Gary and Carly

Austin! Part 2

2012-01-24T15:30:00.000-07:00

So we made it to the hospital without running out of gas.

Getting out of the car and walking into labor and delivery was surreal.

With every step another gush of water would come on and I was just praying that it wouldn't leak on to the floor.

We checked in and I explained how I think my water broke so the ob secretary took me to room 104.

#7 The ob secretary set me up for the the nurse and I was getting really nervous because it seemed like she had no clue what she was doing. When she walked out Gary turned to me and asked if they had ever delivered babies here...we later found out she was brand new.

While we were waiting for the nurse I changed into the lovely gown and set myself on the bed. The nurse came in and immediately set up all the monitors on my belly. She then explained the test she would do to see if my water really did break. At this point I was praying so hard that the test would come out positive because the opposite would mean that I would need to set up a urologist appt, ha. Well right before she checked me another gush came...embarrassing. But the test was positive and I was a 2 and 90% effaced! (I was a 1 and 70% effaced for 4 weeks and that was 3 membrane strips so this was a good sign)

Well at this time it was 7:30am and my nurse said she'd call my doctor and let him know I am here and she'd back to start my IV.

She came back about 15 minutes later and my doctor wanted me to start on pitocin since my contractions weren't strong or consistent. The IV went in great and I was relieved because everyone who had a baby and an epidural explained the IV hurt more.

My nurse gave us her advice to not get the epidural until I started feeling strong contractions. (my nurse was awesome, she even let me eat! and brought cookies!)

However, I explained that I knew it could take forever for the anesthesiologist to show up but she promised me that she could get him in my room 15minutes after I requested it so I agreed to wait.

In the meantime Gary and I were more with it and started making a list of everything thing we forgot so he could go back and get it and get gas. Gary left around 8:45am and I was hoping he'd be back before anything happened.

I watched TV...

The contractions were getting stronger. By 9:45am the contractions hurt bad and were consistent.

#8 My husband was no where to be found! and I wanted to request my epidural but I wanted Gary there.

Finally by 10am(it seemed like a life time) my nurse came in and I requested for my epidural. I just came to the fact Gary would just have to miss it so I called to tell him. However he was walking right in!

# 9 It took Gary and extra long time because he ended up losing his keys in the car so he searched He found them near the car seat when he came back out. He also forgot to eat breakfast so he went to McDonald's.

Now we were just waiting for the anesthesiologist to show up and make my pain go away!

Peanut became Austin! Part 1

2012-01-19T10:52:00.000-07:00

(super long post- it is for Austin's journal)

My due date was Monday. I was 4 days over due and emotional. I had many people giving me tips on how to make this baby come and I would try them and nothing would happen. It was starting to get really discouraging and I was trying my best to come to terms with being pregnant forever.

However, at my last doctor's appt(Wed 11th) we set up an induction date for Monday the 16th, so at least there was an end in sight. It would involve me going in Sunday night to get started on some drugs and have a 50% chance of having a c-section. (there are pro's and con's to having a Dad as an obgyn...pos+I always have someone to call. neg -I don't get sugar coated answers and I knew being induced wasn't good for first time Moms, but you got to do what you go to do) Another bad thing about the situation was that my doctor was going to be in surgery that day and it might not be there for the delivery, and that caused some stress.

Thursday the 12th I was hoping some miracle would happen and because I thought that 1. great birthday 1-12-12!!! 2. My doctor was already on call! 3. Gary had to work that night until late and he really wanted to get out of it. 4. I was done being pregnant!!! So that morning Gary and I took a walk and it didn't cause anything to happen(tears). We started talking about our plans for the weekend too and possibly taking a trip to Brigham City, or going to the BYU game, and going out on one last date before we became parents but we never made definitive plans. Gary left for work that afternoon with me in tears. So I sewed, played minesweeper, watched TV, slept, eat snacks, went to Happy Hour, filled a prescription, and cried. Gary came home from work around 9pm and we settle into watching some basketball and falling asleep on the couch. As I was falling asleep I started getting lots of braxton hicks but it didn't even strike me or get my hopes up that something was going to happen.

I woke up around 3:30am to go to the bathroom. At that time I noticed I was still getting braxton hicks that were slightly different then the normal ones I had been having since like week 28. But I fell asleep with no problems and again never got my hopes up.

Still asleep I unconsciously stuffed a blanket in between my legs when I touched a wet feeling. While waking up I was still like unsure what was going on until I noticed this wasn't normal. The first words out of my mouth was "OH CRAP" (I thought I wet the bed) and then "OH NO" and Gary immediately is like "what's wrong?" I responded with "well I either wet the bed or my water broke". Gary at this time is getting giddy but grossed out that I had leaked an unknown liquid on the bed. I got up and went to the bathroom to see if I would keep gushing. I did, and I immediately started getting excited and nervous... Gary had gotten over being grossed out and was becoming giddy. It was 6am and I knew I should call my Dad and double check on what to do. He was pretty sure my water broke and told me to head to the hospital but I wasn't contracting so that was worrisome.

Several people had joked to us about how Peanut would come on Friday the 13th and it was happening!! I am not a superstitious person but it was fun to laugh about it the whole day as minor things would go wrong.

Friday 13th #1. we didn't have hospital bags ready(remember, I was convinced I was going to be pregnant forever!)

#2 I couldn't think- nor could Gary (we were giddy)

#3 My doctor had just gotten done being on call :(

Gary and I both took a fast shower. We gathered what we could remember really fast and just came to terms that Gary would have to come back while I was in labor if necessary. We left at 6:30am and I was swimming in fluid so I was become more convinced that this was the real thing. However Friday the 13th still continued.

#4 After driving 10min we realized we forgot our brand new Nikon camera(that we got for Christmas just for Peanut) But I didn't want to turn around because I was also getting anxiety about Peanut because I hadn't felt him move since I woke up and so we both decided Gary would have to come back.

#5 our gas light went on....

#6 I was hungry, remember I only snacked on things the day before and we didn't think of eating breakfast before we left

So we were on our way! Praying to make it without running out of gas, laughing about this morning, talking about what Gary would grab when he'd come back, and some minor contractions started coming. Peanut was on his way!

Happy Hour

2012-01-09T17:05:00.000-07:00

5th time since January 3rd

It truly is my happy hour

especially today since Peanut is supposed to be out

but he's not.

Sonic Kid: Large Strawberry Limeade... that is a $1.07

Me: here is 7 cents and a dollar

Sonic Kid: when are you due?

Me: uh.....(caught off guard) TODAY!

Sonic Kid: oh really?! what are you doing here getting a drink then?

Me: well he hasn't come yet and I need something drink with my sorrow

Sonic Kid: ohhhhhh, okay well goodluck!

Me: thanks!

So basically that is my January 9th in a nutshell with out my little peanut, only in due time....

Peanut is coming into View

2011-09-22T19:18:00.001-06:00

22 week Belly shot

24 week Belly Shot

Alright so I finally have a belly and it is finally larger than Gary's. I am currently in the best few weeks of pregnancy and everyone that I talk to tell me how much they loved this stage of pregnancy. Well, I am loving it! I have an appetite, cravings, energy, and I feel peanut move all the time. Gary too has felt peanut moved and he now likes to invade my belly and push it because it makes peanut respond. However, I have tried to convince Gary that is still my belly with peanut inside but it doesn't seem to change things. One thing I don't enjoy about being pregnant, I am officially dumber and more blond. I thought every time someone blamed something on being pregnant it was just an excuse, well I don't think that anymore. I searched all my steps today in the mall because I thought I lost my keys and I had checked everywhere, well no worries after going to every store I found them in my front jeans pocket. It was pregnancy moment! So peanut doesn't have much right now for his homecoming except some adorable clothes but that's because we have been spending so much on plane tickets!

So I will update you on Gary. Basically he has left me to be alone all of September as he flies all over the country to medical schools interviews. It has been such an exciting time and so far Gary states that every interview has gone great. We are still hoping for a few more requests but as of right now we are extremely grateful for the interviews we have gotten. As for Gary's job at Lone Peak Highschool, he is loving it! It sures keeps him very busy and leaves me lonely(but I've had fun sewing). He especially loves the fact that it doesn't take him 40minutes to commute everyday to work and back because we moved!

We now live in Lehi and love our new place. It has 3 bedrooms, washer and dryer, and just is new! No more 1970's green oven! However, we really miss Provo and all our close friends and ward. We know our love for Lehi and ward will come but it will take time.

Furthermore, basically my life is the same as last semester... I work and go to school. But no more school or work after Peanut arrives! He will be my cuddle buddy 24/7 and I have tried to convince my self not to start a paper ring countdown. I am just trying my best to love this stage!

Thoughts before Peanut was Announced

2011-09-22T18:54:00.000-06:00

05/15/11
May 3rd this year was more than our 3rd anniversary, it was the day we found out we were well on our way to becoming Mom and Dad. I woke up for work, took the test, negative again..., immediately hopped into the shower and debated back and forth when "it" would finally happen. In no means was I considered infertile at this point but we had a couple months of frustration and our plan already didn't work for a baby this year. God sure does know the plan better than you. Anyway, I got out of the shower and looked at the test again and there were 2 lines! I was thrilled! I went to wake up Gary with the biggest grin and he couldn't believe it either. The line was faint so I wasn't 100% convince nor was Gary. So I had 3 more test and I would later take one every other day (I am very hard to convince), and each day the line came faster and darker.
We talk about more than other days and sometimes forget I am even pregnant. I asked Gary what he thought "it" was and he told me a boy or a girl. He thinks he is so funny, but later he told me that in the Allen family you just assume it is a boy unless told otherwise. I think it is a boy and already started looking up boy names. We will hopefully find out at the end of July and plan to tell everyone a few weeks before then. The secret has been hard to keep and only a select few know like my Dad. He straight up asked me last Sunday because he had been wondering.
Anyway, I am 6 weeks and 1 day. My due date is January 8 and I secretly have plans to make this baby show up on Dec 31 for insurances purposes, haha. I haven't been sick but overwhelming exhausted and I will take that any day over puking. I scheduled my first pre-natal appt and I am nervous. I am so excited and can't wait to share the good news.
06/03/11
So I had my first check up today and there is a peanut in me! It was very reassuring to see IT in there and calm my fears that this just isn't a dream. Unfortunately, my due date has changed to Jan 12 now so looking to have a baby in December just got more unlikely. I've had some nausea but we have it under control now, my job is too eat all the time in small amounts. My mom knows now, Dad has a bad poker face. She is really excited and even told me she hoped it was twins(it isn't, doctor and I only saw 1, I was relieved). My Dad says this pregnancy is taking forever, I told him he should try being pregnant. It has been a month since Gary and I found out we were adding to our family and our conversations revolve around IT most of the time. I received my first baby gift from a co-worker that she made and I love it. I am hoping we will find a place in north Utah Country that has 3 bed rooms so I can have a nursery to decorate and sewing room to make the decorations. Anyway, it looks like we will be waiting until July to spread the word. It is getting harder to keep this secret.

Baby Allen

2011-08-13T17:21:00.000-06:00

Will be making HIS debut on January 9th!

As parents to be we are thrilled and are really excited to meet him.

He moves a lot and it is the most unbelievable feeling, and dad is slightly jealous he can't experience it.

Dad already has hopeful plans that he will come in time to cuddle with him for the NCAA Champion Football game.

We went and watched the BYU Blue and White game this morning and peanut(as we call him) wouldn't stop moving, Dad said "of course, he's excited about football, he knows what is good for him".

Mom dreams and shops for all the adorable things she can put him in and Dad would just be happy if his boy just wore t-shirts and basketball shorts like him.

Names?...peanut. That's all we got now. Mom has learned she has to wait until Dad is in the mood to talk names our she gets some unusual responses.

January can't come soon enough in the Allen home!

As for other great news in the Allen home...Gary has received 5 interviews for medical schools so far, wahoo!

Medical School

2011-06-03T17:51:00.000-06:00

Gary got back his MCAT scores on Wednesday (they were awesome) and we applied to almost 20 schools on Wednesday too! I just have to express my excitement because I am so happy for Gary and for all his hard work and that this dream of his is well on its way! We are so excited for next 6 months ahead, and I know Gary is anxiously awaiting the secondary applications ;) What I am not excited for is dropping hundreds and possibly thousands of dollars but at the same time I am because that means we are getting somewhere, and might as well get used to it! Gary applied to a school that 1 year of medical school is $40,000...yeah, so we will just get used to dropping lots of $$$.

Anyway it has been a great week!

Lone Peak Highschool

2011-05-15T19:07:00.000-06:00

So Gary signed the contract on Wednesday and he started work on Thursday. He loves it! He works mornings at the Mendenhal physical therapy clinic in Alpine and when school starts in August he will work afternoons until all the games end at Lone Peak. He is really excited about it and all the experiences he will get to have and learn. I already told him he will need to watch out for those high school girls and he will probably get hit on. He just shook his head at me. We are excited for this great opportunity and I personally look forward to going back to the high school atmosphere and cheering on all the sports I love. Don't worry though, I am still am a Dixie graduate through and through but will be adopting Lone Peak for this year. Anyway, you guys now don't have to be in suspense anymore :)

Neglected

2011-05-08T20:38:00.000-06:00

I know, I know! I didn't even keep my new year's resolution for even a quarter of the year. I wish I had something amazing to tell you all why I've fallen off the face of the blogging world, but I don't. So to recap the last few months....
February- My brother, Blake, gave his farewell speech and entered the MTC.
                We found out Gary had passed the BOC (huge blessing) and could search for a "real" job.
                 I started making a hoodie in sewing class and I now wear it often.
March- Gary and I competed in the only competition in our marriage- NCAA Tournament- I was behind    from the start.
            We spent lots of time watching basketball- and rooted on BYU and Kansas, unfortunately we didn't get to cheer for them long.
             I turned 23. (The age I had planned on getting married, ha)
April- Gary graduated! Woot Woot!
          Gary got back his grades in OChem and OChem lab and did a lot better then he ever expected. Hard Work!
          He couldn't really celebrate though, he took the MCAT a week after graduation. He states it was the worst test he has ever taken. We find out his scored the beginning of June.
           I started Spring Semester- I am taking a Special Topics class in swimwear and knits and Advanced Sewing. I spend half of my days sewing and love it.
          Gary was offered 3 jobs. An answer to many prayers.
May- Gary and I celebrated our 3rd year Anniversary. We try to do something romantic every year and this year we went and spent a night in Park City.
           Gary accepted a job but the contract isn't signed so I am just going to have to keep you all in suspense for now :)
            My brother, Blake, goes to Russia tomorrow, after spending 12 weeks in the MTC. He is so excited and I am excited for him.

And that's about it in a nutshell. I have pictures I will post and funny stories to tell, and hopefully in a few days Gary's employment status to be thrilled about.

BYU Basketball

2011-02-01T11:23:00.000-07:00

Gary and I decided it would be a great opportunity to show are true Cougar pride by attending BYU VS San Diego last Wednesday. I started waiting in line Tuesday at 9:15am. It was a cold, cold day, and by the time we had our wristbands secured around our wrists my toes and hands were numb, and I was also an hour late to work. Then came the next day-GAME DAY-waited in line starting at 4pm-game started at 8:15pm. Gary and I were so excited and kept wishing that all our waiting would be well worth it and BYU didn't disappoint. It was a memorable experience.

When the game came to an end, it was time to take off our wristbands, and I had a hard time with it. I had worked so hard to get one that cutting it off without a ceremony seemed to be so hard. Thankfully, I think the athletic department learned there lesson and wont be administering wristbands anymore!

Iron Chef

2011-01-30T23:14:00.000-07:00

Last weekend Gary and I participated in an Iron Chef competition with our great friends.

Key ingredient: Peppers

Nicole and Erinn working hard as their husbands....

chat it up about their coveted FSU football team. They had to leave the kitchen because football and cooking don't go together in one room. We had a good laugh.

Gary watching over our dish, making sure everything is cooking just nicely.

The Matthews get the team award because of the matching aprons. The best part was that Mike wasn't ashamed and wore it in style.

Finished Product:

Nicole and Garrett- Jack Pepper Cheese Biscuits

They also made the desert which was fried bananas covered in brown sugar, yum.

Dave and Erinn- I do not remember the name but it was delicious: peppers,cream cheese, stuffed in a crescent roll

Mike and Katie- sliders with a gourmet pepper and cheese topping

Us- bow tie pasta with a pepper marinara sauce

The food was fantastic and the company was great, we were missing Tyler and Jodi but they joined us later when we went and watched BYU win at Mike and Katie's apartment. It was a great night and so refreshing to get away from homework and responsibility to just laugh with people who are going through the same stage of life... also the boys love reminiscing about their past life as roommates.

Mexican Rivera: Day: 6 & 7

2011-01-16T21:19:00.001-07:00

Boating Back to LA:

Friday we spent boating and anticipating Christmas Day. We kept it low key. The boys played a lot of mini golf, the girls read their books in their rooms(that day it was freezing), and we ate a lot of ice cream and food. That night Nate sang in karaoke contest and we played some rounds of UNO. We had some great family togetherness!

Christmas Day:

Christmas Morning we slept in,walked around the boat, and soaked in some sun. We did stockings and everyone was in charge of buying a stocking stuffer for each person. All 12 of us stuffed ourselves in my parent's room and by the end of opening all the gifts we were dieing of heat.

Later in in the afternoon we all treated ourselves to some Johnny Rockets and soda!

And that night was our last dinner on the boat and we took another family photo. It was one of the best days on the boat thus far.

Getting Off the Boat:

To say the very least we were all so sad to depart from our ship. It was a great vacation and a much needy one. Thanks Mom and Dad! It was the best Christmas!

The family went their separate ways after this photo...Gary and I boarded the plane to come back to Provo so I could start work the next day. Back to the real world.

bed yet?

2011-01-08T00:48:00.001-07:00

It is 12:42am and we are up...why?

Because we are waiting on our laundry to come out of the dryer!!!

There are 8 apartments and 1 washer and 1 dryer-

we have been in line since 5 o'clock p.m.

we watched another attendant load one load after another after another as our measly little basket stood on top of the washer as we waited and waited

Am I venting...yes

Do I want my own washer and dryer, YES

one day right?

(one day I will be boasting to my children about how mommy and daddy survived without a washer and dryer of our own and it wasn't the end of the world-well maybe...depends how much longer I have to stay up)

Mexican Rivera: Day 3,4, & 5

2011-01-06T20:58:00.000-07:00

Cabo San Lucas

-snorkeling

-beautiful fish, scary experience swimming w/ them but got use to it (especially for Baby B)

-salt water = nasty

-Carlos, great tour guide

-semi-cold water, it's December

-see the Sun

-went to a Carlos's favorite fish stop, interesting

-introduced to pesos

-awesome first day on the beach!

Mazatlan

-Party on the Beach

-Close encounters w/ sea lions

-scenic boat ride

-banana boat ride (Gary tipping the banana boat causing his mother-in-law to go under, off the Christmas list)

-pictures w/ iguanas, gross

-Utah VS Boise State (go Boise)

-laying out in the sun

-horse carriage ride

-Hugo, another awesome tour guide(How about that! Take a picture)

-authentic Mexican food

-flat soda... :(

Puerto Vallarta

-last stop in Mexico

-another beautiful day

-sailing through the trees!

-w/ the Sexy Mexicans as they called themselves: they had our whole family died from laughing

-Baby B got scared but made it through!

-about 15 mosquito bites on each person

-ate at a delicious Mexican resturaunt

-bus ride to the Mexican Baskin Robins, yum

-bought souvinours

-Wonderful Day!

Proposal

2011-01-04T21:12:00.000-07:00

Three years ago today- Gary and I got engaged! Crazy, huh? Well, I thought I'd share the story.

Gary and I decided we wanted to get married Dec 25th, yep Christmas Day. A few days after Christmas we started going ring shopping, went on for a few days...shouldn't have because the first ring I tried on was the ONE.

Well, I started school at UVU Jan 4th, but was excited to get done and go party with Gary all day long-BYU hadn't started yet. While sitting in math class I get a text from Gary.

"hey, I was just wondering if it was okay if I went snowboarding with a friend today, I'll be home later tonight"

Oh boy was I upset, but we were in love and I couldn't be mad at him and deny him of one of his greatest passions. So I text back...

"Ya, see ya tonight"

It was a very lonely day. Then 6pm rolled around and Gary called me and I was SO happy to hear his voice. He asked if I could drive down to his apartment....WHAT, after being apart all day he wanted ME to drive to HIS place. Again, we were in love and I just said ok because I was dieing to see him.

I show up... knock on the door, and it takes a minute before Gary gets to the door and turns on all the lights in the apartment. The minute I walked in it hit me that this was IT!!!

I was overjoyed and was so willing to forgive Gary for being a dork- and comes to find out he was lieing about the whole snowboarding thing, he was trying to get things planned.

He proposed first thing and then we ate Papa John's pizza over candlelight.

(I was craving Papa John's the whole week)

It was a great night and is still such a vivid memory!

I just can't believe it was 3 years ago?!?

Mexican Rivera: Day 1 & 2

2011-01-03T19:20:00.001-07:00

It all started Easter Day when our whole family was in St. George, except Nate. But for some odd reason when my parents gave us our little Easter bag they insisted Nate be on the phone with us all. Well, it was because of an envelope inside(which I was thinking it must be $$), so my parents asked us all to open the letter up together. Well, you can imagine the madness that when on after that when we opened up a read: You are invited to the First and LAST(my dad added that in) Benham Cruise over the Christmas Break. So, the countdown has been on and now it is over and we all couldn't be more sad that we are back in the real world.

We woke up at 5am to catch our 7:30am flight out to LAX airport. We were so excited-so waking up that early didn't even phase us. Well, we should have woken up earlier because we made it through security and heard, "Finally, boarding for Southwest Flight out to LAX airport". Gary was hoping for a scene like Home Alone...and we got it, we started bookin it...and made it!
Here are the 5 flyers when we all got into Los Angles-waiting for our shuttle to take us to the ship!

The whole Benham Family(12) together for Christmas-it won't happen again for another 6 years. We were all giddy loading on to the ship. Most Benham's haven't ever been on a cruise so we had no expectations-and we loved every minute of it.

Gary and Me! Excited to be on the Boat! -I think the 5am wake up call is finally wearing on Gary;)

First Dinner-I am wearing the skirt I made in sewing class. I promised myself I would try new things and I am glad I did. Our waiters were great, and so was the rest of the cruise staff. We felt like kings who ate a LOT after the 7days.

First thing Monday morning the boys played in a ping-pong tournament. Blake took second place and it made my mother happy to know our ping-pong table was worth buy.

They had an all you can eat soft served ice-cream, so we took a lot of "walks" around the boat and then some how we would end up with a cone in our hand. It was delicious. I think my Dad took the most "walks".

The boys enjoyed going rock climbing too. Blake with his great gymnastic skills put Nate and Gary to shame. He was up there in 2 seconds.

It was also Baby Bethany's birthday on Monday so we celebrated her big day. She turned 12 and got a lot of earrings. Nate gave her laptop earrings and we were all dieing, but the best was the pair of earrings Kyle and Jenny gave her-if you know my family-you know that we are the BIGGEST Jayhawk fans alive-well Bethany now owns a pair of Jayhawk earrings that are so big her ears hurt when she puts them in. It was so fitting for our family.

Monday was the first formal night and I convinced Gary to wear a pink shirt to match me. It took a lot of coxing and convincing him we do not look like high school dance dates-maybe. It also took some effort to just convince him to pack his suit. He thought the cruise was a break from his suit, I assured him it was not.

My mother sent out an email a couple nights before we left on the cruise stating the apparel for dinner: NO Jayhawk apparel, no khaki shorts, no basketball shorts, no t-shirts, and again...absolutely no Jayhawk apparel. The boys did well and only complained a little.

We took a family picture- with intentions to make the "real" one the second formal night.
But still enjoyed the cheesiness of it all. We were all in heaven!

We came back from dinner to find an elephant on our bed. Bethany was stoked every night to get back from dinner and to see what the new animal it was. We were also graced with a bunny, monkey, and doggy.

That night we ended with going to Johnny Rockets on the boat and had a great time. We danced to the YMCA and ate some onion rings, fries, and Oreo sundaes.

Our first two days on the boat were a dream and we were excited to see what our destination stops had in store for us. We kept losing track of time and we never wanted to bring up which day it was in case it made time speed up faster.

Seperate Beds

2011-01-02T21:49:00.000-07:00

....that is the only solution I could come up with and it worked...for a few nights, until on our cruise we couldn't take the loneliness of being apart. Furthermore, Gary is learning to deal with it and I am learning to subconsciously not steal the covers.

I am back from our 2 week hide away and will be posting again on a regular basis;)

Not Giving Up!

2010-12-19T00:30:00.001-07:00

I am still working on my goal to blog more...but for the next week I'll be missing in action! Therefore, be prepared for when I get back!
Have a Merry Christmas!!!! HO HO HO

PS: start thinking of ways so I don't steal the sheets from Gary every night... he's kinda sick of it and I am kinda sick of being woken up in the middle of the night because he is stealing them back! grrr... :)

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays

2010-12-15T09:23:00.001-07:00

First annual Allen Family Christmas Card(blog style)

Gary: Has had a lot on his plate this year, and he handled it with ease. He's been going to school non-stop since Fall 09' and will graduate this upcoming April in Athletic Training. He's excited to see the end in sight but really, there is no end. Last week the UPS man drop off a load of MCAT prep-course materials and Gary just can't wait to dig through them after Christmas break is over, NOT. The big day is April 29th and I think I am more nervous than he is. Gary received a new ward calling in August and it was to be the 1st Counselor in the Bishopric in our married student ward. It threw both of us in to complete shock, and we wondered how Gary was going to survive. Well, we shouldn't have worried, because Gary wouldn't have it any other way. He loves the people in our ward so much and it has been such a nice surprise that he knows more people than I do! He's been blessed that is for sure. However, things still haven't changed for Gary's love of sports. He handled in being 5 intramural sports this semester, eats his cereal, lunch and dinner with ESPN on, on 2 fantasy football teams, and held loyal to his BYU football team through and through this year. That alone should be his full time job, we'd be getting paid $$$$.

Carly: Changed her major for the 5th or 6th time(in all reality, I stopped counting) and finally chose Home and Family Living. SHE LOVES IT. Gary tried to convince her that a long time ago, but she wouldn't commit and now she wonders why she didn't listen to him the first time. She plans to take every sewing class there is to take at BYU so that one day she can sew for money, and for the plain fact that she loves it. Her graduation date is still undecided, and she likes it that way...gives her more options(but don't worry Mom and Dad, I will graduate!). Carly is serving in the Relief Society, and is amazed by talented women she is surrounded with. She works at the OB clinic still and comes home with funny/frightful stories on a daily basis...(I work in the collections dept.). Her favorite things this year are sewing, blogging ;), indulging herself in the cricut machine, and watching Gary watch sports.

Gary and I this year are most grateful for our Savior and his birth. We are grateful for his life he lead and for the example he set for us to get back to Him.

We wish you all a Merry and Happy Christmas.

Wife's Intuition

2010-12-13T09:08:00.000-07:00

So late Sunday night,

(it was more like 11pm, Gary often has to remind me at times when I am complaining of loud music outside our apartment that it is only 12am...and that we used to stay up the late too...and it is not late for a town like Provo)

Anyway on with my story...

we were cuddling in bed talking about finals and the conversation turned to how one day Gary will be a cadaver. He thinks I am going to buried alone and he'll be on a table somewhere in the Widstow building being picked and poked at. I tell him to knock it off and I try to think of a new subject, because talking about a Gary being a cadaver isn't really uplifting....

So, I think to ask him about this paper he told me about about over the week and how the teacher really gave no instructions what so ever.

Conversation:

Carly: So when are going to write that paper that is due sometime this week?

Gary: What paper?

Carly: Well, I don't know, the one you said is do the day of your final?

Gary: huh?

Carly: The one the teacher didn't give you any instructions on.

Gary: (rolls out of cuddle position and places hands over his face) OH MY HECK!

Well goodnight, I've got a paper to write(hops out of bed)

Carly: (feeling really bad that I hadn't brought it up early because I had been thinking about it all week wondering why he was never working on it and just thought it must be due sometime in the middle of the week) Gar, I am sorry(trying not to giggle and cry).

So there you have it, I should have followed my gut earlier and asked him. I've had similar experiences to this one that makes me think I can receive some intuition on Gary's part. And hopefully I'll better next time with acting on it early. However, I did save Gary's grade! And he was grateful for that :)

Gary finished around 1am and then we both able to go to sleep.

I vow to be better...

2010-12-12T15:46:00.000-07:00

at blogging. I was thinking of some new year goals and I thought that blogging would be a great one. And then I thought why wait! So here goes nothing...

A part of me likes blogging and then another part of me doesn't...Why?

because I feel like have to show off in a way and exclaim to the world that the Allen household is perfect. (which is completely wrong and sorry if you felt like you were giving false information)

Why do I feel this way?... because I am scared of being judge, by who, I don't know because only our closest friends and families ever read this and they don't judge.

So here goes to being more honest about the lives of Gary and Carly,

but don't worry I will not express our deepest darkest secrets like the one time(s) Gary slept on the couch...

I will just let you in on little secrets like...

I told Gary I wanted to wait to make dinner with him because I just didn't want to do all on my own. However, I feel guilty now because he was at Church all day doing Bishopric stuff and is now doing his home teaching. So I am repenting and I am off to go make some dinner so that when he comes home it is all done:)

Toodles... :)

The Daffodil Principle

2010-11-03T21:56:00.000-06:00

My Home and Family teacher showed us this story today and I fell in love with it. I think it was a tender mercy too for some answers I've been searching for, I am grateful for teachers that are inspired. So I thought I'd share... it is a little bit over 6min but the meaning you get from it is priceless.

Happy Halloween

2010-11-01T21:36:00.001-06:00

October has been a great month for the Allen family. We started off the fall season with seeing/killing more spiders in our apartment than usual, there couldn't have been a more perfect way to start off Halloween! And we carved this beauty too. Unfortunately, we didn't take a day one photo of him because we thought we'd be able to enjoy him longer than a week, wrong! He was mouldy inside and out...and if you look close...he was drooling:) Gary went to throw him away and couldn't even grab him because there was no substance, it was great! Sadly, it happened to all our neighbors pumpkins too:(

The Barber's hosted a "Pirate" themed murder mystery dinner. Gary was a pirate who spoke but couldn't understand him because of his thick accent and I was the tavern owner who didn't trust men so I carried a rolling pin where ever I go. Everyone did a great job on playing their roles and it created a unforgettable night of friends and laughter. I must include Nicole, who did a fantastic job on the food and the divine chocolate cake. It was great of her parents let us party at their home. Thanks!

Gary and I are sure going to miss this group of friends. Gary was roommates with all four boys the year we met, got engaged, and married. So we have all been through a lot together of the same things together, for instance getting married. I couldn't have picked a better group of married couples to be around. However, we will start to go our separate ways starting in December to go on to bigger and better things. Not quite sure how I feel about it...erinn...and dave.

Our next party we were invited to was thrown by Mrs Jenny Benham and Sarah Swiegger. It was very well planned and we got to know other great couples. Gary continued to be a pirate and I bought a $8 kitty outfit, score! I really wanted to be a princess but somehow $50 was hard to swallow.

We played a The Flour Game and Gary lost and had to pick up the hot tamale with his teeth.
He wasn't getting dirty enough so I helped him by stuffing his face in the flour, I got a death glare and pointed at Kyle as if he did it. He quickly forgave me:)

Then we played a game where the boys and girls spinned in a circle ten times and then you had to eat and swallow the donut first to win. Rory put everyone to shame by swallowing it in one gulp and not even chewing.

We ended the night by playing mafia and everyone was so into it, it was great! I couldn't have planned a better Halloween party, so thanks goes out to Jenny and Sarah.

So in closing a miniature update on our lives: Gary's calling is finally reaching a plateau. We added about 60 new couples in our ward starting in August and the bishopric has been busy trying to meet new people and sustain callings. Gary is loving serving the ward, and he loves to tell me all the people's names he knows more than I do(which is a first). His classes haven't been too stressful but I always know when a physics and organic chemistry test is coming up because I lost of my kitchen table space to books and papers. For me, I am loving school. I get excited to attend my sewing class twice a week and Joanns fabric store is turning into my weakness. Work is work and that's about all I need to say. We are just loving life and we really can't wait for the future holidays!

1 more Credit!

2010-10-26T22:24:00.000-06:00

So I signed up for Winter Semester last night and I need one more credit to be a full time student and I need some ideas?
Anyone know of some awesome 1 credit classes or possibly 2.
I am thrilled beyond imagination that I have this problem because I thougtht this day would never come!

...and can I just tell you that I love my classes and future classes....Gary has never seen me so happy about school!!!!

Shoot me some ideas!!

4th Time

2010-10-10T20:23:00.001-06:00

(It is not the greatest picture of me but if I explained to you my day I am pretty sure you'd be sympathetic to me)
As some people know, our first date involved the Sundance Ski Lift and it's pretty much where I decided I liked Gary for more than just his looks, yea I know I am a sleaze head. Since then we've celebrated that experience every year by attending the full moon ride. This year was our fourth year and next year might be our last because hopefully we will be leaving Provo, fingers crossed. Anyway, it has been a great tradition and it always brings back great memories of that first date and what were we actually thinking in our heads. Gary was thinking- he wanted to cuddle but thought it was too fast and I'd think he was a player. I was thinking- I wish he cuddle with me because I like him and I am cold, and I was also thinking he was a player because his facebook exposed many girlfriends so I am just another one,ya ya. So the next year we were married and turned out I was wrong about Gary being a player! It was just his birthday the next day and all his friends-you happened to be girls- were wishing him happy birthday and I over analyzed things like girls do and thought the worst. Go Figure!

How Many Days till...

2010-09-15T21:50:00.000-06:00

CHRISTMAS?!?

100 to be exact

(don't get mislead, I am not wishing the days away but come on it's Christmas)

Life as we know it...

2010-09-01T21:55:00.000-06:00

is CRAZY!

I swear every semester just gets busier and when you think you finally have a handle on things the semester is over. Well, this semester sure is in a category of its own. For example, (please note that this entry is only for the people who want me to update more often, Jessica:) )

Carly's Day on Wednesday

7:30am Wake up Call--- I actually get to sleep in!!!!

9:00am Stats Class

10:00am Book of Mormon

11:00am Home and Family Class

12:00-12:20pm Eat Lunch---suppppper fast and smooch Gary

12:20-12:40om Drive to Work(Timp Hospital)

12:40-5:00pm Work non stop because there is a lot of stuff to get done

5:00-5:30pm Drive home and stay patient in traffic

5:30pm-10:00pm Homework, a lot of reading

10:00pm Go get dinner because I am starving and Gary is finally home

11:00pm Go to bed and have sweet dreams

Gary's Day

7:30am I wake him up

9:00am Take Carly to school and study on campus

10:00am New Testemant

11:00am Organic Chemistry

12:00pm Take Carly home and eat lunch

12:30-5:45pm study, talk w/ teachers, do research, and get his TV fix(so he can watch Football)

5:45-7:00pm Softball Game, they won!

7:00-10:00pm Meet new ward members and welcome them into the ward...Visits were scheduled ever 15mins

10:00pm Take Carly to get something to eat because she is starving and waited all night for him to get home

11:00pm Go to bed and smooch Carly

That is one day in the exciting Life of Carly and Gary. Everday is different schedule but just as nuts but we are getting through it. Ask us how we are doing a couple weeks in to school and it might be a different story. People have told us that even after college you think your life will slow down but it doesn't, just gets more busy!

And to make this post the most exciting thing ever, I'll add a picture.

This picture was taken the day after we got engaged and I was already on the phone with my mother planning which day we should do, receptions plans, and flight plans. It was a whirlwind! And Gary was being himself and trying to distract the coversation by doing an automatic picture.

Meet My Highschool Chemisty Teacher

2010-08-09T22:02:00.001-06:00

This is Mr. Gattung. He has a love for chemistry that I wish I had a smidgen of. He taught Honors Chemisty-no idea how I landed in the class- because it was extremly hard. However, despite how hard it was I enjoyed coming to class everyday because this man loved his job which made me love learning from him.(Side story: He once asked me if I was Mormon, it caught me out of the blue, and I said yes I am. He said he could tell by the way I acted and the morals I must have shown during his class. Unfortunantly, he said he'd be Mormon himself if he could actually believe in the Joseph Smith thing. I'll have to convert him later;))
When I was a little girl I'd pretend to be a teacher and line up my stuff animals and my younger sister. I had lessons plans down and activities to do. I knew that I wanted to be a teacher when I grew up just like my mom and grandmothers. However, things changed during those teenage years and I no longer dreamed of being a teacher. But despite my change of mind, I still hold teachers at one of the highest professions of all. I don't know how Mr. Gattung or any other teacher I had make it day by day teaching a subject that most their students dreaded. But I am grateful that they chose the profession they did to teach me for my future roles that I would hold. Those special teachers change the world one student at a time.

Journal Writing Quetions

2010-08-05T18:21:00.000-06:00

Last week I went to my Relief Society get together. We made these Journal Jars that have tons of questions that we can answer. Well, my initial thought was "hey, maybe they will give me ideas what to blog about" because you can tell I struggle. I can keep doing updates but really things around hear are pretty stable...and I prefer it that way because it won't always be that way. So I am starting today with my Journal Writing Question. Enjoy!

-The Most Surprised I've ever been... probably when my colorgaurd squad in high school won state. My team can probably agree with me that we really didn't think we had a shot to actually win it all. We were moved in to an upper division 3 weeks before state-rude- but we couldn't do anything about. Our coach asked us if we really wanted to go through with competing or we could all go to Disney Land instead. I chose competing and for the most part everyone else tagged along too with that idea. Well, we had to find an extra minute of music to be even considered as competitors to the other teams. It was hard but we finally decided on some music and it mixed great! We had two a day practices and worked our butts off just to be at least considered for a trophy. Competition day came and we were all excited and just plain proud of where we had come from that when we competed in the morning I think we were so relaxed and had no pressure that we ended up being amazing! We were placed in 2nd place for the final performance and we were thrilled! We ended up not being as great the 2nd time but must have been better then the other team because we WON! We were all crying and jumping around and just still couldn't believe it had happened!...personally I think our coach was shocked! Anyway, that was the most surprised I had ever been. It felt great when there were two teams still standing and they announced that 2nd place wasn't us. I don't think I've ever squeezed someones hand so hard...sorry megs! I miss those colorguard days :)

Update

2010-06-28T17:37:00.000-06:00

So honestly, I just added the picture to make this post worth reading and adorable. This little guy was 2 weeks old and as cute as can be! He's my newest nephew, Adam.

Along with the update: I am going to make it short because miniature updates will follow...

I am enjoying the HOT weather! It's about time Provo started showing us some love and decided to warm us up and stop with the rain! I can't say that I've been all that busy but really blogging never became up on my list of things to do.
I just finished my spring semester and LOVED IT. I didn't know you could love school that much and actually be sad when classes ended. I guess it is a sign that you are on the right path. As for Gary he did not feel the same towards Molecular Biology and Physiology. However, I am not quite sure things will change for him the next few semesters as he finishes his chemistry's off. I chose not to do a summer semester and just work full time which is nice because I come home and I have nothing hanging over my head! It's a wonderful feeling.
I've made some goals to keep me busy though and blogging is one of them so the whole world wide web will know if I keep it.
I'd really love to tell you that we have the most exciting lives and we are liven the vacation life this summer but that would be a lie. We are adults and we have work and go to school....weird. We celebrated our 2nd anniversary almost 2 months ago and I still can't believe how fast the time has gone....crazy.
Anyway, that's the update for now. Nothing new but maybe in the future :)

NCAA

2010-03-15T22:32:00.000-06:00

I don't like competition-especially between Gary and I- but once year we fill out our NCAA brakets and spend the rest of March highlighting it(Gary's in blue, Carly's in lovely pink). The record is tied thus far but that will change.

I'll being honest- I don't study it or have watched many games but when March roles around I am all about lazy Friday nights and Satudays(and Sunday) sitting on the couch watching some basketball.

Carly's Winner!

Gary's Winner(booooo)

Gary hasn't learned that us Benham's have pride in one thing and that is in our ROCK CHALK JAYHALWKS- therefore Kansas better win or Gary will have to be kicked out of the family or learn next time to be more loyal.

GO JAYHAWKS

Valentine's Day

2010-02-14T09:57:00.000-07:00

I thought since today is Sunday and Valentines Day it would be appropriate to write down how we met and I can call this my journal writing and get extra points. This might be love dovey so warning...

It was the fall of 2007 and I had just moved up north to attend UVU. I was in a scholarship program that gave me roommates so I was excited to meet them all. We hit it off but there was two problems...all had boyfriends and lived up north anyway so going home every weekend was common. This left me alone at night(scary!) and attending church by myself. Luckly, I met some sweet girls down the hall that also lived a couple hours away so they'd keep me company on some weekends. However, I missed home and didn't think attending Dixie would be all that bad. Well, one weekend I talked my friend Jenny(one of the girls down the hall) into going to an institute dance. Jenny was such a trooper and I am forever grateful for generosity she showed me that night.

While we were dancing and having a good time(it was much better then any stake dance) we started talking it up with these two boys. Love at first sight...not really but definitely thinking where have you been my whole life occurred to me while staring at this blond, blue eyed boy who had some dance moves and confidence that was just perfect. However, he never asked me to dance and would just flirt. It kinda bugged me and when I found out he was 21, his name was Gary, and was from Brigham City(thinking where is that?) a thought entered into my head saying "stay away...he's barely off his mission and has every intention to be a player". So Jenny and I parted ways and continued to dance until someone hit me with their elbow while jumping and it was really painful so we left. But, I couldn't stop thinking about him and supposedly Gary said he looked for me that night after the dance to invite me to his his 22nd birthday party tomorrow.

That night while alone in my apartment I couldn't sleep and decided to look up this so called player on facebook. I think it was a tender mercy his mom named him Gary because not that many 21yr olds attending BYU have that name so of course he showed up immediately. And behold, he was a player! He had about 20 different comments from girls all wishing him a happy birthday or asking him when is the next time we can hangout. But still! I just wanted to see him one more time! And for the rest of the weekend I thought about him...which may sound so creepy and I realize that so Gary never knew about my facebook stalking until we decided to get married and he just laughed and thought it was so funny.

Well, the weekend past by and so did Monday. My good friend Amanda called me up Tuesday and said come down to Provo and lets go out for ice cream. I came to pick up Amanda and while she was getting ready I asked her if I could use her computer to show her something. Amanda has been a childhood friend so she knew me pretty well when I told her all about Gary. Amanda is very upfront and thought I should just add him as a friend and ask him out but that was not me so we continued on to the Malt Shoppe for some icecream. We pull up and I see the other boy at the dance and thought maybe Gary is in there. I didn't say one word to Amanda because again, she likes to be upfront and vocal. We walk in and Gary is there and I am about to faint. However, again Amanda knows me too well and could tell I was really uptight and wouldn't turn around so she turned around and noticed Gary. She then gets up close and personal and whispers..
Carly...I think your man is right behind you is that why you are acting strange
Me: yes Amanda and please don't do anything embarrassing.
Amanda: Carly say hi to him...you will regret it
Me: I am not going to say hi he wont even recognize me
Amanda: well, find we will just have to sit next to them
Me: Fine, I'll say hi!
I turned around and Gary's friend was looking straight at me and I said hey arn't you guys from the dance. He said yes and that I looked familiar. He asked me what my name was again and in the mean time Amanda has our icecream and comes right up and ask them if we can sit with them. Amanda again gives me nudged in the arm and whispers kinda loud go sit by Gary! Well, Gary this time acted like he had no interest whatsoever in me and sat there and dug holes out of his icecream. So we sit there and talk and I keep trying to get Gary more involved in the conversation and nothing works. Finally, Amanda says we need to go but we all should exchange numbers. Again, Gary wants nothing to do with it until Amanda specifically asks Gary did you give Carly your number(I am bright red) and Gary said no but here it is.

We leave and as soon as we get in the car Amanda says he we are having a big group date on Thursday and you should ask Gary. I am thinking yea, right.

Well, that same night we meet up again at my apartment because they thought since I was a freshman I'd be up all night long so they called me. I was really excited so we chatted and I more like starred at Gary the whole entire time. And decided I would asked him and I did the next day through text...lame...I know... but he said yes and I was extremly excited and nervous.

So Thursday comes and the whole group date basically falls through and I am about to cry because what am I going to do now! Well, my roommate says she'd go with us with her boyfriend to Jump On It. It was a good time but we didn't get to talk much so on our way home Amanda calls me and says to come to Sundance and ride the ski lift. Gary was all for it so that was exciting and we sat in a lift all by ourselves for an hour and never had an awkward moment. I think it was a perfect night and since that date we were constantly together.

And that is the story on how we met. I love thinking about it because it makes appreciate God's timing in our lives. Happy Valentines Day!

Update

2010-02-09T18:04:00.000-07:00

Basically, I have a test tomorrow and another one I have to take sometime this week and I am no mood to study and especially after a busy day at work.

This semester has been a big change to our little married life style. Gary asked not to be assigned to a sports team this semester so he could basically crack down on school and focus. A lot of people have asked how I've liked that since Gary probably has more time to spend with me and my response is that he's more busy. He currently is at a Chemistry Review about last weeks test (who has a review about a test you already took!) but he's better than me and went to learn more. He studies all the time and is constantly going in to the Labs to go over his homework. He took 3 test last week and did amazing at them so I am glad his hardwork is paying off. He does however miss his free time and wonders if his brain will ever be able to hold that much information. I am just glad he's in that situation because no one would want to count on my chemistry and physics grade to provide for a family.

I am still going to school and finally settled on a major. If I could major in everything I wanted to it would be great but unfortunantly I don't love school enough nor do I want to spend that much time. I still work part-time at a doctor's office in the billing department. Lately, it's been stressful and an amusing job. I got hung up on today...that always brighten my day:( I have come to love Provo so much that the thought of moving one day scares me. I just think I could live here forever and now I am on to convince Gary.

Well, that's all!

Vegas Bowl

2010-01-10T09:25:00.000-07:00

Gary ended his semester with the BYU football team on a high note. He was picked to go to the Vegas Bowl and have an all expense paid vacation. It was a well deserved opportunity for all his hard work and hours(and considering that the next semester he would be happy if he saw any day light).

Gary did the scariest thing in Vegas, rode the stratosphere. He took the chance because the wife wasn't there. She wasn't all that pleased.

Then it came time for the reason why he was there. The Game! It was cold and windy but the excitement was at its all time best because BYU was playing amazing regardless of everyone elses predictions.

Lastly, the game ended with celebration. I believe Gary was glad it was over at the time, he thought he'd get his life back but sadly those classes..the really hard ones... were ready for him at the next semester.

Gary told me last night he had a dream that he got picked to do BYU football for spring term and he was excited but thought to himself.. Carly is going to be mad.... I laughed....and thought... he knows me pretty well.

ABC Me

2009-12-21T18:24:00.000-07:00

A - Age:21
B-Bed size: Queen
C - Chore you hate: dishes and then drying them
D - Dog's name: no dogs in this home
E - Essential start your day item: cereal and toothbrush
F - Favorite color: PINK
G - Gold or Silver: Silver
H - Height: 5'5
I - I am: bored and that's why I am wasting my time with this
J - Job: doctor's office in the billing dept
K - Kids: one day
L - Living arrangements: apt
M - Mom's name: K
N - Nicknames: E-He, and Sugar Mamma(I pray that one doesn't stay permant)
O - Overnight hospital stay other than birth: never!!! I will keep my fingers crossed
P - Pet Peeve: lack of responsibility
Q - Quote from a movie:? I don't take no crap from nobody!
R - Right or left handed: right
S - Siblings: 7
T - Time you wake up: was 6 am, next semester 7am...yahoo
U- Unique thing about your car: it has some cup holders that are too small for my liking
V - Vegetable you dislike: green beans
W - Ways you run late: I have a different excuse everytime
X - X-rays you've had: dental, knee, arm
Y - Yummy food you make: sugar cookies
Z - Zoo favorite: african animals like at Disney

Halloween

2009-11-08T10:59:00.000-07:00

$1.58 Fabric + .99 cent duster

$5.00 on make up and mullet wig +

Being together +

Good Company= a priceless Halloween night.

Our friends hosted a Muder Mystery dinner and I was grateful! Gary had plans to attend a friend's (who is single) Halloween Party... I couldn't figure out how to get out of it, but Mike and Katie came to the rescue! Thanks guys!

Eagle Court of Honor

2009-10-21T17:47:00.001-06:00

Blake and Cody received their Eagle this past weekend and the whole family came down for the party. My mom successfully has 4 Eagle Scouts now and I am a little worried about the future expectations people will hold over my head.
We had a great time being all together at home...which hasn't happened since....still thinking....
Anyway we lived it up and regretted it on our drive home because we were thinking of all we had pushed aside.

We went to Fiesta Fun and played some mini golf. The boys challenged each other and I am proud to say Gary won!

And the ever classic group picture. Hopefully a fun weekend like this will happen sooner rather later.

Gary's 24th Birthday

2009-10-10T17:23:00.000-06:00

Gary turned the ripe old age of 24. We were figuring out that all his brothers either had a child or were expecting at the age of 24...that made Gary feel even older. However, as my Dad states... "Gary might be getting older but you can tell he is still a kid at heart." Which is so true hence his birthday present featured below.

Our apartment is small and 24 candles made it look as if I had done some serious burnt cooking. Gary blew all of the candles out in one breath... his lung capacity is just getting better with age.

Lastly, he did receive his BLUE scooter he's been telling me he wants since we met. I always told him no because I've got some anxiety about anything that relates to a motorcycle. However, he signed his life to me and agreed to all my rules. He must wear a helmet everywhere regardless if it is down the street. He's done a really good job! (probably cause he doesn't want to lose it) And no riding it in bad weather...period. The bad weather hasn't happened yet so we haven't had a problem with that rule yet. Anyway, it has actually been a great thing because we only have one car and our schedules are busy. So Happy Birthday Gary and let the fall semester keep on going great!

Full Moon Ride

2009-09-13T20:49:00.001-06:00

This has become our annual tradition to ride the full moon ski lift in Sundance every September.

It was our first date so it brings back a lot of memories and lots of laughs. I imagen we will keep up the tradition until we move away.

Kyle and Jenny's Wedding in Portland

2009-09-06T09:58:00.001-06:00

The wedding ceremony happened in the Portland Temple, which is so pretty and green. The grounds are covered with huge trees-which usually isn't normal on a LDS temple site. The sealer was a good friend of Jenny's family so it seemed a lot more personable than other sealings I've attended and he kept making us laugh.

Here are the newly weds right after just completly happy and content. Gary and I are happy because we are no longer considered the newly weds in my family so we don't get made fun of all the time when we want to be with each other or cuddling.

The reception was held in Jenny's backyard in Washington. The Macdonald family lives right outside of Portland but on the Washington's side. It was absolutly beautiful. Her mom picked up the talent of growing flowers this summer and then had a friend cut and arrange of all of them. So as you can see on the cake there was fresh flowers everywhere, and they were the perfect colors Jenny wanted.

Here is our Christmas card the photographer said for this year so if you don't get one don't be offended and consider this the card...because we probably/will not be doing one. I might pick up that tradition when there is more than two of us but as for now...no.

The weather was beautiful for Washington but COLD, hence all the jackets on the girls. We were freezing! We were good sports though and endured it until the end.

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Even until the very end to wave them goodbye to their hoonymoon to the Dominican Republic. I was jealous, I asked Gary if we could have a second hoonymoon. This 3 day weekend we had been looking forward to all summer because this was our only "vacation". We had to be adults this summer and work and go to school. However, Gary promised a better summer next year. My head is already spinning with IDEAS, okay- like one idea DISNEY...the castle might as well be my timeshare.

Anyway, It was a great mini vaca and we are so Happy for Kyle and Jenny. We are even more happy that we can communicate with just stomping on our floor to get their attention. (They live below us) It's going to be a great semester :)

Burley Idaho Reception

2009-08-30T10:19:00.000-06:00

Kyle and Jenny had reception a week before they got married in Burley. Kyle spent his senior year in Burley and became very close to a lot of people and since he doesn't really have a place to call home he wanted something there. My Grandma loves throwing parties so we the reception at her home. She did a great job and it was a lot of fun. However, hanging out at a reception without a husband isn't too enjoyable. Gary officially started working with the BYU football team that weekend and so he couldn't make it because he had already asked for the next weekend off for the wedding. BYU football is very serious and a few people thought Gary had his priorities mixed up. Anyway, it's over and it was a great weekend away from Provo.

My Dad's "baby girls"

I don't think my brother's can take a normal picture without doing a GQ pose after.

My mother paid for all of us girls to get gel toes. I absolutely love them and would have it done more often if other things weren't more expensive like school books(I could vent about that for a good 30min).

It was a fun reception and got us all excited for the real thing in Portland!

-actually wedding to come:)

The Lavender 5K

2009-07-20T21:19:00.000-06:00

On our way back to Provo from St. George after the 4th of July weekend I noticed the beautiful purple fields right next to the freeway. They had a huge sign for the Lavender 5k coming up July 11 so I talked Gary into running the race. It didn't take much convincing because he wanted to run a few 5k's before football started, so we drovo to Mona at 6am on a Saturday morning.

Gary did really well for not running seriously since high school and I was shocked to see him up front....so shocked that this is only the picture I got of him running because I wasn't ready when I finally noticed it was him.

Lastly, I asked Gary if I could take a "Congrats You Didn't Die" photo and this is what he came up with. He couldn't just do the thumbs up like everyone else, he has to be different. As for me, I enjoyed the beautiful flowers and scenery and was very content on not running the race. We (and I'll just put words into Gary's mouth) had a great time! ;)

When Life Gets Tight

2009-07-14T21:47:00.001-06:00

---------resort to packets--------------
(any one else seen that commercial?)
we had a
good laugh.

Two and Half More Weeks

2009-06-03T21:47:00.001-06:00

Summer has officially started for almost everyone and we can't wait to start ours. Spring term has two and half more weeks left and I am pleasantly surprised how fast it went. We don't have any big plans, we figured we can't beat last summer's vacation (Disney world). Gary will start
working with the BYU football team at the end of July and that's when I become a half widow. Before that time comes will spend many days together (i.e. work at the same office) and drink a lot of soda. Then we will part for five months and then by Christmas time we will be reunited. I am probably being over dramatic about this football commitment but I am trying to prepare myself for the worst. However, my sweet brother and sister-in-law will be living right below us come August so I'll have some mourning buddies to hang out with. Furthermore, we have two more months of pure fun and I am super excited about our event less summer because we can do anything!

May 3, 2008

2009-05-13T19:43:00.000-06:00

Gary and I celebrated our one year anniversary! I pulled out my dress and wore it for dinner. Memories flooded back of how beautiful I felt and the uncomfortableness. I still love it and my favorite part is still the veil.

This shot was taken right when we walked out of the Temple. I can't really describe the feelings I felt but I know we really proud of ourselves for getting married in the right place and the right time.

This is one of Gary's favorite pictures of our wedding day. I am still getting use to it.

The weekend of our Anniversary we played all Saturday! We went to Temple square and watched all the billions of brides take pictures and walk out of the Temple. It is one of my favorite activites to do. I loved how there was tulips sprouted everywhere on the square and this picture was Gary's attempt to get me to pose by myself for the tulips. Tulips were the only flowers planted in Nauvoo when we got married and ever since then... tulips=May 3rd.

We did not have a wedding cake because I think they all taste nasty and a waste of money (my personal opinion, but they do look pretty). So we had cheesecake at our reception because that is what Gary and I love. Well, since we couldn't eat our cake we ate our cheesecake by going to the Cheesecake Factory! It was delicious and I believe we should eat there more often-not just on special occasions.

The whole day we joked about how we were leaving to Italy at night. In some way were...we stayed a night at the Anniversary Inn in Salt Lake in the Gondolla Room. Yes, the bed is a boat. The room was really unique and even had a waterfall shower(I don't remember waterfalls in Venice but it made for a nice extra). We watched The Notebook and the Celtics-we are romantics.

Breakfast was served at 10am-perfect time. I really felt like we were special guests at a castle. The cinniamon roll and cresant were great and we attempted to eat the granola yogurt mix. I was sad to leave and come back to reality---provo.

We are no longer newlyweds.

Sad

However, I still feel the same when he walks through the door after not seeing him for an hour. I am pathetic, I know. My friends tease me all the time and tell me one day I'll grow out of it and the newlywed feeling will die off.

I hope not...

hate

2009-05-05T18:03:00.000-06:00

Everyday at BYU I climb stairs-probably as many as these if not more-and I hate every moment of it. On the flip side-each day get a little bit better---however, I still hate it and understand-it's good for the body but I swear it's not good for the mind.

April Summary

2009-04-26T20:17:00.000-06:00

Gary had a mission reunion; which is really special since his mission president only comes to America once a year

Gary's been home 2 1/2 years...
This is Jenny; my awesome new sister-in-law to be!
Lindsey and I threw her a bridal shower party and the game didn't go so well for Jenny via the picture. At least Kyle and Jenny have until Aug 15th to get to know each other a little better. But to Jenny's sake-Kyle wasn't himself when he answered those questions.
My great mother provided the tasty food-Subway- and it was delicious. I made cupcakes the morning before and placed fake Diamond Rings on top of them so each girl could fit in with Jenny's big rock on her finger.

Everyone posing with THEIR rings-it was a great party to say the least.

Jenny's roommates below-she received some pretty great "gifts" and even modeled them for us(for her sake I won't post those pictures.)

Lastly, Lindsey, New Sister, and Me

We are super excited for the Wedding Aug 15 in the Portland Temple!

March Summary

2009-03-25T22:08:00.000-06:00

So the month of March has flown by really fast and I am almost glad it did. School has been at its all time stress level and so there hasn't been much time to enjoy the little things like writing in a blog. I am anxiously a waiting spring semester with warmer weather and more time to enjoy the nights. The breakdown of March basically only had about two worthy postings. First, my brother got engaged, it happened last month but she didn't get her ring until last week so I decided I wasn't going to announce it yet until that happened. Here is the fun-loving couple below. Gary and I have a good times laughing at the conversations about wedding prep stuff, brings back funny moments that we are glad we are not going through again.

Second, I turned 21. Now all I have to reach is 25 so I can rent a car and then all these so called birthdays I will be having every year after can just be another HAPPY 25th Birthday! right....

Hope everyone had a great windy march and that those basketball brackets are still going strong:)

Good Old Days

2009-02-26T20:24:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5KIEDgq7sjA

Valentine's Day

2009-02-16T18:26:00.000-07:00

Valentine's Day started early for me! Gary surprised me Thursday with roses...PINK ROSES and probably the sweetest note he was written me (that I will cherish forever). We had planned on driving to Brigham City V-day after lunch but the snow fears got the best of me.

Friday night Gary was at work which happens all too often then I like but I took advantage of my time and Heart Attacked his bathroom mirror. He loved it! Vday turned out to be the laziest day ever which was awesome. We went to Joe Veras for lunch, watched The Secret Life of Bees, and then went to Brick Oven and indulged in their cookie monster. It was a great day.

It's COLD outside.... and in our apartment

2009-02-13T20:27:00.000-07:00

One night it was freezing cold and I couldn't get warm regardless how many layers I put on. Well, since I was so cold and in bed Gary went and got our laundry... brought it back and dumbed it on me. 15mintues later and some hot chocolate I was as good as new. I recomend it.

Winter Semester 09'

2009-01-11T21:39:00.000-07:00

Gary:

1.D&C

2.statistics

3.pathology and pharmacology in sports medicine

4.clinical athletic training

5.athletic clinical administration

Sport Assignment this Semester: working at Springville Highschool

Carly:

1.philosophy

2.microbiology w/ lab

3.humanities

4.student success

5.health & wellness

Working part time

All this equals no.....time

"there is no place (season) like home (summer)"

The Utah Jazz

2009-01-04T19:54:00.001-07:00

Gary and I went to a Utah Jazz game this week and it was a good game because we won. We went for Gary's birthday because I told him his present was Jazz tickets and I scored... he loved the idea. And checkout his Jazz jacket I got him for Christmas, it's a good thing Gary enjoys sports so much because they making shopping for him a tad bit easier.

Christmas In Burley Idaho

2008-12-28T22:25:00.000-07:00

Our first Christmas as newly weds was spent in the very icy and windy Burley Idaho where my Grandparent's live. It was my their last time to do Christmas for the whole family so they went all out.
This is Gary Christmas morning doing some meditating... he didn't want to smile. Santa had a hard time filling up his stocking this year, it's quite large! We might have to down grade next year. We were using our new camera I got from my work Christmas party so hopefully future pictures will have better lighting then this one. We were trying things out.

Bethy Christmas morning! For some reason she thought she was getting a Nintendo DS from Santa this year (and she was). She opened every present first that were a bunch of games that confirmed her thought and then opened the DS last.

Cody, my youngest brother, moved up in the world and got a cell phone aka my old plan because I got married. He also got some shirts from Nate the Elf because he doesn't trust Santa's taste.

Gary and I got a video camera and were really excited about it. I am not sure what we film besides birthdays and pranks for now but maybe more family stuff in the future.

And last but not least Gary and I bought each other a Wii for Christmas. He wanted an X Box since I've known him and told him I will never have one because he'd play that all day long and I couldn't even join in with him. So we compromised and got a Wii so I can play too!

We hope all had a Merry Christmas and a Good Break from School!

Six Wonderful Months

2008-11-03T21:31:00.000-07:00

Gary surprised me when he came and picked me up from work today! He bought me flowers for our six month anniversary! I know it kind a pathetic we celebrate months but when you only got two birthday's a year you have to something to treat yourself.

Pumpkin Date Night

2008-10-26T19:52:00.000-06:00

This weekend we had a date night with my older brother and his girlfriend, Jenny. Since we have no Halloween decorations we thought we should at least carve pumpkins to be festive and it's a lot more fun doing it with other people. We had Papa John pizza and pumpkin cookies to start off the night and it was so tasty. Unfortunately, it was a Saturday night so trying to get Gary and Kyle off the couch and away from football was somewhat difficult but Jenny and I succeeded eventually (when the game ended). Two hours later we final started...I like how Gary is holding the knife like he's about to kill the pumpkin rather than carving it.
Kyle and Jenny...and their star nose pumpkin.

Gary carved m0st of the pumpkin but refused to take a picture with it so I did :)

Trick or Treat

Grandma's 89th Birthday

2008-10-19T18:02:00.000-06:00

My Grandma turned 89 this year and we all flew out to Arizona to celebrate with her. We only spent two nights so it was a fast trip but nice to see her. We shopped at the Scottsdale mall and dined at Grandma's favorite golf country club. Gary and I watched my sisters swim one morning and help my Dad collect his Quicktrip cups. Another thing about our trip was that is was very HOT! We go to scraping ice off our car windows to dieing in 90 degree heat. Gary and I think Arizona is too dry and hot for us so our future now doesn't include living in Arizona.... we like the color green too much.HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDMA!

BYU vs UNM

2008-10-12T15:48:00.001-06:00

I believe winter is just around the corner....because Gary actually broke out his jeans.

Gary and I attended the BYU vs UNM this weekend. I wore my ski pants and coat and Gary wore more then just a t-shirt and athletic shorts.

The next football game, in two weeks, we'll have to invest in gloves and hot chocolate.

I'm missing summer already.

Happy Birthday!

2008-09-25T22:00:00.001-06:00

Gary turned 23 on Monday! He is getting so old, he's been home for 2 years now... he could have served another mission. His cake is basically on fire, I think in the years to come will just have to switch to the number candles.
I thought it would be fun to decorate our kitchen for his birthday with BYU colors and also his favorite colors. He might too old for this type of thing but I had fun doing it and he said he liked it. (take notice of our 1070's kitchen...it's priceless, and don't take notice off the mess)

We had a few of his friend's over from high school and their wives...well at least those that could make it for cake and ice cream. Trent was SO kind to make sure I was in the picture, Monday's are rough. Lindsey, my sister, also came to join in the fun too. Andy and Maranda gave Gary our tools back for his birthday and Jon gave him a sports drink cup (that was free)... you really have to love poor college students! It was a great night and Gary has another year until he reaches 24!

One Year Ago...

2008-09-19T17:22:00.001-06:00

One Year ago I met Gary and fell into a huge crush. I knew I wanted to go on a date with him so bad and didn't know if that would ever happen if I didn't ask him out myself. So against everything I ever stood for and what I was told never to do... I did... I asked him out on a date! Well, we decided to to re-live that date and ride the Full Moon ski lift at Sundance. This time it was a lot more romantic and less stressful.
I'd recomend the ski lift to anyone. It's so fun and just different than the usual bowling or movie dates!

Peach Days

2008-09-09T19:48:00.000-06:00

This past weekend we went up to Gary's hometown, Brigham City, for the once in life time Peach Days event! Gary kept talking about how great and fun it is and that there is so much to do. Basically, it's a Carnival with the usual carni crowd...we just walked around and ran into a lot of Gary's old friends from high school. Gary had the standard peach cobbler to celebrate "peach days" and I just enjoyed people watching and seeing all the mullets! However, all in all it was really nice to get away from Provo and leave all the homework behind and just be a kid again.

I was really thirsty the last night so we indulged at bought a $2.00 soda... and that cup was the large. We compromised in buying it because we didn't buy tickets for the rides. The tickets were 10 for $10 or $1.25 for 1! We decided it wasn't worth it.
We finished up our Peach Days weekend by attending Gary's old ward Sunday. His parent's are moving the next week just a block and half and they are in a new ward! Utah is so funny that way.
It was a great weekend and now we are back to reality. SCHOOL,WORK, HOMEWORK...ect.

Labor Day Weekend

2008-09-02T20:43:00.000-06:00

Gary and I went in and bought an all sports pass this year so we could enjoy the BYU experience. It was loads of fun... our seats are next to friends and family so they always help make it a great time. We were not expecting the sun to be SO intense... we burned, but it wasn't bad after a day. BYU won so we celebrated in the canyon with friends and made dutch oven peach cobbler later that night. It was such a great end to our day.
Monday afternoon we totally took advantage of our day off and the fact that it was raining. We didn't leave our little humble apartment until 2pm! We went to the Brick Oven for the Ofallon reuinon. It was great to see all my friends again that I grew up with and actually get to talk to them about life. Gary didn't really know anyone but there was pizza, enough said. I did all the talking.
Labor day needs to be the first Monday in every month. Gary started school today and his athletic training job with the baseball team and I already have homework up to my eyeballs...and my dad told me these are the easy days!

Seven Peaks

2008-08-27T18:42:00.000-06:00

Gary and I wanted to do something fun before school started and before our Saturdays turned into worshiping BYU football. I had never been to seven peaks and thought it would be a lot of fun. It was but I didn't care for the wedgy I had to pick after every slide. However, it was nice to get out of the apartment and do something random. Gary and I were very ambitious and got there right when it opened so we hit all the best slides in like an hour. We also got a spot right under the shade to relax or burning feet and to avoid the sun.
Gary was especially pleased with our decision of seven peaks because they had dip n dots... we splurged and gave into the small tiny cup with the big price sticker on it. That's how our day ended so we considered it a success.

Side Note: Gary is amazing
Our kitchen floor in our apartment was gross but with a full time job I never got around to actually scrubbing the floor and I don't think the past residents did either because as you can tell... bleach and some good old elbow grease can make all the difference. Gary knew it had been bugging me so this past week he did it all by himself. What a guy!

The Fourth of July in St.George

2008-08-22T18:34:00.000-06:00

The fourth this year was packed full of activites and great food. We traveled down to good ol' St.George to see my family and to endure the blasting heat. We had a great time. We swam in my parent's pool but it was more like taking a bath. Gary never had to worry about freezing me out... even when it was time sleep! Gary has been craving dip n' dots since forever and they didn't have them at Disney world where we went for our honeymoon. So at the Road Runners baseball game he had two servings to make up for it.
This is the night of the fourth and it was hot! We went to a country music show down... Gary was a really good sport(he hates it). The singers weren't bad it just was a long night... and all really wanted to see was fireworks.

Bethany and I enjoyed blueberry slushies while we were waiting for the show to start. This girl has such a personality.

So the fireworks were too much for Bethany, she is scared to death of them! She kept pleading with us all to leave. To a point I don't blame her. The people lit the fireworks too close to where everyone was standing so ashes were landing on us. I was scared just to look up at them afraid something was going to fall in my eyes! Gary wasn't impressed and still thinks Brigham City is where it is at.

Gary loves kitties and my family just got one. I think he spent more time with the kity than me the whole trip. He loved to cuddle and play with her. The kity has loads of energy so we were all surprised when Gary got the cat to fall a sleep with him.

Part One of My Favorites

2008-08-19T20:52:00.000-06:00

This picture I have to take all the credit for. My photographer wasn't going to do one like this with the veil over both of us... but I insisted. It's just a classic, tradional photo but so sentimental.

I LOVE THIS ONE. I told Gary it looks like we are walking down Eternity Drive.

This picture blows my breath away. I don't know how my photographer did it. She made such an ugly, muddy river look beautiful and the wind helped a lot.

So I saw a picture like this one in a bride magazine but they were seductive. We tried to copy that but as you can tell we didn't really pull it off. Asking Gary and I to be seductive is like asking an elephant to fly... we kept kissing each others teeth because we couldn't stop smiling.

Katie, Teri, and Tessa have been my best friends forever and I was so lucky to have them all make it to my reception. They are all sarcastic and have a great sense of humor... and they just get life. I miss our cherry limeade runs to Sonic. $1.39

Olympics

2008-08-18T21:55:00.000-06:00

So if I had enough patience there would probably be more pictures posted but the Olympics are going on and you just have to set your priorities. Gary's Second Love

~Daddy's Little Girls ~

I love my sisters... their personalities are so different and so unqiue.... and they are Gorgeous!

Wedding Photos Finally!

2008-08-17T21:00:00.000-06:00

Gary and I finally got our wedding photos and I am really excited to share them! There will be many wedding photo posts because they are too many good ones just to have one post! Will start it off with a bang with probably my most favorite photo. The weather was beautiful the night before we got married so we took all of our pictues then. It was a blessing because the next morning was a beast to put it lightly :) Enjoy!