Saturday, December 29, 2007

Home from the Holiday's!

So I know I should be blogging about all of our holiday fun before I blog about us being home, but don't worry, I will be blogging it all in the next couple days. We had the best time in Ohio with Larissa, Spencer, Cole and Jack! I will be sure to post lots of pics soon. While in Ohio, Larissa was kind enough to show me how to make home made bread. She has such a great recipe and it was so easy to make. So today I decided to attempt to make it on my own! Hopefully I will get better with practice...and I also want to try a wheat too...so we will see. But I had fun making my first batch. I only made two loaves but they turned out pretty good and we even used the bread to make sandwiches! So here's a little photo diary to document my plunge into the world of home made bread.

This is me kneading the dough, just like Larissa taught me.

The finished product! They look a little funny, but boy does it taste good!

Finally, we have the taste test. Andy was kind enough to taste the finished product for me, and as you can tell by his reaction...he was quite pleased!
My dad always told me I needed to learn more home making skills. Well, this ones for you dad.
Love
Meliss

Thursday, December 20, 2007

Since Andy's Been Home...

Well I have to first off apologize for not blogging in about FOREVER! I am not sure how many of you read our blog regularly, but if you do...sorry for my neglect. Things here have really looked up since Andy has been home. I can't tell you what a difference it makes to have him around...my days are a million times more enjoyable. I know Andy is really happy to be home as well. Since he has been home we have celebrated our 1 year anniversary of meeting, his birthday and a nice visit from our good friend Bob. We also had a freak snow 'storm'. I am not sure if it can really qualify as a storm...but there were at least 2 inches of snow, which I imagine is a lot for this area. Don't worry, I only tripped once while going down our front stairs and the snow and ice have since melted. I do so much better on dry ground. Here are some pictures to document what we've been up to the last couple weeks!

Andy is sure glad to be home, and like I said before, I am real happy to have him back! I know that he wanted to blog a little for himself, about his experience in Oklahoma so I won't go into too much detail. But as you can see below. I don't think he misses Fort Sill one bit!


The weekend that Andy got home from Oklahoma we had quite the snow fall. It was so pretty and really made us feel like it was Christmas time. All the girls in my YW class were hoping that they would even cancel school. I RARELY remember them closing school in Idaho for a mere 2 inches of snow, but I am sure this is quite a sight for these Missourians.




Then, on this last Tuesday, December 18th, we celebrated Andy's 25th birthday. In celebration he really wanted to have an Ugly Sweater party. He insisted that we go to Good Will and get ourselves some ugly sweaters. Andy's was a gem (as you can see in the pictures), I am pretty sure the sweater he wore was an XL and it looks spectacular on him. Mine on the other hand was a nice fleece pullover with cute little snowman on it. I was pretty hesitant to buy it, but Andy reminded me that it was his party, and I was to do as he asked and wear the sweater. Overall we had a great time. Bob surprised Andy at the party. He flew in all the way from Atlanta, GA and Andy couldn't have been more surprised. Not to mention, Bob won the prize for the ugliest sweater, I am sure you would agree! (I know several of our friends have a couple pictures from the party as well, so once I get a hold of them I will add them to the post).







Tomorrow we head for Ohio to spend Christmas with Andy's sister Larissa and her family. We are really looking forward to spending the holiday with them. Thankfully, we got our camera back today, in working order..so we will have plenty of chances to take pictures and update the blog. We are also dropping Bob off at the airport tomorrow morning. We have had so much fun having him here, he even started his own blog, everyone should check it out. http://bobonthecob.blogspot.com/




Merry Christmas to everyone. We love you all.
Meliss

Monday, December 10, 2007

Tagity Tag Tag...

Well Kara McAffee tagged me to fill out this fun survey. I have done one similar to it before, but this one has some different categories. So here goes!!

4 Jobs I have had in my lifetime:
1. A cashier girl at Kathy's Hallmark (I don't know what the official title is).
2. A price tag putter on'er at Slusser Wholesale
3. Office Manager at StrikePoint Trading
4. House Wife, since I can't find a blasted job!

4 Films I have watched over and over again:
1. She's The Man (I know, but its always on HBO!)
2. The Santa Clause
3. Elf
4. The Devil wears Prada....(I love the clothes!)

4 TV Shows I watch religiously:
1. The Hills
2. America's Next Top Model
3. How Clean is Your House?
4. Anything on FOOD Network

4 Places where I have lived:
1. Idaho Falls, ID
2. San Diego, CA
3. Orem, UT
4. Fort Leonard Wood, MO

4 of my Favorite Foods:
1. Sushi
2. Frozen Yogurt
3. Fried Rice
4. Any Fruit!

4 Favorite Colors:
1. Green, its my favorite color!
2. Black
3. White
4. Blue

4 Places I would love to be right now:
1. To Oklahoma (sounds crazy, but that's where Andy is)
2. New York City
3. Out west, close to family.
4. California

4 Names I love but would never use on my own kids: (how about 4 names I love, and will use)
1. Winston (Andy and I both love this name)
2. Lillian (Andy has always wanted to name his daughter this)
3. Nina (Don't ask me why, but its a favorite)
4. Stone (My dad teases me about this one)

4 People that I am tagging and they MUST do this same thing:
1. Amy
2. Monica
3. Shawna
4. Allice

New Music I Heart <3

There are a couple of artists that I have run across in the last few weeks that I am really loving. The funny thing is, most of them I found off of television commercials. Sometimes you can find the greatest songs there. Here are a few of my favorites...

Forever Thursday
'How Can it Be'

I first heard this song on a JCPenny ad. I love the sound of the artists voice, and the song itself is very relaxing. You can check them out on Itunes or myspace. http://www.myspace.com/foreverthursdaymusic You can also find the video for this song on YouTube.

Landon Pigg
'Falling in Love At a Coffee Shop'

I heard this song on A Diamond is Forever commercial, and love it! You can checkout his website at http://www.landonpigg.com/ or on myspace! http://www.myspace.com/landonpiggmusic

Also, check out these other artists on Itunes!

Rufus Wainwright, Deb Talan (who is one part of the duo 'The Weepies' which is also one of my favorite bands). Enjoy!

The Story Behind Melandy!

I got this off of my friend Brittany's blog, she knows how much I love doing surveys so I decided to snag it and fill it out myself - enjoy!

1. Where did you meet your husband? Andy and I met in Nordstrom. I went with Greg and Allice to pick him up and that was the meeting point. It will forever be my favorite store,(for many reasons)ha. (He did add me as a friend on facebook prior to our meeting though).

2.What was the first thing you said to your husband? Probably something like, "Hi nice to meet you" I stuck out my hand for a shake but he went in for the hug.

3. Where was your first date? Hummm that's hard, Probably to a movie and dinner at the Cheesecake factory. I was SO exhausted that night. If you ask him, it might be the gym. That was the first time we spent time alone together.

4. Where was your first kiss? In a little play 'ground' near his parents house. We had gone on a walk, but we both knew what was coming. ha.

5. Did you have a long or short courtship/engagement? We got engaged at the beginning of March and married at the end of June...so about 3.5 to 4 months...so pretty short. Felt like forever though.

6. Where did you get engaged? Our apartment at Newport Village. It has been the site of two engagements. Ours and Greg and Allice's. Its a special place. He had a whole cute set up! With the help of Greg and Allice, there were candles everywhere and he had gotten my favorite sushi!

7. Where were you married? We were married in the Salt Lake City Temple. It was awesome, and such a beautiful day (kind of hot though).

8. . How was the reception? It was good. We had one in Idaho Falls the following day and then an open house in Carson City, NV in July. They were both wonderful. Thanks to the help of all our families.

9. How was the Honeymoon? It was the greatest time. Naturally. :) We spent our first two nights at a resort at Snowbird, it was beautiful! Then we went to a resort in Palm Springs, got to go to Disney land and a Dodgers game. Plus the beach. We had so much fun. Then the second week we were up at a resort in Napa Valley, and were able to go to San Fran a couple times, once even to see the Giants play the Dodgers. Andy loved that game! The Dodgers won by 9 points. Sweet Victory. Third week we spent in Carson City...since that's where our Open house was. :) Fun times.

10. Extra info..... Andy and I have only known each other for a year. I know it sounds crazy, but we are coming up on our year mark...and it has been the best year ever. I always said that I would date at least a year before thinking about marriage, but sometimes, as cliche as it is, you just know.



What's his name? Andrew Bryan Stockhoff

How long have you been together? One Year

How old is he? 25 this next week!

Who eats more? He does for sure, which I like.

Who said I love you first? He did, although I had to catch myself a couple times before from not saying it myself. Not that I wouldn't have, but it was nice to hear it from him first. sigh.

Who is taller? He is...by about 5 inches.

Who sings better? He does, he might deny it but its the truth.

Who is smarter? He is, no question.

Whose temper is worse? I don't think either of us have much of a temper.

Who does the laundry? Usually I do, but there have been times we have done it together. And sometimes he will fold.

Who does the dishes? Usually me, but again...he will load or unload sometimes. (I don't have a job, so its not like I have other things taking my time).

Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? He does, I like him to be closer to the door in case we have an intruder.

Who pays the bills? We both pay them. Andy is good at keeping track of the money though. I am not.

Who mows the lawn? Andy does, I think he likes it b/c its the husband thing to do :) I have attempted once but got so burnt out from doing the front yard I didn't even attempt the back. Too late now, its dead!

Who cooks dinner? I do on most occasions. Unless is Spaghetti, Andy likes to make the sauce.

Who drives when you are together? Andy, unless I am taking him to work.

Who is more stubborn? Me, by far.

Who is the first to admit their wrong? I would say we are pretty equal on this one, we will both admit it.

Whose parents do you see the most? Well we currently don't see either sets of parents. But over the course of the relationship, we have seen his more.

Who kissed whom first? He leaned in...but I was leaning myself.

Who asked whom out? Well if you count the gym as our first date then it was me, I invited him to come with me.

Who proposed? He did, it was the first and last time I have ever seen him choke up.

Who has more friends? I would probably say him. I have my closer friends...and then acquaintances.

Who is more sensitive? I would have to say me. I am a girl after all. Andy doesn't cry, I do all the time.

Who has more siblings? He does. 6 in his family only 4 in mine.

Who wears the pants in the family? We do equally, which I think is important. But I liked Brittany's answer...the Army wears the pants. So true.

Anyone who wants to add it to their blog, its fun!
Love Meliss

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

Our Holiday Greeting Card...

So since we aren't sending out Christmas cards this year...I figured we would do something a little more unconventional! Check us out! Enjoy!

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1180351981

And Happy Holidays!

Tuesday, December 4, 2007

Josh and MOTAB

For those of you who haven't heard the new Josh Groban Christmas CD, here is a sneak peak. Andy and I bought it a while back and fell in love with it, after listening to the whole CD we soon realized the last track on the CD Josh sings with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Here it is, O Come All Ye Faithful.




May we remember the real reason for Christmas.

Love
Meliss

What a Cutie!

I don't know about you, but one of my most favorite part of this time of year are the clementines!! I was worried that I wouldn't be able to get my usual Cuties from Costco like I have in years past, but luckily...the Commissary carries them!! In short. I have been eating clementines like its my job. If you haven't had them, and you like oranges, give 'em a try. They are delish!

Holiday Cheer

Well, if you have been reading our blog...you know that our camera is broken. I have really been wanting to put pictures of our Christmas tree up on the blog...but didn't really have a way. Then tonight, I remembered an old digital camera I got in like 2001 (yes it looks more like a brick) but hey, it worked! So I used it to snap a few, very unprofessional, shots of our tree and other fun things. Hope you enjoy them, as much as I enjoy sharing them!


This is our front door step. I put up garland and lights all by myself. The rest of the people on are street must be scroogish, we are the only ones who have decorated!! (Minus the Eggleston's they are leaving before Christmas, tear.)


Our tree all lit and pretty, sigh. It makes my living room my favorite room in the house!



Lastly, the living room in all its glory. I really don't have many Christmas decorations yet. But overtime we will collect. Since Andy is at BOLC in Oklahoma still I had to put it up all by myself. Hopefully that doesn't become a tradition :) but I still had fun. I even watched ELF and sipped hot cocoa to make it real special!
Happy Holidays!



Monday, December 3, 2007

I stank and so does my breath.

So today started off as a pretty normal day...I get up, do a few things around the house and head to the gym. Pretty typical, almost to the point to where, if I had a stalker, he would know exactly what I was doing on most days. Anyway, I had a good sweat. I love working out...it really makes me feel good. Especially when you break a good sweat, so I felt accomplished. After coming home I made myself a nice bowl of mini wheat's and chit chatted with my mom a bit. I soon realized my own stench and decided I better get a real start to my day, and hop in the shower. There I am, scrubba dub dubin my hair when all of the sudden my water completely goes out. That's right, not a single drop in sight. Super! Here I am, stinky with no way to remove the stench (unless you count an Italian shower, which involves heavy doses of Eau de toilette, or as most of us know it, perfume). Needless to say I still have yet to take a complete shower today. My hair is sticky, pulled back. I have not a stitch of makeup on and I am wearing my comfy pants. Its the definition of homeliness. So for those of you who might of come over to visit me (which wouldn't be many) its a good thing you didn't...its not a pretty sight. Whats the culprit you might ask? The fire hydrant between our house and the neighbor left of us is being replaced...they wanted to change the color from tan to red. Whatever happened to good old spray paint? Heck, I would have painted it myself if they would have just asked. When I called they said they hoped the water would be back on by 4pm but they weren't sure. Its about 3:52 and I still have not a drop, its been off since about 11am. The joys of living on post. I am embracing my stinkiness and declaring this my day off!



Sunday, November 25, 2007

A cup of Joe.

Hi All, Hope that everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Andy and I sure enjoyed spending some time with each other, and family. That's what I love most about the holidays. We spent this Thanksgiving at my cousin Stacey's house. Since Andy is currently at his BOLC training in Oklahoma, we actually met at Stacey's...since her house is about 1/2 way between our home in Missouri and where he is in Oklahoma. It worked out very nicely! Stacey's parents, my aunt Gaylene and Uncle Brook also came down to celebrate. It was so fun spending time with them. And the food was DELISH! They really spoiled us! Unfortunately, as we toured the town we soon realized that our camera is broken. Therefore I have NO pictures from this weekend. I was more than irritated to say the least. I haven't had much luck with digital cameras in the last year, but thankfully Costco is good at taking back merchandise! :) So I am hoping to get it exchanged before the holidays.

I do have one great story though...one that some country fans will be jealous of. On Saturday, Andy and I decided to take a little 'alone' time and go tour the town of Bentonville, AR. Although it may sound like its in the middle of nowhere, I can promise they have much more to offer than where we currently live. Aside from our wonderful lunch at Buffalo Wild Wings (which happens to be Andy's favorite restaurant)..we decided to check out their new mall. I was pretty excited to get some ideas for Christmas (and give Andy some!) Much like us, we decided to get some Hot Cocoa from Starbucks. The weather had turned to a measly 41 degrees with wind, and we were freezing! While standing in line at Starbucks, a girl behind us shouted out the name "JOE"...Keeping my gaze forward I noticed a dark haired man look up and then look back. At that moment i caught a glimpse of his face...I whispered to Andy, "Is that Joe Nichols??" He seemed to agree that the 6 foot something man looked strikingly similar to the country star Joe Nicloles. Needless to say, Joe and his two guests proceeded to be approached by many adoring fans outside of Starbucks! Andy and I decided that we didn't want to be the star struck type, and left them alone (not to mention I think I only know one of his songs). So even though our camera wasn't working, and we couldn't snap a shot from afar...I still wanted to blog the experience. Who would have thought we would see a celebrity in Arkansas? Not I.

For those of you who aren't familiar with Joe and his music, check out his website http://www.joenichols.com/ You also may know his first hit song 'The Impossible' from his album Man with a Memory.


Monday, November 19, 2007

Jorgensen Family Tradition!

This year, Andy and I are spending Christmas with his Sister Larissa and her family in Ohio. We are both really looking forward to being able to visit them and share the holiday's with them. It would be a lot of fun to make it out west to visit family, but we feel blessed to have family within driving distance to visit. So THANKS to Larissa and Spencer, Cole and Jack in advance for letting us spend Christmas with your family.

The other day Larissa asked me what some of my family traditions for the holiday's were. One of my favorites is the Danish Aebelskiver. For those of you who may have heard of this delicious 'pastry' of sorts, know how great they are. So I though I would share the recipe for my Mom's Danish Aebelskiver...our Christmas Morning Family Tradition.

First you need a cast iron Aebelskiver pan...which look like this:





Danish Aebelskiver from Colette Jorgensen

4 Eggs separated
1 Tbs. Sugar
2 C. Flour
1/2 tea. Salt
1 tea. Baking Powder
1/4 c. melted butter
Scant 2 C. Milk (scant= not quite)

Beat egg yolks until light. Add sugar and beat until thickened. Sift together dry ingredients and add, alternating with butter and milk. Beat egg whites until soft (and fairly thick) and fold into batter. Fill each Aebelskiver cup in pan 2/3 full, cook over med heat until bubbly. Turn with fork and cook other side until brown. Serve with syrup, honey, jam.

*Note: I find it useful to spray each cup with nonstick spray each time you fill it. That way Aebelskiver's won't stick to pan.



Thursday, November 15, 2007

Great Holiday Cookie!

Since Andy has been in Oklahoma, I enjoy sending him 'care packages' every once in a while. This time around I decided to send him some holiday cookies for him and his friends to share! I don't know about you, but one of the best times about the holiday's is the treats! So if you are looking for a good holiday cookie...you should try this one (PS. For those of you who are health conscious, this isn't a low fat recipe. However I did try just one cookie, and it was tasty)


Andies Candies Cookies

3/4 C. Butter or Margarine
1 1/2 C. Brown Sugar
2 Tbs. Water
2 C. Chocolate Chips

In a sauce pan over low heat, melt butter; add sugar and water. Then add chocolate chips. Stir until partially melted. Remove from heat; stir and cool for 5 minutes.

2 eggs
2 1/2 C. Flour
1 1/4 tea. Baking Soda
1/2 tea. Salt
Andies Mint Candies

Mix egg in with cooled chocolate mixture. Add in dry ingredients and mix until well blended. Chill for 1 hour. Make into little balls and bake on un-greased cookie sheet at 350 for 10-13 minutes. While still hot, put Andies candy mint on each cookie, let it soften and swirl mint with toothpick. Cool on baking rack.

Hope you all enjoy. You can find other great holiday recipes like this at http://www.northpole.com/Kitchen/Cookbook/








Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Salute!

For those of you who don't know...Andy is a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army. We took these pictures a while ago, and I think they are great! Do you think I could pull off being a military girl? (Lets be honest, probably not!) But we sure look good in his beret!

I Finished!

If you note in my previous blog "I'm here to save people money, So they an live better" I mentioned my obsession with the Twilight series. Well this past weekend, as I visited Andy in Oklahoma, I decided to pick up Eclipse at Wal-mart and get a start on it (Andy will have to figure out something else to get me for Christmas). Anyway, I finished the book in a little over 24 hours (taking breaks of course). It still takes a few days for me to get the story out of my mind, I can admit...without reservation, that I thought about the book for at least 1/2 of my 7 hour drive back to Fort Leonard wood.

For those of you who have started the series, it only gets better. Hopefully the next book doesn't take too long to hit the shelf!

6 Things You Never Knew, and Wish you Still Didn't Know...About Me!

Brittany tagged me to fill out this survey, and since everyone knows how much I love surveys...and how often I fill them out, I hope I can find 6 things you don't already know. Here goes!

6 things people don't know about me.......

1. I have always been a little over obsessive about my eyelashes. I even use this serum that makes them grow, so they can be long. No joke.

2. I love the board game SORRY. I use to play it with my grandma all the time!! Over all I really love board games.

3. I really dislike the nick name Missy. There are a handful of people that call me Missy that are exceptions, my father-in-law being one of them. But on most occasions I really dislike it.

4. My birth was an accident. If you ask my father the story, he will note that when my mom found out she was pregnant with me...she sobbed. If you ask them now, I was the best accident that ever happened to them. ha.

5. I have a fear of drowning. I won't swim or dive into deep water without a life jacket. I am deathly afraid of it.

6. I got knocked over by a seagull at Sea World once, while carrying fish to feed the seals. He hit me in the back of the head, I fell to the ground and he proceeded to eat all of my fish. All the while my dad stood laughing in the background as strangers came to my aid. I was probably 15.

People I tag...... Chelsea, Anyone of the Stockhoff Family, Sara, Jessica, Dusty and Monica, Whitney, Kara.

The rules: Don't write about things you have already blogged about, and tag 6 people when you're done.

Wednesday, November 7, 2007

Free Rice!

I think we should all take the time to do something for the well being of others...with that...there is an awesome website called Free Rice (www.freerice.com)
All you have to do is define each word listed. For every word you define correctly they will donate 10 grains of rice to the United Nations to help with world hunger! Check it out!


Tuesday, November 6, 2007

I'm Here to Save people Money so they can Live Better.

Many of you know that Andy is currently spending all of his time at Fort Sill Oklahoma....So, this last weekend I went and visited my cousin Stacey and her dog Brisco! We had a great time and even went on a tour of the Wal-Mart headquarters (don't be jealous). I even had the honor of wearing a rad tag that said "GUEST. Hi I'm Here to Help People Save Money so They Can Live Better" Yes...that's exactly why I was there. HA. It was fun, and I always enjoy spending time with Stacey, isn't she so cute??



I even got my hair did, don't worry...it wasn't anything too exciting. Just a little shorter (4 inches to be exact) eek! I still have to get use to doing my shorter doo. I always feel ambitious when I get my hair done, and then realize I never really change it much. But its fun to at least cut it now an then.


Also, since Andy has been gone (or in the past 5 days at least) I have finished two books. With encouragement from my BFF Allice, I decided to tackle what many of you know as the Twilight Zone haha (I just made that up!). Anyway, if you like Novels, I can assure you that you wouldn't be disappointed by diving into Stephanie Meyer's Twilight series. I am so addicted I have to remind myself that its not reality. Sad, I know. I have only read the first two...Twilight and New Moon and am anxious to start Eclipse. IF you have read them too, give me a shout out!





Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Bringin it back Classic....

I am a big fan of all types of music, so if you know me well, you know I have mixes with a variety of types. Lately Andy and I have really enjoyed some of these classic songs. I am sure many of you can also appreciate the style, don't we miss those days? I do! Hope you enjoy!










Heres to the classics!
Love Meliss

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

He got his hair did!

So since Andy will be leaving for Oklahoma this Saturday, we decided to give him a buzz last night to fit the hard core military attitude. He has the face down, but he is still a softy.




Friday, October 19, 2007

Carving Pumpkins with the Egglestons!

Tonight was our date night, and we decided to invite our friends Dusty and Monica to come over and carve pumpkins....We had a blast!









Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Looking for new tunes to listen too?

I am a recent fan of this UK artist Katie Melua. I really enjoy this remake of The Cure's 'Just Like Heaven'- which can also be found on the soundtrack for the movie Just like Heaven, staring Reese Witherspoon and Mark Ruffalo.




Also check out her album "Call off the Search" from 2003..track titled 'I think its going to Rain today'

Monday, October 15, 2007

Tag...Your it!

We are going to tag Dusty and Monica, it will be a fun addition to your page!

Need a new Work Out Routine??

Here is a killer WALKING workout routine that kicks butt (seriously). Not only does it work your bum but it tones your legs too. I got it from my Fitness Magazine, I have tried it several times and love it. All you need is a treadmill! Let me know how you like it!

20- Minute Workout
Walk this Way

0-2:00 Incline 0, Speed 3.5: Start walking at a medium pace

2:00- 5:00 Incline 5, Speed 4.5: Increase speed, walking briskly, pumping arms.

5:00- 7:00 Incline 11, Speed 3.5: Climb, using glutes and pushing off with heels.

7:00- 9:00 Incline 10, Speed 1: With belt moving slowly, carefully lunge forward right foot, then left. Continue, alternating feet.

9:00- 11:00 Incline 12, Speed 3.5: Climb.

11:00- 13:00 Incline 10, Speed 1: Lunge forward, alternating feet.

13:00- 15:00 Incline 12, Speed 3.5: Climb.

15:00- 16:00 Incline 1, Speed 7: Run.

16:00- 17:00 Incline 1, Speed 5.5: Jog to Recover.

17:00- 18:00 Incline 1, Speed 7.5: Do final sprint.

18:00- 20:00 Incline 1, Speed 5: Cool Down.

Thursday, October 11, 2007

What we're drinking!

I am not sure if many of you are familiar with the Simply Orange company but we have become fast fans of their orange juice and lemonade. This lemonade is far from the likes of concentrate and is the only thing I will drink besides water. Its fresh, not sugary and has an addicting power. If you are a fan of lemonade, you wouldn't be disappointed with simply! Check them out http://www.simplyorangejuice.com/

PS. They also have Limeade, which I have yet to try. If you have had it...let me know how you liked it!

Monday, October 8, 2007

Making a change, and cleaning it up!

I highly recommend http://www.finetune.com/ for all of your music play list needs. Trust me, not only is the site totally free (and free of porno advertisements) but the music is really good quality.

Check it out! I made the switch, and so should you!




This isn't as exciting as it once was...

So I love blogging...but the best part about blogging is being able to post pictures with each blog...right? We traveled up to Leavenworth, KS this weekend to visit my Aunt and Uncle there. It was a super weekend and we had a great time. We even were able to visit some of the church sites...Independence, MO and Liberty Jail (which I enjoyed far more this time than the first time I went). Anyway, unfortunately we have left our camera up in Kansas..so for now there are no pictures of our journey. Hope when I finally get them, you are still interested in hearing about the trip!

Thursday, September 27, 2007

Creepy Crawlers, Weebie Jeebies...



For those of you who live in the mid west or south you can appreciate the wonderful world of bugs. Now to be frank, I hate bugs...insects, spiders, creepy crawlers, flies, roaches, gnats -all of the above, however..by living in Missouri they are something I can't avoid. Tuesday night, while in the bath room, minding my own and taking care of business I notice a little something moving in the corner. Our vent cover has been falling off since we moved in, the screw that holds it on is worn down to the point that it won't even stay in the wall. Aside from that little note, I never imagined something crawling through the vent...little did I know. As I was washing my hands I looked to the corner and saw a HUGE spider. By huge I am not saying tarantula size, but big none the less. Of course my initial reaction is to scream and call for Andy. I will have you know that back in my single days I would have just smashed the thing, but there is something about being married that I couldn't help but call for Andy and ask him to take care of it. Andy, being the bold man that he is, takes a gander at the situation and decides that he will grab the broom and dust pan. All the while I am hoping it isn't a poisonous spider, but thinking that how could something that big NOT be poisonous. As Andy attempts to get the spider into the dustpan, the little bugger creepy crawls right back down the vent where he came from. SUPER now I have a spider crawling through my ventilation system! What if he crawls out the vents in my bed room (and I sleep on the side with the vent) NASTY! Since the sighting I would cautiously make my way to the bathroom, checking the floor meticulously each time making sure there was nothing around that could climb up my leg.


By Wednesday night I was gaining confidence in going to the bathroom with the door shut...sure that Mr. Spider had either been lost in the black hole that is our vent or that he had decided it wasn't worth it to make his way back out. After cutting Andy's hair, I was sweeping up around the bathroom...still no sight of Mr. Spider...yet what do we find in the tub? Nothing but a LARGE and I mean LARGE cricket. GROSS! What is it with our bathroom? I clean it often, bleach and all...and to be quite honest I am at a loss as to how the cricket got in there in the first place. None the less, Andy takes a paper towel and squishes the cricket and throws him in the trash. Whew, one down...now if only we could get that spider. Its a beautiful Thursday morning and just before getting ready for the day, Andy and I are bumming around the house. Eating breakfast, and enjoying each other's company...while standing in our hall way, Andy opens the door to our spare bedroom and shuts it quickly. I look at him, confused and open the door back up...what do I see? Mr Spider, making himself comfortable in the guest room. SORRY, that is the Grallice Palace I say to myself...and you weren't invited! I won't continue with the gruesome details, but I will tell you this. Andy sent Mr. Spider back to his maker. Hopefully it wasn't a Mrs. who laid eggs in our vent, then we would be in for a real treat.




Monday, September 24, 2007

Andy's been Tagged!

Here is Andy's Tagged list! This is a monumental moment, since he doesn't usually respond to surveys (don't worry I sat him down and made him fill it out :) hehe

Four Jobs I've Had

1. Safeway Bagger
2. Worked at a Sports Store
3. Worked for NV State Senator Richard Bryan
4. Army

Four Movies I could watch Over and Over

1. Bourne series
2. Casino Royale
3. Rudy
4. Ground Hogs Day

Four Places I've Lived

1. Carson City, NV
2. West Point, NY
3. Camas, WA
4. Alabama/Mississippi

Four favorite TV/reality shows

1. Sports Center
2. Hardball w/ Chris Matthews
3. Top Chef
4. Everybody Loves Raymond

Four of my Favorite places I've Been

1. New York City
2. Lake Tahoe
3. Los Angeles/ Dodgers Stadium/ Southern Cal
4. Napa Valley/ Bay Area

Four of my Favorite Foods

1. Buffalo Wings
2. Mexican Food (which I don't get often b/c Meliss doesn't like it)
3. Wraps
4. Gelato

Four Websites I Check Daily

1. ESPN
2. MSNBC
3. Economist.com
4. Gmail

Four Hobbies I enjoy

1. Running
2. Watching Sports
3. Politics
4. Traveling

I've Been Tagged, Or at Least I think I have...

So Jenny Morris said that she tagged a Melissa S. Since those are my initals I am going to fill this out. Plus, those who know me know I LOVE surveys!

Four Jobs I've Had

1. Office Manager
2. Billing Coordinator
3. Accounting Assistant
4. Cashier at Kathy's Hallmark (you could call me the card queen)

Four Moives I could Watch Over and Over

1. Can't buy me love
2. 13 going on 30
3. Goonies
4. Stomp the yard (haha at least for now)

Four Places I've Lived

1. Idaho Falls, ID
2. San Diego, CA
3. Provo/Orem, UT
4. Fort Leonard Wood, MO

Four favorite TV/reality shows

1. America's Next Top Model
2. How Clean is Your House?
3. Top Chef
4. Hannah Montana

Four of my favorite places I've been

1. New York City (I want to move there)
2. San Fran
3. Disneyland
4. Grand Caymen Islands

Four of my favorite foods

1. Sushi
2. Frozen Yogurt
3. Fruit of most any kind
4. A good salad.

Four websites I check daily

1. Gmail
2. Facebook
3. Blogger
4. MSNBC or Fox News

Four hobbies I enjoy

1. Working Out
2. Traveling
3. shopping
4. making crafts (or pretending to)

Four people I'll tag

1. Andy (since he doesn't ever fill these out)
2. Allice and Greg
3. Jessica B.
4. Brittany Cox

Sunday, September 23, 2007

My Shout Out to the British Community...

Ever since I was a child I always wish that I was born with a British accent. Now don't get me wrong I am a very proud and patriotic American, but I would be lying if I said that I never pretended to have a British accent. Its like when you watch a basketball game and after its over you feel the need to go outside and shoot some hoops to strut your own skills. Or if you watch a movie about dancing and after its over you want to get up and move your body the way they do in the movies. OR if you watch a musical or American idol and feel inspired to sing along with your favorite song while holding a brush and dancing in front of your mirror (come on ladies, don't lie, you've done it..maybe not recently, but you've done it)... Regardless of the situation, you get my drift. This my friends, is how I feel about British accents. When I watch a movie or a show where someone has an accent I almost immediately begin speaking in my own version. Where is this all going you ask? For those of you who are blessed to have BBC America on you cable TV programing, and have not tuned in to How Clean is Your House? with the 'dynamic duo' known as Kim Woodburn and Aggie MacKenzie, I highly recommend that you start the addiction now. Besides their awesome British accents, these two women clean some of the most disgusting houses I have ever seen. This is not your usual cleaning television program and I am positive you will be amazed with the transformations they provide. On top of that oh so enticing factor, you will be pleasured with hearing the classic British lingo such as 'bugga' ' lovey' and many others. If you question what I am saying, just ask Brittany- she is just as hooked as I am.






PS. Another great show on BBC is You Are What You Eat. Watch this show and it will make you not want to eat anything but veggies again. Aside from these two great shows I don't endorse any other BBC program. To be honest, some of them look very strange.






Sunday, September 9, 2007

Another update from Fort Lost in the Woods...




I haven't written for a while, not since before our good friend Bobbo came to visit. It was great having him here over Labor day weekend...I know that him and Andy REALLY enjoyed their pizza/buffalo wings/college football party (the pictures prove it). On Labor day we spent most of the day in Springfield, we even ate at Chilis which happens to be a favorite spot for Andy and Bob (even me)...they can chow down those chips and salsa like nobodies business, and I dare anyone to challenge them :) Aside from that our weekend was pretty laid back. It was nice to spend the weekend with Andy and Bob, I sure wish we had more weekends that long. Not a lot has happened this last week, still on the job hunt and feeling a little discouraged- but I will continue to search. I want to definitely have something before Andy leaves for Oklahoma at the end of October for his BOLC training. He will be gone for 6 weeks and I will go stir crazy without him around. I am already not looking forward to that, so if anyone wants to come visit me, I will gladly oblige. On Thursday morning my friends Brittany and Emily came over for breakfast, that was a lot of fun and I am really happy that I have girl friends that I can do things with. One thing I do dislike about the Army though is relocation. Don't get me wrong, it can be a lot of fun, but something I never experienced while growing up, since I lived in the same house all my life. I think I can appreciate that more. On the other hand, a good thing about that situation is the relationships you do build...and I plan to continue long after we move.

All day yesterday Andy had Staff Duty Officer...if you ask me exactly what that is, I won't be able to tell you since I don't really know. All I do know is that I had to sleep along last night b/c Andy had to stay in the office for a full 24 hours. Don't worry that I was so freaked out that I slept in a self built cocoon, surrounded by pillows and blankets. I find it funny that I still believe that pillows and lots of blankets will protect me from any intruder. Maybe it will create the illusion that there is no one in the bed, or that there are two people instead of just little ole me. I will have to get use to the idea of sleeping alone for at least a little while, since Andy will be in Oklahoma...again, still not looking forward to that. Also, today was my first day teaching the Laurels in my ward. They weren't super responsive to me, but I think once they get to know me a little more they will participate more. Until then, I might have to bribe them into it.

Hope everyone else is doing well. I am so excited for the holidays coming up. I was at Wal-Mart (our only store here) and saw some pumpkin spice candles! Needless to say I started getting giddy, and not just happy, giddy like the night before Christmas when you are 6.