Happy Easter!

I hope everyone's Easter was as good as ours! (Nice and relaxing, with lots of yummy food) The Rabbit didn't quite make it to our house but he sure spoiled the siblings next door! (my brother and sisters) Nate and I spent most of Saturday at his family's and watched the nieces and nephews participate in the annual Buttars family egg hunt. Grandpa and Grandma go all out, it's awesome! Sunday we got to spend a little time at my aunt and uncle's, Lisa and LJ's, and then a bit more with the Buttars. Harli didn't even let a bloody nose slow her down! :)

Easter has kind of been a bittersweet day for me the last couple years because two years ago my Mom went to the hospital on Easter the day before she died. I've learned to appreciate the significance of the holiday more and more when I think about Christ's resurrection and the knowledge I have that, because of His sacrifice, I WILL see my Mom again!
Until then, I'll continue my Easter tradition of honoring my Mom by opening a Peeps package and letting the marshmellowy morsels turn stale. It might take me a few years to acquire a taste for the rock-hard rabbits she absolutely loved. I guess that's something only a true Peeps connoisseur understands.

"Wii" Love Nate!

I'll admit, I'm a bad wife. It was Nate's birthday on March 11 and I REALLY wanted to scan in some pictures of when he was little, then write him a birthday note. Well as you can tell, I'm a week late, and due to a broken scanner at my father's home, there are no cute childhood pics. (Don't worry, I was able to get my act together enough to invite some friends over for a birthday/Jazz game viewing with cake and ice cream.) He didn't get the total shaft.

We also got to spend last weekend in St. George at my aunt and uncle's awesome house. (If you ever happen upon our blog - THANKS again Brent and Dixie!) It was kind of our spring break and Nate's birthday weekend celebration. We had lots of fun relaxing, eating, and playing the Wii. As part of my Nate tribute, I thought I'd post this video, and I hope you find it as funny as I did. (You'll hear my annoying and embarrassing laughter)

**I tried extra hard to figure out how to flip the video right side up but it wasn't happening. It's still entertaining though.
Also, the zooming in of the butt was a failed attempt to capture his excessive shaking. ;)



I hope you had an awesome 24th birthday Nate! Thanks for being such a wonderful husband.

Why Nate is great:
There are lots of pictures...you have been warned!

~He is pretty much always happy - really.
~He is a hard worker!
~He has a tendency to be a poser...~He is very athletic and loves to play any and every sport.
~He loves to laugh, and his laugh is one of a kind.
~He is a great brother and brother-in-law.~He is optimistic and can find the good in every one and every thing.
~He is a friend to everybody!
~He loves all of my kisses.
~He makes a great Mario.
~He loves to pull goofy faces when I ask him to smile normal...~He can make a mean dish of mac and cheese.
~He took me to Memphis and trekked around all the nerdy Elvis sites cause he knew I'd love it.
~He is a silly uncle and his nieces and nephews love him lots!

And most importantly...he puts up with me!Happy late birthday Nathan J!

Tagged

10 years ago...Haha. I was a 6th grader (that's right) at Cedar Ridge Middle School...I was pretty much joined at the hip with Kimi Western, and we both had some pretty awesome glasses. Ala Carte was cool for lunch and I was "going out" with Cole Brower. Basically we wrote notes to each other and were seldom brave enough to look each other in the eye.

5 things I would do if I were a billionaire... 1) Go shopping like crazy, I'd get some cool designer purses 2) Pay off debt 3) Buy a house 4) Buy my family some cool stuff...a "cankle" job for Ashley ;) 5) SAVE of course

3 bad habits... 1) PROCRASTINATING...anything and everything 2) I don't eat as healthy as I should 3) A lot of people I know, and I agree, say I worry too much about what other people think.

5 places I have lived...1) North Logan 2) Smithfield 3) Kentucky 4) Rhode Island 5) Lewiston

5 jobs I have had... 1) Cleaning apartments....5 summers growing up. 2) Cleaning schools 3) Al's Sporting Goods 5) North Park preschool aide

Some things you may not know about me...I eat ketchup on pretty much everything...eggs, macaroni and cheese, roast, potatoes of any sort, etc. I pretty much idolize Elvis. I drink way too much Diet Coke. I "showed" pigs in the county fair when I was younger and I was Grand Showmen a couple times, that means I was the best at showing pigs! :) :) I can beat just about anyone at "Disney Scene It". I broke my foot when my Mom ran over it. Reeses peanut butter eggs are the best candy in the universe...my Dad got me addicted. That's all I can think of...feel free to add it you have anything else.

I tag Lauri, Kimi - so you will actually blog something, and Sharli. :)

aMeRiCaN iDoL

Who doesn't love American Idol? I'm a fan. It's on right now, but I prefer to wait for DVR then fast forward through commercials...it's more intense that way. I'd just like to get my votes out while it's still somewhat up in the air, so hear me out...
First off:
Jason Castro.
Call me crazy, which a large percentage of people might, I'm over it. Dreds and all, I like him. #1 - his eyes, and his voice kinda reminds me of Jason Mraz slash Gavin Degraw, which equals hot. He pulls some goofy looks and says some awkward things, I'll admit, but he's got some kind of funny "charm" if you will. I don't know if the rest of America sees it, or will see it, so I worry about his overall chances. But now you know, I like him.


David Cook:
There's not a whole lot to say about David besides he rocks! I like his Creed "ish" style voice and he can flat out play the guitar.


And of course, I've got to side with everyone in Utah, plus the nation's teenage girl population and say David Archuleta. Come on...Simon loves him, that says it all. He does have an amazing voice - his Beatle song rocked. Although, like Jason, he's EXTREMELY awkward but therefore hilarious. His goofy puberty laugh is worth tuning in for. Let's face it, he has a good chance of winning.

As for the girls...I'm not to impressed. I think Carly will do really well, but I'm sorry she gets on my nerves. I liked Alaina a lot, but now she's gone so we'll see who steps up. :)

That's my 2 cents for the week.
The End.

sick of being sick!

Can it get worse? (I'm sure it can, but I'd hate to imagine how) Three weeks ago I came down with the usual flu symptoms...throwing up, achy body, high fever, etc. I battled it for a week. Last week, it seemed to calm down a bit as it transferred to the cold. So as I was coughing, sniffling, and the like, Nate then took on the flu bug. WELL, this week - now the 3rd week - I figured we would be on the down hill slope. NOT.
Around Monday or Tuesday Nate complained of heavy chest congestion that burned when he coughed...every ten seconds. I was popping pill after pill to relieve sinus congestion that was now eeking to my throat and ear. (I had horrible earaches as a baby and I eventually had tubes, so as an "adult" I get more than my fair share of earaches) I guess yesterday was the climax because while I was sitting at work my ear made a very loud pop and fluid started oozing out. I know, this is such a cool story. That was around 3, and I figured it was just a very bad earache. When Nate finally got home from work at 9, he said his chest pain was almost too much to handle and I was on the verge of tears from the extreme pressure in my ear...
Because we've had too many ER/doctor visits than we'd like to pay for, we have both been stubborn about seeing a doctor. (I've been hearing this influenza crap just takes a couple weeks to get out of your system) So, we tried to deal. At 10:30 I was now in tears. In attempt to help, Nate called his mom then the ER. They both seemed convinced my eardrum was ruptured....what a scary word - RUPTURED! The fact that it was still leaking and I was having trouble hearing were also a good indicator. So we gave in to the stubbornness and headed to the ER. Two hours, a shot in the hip, and some loritab later...the pain was finally subsiding but I was still miserable. (I like to think of myself as someone with a high pain tolerance...and call me a baby but the ear pain was right up there with breaking my foot!)
So, long story short...I'm now on amoxcicillin and trying to wait out the pain as my ear keeps drip, drip, dripping. Nate held out his doctor visit to this afternoon just to find out what we kind of expected, he has pneumonia in one lung and it might be partially collapsed!!
We are quite the pathetic pair as we lay side by side moaning our own pains. Taking turns to make perscription runs, bathroom bolts (food doesn't settle too well), etc. Our bosses are ready to fire us I'm sure, and school...well that's just scary. Let's just say I'm MORE than ready for spring....this is the worst flu season ever!

2 years

When I looked out the window this morning I just laughed. There must be some unwritten rule that February 22nd must be a gray and overcast day in Logan. 2 years ago, standing outside the Logan Temple, I was freezing and shaking; but I was ecstatic. Now, 2 years later, the same foggy sky is looming overhead, the snow is cold and crunchy, and once again; I'm happy. Happy because 2 years ago today I married my best friend. Any other cold and depressing weather day, I dislike, but today...it's sentimental. I love you Nate!

Notice how my hands are purple. BRRR!

four square, red rover, and TAG(S)...you know, kid games?

My sister-in-law tagged me a couple times, so here goes:

HUSBAND TAG

What is your husbands full name? Nathan J (no period) Buttars

How long have you guys been together? Almost 3 years, counting the dating.

How old is he? 24 in a few weeks!

Who eats more? Ha! Technically him, but I definitely hold my own.

Who said I love you first? Honestly, I can't remember. That's bad. I have a feeling it was him though. I do know it took me a long time to say it back when we were talking on the phone and there were people around me. He used to get so mad cause I would chicken out and say, "You too." Ha, I still struggle sometimes, I'm not that mushy.

Who is taller? Him by a long shot. 6' 3"...are those the right marks? Hopefully our kids (ok, boys) will be tall cause my Dad is 6'3" also.

Who is smarter? Hmmm....we are smart about different things. I'm slowly turning into my mom and I usually correct his grammar. Haha he hates it!

Who does the laundry? Me all the way. Maybe just cause I'm scared he'll shrink my clothes or turn them pink.

Who does the dishes? We take turns. I hate dishes with a passion, so they usually sit in the sink for WAY too long until one of us gives in...or is just desperate for a clean plate.

Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? He does right now, but it switches. The blankets always end up over there and I freeze!

Who pays the bills? I do and it stresses me out.

Who mows the lawn? We both do. I kind of enjoy it every now and again. It'd be awesome if I didn't have to empty the heavy bags!

Who cooks dinner? Scott or Marianne. (haha, our parents) School and work make it a little difficult to be home cooking all night.

Who drives when you're together? He does. I hate driving, but I'm a great backseat driver!

Who is more stubborn? Me no question. I'm slowly learning though. Nate is the most patient person in the world, thank heaven!

Who kissed who first? Nate, with help from Hitch the love doctor. (We were watching that movie and when I was going to leave for the night, he leaned in and stopped, "I came 90, now you come 10".

Who asked who out first? HAHAHA. Well, through a round-about-way, I guess I did. Most everybody knows the story but I had a pretty outrageous, really embarrassing, and almost unhealthy crush on him in high school. Then after he got home from his mission, he was shopping with a friend, his friend asked out my best friend, and she had my back all the way. She said, "Sure, I'll go out with you, but you should get your friend Nate over there, and I'll get my friend Laci, then we can double." A few hours later I got a call, "You'll never believe who you're going on a date with..." Thanks Kimi. I'll owe you for the rest of my life, or maybe I'll just name a kid after you. :)

Who proposed? Nate did. On a beach in Spain. That's right, he rocks.

Who has more siblings? Him, he beats me by one sister.

Who wears the pants? Hard to say, we share I guess. I do steal his sweat pants all the time though.

The End. How fitting because this Friday is our 2 year anniversary!

Even though I struggle saying it over the phone...I love you Nate! Thanks for putting up with my dirty dishes, half-empty diet coke cans, hair on the shower walls, mood swings and everything in between. :) You are truly my goofy, fun-loving, good-hearted, and thoughtful other half! I learn so much from you every day, and I'm so thankful for everything you do for me and our life together!

Other Tag...

4 JOBS I'VE HAD:
1* Right now: an aide for a special needs preschool, and I absolutley love it!
2* Al's Sporting Goods
3* American Eagle
4* Cleaning, cleaning, and more cleaning schools. I never thought I'd admit it, but you're right Dad. It is one of the easiest jobs in the world.


4 MOVIES I COULD WATCH OVER AND OVER:
1* Star Wars newer trilogy. Yes, I am a nerd.
2* Of course, The Notebook...and bawl every time.
3* Pretty much any Disney classic, but Beauty and the Beast is a favorite. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that it was one of the only ones my Dad would watch with me. "Kill the beast!" :)
4* Any of the Friends seasons, and I frequently do!
(also....The Count of Monte Cristo is a favorite)


4 PLACES I'VE LIVED:
1* North Logan is home forever
2* All over Cache Valley: Logan, Smithfield, and Lewiston
3* Providence, Rhode Island! (Nate's summer job) Plus, we got to visit Boston. Awesome.

4* Lexington, Kentucky. (also summer job) My favorite out of Utah. If it was a little closer to home, I'd seriously consider moving there. It was beautiful!
***Soon to be Michigan this summer! Pray I don't get shot on 8 Mile :)


4 TV SHOWS I WATCH:
1* American Idol. I have a crush on the guy with dreds. Scary.
2* I'm a true blue SURVIVOR fan.
3* HGTV! House Hunters all the way!
4* And I secretly indulge in really shallow teeny bopper shows on MTV. aka: The Hills. :)
I would love to get into Lost or 24 but will have to get the first seasons on dvd because I can't just pick it up in the middle!


4 PLACES I HAVE BEEN:
1* Spain and France with Nate and his parents...where we got engaged.

2* Mexico and Belize - cruise

3* Puerto Rico - senior trip
4* MEMPHIS! Elvis is King - period.

I added #5 : Orlando (Disney World) For our honeymoon. :)

4 PEOPLE THAT EMAIL ME:
1* Uh...Professors?
2* Allie - weird forwards :)
3* Sarah from Al's
4* Lots of annoying spammers


4 ACTIVITIES I ENJOY DOING:
1* Relaxing
2* Getting re-addicted to Super Mario games
3* Shopping when there is money to spend...ok never.
4* The occasional book, if I know it will be good. I wish I read more.


4 THINGS I ENJOY EATING:
1* ITALIAN. I think I have all the garlic loving genes in my entire family. Luckily Nate loves his pasta dishes too!
2* Pizookies or whatever Firehouse has them named at the moment.
3* Pretty much anything Mexican. Costa Vida is wonderful.
4* Diet Coke. It should be it's own food group in my pyramid.


4 PLACES I'D RATHER BE:
1* In the future...done with school!
2* Hawaii. Nate and I WILL go there within the next year or two.
3* In a house of my own.
4* I'm pretty content with Logan. Just maybe Logan with warmer weather.


4 THINGS I"M LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS YEAR:
1* Summer...living in a new place for awhile. It's fun to be on adventures.
2* Cade getting to experience a mission...although I'll miss him terribly!
3* Nate getting one step closer to graduation, cause let's face it, I don't think that's possible for me! :)
4* Oh you know....maybe Grandpa Wallentine? No, that's NOT an announcement!

I don't really tag anyone. Pretty much everyone I know has done this...but if you haven't you should cause it's quite entertaining!