Friday, December 31, 2010

Three Things...

We Want To Do This Year.
Wait...next year.
2011...
~~~
1-Live More Healthy.
~~~
2-Get me Freaking Graduated!
~~~
3-Tour Ireland.
~~~
Happy New Year!

To You and Yours,
-Blake and Jess.

Thursday, December 30, 2010

Wrap it Up.

Before I welcome in 2011 and the new decade that is upon us, I took a moment to reflect upon what this past year has brought to me and Blake and our life we have made thus far together.

In January, Blake graduated from Provo College's Registered Nursing Program. Blake did an amazing job in school, being on Dean's List throughout. I wanted to surprise him with something incredible for his graduation; something I knew he would never go out and get for himself but really wanted. I shocked and awed him with his 2007 Chevy Colorado. I remember filling out all the paperwork and listening to the dealer tell me it could go one of two ways; really bad or really great. I was so excited and relieved when I saw his reaction was great.In February, Blake took the Utah State Licensure exam and passed in 76 questions. He officially became a Licensed Registered Nurse and switched to grave yards at Utah State Hospital. Its been hard at times having him gone at night, but I'm so proud of what he has accomplished.In March, I got my third tattoo across my upper back to symbolize the true acceptance of myself, which I feel like I have finally achieved after searching so diligently. "As the Night the Day" serves as a reminder to be true to myself at all times, without feeling ashamed or unequal to others.And on March 17th, our baby puppy, and good luck charm, Indiana was born.
(Which one is She!?)In April, we were able to bring little Indiana home, and we began the challenge of raising our first 'anything' together. She's a little needy, yes, but we love her, and I'm pretty sure we've done a good job.In May, Blake and I closed on our very first home! I was shocked with how smooth the overall process of buying a home seemed to be. I had always been so intimidated by the idea. I love having our own home and sometimes still can't believe we made it work.
June was a big month for us. We vacationed to Seattle for the first time. Seattle is such a remarkable city, and we had such a great time. It was in Seattle that we took our first kayaking adventure. It was so awe-striking to watch the sunset fall over the water and city. While in Washington, we ventured out to The Gorge Amphitheater in George and saw my very favorite, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, together. This was our second Petty show with each other and my third overall. Needless to say, it was absolutely the best!
June also brought our move-in date for our home. We have had the most fun ever since making it all our own!In July, Blake celebrated his 27th birthday. What an old geezer.In September, Blake and I celebrated our third wedding anniversary. I often rave about how lucky I am to be married to Blake, and I'll never express this feeling enough. He is my life. Truly.
In October, I turned 25. Craaaazzy! Right after my 25th birthday, Blake and I looked back in awe as we realized we had officially been a couple for 6 years. My oh my, how time flies. It definitely doesn't feel that long ago that this shy and just barely 19 year old girl met the attractive college library employee I now call my husband. My happiest memories involve the time we spent getting to know each other in St. George at school.
And recently, in December, Blake and I celebrated our very first Christmas in our new home. I also found out I will be graduating with my Bachelor's Degree in Legal Studies in Fall 2011. I cannot wait to be done.
At least until we see how the LSAT goes.2010-I'm waving goodbye to you happily and looking anxiously ahead at what awaits.
-Blake and Jess.

Sunday, December 26, 2010

Merry, Happy: Christmas Day.

Blake and I woke up bright and early to enjoy our very first Christmas morning in our new home. We found ourselves bundled up and sitting around our Christmas tree together, content with each others company. This is the first Christmas that I haven't had to share Blake with his work in three years. I'm so grateful that I was able to have him home and spend the entire holiday with him.
Our morning was perfect.We spent the rest of Christmas Day at my parents house, crooning over my new little nephew, Keenan Ahmadou. We stuffed our faces and joked around with one another while listening to classic Christmas music in the background; truly happy to be together.
I am so grateful for my wonderful family. I'm grateful for my beautiful nieces and nephews, my sisters and their families, my parents.The Christmas holiday is about spending time with those you love most. I feel like this year Blake and I were able to surround ourselves with those people who mean the most to us and have always been there for us. Our family.
It was a very merry and very happy Christmas holiday.
~~~
May the spirit of the season bring your family joy and love as it did ours.
Happy Holidays.
-Blake and Jess.

Merry, Happy: Christmas Eve.

Every Christmas Eve is spent at Blake's mother's house. This year was no exception. I always have a good time with the Irish. The wine is flowing, the laughs are plenty, and the company is perfect.

My mother-in-law has family story time each year, and each year brings a new Christmas story. This year's story, "There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Bell" brought a lot of disturbing and hilarious laughs out of the group. I'm sure we created some very funny memories we'll enjoy looking back on in years to come.

We also had our annual gift exchange, which is always fun to see what everyone unwraps. I love watching people open presents. I love seeing the instant joy light up a face. Blake received his favorite cologne, 'David Beckham: Instinct' and I think my joy overwhelmed his. I begged him to please put it on, and then spent the rest of the gift exchange cuddling up to him. He smelled so good. I was given the perfect Victoria Secret bathrobe, which I immediately wrapped up in. I've been lounging around the house in it all weekend; I love it so much. Blake and I also received a new steam mop, which we're so excited to use. Our Swiffer is just way too costly, and I seriously can't wait to mop some floors!

Most of the night, however, was spent cozied up around a warm fire visiting with one another. It was so nice to be together. For some reason, it felt like decades since we had all been in a group, and I loved being surrounded by my family. I don't really even consider them as "The In-laws". They are my family.

Due to the uncanny ability we all have to chat the night away, a rare look at the clock revealed we had been visiting with each other until nearly 3AM.
We said our goodbyes, and made the drive home in the eerie fog that surrounds the lake by our house. It seems to make the trip home feel twice as long when visibility is impossible, but we soon found our beds and got some well needed rest on what was a very silent night.
-Blake and Jess.

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

New Arrival...

To our extended family.
Keenan Ahmadou Toure was born on December 20, 2010; a little after 10:30PM.
He weighs 6 lbs. 13 oz. and is 20 in. long.He is the third child to the Toure family...The smallest of the bunch.
Blake and I are so happy to be an auntie and uncle to such a beautiful little bey-bey.We already love him so much, and I'm counting down the days to Christmas simply so I can hold his cuteness again.
Sissy Sarah and Bro D....Such proud parentals.
Ya'll did a fabulous job with this one.Who Knows?....Maybe it won't be too much longer before Blake and I have ourselves a little peanut babe.It could be Wonderful.
-Blake and Jess.

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Let's Enjoy.

Blake found out today that he unfortunately did not get the day RN position he interviewed for. For now, he'll continue working as the graveyard RN at Utah State Hospital.
We've decided that we're not going to be disappointed about this. It obviously was not meant to be, and we'll just continue looking for the next opportunity.
I'm extremely proud of Blake for putting his best effort forward for this position.
You just can't win them all, right?
~~~
Blake--I love you more than anything. You are amazing, and I am truly honored to call myself your wife. Keep working as hard as you do, and I know it will pay off for you soon.
For now...Let's just enjoy the holidays.
Love You Always.
-Jess.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Let there be Light.

Our first Christmas in our new home.
We had fun decorating the house and putting up our fake plastic trees, which are surprisingly very unappealing to Indiana.This is Indiana's first Christmas as well. She loves laying on the couch, staring at the bright lights. She loves Christmas lights as much as I do.There's something magical about the lights of Christmas.
They reflect and dance off one another, and I find myself often entranced by their presence.
Blake will take me for drives and walks just to look at the lights because he knows I love them so much.Yes...Bright lights would have to be my favorite part of the holiday season.They just make the world a happier place.
Me, Blake, and some friends of ours took a trip to Salt Lake Temple Square to see the lights this year. It was my first time going. I was so happy to be there. It was so very beautiful.Happy Holidays everyone!
-Blake and Jess.
P.S.-Orange (with a hint of red) and Blue lights would be my very favorite. What are yours?

A New Beginning....Possibly?

Blake had an interview today for a daytime RN position at Utah State Hospital.
He's such a stud. He worked graveyard last night only to go right back in bright and early for an interview at 9 this morning.
I asked him how it went, and he said he felt really good about it. Blake is such a like-able person and presents himself so well...I really hope he gets it.
Last night before he went to work we had some fun laying out possible outfits for the big event (mainly me, but what can you do). He really did look great today. (Don't let the silly face confuse you)
I love Blake so much, and I really appreciate all the hard work he puts in at his job.
This could possibly be a new beginning for us. I'm so excited about it.
Nights spent together.
Dinners.
Coming home and having time to ask each other how your day went...face to face.
It sounds so nice.
We'll keep you posted.
-Jess.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Update.

I went to the Dermatologist today.
He took a biopsy of my little mole on my neck but said it looked completely benign, so great news there.
I had it removed in about 2 minutes, which was fine by me, and now it looks like I made a sorry attempt in popping a little pimple. It should be healed in a few days.
I'll be going back after it is healed to have another mole removed from the back of my neck. Dr. West was more concerned about this mole rather than the one I went to see him for, although he said it looked fine but we may as well play it safe. I'm more than happy to play it safe when it comes to my health.
He was nice and the whole experience was quick and nearly painless.
Good day to All!
Jess.

Monday, December 13, 2010

The Skinny.

Just a little update post since it has been a while.
I'm finally over my illness and have continued on with my life after that minor bump in the road. Blake and I have been working as usual and enjoying the holidays. I love the atmosphere of the holidays. From the bright lights to the wonderful smell of Christmas pine and cookies...the holidays are fantastic, and I try to enjoy them as much as possible in lieu of my insanity known as life.I recently found out I'm ineligible for graduation in the spring due to an incorrect calculation of credits by my adviser. After sharing a few choice words of a sailor, I moved on from the disappointment and recalculated my graduation plans. If I continue school full time, I will be finished next fall. I'm going to do my best to go to school full time while also working full time. I think I am dedicated enough of a person that I can make it, but we'll see how it plays out. If I have to cut my hours back at work, I'm willing to do so, because school is my priority.
Blake is interviewing at his work for a day RN position soon. I'm very excited as to the possibility of no longer having to spend nights alone, but I'm not getting my hopes up. A lot of nurses at his work are going for the position, but I believe that Blake has a good chance of getting the spot.
In other news, a few days ago I noticed a mole on my neck that I truly love (its such a cute little mole) has changed. The other day, it began hurting to the touch, and I noticed it was swollen and a reddish-pink. I have also noticed a small lump of skin behind it. I'm sure it is nothing, but I have a doctors appointment tomorrow to check it out just to be safe. I try to take excellent care of my ultimate fair skin, because I know I am susceptible to extreme damage (I come from the backgrounds of Norwegian, Danish, Welsch, and English--in other words...very, very white). I embrace my whiteness. I never go tanning, and I never leave the house without applying sunscreen. I guess I'm kind of a freak that way. I may have to say goodbye to my cute little mole, but I'm okay with that purely for health reasons.
Well...That's the skinny.
Happy Holidays to All.
Until next time.
-Blake and Jess.



Sunday, December 5, 2010

*Cough, Cough. Sigh*

I've been sick for almost a week now.
Nasty sore throat. Coughing. Unsteady body temperatures.
It hasn't been the best week on earth, but I can honestly say I have the best husband.
He stayed home from work with me the other day to take care of me.
He bundled me up and made me lots of soup and hot, hot tea.
Yes...I sincerely believe that God has absolutely no problem with me enjoying lots of wonderful and deliciously soothing hot, hot tea.
I'm hoping to be better soon.
A. So we can go snow boarding
and
B. Finals. Ugh.
Yes. Being sick is no fun, pale skin and dark under-eye circles...I'm very attractive when sick.
But...I didn't quite mind having the excuse to stay in pajamas and sleep as much as I want for the past couple of days.
And...Being sick ain't so bad when you have football.
We love football.
-Blake and Jess.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Thanks.

Today I am Giving Thanks for:
1-My wonderful husband.
Blake warms up my vehicle every cold morning, makes me coffee, and cooks me breakfast. I'm not a morning person and he makes my mornings more bearable. He is my best friend, and there is no one in this world I would rather wake up to each morning and spend each night with. I wish we could spend more time together, but I'm happy that we have our whole lives to be with one another.
2-My family.
Both sides. I have an amazing family and I love spending time with them. I know they will always be there for me.
3-My home.
I love sharing a nice warm home with Blake. I am so grateful to have a home that I can truly call my own, and I'm happy with the bright future ahead of us.
4-My job.
As much as I complain, I'm thankful to have a good job where I make enough to take care of myself. I'm grateful for the independence I have achieved and look forward to continuing to develop an amazing career to help my husband support our future family. I'm happy to know we will always work as a team.
5-Education.
I'm thankful for the opportunity I have to go to college; hopefully one day I'll be able to go to Law School. My mother always told me, "Jessica...Be sure to educate yourself so that you can take care of yourself if one day your support system is gone." Thank you for that wisdom, mom. I don't want to ever be so dependent on someone else that I no longer have the ability to support myself.
6-My trials.
Have led me to where I am. All the experiences I have had so far: good and bad, have continued to shape me over time. I am grateful for the wisdom and lessons I have learned thus far in my life.
7-Beauty.
Of life in general. I'm grateful for sunrises and sunsets. I'm grateful for rain, sunshine, wind, snow....I'm happy I'm able to feel life around me and that I have learned to take a moment to appreciate each day.
8-Friends.
True friends. Old and new. Ones who accept me for who I am and don't try to change me.
9-My dog.
Indiana. This may be cheesy, but I'm so grateful for the company she keeps when my husband is gone each night at work. She stays right by my side. Such a loyal and innocently kind creature.
10-Memories.
I'm happy I can remember the good times spent with family and friends that I am missing. My aunt Emma, my uncle Fred....I miss them every day; the holidays are a time for family and I wish you were here with us...But I am thankful for the memory of you.
What are you thankful for?
Happy Holiday,
-Jess.

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Fall is Ending.

Winter is coming.
The grass is frost bitten every morning, and I can begin to feel the chill of winter's breath down my spine at night fall.
Last weekend was beautiful. Mild temperatures. Sunshine. Fall breezes.
Blake and I knew this may be one of our last weekends to really enjoy fall, so we went for a little walk up Provo Canyon with Indiana.
Provo Canyon is spectacular.
Its beautiful.
Indiana loved playing in the cotton.
Blake's allergies....Didn't really love the cotton so much.
But it was such a beautiful and relaxing afternoon.
We may have gotten lost once...or twice.
But it was a really great day.
Happy Fall!-Blake and Jess.