New Years' Eve Eve

Tonight we went to his parent's house to celebrate New Years' Eve Eve. They had just returned home from a visit in Arizona to see their son and his family. We had a variety of food. My parent's came and a lot of Mike's family was also there. We played Scattegories and then talked. Not a whole lot happened but it was still fun and enjoyable.

Two years down and eternity to go

Mike and I woke up this morning and I told him that he should go into his work late to be sent home early. To be caught up to speed, Mike's manager is tightening things up by creating some new rules. One of them is if you're even one minute late you'll be sent home. Earlier in the month Mike had asked for the day off and was told no. Anyway, although I was somewhat kidding and somewhat serious, he ended up doing what I had suggested. As for me, my work is wonderful and flexible. I make up my own hours.

We went to Lava Hot Springs. There was no other place that we could have gone, with it being winter, and been sweating up a storm. There were many people walking around just in their swim suits and not even the slighest cold. I could only put part of my body in the water because otherwise I would have just overheat.

It was such a nice day to go. It was really warm for a winter day and the roads were all nice and clean.

We came home and took some time to adjust back to the cold weather. We got ready to go out to dinner. Thanks to our neighbors for a gift card, we went to AppleBees. Neither of us had really eaten there before and we were quite impressed.





Mike is so awesome and had a really good idea. He had been planning for us to do this for quite some time. We each had a can of silly string and had a fight around the house. It only lasted for about 5 minutes but it was one of the funnest things that I had done in a long time. I thought that it would be really messy but it wasn't all that bad to clean up. Of course, we topped the night off with alcohol.

One more thing...these images were taken with my camera phone. I left my camera at my parents and this was the best we had for taking pictures. Thus the reasoning for the not great quality.

Happy Birthday Mike

I just want to say Happy Birtday to my wonderful husband. I would say that he had a good day. It started out with his most adoring wife making him breakfast in bed. He opened his presents and then we had to hurry hurry hurry to get ready for church. I let Mike do what he wanted all day and eat what he wants. I gave him a wand and all he had to was push the button and I was at his command. What more could a man want?

We went on a walk and Mike made me sing him Happy Birthday to the top of my lungs.

It's Christmas!!!

We had a really good Christmas. I love having time off to spend with friends and family; just to relax and be lazy. We first opened presents here. I got an electric keyboard. I was really excited for this since I haven't been able to play the piano since basically I've been married. I knew I was getting what I wanted because Mike and I picked out our gifts together. I did happen to surprise Mike with one gift. He managed to surprise me with a gift from him and his parents. Overall, we did really well.

After some relaxation time we went over to my parents. Getting there was just fine but getting back was somewhat tricky. It was so snowy, windy, and icy. Not many of my siblings were able to come and visit the parents because of the weather. We still had a wonderful time.

Christmas Eve

Mike and I had a wonderful Christmas Eve. We went over to his Grandparent's house. We had a feast of fried shrimp, mashed potatoes and gravy (for those of us who don't like shrimp), rolls, jellp, salad, etc. Mmmm.... Greg and Kristen had to leave early but Joy, Mike, Sharon, Dale, and I played cards. Joy had an allergic reaction to something she ate and also had to leave. Mike and I stayed and played hand and foot until a little past midnight. Can you believe that? I didn't think grandparents could stay up that late. We had a blast and learned a lot about Dale and Sharon's personality. Dale is really laid back and Sharon surprisingly is really competitive.

Work in progress

Mike somehow got a light lit under his butt....Anyway, he decided to start the backsplash in our kitchen. This is him hard at work and what he has done thus far. I am excited for him to finish since our kitchen is going to look so amazing and clean.

Graham Cracker Houses

The whole crew

Mike

Caryn and Ty

Mike and Angie. I wasn't as willing to be in the picture. That is why we are so far apart. Now I wish I would have been more cooperative.

Tim, Amelia, and Kaylee

Nate and Nahina. Nashina went crazy with her mansion. She added a lot of details and landscape. This was her in the middle of finishing. Sorry I didn't get a picture of the final product. Let's say she REALLY enjoyed herself.

A close up of Mike's ship. This is his own idea and workmanship.

I decided to make my own creation. If you can't tell what it is...it's a tepee with a man roasting his kill. Mike had mainly built his graham cracker ship by himself so while Nashina was making her mansion this is what I did.

While us girls talked and Nashina finished her mansion, the boys played a mean game of tetris. Caryn and Tyler had to leave early to finish packing for their cruise. LUCKY! Amelia and Tim left shortly after to put their little one to bed. All there was left was Nashina and me. We exchanged recipes. THANK YOU!

This was the first time that we have had all of our good friends under one roof at the same time. It was good for everyone to meet or catch up from last year when we made graham cracker houses.

Winter pictures

Mike and I took pictures this afternoon out in the snow with our friends Caryn and Tyler Johnson. Here are some of the results.








I think we did well. It was super cold but we had a lot of fun. We have been planning this for a long time (since October). It seems like that something would keep coming up so that one or both of us couldn't take the time to take pictures. The one weekend we had opened it ended up raining.

Caryn was super nice and had invited us for dinner after. She made a chicken casserole, jello salad, and green beans. Mmmm.... Thanks Caryn and Ty! Let's just say that this is something that we need to do again.

The events of tonight

I went over to Amelia's house to catch a ride with her to Sherri's recption. It was so snowy and slick that part way through we decided to turn around. Our reasoning was that by the time we would get there we would have to leave right away to make it in time for our other events.

We went to my first company Christmas party. It was great! We went and had some wonderful food. I was kind of afraid to not go since the owner came into one of our meetings and demanded us that we go the Christmas party. No, it wasn't an invitation or request but a demand. It was good to talk with my fellow employees without ANY kids and get to see them in a different setting.

We were supposed to go to my friend Cindy's reception tonight but decided since the roads were bad to only choose one thing. So, obviously we didn't make it to that either. Sorry!

How Medicaid cuts have affected my job

Medicaid has cut 1% funding in Idaho. The focus area is in Partial Care and PSR (and DDA's). With Partial Care they are cutting back hours from 36 to only 12 per week. This makes it so that a lot of the kids are going through the process of being qualified for PSR. With PSR they cutting it back from 20 hours to 10 hours per week. This new rule doesn't really affect my company because we don't have any kids with more than 10 hours per week. The reasoning is because either the kid will get burnt out or the PSR worker will. It's not very therapeautic.

I'm hoping the preschool partial care kids will be approved soon. This means that I will have more daytime hours. In the long run, Medicaid is shooting themselves in the foot because PSR bills more than Partial Care. Good luck Medicaid in trying to save money! The other thing; those that cut the funding received an 8% raise this year. Hmmm!

Bridal Shower

I went to Sherri Jones' bridal shower with Amelia Cook on Tues. Dec. 9. It was good to see her since it was a year ago when I saw her last. The bridal shower was great. We arrived and her family hadn't arrived yet so that gave us some time to catch up on things. To get things started, Sherri's mom, aunt, and two other women (I'm not sure how they're related) dressed up in a bright blue suit, with bell bottoms, and bit poofy hairsprayed hair. They sang Dancing Queen and Honey Honey. This idea originated from the movie Mamma Mia for those that haven't seen the show. It was classic and hilarious. I only caught a few seconds of it on my camera and it's kind of dark. I hope the sound works.
Afterward, we had some wonderful rootbeer floats and continued catching up. Amelia brought her little girl Kaylee who is so adorable. I enjoyed the time being with Amelia as well since we don't get together all that often.

Dec. is a busy month for weddings

I have four friends that are getting married within the next two weeks. My old roommate DeAnna is getting married Fri. Dec. 12.



Her sister Sherri is getting married the day after. They get a lot of questions about why they have their wedding dates so close to each other. They say it's for convenience of their parents. Their parents have to travel from South Dakota and wanted them to make only one trip toward Idaho and Utah.



My other friend Cindy from Ririe is also getting married on Dec. 13.



Last but not least...there's my other roommate Alicia. Her original date was set for Feb. and she only has been dating him for a couple of months.



I just want to say congratulations to these girls and that I'm excited for you. You'll love being married.

My mom's birthday

My mom's birthday was Mon. Dec. 8. Karalee came up with a good idea to make dinner for her on the 7th. Marlise and Karalee made some delicious Chimichangas (I admit I didn't have a whole lot to do with the dinner). It was good to see a lot of the family and have some time to catch up. Mike and I didn't stay for since we had to go to his sister Joy's birthday party at his mom's house.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

I loved Thanksgiving this year. I felt that I was more grateful. Nothing changed too much but I was able to enjoy the company of my family. Before we had our Thanksgiving feast at my Dad's house we did something different this year. We went around the table and said what we were grateful for. By taking the time to think about what I was going to say when it was my turn and then listening to everyone else, I felt really emotional. I had to go upstairs and dab my eyes. Truly, we have been so blessed. Yes, we have trials but it's nothing compared to what others are going through. I'm just so lucky to live where I live and to have what I have. I could go on for hours saying all that I'm grateful for but I won't. I just need to remember to tell my Heavenly Father thank you and not ask for so much.

Two days ago (on black friday) I went and got my hair cut. I was super excited for this because it needed so badly to be styled. It had grown out from when I got it cut in June in an A-line cut. I decided I was too cheap to get it cut and cut the front myself. It just looked funny having the front longer when it didn't have any shape.

Another exciting thing; I broke down and bought the Taylor Swift Fearless CD. I just find it amazing how she writes her own songs and her songs are more like stories. Then she is able to put it to music. I really like the songs White Horse and Love Story.

"The Forgotten Carols"

We had the wonderful opportunity of ushering for "The Forgotten Carols". My brother Michael is in charge of finding ushers and asked Mike and me if we would. I also had my good friends Nate and Nashina usher with us and then the next night my mother-in-law Karen joined us. I enjoyed spending time with my brother Mike and my younger sister Michelle.

Watching "The Forgotten Carols" is a good way to bring in the Christmas spirit.

I saw it!

Today was one of the most unbeleivable days I've ever had. I got to see Twilight. I went with two of my sisters (Michelle and Marlise) and my sister-in-law Anya. Marlise was sweet and got us tickets online. The movie theatre was packed full of people. Once again, thanks to Marlise for getting everyone there early so that we could have good seats.

I loved the show and can't wait to see it again. It was totally worth going.

Man Tag

What is his name? Michael Gene Rockwood

How long have you been together? 2 years

How long did you date? Met in Sept., Engaged Nov., and Married Dec.

How old is he? 28

Who said I Love You first? Mike. He had a freudian slip and I ignored it. The next week he actually told me. The week after that I told him.

Who is taller? Mike. I like it that way.

Who sings better? I do...maybe?

Who is smarter? Um...I don't know. Also depends on what the subject is about.

Who's temper is worse? Mine. He can have a bad temper at times.

Who does the laundry? It's about equal. We both have our on and off weeks.

Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? Mike and I make sure he stays there too. I like my space when I'm sleeping.

Who pays the bills? I do. I get the mail before he has a chance to see them and then I pay them.

Who mows the lawn? I do. I have more time...

Who does the dishes? I do. Mike helps a lot.

Who drives when you are together? He does. When he's tired I'll drive.

Who is more stubborn? I am. Mike is really easy to give in.

Who is the first to admit when they are wrong? Mike

Who kissed who first? Mike kissed me. It took him all night. We both knew he wanted to.

Who proposed? Mike. How he proposed was so cute and well thought out.

Who is more sensitive? I am. Most girls are.

Who has more friends? We have the same friends.

Who wears the pants in the family? I don't know. We both do.

I tag Kristen, Jessica, Ashley, and Gina

Call us nerds!!!

I was waiting for Mike to get ready to go to Wal-Mart when I saw a pair of his shoes and decided to put them on. Mike noticed how huge they were on my feet and how funny they looked. He dared me to wear them to Wal-Mart to see if anyone would notice. So I did. No one said anything but with some people the body language was kind of funny. I was trying on some boots when Mike loudly said, "I don't think those boots are going to fit." Those around looked down, smiled, and turned around. I assume they were trying to hide their laughter or disbelieve. We had some fun.

I'm blue!

You Are a Blue Crayon

Your world is colored in calm, understated, deep colors. You are a loyal person, and the truest friend anyone could hope to find. On the inside, you tend to be emotional and even a bit moody. However, you know that people depend on you. So you put on a strong front. Your color wheel opposite is orange. Orange people may be opinionated, but you feel they lack the depth to truly understand what they're saying.

What Color Crayon Are You?

Being called in...

Mike received a call from a member of our bishopric earlier today asking if we could meet with him later tonight. I was nervous because usually when this happens one or the other is going to receive a new calling. I was stumped since we both already have callings and were recently put in. Well, I got released from being Primary Second Counselor and then called to be the NEW Primary Second Counselor. They are releasing the old and calling a new presidency. I thought that it was kind of funny because they basically asked me if I would continue to do what I have been doing since August. I've never had that happen before.

A new client

I started with a new client last week. I work with her in the school. I attend the 2nd grade twice a week. I really like it since on Wed. the school has a half day and the other day I work with her is on Friday. Who doesn't like Friday's? When I'm with her it's like holding your breath all day waiting for something to happen. So far she's been really good for me but I'm sure it's because we're still in that honeymoon phase.

When something does happen I'm supposed to take her to the other side of the building into what's called a safe room. I'm not supposed to take her down by myself since she could hurt me. Now, they have a rolling chair that we can use. It sure is helpful.

Spending time with Grandma and Grandpa

Mike and I went over to his grandparents to enjoy an after Halloween celebration. We had the best meal ever...Red Baron frozen pizza. Dessert was even better...rootbeer floats. Grandma and Grandpa love Halloween. I think that we disappointed Grandpa because we didn't have any tricks for him this year. We at least dressed up like rats (he is so afraid of rats and mice).

I was a little disappointed about how many trick or treater we had. We didn't get our first one until 7:30. No more than a dozen kids came to our door. I couldn't believe it. I thought for sure that since we were in a neighborhood this year and I worked in the primary that we would get a lot of trick or treaters.

Nashina's birthday

Mike and I were about to sit down and watch one of the movies that I had picked out from the library when Nashina Jageilski called. Nahina and Nate lived underneath us in Rigby. I felt really bad for them because she and Nate used to comment that they could hear us chasing each other around. At first we were kind of embarrassed about that but now we just smile. (Yes, at the time we were newly, newly weds). I love Nate and Nashina!!! They have come close friends to us and we feel lucky when we are able to do things with them. Anyways, she invited us over to celebrate her birthday. Here are some pictures of our evening.









Isn't that such a cute cake? Nashina's sister Noel made that cake for her. She didn't stay for dessert since they had just come back from Texas Roadhouse and they were stuffed to their gill.

Pumpkin Carving

We went over to our friend Caryn and Ty's house to carve pumpkins.




I had Caryn retake the picture because I wanted to see Mike's face. He was sad because he thought that I didn't want him kissing me at all.




Our final product...


What it looks like in the dark


I made apple pie for dessert. I'm really proud of it. This was the second time that I've ever made apple pie. The first time was just the other day. I tried his mom's recipe because it's the best I've ever had. It turned out great. This fall has been fun for me because I learned how to make peach pie and peach cobbler. I'm not sure what I'm going to learn to make next.

After apple pie we watched a movie that Caryn had picked out from the library. Unfortunately I'm not quite sure what the title was but it was something like Sara Landon's Super Powers. It was kind of cheesy but I admit there were parts that spooked me out. It was mainly the music. I think overall it was a good show due to it being enjoyable. Mike can't say the same since he fell asleep.

I'm really glad that we have Caryn and Ty for friends. They have been really good to us and we have become close over the years.

DR. SLAUGHTERS

Mike and I went to Dr. Slaughters. We had a great time. It was discount night so we decided why not.? We were standing in line and there were gools that would stare and try to intimidate their victims. I told Mike that if I wasn't married to him that I would be tempted to kiss him to see how he would react. You've got to understand that he would get up close and personal. He was so close that it was uncomfortable. Mike dared me to go ahead... The next time he got in my bubble I decided to touch him in near his nose under his eyes. He still didn't do anything but continued to stare. I thought that it was kind of funny and couldn't help but to laugh. Everyone in the place was laughing.

We happened to see my little sister Michelle there and we had a great time scaring her. She was ahead of us and hadn't noticed us. When she was in reach, Mike came up from behind her and grabbed her covering her eyes. She totally freaked out.

Dr. Slaughters itself wasn't as scary as I had expected. It was still fun and was glad that Mike and I were able to go out and doing something together.

The celebration

We were all excited for Saturday. The reason why everyone came together for this weekend was coming to pass. The day started out by receiving a phone call from my good friend Amelia saying that our old roommate came down from Lyman, Wyoming to visit. Ashlee was my roommate my first year in college in 2002. It's been at least 4 years since I've seen or heard from her. She just came back from her mission about 1 month ago. She came down with another good friend Laurel. Laurel was never my roommate but we did quite a bit together.



Right after the girls left, Mike, Wyatt, and I went to a movie at Edwards. (Edwards increased their prices...that will be the last time we go to the movies for some time). It was Wyatt's birthday treat. We saw the city of Ember. I thought it was good, not quite a waste of money, but it could have been better.

We had a wonderful birthday party for Wyatt and our niece Maya. Maya turned 4 and it was such a joy to watch her. During this time, we relaxed or did some last minute things before going over to Jodi and Troy's new home.

At Jodi and Troy's we ate dinner, took pictures, and watched some cute skits about Grandpa and Grandma. This get together was to celebrate Grandma and Grandpa's 60th wedding anniversary. For their gift, all of their kids and grandkids made some scrapbooks pages and then they were all compiled together. This was a great hit. Grandma and Grandpa kept saying how wonderful it was and they became a little teary eyed.

The WEENY Roast

Mike's family came up for the weekend to celebrate their grandparent's 60th wedding anniversary. We went over to his grandparent's house to have a weenie roast. Yes, it was a costume party. Earlier in the day, Mike and I spent hours deciding what we were going to do.

There were a lot of creative costumes. I love how the women dressed up as men and the men dressed up as old women. I wish I would have gotten better pictures. Wyatt entertained doing the dunken donuts contest. I'm not quite sure who won but we all had an enjoyable time.



One thing I forgot to mention...During the afternoon, we had a wonderful hay ride given by Grandpa. We went all around the farm with tour guide Wyatt.

After the weeny roast, Greg put together an adventure for the kids. We were able to go for yet another SMOOTH hay ride. This time we were nervous since the lights on El Bumpo (the truck) lights weren't working. This didn't stop Grandpa. He was all ready to go. Mike and Bryant came to the rescue. Luckily, Bryant had his police flashlight and Mike was willing to shine it in front of the truck. The kids were able to get their treasure and make it back alive.