December joys

Well winter has FINALLY begun, we were beginning to actually believe it wasn't going to be a bitter cold winter here in Rexburg. Our windows have been frozen shut for the past week, last night Scott decided to fix this problem and used my hair dryer and worked on the windows for a good 15 minutes. He claims there was 2 inches of ice built up around them. 

Even though my nose freezes with every inhale I take when I am outside, I really haven't minded the Rexburg weather. Maybe it's because I have a husband to cuddle with. We have enjoyed taking walks outside in the snow. Luckily driving hasn't been so bad because we have 4WD, otherwise I would hold my breath at every stop and hill. We have seen people pushing their cars several occasions, I'm really glad that hasn't happened to us. 

A couple nights ago the temperature was -15 so Scott had the idea to boil water and then toss it off our balcony outside. When doing this the hot water immediately evaporates, almost looking like powder. After experimenting once I had the thought to record it so we could send it to our family. It took Scott about 4 tries to get it right haha. The things you find to do in Rexburg. 

Lately I have been noticing a routine Scott and I always seem to go through on a daily basis. Every day when Scott gets home we have dinner and relax and usually watch a movie or Dexter. From dinner, dishes, pillows being tossed on the ground, blankets being used, clothes being changed, etc our apartment becomes, well...kind of a disaster. Of course by the time we finish watching a movie we just want to go to bed. So then in the mornings I drop Scott off at school and return home to the regular clean up act. It seriously is the same thing every time. Scott comes home to a clean apartment and then we mess it up again. I don't mind it though, I enjoy cleaning and taking care of our home.

In less than a week Scott will be done with this semester. I am sooo excited to pack up and hit the road to Washington. I have a feeling this will be the best Christmas yet. Last Christmas I went to Hawaii with my cousin and her family so Scott and I have never spent Christmas together or New Years for that matter, so I am very anxious. 

Some joys we have enjoyed so far this December are

:: packages from home which included homemade popcorn balls and peppermint bark

:: walking on fresh snow

:: plugging our Christmas lights in

:: moving the snowflake on our advent calendar daily

:: brainstorming activities to do over the break

:: seeing the streets lit up with Christmas lights

:: discounts and giveaways at the BYU bookstore

:: Christmas music

:: Christmas shopping

:: Christmas candy

:: Christmas movies

Basically we love Christmas and all the festive traditions that come with it :)

Reminiscing November

The end of November and beginning of December was busy with Thanksgiving, traveling, and a wedding so I totally spaced my "Reminiscing November" so here it is a little late.

Making: Christmas decorations and prepping for the Christmas season

Cooking: stuffing, butter corn, and rolls (my part of the Thanksgiving feast)

Drinking: more hot chocolate

Reading: everyones posts on what they are thankful for

Wanting: Scott to get some Optometry interviews 

Baking: rolls on rolls on rolls

Looking: forward to Christmas and spending time with both my family and Scott's

Playing: Christmas music non-stop

Saving: left-overs from Thanksgiving

Wishing: I could find a nanny job not so far away

Enjoying: the changing leaves and the chilly air

Waiting:  for Scott to finish his semester

Using: lots of blankets, the bitter cold weather has begun

Liking: the winter wonderland outside

Wondering: what to get for Christmas

Loving: our time we got to spend in Utah this month, which was A LOT

Hoping: to order our first Christmas card this year

Marveling: at the photos my mom took of Scott and I

Needing: more delicious recipes that I can whip up for my hubby

Smelling: homemade pies, and lots of them

Wearing: gloves and scarves

Following: the directions on the rice bag, I have yet to REALLY make it well 

Noticing: how much I love holding Scott's hand

Knowing: that driving to Washington in December is going to suck

Thinking: about Christmas break already

Taking: vitamins, of course my mom brought us some when we were in Utah

Organizing: our closet, sometimes we just like to throw our things in rather than hang them up ;)

Buying: dinner for our anniversary (6 months!)

Spending: too much time watching Dexter

Learning: how to let things go

Admiring: Scott's dedication and determination in his school work

Celebrating: Scott's score on the OAT

Feeling: relieved that Scott is finished with his optometry application 

Expecting: many interviews for Scott

Watching: Christmas movies

Laughing: every time Scott and I try to wrestle, I don't stand a chance

Settling: on rearranging our bedroom

Brainstorming: things I could possibly sell on Etsy

Just a little Christmas photoshoot

Scott and I had a little fun having our photos taken by my mom during Thanksgiving break, or at least I did ;). It was a super sunny day so unfortunately we had sun glare on some of the pictures. I still love them though. Here are a few of my favorites:

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

In our apartment! During the Thanksgiving break I did a couple crafts with my mom and sisters. One was a simple garland that we threaded and the other was an advent calendar. I love love LOVE to craft.  It is the best. Here's a little view of our decorated home:

Hello December

Last night while Scott and I were watching Elf (classic) it started to snow. We were so excited and kept getting up to look out the window to see how much snow was on the ground. This morning we woke up to a winter wonderland. It probably snowed a good 6 inches. I talked Scott into bundling up and taking a walk in the snow with me before his classes. I love the way everything looks after a heavy snowfall, so perfect, white, and clean. 

Turkey day

This Thanksgiving was so much fun. Scott and I have a lot to be thankful for! In particular Scott's OAT being over and his application complete! Right in time for a relaxing Thanksgiving week. 

We spent our Thanksgiving in Utah with my two sister's families and my parents who flew down from Washington. It was a week full of delicious food, great company, lots of laughter, and love. my favorite part was being with family and having my husband to share the wonderful holiday with.
I must say having a spouse makes EVERYTHING better.

(Happy Thanksgiving from the Lindquist's)

(During the week I asked my mom to take some photographs of Scott and I for a potential Christmas card. I want to start this tradition early, that way Scott knows what to expect ;) I will post more of our little photo-shoot on another blog post)

(This little babe has gotten so big! I couldn't get enough of his chubby cheeks. So cute)

(Five pies! Funny thing is no one touched the pumpkin pie until a couple days after Thanksgiving. I guess we figured we needed to buy a pumpkin pie to keep up tradition)

(Scott and I doing the airplane. We were laughing our heads off, this is seriously a work out)

(Saturday morning before my mom left Kim, Harlow :), Bre, my mom, and I went and got our nails done. Girl time is the best. We did invite the boys to get a pedicure but of course they denied)

(Saturday night Brandon, Bre, Ryder, Scott and I went to Temple Square to see the lights. Scott had never seen the lights before and I was so happy to be with him for this first. They were a m a z i n g. Oh and of course Bre and I got away with a little shopping before we headed home)

(I couldn't leave this little incident out when talking about our week in Utah. Wednesday morning Scott woke up with a PUFFY eye. Poor guy. It turned out to be a stye. Fortunately it didn't last too long and my parents had some eye drops for him that helped a lot. I was just glad we were able to still take our photos :). This picture makes is normal eye look huge ha)

Getting into the Christmas spirit

Originally I wasn't going to decorate for Christmas this year, because I figured we were only going to be in Rexburg for about a week in December, but of course I caved. Who doesn't like Christmas decorations, even if it is short lived. My favorite thing is to turn off the lights with the Chrismas lights plugged in...perfection. Oh and dancing with my cute husband to Christmas music during his study breaks ;). What better way to get into the Christmas spirit? I have to admit, I have had my Pandora station on Christmas music ever since November 1st. I love this time of year and know I will love it even more with my husband :). 

OAT

It's the weekend of the OAT. It's finally here, I thought it would never come. There has been non-stop studying up until now. I'm so proud of Scott and the work load he has taken on this semester. This test will be very hard but I am confident that Scott will do just great. I have said it before and I'll say it again, I married one smart guy! He seriously is.
We are both ready for this weekend to be over. Both anxious for the results and what the future holds. It will be a huge weight off our shoulders once this test is over. Scott submitted his application last night which was really exciting...for me anyways, it just made Scott even more nervous I think ha. "What if I forgot something." Now after this test it's just the waiting game.
We are both so grateful for our supportive and loving family members who have been keeping Scott in their thoughts and prayers. We are so grateful for home teachers who were able to give Scott a blessing on Sunday. We are grateful for the priesthood. We are grateful for the power of fasting. All of these things have helped and blessed Scott. It's because of these things that I am able to feel more calm.

 (Yes, I actually took a picture of him submitting his application. Scott thought I was ridiculous for taking a picture, but I thought it was an important moment. What kind of wife would I be if I didn't document these things ;))

Winter bucket list

It may be a little early to be coming up with a winter bucket list but I don't care. I already see christmas lights going up, along with trees, and decorations which is making me even more anxious for the holidays. I have to say these seasons are much better and enjoyable with a spouse.  Saturday was the first somewhat heavy snowfall in Rexburg. As soon as Scott and I woke up we bundled up and took a walk outside. I love walking on freshly fallen snow that no one else has even walked on yet, I like it even more so when I have my handsome husband by my side.

Thirteen things we're thankful for in 2013

We are grateful for...

1. Our comfy apartment we live in

2. For car belts that no longer squeak 

3. Only one more semster left for Scott after five years of undergrad

4. For the attonement 

5. Nightly prayers 

6. Family that lives within driving distance 

7. For our surplus of gift cards from our wedding

8. Kissing, cuddling, and hands to hold

9. The application for optometry school is almost complete 

10. Our crock pot that never disappoints 

11. Good health

12. Walks to the park on unusually sunny days 

13. Each other's sense of humor 

{6 m o n t h s}

Time does fly when you're having fun! We can't believe we've already been married for 6 months. I've loved every minute of it. I'm so grateful for our temple marriage and the knowledge I have that we have an eternity together. Scott thought it was a little silly celebrating 6 months...boys (sigh). It's half a year!

The past 6 months have been filled with unforgettable memories and firsts:

:: No more long distance

:: Honeymoonin' in Cabo. This was my first time out of the country and was the best vacation ever

:: Traveled to California for two weeks and worked as newlywed carnies

:: Started our blog together

:: Spent the first 3 months of marriage in and out of motels

:: Scott attended his first Wilson family reunion

:: I attended my first Lindquist family reunion

:: Visited our favorite ice cream parlor several times while staying in Vancouver {Salt & Straw}

:: Scott decided he wanted to go into Optometry

:: Many Redbox runs

:: Bike rides

:: Movies in bed

:: Travels back and forth from Vancouver to Prosser

:: Purchased and refinished furniture for our future home

:: Scott learned what distressing painted furniture meant

:: Moved into our first apartment together, a place to call our own

:: First time attending a married student ward. We like it

:: First Halloween together

:: Sunday walks

:: Wrote a bucket list together

:: Took all of our wedding presents out of their boxes

:: Cooking and baking for Scott everyday

:: We've learned how to beat the system on Netflix...several different cards=several free month trials
:: Watched the entire series of Breaking Bad, White collar, and now onto Dexter

:: Fell in love over and over again

I love celebrating our marriage, even if it is just 6 months. I look forward to celebrating many more. "You make me feel a range of emotions, but mostly, all I feel is happy." Love you husband!

(As I woke up to Scott in the shower this morning I decided to hurry out of bed and write a little note with my lipstick on the mirror)

Blanket + park + sunny day = perfection

Saturday was a warm sunny day. Perfect for an outdoor activity. Scott suggested we go running (I wasn't feeling it) and so I came up with a better idea ;). We grabbed a blanket, walked to the park, and spread it out on the grass. Simple things like this make me so happy. Since it was a nice day, there were so many people playing football, basketball, and even frisbee. So naturally we just laid there together and people watched. I wanted to capture this simple moment and took several pictures of Scott and I. I seriously love how sweet Scott is about me always taking pictures of us. He makes it just as important to him as it is to me. The pictures actually turned out very cute, I'm in love with them all. I could watch the video above over and over again. It warms my heart so much. Lately I've been feeling like I need to enjoy moments like this a lot more. I remember being a teenager and thinking "oh, I can't wait to get my license." Then being in High School and thinking "I can't wait to go to college." In college, "I can't wait to find who I'm going to marry." While engaged, "I can't wait to get married." And now "I can't wait to have a baby." of course it's okay to be excited for those kinds of things but I should live in the moment and enjoy the stage I am in right now even more than what I am looking forward to, because I know that once I move onto the next chapter in my life I always miss those other moments that I should have been cherishing. So right now, I am going to cherish the moment I am in and the time that Scott and I have with just one another. It really is wonderful. 

Happy Halloween

Last Halloween Scott and I were in two different states. So that made this Halloween EXTRA special, our first Halloween together. I was so excited to dress up in our costumes I bought for us last year that we never got the chance to wear. I was really bummed that our ward Halloween party was on the Friday I was in Utah, which is the only time I thought we would get the opportunity to dress up. Luckily, we were able to dress up for the Halloween kids carnival that we helped out at for Scott's club he is apart of. I loved handing out candy to little kids and seeing all of their creative costumes. It makes me excited to plan and possibly coordinate costumes with our kids one day. I think the best one we saw were these two little boys dressed up as curious george and the man in the yellow hat. Writing this one down to remember. I never was able to hand out candy growing up because we lived in the country so we wouldn't get any trick-or-treaters. I remember always wishing we lived in town so that I could hand out candy to little kids. I don't know why, I guess it sounded like fun. 

Since we couldn't actually go trick-or-treating, which I would have loved to do (oh the joys of growing up) I wanted to make something special that we could snack on while we watched scary movies. I decided on homemade cinnamon rolls. I probably would have chosen something else had I known how difficult they actually were to make, or should I say how difficult they would be for me to make. I apparently didn't roll the dough out well enough, Some were tiny rolls while others were huge. I also had a hard time telling whether they were done or not, so they turned out a little gooey on the inside. Other than that, Scott seemed to be happy with them and that's all I care about. I kept debating on whether or not to do a spooky dinner with creepy but delicious looking food and settled on spaghetti, it looks like bloody insides or brains right? Oh well. Maybe when we have kids I will actually do a spooky dinner. We spent most of the night working on Scott's Calculus test. He is required to take Calculus for Optometry school and in order to just skip the entry level classes the professor said he can take his class if he scores an 85 or higher on the online test. We took about an hour on just 1 question! Luckily, he has 3 days to finish it. After we spent about 3 hours racking our brains we watched The Tall Man on Netflix. It was really good, we were both pretty blown away by this movie and all the twists and emotions it had us feeling. I'm pretty set on buying it someday.
It was a nice Halloween night spent at home with each others company. Besides little kids coming to our door and kicking it continuously wanting candy that we didn't have, it was a nice night. I wouldn't say Scott and I are homebodies but if we were to stay home every night just hanging out with each other, I would be happy. I love our time together and wouldn't trade it for anything. I don't know how we ever went almost a year in two separate states. I'm just glad that's over. Happy Halloween!

(Scott insisted on two pictures, he wanted to hold the REAL human brains...my silly husband)