muffins and mormon pass-along cards

Hey guys!
Not too much going on over here. 

Ammon and I just got back from another date to D.I.

I found me some "new" clothes that I'm really excited about. 

Ammon brought home a dinosaur book, a comic book, and season 3 of Seinfeld. :)

We are having breakfast for dinner.

Blueberry muffins just came out of the oven. 

The house smells absolutely delicious.

I just checked the mail.

We received our October Ensign.

Is anybody else super excited about the new Mormon pass-along cards?!

"We are thrilled to introduce these new, versatile pass-along cards to help you share the gospel. A scan of the QR codes will give your friends instant access to specific topics on Mormon.org. You can use the space at the top to write personal messages or share your Mormon.org profile address. We encourage you to be as creative as you wish in using these new cards."

-Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

Problem: I can't think of anything! So if you're reading this, maybe you could share some of your ideas on using these new cards. I was thinking I could maybe leave them in some of the Newspapers at UVU. I'm just too nervous to hand them to someone. And I don't know anyone closely who isn't LDS. Hmmm... I do ride the bus a lot... 

Nope. Too scared. 

This is the sad truth: I've never shared the gospel with someone who isn't a Mormon. I've never had to answer any tough questions or explain to someone why I am the way I am. 

Reasons for this may include that I grew up in Utah, that I'm way too nervous I'll say something wrong, or let's face it: I just don't socialize with non-members too often.

But I want to!

It is my dream that I will one day share the gospel with someone of another faith, or someone who doesn't believe in God at all. And maybe that's why I'm so excited about these new pass-along cards. I will put them in my wallet and hope for the best! And maybe if I pray and have courage, God will do the rest? :)

Me with my muffin and pass-along card. Please excuse my tired expression and poor-lighting. 

i once put a sock in my hair

Okay. So remember how I'm a little behind when it comes to technology? Well, I'm also a little behind when it comes to hair-dos. 

For example. Ever seen this perfectly beautiful bun?

Of course you have. It's only been around for forever! Well. For the past year or so, instead of listening to my teachers lecture about matrices and synthetic division, I stared at the girls sitting all around me and thought, "how the heck did she do that?" 

Then I'd go home and after a bottle of hair spray and a million bobby pins I gave up. 

Well kids, I have finally figured it out. Those girls had socks in their hair. Yup, you heard me. A sock! And guess what? I once put a sock in my hair too. 

Before I started. {And before I realized the flash was off.}

Me and my rolled up sock
{Correction: Me and Ammon's rolled up sock.}

And tuh duh! See that bun? There's a sock inside of it! 

the men in my life

Today I attended the Brigham City dedication with my family. 

 My mom couldn't find her recommend so I sat with my 3 brothers, my husband, and my dad. {My brother Taylor was visiting from Ephraim.}

As I looked down the row at the men in my life, it hit me how lucky I am to have each of them in my life. They mean the world to me and they've each played a part in who I am today.

First, there's my husband Ammon. There is so much to say about him that he deserves a post all to himself. {But I'll save that for later} 

I am more open-minded because of Ammon. He has broadened the way I look at the journey of life and the people I'm surrounded by. I used to be so scared to talk to people who were different than me. But Ammon has taught me how to be friends with anyone! 

I'm also a more contemplative, more insightful, and the happiest I've ever been because of Ammon.

Then there's Taylor. I am goofy because of Taylor. It's just what we do best when we're together. :)

Then there's Ryan and Daniel. Those two are the biggest goof balls. Sometimes they drive me crazy if I spend too much time with them, but I am extremely protective of them. They sometimes struggle socially and academically in school. I get so worked up when I think of other kids picking on my brothers. Ryan and Daniel can't help the way they act sometimes. And Ryan, before we adopted him, his life was no walk in the park. People act the way they do for a reason. And I will never ever allow the "different" kids in class to be made fun of under my watch. That kind of kid goes home and tries to pretend it doesn't happen. But it does. And I won't stand for it.

Then there's my dad. We are as opposite as day and night. Needless to say, we don't always get along. But I love him. And I know he loves me. My dad is always willing to help me out the second he thinks I might need something. I love that about him. He is also very hard-working. I get my creativity, organization, and desire to serve because of him. 

I'm so grateful for the men in my life.

Daniel and Ryan are making the EXACT same face!! Haha!

Ryan's just so excited for the dedication

                                                                                                                                                    

My wedding day :)

Honeymoon in Zion :)

ward chili cook-off

Yesterday, our church held a ward chili cook-off.
I've always wanted to enter a baking contest. So this was the perfect opportunity!
 Do you remember the Pumpkin Chili I made back in June?
Well that's the one we entered!

Then people started asking about where we found the recipe. I found it online. Where'd you find yours? Oh yeah, I remember. From your great-great-grandmother's recipe book that's been handed down from generation to generation.
{What were you thinking Leah!? An online recipe compared to family recipes?}
We thought for sure we were gunna lose. Especially with a total of 16 chilies out there!

But! After eating dinner and watching various talents. The winners were announced and we got...
{drum roll please....}


2nd place!!
We were so happy. And check out our cute prize:

That's one more thing off the Marriage Bucket List!!

Thank you to whomever shared their recipe with me!

Go HERE for the recipe. :) Or to my blog post. I used ground turkey instead of ground beef. 

wait until dark

Ammon and I are so lucky to have our Friday nights off every single week! 

It is very important to us that we reserve that night for meaningful dates. 

But because of wanting to save money and be frugal, Ammon and I have just kind of stayed in our apartment, playing games, watching movies, and eating ice cream. Which I was starting to think was fine. We were saving money, right?

But then I read my cousin-in-law, Rachael's Blog which gave some great advice on dating that her husband gave her. 

Dates need to be interesting and fun. Dates need to push the couple to get out of their comfort zone and get to know each other more. Dates need to contrast with the every day busy routine of life. And sometimes, that requires money. And if you do spend money, then don't worry about it during the whole date! After all, dates are cheaper than divorce. :)

So Ammon and I have decided to go on a more pricey date once a month. We tried it this past Friday night and it was so much fun! We really enjoyed getting to know each other more. It's easier to ask questions and tell stories when you're out and about and not just chillin in the apartment. 

Here are some snip-its from our "Wait Until Dark" Date:

Dinner at the Center Street Deli

You can write on the tables!

Classic box game. I won. :)

Walking around downtown

I love flowers

Jay's Jungle

The Chinchillas were so cute!

My foot is there so you could see how big the snake is!

 We had to "wait until dark" to get our tickets.

 Success!

The food was delicious. The play was phenomenal. And the in-between adventures were priceless. What a great date!

honesty goes a long way

I had an eye-opening moment today at work that I want to write down. It's not necessarily for you guys (although I'd love to hear your feedback!) but it's so I can remember the thoughts I pulled from having the following experience. 

A cute couple sat at my table. The host came up to me and politely said, "You're sat Leah!" I walked to the table and began my usual routine of introducing myself and starting them off with drinks. They were also ready to order. Two waters, a lasagna and a deep dish 8 in pizza.

I quickly entered in their order, brought them their waters and then left to attend other tables. A couple minutes later, it was time to drop off their salads. When I got to the table, there sat the lasagna. And not the pizza. The lady turned to the guy and said in a frustrated voice, "Tell her to take that back. That is so rude that they brought it out without waiting for the pizza." I quickly apologized by saying, "I'm so sorry about that..." with which she responded, "Oh it's not your fault." I gulped and then explained, "Well, actually it is. There's a button I'm supposed to push called "hold and fire" which tells the grill guy to wait on making the lasagna until the pizza is ready. And I forgot to push it." They didn't say much, but the conversation ended with me explaining that I'd make sure they came out at the same time and taking the lasagna back to the kitchen.

Okay. Pause button. When she said it wasn't my fault, I was tempted for a split second to agree with her. I could have easily blamed other people (which, I uh... may have done before) But I am so glad I didn't this time! When I went back to their table to check on their food, they were so nice to me! Like, really nice. And you know what thought kept running through my head? "Honesty goes a long way." 

This reminded me of something another server once told me. Her name is Cassi, and she has been serving at Brick Oven for years and years. She was one of my trainers so I soaked in everything she had to say. She told me, "If I ever make a mistake. I always take the blame for it. People really appreciate it." She was right. :)

This story wasn't exceptionally remarkable or remarkably exceptional, but it taught me something I needed to be taught. Honesty really is the best policy. Always. :)

online shopping

Ever since saying goodbye to our car, I have become quite the online shopper. Here are some things I'm looking forward to coming in the mail:

American Eagle 30% off and free shipping! :)

I bought a white one of these. Only $1.49 on ebay
Go here to get one!

A valance for our living room. Now all I need to get is a curtain rod. 

I bought a light blue one of these. Only $1.89 on ebay!
Go here to get one.

eBags only $20

The backpack is the one I'm most excited for.
My other backpack is falling apart and I seriously can't wait to use my new one! :) 

I love when things come in the mail. Even if it's just a text book. I don't know what it is, but seeing my name on an unopened package is so exciting! {Does anybody want to be my pen pal?}

Another thing I'm super excited about is the outfit I wore today. I felt more teacher-y. :) Remember how I said Ammon and I like to go on dates at D.I.? Well check out this super cute shirt I found at D.I the other day for only $3:

So here are my bargain shopping tips {the only two that I have}:

 -If you're ever looking for a button-up shirt, try D.I. first. They have oodles of different choices.

-And if you're looking for a skinny belt, try ebay. :)

labor day

Well. As fate would have it, Ammon and I did not go to Moab with my family for Labor Day.

But it's okay because we accomplished a lot and still had fun doing it!
{Okay let's be realistic. I'm super bummed I didn't go to Moab. But that's life. And growing up.}

Our day consisted of:

Going to the gym

Grocery Shopping
Gaining all the calories we lost at the gym from eating these beauties:

The best Peanut Butter Bars I've ever had
(And they're super easy to make!)

Cleaning the house
Watching Arrested Development (love that show)
Doing laundry
Creating Our Marriage Bucket List
Doing Homework:

Listening to music

AND going to work. {The real way to spend Labor Day, right?}

I'm super stoked about our marriage bucket list! I plan on adding to the list as we think of more things. You can bet your bottom dollar that you'll be hearing about the things we get to cross off. 

Happy Labor Day everyone!

10 things

Hey there my lovely fans. Let's play the reminiscing game. 

Remember when Facebook first came out?

I do. 

It was my senior year of High School.

I was a bit skeptical at first, but it wasn't long before I became, shall I say, obsessed?

All I could think about during my free time was what I was going to type for my status that day.

I know, pathetic.

Luckily, I got past that phase. 

Then I started a blog.

And jealousy got the best of me when I saw other blogs.

Naturally, all I could think about was what I was going to blog that day.

{Whoops.}

That is, until school started 6 days ago.

Now. All I can think about is my never-ending list of school work.

Now that I have a free moment {I am officially in love with Sundays} I had no idea what to blog. 

But no worries. I've had this back-up blog for quite some time I've been dying to do. 

So here it goes. 

10 Random things you may not know about me {or want to know about me}:

1. I try and pretend I'm tough, but unfortunately I'm a complete wimp when it comes to pain. 

I also pretend I don't care what other people think about me. But I do. It's a curse. 

2. I'm a complete sucker when it comes to free food. 

It doesn't matter how bad it is for me or if it's even that good. If it's free, I eat it. 

3. I sniff this belt at least once a day:

It's leather, what can I say?

4. I'm okay eating things I've dropped on the floor.

5. I fall asleep easier with a fan blowing in the background. (Dead silence is what keeps me up all night.)

6. This is what the sink usually looks like after I do the dishes:

I don't know why, but I hate washing silverware!

7.  My idea of a perfect meal includes a main dish (usually including chicken), fruit, veggies, and a pitcher of Kool-aid. 

8. I correct people's grammar in my head all the time. 

(I used to do it out-loud until I realized it wasn't very socially acceptable.)

9. I am the messiest, loudest tooth-brusher I've ever met. (It was at Girl's Camp when I figured it out and I have been embarrassed to brush my teeth in front of people ever since.)

10. I have the hardest time finishing a whole apple, a whole orange, or a whole thing of Yogurt. 

Well there you have it. And you know what's so great about all these things? Ammon truly is my other half. He doesn't judge me for sniffing a belt every day. He's happy to wash the silverware I left in the sink. He uses grammar correctly. And he has finished all the apples, oranges, and yogurts I couldn't finish. I'm a lucky girl indeed. :)