Eternal Families

Families can be together forever. That seems to have just been the theme of this weekend. Yesterday was wonderful. Jason and I spent the whole day together just window shopping. We found a ring setting at Sams Club that I ended up completely falling in love with. It's so funny, because I've seen it before, but it's never caught my attention as something I'd like. Jason wanted me to pull it out and try it on anyway. When I put it together with a solitaire diamond and tried it on... oh, my heck. It was breathtaking!! And TOTALLY perfect for me! (Go figure.) After that we stopped at a little jewelery shop on the way home, just to see what was there. We've looked everywhere for a ring Jason liked, but could never find something that was more than "okay". This little shop had really awesome stuff for men and we found one that was perfect. *smile* I was completely thrilled. The prices even turned out right! So, look for our rings in July!! Then last night Jason and I went out to dinner to celebrate my mom's birthday. All of my sisters and their husbands were there (a major feat in itself, considering we just got James home from Iraq and Devin is going active duty next week). This was the first time I actually felt "included" and not just the odd number out. Couple dinners are no fun when the table seats 9 and you're the odd duckling. We went to Ye Old Lion's Den in Ogden, a new place for Jason and me. The dinner was fairly pricey, but wonderfully done. Several courses, plenty of time, fabulous service! Even when Dad started changing up the seating our waiter didn't get too lost with who's dish was who's. Most importantly, it was nice for mom. She loved it. Today was also nice. Jason and I got to tour the new Draper temple. It was so lovely and special. The sealing rooms made me cry, the Spirit there was simply overwhelming. Everything was so beautiful and clean. I loved being able to be inside and my whole being ached to be able to return with Jason next year. I never thought I could feel so strongly compelled to accomplish something. It was amazing. So, all in all, a perfect weekend. I couldn't have asked for more.

Date Night

What an interesting day! I went in early to work, so I could get off in time to go to Disney on Ice with Jason. It was pretty good day with the members. Jason had a fun day playing daycare for Bandit. I hate leaving him locked up in his kennel when I work so much. My sister gave me an idea to have Jason watch him a few days a week, so we thought we'd try it. It seemed to go well. They both had fun. After my lunch break at work, our system went down. It's such a pain to hand-write receipts and everything. Then when I was going to balance out for the day, I found I couldn't! With the system down, the computer didn't have the information to verify my totals. So, I waited. And waited. I called Jason to tell him I was going to be late, and waited some more. Finally I was able to get everything done and clock out an hour after I was planning. Jason and I ran out the door, hot pockets in hand for dinner. We barely made it in time for the show. It was a really fun performance with lots of effects and talent. They did four shows in one- Lion King, Little Mermaid, Lilo and Stitch, and Peter Pan. They even had the skaters fly! Tink had fireworks in her wand, too! It was amazing! Jason thought I was a little silly, cheering and waving like all the little kids, but I still loved it. What a fun date night with my honey!
Our meeting with the stake president went well. He was pleased to hear of our plans to get married July 8. We just need to figure out how to get there and best prepare to go to the temple next year to be sealed. Jason was excited to have the support. Every little bit helps and builds our confidence to accomplish the tasks before us.

Sick Days

Oh, I hate being sick. Yesterday was awful. I woke up feeling sick to my stomach, but decided to ignore it and get some breakfast. I could only eat a few bites before I realized it would hurt more than help. I got dressed and ready thinking maybe a shower would be best. I went to work, still not feeling great. When I got there I tested myself out on my first few members, but realized I wasn't getting any better. I asked my lead teller if there was any way I could go home, but she said they were already short handed for the day. So I went back to my window and tried to keep a smile on. I helped a few more members, then ended up getting sick right there in my window. I hit the trash can, thank heavens, but it was so embarrassing! I went to the break room and laid down for a full half hour. My tummy was still upset and my lead teller finally sent me home. I took a tub for two hours in some nice hot water. That helped, but I still spent the rest of the day in bed. When I woke up this morning I felt a bit better, but still not great. I called in sick- not wanting to repeat the mistake I made yesterday. It was a good thing I did, because I still feel yucky. I've mostly just relaxed. My puppy hasn't been nearly as restful as I have, though. He has taken this new time to learn how to jump on my bed. (Which is a pretty big leap for him, even Lady won't do it.) It's been fun to watch. He never fails to put a smile on my face. It's so sweet that he still just wants to be with his momma, even when she's sick. He's been such a blessing for me.
Jason and I have a meeting with the stake president tonight, to present our plan of getting married in July. I'm a bit nervous, but I still feel confident that this is right for the two of us. I'm sure the stake president will feel that as well. It would certainly be better to progress than continue digging deeper. I just hope things will fall into place for that to become reality, rather than just a wish. Perhaps tonight will help.

Four Months and Counting!

Jason and I are counting down! Only four months left, starting today. Our families have been very helpful since we've decided on this new date. Having the support is wonderful. We're still searching for the perfect place to call home. We just want something small so we can save up for a house with a backyard for Bandit. We have certainly decided on Disneyland for a honeymoon. I can't wait for that! Jason's never been to Medieval Times, so we want to try that and Knott's Berry Farm as well. It will be so fun to get away together! We'll just have to fine someone to watch our puppy for a few days... I've also decided to set some new goals to prepare myself to be a better wife. First of all I'm going to start taking better care of the things I need to do for myself. I need to set aside time everyday to walk, play piano, and do a service. I used to do those things regularly, but I've been slacking since I started working full time at America First. Jason has three nights a week that he raids on WOW though, so I should be able to fit them in somehow. I also want to start cross stitching again. I've always wanted to display one for my wedding that I did myself. So I'd better get working on that! Jason and I have a busy week. Thursday night is our date night and we're going to see Disney on Ice in SLC. I'm so excited! I've always wanted to go but never had the chance! Is that silly? I'm so glad I have a honey that understands I'm a bit childish sometimes. Friday night is the big couple dinner for my Mom's birthday. I hope that turns out. My sister and I got into a big scuffle over it today. Lame. Drama just comes from living in a family of all girls. (Poor Daddy...) Saturday we get to spend with Jason's family to walk through the new temple. That will be a wonderful experience. So, lots of plans coming up! Wish us luck! And pray for our tax return to come back!!

Boring Normal Life...

I wish I had something more exciting to write about, but I don't really. Jason is doing much better as is my sister Wendi.
Work has been good this week- nothing too exciting there. I had a quick review with my lead teller today. She said I was doing well and all my work looked good. I always have things to work on, though... I'm taking my security test next week. So wish me luck on that!!
Bandit is still just as happy as ever. A few days ago I took him to Jason's house and let him explore around there. He loved every second. Jason's dad even bought him treats! Wasn't that sweet of him? He's going to make such an awesome grandpa. Bandit is scared to death of him, though. He has such a booming voice, Bandit runs away every time. They're so cute to watch. Jason's mom has it all figured out, though. She just feeds Bandit off the table. He's loved her ever since. So, that was a fun experiment to try.
Jason and I are great. Just still looking for a job and a place to stay come July. Jason has decided to wait another year to get back to school, rather than this fall. He wants to make sure we're on our feet with the wedding and everything before adding another load to our little family. We're also starting to price honeymoons to Disneyland (because we're saving the "real" honeymoon to Disneyworld for our temple sealing). They're a lot more than I want them to be. But I'm sure we'll find something. I think we've decided to get married in the Lion House and have a small luncheon for family after the ceremony. Then we'll do a reception that night at the Clearfield City Building, or my stake center. I'm so excited. It's turning out so wonderful... I don't think I've ever seen Jason so confident and sure. He even had a talk with his parents about us and our plans. They're generally supportive, which I know means a lot to him. Hopefully things will continue to progress there.
I'm getting anxious for the warmer weather, I've missed the sunshine. I'm certainly ready for it to be spring!
This week my family is celebrating my mom's birthday with a couples dinner on Friday night. Jason and I are excited about that. I got to plan it, so I'm just hoping everything goes smoothly. With two of my sisters driving down from Logan, sometimes that's not as easy as it sounds.
So life goes on and here we are!

Wendi's Eyes

I am surrounded by sickies!! My sister, Wendi, had PRK surgery last Monday. (That's kinda like LASIK.) My Mom was going to take her, but she had a headache that prevented her from driving. So I got to be the lucky one to come along. They let us stay with Wendi through the entire thing. We even watched the surgery on a TV just out in the hallway. I don't do very well with medical things, but I watched what my tummy could handle. They scraped off the top layer of her eye and then made corrections. It was yucky. She felt fine right after, but yesterday was difficult. James (Wendi's husband) came home from Iraq yesterday as well. So, I got to play taxi service again. Even though it was dark outside all the car lights and street lights hurt Wendi's eyes. She tried to cover them, but that made her motion sick. No good, no good... I tried to tell her to stay home and let me just pick up James. She wouldn't do it, though. When I first watched the procedure I thought I wouldn't be too bad. Maybe I should start saving for something like that. But after yesterday-- I'll stick to my contacts, thanks. When Tami (my other sister) had hers done, it took her about a month to fully recover. I hope Wendi makes it faster. James is home now, though, so that will certainly help. :) I love you, Wendi!! Best of Luck!!

So, good news!! Jason and I have finally set an official, guaranteed date for our wedding! We will be getting married July 8, 2009. Yes, it's a Wednesday, but it will be a fun date (07-08-09) and it will be good for my work schedule. No set plans on where or anything yet, but a date is certainly a step in the right direction! We are way excited to be moving forward with our relationship and with our lives. Jason is still actively looking for a job (while he's not on his crazy pain medicine for his tooth) and looking into getting back to college this fall or next Spring. I'm still planning to work for America First, depending on where we move for school. So, slap a smile on, Jason and Bonni are getting married!!