Memorial Day

In typical, non-memorial fashion, Clinton and I spent the day outside enjoying the warm sun and less of the quiet contemplation of those whose lives were lost for the sake of this country. Well, that isn't completely true. I did try to think (while I was paddle-boating) of the freedoms I was able to enjoy that day (well, not exactly "free"...it cost us $11 dollars), that have become available to me because of the men and women who stood tall for our country. I actually felt proud as I walked around and smelled the b-b-qs roasting hot dogs and hamburgers, that there was such a large group of different people coming together at one park, in harmony to enjoy the holiday. It was peaceful, relaxing, and beautiful (except for the pantyliner we found floating in the water.) Anyway, I have included a couple little videos and some pictures from our Memorial Day.

(As sarcastic as all that sounded, I really am thankful to all the veterans out there. I have had many people in my family serve in the armed forces and I in no way intend on belittling the importance of this holiday.) Thank you vets!

Beautiful day!

Shh! Don't wake him! He just had too much fun.


Funfact: Some might be surprised to know that I actually don't turn to dust when I go into sunlight.

Who was smart and wore sunglasses? Hummm?

Still sleepy.

What is that I see? A bird, a plane? No, a pantyliner!

Did Somebody Say Cheese?: Take 2

I think the biggest news that I have is that we are moving. Remember that post I made about Clinton's interview at the Medical College of Wisconsin?, well, we are moving to Wisconsin! We are leaving Portland around the 20th of July. I've been through a myriad of emotions, and am now a little more excited about it. We have finally discovered where we are going to live, where I am going to school and how we are getting there. I have been so stressed about all of this, but am finally starting to feel some peace about it all. I don't know how everything is going to work out, but I know that it will. If I could bear my testimony about one thing, it would be the blessings of tithing and fasting. We have been led and directed to work, an apartment, and our schools from over 2 thousand miles away. The lord really does watch out for us and I am so grateful for him. Anyway, I have attached photos of our new place, which I will update when we move in and decorate, but at least this way you can see where we'll be living. I've also attached a photo of my school. Enjoy!!

This is the outside. We have only one neighbor, a back yard, a garage and we are only 2 blocks to Clinton's school and only 2 miles from mine.

This is the dining room. The kitchen is to the left.

This is the view of the living room from the dining room.

This is the living room again. I LOVE all the windows!

This is the master bedroom and its closet.

This is another view of the master bedroom. Don't you love the ceilings?

This is the bathroom. Isn't the green tile cute?

This is the kitchen.

This is the basement.

This is my school.

This is Clinton's school.

Anyway, we go through various forms of depression and anxiety regarding this move, but we are excited too. I'm looking forward to getting over being sad about it and overcoming my home-sickness! We have only heard good things about Wisconsin, and plenty of jokes about "Hope you like cheese!" or "Are you going to wear one of those cheese slice hats?"...but we have also heard that the people there are wonderfully friendly. We will miss all of our friends in Oregon, but thanks to technology we can easily keep in touch. We'll be having a farewell party in July, I'll post the information later, but we'd love to see as many of you as we can. Love you all!

Much needed update

Okay, so I saw Allison Ebert at Winco last week and told her that I was going to update my blog by Sunday so here we are, 8pm on Sunday. I don't think this will be too interesting, but at least you can all be updated on my life (no matter how boring it may be:)

Well, for my birthday (back in March) Clinton bought me a ticket to go see Wicked! I've seen it once before but it was tons of fun to go with people who hadn't seen it before. I love that musical!!!

Later, after the show, we made a trip to Papa Haydens for some delicious desert. Three of us ordered the same $8 dessert and mine was a little misshapen, so they gave it to me for free!! So, I paid for the $5 fries instead ;)

(Christine Partna, Becki Brallier, Heather)

(me & Daya)

A couple months ago Clinton and I went up to a "cabin" in Government Camp. It snowed over 2 feet that night and we actually had to dig ourselves out the next morning. Here are some pictures of the "cabin".

Looking outside the window

This place was AMAZING!! It had 4.5 bathrooms, 2 fireplaces, a wrap around balcony, a ginormous living area and 2 beautiful bedrooms upstairs and about 4 bedrooms downstairs. We had lots of fun and snow there!! Here are a couple videos that might make you swoon a bit:)



Anyway, this place was gorgeous! I had a video of the whole place, but I can't seem to locate it. I'll post it when I find it.

Okay, so on May 1st my best friend from forever ago went to the temple and was sealed to her husband and daughter. I was so glad to be able to be there. I know she and I have been waiting for this for so long...maybe her more than me, but boy was I excited for them!!

Melissa, Andy and Bailey

Well, I have one more post that I'll be doing after this, but I think this kinda catches me up for the last few months since I posted last. Anyway, Allison, here ya go!

Funny things

Okay, so yesterday was a pretty hilarious day. The morning started off just fine. I got to school and made it through my first class with no funny business. Well, after my first class, as I was walking down the steps on campus I apparently forgot that I had one more step before I was on the ground...so that's where I ended up...on the ground. One little mis-step and I totally fell on my hands and knees...in front of students just leaving the building in front of me! This one girl (of course) comes up to me and asks me if I'm okay to which I mumble..."Uh, yeah. Thanks." So embarrassing, but hilarious!

My next class was Spanish and we had to present a family tree to which our partner would ask us questions about our family members...simple right? Well, I seem to always get partnered with the person who has not taken any preparation time and has no idea how to pronounce the words, or even what the words mean. So, one of the questions was about my parents...(in spanish) "where do your parents work?" Both of my parents work at my brother's office, so I said, "Mis padres (my parents) trabajan a la oficina de me hermano." (Padre is the word for father, but if it is pluralized it means parents). Well, my partner asks me (in english), "where does your mom work?" I reiterated, "Mis padres....", she said, (in english), "Okay, but where does your mom work?" Again, "MIS padres...." and she said, "Oh!", "Oh?" She thought I was saying "my dads"...oh, man! I can't get it down accurately on paper, but her expression was hilarious!! She thought she realized what I was saying, so she was excited, but then when she thought she understood WHAT I was saying, she was shocked! I clarified, (in english) "Padres means parents. MY parents..." It was soo funny!

Well, while I was in that class, and with the same classmate, we were talking about what our siblings do for work (and I'm proud to say that all of my siblings are very intelligent and successful). She asked what I was doing for school so I told her Cosmetology. She got an incredulous look on her face and said, "Why?!" I told her I liked it, it made me happy. She said, "but your family is so smart and successful, and you're going to do something like Cosmetology?" I responded, "well someone has to make them look good, right?" She was floored. Can you believe her? If she thinks I'm stupid for going into cosmetology...perhaps she should question her own intelligence. "MIS padres"....Who's not smart now?

LOL! It was such a funny day. A weird day, but funny!

Trip to the Falls!

I just thought that I would post some photos from our trip to the falls.  It was soooo cold there--it was snowing!  Anyway, Clinton was in charge of the camera, so hardly any pictures were taken and none were taken of either one of us.  However, I took a picture of Peter as we were sitting in the car in the Albertson's parking lot while Clinton went in to get some water and plastic bags for Peter (ahem...if you know what I mean.)

Anyway, it was (as usual) very beautiful there and I thought I'd share the memories!  Enjoy!

Infertility Blog

Hello all,

I just wanted to let you know that I have opened up my infertility blog for all to see (misc. cheers!) Anyway, it is personal information, but I need all the input and advice I can get. I've started on a new path of discovery...the path to discover ME! I still struggle with wanting a baby, however, I am trying to realize that it is okay that I don't have one and that I am being blessed with time for ME.

I'd like to say that I'm sorry to anyone I have annoyed/frustrated/hurt/or made uncomfortable during this time in my life. I hadn't realized the impact of my woes to those around me and I want you to know that I am trying to improve myself and just enjoy the journey. It is a process, but I already feel tons better!

I know that many of you already have children (AND THAT'S OKAY!), but I'd like to get any words of comfort, advice or whatever from as many people as I can as I try to become ME again.

Read as far back as you'd like on the blog, it may help you see where I've come from.

I love you all!

Love,
Dani

www.infertilityirritations.blogspot.com