CHANGE

The past few months have brought a lot of change. I have been really good at writing my journal but I forget to post things on here. The two biggest changes are that I am working for a different firm and I have a new calling at church. The Architecture world is a crazy one. As for church I have loved teaching my little primary kids, but look forward to working with some amazing women and getting to know all the ladies in my ward as I serve as the first counselor in the Relief Society. Dugan and I are loving life. I really enjoy all my dancing and having weekends to play. I can't believe that March is almost over. Anyway, things are great here.

I'm trying

My husband and I teach the CTR 7 class in primary. Which means the kids are turning 8 sometime this year. I feel pretty special to be teaching them during this important year. Every time I teach I ask myself how I can get the things I am teaching to stick. We are in sr primary so we have our classroom lesson before we go into big primary for singing and sharing time. Today our lesson started out a little rough. I asked them to be quite so many times before we had even said an opening prayer. There was a moment where I looked at Dugan and thought to myself I might as well just skip the lesson and let them play games because they won't settle down. As I looked at the few who were being reverent I told myself that wouldn't be fare to the ones who were listening. I started my lesson and they settled down a little. I was glad when it was time for big primary time. I always feel the spirit when singing primary songs. In sr primary the kids in the other classes were a little antsy too. I was tired of asking my kids to be reverent and felt a little defeated for the day. That is until the closing sing. I was sitting next to one of my extra antsy children. As I began to sing along with the primary children the words to the song Im trying to be like Jesus. My sweet little student who hadn't been singing at all, stared singing with a strong sweet voice. "I'm trying to love as he did in all that I do and say." I could hardly continue to sing. By the end of the song the tears had broken through and were streaming down my face. It was such a wonderful gift from my Heavenly Father. To feel the spirit of this sweet child. I am grateful to the chorister for choosing that song.

I am in trusted with these sweet children for two hours a week and they truly are the best hours of my week. God never said it would be easy, he only said it would be worth it. I'm the luckiest girl in the world.

FYI

FYI I have started posting a little on my Sharona in Stilettos Blog. I haven't decided what I want to post on each blog yet. I am just looking for a place to share a little. http://sharonainstilettos.blogspot.com/

Hello Friends,

I have to admit one of the reasons I am so bad about posting is because I don't pull out my computer often enough.  Since I have graduated I pretty much always use my IPad. I have my computer out so I can finish writing the Thank you notes that I typed up a few days after graduation but am only now actually getting them hand written on the postcards that I made. Hope they will all go out tomorrow. Anyway, I started writing a post last week that hopefully will post this week. It has been a week since school would have started. My nights of no homework have been oh so Lovely. I don't really know what to talk about. I have been working over time at work on some drawings for this Amazing project that I am so lucky to have the opportunity to work on. It's called MONC for short. It is a museum. I have loved every minute I have spent working on getting drawings ready for Bid. The end of last week things slowed down. I am now working on a LEED education board for a different project. Anyway, I couldn't be happier.

Weekend Recap,

I want to make sure that I document this past weekend. I went to my coworkers baby shower. It was so fun. She is the cutest little pregnant lady. I am so excited for her.

Things I loved about the baby shower.

1. It was outside in her beautiful backyard and super chill.
2. It was co ed, Dugan didn't go with me but I really hope that i have a coed shower someday (if you took that wrong get your mind out of the gutter : ) )
3. It was all their friends. I love that it wasn't just work people or life people or whatever type of people you have. It was all of them together at one party to celebrate. I met some really fun and great people.
4. AMAZING food. Some of it was made by very talented women and some of it was Catered. All super yummy
5. I would say the wine, but since I have never had a sip of alcohol in my life the wine didn't really do me any good.
6. Watching her open her sweet presents. It is so fun to see the tiny cloths, the beautiful blankets and to know that there are some wonderful contemporary/modern things out there for babies.
7. Watching her open a gift from the old school of arch dean. It was a black turtleneck onesie. (Sorry if you aren't in the architecture world you may not get this)
8. Seeing a house that is more minimalist then my own.
9.  Seeing some of my professors from school.
10. Celebrating such a wonderful time with such an awesome women. Having her like the gift I gave her. I got her swaddle blankets from Pottery Barn Kids, Binkies, a chocolate bar for her to take to the hospital with her, and a pink baby onesie that said, "My mommy's an Architect"

After the shower I headed to a ballet workshop. It wasn't what I had expected but dancing for a few hours on a Saturday afternoon is always fun.

Headed home to be with my hubby and make mango chutney chicken with jasmine rice before go to get ice cream with our friends Matt and Amanda and their super cute boys.

Sunday was nice but came and went much to fast.

NEW BAG

Hello Out there. Can I just say how much I LOVE Lululemon. They really do have so many cute things. I just got a new travel bag today that is so cute and functional. There is a part of me that doesn't want to use it because I want it to last forever but the other part of me wants to find as many excuses to use it as possible. I am not expecting or anything but honestly it could make a really fun diaper bag in the future if it last that long. Anyway, super excited to retire my gray and pink back pack for this new fun chic bag. I will have to take a picture since it isn't even on there website yet. I want to use it right now but I am going to a wedding reception tonight so it wont really be appropriate. oh FYI my 10 year high school reunion is tonight too but the wedding reception is one of my bro's long time best friends. I can't believe I have been out of high school for 10 years.

Fun night

I am to tired to write much now but I had a fun night. I wanted to remember how much Ilione the age my nephew Liam is at and something funny he said to me today. I told him his mom was a super hero but she wasn't aloud to talk about it. He wasn't to sure about that. Then I asked him if he was a super hero he said " no, I don't fly, I walk" it was pretty fun. Love that kid

Working Women

I have had a wonderful first few days of work. I LOVE having so much to do that I hardly want to take a lunch break. The project that I am working on is very exciting. I have to admite it's funny going into something knowning you will have lots of questions but then being disappointed in yourself for not knowning the answers. That is so silly. I am working my hardest and learning so much so fast it is amazing. I also have many waves of the emotion of gratitude come over me through out each day. I am so happy. I want to embrace eachday. I want to leave the office so tired that I bearly have energy to do my nightly workout. So i know i truly gave it my all. Maybe Wednesday can be the exception since I have 3 hours of my jazz and ballet class I love it to much to be to tired to do my best there too. I am far from perfect but I love that everyday I am trying to be a better person,friend, wife,and stranger. Today I walked from work to the trax station. It gave me time to let work sink in. I am so grateful for my life and the person the Lord is molding me to be. I also started to think today more seriously about my ARE lisancing exams. I am giving myself the summer off but I want to study for my first one and try and take it before the holiday season. We will see. Also a shout out to my arch chick JEN. Congratulations on your first day at your new job. She is so talented and she will do great things for them.

Beginning of my career

I am starting my career tomorrow. No more school, now into the world I go. I had a nice internship at a firm my final year of grad school but this feels different. A professinals salary with benifits oh my. I have many Different feelings of excitment and i am a little scared but i Am Ready to take on the world. Wish me luck!

Okay just kidding

Okay, so I thought I was back. lol Graduation was awesome and so much has happened in the last month. Anyway, I thought I would take a minute to say hello to anyone who still reads this. With me going into the professional world I think I either need to make it private or be pretty basic about what I talk about. Any opinions on the best way to address this world of openness that is the internet. : )

I am BACK

I am back. There is a part of me that believe that tomorrow is the First day of the rest of my life. I received my Masters Degree in Architecture last Friday. It has been an amazing Journey. I will talk more about that special day soon but I hope to be able to share much more of my new adventures, funny thoughts and life here.

Hi EVERYONE,

I just wanted to take a minute or more and say hi, so "HI!" I have missed keeping notes aka journaling about my life but it has been on Fast Forward so if I wrote anything all you would see is Blurry letters. Anyway can you see the crazy coming out. Dugan and I had a wonderful Christmas with my Family. My sister and I scored tickets from my parent to go see Neil Diamond in concert in July, cant wait. January started off wonderful with a Happy New Year with our Clarks(To fill you in the "Clarks" are our BFF's) The year started out quick with a Studio trip to Vancouver, BC on the 3rd. Our Final studio is based in Downtown Vancouver. It is a Beautiful place. I feel like it's San Francisco meets New York City. They have beautiful Parks and the Ocean. We had a nice time and were back on Sunday to start school on Monday. It was crazy taking a school trip before school was suppose to start but this Final Studio is Flying by so I think we will be grateful. My dear Skeeter was born on Jan 9th. okay so her name isn't really Skeeter it is Allison Paige Clark. It was LOVE at first sight. With it being the first week of school and my BFF having her 3rd Beautiful baby girl it was a crazy week. I was able to see her a lot since the hospital was so close to work and school and they were there for four days. Carrie looked amazing through the whole thing. Her Son Jimmy turned 7 on the 31st and we got to celebrate with a Lago party and dinner at the Olive Garden. Dugan has been dealing with Kidney Stones the past few weeks. We ended up in the ER where they did all sorts of test and he has 2 of them. They gave him drugs and told him that if they didn't pass in a month to come on back. It has just added one more little twist in this crazy life. Back to school, School, School. I am designing an Elementary School and have Learned so much that I hope to share with you all. (Probably this summer) Children's education is changing so much and I love learning and studying all the Theory. Thank you Ted Talks and the Third Teacher. Along with Studio I have an Oil Painting Class, Architecture Law, and an Intense Theory class talking about Religious Architecture. All the weeks have been busy. I am working for MHTN Architects and have been for about 9 months. Oh Thursday's I teach 5th grade elementary kids about Architecture. I LOVED 5th grade (Marine Biology, Greek Mythology, The Civil War) These kids are so Awesome. It is defiantly a highlight of my week. When I walk in the Classroom they all say Hi to me almost in Unison and then for the next hour they think I am so cool. The only thing better then practicing architecture is teaching it and sharing it with other. So that is the first four weeks or so of school. Two weeks ago our ward boundaries were split and we changed wards. We now have 1 o'clock church which I was a little bummed about since I haven't had it for the past 20 years of my life but the first week it actually was pretty nice. But then again we only had Sacrament meeting since it is a new ward and they have only called 70 of the 200 callings. So after sacrament meeting we broke our fast with Milk and Cookies and went home. We had the Clarks over to watch the SuperBowl. This past weekend was a little crazy with the week ahead. I had worked on studio and studied for my Law Midterm. Monday I had work, Studio and then it was Study some more Law time. I studied with my girls Sarah and Jen for about four hours before we called it a night. Tuesday I had Oil Painting, Work and then headed to the school to get in a few more hours of studying before the test. The class is from 6-9 pm since our teacher is a Lawyer. I was at the school an hour or so when the secretary let us know that our Law teachers secretary called and he would not be making it tonight so the test is postponed till next Tuesday(Really Valentines Day). It was Bittersweet. I think we all could use more time to Study but then again we just wanted to get it over with. It was a good thing the test got postponed because around 7:30pm I started feeling really Crummy. So I worked on studio. My sister called to chat for a minute which is exactly what I needed. I told her a little about my lesson (A Testimony of Jesus Christ). We both shared our testimonies with each other and expressed our gratitude for our knowledge of Christ. I also happened upon an amazing quote. The image behind the words showed feet wearing sandals walking on water. The text said, "When you feel like you are drowning in life, don't worry - your lifeguard walks on water." My eyes filled with tears as I shared this quote with my sister on the phone. The conversation was short and full of mini miracles. At that moment I know that I knew I would be just fine this week. The next morning I FELT HORRIBLE. No time for rest. I had work and then Studio. My Nose was runny and stuffy, my ears hurt, my chest was all congested, my eyes were teary. My cough was Horrible and gross. I was miserable. After studio I had to work on my presentation for theory that I had on Friday along with my Schematic Design Review. The worse case scenario is having ANYTHING else the day of a Jury Review. I stayed up till about 2:30am working on the Presentation and Studio. I had to be up by 6am to get to my 7:30am Oil class. I was still feeling pretty Crummy but no time to stop. After oils I worked on Studio and went to work a short day. After work Dugan and I came home and I finished my studio stuff and my Presentation slides. I went to bed around 11pm since I was falling asleep at my computer and I would be presenting twice the following day. I got up at 6 polished my slides and my notes for my presentation. Dugan and I headed to the school. I polished my Studio Presentation off before heading to Theory. I presented my Research in Theory. It went pretty good. I was glad I didn't cough to much during my presentation. I was feeling a lot better but my chest still had me coughing up a lung every 5 minutes. After theory I ate a quick lunch double checked my Studio presentation and then it was time for the Jury. I was third from last so I had a minute to gather my thoughts. 3 of the Jury members were my past studio professors. Which I am still not sure if that was good or bad. My presentation went great. They had lost of thoughts for me and I was happy to receive them. Any help I can get on the early juries will help for the BIG FINAL one. After Studio Dugan and I went to meet my sister and her family for dinner. We had a wonderful dinner to celebrate her 25th Birthday that is on Sunday. I can't express my Love for my sister in Words. I love that Girl sssoo Much. I had a yummy Lobster Corn Chowder and a dessert of Hot Nutella Brownie with Vanilla Ice Cream. After this week that is exactly what I needed. Today I slept in a bit before my Crazy Workout class. Every week I am sore for 2 days after. Loved the class then Dugan and I headed to the school. Finished my Oil painting, worked on studio and finished preparing my Relief Society Lesson. Oh wait, did I forget to mention that I am teaching Relief Society tomorrow. I got the call on Monday night while studying for the Law exam asking if I wouldn't mind teaching since they are still working on callings. I said yes. Some of you may wonder what was I thinking. Well let me tell you. When life gets busy I often feel that my need for the Lords hand in all I do gets more needy but I often find that my scripture study gets the boot. While working on studio I often listen to hours of religious music to help supplement but I knew that if I had to teach the lesson then I would have to prioritize my spiritual studies. My lesson preparations and seeing the hands of God in everything I do and expressing Gratitude for all his love made this week Amazing. On Friday my grin was so big and I was filled with pure JOY!!! The best feeling. I hope that tomorrow the spirit will be with me as I teach my lesson. I am so glad that where my strength ends the Lord is there to help me. I hope you are not all exhausted after reading this. It felt a little exhausting writing it. Well I wont be making any promises for the next clearly written notes about me but I hope you are all Happy and Healthy. You are in our prayers.

Luvs,
Charlotte and Dugan

Since Japan

So since I got home from Japan I have felt like I pretty much dropped off the face of the earth. Anyway my studio final was yesterday and I am excited for the Christmas break. I am not sure the best way to talk about Japan. There is so much to talk about so I think I will try and work on something over the break to share. The past session of school has been busy. The big difference was that I had night classes on Tuesday and Thursday. I hate night classes. The classes themselves were great just bad timing. This session of Studio consisted of a Studio where I designed a waters rights lab and visitor center on a Site in Little Cottonwood Canyon, Professional Practice Ethics and Steel Structures. I had studio Monday, Wednesday and Friday. I worked on Tuesday and Thursday at the Firm and had class after work. Then I worked at VS on a few Saturdays. BUSY! Dugan and I are doing well and I am trying to decide if I am going to get a tree this year. In the past, due to cost and space we haven’t but now that were are in a house and I already have all the decorations from the first Christmas we were married I think it would be fun. We will see. I hope to write more over the break. Hope you are all well.
Loves xoxo

Almost 1/4 of the Way there

September 4th, 2011

First Sunday of the month. We had a great day and got a chance to relax knowing that tomorrow we would still have time to do homework. A night full of Harry Potter’s.

September 5th, 2011

Good Holiday Morning. Dugan and I slept in and then got working on school stuff. We played and took our Holiday on Saturday so to day is homework. We headed up to school and worked on homework. I know it should be school work since we are working on it at school but whatever. It was nice to have an extra day this week.

September 6th, 2011

Pro Practice and then work. I was excited to go to work and see my coworker Dennette who has been out of town for a month going and seeing all her children and grandchildren. She moved desks which is okay but I will miss her. I got lots done and before I knew it the day was over. We headed home and I made dinner before heading off to Ballet. I actually felt pretty good today. It always amazes me what practice can do.


September 7th, 2011

Today we had Mimi’s class for four hours and then Studio. Right before studio I talked to the women over the classes at the daybreak fitness center. We had a really good conversation and I think we talked a lot about the business and how it could work for my ballet class. I talked to my ballet teacher and she is going to talk to everyone about what we want to do next. I will keep you posted. After school I had an appointment downtown and then went back to the school to pick Dugan up. We headed home and watched Harry Potter and worked on homework.

Septmeber 8th, 2011

Today Dugan and I had our pro practice class and then I then I head up to Kaysville for our day of caring. We redid a landscaped strip at a shelter. We took out all the mulch and pulled up all the weed barrier and then replaced it all with new. It didn’t take us that long. My boss Dennis had his four year old grandson there. He was standing on the piles of new mulch (his castle) and telling us where we could dig. He is a great leader just like his grandpa. When we were all finished we went to Wingers for lunch. I got a salad that was good but so big that I will have leftovers for a while. Then Cason ordered a big cookie with ice cream that he insisted on sharing. I had a few bites and it was delicious. I had a nice little conversation with him about the mini golf course I went to last week with the Clarks. After work Renee (one of my fav admin girls) headed back to work with me. The rest of the day went well. A little while before I got off Dennis came to me and invited me to the MHTN golf tournament tomorrow. I was interested and excited but a little nervous. Sometimes it makes me laugh how intimidated I get by him. My tongue gets tied. Anyway after work I picked up Dugan and we headed home. My ballet class was cancelled due to the opening day of the state fair which is a family tradition for my teacher. Dugan and I had dinner and then it was a Good thing my BFF Carrie called and invited me to her Zumba class that she was teaching in my neck of the woods. It was a GREAT class. Thanks Carrie. We ended up staying late waiting for one of the young ballet girl’s ride to pick her up. When I got home I went straight to bed. Goodnight.

September 9th, 2011

Today I had the MHTN 2nd Annual Golf Tournament. The company was founded in 1923 so it has been around much longer then two years. Anyway I got up early to get ready. When I left the house I felt a little funny since I was wearing my “Country Club” outfit which is much different then most of my clothing. I was wearing a Navy Blue Polo shirt with a khaki skirt and Kswiss white tennis shoes. I drove down to Thanksgiving point where the tournament was held. I got there and tried to help out a bit. Then we had breakfast and shotgun was at 8:00am. For the first hour or so, I rode around with Mike our head of marketing. The way the tournament worked is there are consultant companies that sponsor each hole so engineers, contractors etc. Then there were 13 or so teams of clients such as school district reps, higher ed, and other clients. It was very interesting to watch how it all works. There was a moment where I thought about my personality and was wondering how I would have done if I would have decided to go into marketing. I came back to the club house and helped with things and went and hung out with the consultants who had holes near the club house. Around lunch time some of my other coworkers came and we headed in for lunch after the tournament was over. They awarded the winners and had a raffle for some awesome things. After that I had to head out to get to the school for Studio. I was very grateful for the experience and it was nice to finally meet people who I had been emailing for the past few months face to face. I got to studio and just worked on my project. After school Dugan and I decided that it was an eating out night. We decided to go by our house on the way to the restaurant. Dugan had me change my cloths and when I came back downstairs he hugged me and said you look like my wife again, I like you much better this way. I guess he wasn’t into my preppy country club look. Then we headed to the same mexican food place as last time. I love that I can just get a big plate of veggies with some rice for dinner. It started POURING RAIN outside right after we got there. It was cool to sit in the restaurant and watch the lighting across the sky and hear the thunder. After dinner we headed home I straightened up a bit and with in moments of sitting on the couch I was OUT. On Friday’s I think my new bed time in 7:30pm. What a day.


September 10th, 2011

Today I had work at 6:00am. Then I picked up Dugan from the Trax station and took him to work. Then I went to the school to work on my presentation for Mimi’s class and talk to my group. I have spent hours on this presentation. I am so ready to get it over with. Dugan and I headed home and worked on our presentations some more. What a way to spend a Saturday.

September 11th, 2011

Dugan and I had a nice day at church. Our new Family and Relationship class started during the Sunday school block. I am looking forward to it. I have never taken it and I think it will have some good points. The teachers are the stake patriarch and his wife. After church Dugan and I had a nice afternoon at home. Through out the day I couldn’t stop thinking about the fact that 9/11 happened ten years ago today. Over the past 10 years I have avoided the media in the days prior to 9-11. I guess I have felt that my memories are so vivid that I don't want to have them become even more crisp with footage being repeated over and over again. I have the fear of being over taken with emotion and sadness again. I haven't been able to bring myself to watch any films depicting that day. I am not sure what has hit me the most on the 10th anniversary if it is how long it has been or the continued learning and realization of what truly happened. In my studies of Architecture and skyscrapers there is so much power given to the strength of steel. Although it still needs fireproofing my understanding of how the towers burned and fell just over takes me. Then the emotion of a group of people doing such a thing. I will never forget my feelings and experiences that surround 9-11. I visited ground zero once on July 3, 2009 and couldn't comprehend what I was feeling. I hope to be able to return again to see the memorial. I can't find the words to continue my feelings so I will end with we love you, we miss you and God Speed.



September 12th, 2011

Today we had to Present in Mimi’s class. At first I was VERY nervous but after presenting my first part I started to feel comfortable. By the time it was time for me to present my personal case study on the De Beers Building in Ginza I was fine even though as a group we were running out of time. All in all I think the presentation went pretty well. I will let you know when I get my grade back. Then we had studio. Randy our teacher came around and touched base with us but it is pretty much time to produce. After studio Dugan and I stayed a little later before heading home. I made Club Chicken and potatoes for dinner. I had some readings to do for tomorrow and then I spent the rest of the night on Google Plus hang out and Skyping with my family. Today is my Wonderful Dad’s birthday. I think he said he was 3o something. You will have to ask him about that. We got to see my nephew Liam’s cute face and chat with him and my Sister and Brother in law and then after we all got off I saw that my brother William who was in China just got on skype so we called him up and talked a little longer. It was truly a Magical night. I will always say it, “I just want to be with my own Family”. Happy Birthday Papa. I Love you oh so Dearly.


September 13th, 2011

Today Dugan and I had our Pro practice class and then went to work. I had plenty to do and everything felt like it took forever. Sometimes computers can really be a pain. After work Dugan and I went back to the school to work on studio since our mid review is tomorrow. I was sad that I would be missing Ballet for the first time in months but that’s what happens when school starts to get busy. It trumps almost everything. We actually didn’t have to stay to late. I came home and worked till just after midnight so I could get up early tomorrow. That is the hard thing about deadlines. I am a morning person so working late is much harder then getting up early but sometimes you really can’t tell how long something is going to take so you stay up till 4:00am to make sure. Not this time. Midnight and then 6:00am was the plan.

September 14th, 2011

Today is our Mid Review for Studio. I got up early and worked on what I could and got ready. Dugan and I got to the school early and I finished up the last bit of my project. One of my five 3d objects didn’t turn out how I would have liked but it is okay. I was glad to see that I was presenting second so I could just get it over with and not have anxiety while other people presented. It went well and I had some good feed back and praise. Dugan was 6th. There were 14 people to present but we still finished just after five which was pretty impressive. Dugan and I headed home and I made BBQ shrimp with Jasmine Rice for dinner. We didn’t have any homework for the next few days so we started watching part one of the 6th Harry Potter. After the first 20 minutes I couldn’t stay awake. Although it was only 8:15pm we decided to turn off the movie and head to bed. Good night.

September 15th, 2011

Happy 13th dateversary to Dugan and I. It was September 15th of 1998 when Dugan and I started “going out” or so they call it when it is young puppy love. All day there were moments that I kept remembering from the past. Wow what a ride. I am so happy to have such a great Best Friend to share my life with. We had class bright and early at 7:30 but after arriving to school a classmate informed us that the teacher wouldn’t be there till 8:00am. So we all hung out till class started. After class all the Grad 2’s had a meeting with the director. He announced that we would all be going to Vancouver, Canada for our Final Studio. We will be going the beginning of January and then we get to choose our program(type of building) we want to design. After the meeting Dugan and I headed to work. I had a successful day. The lunch for the lunch and learn was so good. It was Zucchini and Squash with Penne Pasta (which I only had a bit of) Salmon, Spinach stuffed Chicken, french cheese bread with amazing butter spread and chocolate brownies. What a meal. I was very carful with what I had and was even able to save some to bring home for Dugan. After lunch I sent out the record sets of drawings for two projects, and took care of gathering some final information for another project. I had a nice conversation with one of the Marketing girls. I LOVE Architecture but recently I have wondered how I might be able to mix Architecture and Marketing as a career for me. I feel that my personality would be great for that. I also was recommended a book that I will let you know how it is. Kim is Awesome. After work I picked up Dugan, we had dream dinners and then headed home. He went to get a hair cut and I got ready for Ballet. Ballet has temporary been relocated and after driving around and getting so lost and so frustrated I headed home without ballet. Dugan and I finished Harry Potter from the night before and went to bed.




September 16th, 2011

Today I got up early and got lots of business done. I took Dugan to work and then ran errands. I had to have a zipper fixed on my backpack, mailed my IPAD case away to be replaced and took care of a few other things. I went to by my favorite little Gourmet Local Cookie shop to try there cookie of the month. It is called Maggie which is a fresh strawberry peach cobbler cookie with a honey goat cheese frosting. I love that she uses good quality ingredients. It was totally worth it. Then I went to pick Dugan up from work before heading to the school. We had Studio where we talked about the reviews from Wednesday and started working on what we need to do next. I can’t believe that this session of classes is over in 3 and a half weeks. Dugan and I headed home while the rains came down. We had a nice evening at home and went to be early.


September 17th, 2011

Today I had work then meet my friend Carrie with her daughter Katie at the farmers market downtown SLC. We enjoyed trying some fun things and I got some delicious gala apples and a spider made out of beads that Carrie insisted I get since my name is Charlotte and I do like spiders. After we were done shopping we headed over to my favorite little waffle place and shared a wonderful waffle before I headed to the school. After Dugan finished work we headed to Park City to meet up with our friends the Clarks. Twice in one day, I could get use to this. We did a little shopping at the Outlet malls. Where Dugan and I got super lucky at one of the stores. They had these scratch discount cards and the best you could get is 40% off your whole purchase and that’s what I got. We were able to get Dugan a new Jacket that he has been needing since last winter and I also got a light weight jacket that will be great for the office when the weather cools down. I love Guess clothes. Then I picked up a few gifts before we headed to dinner at Baja Cantina. It was nice to get out of town for the evening and hang out.

Sunday September 18th,

Today Dugan and I had a nice time at church. We are enjoying our new sunday school class and Relief Society was wonderful as Always. After church we walked the long way home from church and just chatted. We had a nice Sunday nap and got some things done for school.

Monday September 19th

Today we had Mimi’s bright and early. Ohayo Gozaimsu I have learned a few Japanese words really well but I am having a hard time learning some of the sentences. We will be in Japan in less then 3 weeks I better keep trying. After mimi’s we had Studio. I can’t believe how much there is to do and so little time. After studio we headed home and had a nice night at home.

Tuesday September 20th

Today we had a Conference about the Integrative process in Architecture. The conference went from 8am-1pm. Then we headed to work. It was a good day at work till I went to leave. I got in my car, put in the key and turned it to hear Nothing. Of course it had to be the battery or the starter. I realized that our Jumper cables are in the other car which is the one we usually drive. I went back into work to see if anyone could jump me. Nope. Usually there are so many people that work till 6:00pom but not today and the ones who were still there had no cables either. So I left the car and will be back with my cables tomorrow. In the meantime I had been trying to get some of my old friends from the Provo Victorias Secret together since it has been years and one of the girls is in town from Arizona. Miracles of Miracles all the girls could meet at the Gateway with there families. So Dugan and I rode trax and met them at the California Pizza Kitchen. Lisa was there with her husband and 2 kids, Nicole with her husband and her 2 kids, Misi (visiting from Az) and Dugan and I. I had a wonderful time. They are such Wonderful Women and I can’t believe how long it has been since we have all been together. After dinner Dugan and I headed to Trax to take home it was a bit chilly but at least we had a way home. When we got home we tried to start our other car but it was also dead so we will be taking trax back up tomorrow.

Wednesday September 21st

Today Dugan and I got up early and took trax’s back to my work with jumper cables in my backpack. When I got to work I asked our IT guy if he would be willing to come and jump me. I was praying (as were some of my family members) that it was just the battery. After the car got a little juice it started right up. We didn’t want to risk anything so we drove it straight to get the battery replaced. Which didn’t take to long and then we headed to the school. We had mimi’s class and then Studio. I had an appointment downtown so Dugan took Trax home and headed home after my appointment. I made dinner before heading to Book Club. We read the book Matched. I really liked it and can’t wait for the sequel called crossed that comes out in November. Teri was the host and did an amazing job of leading a great discussion about the book. Maybe the fact that she is a teacher has something to do with her awesome abilities. After book club I headed home and went to bed early.

Thursday September 22nd

Today we had our last class of our Professional Practice Class with Ryan. We still have group case studies to do but class is over. After class I headed to work where I got a lot done. Tomorrow we are having a retirement party at our office so we tided up. After work I was so glad to be heading home knowing I would make it to Ballet tonight. Ballet was wonderful but I can’t believe we are already starting to learn the choreography for our dance recital in December. I am hoping to be able to be part of it. I already know I will be a teddy bear but I am not sure how it is going to work with my school finals week so as for now I am not committing to anything. I Love Dancing. Then I headed home and got ready for bed since I have work in the morning.

Friday September 23rd

I only work on Friday’s if I don’t get in all my hours on Tuesday and Thursday so due to the conference on Tuesday I needed four hours today. I helped tidy up a little more and worked on some of the other work I needed to get done. After work I picked up Dugan and we headed to school where we had reviews on our five details for our studio project. My review was really short but it will give me a little time to figure out my next step. Dugan took trax home and I headed to the Retirement party for Mick. It was very nice and I am glad I stopped by. Plus my sister met me at work to drop off Liam. While we were driving in my car Liam started playing with a roll of my drawings that I don’t need anymore. He was so creative and thought of so many things it could be, a telescope, a trumpet, a magic wand and the list goes on and on. He sang me songs and told me all the words he knows in sign language along with the sign. On our way to my house I decided to take him Birthday (it’s only a month early) shopping before heading home. He picked out some new winter Cars pajamas, some Cars underwear, a Tomas the Train Puzzle, a pirates vest with a skull and crossbones on the back and some scooby doo fruit snacks. We headed home where we played at the playground and kicked a ball around before heading inside for a bath. He put on his new PJ’s, and Vest and we played with the puzzle while having fruit snacks. We read lots of books and cuddled up on the couch all before mom and dad came to pick him up. I love my little Mr. Liam. He is such a smart and great kid. Thanks Ashten for letting me spoil him for a night. Then it was off to bed. Goodnight

Saturday September 24th

Today I didn’t have work. YEAH!!! I slept in a bit and then enjoyed my morning. Dugan and I rode trax to his work around noon where he worked and I finished writing my paper for Ryan’s class. Then our friends Jim and Carrie came to pick us up and we went to dinner at Stoneground where the food was great but the service was Slow. After dinner we headed to the Grand Theater to see the Battle of the Improve. It was hilarious. I am pretty sure I was full on laughing for two hours. My stomach hurt from it. It was a great change of pace for a date night and many of the actors were so Clever. After it was over we stopped to get ice cream at Cold Stone ( I haven’t been there in years) I shared a Mint Shack with Dugan before Jim and Carrie dropped us off at the nearest trax station to head home. What a great day.

Sunday September 25th

This morning I woke up and got caught up on what I missed from the Relief Society Broadcast last night. I LOVE Brother Uchdorf. The forget me not flower will never be the same after his Beautiful talk. The rest were also very good. Then I got ready for church. It was fast Sunday due to General Conference next week. Then Dugan and I had our Sunday school class again and I had a great lesson in Relief Society. Did I mention that I Belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, I know who I am, I know Gods plan, I’ll follow him in faith, I believe in the Savior Jesus Christ, I’ll Honer his name. I’ll do what is right. I’ll follow his light. His truth I will Proclaim. Dugan and I had a nice Sabbath day at home.

Inspired by Kathy

This is in response to a post that my cousin posted about "health experts" and how we try to do what is right, but what do we do when we have no clue. Two of her main statements were

If you consume more calories than you burn then you will, in fact, gain weight. Therefore, if you consume less calories than you burn then you will, in fact, lose weight. End. Of. Story.

If it is working for you then keep doing it. If it isn't then try something else


Amean, I realized last month if I didn't have to spend all my time searching and trying to sort my findings I would be better off. So I did just that. I took some of the OBVIOUS things and I am with you on the reasoning of math. Calories in vs calories out. If I want to sit on my butt all day. Then I am going to have to eat a hard boiled egg and some veggies for lunch, if I am going to go on a three hour hike and run around at the park with my friends kids, then maybe we can go out for ice cream(a small please) and have a fun day. I have been doing Ballet twice a week for the past few months. I haven't lost ONE POUND. But do my clothes look different you better believe it. Do I love myself? Of Course. Its a battle we get to fight our whole life. We can't give up food. It's just not an option. So take what God gave you and when you go to a dance class or the gym and you are tired, be grateful you can experience your body in ways that many can't. I believe God gave me this body on loan for my earth life and I will be held accountable of how I treat it. Making it Personal.

Catching up is hard to do

Hello Loveys,


Catching up is hard to do but I have done it.
Just accept this as your first reading assignment for the school year. You can look at the headings, skim read, read through or even read and take notes. Enjoy which ever way feels fit for your time.

Sunday July 17th
Today I had a work meeting and then went to to church. Dugan and I had a nice Sunday. Relaxing and spending time together. I teach this next week so I made sure everything was ready. I made my favorite little s’more cups to take to work.

Monday July 18th
Today I had work and people liked my treats. Before I knew it, it was time for me to go to the University to teach. I was exited to have nine students with three of them girls. Two of my students were just visiting the United States one was from China and the other Russia. That was pretty cool. I had brought lots of material samples from work that they were able to design their sketchbooks with and they had a blast. Then we did a sketching, history activity where we went around campus. It went well. After class I went to pick up Dugan and we came home. I made dinner and had Zumba. Bedtime

Tuesday July 19h
Today I didn’t want to leave work to go and teach. It’s just a little stressful. Today we talked about scale and they super-sized their cell phones and other items like flip flops, and a wee controller. The day went way to fast. Then we headed home. I made dinner did a little painting and then had Ballet.

Wednesday July 20th
Today I went to work and then went to teach. Today was the computer lab day. I was so glad that all the students caught on quick and enjoyed it with out to much frustration. Then Dugan had to run by the mall and then we headed home and I made dinner then Boot Camp and bedtime.

Thursday July 21st
Today I had work then went to teach. Today was the structure activities and material hunting for our final project. We went to check out the cardboard recycling and one of the students ended up finding some awesome stuff. I was so glad that we didn’t have to buy new materials. After work the day got even crazier. Dugan and I had to run an errand, had my friend Lindi’s wedding reception, came home to change for ballet. Then came home and crashed. What a day.

Friday July 22nd
Today I had a nice day at work and then headed up to the school to teach my last day. I spent 2 plus hours just cutting stuff for the students with an exacto blade since they are not aloud to. They all made such awesome things. There parents arrived to hear their children present. I was so proud and was sad that it was over. I cleaned up and took everything to my car. I was a little sad but it was such a great time. Then I went to pick up Dugan and I had an appointment. It was only about 15 minutes but after the appointment in the car heading home I told Dugan I knew he probably didn’t love waiting but I appreciated it since it is in SLC and we live in Daybreak (35 min away). He said that it made sense. I said I was still grateful and he said I’m grateful you are grateful. It was cute. Then Dugan and I came home and had dinner. Then we went and got ice cream. We then went to target and just walked the ails talking mostly about the color green. It was the MOST WONDERFUL night. We came home and went to bed.

Saturday July 23rd
Today I had work at 6:00am. Then went to the Farmers market and picked up some cherries. I came home and Dugan and I painted. Lots and Lots of Painting. We went and got new night stands for our bedroom. Then Dugan made dinner while I got ready to go to my friend Jenn’s wedding reception. On our drive down I was going through lots of memories and emotions. She was one of my first friends when I moved to Utah in 2nd grade, we are friends on facebook so I have seen pictures and I know what she has been up to but I haven’t seen here in person in over 10 years. Which is a little crazy. We got there and as I waited in line I became pretty emotional. As we saw each other and embraced in a long hug I couldn’t hold back the tears. I couldn’t believe it. I love her and am so happy for her. She is a beautiful women and deserves the best in life. It was fun to see some of my other growing up friends and friends from the ward. I didn’t want to leave. I just wanted the night to last forever. Such a wonderful night.

Sunday July 24th
Happy Pioneer Day. Church was nice and we heard some great Pioneer stories and the rest of the meetings were nice too. When we got home we had a nice rest and a great day. That night I could not fall asleep. I was up till after 2:00am.

Monday Jul 25th
Thank goodness today is a paid holiday at work. I slept in since I was up so late. Then Dugan and I went to see the movie Captain America. We came home and painted. Then we went to help our friends Jeff and Shasta hang their new TV at their new house. Well I should say Dugan helped and I talked to Shasta while the guys hung the tv. We got home a little late. Goodnight.

Tuesday July 26th
I am so glad to be back at work for a full day. I love that my coworkers love having me around and I love to work hard. I had a lunch and learn at work where I had the best veggies. After work Dugan and I came home and we painted before I headed to Ballet.

Wednesday July 27th
Today was another great day at work. I really Love my job. Dugan and I came home and had a nice night.

Thursday July 28th

Today work was great. I was having a great day but I couldn’t wait for Ballet. I love it so much. The control and technique is wonderful. Then Bed time,

Friday July 29th
Today was another great day at work. It is sad to see everyone leave and by the time I leave at 5:00pm I have been there alone for a little while. After work Dugan and I went to Target to pick up a few things. Then we decided it was a pizza night. It has been WAY to long. I don’t think we have had pizza once this summer. It is about time. Then Dugan and I came home and hung out on the couch watching a movie.

Saturday July 30th
Today I worked at Victoria’s Secret at 6:00 am. It was actually pretty frustrating. I am use to change at work and try and be a good one to have a good attitude about it. But today I felt like people didn’t know how to use their words. I would ask how and what to do with something. Then after I did it I would go back to the person and they would want something else which was fine so I would change it and then they would make me feel stupid for doing it the way I did even though I was doing what they told me to do. It was degrading and it made people feel stupid. I haven’t felt this way at work in years. Anyway the morning was okay and after work I headed to the Red Cross to donate blood. Then I came home and Dugan and I got ready to go and see my aunt and uncle who are visiting my cousin. It was a fun.

Sunday July 31st
Church was nice. Fifth Sunday’s are always good. Dugan and I had a great day.

Monday August 1st
Today Dugan and I had work and a nice night together.

Tuesday August 2nd
Today Dugan and I went to work late after having a repair man come and fix our wall. I enjoyed work and was excited all day for Ballet.

Wednesday August 3rd
Today another day of work and cleaning when we got home. My parents came into town but I wont see them till Friday.

Thursday August 4th
Today I had work and then Ballet.

Friday August 5th
Today I didn’t go to work because I was spending the day with my parents and my sister. Dugan went to work and then my parents came to my house. I was excited to show them my house. Then my mom and I went to the Jordan River Temple. We were going to do a sealing for a family name but we were going to have to wait over an hour and my sister was coming over so we decided we would have to do it later. We came back to my house and picked up my dad and sister to go to lunch. But before we left mom gave us a few fun gifts (google stuff and a few other things). I gave mom her mothers day and birthday gifts. We gave her a pie pan, an eyeliner, and two of these cool folding table organizers. After the gifts we went to a little Bistro near my house. Dad had a waffle, I had a pear and goat cheese salad, and Ashten and Mom had sandwiches. Then we got gelato and went for a little walk around the lake. We took dad back to my house and us girls went to the mall. We did a little shopping. Ashten got a cute top and some fun jewelry. Then she had to go because she had dinner and a play with friends. Mom and I shopped a little more and got a great deal on place mats. We went back to my house and picked up my dad and Dugan to go to dinner. We went to this Yummy Thai place. They had my favorite dish Walnut Shrimp and my parents loved it too. They came over for a little longer before it was time for them to head home. It was such a wonderful day.

Saturday August 6th
Today I had work at VS at 6:00am. After work I met up with my friend Shasta and we went to Gardeners Village, Tai Pan Trading and Thanksgiving point. We had a yummy lunch and then I headed to Provo. I went with my parents to the Provo Temple. We did a session of sealings. It was really cool to be the proxy for a girl who was being sealed to her parents. I had a bid grin on my face the whole time. It was wonderful. Families are Forever. After the temple my mom and I went shopping for temple clothes. I had some bad luck with dresses since I have such a long body but it was great. Then mom and I went home to have dinner with my dad. He made steak and some delicious salad. Then he went to see his parents who are staying in provo and mom and I ran a few errands. Then I took her to my grandparents hotel to meet up with my dad and I headed home. I had some bad traffic on the freeway due to construction but was happy to be home with my husband. Another wonderful day.

Sunday August 7th
Church was nice. After church Dugan and I came home and relaxed for a bit. Then we started getting things ready for our company. My parents, my dads parents and my sisters family are all invited to dinner. I made a from scratch Cherry Pie and lots of my moms recipe Chocolate Chip Cookies. Dugan made Chateau Chicken, Potatoes and asparagus. Ashten brought a beautiful salad and some yummy bread. Mom and dad provided some nice drinks. (fancy lemonade and grape juice.) We had 9 people total for dinner which made seating a little tricky but it all worked out well. I gave my grandparents a tour of our house before dinner. Then we had dinner and dessert and a little conversation. Dugan had a nice conversation with my grandpa. We skyped my brother in Hong Kong and he got to talk to everyone for a little bit before they needed to head back to Provo. After they left we called my mom’s parents who live in Arizona and they got to talk to William for a bit over speaker phone. Technology is Incredible. It was great to see and talk to my brother. He even showed us the view out of his window. It was unbelievable. Mom and dad stayed around for a while longer before they needed to home.

Monday August 8th
Dugan and I had work and a quite night at home.

Tuesday August 9th
Today Dugan and I had work and then I had Ballet.

Wednesday August 10th
Dugan and I went to work. Today I asked my Boss Dennis about what my schedule looks like when school starts. He is going to talk to a few other people and get back to me. After work we came home and got stuff ready to go to Cedar City.

Thursday August 11th
Today Dugan and I decided to be adventurous and took the newly opened Red Trax train line from South Jordan (Daybreak) to downtown SLC. It was interesting all the different types of buildings and neighborhoods we went through. After getting off the train we walked a mile to work. It was a nice alternative to carpool driving. Work went well. We rode Tracks home and then I had ballet.

Friday August 12th
Today we got the car all packed up before heading to work. Today is my friend Megan’s last day of work. She is going back to school in Logan. We went to lunch at Trio and had their amazing Rosemary Goat cheese flat bread and a flat bread pizza. I am sad to see her go. So when my coworker Bruce found out I was going to Cedar City a few days ago he told me I HAD to go to this Ice cream place in Beaver but they close at 6:00pm. So everyone was trying to get me to leave work by 3 in order to make it down there in time. Well number one a few people at work decided to go and get a little treat to celebrate Megan’s last day so I went with them. I ended up leaving work closer to 3:30 but it didn’t really matter because there was so much traffic in Utah County we wouldn’t have made it even if we left at 3:00. At 3:30 I picked up Dugan from work and we headed south, We still stopped in Beaver. I got my picture taken in front of the closed Cheese factory but bought the fresh cheese at the gas station. Dugan and I had taco Salads at the Timberline Restaurant, before heading the rest of the way to Cedar City. I was so tired. I feel asleep till my parents called me after their play and I went over and talked to them for a bit. I had fun playing with my little nephew Liam even though it was way past his bed time. I still can’t believe that my family has been going to the Shakespearean Festival for over 16 years. CRAZY!!!



Saturday August 13th
Today I got up and meet my family at the seminary grove for a bit. Then my sister Ashten, her hubby, son and I went to a new BBQ place for lunch, It was pretty good. Then we went back to meet my parents at the grove. I got to see a priceless first folio and two quarto editions of Shakespeare's work which are on loan from the Folger Shakespeare Library. Before we knew it, it was time for Ashten, Chris and I to go to our play The Music Man. It was very good. It was even better because I got to see the wife of my high school band teacher’s face durning the most touching part. After the play we walked back to the hotel to get Dugan, my parents and my grandparents. We headed up the Canyon for dinner at a nice restaurant that has become a tradition for us to go. It was also for my mom’s Birthday. After dinner we headed back to the Shakespeare festival for the Green show. I got a yummy lemon tart but they were sold out of Dugan’s favorite chocolates. I also bought a few packages of humbug candies. They are hard candies made with peppermint and molasses. The play we went to see is called Nosies off. I have seen it before and Dugan has seen the movie. Dugan really liked it. After the play we talked with family a little more and then it was time to say goodbye.

Sunday, August 14th
I got up early to make sure I was ready to say goodbye to my parents before they left. The didn’t leave to early. I got to say goodbye to them which was hard but at least we have phones. Then I had to say bye to Liam. We don’t live that far away from each other but I never get to see him enough. He was really sad about everyone leaving. Dugan and I got on the road and were home before we knew it. We went to our friends the Clarks for dinner and played games. What a great weekend.

Monday, August 15th
Back to work. I had a good day at work. Then came home and got unpacked. I can’t believe school stars in a week.

Tuesday, August 16th
Today Dugan and I had work and then I had ballet.

Wednesday, August 17th
It has been a week since I talked to Dennis so I hope he will tell me soon if I get to keep my job. I am starting to get stressed about it. I am trying not to get to sad about having to say goodbye if I have to. Anyway I am trying not to worry. After work Dugan and I had a nice quite night at home.

Thursday August 18th
The past few days of work have been a little touch and go. I go back to school on Monday and I am not sure if they will need me if I can only work part time. Today was a little nerve racking. I asked Bruce if he would be at work tomorrow so if tomorrow was my last day I would be able to say bye. Before I could finish talking I got chocked up and had to leave the room. I have got really attached to my coworkers and I will miss them so much. I had to leave by 2 to go to the school and fill out paper work for my scholarship. Then I went to pick up Dugan and then we headed back to the school for the Studio Professors presentations. They would each talk about what there studio will be about and then we get to make a first second or third choice. Talk about Stressful. It is so hard to choose. I want something that sounds interesting but with a teacher that I have faith in will be good and I can learn a lot from. Last fall I got my first choice teacher and it was horrible. This time I tried to go with my gut and I am praying that the Lord will make whatever I get the best choice. The meeting was over 2 hours. Dugan and I got home late but I made stir fry before heading off to ballet. I had a really bad headache which was almost gone a half hour into the class. (I don’t think I drank enough water today) Anyway class was awesome it is funny to have one day where my brain tries so hard to do something and the next it comes perfectly natural. That happened a lot today. I have been going twice a week for 2 months now and I am getting better. The hardest thing is the things I want to practice require a lot of floor space so it is hard to practice them at home. Such as spotting, repeated turns and leaps. Also I can’t believe how warn my ballet shoes are getting. I am working those puppies hard. Class was great and I was so excited to come home to my comfy bed.

Friday August 19th
I came into work hoping that they could use me during the school year. I saw Bruce (work dad) I call him that because he reminds me of my dad. We had a conversation if I knew anything yet. I didn’t but he reassured me that someone would be talking to me. I still didn’t know what was going to happen but by 9:30 Peggy (the President) came and asked to meet with me. She told me that they would be able to keep me on for 16 hours a week. PERFECT. That is just what I was hoping for. I was overwhelmed and very grateful. I also learned later in the day that 5 people had been laid off the day before after I had left to go to the studio meeting. That made me even more grateful and even a little sad that I was lucky enough to stay. It truly is such a blessing. I had a good rest of the day at work. After work I had a wonderful girls night with my Best Friend Carrie. We went and got manicures and pedicures before going shopping to find her new maternity clothes. She got some awesome deals. We went to dinner at California Pizza kitchen where we had a Caramelized Peach Salad and a pear and gorgonzola pizza. We enjoyed a wonderful conversation and then went to get frozen yogurt. We were having so much fun but it was time to go and pick up her kids. I was happy to see Dugan since I hadn’t seen him ALL day. I really missed him.

Saturday, August 20th
Today I got up early since I had volunteered to be part of this race with work for Type one Diabetes. It was a 5k race. I had an enjoyable time at the race. One of the women that had been laid off still came to the race since she had signed up. It was great to see her. She is really an incredible person and I wish her the best in her future. Then I went to the mall to give Victoria's Secret my two week notice. It was a little hard since I have been there for over 7 years but with the new rules on scheduling and having the job at the firm, I can’t work there anymore. I turned in a very nice letter about how much I enjoyed my job and will continue to be a loyal costumer. A few minutes after I left I got a call from the manager at Victoria’s Secret wondering if I would re consider and I would only work a few times a month. I told her I would have to think about it but that I would get back to her on Monday. Dugan and I had a nice night.

Sunday, August 21st

I had a nice time at church. It was nice to have a day to prepare myself for school to start tomorrow. I had my friend Carrie’s friend cut my hair. Then I came home and Dugan and I had a quite and relaxing night at home. I still can’t believe my last year of Graduate school starts tomorrow. I have wondered when this time would come. I have 7 months left till Graduation. Here I go.

Monday, August 22
This year were going to Ruullleee the School.(Grease reference) Not really but it is crazy that we are the top class in the school. Dugan and I got to school early. We had our Japanese communication class which is two hours long. Then he had a history class. We had lunch and then Studio was starting. Studio wasn’t very long. We got some reading assignments. Then we moved around our desk which has always been stressful but this time I wasn’t really that worried about where I sat. Everything worked out well. Then Dugan and I headed home and I organized our architecture studio supplies in our basement. It was a good first day.

Tuesday, August 23rd
Oh this morning came early. We have a class that starts at 7:30am. Which means I have to get up before 6:00 am which is a little rough. I am a morning person I just think that 6:00am is a good time to get up. There is just enough light coming in the window so I don’t have to turn on the light. Anyway we made it to class early. This class is taught by Ryan who is very funny and it is a Pro practice class. After class Dugan and I went to work. Work went well and it was nice that all my co workers asked about school. After work Dugan and I headed back to the school to work our studio homework. After we got the info we needed we headed home and made dinner before I had Ballet. Then a little homework and off to bed.

Wednesday, August 24th
Dugan and I went to the school early to work on studio homework which was a mapping of the place we go on campus to get away. Mine is the U’s field house so that is what my mappings were of. We had mimi’s class then studio was starting early so I had 10 minutes between class. By the middle of studio I was sssoooo hungry since there was no time to eat between class. After our presentations of our maps Dugan and I went to the Corner Bakery for a late lunch. I got a yummy salad. Then Dugan and I headed home. We did some reading for Pro practice and had to come up with questions for class. Then I made brownie cookies.

Thursday, August 25th
Today was another early morning. We were divided into groups and talked about being a Leader. Class went fast and then Dugan and I were off to our 8 hour work day. Work was nice. We came home and made dinner before I headed to Ballet. So at ballet my class found out that we were being kicked out of the room and time slot we have been using for months. I am not sure how much I am going to go into this but the situation is really disrespectful. I enjoyed dance and then off to bed to get some sleep for our site visit tomorrow.

Friday, August 26th
Dugan and I had to get up really early to make it to school to meet to go on our site visit. We were going to first drive to a place called the Spiral Jetty. It is located in Promontory, Utah (Which is where the two railroads met). I still remember the song I learned in forth grade about it. “It happened on the 10th of May in 1869 a wedding sealed with with gold and silver nails. The place was Promontory and the Sun began to shine the setting of the wedding of the rails.” It is about two hours north of Salt Lake City. The Jetty is an art instillation that is part of the Great Salt Lake. The artist created a spiral path that goes out into the lake. Our teacher told us that the path was a little underwater. Well it was more then a little. At one point it was almost up to my waist. Remember this is the Great Salt Lake so my shorts were soaked and FULL of SALT. I did cut my leg on one of the rocks that lined the path since i couldn’t see where my feet were stepping in the water. The salty water got in the cut right away. Ouch. Anyway, then we went to have lunch and then headed to the Site which is near the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge that is in Brigham City. We took lots of pictures, did sketches and took notes before heading back to the school. We got back around 3. I had brought my clothes to go to the Architecture Firms yearly Volleyball game but I felt to gross. Every year all the Architecture Firms are invited to a big Volleyball Tournament where the prizes are amazing designer furniture but Dugan and I headed home to take a shower. My shorts were so Salty that when I took them off they still kept the exact shape of my body. It was crazy but they washed up perfectly fine. After a shower Dugan and I took it easy and had a relaxed night. Its amazing how 6 hours in the car can make you tired not to mention the little sunburn I got on my chest and arms. Later my BFF Carrie called with news from her doctors appointment that they are having a GIRL. I am so excited for her. Then we went to bed early. But it was a pretty fun day.

Saturday, August 27th
So today I had work at VS rom 6:00-10:00. After work I picked up Dugan at the Trax station and I took him to work. Then I went to see my sisters best friend at the Hospital. She had her baby they day before. I went to meet the little guy. He was so and peaceful. He reminded me of a little Monk. So Cute. After the hospital I went to the school to work on studio. Then Dugan came and worked on a little studio too. I was working on a Mobile of sorts that had silhouette of dancers that I designed with liquid ink. Then Dugan and I headed home. We had dinner and then a quite night at home.

Sunday, August 28th
Today was a nice day. Church was good. Dugan and I came home and I took a nap which was wonderful. Then I did a little more inking on my mobile for studio. We made dinner and had a quite night at home. The way a Sabbath day should be.

Monday, August 29th
I cannot believe that I have already had a full week of school. This semester is going to FLY. Dugan and I had Mimi’s class then Studio. My design went well with my studio teacher and I am excited to work on the next step. Then Dugan and I headed home where I sent out a few more emails regarding the drama of my ballet class and then worked on studio.

Tuesday, August 30th
Today in Pro practice we listened to a lecture by Markku Allison on Collaboration. Even though Pro practice hasn’t really thought me anything I didn’t already know but I am enjoying the reminder and I like the business aspects. After class I headed to work to work on some record drawings for the Record set of the Vocational school. The day went pretty fast. I had a few problems with the script writing on the record stamp in Revit 2012 that caused me a little frustration but a good day all and all. My ballet class met a little early to go and see the dance room that they are wanting to move our class too. After talking to the women we found out that the room that they are trying to move us to isn’t even available the time we need it. So we went back to our old room to hold our last class. We had a fun class but we all left very sad not knowing when we would meet next. I went home and went to bed.

Wednesday, August 31st
Today Dugan and I had Mimi’s class at 8:45. The class was four hours long. Due to a few days our teacher will be gone we have to double up on a few class periods. Thank goodness it was my classmate ChiYow’s birthday so I took mini muffins to celebrate which gave everyone a little treat to break up the class. After class we had studio. I showed my teacher what I had but I need to take a few steps back he said I was getting a head and need to focus more closely on the 5 specific things I am taking from the site. After studio I went with two of the other girls to look at another facility to have our dance class. It is the dance room at the senior center but it has no barre. We are going to have class there tomorrow to try it out. I came home and worked on studio. Then went to bed early.

Thursday, September 1st
Today is my friend Megan’s Birthday but after our discussion in pro practice about collaboration Dugan and I were off to work. I was busy getting more drawings together to closeout the Vocational Building and the HMK elementary. After work I went to ballet. We had decided that we would meet at the old location to see how many people are attending the class that is replacing ours. There were only two people at the class. Part of the reason they cancelled our class is because we only have 9 people every week and they said that the Pump class would have more then that. There were only two... Anyway, we tried out the new location but it really wont work. There isn’t a barre and the room echos so bad we can’t even here what the teacher is telling us to do. We decided after class that we will have to move our class out of the daybreak community and have it at the dance studio where our teacher’s sister teaches. We are all really frustrated. I came home and sent an email to the Community Council and posted a comment on their facebook page about the ballet class.

Friday, September 2nd

Today I took Dugan to work and then went to pick up a friend to take her shopping. We found what she needed and then went to this amazing local Belgian Waffles place. I just had fresh peaches with mine but she had ice cream with this spread called Speculoos spread. It is made completely from Biscoff cookies. I had a little taste and it was pretty amazing. Then we went to school to work on studio. Our teacher got there but didn’t have time to meet with half of the class. He just told us what we would need for Wednesday which is good. Then Dugan and I headed home. We decided that we wanted to go out so we found a cheap mexican food place to go to. I ordered the most delicious dish. Called the Veggie Platter. It is steamed onions, broccoli, squash, zucchini and red and yellow peppers with a little ranchero sauce, black beans and spanish rice. The best part is I still have lots of leftovers for tomorrow. Then Dugan and I came home and hung out for a bit before going to bed.

Saturday, September 3rd
Today Dugan and I slept in and then I got some laundry done before taking Dugan to the trax station to go to work. I had to take of care of a few things at the mall before I came home and cleaned and organized. I washed and vacuumed the car. Our best friends the Clarks recently got back from celebrating there 10 year anniversary on a cruise so they meet us to go miniature golfing and then to dinner at Texas Road house. The golfing was an adventure with Jimmy (6) and Katie (3) but it was fun. Then dinner was nice. I don’t have bread very often but there bread is ssooo awesome. Then I had the salmon which was wonderful and will be delicious leftovers to break my fast tomorrow. Yummy. The eating out has been fun but I think we will be eating at home for a while after this. Then Dugan and I came home and I finished laundry while I worked on some homework before going to bed.

Well there you have it. School is in full swing and life is great and busy. Hope you are all well. Miss and love you.
Love,
Charlotte

Summer is going so FAST

Monday June 6th

Another weekend has come and gone and I want to do more things to embrace the summer. Today is the 67th anniversary of D-Day. It also made me think of dear sweet Bill Taylor who was a member of the PV5th ward and who had been a POW and passed away last week. There was a little part of me that hurt all day thinking about all of it. Work was good. We had our weekly meeting that was very informative and then on my break I headed to the school to take up my paper work for my teaching that starts next week. I came back and worked on some drawings and before I knew it the work day was over. Dugan and I came home and we went to pick up our community passes so we can use all the wonderful facilities in our community. Then we came home and had a nice quite night at home.

Tuesday June 7th

Today I didn’t have as much as I hoped to do at work. I was glad when I was asked to go and check out a library book from the school. I went on lunch and had a meeting with the other person that will be teaching with me next week to go over the lesson plans and divide up responsibilities and the supply list. Then I headed to the school to go by the Architecture building and then over to the library. When I got back to the office there was more for me to do. Yeah. After work Dugan and I came home and had a nice night.

Wednesday June 8th

Today work was great and we had a Lunch and Learn presentation form the company 3 Form. I have been to their facility and they have some pretty cool things they are doing. They talked about four specific types of plastics and how they relate to glass and their pros and cons. After work Dugan and I came home and I made Sesame Ginger Chicken for dinner. Then my friend Carrie brought her kids over so I could babysit for her. The time went to fast after eating dinner and a little playing it was time for them to go. Dugan and I went to bed early. I think I have found the key to not being tired in the morning.

Thursday June 9th

Today work was good and I had lunch with my friend Megan. After work Dugan and I went to pick up some supplies for my class that starts on Monday. It is always amazing how much art supplies cost and it always feels like I have to go to lots of different places to get everything I need but it will be good. Then Dugan and I came home and I made Salmon and corn for dinner and went to bed.

Friday June 10th

Today I am grateful that although I have a desk job and do a lot of sitting I am good about getting my body moving in the morning and taking walks at lunch when I can. I LOVE being motivated by knowing that the Lord wants me to take care of my body everyday by exercising and eating right. I always get a little excited knowing that Friday night is my special treat night. I avoid sugar as much as possible during the week. Tonight we had Summer Chicken pasta and then I had a cherry chocolate cookie warm from the oven. Yummy. Dugan and I watched a movie and went to bed.

Saturday June 11th

What?? Today I woke up at 3:30 am wide awake. This is common for me at 6:00 but not 3:30. I read my book and then an article from the ensign before I went back to sleep. It really is amazing to me how much reading I have been doing this summer. I am reading the book “The Help”, Scriptures, Church resources and lots of articles about my interest. I feel like I am learning so many great things. Eventually I was tired enough to fall back to sleep since I knew that if I actually got up at 3:30 I would have crashed by 10:00am. I did wake up around 7:00am and got ready to go to the farmers market. Today is the first day of the season although I know there wont be much produce due to the CRAZY weather we have been having I have a few things on my list. It wasn’t to busy when I got there. I got honey, herb goat cheese, my favorite granola, 6 rolls, and 4 pounds of frozen tart cherries that I will be eating some and using the rest to make a pie or two. I saw my professor Bob and he was having a good summer. Then I talked to a person about the Clear the Air Challenge that starts on Monday that I am participating in, talked to Ruby Snap, talked to a Master Gardner about my compost for my new garden so it will be ready for next year and then I talked to a women about the different verities of Tomatoes and other plants that I am planning on growing. Then my sister got there. YEAH when I found out that she was going to the farmers market this morning too I was super excited. She had Liam and Chris with her. I walked around with them for a bit but since I had already been there awhile I headed home. When I got home Dugan had been weeding so I started do some more unpacking. We then went on a date to see the movie Super 8. It was really good. When we got home I did some more unpacking. Everything isn’t exactly where I would like it but it will work for now. I had to go and pick up a few last things for class on Monday. Then Dugan and I had bruschetta Chicken with Bowtie pasta for dinner and Dugan had a cookie and I had a little bowl of tart cherries for dessert. I read and then we went to bed.

Sunday June 12th

Today at church the sacrament meeting talks were about FLAG DAY and patriotism. They were very good. In Sunday school there was a lot of good discussion about the 10 virgins, the Talents, and the sheep and the goat. In relief society the topic was obedience. I had read the lesson earlier and was excited for this topic. It was a great lesson and I loved thinking of how we are commanded to obey our parents. I have amazing parents but it was nice to think about Heavenly Father as the perfect parent and how we show our love for him is through obedience and how it truly will make life easier even when the trials come. After church Dugan and I took a nap. I have never really been the sunday nap type but it has been very nice. Then we had a relaxing afternoon and I made dinner and we went for a walk.

Monday June 13th

Today is my first day teaching the Jr. Architecture class. I went to work from 8-9:30 then I had to leave to head up to the University for the class. I had seven boys. (Where are the girls?) I am glad that my team teacher is a guy named Jeremy. We got them all checked in and then Jeremy took them on a history building, sketching tour around campus. They enjoyed it and time went way to fast. We got back to the studio in time to talk about what would be happening during the week and then it was time to go. I came back to work and had a nice day. Dugan and I came home and I made Chinese Chicken for dinner.

Tuesday June 14th

Today I had work, then went to teach my class. Today they got to look around in the trash and recycling bins in the studio for things they could use to design their sketchbooks. One of my classmates Jason ended up giving us a bag of little square pieces of wood that they loved. They spent sometime designing their books. Then we did a scale activity where they had to take something small and make it bigger. It was a successful day. Then back to work. After work Dugan and I headed home. I made dinner and then I had ballet class. While I was at ballet Dugan played basketball with a group of guys. I don't often mention when I work out or what I do as my work out. I feel like it isn't important to announce it. Like last night I went to Zumba which is something I do often but the reason I wanted to mention my workout today is because it is new and I am in love and had so much fun. I haven't done ballet for years and am so happy to be back in a class with so much proper technique and structure. We did the bar for the first half hour or so and then crosses, pirouettes and combinations. It was seriously so fun, totally in Love with my new class.

Wednesday June 15th

Happy Anniversary to my wonderful Husband. We have been married for 6 years and are such a great team. We bought a house and have been enjoying our summer lives. I had work then up to class. Today we were in the computer lab which went very well. They did a great job. Then back to work. I am working on a concession building, bathroom and storage space for a remodel of a track and field. I know you all think that sounds super exciting but I am very much enjoying it. On our way home we bought a push mower so we can keep working on trying to get our lawn in better condition with no gas needed. Then we headed home. I made dinner and straightened up. It was a quite night at home.

Thursday June 16th

Today I had work, then class where we did activities that had to do with structures. They used chopsticks, rubber bands, straws, paperclips, and then they got to watch the laser cutter cut out their name plates. It was a good class. Then back at work I enjoyed working. After we got home we made a quick dinner of breakfast burritos before our friends Jeff and Shasta picked us up to go to a Bees baseball game. We use to live a two minute walk away from the stadium and never went to a game but it sounded fun. With layers of sweatshirts, coats and a blanket we enjoyed the game and just hanging out and talking. I know this is crazy but on of my favorite things was how pretty the mowed grass looked with its nice diamond pattern and how the dirt looked after they smoothed it down. Anyway we headed out to get dessert after the 7th inning and as we left the stadium a foul ball came flying over the stadium and landed on the ground behind Dugan. He picked it up and thought how funny it was that the first Baseball game we went to we got a foul ball. Lucky us. Then we headed to the Dodo (One of my fav. places) for dessert but when we got there I wasn't really feeling dessert so I got there polenta cakes appetizer. It was so good. Dugan got Key lime pie and I enjoyed a few bits. Then we headed home. It was a fun night but I am really tired.

Friday June 17th

What a week. Today was my last day of teaching the Jr Architecture class. We had a bridge building competition and then their parents came to see them present what they had done over the week. The bridges were tested and the kids had done a great job. I will miss them. But I am glad I have a little break before Sr architects. Then I went to work and worked my little heart out to finish my redlines. Then Dugan and I headed home where I made Pork for dinner. Dugan asked if I wanted to go and get gelato and go for a walk around the lake. We decided to go but our walk was cut short due to how cold it was outside.

Saturday June 18th

Today I had work at 6:00am. I really enjoyed the change of pace it brings. We are having our big semi annual sale and I got two items that would have been over $70.00 for $18.00. It was so awesome. Then I headed home and Dugan and I went to see X-man First Class. After the movie we went to the Mall and Dugan got a new pair of shoes that he needed badly. Then we decided to go out for dinner. We went to Texas Roadhouse for Steak. It was so good but neither of us could finish our meals because we are use to such smaller portions so we will have leftovers for tomorrow. Then we came home and cuddled up and tried to watch a movie but I fell asleep right away.

Sunday June 19th

Today we woke up to a 62 degree house. Utah is so unsure of what month or season it is suppose to be in. Even though it is raining we walked to church with an umbrella. It was a nice meeting and then they gave all the fathers a donut from Beyond Glazed. Then Sunday School was nice and Relief Society was about families and was great. Then Dugan and I walked home and had to get ready to go to his cousins homecoming in Pleasant Grove. It was nice to see him and I loved that he bore his testimony in German. After we went to their house for a bit to celebrate. Then we headed home and we had leftovers from yesterday. Dugan and I had a great weekend hanging out and celebrating our anniversary. I don't want it to be over.

Monday June 20th

Work was pretty chill. Dugan and I came home and I made dinner before going to Zumba.

Tuesday June 21st

Today I still didn’t have to much to do at work. I came home and made dinner and then I had Ballet and Dugan went and played basketball.

Wednesday June 22nd

Today I got a few more things to work on at work. After work Dugan and I came home and I made dinner before I went to do circuit training.

Thursday June 23rd

Today I had lots to do at work. After work Dugan and I went out for Sushi and then I had Pilates and Ballet and Dugan played basketball.

Friday June 24th

Today work was busy and I worked on a couple different projects. After work Dugan and I came home. I read for a while and Dugan took a little nap (He was really tired) I made Buffalo ranch chicken tacos for dinner and then we headed to our friends Jim and Carries to play games. We got caught in some road construction and it took us over twice as long to get there then normal. It was great to see the kids and fun to have sometime to play games and talk. We went to bed way to late but it was really fun.

Saturday June 25th

Today I woke up at 7:00 and finished the book The Help. Then I cleaned the house before heading to SLC to meet my sister at the Farmers Market. We had fun and then went to Costco to pick up a few things that we could split. I love spending time with my little sis. Then I came home unloaded and Dugan and I headed to the movies. After the movies we ran a few little errands. I came home and made Summer pasta Chicken and we hung out. The weather has finally got warm.

Sunday June 26th

Today was a very busy day. I haven’t mentioned this yet but a few weeks ago Dugan and I signed up to be volunteers for Extreme Home Makeover. For those of you who are not familiar with the show it is on abc. They pick a deserving family and build a house for them in 7 days from bottom to top. I know it sounds crazy but lets just say there concrete is not your average concrete. When Dugan and I signed up we signed up for day four. We figured we could take work off so we could help out. With everything super Hush Hush we just found out that our shift is today. It would not have been my first choice but I knew it would be great. I had a work meeting then Church from 9-noon. We had to meet at the house at 1:00pm. We were there till 9:00pm. I signed some paper work that has sworn me to secrecy but it was Amazing.

Side note ~ Henry David Thoreau. It reads, "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined."

Monday June 27th

I don’t have a case of the Mondays but when Sunday is not used as a day of rest and the week begins. I feel very tired. Like always I love work. Today started slow but it was a nice day. After work I came home and made dinner and then went to do weight training and then Zumba. My Zumba class is doing a Flash Mob at the move the bus event for extreme home makeover which is pretty cool. But I think I will be at work. I came home and went to bed.

Tuesday June 28th

Today at work I found out that I would be going to a presentation for work tomorrow up in Logan. It is crazy how far and wide the firm I work for has to travel for there projects (did someone say Paris) yep the Firm is designing something wonderful in Paris ( I can’t tell you what it is yet) I am Sad to say that that is not where I am headed tomorrow. I had a meeting today in preparations for tomorrows presentation. My day went fast and before I knew it Dugan and I were headed home. I had a Relief Society Activity to be at. It was lots of fun and then I headed over to ballet. Then some running. I am tired. Have to get up earlier then normal to be to work early.

Wedenesday June 29th

Good almost morning says the blond who was up at 5:30am. It’s amazing what a half hour can do. Today I drove to work alone since I had to be there so early. After getting to work I made sure we had everything that we needed for the presentation and then we headed out. I was pretty quite on the way there. (I know hard to believe.) It was almost a two hour drive. As we walked into the room my boss introduced me and one of the men said I see that you brought a rose amongst all you thorns. I think I may have blushed. I have only been to a few meetings but it always surprises me that I am the only Women in the room every time. The presentation was interesting and I am ssoooo EXCITED to see where all the master planning goes next. After the presentation we went to lunch at Hamilton’s. It is a nice fish and steak place in Logan. Again I am still adjusting to being the only women at a table of 6 men. Lunch was amazing and it was fun to hear my boss tell stories about his life. We finished lunch and headed back to take one of the men back to his office. As he got out and I went to close the door on the car the driver began to drive. The next thing I knew I was being pulled in. It all happened so fast. Safely inside the vehicle we headed back to Salt Lake City. Uuumm side note. Today I was suppose to do Orientation at the University at 3:00. It is now after one. I call my wonderful back up Dugan to plan on heading to the school and that I would be there as soon as possible. Okay so the drive home was nice and I talked a little more this time. We made it back to the office and I had the worst headache. I tried to pull myself together and head to the school. I had got there before the students. Dugan was surprised to see that I made it back in time. I thanked him for covering me just in case and he headed back to work. I had 13 Students who were way to quite. I took them on a tour of the building and then spent the rest of the time in Sketchup. After class I went to visit a few of my classmates in the downstairs studio and then headed home. I had the WORST headache I could hardly drive. I got home and crashed on my bed. Dugan made dinner and I decided against going to the gym with my headache. I spent the rest of the night tying a blanket.

Thursday June 30th

Today I went to work for a few hours before heading back to the school to finish orientation. The students were a little more animated then yesterday but not much. I had them do two paper problems and then we had structure building races. It think it was successful. Then Prescott the director came to talk to them. he told the students that they should be grateful to me because I am wonderful for coming and teaching them. WOW super flattering. After the students left Prescott and I talked a little about Women in the field of Architecture. Then I headed back to work. I spent the rest of the day Archiving drawings. Dugan and I headed home. We had dinner and I made a cherry Pie from scratch to take to work tomorrow. Then I had Ballet. A few of the girls and I started chatting after class. We ended up outside of the building for over an hour and a half chatting. It was really fun but it is way past my bedtime.

Friday July 1st

Wow where did June go? I took my Pie to work and decided I wouldn’t get it out till after lunch, My sister came to meet me at work and we went to Sushi together for lunch. It was so fun. I came back and got out the pie. Everyone said the nicest things to me. People asked why a Pie I said a Cherry Pie for the Fourth of July. I got teased for rhyming. It was nice to have people enjoy it. I always love the feel of work but today I could tell there was a little something extra because of the holiday weekend. I finished all my archiving and by 4:30 I was in a ghost town. So I went and picked up Dugan and we headed home. We talked to our friends Jeff and Shasta and decided that we were going to go to Provo for a roof top concert that would be covering songs by the Beetles. It was fun to be outside in the warm summer evening air listening to music and hanging out with friends. They showed us the house that they had just bought. We are very happy for them. After the concert we headed back to their house and watched a movie. Well I should say I kind of watched parts. I kept falling asleep. Then we headed home and went to bed.

Saturday July 2nd

I woke up way to early but since I was awake and had been invited to go to the parade in Centerville with my sister I decided to head up to her house. It was great to see her. It was more then a little hot outside with the sun shining right on us but we had sunblock and water. The parade was fun and I loved watching Liam get excited and hanging out with the my sister. After a few minutes at Ashten’s in-laws I headed home. Dugan and I had tickets to see Transformers. It was good but again I was having a hard time staying awake. After the movie Dugan and came home and waited till it was time to go and celebrate. We went and looked at the building that his firm most recently finished and realized that it would be a good place to park and then walk to the fireworks. As we got closer to the park there were so many people. There was a carnival and a local crafts market. We walked around till we found a spot to put our blanket. Then Dugan and I went to get Gelato. We cuddled up on our blanket and waited for the fireworks to start. There were speakers in the park that had patriotic music coming through. The fireworks were amazing. They had some cool spiral ones and some awesome bombing ones. I was hoping the song coming to America by Nail Diamond would be played. A few songs later there it was. I started to sing along. Then they played a song that said the pledge of allegiance and i’m proud to be an American. I was missing my family but it was such a Wonderful night. After the fireworks Dugan and I headed to the car and had no problem with traffic. Goodnight!

Sunday July 3rd

Dugan and I headed to church. During testimony meeting I started to get butterflies so I thought I better get up to share my testimony. I talked about being patriotic and then talked about how I missed my family but last night as I was sitting in the park with thousands of other people I thought about how we are all one big family. That we are all brothers and sisters celebrating together. It was a great experience. The rest of church was nice. Dugan and I came home and my sister came over to hang out. I love seeing her. We drove around and went and saw the house near by that had high flyer fireworks go into the garage and shot out all over the place. The house had a pretty big fire but it wasn’t a total loss.The house is going to need a lot of work. Then our friends the Clarks came over. We hung out and Dugan made some Yummy racks of ribs. It was a great day. We headed to bed early.

Monday July 4th

HAPPY 4th of JULY!!! I love the forth of July it is one of my favorite holidays. Dugan and I slept in and had a fun afternoon. My cousins had invited us to come hang out so we headed to my cousin Jen’s house. It was so great to see and her and her family and hang out. She made an Amazing Taco Salad and then we headed to her cousins to watch them set off fireworks. It was fun to be with family and enjoy. We got home late and I was pretty tired knowing that I had work in the morning.

Tuesday July 5th

I was glad to be back at work after the long holiday. I had to go and measure some classrooms at a high school then came back and started to draw up the plans. After work I had a chemical peel appointment and headed home to make dinner. After dinner I had Ballet. I love it!!

Wednesday July 6th

Today I worked on the high school computer lab some more. Dugan and I came home and made dinner and then I went to do strength and cardio. Dugan’s mom, sister and nephew Colbert came into town. They are staying with us till Sunday due to a funeral that is on Friday.

Thursday July 7th

Today I finished up the high school drawings and worked on a few odds and ins. Then I went to lunch with my friend Megan from work. I had an accounting IDP training and then the day was pretty much over. It will be weird being gone tomorrow due to the Funeral. I picked up Dugan and we headed home. We made dinner and I went to Ballet. His mom and sister were gone most of the day so we talked for a bet and then headed to bed.

Friday July 8th

I woke up early but decided to start my new book since I didn’t have to get ready for awhile since we had the funeral and I wasn’t going to work. I have started reading the book “Matched.” I enjoyed my morning. Dugan and I headed down to the Funeral in Payson. It was a nice service. I learned a lot about how amazing Kris is. I wish I would have known him. We went to the cemetery where it was POURING rain. Then we headed to the church for lunch. I helped in the kitchen while we waited for everyone. It was a nice lunch and I enjoyed talking to Dugan’s cousins and Uncle. After lunch Dugan and I headed home. We ran a few errands on our way home including picking up a new pair of ballet shoes (dance shoes not the cute trendy flats.) Then I hung out with Dugan’s little sis and her cute little guy. It was a nice day.

Saturday July 9th

It was a repeat of yesterday morning. I enjoyed reading and writing. I woke up and cleaned out my car and then took it to the car wash. I love when things are clean and organized. Then I came home and got ready to go to one of my Bff’s Baby Shower. I am really sssooo HAPPY for my dear friend Rachel and her husband Jeramy. She looked amazing and her shower was very nice. I gave her a blanket that I had tied for her and some other fun things. After the shower I went by my parents and picked up some fun eiffel tower things that my mom got for me years ago when I dreamed of having a Paris guest room. I wish I would have had everything before people came to stay but I am excited to put it all together. I drove home and we went out to dinner at the Chinese place that is close to our house. They have walnut Shrimp and I loved it. I enjoyed reading and we had a good night.

Sunday July 10th

We had to say goodbye to our guest before heading to church. Church was nice. Dugan and I came home and had leftovers and took a nap. Dugan was missing Colbert already. I straightened up and did lots of laundry. We had a quite night at home and I made magic and peanut butter bars. It was nice to relax before having work tomorrow.

Monday July 11th

I had to get up super early for a dentist appointment at 7:00am. I have had the same dentist for over 15 years and am still willing to drive over an hour and a half to get my 6 month cleaning. He said my teeth looked great. Then I headed home to pick up Dugan before heading to work. I was glad to be back at work after a long weekend. My coworkers enjoyed the treats I made. After work Dugan and I headed home. Dugan wanted to go and see a movie so we did and I didn’t even fall asleep. But when we got home I was pretty tired. Goodnight

Side note. I asked Dugan why I can’t be like the girl in the movie. He said it’s because I don’t have a writer. (GREAT answer.)

Tuesday July 12th

Today was another nice day at work. We came home and had pork chops with cabbage and sweet potato fires. A little relaxing then off to Zumba and then Ballet. I loved trying out my new ballet shoes. Then bedtime.

Wednesday July 13th

Today I was a little tired but had a good day at work. Then we headed home and made tortellini for dinner. I decided to take it easy. I was very tired and we went to be early. I am starting to see a trent that Wednesday not is a off night.

Thursday July 14th

Today was another good day at work. Dugan and I went to lunch together at this fun little Bistro where I had the most amazing Salad. Then we headed back to work. After work Dugan’s old roommate Mike and and his wife Lisa came over. I had to miss ballet but we went to dinner and hung out way to late. It is always interesting how time doesn’t change things. It was also very strange to go out to eat twice in one day. Since we usually only go out a few times a month. But it is always fun to go out with friends.

Friday July 15th

I had a nice day at work. My sister surprised me with a Sushi Roll. Really fun. After work Dugan and I went to our ward BBQ, hung out outside and went to get Frozen hot chocolate. Yummy!!! I love spending time with my Dugan.

Saturday July 16th

Today I had work at 6:00. After work I came home. Dugan had gone and picked up more paint and had already taped everything off. We touched up the paint in the bedroom and started to paint the ceiling on our main floor. It will probably take us a few days but we are a great team. After the first coat we headed to the store and then went to meet our friends the Clarks for dinner. I feel like I have been eating out a lot over the past few day. I guess I am just glad that most of my meals were salads with little dressing. After dinner we went to the Clarks house and played on the tramp, talked and played cards. We went home a little late but had a great night.

Side note of the week~ I have been reading a book that makes me think a lot about how crazy a world could be with to many rules. It also made me start to think about what my true political views are. I have my religion to help give me understanding but how do I fit all my ideas, thoughts and beliefs together. I need to take a little more time figuring out what I agree and disagree with and try and find what choices there are that relate with what I agree with.

LOVE and MISS you all