING THAT WE HAVE GONE THROUGH THE LAST FOUR YEARS HAS MADE US HAPPIER AND STRONGER! I CAN NOT WAIT TO SEE WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS FOR US! I AM SO GRATEFUL FOR NATE AND ISABEL, FOR THE CONTINUOUS JOY, LAUGHTER AND LOVE THAT THEY BRING INTO MY LIFE. I AM SO GRATEFUL THAT THIS LOVE AND HAPPINESS WILL BE ETERNAL (CELEBRATING OUR 4 YEAR ANNIVERSARY)
(OUR FOREVER FAMILY)

Future Paramedic

2011-07-18T18:20:00.000-07:00

Nates Acceptance Letter
For those of you who don't know, Nate has been accepted into the paramedic program!!!! I am so proud of him and we are both so excited for the future. Along with the excitement comes nervousness and anxiousness.. I am nervous because it is going to be one of the hardest years of our lives, not only will Nate be in school three days a week, but he will also have 1-3 clinicals a week and a 36 hour work week on top of that. I worry about not seeing him as often as I would like and not having our tender family moments that we so often take for granted. I am anxious because I don't know how we are going to financially afford everything, and I wish so badly that I could take the burden of Nate having to work full and go to school away. But such is life and along with every life change/challenge we have to rely on the lord and have faith that everything will work out. I am so grateful to have the gospel in my life and the faith to know that no matter what happens life will go on and everything will be okay. I am so grateful for Nate and I am so proud of him and I know that he is going to make an amazing Paramedic, I love you so much babe! You are the best husband and father that Bizzles and I could ask for. I know that things will be hard for us this coming year but I know that we will make it through. You are an amazing person and I know that you are going to do great!!! I love you Babe!!

Quack Quack Creek

2011-06-27T18:21:00.000-07:00

Alot has happened since our last post.

Izzy is now ten months old and she is gabbing, pulling herself up to everything and crawling all over the place. Her favorite things to do are swim, eat and play with her Dad and Grandpa. She also loves playing with all of her uncles, and for the past three weeks she has loved playing with her cousin Kolby who is visiting for most of the summer.

This past weekend we went up to Duck Creek for our annual vacation with Nates family and we had a blast!! Izzy had many firsts while we were there

Her first Four wheeler Rides:

Her first Camp Fire:

Her first Marshmellow:

Her first Smore:

And Suprisingly her first bath in the sink:

And First time seeing Uncle Kolby:

Busy Izzy

2010-12-19T18:37:00.000-08:00

Latest Adventures of Isabel

Her cute sad face

Bath time fun

Do I look like my dad?

Putting ornaments on the christmas tree

(yes she has one in her hand)

First Attempt at Rice Cereal

Thanksgiving

Smiling at the silly light

Fun with Grandpa

Grateful

2010-11-07T14:59:00.000-08:00

My Brother Posted something that had a profound effect on me and I would like to share some of it:

"You can count many aspects of war. The many billion dollars spent, thousands injured, thousands killed, buildings destroyed and reconstructed. It is possible to count the shattered bodies but can we quantify the effect of the shattered lives? Can we measure the loneliness of a man surrounded by a room full of people who he knows will never really understand where he has been, what he has done. It’s the hidden causalities of war that I think about. The broken marriages and families. The alcoholic who can’t seem to keep a job. The three year old boy whose parents are separated because his daddy just isn’t happy anymore. It’s the Soldiers who have lost their faith that worry me, faith in God, faith in humanity, faith in life. Or worse, the ones who have lost hope. The thousands of veterans who have taken their own lives when the darkness closed in and the light left their lives. How can we measure their pain? How can we measure our loss? We can never really know what war has cost humanity."

As I read this I couldnt help but think of all the things in my life I take for grantid; Freedom, money, the stable jobs Nate and I have, Education, Food, Running Water, Plumbing, Cars and etc. The list could go on and on. We live in a country where we are free to choice our own paths, our own destiny, be who we want to be, and we can do all of this because of the thousands of Men and Women who sacrifice their lives. The thousands of Men and Women who spend countless days, months and even years away from the family members they love. The men and women who sacrafice everything so that I can be free. So today as I sit and contemplate I am grateful. Grateful for these Men and Women, especially the men and women in my family, who have sacraficed for my freedom!! I am grateful that I can live in a country where I have the right to openly practice my religion and not be ridiculed, I am grateful for family and friends who have always been their for me, I am grateful for an amazing husband who loves me and puts up with me. And mainly I am grateful for her,

for her laughs and her smiles.

Baby Blessing

2010-09-29T16:44:00.001-07:00

This past Sunday we blessed our baby girl. It was such an amazing experience and Nate did a wonderful job with the blessing. I am so grateful for all of our family members who were able to come and support us and for the love we feel from them. Isabel is going to be surrounded by people who will love and cherish her all of her life. Sunday was also a special day because it was the anniversary of my Mothers death. I couldnt have thought of a better way to pay tribute to my Mom then by blessing my Baby girl on this day. I know that along with all of my family members who showed up to support us that my Mom was also there. Its a humbling experience seeing so many people come together to support our new family and show love for our beautitul baby girl. Thanks to everyone who came and for those who couldnt make it but have still shown us so much love and support!!!

Our Beautiful Baby Girl

2010-09-22T16:04:00.000-07:00

Isabel Sheryl Buys

2010-08-29T18:38:00.000-07:00

First Family Photo

Checking out our little Angel

Isabel Sheryl Buys

Birthday: 8/24/2010

Time: 8:36 Am

Weight: 6 lbs 12 oz

Height: 19 in

After months of falling in love with this little one in my belly she is finaly here!! Isabel has brought so much love and joy to our family. She is such a little angel and looks just like her Daddy. Delivery went amazingly well and both Izzy and I are doing great. We had to take her to the Dr on Friday to have her Billi checked and she is 89% in height and 11% in weight, so she is long and skinny. So far in her first week of life she has enjoyed the many visits from family, friends and of course her favorite things to do are eat, sleep and poop :) She is our little bundle of joy and we are both so grateful that Heavenly Father has blessed our family with her sweet spirit.

24 Weeks

2010-05-10T12:41:00.001-07:00

This is a picture of me at 24+ weeks and my co-worker and good friend Lisa at 34 weeks.

4 Months

2010-03-06T14:17:00.001-08:00

Baby Buys

2010-01-06T15:21:00.000-08:00

A lot has happened since our last post. Gia was born, Halloween, Joshy's Blessing, Thanksgiving, Christmas and a trip to San Diego to watch Nebraska play in the Holiday Bowl. But I think the most exciting thing is that Nate and I are expecting!! Yes baby Buys is officially on the way and Nate and I couldn't be more excited!!! We already feel so much love and support and I know that this new addition to our family is going to be so loved! We are so blessed to take on this new challenge in our lives and cant wait to meet our little one in a little over Seven Months!!

2nd Anniversary

2009-08-10T13:31:00.000-07:00

Well, we made it. We have officially been married for 2 years and I could not be happier!! The weekend before our anniversary we headed up to Park City to spend the night at the Cabin. We went shopping, and four wheeling, and had a nice dinner at Loco Lizard. It was fun just to get away and spend some time together.

After the cabin we headed down to my parents house and had a family dinner with my parents and Jenny and Jon, it was fun just to hang out and be around my family. Then Sunday night Nate and my Dad gave me a blessing. It was so nice and brought a lot of peace and calmed my anxiety significantly. I am so grateful to have a husband and a father who are worthy priesthood holders!! I am so blessed to be able to receive blessings when I am struggling.

Monday morning we woke up and started to get ready to go to the hospital. Our minds were both busy thinking about the upcoming surgery that we almost completely forgot that it was our anniversary. Luckily we remembered though and wished each other a happy 2nd!! Then we headed off to the hospital. Everything went well with the surgery, and we were able to spend our anniversary night together, me in the hospital bed and Nate in the lay down couch. Not the most romantic anniversary, but I was grateful that we could be together.

Recovery is going well, I am still pretty sore, but should be back to normal in no time.

Thank you everyone for your love and support. It means a lot to both of us that you kept me in your prayers. We are so grateful to have Family and Friends that care so much about us!!

I hope you enjoy the pics. Much love, Peace.

oh and I almost forgot the most exciting news, we got a new NEPHEW!! We would Like to welcome Joshua Douglas Cotti to the family, WE CANT WAIT TO MEET HIM!!

Dinner In Park City

Four Wheeling

Moose at the Cabin

Anniversary Date :)

4th of July weekend

2009-07-07T19:03:00.000-07:00

This past weekend Nate and I drove up to Salt Lake to spend time with family and friends. Friday night we went to fireworks with Amy and Phil and their family. It was good to see them and their new baby is so adorable, I am so happy for them!!! I also ran into some other old friends at the fireworks and it was so good to see everyone. Then Saturday we had a party for my brother Rod, he is going to Iraq soon so we all spent the day together and had dinner. It was fun to see all of my family (we missed you Geoff, Morgan and Mel). Then Sunday we woke up early and said by to Rod. Good Luck, we love you and you will be in our prayers.
All in all it was a great weekend. Its always nice to see my family since I dont get to see them very much. I hope you enjoy the pics. Much love, peace

Lots of Randomness

2009-06-12T18:39:00.000-07:00

It has been a long time since I have posted so here is what the Buys have been up to.

Nate and I are still just working and going to school. I am really excited though because Nate is getting a day job. It will be Mon-Fri so I will actually see him now. I CANT WAIT until he starts it. It will be so nice to be home together every night!!

Nate and I also headed up North at the end of April for some Motor Cross Races. Nate's friends from Idaho were going so we went with them and it was actually a lot of fun, FREEZING, but fun. The same weekend that we went up happened to be the weekend of Amy's baby shower so I was able to go to that. It was so good to see her and catch up with old friends.

Nate and I were also able to Hang out with Randi, James, and there kids while they lived down here. It was good to catch up with her and get to know James. We MISS you guys already!!!

Nate also has started playing in an Adult Baseball league, they play every Saturday and so far he is loving it. And I enjoy going and watching him play.

This last week Mindy was able to come down and visit. It was a lot of fun to see her and catch up. We spent the weekend at Zions and Vegas and just catching up. Thanks for coming down Mindy.

Well, I figure this is enough random catching up for now, so enjoy the pics. Much love, Peace

ZIONS

2009-02-28T18:38:00.000-08:00

Nate had his interview on Friday, It went really well and we are just waiting to hear back. Unfortunately the program will not start until Fall semester so we will not find out until May if he is accepted, but we are both very hopeful. The program is new at Dixie so there are not a lot of applicants, so were very optimistic!!!

Friday night Nate had off and I wanted to do something fun since we have been cooped up in the house lately with my foot. We got a great deal at Zions Park Inn and the weather has been really nice so after I got off work we drove up to Zions. Obliviously I couldn't do a lot of hiking with my boot, so we just went on some flat trails and enjoyed the Beautiful surroundings. We have both been to Zions numerous times, but it was our first time going together (which is kind of sad since we live in St. George) so it was a lot of fun. We bought an annual park pass, so when I get my boot off were planning on going hiking a lot.

On another note Nate turned 25 and for his birthday he really wanted to get a Tortoise. So we have a new addition to our house hold, his name is Tiny(or we think its a him). We got him on Wednesday and he is so adorable. He is a Leopard tortoise and his full grown size can get up to 24 inches but they normally stay around 18 and it will take years and years for him to get that big. Everyone keeps on asking us why a tortoise? And its because that's what Nate wanted, and he is not loud, or stinky, he wont shed, and they can be really personable, and plus he is just really cute. There are lots of pictures this time so I hope you enjoy. Much Love, Peace!!

Interview

2009-02-26T13:21:00.000-08:00

Nate interviews for the Respiratory Therapy program tomorrow, So please keep him in your thoughts and prayers. :)

Valentines Day!!!

2009-02-20T09:19:00.000-08:00

Nate had to work on Valentines day, so the Friday before we spent the day together. I just wanted to get out of the house and do something fun. So we went shooting Friday afternoon, I was still on crutches so we brought a chair so I could sit down and shoot. Probably not the best Idea to go shooting on crutches but I had a lot of fun!!! It was nice to finally get out of the house and do something together. Then that night we just went out to dinner. It was nice just to spend some time together.

On another note, my foot is healing really well. I have been walking on it for about a week now and I return to work on the 25th. I still have to wear the boot for probably 4-5 more weeks which means I cant drive for that amount of time either. So my husband gets to be my taxi cab driver!!! He has been so good to me, and I am so grateful I have some one like him in my life!! He never ceases to amaze me. I love him so much and am so grateful we get to spend eternity with each other. I hope you enjoy the pics. Much love, Peace.

Me and my Hubby!!!

Being bums around the house

I still love em

2009-01-19T16:53:00.000-08:00

So they lost 32 to 25, but it was so much fun!!! Its one of the funnest experiences Nate and I have had. We drove down to Glendale, AZ on Saturday and went to eat. Then on the block where our hotel was they were having a huge street fair. They had hot air balloons lining the streets and tons of booths and etc. Then Sunday we woke up and drove to the stadium and walked around. There were so many people. And surprisingly a lot of Philly fans. There were helicopters everywhere and a huge tv for fans to watch the game. The stadium there is so nice!!! Jordan Sparks sang the national anthem, and they displayed a huge American flag. The Eagles played horrible in the first half, but then in the 2nd half they scored 19 unanswered points to take the lead. I really thought they were going to win, but then Arizona scored and we couldnt move the ball down the field. It came down to the wire though and was so much fun. Thats been on my list of things I want to do in my lifetime is go to an Eagles game, so to be able to go see them play in the NFC championship was so AMAZING!!! I still want to see a game in Philly tho. (maybe one day) I hope you enjoy the pics. Much love, Peace

At Dinner

The Stadium

Introducing the Eagles

Introducing the Cards

National Anthem

Coin toss

GO EAGLES

ARIZONA HERE WE COME!!!

2009-01-11T15:41:00.000-08:00

GUESS WHO IS GOING TO THE NFC CHAMPIONSHIP IN ARIZONA?

THE EAGLES.......... AND THE BUYS!!!!!

SHOW DOWN AT THE BUYS

2009-01-04T17:03:00.000-08:00

Vikings v. Eagles

Nate v. Naomi
(sorry you had to watch your team lose babe)

Eagles win!!!! Watch out Giants!!!!

Me in my Westbrook Jersey and Nate
in his Allen Jersey

The Holidays

2008-12-31T18:39:00.000-08:00

Christmas this year was a lot of fun. We both had to work Christmas eve and the day after so we spent Christmas in St George with Nate' s family. Christmas eve Nate got off early and we went to his parents house and had dinner. Then we came home and did stockings and went to bed. Christmas morning we woke up and made hot cocoa and opened our presents to each other. Nate got me a bunch of eagles stuff and a way sweet WestBrook Jersey. I surprised Nate with the new Blackberry storm phone and he absolutely loved it, and then of course I bought him Nebraska Gear. After presents we went to his parents house and had a big breakfast and then opened presents with his family. It was a lot of fun, I am so blessed to have married into such a wonderful family. Then we just came home and bummed Christmas night. It was our second Christmas together as newly weds and I am surprised at how much more I can love Nate every day he is such an amazing husband and I am so lucky to have him in my life! He is so patient with me and does so much to help me out, I cant thank him enough for everything he does for me!!!

Then the Sunday after Christmas my parents came down, and its so good to see them. It was fun to be with Nate's family at Christmas but I miss my family a lot. I hardly ever get to see them so its always nice when they come down. So with them in town we have just hung out and gone out to eat a couple of times. And Nate has to work tonight so my parents and I are just gonna sit at home and be bums for the big new years eve night. I am so used to going to bed early and waking up at 4:00 for work that I don't think ill even make it to midnight (such a boring old married lady now) Any ways here are some pics from Christmas.

Much Love, Peace

Nate opening his presents

GO EAGLES

Yummy Corn

Dirt with his My size Barbie (too funny)

Johnny and Candice

Nate's Dad

OUR CHRISTMAS TOE SOCKS

Christmas Night

AND WERE IN!!!!!

2008-12-29T12:15:00.000-08:00

GO EAGLES!!!! WATCH OUT VIKINGS!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2008-12-24T13:32:00.001-08:00

AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR.

AND HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROD!!!

BEEN A WHILE...

2008-12-20T09:16:00.001-08:00

Its been a while since we posted so here are some updates on us.

School is finally over for the semester, we took our finals this last week and are both glad to have a break for a while. Nate has applied for the Respiratory Therapy Program and we are still waiting to hear back. Cross your fingers for us. The sooner he gets in the sooner he wont have to work nights any more. I miss him so much, I see him for about an hour every day and on the two days a week that he has off. But that's just not enough time. I love him so much and I cant wait until he is done with school!!

Last night Nate and I went on a date, it was so much fun. We went to Scaldonis (our brother in laws Italian restaurant) and then we went to the Forgotten Carols. It was a lot of fun. Micheal Mchlean does such a good job and it was nice to feel the spirit that strongly. Then of course we came home at ten and fell asleep (boring married couple I know) but it was still fun just to spend some time together.

So Halloween and Thanksgiving have both gone by since last time I posted so here are a bunch of pics from the last couple of months. Much love, Peace

Vacation time

2008-10-12T10:20:00.000-07:00

I had this past week off work before I start my new job, so my friend Mindy came down to St. George. We had so much fun. Our week consisted of spending the night in Mesquite, going to Las Vegas, playing cards, & our favorite part of the trip was driving to the Grand Canyon. Its a little over a two hour drive from where I live and I had never been before. So we took a day to drive up there and it was so amazing. I cant believe I have lived in St. George for so long and never been. It is so BEAUTIFUL!!! It was freezing cold while we were there, but we still had so much fun. It was really good to see Mindy and just hang out. I miss just hanging out with girlfriends. I have a lot of pics this time so I hope you enjoy. Much Love, Peace.

Family Fun

2008-09-29T20:35:00.000-07:00

This past weekend Nate and I went and visited my family. Friday night we had dinner with Laurel and Brian and got to see their kids. It was the first time Nate and I have seen our new niece Kinon, she is five months old and adorable. Then on Saturday we went up to my cabin and spent the day with all of my family(we missed ya Fatty and Morgan). My brother Joe was on leave from Afghanistan, so we had a party for my nephews birthday while he was in town. It was so good to see all of my family. I don't get to make it home very often so every time I do its really nice. Nate and I also made a trip to the cemetery while we were there, its been 18 years since my mother past away. And yet I still find so much peace and solidarity every time I visit her resting place. Its hard to describe the feelings I have as I think that I am finally coming to terms with loss of someone I never really got to know. I used to get so mad and angry, because I couldn't remember her, her laugh, her smile, her touch, or anything about her. I used to wonder how different my life would be if she had lived. Where my family would be? where I would be in life? But then I look at the wonderful life I have and its hard to be mad about something that happened so long ago. Its hard to wish that it never happened because I am so grateful for the life that I have. I am so grateful For my Parents, and for the mother who took us in as her own. So grateful for my dad and his strength!!! Grateful that life is eternal. And grateful that families can be together forever. So although I miss my mom and think of her everyday, I am finally letting go of the hurt and anger that I've held in for so long. Life is eternal, and how lucky am I that I get to spend eternity with Two moms!!! Anyways enough of my ranting. I hope you enjoy the pics from our weekend. Much Love, Peace

Baby Reidster playin in the dirt

Hyrum

Emma, Hyrum, and me

Grandma and baby Reid

baby Dan and Nate

Baby Blue Eyes

Nate and I four wheeling

and of course my kitty

BACK TO THE CORN FIELDS

2008-09-11T18:41:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday Nate's best friend from high school got married. So we flew in to Nebraska and drove 1 1/2 hrs to Des Moines Iowa. Nate has lived in both states and went to high school in a small town just outside of Des Moines.It was so much fun to go see where Nate lived and meet all of his friends from the mid-west. When we first arrived we got our rental car and drove to the Winter Quarters temple which is located in down town Omaha, the temple is so small but so beautiful, its one of only two temples with colorful stain glass windows. The temple was built on the same grounds that the pioneers who died there are buried. It was really neat to see it and go through the visitors center.From there we drove to Adel, Iowa, which is where Nate went to High School. . From Adel we drove to our hotel room in Des Moines, and I met his friend Willie (Chad) and his soon to be wife. It was so much fun to go back with Nate and meet all of his high school friends. We spent most of the time we were there at the wedding rehearsal and dinner and the actual wedding. So we didn't have much time to site see or do anything else. But we still had a blast.

On another subject, I got another job. I will be the Supervisor in the Kitchen of a new day care that is opening up in the hospital. I am excited because it is something new and different and I will be able to have a lot of interaction with the children. It is a much needed change for me and I am really excited. At the same time I am nervous, I have been in my job for 4 years now, and well that might not seem like very long, being only 23 it seems like its been my only job. So I will start my new job in mid October. Wish me luck!!!

I hope you all enjoy the pics from our trip!!! Much Love, Peace!

Winter Quarters

Our hotel room in Des Moines

Nate and the Groomsmen

Nate and I, the Capitol building in the back ground.

Nate dancing with the wedding party

Willie and Nate

Driving back to the airport

WE MADE IT!!!

2008-08-05T17:50:00.000-07:00

Nate has officially put up with me for 1 yr. We got married one year ago and it seems so crazy to me. Man time flies. I have always heard everyone say that your first year of marriage is the hardest, and I have to be honest if thats true Nate and I are going to have a relatively easy marriage. While we have had our little arguments and moments that we bickered the last year has been filled with fun memories, and lots of love!!! over the past year I have grown up a lot and realized life doesn't always work out the way that you want it. It has also made me realize how truly blessed I am in my life. If any one knew me before I met Nate, I had had my share of rough times and stupid choices. Then Nate come along and completely changed my life!!! He has become my best friend and is the best example to me!!! I love him so much and am so happy I get to spend eternity with him. Te Amo Babe!!!

Enough of the sappiness for our anniversary we had a couple of free nights at a hotel in Mesquite so we spent the weekend there together. It entailed just hanging out together, eating, movies, bowling, cards (both of which I kicked Nates trash at!!), shopping in vegas, and swimming at the pool. It was so much fun just to spend the weekend together. I hope you all enjoy the pictures. Much love, Peace

At our hotel room in Mesquite

Driving to Vegas

My Hubby

Macaroni Grill, Vegas

Dinner in Mesquite.

"No Fish Lake"

2008-07-14T18:54:00.001-07:00

This past weekend was a blast!!! Nate and I escaped the heat and drove to Fish lake with his Family. We stayed in these little cabins and just bummed around. We went on the boat and his family tried to fish, but not even the Gold Medal Fishing champs of the fam could catch anything so his family has now deemed it "No Fish Lake". Even though we went to the lake, the water was freezing so there was no swimming or the "norm" lake activities involved. So the time was spent just hanging out. We celebrated both his brother Brett's birthday and mine. It was fun to be able to celebrate all together. We also took a drive and had a picnic and all took turns shooting. I had never shot a gun before, and to be honest it has never seemed like anything I would want to do, But it was so much fun!!! I think I could get into hunting! I just have to work on my aim!!! All tho the whole weekend was fun the best part was just being able to chill with my hubby and get a break!!! since we both have full time school and full time work, its hard to spend a lot of time together. It was just so nice to be able to fall asleep with him. (he works late so falling asleep together is a rarity). I never feel more comfortable then when I fall asleep in my "nook" with his arms around me. (my nook- is the spot on his chest that my head just slips into perfectly and my worries melt away) I know it sounds sappy but nothing is better!!! I love you Nate!!! I hope you all enjoy the pics and as always much love PEACE!!

Nate and I with the lake in the back ground

On the boat

Shooting for the first time

My Hubby taken a shot

Nate and our Nephew Kolby and I

My Hubby!!!

Mini D's Birthday Party

2008-06-11T19:48:00.000-07:00

My nephew mini D turned one on June 10, and I had the chance to go up north to celebrate his birthday party and spend some time with my family. First off I think I should start by telling you why I call him mini D, he is named Reid after my dad and he looks exactly like his dad so I call him mini D short for mini Dadster. We celebrated his birthday on Saturday and it was really good to hang out with the Family. It was especially good to see Fatty aka Geoff and Morgan, they live in Washington DC and I haven't seen them since Nate and I got married. We missed Nate and Jon who both had to work, and Joe who is over seas. Everyone else made it though so it was a lot of fun spending the afternoon together. We had a BBQ and then we watched Mini D open presents and eat cake. It was really cute, because when they first put the cake in front of him he didn't know what to do with it but once he got a little taste he demolished it and starting using the candle as a make shift utensil. It was so adorable!!! I of course forgot my camera so I have to thank Ruth for the pictures. Hope you enjoy and as always Much love, Peace!!

Mini D enjoying hot dogs

Baby Reid Demolishing his cake

Nephew Baby Dan

Porter, he has such a cute smile

Dad, Jenny, Fatty and Morgan

Me Trying to pose with the kids.

Mini D and I sporting our glasses

Sporting a new look

2008-06-02T12:42:00.000-07:00

Well, I finally got my cast off today!!! I was excited, but also petrified to see if my leg looked like a harry mammoth. It feels so nice to let my foot breathe!! But unfortunately I have to wear a big ugly black boot for the next three weeks, and for right now I am still not allowed to walk on it, but if all goes to plan I will be back to work in a week. The Doc said that everything was looking good and he even took out my stitches today. So more good news is I can actually take a bath with out having to stick my foot out of the side of the tub. I know it doesn't seem like much, but its really hard to take a bath with only one leg. So I am super stoked.

Other than the leg Nate and I are doing really well. Nates into UFC and WEC and those kinds of things so the last couple of weekends we have been watching the fights on TV. We also started school again two weeks ago. So once I get back into the hang of work; life will back to its normal all work, school, and barely seeing my husband. Although the past month has been hard with me not being able to walk and Nate having to drive me everywhere, its been a bit relieving. Its so nice being able to see my husband. Since he works nights and I work days we hardly get to see each other. But with me being home everyday its been really nice being able to spend some good quality time together!!! He has done so much for me the past month I don't even know how to thank him!!! YOUR An AMAZING HUSBAND!!!!
Much Love. Peace

I SURVIVED

2008-05-13T20:49:00.000-07:00

Well, I survived my surgery. Things went really well. The Dr. ended up having to detach a small part of my Achilles tendon. So I will be off my feet for three weeks, and walking in a boot for another three weeks after that, and unfortunately since they had to detach part of my tendon I will have to go to some physical therapy as well. I am doing really well, the last couple of days were hard, the cast that they had put on right after my surgery was too tight so that caused a lot of discomfort. But since I got a new cast put on it yesterday I am doing really well, there is still some pain, but I am taking my pain meds less and less. My parents were able to come down and they have been a lot of help. Nate makes jokes that he has to become a full time CNA as soon as my mom leaves to take care of me. Although he wont have to be a CNA because I am getting pretty good at moving around, he will have to be my cab driver. Since I had my surgery on my right foot and will not be able to drive for a while. I am also off of work for the next couple of weeks, and with Nate working nights I am going to get really bored once my mom leaves.

Other than the surgery things are going well. Nate and I are enjoying being off of school, and are not too excited that summer semester starts in less than a week. Well I hope you enjoyed the blog and as always Much Love! Peace

GLASSES

2008-05-01T15:30:00.000-07:00

Well, it looks like I am taking after my husband and my nephew "mini D". I had to get contacts and a pair of glasses today. Which is sad for me because I have always had 20/20 vision. I am near sighted and have astigmatism in my left eye. And for anyone who wears contacts, it was very weird to put them in the first time. I got contacts because I personally think that I look like a dork in glasses.

Also Happy Birthday to my Brother Joe!!! He is in the military and soon going to Afghanistan . We will love and miss you Joe!! And we are all so proud of you!!!

Peace

Finally time to Relax

2008-04-29T18:00:00.000-07:00

Nate and I are doing great. Today we took are last finals for school so now its time to sit back and relax. Well for at least a week or so anyways. We are both planning on going to summer school so we only have a three week break. And unfortunately during that break I get to have foot surgery and will be off my foot for two-three weeks maybe more depending on how things go(they might have to cut my Achilles tendon) and then ill be off my foot for 4-6 weeks. So I am praying they wont have to cut my tendon. With my foot surgery Nate will get the fun job of driving me too and from school, since its on my right foot. Good thing I was blessed with such an amazing husband. Well we give are love to all our friends and family. Peace

2008-04-20T19:50:00.001-07:00

OUR WEDDING DAY!!