Sunday, December 27, 2009

Good to be home!

We've been in Louisiana for three wonderful and fabulous days! I could not tell you how great it is to be back. I wish it was longer, of course, but I will take what I can get. So far, we've had opportunity to visit with family and friends, eat yummy food, and do a bit of shopping. It is fun to play games with everyone, read books to the baby sister, and not apply lotion and chapstick every 30 minutes!

We hope that you are enjoying your holidays! Merry Christmas and a Happy new year!

Saturday, December 19, 2009

update

It has been a while since I posted on here so I thought everyone could use a little update.

*Kevin recently finished his first semester at BYUI. Hurray!
*I have been addicted to popcorn. We pop the kernels on the stove now almost every night and it is SOOO good!
*It was been warmer lately. About 30 degrees, wow! Not really any snow, lets hope it stays that way.
*We lost power Thursday night for about 3.5 hours. A valuable lesson was learned, we need to prepare ourselves better. More candles, backup batteries, and a propane heater wouldn't hurt. Kevin has one actually but it is in Georgia, which does us no good! Guess we'll have to get it next trip out there.
*We're going home to Louisiana in less than a week!!!

Monday, November 9, 2009

I could NOT wait any longer

Yes, we have always put the tree up Thanksgiving day or shortly after but for some reason this year I just could NOT WAIT. I am pretty sure I asked Kevin everyday last week, "can we put the tree up today?" Finally, I just decided we're puttin' it up and we're puttin' it up today! I am not skipping Thanksgiving at all. In fact, Thanksgiving is probably my favorite holiday. It seems like Christmas comes so quick after Thanksgiving. It feels like you are putting your ornaments away as soon as you take them out. I am so glad I will get to enjoy my tree a bit longer this year!


And it gets me super pumped that I am going home! Only six weeks! Yeah!!

Saturday, November 7, 2009

SUPER Saturday

A friend of mine, Jenny*, invited me to her ward's super craft Saturday. It was SO fun! There was so many projects to participate in! We spent 5 hours at the activity and completed 1 craft. We assembled and designed a "days till Christmas" countdown-er thing. It was a pretty tough one, which demanded some time. Paint this, dry that, cut this, spray that, etc. I have never attended a super saturday and enjoyed the new experience very much. The crafts are adorable and the company was great. Since we did not have time to complete everything, Jenny and I will be having a super Friday to complete our unfinished projects. I am ready to get them done. For some reason I've got this craft-bug in me and I could just craft and craft and craft!

*Jenny has lived in Lafayette and attended my home ward the last few years. We both moved to Rexburg the same time this year. It has been wonderful having friends so close!

we sit at the bar

Yes, you did read that right. We sit at the bar at Applebee's and for good reasons too! While we were there tonight we saw two couples from our ward and they were probably thinking, "what are the Bradley's doing?!" So I thought I would explain why exactly we choose, and might I add love, to sit at the bar.

1. Justin. Justin is the bar tender and might I add an amazing one! Hardly anyone sits there, so we get pretty good football conversations going, talking about our home towns, and such. (We had a lady with big hair one day and we were NOT happy campers with her service. This is work people! Work or leave!)

2. And since no one sits there, we are seated the minute we walk in. How lovely, no wait!

3. We always have our sierra mist and kiwi-raspberry lemonade filled to the top. We are also constantly tended to as far as sauces, refills, desserts, and so forth. Beautiful!

4. And since we are closer with people who work there, we usually get to pick what games to play on the televisions. One time Georgia and LSU were playin' at the same time, so they put mine on and Kevin's and two others. Can life get any better? I submit that it cannot!

5. No one else is sitting at the bar, so they never rush you to leave. In fact Justin's words after we paid were, "Feel free to hang out as long as you'd like. Let me know if you need drinks or anything." And he almost twisted Kevin's arm to take a kiwi-raspberry lemonade to-go before we left. Seriously? I think that is just great!

And that, my friends, is why we sit at the bar, gladly!

Monday, November 2, 2009

busy times, fun times, GREAT times

The second half of October has been a busy one. First, we ended our work week short so that we could attend my Aunt's wedding in the Bountiful Temple. Everything went well. Keni looked gorgeous, as she always is. The ceremony was wonderful. Dinner was super yummy and so was the cake. And to top off a wonderful day my MOM was there along with my other fabulous Aunts! And I've got a pretty awesome new uncle!Keni's girls hung out with us while mom and Chris were out of town. Those two are hilarious and so fun.The next weekend was Halloween. Kevin and I decided to be Woody and Jessi from Toy Story 2. Thanks to a friend from the ward, I was able to get help on creating and constructing our chaps and vest. I hadn't dressed up for Halloween probably since I was 12. It was fun to put the costumes together and get a bit more into the Halloween spirit.
It's been a fun month and college football season still occupies a good bit of our weekends. Uncle Chris has us watching more NFL football and Emily could not be more ecstatic with her New Orleans Saints. The next few weeks will be interesting and nerve racking!

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Finally Retiring

It has been a long five wonderful years that I have been the proud owner of these amazing shoes. I got them shopping with Heather, which is where I usually find amazing things, like these amazing shoes! Also, thanks Heather for finding them and stamping them with the seal of approval so long ago. I understand that some may disagree in taste, but these have by far been my favorite pair I have owned. If I could get another wear out of 'em I totally would, however the leather around the edges is tearing and I can see very clearly the nails from the worn soles on the heels. So, fair well my wonderful friends. You will be greatly missed!!! *tear*


On another note, I cannot tell you how much I love Glee. At a stereotypical high school, cheerleaders are the queens and the football team are tough bully type people. Mr. Will Schuster, a teacher at McKinley High is determined to revive Glee Club from obscurity. I love the songs, the crazy plots, and horrible sue just cracks me up (she's nuts!).
Oh, and I've recently been keeping up with the Biggest Looser. Instead of exercising, I watch other people do it. Perhaps now I will feel a bit more motivated to sweat a bit!

Last, however still big deal.... Keni and Chris are getting married this week! We are SO excited for them. One amazing perk is we're going to be around family. I am so excited that I get to see my momma tomorrow! Yay!

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

What have I done?

So, for years I have begged for braces. Not because I have any desire to put myself through that kind of pain, but because I need them. I've had some spaces that have occasionally been sensitive and are food traps, my bite is off, my mid-line is off, it's tricky to clean some teeth, etc. With the wonderful help of Dr. Matt, Kevin and I decided if I did not get them now, I probably would never end up getting them. Trust me folks, I'll have to say it was a great opportunity for us.

Yesterday, I sat in the chair for the whole movie of Finding Nemo and they were on... and that's when the misery began. My mouth is all practically raw inside from the metal scratching at my cheeks and lips and I can only eat soft bread like food cut into tiny pieces. Miserable! I'm very much so looking forward to after the "getting used to it" phase. They gave me this huge list of things I couldn't have like chips, caramel, ice cream, nuts... are you serious?! That is all the good stuff! Today I was wanting candy so bad I sucked on a mini Milky Way for 15 minutes just to get my little sugar in for the day. So hopefully things will start healing up and getting better soon!

And no, I am NOT posting a picture. Sorry!

Monday, October 5, 2009

A trip to Utah

Kevin and I received tickets to General Conference as a wedding gift. What a unique and wonderful gift. I have toured the conference center, however I have never had opportunity to attend a session. We were able to attend Saturday afternoon, Sunday morning, and Kevin attended the priesthood session. We really enjoyed being able to go and hopefully we'll have another opportunity to attend. It was such a neat experience to see our prophet, President Monson, and the apostles of the church.

I have beautiful pictures from my wedding with all my family and friends that were in attendance. As I was looking through my pictures a while ago there was only one thing missing. Due to the ridiculous high temperatures and humidity, it made for a miserable time to be outside and take pictures. Not only that, but I really wanted to spend more time with my guest that attended than take pictures all day and because I was on the go, I had my trained pinned up in all my pictures. My bridals are perfect -if only I could insert Kevin into them! So, our wonderful friends Doyle and Chelsea took a few saturday morning before I send my dress to be boxed up for about 30 years. The end results were great and I'm glad we got a few more in to remember this special time in our lives. Thanks Chelsea! You are amazing!!


While we were in Utah, I was able to hang out with Keni and the girls. We visited Gardner's village, where we met real witches and see some crafts. The girls had fun Halloween costumes that they were able to wear to the activity. Afterwards, Keni and her friend, Lindsey, decided it would be a wise choice to let the kids eat McDonalds while we ate Simply Sushi. It was a pretty yummy dinner! Good choice!

We came home to rain and cold weather. And when I woke up this morning, it was a nightmare come true...Thank goodness it all melted before I got home from work! Lets hope that doesnt' happen for another month. I don't think I can handle going from summer to winter and completly skipping over the fall season!

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Momma always said....

"Look both ways before you cross the street". Well, that's what Kevin did on his way to work. Before he looked behind to see if there was any on-coming traffic, he failed to notice the large rock in the middle of the bike lane (he borrowed our neighbor's bike to commute to work). Kevin hit the rock and flipped over the handle bars and had a close encounter with the pavement. This happened on Thursday and we have been faithfully cleaning his injuries and bandaging him up each day. It was extremely ugly in the beginning and Kevin was really good about 'sucking-it-up' but I was not used to the occasional whining (only when I'd insist we clean them). I am pretty sure Kevin has never really complained since we've been married or been irritable. So to look at this positively, I was reminded of how blessed I am to have a husband who usually and for the most part is not a complainer. I'm glad he's feeling better cause I don't think I could live with that all the time. These pictures were taken today, Saturday after they've done some healing.


Kevin did have a silver shine phone, however whenever he hit the asphalt, he busted the screen on it. So, we had to go purchase a new phone to replace the broken one. Sorry if anyone has tried to call him the last three days! Also, I decided I'd cut his hair. Surprisingly, I am okay with the buzzed look.

I am so glad my dishwasher is back :)

Saturday, September 5, 2009

HAPPY GAME DAY!!!

"In the East, college football is a cultural exercise. In the West, it is a tourist attraction. In the Midwest, it is cannibalism. But in the South, it is religion. And Saturday is the Holy Day."
- Coach Marino Casem


We are so excited that college football has officially started. We were thrilled to wear our teams' polo today! We are looking forward to an eventful season jammed pack with action and surprises... hopefully surprises in our favor, of course!

Monday, August 31, 2009

It's a deal!

So, I'm really enjoying our chores and how we divided them. I cook and will do everything else as long as I don't have to do two things: throw the trash and clean the dishes. I love cooking and baking, however, the clean up is no fun for me. Dry hands, stinky trash, and leftover food smashed on plates. Yuck! Me and the dishwasher are best-est friends. Now, don't get me wrong... I do occasionally "suck it up" and help but most of the time I really do not want to do it. Thank goodness Kevin is such a cooperative husband!

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Famous Potatos

So, we are now here in Idaho. As much as I love Louisiana I have one complaint. They would not allow me to keep my car registered in Louisiana unless I had Louisiana insurance. Here is a thought, why would I keep Louisiana insurance when Idaho is probably a half or third less?? With that all said, I was FORCED to get an Idaho license plate. I'm not overly pleased. Printed at the bottom of the plate is "Famous Potatoes" ... really? Not appealing.

On a lighter note, Kevin found a job on campus. Happy day! Now, I just wish I could find something to keep myself busy!

I know my family has been a bit curious about our little home so here are a few pictures of our first place.

When you first walk in you enter into this area, our kitchen. It is one large room that is shared with our living room. We got our beautiful kitchen table from Heidi and Nick!
That rocking chair was in my great-grandfather's house. I love it!Our little wall of family photos, mostly from the wedding. It took a few holes in the wall to get it level. Oops. :)Here is our bathroom.Our room with the new bedding. Thanks for the pillows Aunt Mel and Uncle Danny!Our extra room/study. When you wonderful visitors come here this is your room. Trust me there is plenty of room in here for you, this is just the desk area. We look forward to having company over soon!

Monday, July 13, 2009

lately

So, I have been doing a pretty crummy job of posting what is going on in our lives lately. This is no good since practically everything is going on. So many things have happened lately.
First off.... big deal, we were sealed June 20th in the Baton Rouge Louisiana temple. Our wedding day was everything we had hoped for and was a wonderful and memorable day. We were so glad that so many of our friends and family were able to come and share our special day with us.We also had a wonderful time in Destin on our honeymoon. We were super sad to go. The water was beautiful and the sand was white. We ate lots of yummy food and enjoyed watching the college world series. Geaux Tigers!!
After our honeymoon, we drove up to Georgia for our open house. Everything went very well and it was a relaxing time to visit with friends and family. And we were also excited to have time to eat unlike the Louisiana reception. We also managed to squeeze in an outing to Shokatini for some karaoke with the EFY friends later that night.

Overall, life is great! I have the best husband ever! And thank you to everyone for all your help, love and support lately with all that has been going on in our busy lives. We love you all!
I'll try to be better about posting things that happen.

Monday, June 1, 2009

One crazy week

So, perhaps I thought I could just do too many fun things in one week. The end result... complete exhaustion. After church on Sunday, all the ladies and little Nick drove 4 hours west to spend Memorial day in Houston. It had been a while since I had seen Uncle Danny and Aunt Mel. I also was really needing a new purse and a few things for the wedding reception. Sidenote: My new purse is amazing! Thanks for lettings us come visit, Mel and Danny! Tuesday I practiced with my Latrini sisters and discovered that we needed decor for our cabin at girl's camp, so I spent majority of the day looking for Chinese lanterns... I ended up creating my own with the limited supplies I found. I finally began packing around 8 pm but with numerous interruptions, I finished around midnight. Wednesday, we left bright and early for girl's camp... 6:30am. There we hiked, went to Indian Creek's man-made beach, and had skit night. I left Thursday night after our Latrini's rockin' performance. I hated having to leave early. I've been going to camp as a leader for 4 years and since we're moving, this was my last time with the Lafayette girls and my final performance as Lola Latrini :( Friday, was my cousin's wedding in Houma. Since I was a bridesmaid, I was there ALL day long. 8am till 1am. It was a lovely wedding. My cousin belongs to a 20 piece band known as Souled Out. They performed at the reception and it made for such an exciting and entertaining evening! Saturday I had the wonderful opportunity of going through the temple for the first time. It was so great to have my family there with me as well as Kevin and his mother, Kim. By Sunday I was so tired and grouchy, even the 45 minute nap didn't help. I had been going to bed late and waking up ridiculously early all week. Monday was Dr. Nichols' first day back from Mexico and we were short one assistant, who is in Hawaii for the week. It made for a not so fun Monday with patients trying to squeeze in to see him and being short staffed. No one likes Mondays, so this just did not help.

I'm gonna sleep REALLY well tonight.

It is so much better in person... promise!
All my fabulous girls! I'll miss them... ALOT!
Me and my family in front of the Baton Rouge Louisiana temple.

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Graduation. Yay!

So this past weekend I received my bachelors degree. I was so excited. It's been a stressful semester with the wedding, school, work, church callings, etc. so it was absolutely wonderful to put something aside finally. It is still hard to believe that my degree is finished. Hopefully within the next few years, if I am able to, I'll return and complete a master's degree in communications. We shall see.

It was wonderful to have family to support me. Thank you to everyone who came!

And I also want to say THANK YOU so much to my wonderful parents who do so much for me. Thanks for always supporting me, helping me, and encouraging me! I love you guys!