My New Job

So this is a little late. But I thought I'd blog about it anyways. In the profession that I have chosen, in order to get hired by a firm, most of the time you must have experience. For the past six months, I have been desperately looking for a job - anything to do with accounting, auditing, bookkeeping...anything. Its been super hard. I thought it would get better once we decided if we would be living up in Orem for the summer or staying here in Cedar. Since there are more opportunities up north.

A couple weeks before school got out, I found the perfect job. It was an internship up in Salt Lake paying $17 an hour. I was super excited. They wanted 4 students in their senior year. I had a pretty good chance I thought. We still hadn't decided if we were moving or not, but we did decide that we would move if I got the job.

We waited and waited and I still didn't hear anything. There was one other person who applied for the job that I knew of and he hadn't heard either so I felt ok about it. Two of my good friends told me about a job here at the school that they had both applied for working as an internal auditor. I thought this would be a perfect opportunity for me to interview, seeing how I have never had a real interview before. And I could get ready for the job up north.

With studying for finals, I completely forgot about handing in my resume for the audit job. Both my friends told me they heard back and were told that they had put off doing interviews for two weeks and would let them know. So I decided that I would just go hand in my resume and hope that they will consider it. The guy I was supposed to hand it in to, now my boss, wasn't in his office so I didn't get to explain why it was late. So I hoped it would be ok, and if not then oh well at least I tried.

I was so happy when I got the email that since there were only 4 people who applied that everyone would have interviews. In the email we were also told that this was an informal interview and to just set up a time we would like to come in and chat. I was a little put out since the whole reason I applied was to get experience. So I decided I would treat it as a real interview anyways and hope for the best.

The interview went well. I found that the man hiring, Doug, had family who was from Sanpete. I felt like I had connected and it was a very relaxed conversation. I felt good leaving, although I wish it had been more formal. But I was happy that I didn't get nervous and stutter like I usually do when in stressful situations.

I still hadn't heard back from the job up north. I was getting nervous. We still hadn't decided whether we were going to move or not. We had been praying continually to receive an answer, but didn't feel a pull towards any which way. I felt like we just needed to make the decision and then pray to know if that's right. So we did and decided to fast about it as well. We decided to move up north.

Ray was so happy. He wanted to move back and live with his family. His little brother received his mission call and was leaving June 22nd. Ray and him are very close, and Ray wanted that time with him. Ray also had a job set up, working with people he liked and making good money. I, however, was still unsure. Especially when we heard that Ray's sister, Jemma, and her husband were moving back as well.

I then decided that we should stay. I had been stressing for weeks about this and when I decided I felt peace about it. I wasn't stressed anymore. When I told Ray, he was so put out. After I told him, I had a wave of doubt rush over me. But that all went away when I received an email from Doug saying that I had gotten the internal audit job at SUU. I was so excited!

This job was so much more ideal than I had first realized. I would be able to keep this job until I graduate. They are willing to work with my hecktic schedule - with both Ray and I taking classes, having a child, and Ray working as well. And this would give me great experience as well. I felt bad though, because my other friend had not gotten the job. It was hard to tell her and see the betrayal wash over her face. She tried to be happy for me, but I knew how hard it was for her.

But working here has opened up more doors. I found out about another job with the assistant finance guy, Mitch. I got her an interview and she got the job!!! I am so excited for her. We are both majoring in accounting and this will help her so much with the experience we need to get jobs. We will also be working together - well in the same office area and everything. It will be fun.

Here's a shout out to you, KayLa! Congrats on getting the job! I am so super happy for you!!

Growing Up

Remember when you were a little kid and all you could think about was what you were going to be when you grew up? I do. I think I changed my mind a couple hundred times. The first thing I remember wanted to be was a veterinarian. I LOVED animals. Then I remember going through the phase a wanting to be a singer. My mom has a gorgeous voice (if you haven't heard her, you should. A-Maz-Ing), so I totally thought I did too. Well as it turns out, that gene was never passed to me. But unfortunately, I didn't find that out until high school. As every kid, I also wanted to be an actress. I always was acting something out, thinking I was that Hollywood star that they found in a little po-dunk town. But that dream was given too.

Needless to say, my mind changed a lot growing up. And then in high school, I took some business classes. I LOVED it. But I wasn't in a very healthy relationship. And I wanted something I could do that wouldn't have me be in school. I was planning on living with this guy and moving all over the place. So I decided I would be cosmetologist. Easy, simple, enjoyable. I could do that. So I didn't put much effort into my schooling. All because I would do anything for this guy. I didn't need to have an education. Well that changed as well.

I came to SUU and took some more business classes. I fell in LOVE with my accounting class. It wasn't all numbers like everyone says. It was fun. And now here I am, one more semester until I graduate with my bachelors in accounting. And one more year after that until I graduate with my masters in accounting and in business administration. One more year until I am done with school. Maybe not with studying, as I want to become a CPA, but I will be done with classes.

I love the profession I chose. Although some days I wish I had gone into something like Physical Ed. Then I could wear this all day:

But no. I chose the profession where I have to wear clothes like this all day:With my new job I have to wear clothes like this everyday. And well, needless to say most of my clothes looked more like the other picture. So I have done some major shopping and de-junking. I have gotten rid of so many things. My closet is getting smaller and smaller. It will take some time before I have a suitable closet for my job, or future jobs.

I have found that dressing professional makes me feel wonderful. I am also finding how much Ray likes it too. I mean he never was upset when I went to places in t-shirts and sweat pants. But now that I dress like this everyday, he always makes sure to compliment me. Which makes me like to dress like this more. Although right when I come home from my 8-9 hours of work, I immediately undress into my comfy clothes.

So now that I have a career, I will have degrees, I work as an internal auditor, I dress in business clothes.....am I grown up?

Can we go back to Sunday?

Sunday was AH-MAZ-ING. It was the first time in ....... say two months that we were able to attend Sunday school, Relief Society, and Priesthood and actually get something out of it. We are Nursery leaders once a month so that cuts one Sunday out. All the others, call us sluffers, but we will opt out of the last two hours of church due to Mady. Church is right during her nap time and man she is cranky. We don't get anything out of the lesson so we'll just head home. We REALLY need to work on that.

But this Sunday was so perfect. Fast and testimony meeting was so touching. The spirit was so strong. Ray bore such a profound testimony. Don't tell anyone, but I'm pretty sure I'm in love with that guy. Oh, he makes my heart melt. And to have such a wonderful example around me each day.....how did I get so lucky!? Thank you Barb and Joe for raising such an amazing man. Ray was also sick that day, so his voice was extra deep and sexy. Mhmm hmmm, I love that man.

Relief Society was amazing. We talked about changing our perspective. As we talked about it, I have realized how my perspective had changed so much in the past 5 years. Rewind 5 years ago, and you would have found a girl who didn't care much about a temple marriage, who didn't see the wrong in living with someone, how church was not important to me, I didn't care about an education.....the list goes on. That was this girl:But then rewind only 3 years ago, a temple marriage was important to me, I wanted to come back to the church, I wanted to get an education, I wanted to be a worthy daughter of God again. Which was this girl:
And now we come to the future. I am all those things I yearned for. I have been endowed and sealed in the Holy Temple of God with a worthy priesthood holding man. We have made covenants to our Heavenly Father. I am going to school and am determined to get two masters degrees by the end of 2012. I have been blessed with the most beautiful girl God could give me. I feel so loved and complete. Which is this girl: My whole perspective has done a 180 (or is it a 360...). Even though I would not want to go through what I did 5 years ago, and hurt all those people I loved so dearly, I am thankful for those experiences. Because they have made me into the person I am today. I have learned from those experiences and am better for it. It may have take me longer than some, but I am on the path God has set before us. And despite whatever trial you have to overcome, the Lord will provide a way. I promise.

Ok, now that I have wasted 30 minutes of studying.. haha. I must get back.

But on a side note - I know what I want for mother's day (Ray - hint hint) If you have not read this book, I seriously recommend it! I remember loaning it out to someone and I don't think I ever got it back....or maybe I did and I just misplaced it. Oh well. If anyone has seen my book, it has writing on the front cover - saying something like I love you and something something..... love always Gail Hyde. Or something like that. Yea...its been awhile. Anyways I NEED this book! (cough, Ray, cough) No but seriously. Read it.

Break time??

Today has been super hard to find the motivation to study! I have my moments where I will do really good for a couple of hours, but then something distracts me like facebook, Ray, my phone....etc. I know somethings wrong when I've taken 2 shower/baths in order to keep from studying. I am definitely ready to be done with this:Yes, I know what I look like and I know its not pretty. But if one is staying in the house all day there is no need to get ready. Besides - "My baby loves me just the way that I am!" Such a good song. Go listen to it. And then come back.

So since I'm taking a break from my studies, I will just blog about whatever is on my mind. Such as Saturday. Do you know what is so exciting about Saturday? MY DIET IS OVER! Well kinda. I will still be restricted by some things. But I will get to eat A LOT more than I have been. Ahhh I am so excited! My overall weight loss will be somewhere around 15 lbs. Not as much as I'd like, but I'll take it. I do say I look a lot better than I did, that's for sure. I have before and after pictures for you, since I know you are just DYING to see. These are my "big" pictures -

As you can see, I have put on a little weight. NOTE: In these pictures, I do not think I am at a bad weight. Its just I need to fit back into my wardrobe and feel comfortable in my tight fitting clothes. So now lets take off 15 lbs.And wa-la! I feel good and like how I look. I do want to tone up my stomach and legs a bit more. But I am fine with this too. And ya, I'm a loser and had to take a mirror picture since Ray wasn't home. And yes, I am in a bikini, but I wanted to see my results. (don't judge.) Also, don't mind the bedroom. Because it is finals, I am entitled to a horrible,messy house.

What else is on my mind? Tuesday. This is the last day of my finals. What a relief that will be to have over. Today, was my first final - super easy. Pretty sure I got 100% on that one. Sometime before Monday I must take my tax research final. Which, although comprehensive, shouldn't be too hard since its online and we can use our books (pretty sure I'll be eating my words.) Tuesday morning will be the hardest final I will ever take. No doubts about it. If you have taken Financial Accounting II from Professor Rees, you know what I'm talking about. If not, count your blessings. Those two hours - from 7:00 am to 9:00 am - will be a living HELL for me. I've heard that at least 10 people will completely flunk it. We have 33 in my class....that could be me. Ok, ok, positive thinking. I will remember things and come out with the top score in the class! (haha right.)

Wednesday. Oh how I can't wait until Wednesday!! My mother will be coming down with my baby. Because it has been the week before finals, Ray and I decided it best for Mady to go to my parents for the week so that we can study. And although I feel I have gotten so much done with Mady being gone, I have seriously considered going up there to study just so I can still see Mady whenever I want but have others be able to take care of her so I can study. I miss her so so much! It has been so hard for me not to pick up my phone every 5 minutes just to see how she's doing and hear her. Oh I can't wait till she's here so I can kiss this cute face!
And play with her in the tub...And clean up her messes.....
Oh I can't wait!! Just 6 more days....I can do it.

Thursday is another day to look forward to. Our good friends, the Batty's are coming to stay with us for graduation!

(Don't mind the picture - it's a picture of a picture. I"m lame, I know.)

They moved to Vernal just a few months ago. We have missed them so much. It will be so fun to catch up and hear about all the fun things they are experiencing!

Sunday! Oh wherefore art thou, Sunday!? Sunday is the day we drive the strenuous road to Lake Powell!! We'll see how Mady does on the drive, but no matter, it will be all worth it. A nice week long vacation at the most gorgeous place. Awwww I am so looking forward to it! The only looking grim on that horizon, is I"m still waiting for my monthly lady bill. I think this is the first time I"m actually wanting to get that bill. Interesting....

Ok, now that I have got all those things off my mind. Its back to studying.....someone just shoot me now.

2 More Long Dreadful Weeks

I'm pretty sure I get the bad blogger award. H0w long has it been? 2 months? This whole month has been CRAZY! It has been packed with 4+ exams, 4 quizzes, a huge presentation worth half my grade, Mady teething, my dad in the hospital, huge b-day party.....the list goes on and on. I'm pretty sure I've looked like this half of the time - I couldn't have done it without these three amazing people:What would I do without my gorgeous sister, Kimberly? She is always so willing to tend Mady and help out with mine and Ray's mad schedules. I love her so much and am so thankful that she choose to move down here and go to SUU. THANK YOU!!!

My Mom and Dad - words cannot express my gratitude. Despite my dad's health they were willing the drive down and celebrate my daughter's first birthday with us. The biggest thing that I am so thankful for is that these two are so willing to take Mady for a week in order to help me study for my exams. She was there just last week and now she will be there all next week. It has been a HUGE help! You guys are amazing. I love you SO much!

Also, I could not have gotten through the last....two years without this girl.Please ignore the pumpkin. And just look at her gorgeous face. She has been with me through all the boring classes, all the hard, there's no way we're going to pass, but miraculously we do classes, long nights of studying. EVERYTHING. She is one of my best friends. I love her to death. Thank you so much KayLa. I don't deserve such an amazing friend such as you.

This amazing, smart, beautiful, woman has been there for me through my stress, my goofyness, my stupidity, my everything. She has helped me with understanding my classes, with babysitting my child, helping me with a huge party, just to talk and vent to, showing me amazing recipes, and so so much more. Her thoughtfulness and love has helped my family beyond words. Dori, her little boy, has also helped us so much with Mady. They are so cute when they play together. Adorable. And we can't forget how much Dion has helped us, especially being such a good friends to Ray. We are so grateful to you and your sweet sweet family. Thank you!
And of course, I couldn't have gone through these past months, years, and the future years without this handsome man. You do so much for me! You put up with my craziness and stress. You are always there for me and help remind me why I am going to school. I am so proud of you and all of your accomplishments. God must love me more than I thought to bless me with such an amazing husband. You complete me in every way. Thank you for everything you do for me.

Two more weeks are left. Its scary because I feel like I have so much to do before then. But then I will be so relieved. Right after finals, we will be here, at Lake Powell. With all these lovely people. Including Mady.I am SO excited to have a week off to not think about any homework. Once I get back I have to start studying for an exam that I must take before the end of May. And then beginning in July I will be taking 3 summer classes.

All I can say is

BRING IT ON

Oh, and I will be blogging more too. I promise to update you on Mady's birthday, what's going on in our lives, some exciting news about my hubby, and more! So stay tuned!

Why I do it....

Ever since I gave birth to Madelynn, I have been bombarded with the questions, "How do you do it? How do you go to school and have a kid?" or "Why do you do it? I'd rather stay home with my child." I'm pretty sure I've heard every variation of these two questions. And most of the time my response is "I don't know." or "I just need to." I would tell them my real reasoning for spending time away from my daughter, handing her off to my sister or Ray while I go to class or study groups, or having to choose studying over playing with her. But in a way its a personal and long explanation.

At first I didn't want to continue my education. I was fine with getting my associates and being done; especially since I was pregnant. But when Mady came, my whole perspective changed. Holding this newly child of God, sent from His presence brought upon me a protectiveness and motherly instinct that was so overwhelming. I thought back on my life and the mistakes I had made and the hell I put my parents through while in my "wild" days. I thought about everything Satan is doing to lead astray the younger generation. I thought of how easy it will be for my children to stumble of the Lord's path. And I was scared. It might have been my left over pregnancy hormones, but there was a time just after Mady was born, that I would just cry and cry. I felt so inadequate. I felt as though I shouldn't have been chosen with such a big responsibility. I felt sick that my child that the Lord had entrusted to me would have to grow up in such a wicked world. And that it was upon my shoulders to teach her the Gospel and hope that she will be obedient to the teachings of the Gospel. It was then that I decided that I would do all in my power to make sure that my children would be shielded from the onslaught of the world. That they would be able to stand against Satan and not be tempted. That they will be beacon's of light to others and stand as witness of God.

The reason I chose accounting as my major is because it is a job I can do at home. Whether its doing taxes, consulting, or book keeping, if I work hard enough I will be able to do all my work from home. I know I may sound cliche when I say that I want a big house with all the nice accessories and a lot of money. But my reasoning's may be different than others. The reason I want a big house is so that when my kids want to play with their friends and have parties, they will choose my house to do it at because it has all the nice things that kids want. I want to know who my children are hanging out with, who they like, what their doing. I want to be able to check on them and make sure nothing is going on that shouldn't. I want a lot of money so that my kids won't have to choose which musical talent they want to do, or which sport they must play, or which elective class to take. I want them to be able to develop all their talents. Growing up my siblings and I had to choose if it was going to be dance or sports, violin or piano, AP classes or yearbook class.

I'm not trying to say that I want to spoil my kids rotten. Oh no, their going to get jobs and work for the things they want. But I want to make sure they develop all the talents and always reach their goals. I want to know their friends and help throw their parties. And if that means getting my bachelors and two master's degrees in accounting and business, and having both Ray and I work then so be it.

It is my goal to work from home and to help supplement our income to provide for our children. There are days where I just want to give up and quit, but I am constantly reminded by all the awful things I hear that are happening in the world, and I am especially reminded every time I look at my sweet little girl. I will sacrifice a few years in order to help keep my children safe from the onslaught of the world. That is why I am going to school.

Late Anniversary

Ray and I celebrated our 2 year anniversary this past month. It's crazy to think it's only been 2 years - I feel like I've known him all my life and I can't imagine my life without him. I am so so very grateful for everything he has done for me. And for following the Lord's promptings through everything that was going on while we were dating, we would have not ended up together if he hadn't.I also wonder what would've happened if I never asked him on that first date......nah he'd probably would have found the guts to ask me....I hope.Even though we had many struggles to overcome during the first of our marriage, the Lord knew we would make it. There was no denying that we were meant to be together; although there were many times I would ask the Lord to reconsider - I always felt like I didn't deserve such an amazing man. I still think that.Because Ray worked on our anniversary, we decided to celebrate early. And being tight on money meant we'd have to be creative. I ran out of ideas quick and decided to call my mom. She told me to ask my relatives Pam and Winn to see if we could spend a couple of days there. Pam loves to host anyone and everyone, she always wanted my family to come up and stay with them. I thought of how perfect it would be - they have a HUGE house complete with a hot tub and an amazing view over the Salt Lake Valley. We could also see the lights at Temple Square, go do a session at the Salt Lake Temple for the first time, and whatever else catches our fancy. We had decided to invite our friends as well since it was their anniversary too. But they weren't able to come. So we invited the next people we thought would need it the most - Anna and Russell. Ray and I went up a day early to have sometime to ourselves before Anna and Russell came. We had a great time going out to eat, doing a session at the Temple, hot tubbing, a movie. It was so relaxing.

The next day, Anna and Russell came. We decided to just to dinner and then the lights because it was so late. Dinner was really good. We went to this pizza restaurant at the Gateway. Ahhh so good! Then we walked the couple of blocks to Temple Square to look at the lights. Temple Square was amazing! It wasn't too cold either. It was fun to take pictures of us with the lights. We had a great time with Anna and Russell and we're so glad they were able to come and spend a nice evening away from the kids. We are also very grateful to Pam and Winn for letting us come to the gorgeous home and stay a few nights. Thank you so much! We love you!Our last stop before heading home was to visit the Hansen Planetarium...or I think that's what its still called. All the shows cost money now so we just had fun looking at their exhibits and playing around with their gift shop. Definitely a Hufflepuff. I love the fact that we both are weirdos.And of course can't forget the amazing presents! Thanks to my brother Justin, I was able to get Ray an xbox 360. Thank you so much Justin! Ray got me a little something too. Thanks lover!We also got each other a little something else....ok a big something else. We were in dire need of a car and my uncle gave us a great deal on this Honda Accord. We love it. Thanks Greg!
Ray thank you for an amazing two years. I look forward to the life ahead and all of its trials and joys. I wouldn't want anyone else to spend it with. You are such an amazing husband and father. I thank God everyday for sending me a miracle. You helped me become who I am today and you always help me better myself. Thank you for being you. I love you so much!