Thank You, Nie

For those of you who don't know....I'm absolutely obsessed with NieNie. For that reason, I want to post a little thank you for the impact she's already had on my life.

-: THANK YOU, NIE:-

- For helping me remember to slow down

- For showing me there's beauty and joy in every day life

- For expressing your feelings and teaching me it's OK to express mine, too

- For keeping your blog updated, allowing us to see into your world and draw strength from it

- For choosing to love

- For motivating me to be my best self

- For being one of the best mothers I've encountered and for proving there's no greater joy than that of family and motherhood

- For changing my life for the better

You are an example of light, life, and love.

thanks, mallory

They call me tater salad

After much blogstalking and exploring of Etsy.com today, I feel like I need to resurrect my inner domestic goddess. I say "resurrect" because I used to do all kinds of cute, crafty, yummy food stuff in high school. And I was darn good at it if I say so myself! Sadly, I've let myself go and now all those fellow bloggers' pictures of sassy home decor and made-from-scratch-organic-goodness are starting to make me feel bad.

Enter strawberry cream pie.

Today I took my brother-in-law's birthday as an opportunity to awaken the goddess from her slumber.

Ta da!!

New tradition:

Everyone gets a pie on their birthday!

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Eric has moved onto the police chief interview portion of his testing with West Valley!!

AUGUST 15!!

Doesn't mean he has a job quite yet.....but things are looking hopeful. Salt Lake County.....here we come? Oh I hope so.

Although...Provo may or may not be growing on me.

YhurtsOsoGgoodA

I am SORE. I've gotten pretty into yoga the past few days. I've tried it a few times before, after reading about all the benefits and hearing so many testaments. But I could never get what it was that got people so addicted. It was relaxing, sure. But I couldn't get hooked. Until now.

I think it's the teacher that makes ALL the difference. I'm doing these 25 minute videos on www.yogajournal.com. I highly recommend it.

I love being able to strike a pose--touche--and pay attention to and recognize any imbalances in my body. I've noticed tons of subtle imbalances that I never would have been able to pinpoint without doing yoga. The addiction to yoga comes into play when you make it a game to get your body completely balanced.

It's already helping me run, breathe, sit, stand, sleep, and recognize problems better. And only after 5 videos!

Moral of the story: yoga is my new favorite thing....and maybe some racquetball too :)

Change of plans..

Today our plan was to...

1. Lay out by the pool and read Harry Potter.
2. Go to yoga class while Eric lifts.
3. Play racquetball...my new favorite addiction.


Instead, we....

1. Took a 2 hour nap.
2. Are currently watching So You Think You Can Dance

Haha.

Go us!

Well, Rachel called me out on my non-postathon sooo here I am!

It feels like lots of things have happened. It's been almost a month! I'll give you a little rundown of events:

*Eric and I went on Alpine Loop! My first time! (FYI--all these were shot in manual mode what what?!)

* Spent 4th of July in St. George--check out the house we stayed in! (these were all in manual mode too!)

Need I say more?? :) Made up for the LAME fireworks. Next year = Seattle!

*Eric graduated from police academy!!!! I'm SO proud of him he did such a good job. Now he's applying for departments in Utah. (stupid guy ruined the picture. I wanted to punch him.)

* Went to a family reunion--it was Eric's first! Note the awesome shirts we got!

FYI--my family is pretty freakin' sweet!

Also, I'm taking a photography workshop real soon...stay tuned for even better pics. Waiting for Eric to hear back from the two departments he's testing with. He'll be applying for two more this month.

Last but not least...I feel like I've been learning a LOT lately, like a LOT...about everything. Must happen when you're first married. About myself, Eric, relationships, family, etc. Sometimes it's hard, but more often than not, it's worth it. Call me cliche, but since reading Nie's blog (see link on side bar), I'm learning to slow down and enjoy every bit of life, because it's true--we never get these days back. We may be poor and living in a sardine can, but we'll only have this once. I'm grateful for Eric and for the blessings Heavenly Fathe has given me. I'm grateful to know that there is only more joy to be experienced as life goes on. But for now, I'm learning to just enjoy right now.