I think I have an addiction

A long time ago I posted a picture of the pepper mills I had collected (May 1, 2009). I had 12 mills at the time. I am happy to report I now have 55. Crazy huh?!? I love them. The majority of them come from second hand stores that my sister-in-law, Sarah or my parents find for me. The latest and greatest is to the left of the tall black one. Krista and Yolanda sent it to me for my birthday. It is always fun to see the stares and reactions from new comers into our house. I always wonder if they are intrigued by all the pepper mills, because why would anybody collect pepper mills, or are they amazed at how red-neck I am for displaying them on our entertainment center because I have no other place suitable for them. The amazing thing to me is that of the almost 8 years I have been collecting them, I only have one duplicate and you wouldn't know it was a duplicate because they are different colors. What can I say, I have an addiction. What's worse is that I have only one that I use. If someone really special, say President Monson, were to come visit me, I would let the guest of honor choose the pepper mill they would like to use. So pretty much that is never going to happen, so they will continue to sit pretty on display.

One year dustier

I just celebrated my 31st birthday on April 9th. It's hard to believe that I am 31, especially after my very rough beginning and meager chance at life. I am so grateful for wonderful parents that loved and supported me through such difficult times. I am especially grateful for the healing power of the Priesthood. I know it was through faith, prayers, and Priesthood that I have been able to be on this earth for 31 wonderful years.

This is the birthday "cod" Bill made for me. He made it on his own with construction paper and scraps of scrapbook paper. I absolutely love it. He is so creative and a little bit of a dork, but I love him so much.

Birthday presents wrapped in Christmas paper. Presents are presents around these parts--no need to differentiate. I got a really AWESOME pepper mill from Krista and Yolanda. Bill gave me the movie The Holiday (a fav), and a new laptop. The laptop was a big suprise. I absolutely love it. It is nice to be able to do homework on the couch, in bed, or anywhere I want. I also love being able to Skype with Sharee. I made my own birthday cake. Some might say this is against all birthday rules, but I love baking so I was okay with it. If you couldn't tell, it was a carrot cake, and it was delicious. I love birthdays. After all it is a day all about me.

I'm so tired of studying

Bill took this picture without me knowing it. As a matter of fact, he never said anything to me about it. I just happened to find it when I was looking through the pictures on my camera. I was trying to study for a test, but I made the mistake of laying down on the floor, with a pillow and blanket. I think I laid down on the floor at about 10:30 pm and woke up at about 1 am. I know better than to do this, but sometimes, enough is enough.

We finally found a GeoCache

We have tried a couple of times to find Geo Cache's but without any success. We were a little discouraged with the experiences, but for date night a few weeks ago, Bill suggested that we try it again. I admit, I was a bit skeptical about this date, because of our prior experiences and the fact that it was soooo cold. BUT, we had so much fun. It rained, it snowed, and we searched and searched and searched and searched, and FINALLY found it. I am no longer a skeptic.

Valentines Day 2011

For Valentine's Day, I made Bill a Candy Bar Card. I am not a creative writer by any means, but I took advantage of the Candy to really be a dork. My only intention in making this card was to let Bill know how much I loved him. I am so grateful to have him as my husband. This is what the card says: Once upon a time there was a fair maiden named Shaneen who lived down a "Rocky Road" from a "Big Hunk" named Bill. At first Shaneen thought Bill was a "Nerd" who said wierd words like "Watchamacallit" and whoserwhatsit, but as time went by she discovered that Bill was a "SweetTart." She also learned that he had funny looking "Mentos" but she didn't care. Much of the time Bill and Shaneen spent together was filled with "Mounds" of fun and lots of "Snickers." It didn't take long for Shaneen to realize that she loved Bill to "Pieces" and that she would "Skor" big if she could be with him forever. One night in a far away field Bill told Shaneen, "Almond Joy" would be full if you would marry me." Then he kissed her and it was magical. There were "Starburst," as if they were in the "Milky Way." They soon married and settled down. Now they talk and dream of a "Pay Day" when they might have some "Extra" money, even a "100 Grand" so they can travel to far away places like New "York" or even hear a "Symphony." Even if they are never able to travel, Shaneen is happy to know that Bill will always make her happy. His mouth will also always make her mouth happy too-- just like "Twizzlers!" THE END!

Deep In The Heart of Texas- January 2011

At the end of January, I was able to fly to Dallas to my far away sisters house for my nephew Deakyn's blessing. I wasn't able to stay long, but the couple of days I was there was a lot of fun. I have missed Sharee and her family so much since they've moved to Dallas. I'll be honest it was so very hard to leave them again. But while I was there I loved spending time with the kids and my sisters. Jen, Sharee, Yolanda, Me, and Krista. I love spending time with my sisters.

From the second I got there, Khyla was attached to me. We read Fancy Nancy stories, colored, and even ended up sleeping together. Let me tell you, a 4 year old, a 30 year old, and a twin size bed make for a long night, but I wouldn't have had it any other way. Actually, maybe I would have taken a bigger bed. All of Mike and Sharee's kids. From left to right- Ella, Zion, Khyla, Emma, and Deakyn. I hate that they are growing up so fast so far away.

Mom, Mike, Sharee, Deakyn, and Dad

Finally Updated

Apparently I have forgotten how to post blogs. It has been so long since I have done a post, I don't know how to make it look good. Please forgive me for the extreme disarray of the posts, but atleast there is something to look at. Enjoy it, it may be the last one for a while since school starts in a week.