Blah...gggg

Seriously, where is my motivation for this blog? I read other blogs, I have time to covet homes and cute kid clothes on pinterest but when it comes to blogging I just never feel like I have the time.

So what have the Luke's been up to? Work, school, work, study, work, clean, wipe boogers....that's pretty much it! This semester has been a little more stressful for David, plus he plays mom while I work every night. He's quite the trooper. Work has been good, I work with some really fun people and always have good stories to tell!

The other night Grant insisted on wearing a watch and tie to bed. Preparing for a job interview buddy? I figured they would both shimmy themselves off in the night but sure enough this is what he looked like in the morning! This kid kills me!

Maybe this week will prove to be more entertaining.....

Lil' Red...RIP

I've never been a big dog lover, sure they keep ya company and are loyal friends but I've got my reasons. I guess I never really felt the need to have a loyal dog that was excited when I got home, that's because I had my "little red car". Yep that beauty has stood by my side (well more so David's the last few years) and has been through thick and thin with us. She wasn't the most practical snow car but that never stopped her from attempting to be a "big kid" on the roads. She drove me to Idaho for my first college experience, drove David and I down to Arizona to start our new life together. She hauled us all over the Utah valley, made many many trips to Colorado and one massive trip to Wisconsin. Quite the traveler that lil' red car. Sure she's given us a scare here and there but boy she's a fighter and would never let us down. However one very sad day she just couldn't keep up with the demand and decided that driving in reverse was too much for her fraile body. She tries her hardest and has good days and bad, we knew it was time for her to get some extra love and care and handed the keys to a new owner last week. Suprizingly I didn't shed one tear, we will always remember lil' red. Please feel free to express loving memories if needed.

2012???

Boy I have been slackin' on the blog lately, I can't promise it will get any better either! The other day David and I were talking about what a whirl wind of a year 2011 was. So many things were up in the air and although it was unpredictable at times it was mainly just exciting. All three of us were able to accomplish major goals this year.

David completed his first semester of grad school and was offered a summer internship with PetSmart in Phoenix. Yep, SUMMER in PHOENIX. What in the world am I going to do with my pale lil' boy?!?! Back to David-he had a busy first semester which included some traveling and lots of preparation for interviews. He had a few offers (Target, AT&T and Durham Brands) which made our decision with PetSmart kind of difficult but staying in the west sure sounds nice;) He was also a trooper for agreeing to move to a new place during finals too!

After about four interviews I was offered a personal training job at 24 Hour Fitness. I love it! I've met some really great people and I'm glad that I am able to use my degree/certification in a way to help others. I know I probably will not always be able to work so I'm grateful for this opportunity.

Grant has had quite the year-his speech has improved and his ability to quote "The Elf" and "Nacho Libre" is somewhat embarrassing! His biggest accomplish yet is the fact that he gave Cosmo the cougar a high five! We heard about it for a full week! I am here to announce that Cosmo came up to us at yesterday's game and had a bite of our popcorn. Looks like we will have another earful:)

Ok on to pictures.....
This is pretty much what Grant looked like the whole month of December.

The easiest way to tell if Grant is pleased with something is by this very expression. He had it on his first birthday when the cake came out, the night he saw Cosmo and obviously when he opened his new drill/hammer.

If only I had permanent entertainment for Grant like I do when family is around.

ALVIN!!!!

October was by far the busiest month for us! David was out of twice which is always fun for him but sad for Grant and I, we made a few trips home to Colorado, I became an aunt for the third time in three months, and we attended a baptism and baby blessing. In not so good news, I had a miscarriage last Monday. Things are going really well though and we are grateful that we have Grant and that each day seems to get better. I've had some heart-to-hearts with Heavenly Father and I know that he is aware of me and my family and that's been a huge comfort during this confusing time. It's hard to trust him but even harder not to. Really I have a lot to be thankful for so I'll just leave it at that.

This was probably my favorite Halloween in a long time. We had a hard time coming up with a costume for Grant, he doesn't like to wear hats, doesn't like jackets or weird things hanging off his body. Ugh, can you imagine how feisty our girls will be?! We had a few ideas but we wanted something that he would actually be excited to wear...cue Alvin costume. It was perfect, cheap, easy, and he loved it! He caught on to the whole trick-or-treat thing pretty fast and was really polite and sweet saying "thank you" and "Happy Halloween" to everyone. That night he was eating his candy at olympic speed and had to be stopped! The next morning he came over to me and said "Mommy? Trick-or-treat? Ok mommy...shoes and socks!" then ran and put on his shoes. Uh, yea buddy like I'm going to take you trick-or-treating at 7:00 am on Nov 1.

We were able to do some festive things with family...pumpkins, halloween cookies, pumpkin farm. 

Hope everyone had a fun and safe Halloween!

Oh boy!

More like dough boy! I made these babies for my visiting teachees last night and my oh my they are rich and fabulous! When I told David about a the recipe he said he'd rather just have an oreo or a chocolate chip cookie. WHAT? Sometimes I don't even know who he is?!? Anyway that suggestion was quickly overruled and my beloved cookies were fresh out of the oven! Gotta love that picky-palate...I swear every kid wishes she was their mom.  BTW these cookies are gigantic...and a little sticky to work with but I somehow persevered! 

2 sticks softened butter

3/4 Cup packed light brown sugar

1 Cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 Tablespoon pure vanilla

3 1/2 Cups all purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

10 oz bag chocolate chips

1 bag Oreo Cookies, I used the double stuff 

1.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.   In a stand or electric mixer cream butter and sugars until well combined.  Add in eggs and vanilla until well combined.

2.  In a separate bowl mix the flour, salt and baking soda.  Slowly add to wet ingredients along with chocolate chips until just combined.  Using a cookie scoop take one scoop of cookie dough and place on top of an Oreo Cookie.  Take another scoop of dough and place on bottom of Oreo Cookie.  Seal edges together by pressing and cupping in hand until Oreo Cookie is enclosed with dough.  Place onto a parchment or silpat lined baking sheet and bake cookies 9-13 minutes or until cookies are baked to your liking.  Let cool for 5 minutes before transferring to cooling rack.  Serve with a tall glass of milk, enjoy!

Makes about 2 dozen VERY LARGE Cookies  

Pobo....

I am going to safely assume that I am not the only one who has wonderful childhood memories boxed away....favorite board games, movies, Barbies, trolls etc. There have been numerous times I've pulled out my collections or watched movies with David only to discover that maybe they weren't as cool as I thought, or even worse I can't really describe to David how adorably cute my cat looked in little bonnets being pushed in the stroller. It's hard to relive the past.

Well I am here to say that being back in Provo has exceeded all expectations. Infact it's almost better this time because I'M NOT IN SCHOOL!!!! Don't get me wrong I really loved my classes and being on campus day after day but this whole "spouse thing" is a pretty sweet gig if you ask me! David actually prefers this to undergrad as well! 

For example, I have a student ID just like the "real" students so I too can get discounts around Provo, sporting events and have access to the weight room. (btw when did they remodel that and what the heck took so long?) I love that I can walk around campus and not have to worry about printing things off for class or rushing around. And it seems like everyone vacations in Provo so it's nice to be able to go visit with old friends and not have to juggle school/work. Yesterday we met David for lunch and I took Grant through my old building and about started to cry when he touched his hand all along the hallway. It reminded me of Pres. Monson saying "when you touch the temple, the temple touches you." Ok I'm only half serious but I just had such a wonderful experience at BYU that I want Grant to recognize what a great place it really is. If you are jealous of my super awesome life, don't be! I'm basically living in a mailbox and eating beans and rice everyday....which would be fine if I was a missionary in Brazil but us "state-side member missionaries" prefer a little luxury every now and then;)

Granty pants loves the games, and mainly the fight song! 

 Carly was our little bud during the game and wanted to be in the picture too! I'm so glad she was there to play with Grant!

 strenuous day of being carried up to the "Y"-take a break dude, you deserve it!

Obsession

I would say someone enjoys stickers just a tad too much!