Twenty Six Years Young!

Yep, it’s true. Jord turned 26 this month! Life hasn’t changed too much. He still works like a mad-man and has no time to himself, but the Lord blesses his efforts and we’re very lucky to be where we are.

Jord’s a hard man to surprise. He’s so on top of the finances, it’s hard to make a purchase without him knowing it. I thought that I’d succeeded for once, but no. The one night Jordan takes longer than two seconds to fall asleep is the one night my sister calls me and we discuss his present (in another room, no less).  Surprised or not, however, Jordan pretty much hit the jack-pot this year. My sister has this game called Skyrim for the Xbox 360 and he says it’s the.best.game.EVER! How can I pass that up?? Well, I suppose I could have, considering I also had to buy an Xbox 360, but it turns out that Netflix works better on the Xbox along with there being various other perks. I found a pretty good deal for a package including the Xbox, a Live membership, a wireless controller, and a game called Batman-Arkham City. Steph and Mom and Dad chipped in to buy him Skyrim. Matt and Maegan bought him Halo and Sarah made him cake balls and bought him lots of candy. HIs mom got him a Clear Player which we are SO excited to have! He was a pretty happy boy.

You know how there are questions you’re supposed to ask your kids every year on their birthday? Well, I’d love to be a Mommy but right now must not be my time, so I play Mommy to my husband. The poor guy had to sit through some of those same questions this year, the entire time asking me why I was asking him these questions. He humored me, nonetheless, and I love him for it! I know it might be a little odd that I did this for a 26-year-old man, but I figure it’s still some interesting information about Jord. So here we go!

Favorite Color: Purple

Favorite Game: Skyrim on Xbox

Favorite Fruit: Likes a lot of fruit but eats apples like he breaths air.

Favorite TV Shows: Burn Notice, The Finder, older Office seasons, Modern Family, Friday Night Lights, older House seasons.

Favorite Restaurants: Culvers, McDonalds, Qdoba

Favorite Snack: String Cheese with Pretzels or Almonds

Favorite Animal: Doggies (his words)

Favorite Cereal: Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Life, Waffle Crisp, Reese’s Puffs

Favorite Drink: Any Pop (no surprise there)

Favorite Holiday: Thanksgiving

Favorite Dinner: Gnocchi

Where do you want to be in ten years? With Amy. I don’t care about anything else. (I almost cried.)

Anyway, I love you Jord and can’t wait to spend many more years with you! Happy Birthday!

School and More School

So, surprisingly enough, Jordan and I have not changed our mind about me going back to school. It’s definitely happening. I’m really excited for this but also really nervous. I haven’t been to school in a few years and it’s probably going to be a bit of a challenge. But I guess you don’t get a degree hoping for a good time. My next two semesters are going to be a but tough, but I keep telling myself, “I can do it!” This summer, I’m taking a two week long crash course for Math1000. It’s an easy enough class, I’ll just be going crazy with eight hours of simple math every day. I decided to take the two week long math class so I could concentrate my efforts on Anatomy and Physiology the rest of the summer. I’ve heard it’s a really intense class and I’m taking it in less than the normal amount of time. I really hope I’m not biting off more than I can chew! Assuming I pass both of those classes, I’ll be taking Anatomy and Physiology part two along with Microbiology and two other pre-requisites for Nursing School in the fall. That’ll be busy, too. But then I’m off to Nursing School in the spring of 2013 and it’s all down hill from there. Wish me luck!

A Trip Down Memory Lane

Not long ago, I started to go crazy (it’s been progressive). I hate junk…like, HATE it. I finally couldn’t stand the boxes and boxes of STUFF that were collecting dust and taking up valuable space in our tiny apartment. I pulled them all down and after days of breathing dust and reading more than I ever thought I could in one life-time, I’ve finished organizing and de-cluttering our “memory boxes.” (No other term seems appropriate for these particular cardboard paraphernalia's.) I also learned more about Jordan in those few days than in the excess of two years we’ve been married. Thank goodness his mother kept all this!!! Anyway, after filing away mission letters (and the VERY few pictures he took on his mission), cataloging many spelling tests, looking at what seemed thousands of awards from his pre-college years and laughing at the memories that were tucked away in those boxes, I’m proud to present for your pleasure and entertainment…A Trip Down Memory Lane. Mind you, Jordan is very attached to his past and informed me that I was not allowed to throw ANYTHING away without asking him first and taking a picture. So…the pictures of everything that wouldn’t fit in a scrapbook follow. If any of you understand what any of this means, you’re better than I am (or you grew up earning the same awards alongside Jordan)!

Various awards for being outstanding in so many things!

I actually do know what this is, but it’s only because I have a few of my own. Jordan played the Trombone at All-State this year.

The poster for Seussical, a musical production Jordan was in.

A cute little send-off before Jord left on his mission. I think it was from some of the kids in his ward.

Placemat from the Sundheim Reunion. (Again, Jord insisted on being able to read every word, thus, the many pictures.)

Now this next set of pictures concerns me…I think it was a jersey of some sort.

The Lyman Eagles letterman jacket!

I’m pretty sure he got further than this, but this clearly shows when he lost interest! Haha. Just kidding. But I’m not really sure where the other badges went. I believe Jord got as far as Life. All he had to finish was his Eagle.

Mission stuff. The first picture is him holding his eight missionary planners. The other two pictures are a missionaries business card and little note on the back. I didn’t get rid of this but thought it was worthy enough to make the blog anyway. The missionary who gave this to Jord died later on while serving his mission from a health condition.

And finally, the outstanding senior award from the University of Wyoming. It’s actually a very nice award, but a bit clunky to have on the desk.

Good job, Jord, for all the achievements you’ve made in your life. You’re one smart cookie!

Just a few things…

Life has been fairly quiet as of late. Jordan continues to work like a mad-man running the family business and working as a full-time land-man. He’s working on making Uinta completely paperless, which he loves because he gets to play with the new scanner or “toy,” as he calls it. What it must be like to consider a scanner a toy…

I was called to be the Young Women’s Secretary not too long ago and am LOVING it! We have such an amazing presidency and even more amazing girls. I’ve never felt more comfortable in a calling before. This, of course, means that Jordan went solo on being an 11-year-old scout leader. It’s tough, but he’s adjusting to a calling without me there to help. ;)

And for the final announcement…I’m going back to school!!! I’m super excited for this but also a little nervous. I’m hoping to be able to graduate as a Licensed Nurse Practitioner in December of 2014 without too much trouble. I think it’s doable as my first semester only includes 15 credits, the next three semesters have only 13 credits and my last semester a mere 12 credits. After that, if we haven’t had children by then, I’ll move on to a four year college and hopefully become a full fledged Registered Nurse. If we do have kiddos, then I’ll wait until the kids are in school to finish my schooling. BRING ON THE HOMEWORK! And if you’re scratching your head, wondering what we’re thinking, this is more insurance than anything. If Jordan, for any reason, is unable to work, we’ll at least have a relatively reliable career to fall back on. Would you believe that it’s cheaper to send me back to school than it is for us to pay disability insurance until Jordan is 65? Crazy, right? Anyway, wish me luck!!!

By the way, if in a few days I come back and tell you I’m not going back to school, just smile, nod and know that it’s just the Willie’s being the Willie’s. :)

Playing Catch Up…There’s LOTS to Say!

So, I’m beginning to think I should just write a form letter for this darn blog the begins with something along these lines…

Sorry, again, for being so lazy and never posting on my blog, but allow me to bombard you with tons of information as a way to play catch up.

HA! (The saddest part is that that statement is basically true.) And with that, let us begin!

Fourth of July (Again, I realize how pathetic I am.)

Jordan and I were fortunate to make it up to Sidney, MT for the famous annual Fourth of July celebration! How to describe the experience…awesome, as usual!

Eating on the porch…YUM!

 

Anya seemed to enjoy herself. Between the food, the football, doing Aunt Annie’s hair, and wrestling with Uncle Mikey, she had it made!

 

I don’t think Hugh had a terrible time, either. :)

 

Lounging on the lawn waiting for the fire works…except Jord. He’s incapable of lounging and HAS to be the center of the show.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’ve always been a big fan of fireworks, but they weren’t too kind to me this year. I was innocently watching crazy boys blow things up when the shrapnel from one firework landed on my neck. It burned a little, but wasn’t bad. The fireworks were done and everyone began standing up. Annie (at least, I think it was Annie) took one look at me and calmly exclaimed, “ Your hair is on fire!” Long story short, I got an unwanted, extremely smelly haircut that day.

New Things!

Shortly after returning home from Montana, our car broke down for the 2nd and final time…little stinker. Our 2003 Ford Focus with a mere 74,000 miles died. We were so glad that it broke down only minutes rather than hours from my amazing dad with the ability to tow cars! Thanks Dad!!! I couldn’t believe it made it all the way to Sidney and back, but couldn’t make it 45 minutes to Laramie. We feel very blessed that it happened that way.  Whether we wanted to or not, we said adieu to little blue

and hello to new blue!

It’s a Hyundai Tucson! While we’ve only had this gem for 5 months, we know enough about it to know that we love it! We had a little bump in road with hail damage but it’s all better now and we LOVE our new vehicle. Some sweet specs we’ve never had before but don’t want to live without:

• Heated seats
• Bluetooth (Great since we live in a city where it’s illegal to talk on the phone when driving.)
• Roomier seating
• Awesome color and awesome look!
• Best of all, 10 year, 100,000 mile warranty!!!!

More recently, my computer also died. :( Though it’s not as tragic as the car dying, it’s still a bit of a pain and also a pretty penny. But I’m hoping the newer technology helps with storing pictures and watching shows on-line.

Thanksgiving in Salt Lake

This was our first family holiday in Salt Lake and it was A.M.A.Z.I.N.G! Jordan and I finally got to meet little Luke and spent LOTS of time cuddling him. Such a cutie!

It’s great to be able to spend any time with the Willie clan, seeing as we don’t get to do it very often. Annie spent some time teaching the boys a dance for extra credit in one of her classes. Thank goodness we caught it on camera! I worked my hardest not to laugh my head off while recording.

Stefany was kind enough to take family photos of the whole clan and all the little clans. Here’s our little clan.

After all the fun came the harder times. Turns out a little bug was going around. Actually a big, NASTY bug that promotes sleepless night, starvation, dehydration and vomiting every half hour. Friendly thing, huh? It also caused a chain reaction from you-know-where. One person got sick, then another, then another. Only a day or so passed and everyone staying in Salt Lake (except Karen, I’ll never understand why) got sick. Matt, Stef, Corb and Porter nestled safely in their own beds forty minutes away. Lucky ducks! What killed me (and everyone else) is that it’s so darn contagious. Jordan and I spent a few days with my family on the way back to Cheyenne and managed to give everyone in the Bassett house the same bug! Thank goodness the really bad parts didn’t last more than a day.

 

Sewing Projects I Promised You

So, I FINALLY managed to get the pictures of my projects I’ve been working on shot. Even though it might look as if I’m making a huge announcement, I’m not. I just figured the easiest sewing projects for a beginner are in baby accessories. I also figured that some day they will be put to very good use. :)

Something I’ve been needing for a while is a place to put all my extra grocery bags. Alas, I present to you…the grocery bag holder! The fact that it matches my kitchen makes it all the better.

 

Now this, I think, is super cute. It’s a car seat canopy perfect for a little girl or a little boy. Wonderful fall colors. And it’s reversible! Imagine this…

 

but in these colors (I don’t exactly have a car seat to hang this over)…

 

Now, I know it doesn’t look like much, but this compilation of fabric compiled many headaches. Some day, when I decide to tackle this project again, it will look like a grocery cart cover…because that’s what it’s supposed to be. However, for the life of me I can’t seem to get the darn elastic through the entire casing. Ugh!

 

Loved making all the burp rags from excess fabric! They were easy-peesy-lemon-squeezy! I figured they are pretty good baby shower gifts, too.

 

And I’ve heard every mother needs one of these…a nursing cover. I’m most proud of this project because I totally made up the pattern. It isn’t perfect, but it’ll do!

 

Christmas with the Bassett Family

Whew! Christmas was CRAZY! Because I never have been a patient person, I was left with nothing to open from my hubby on Christmas day, but I guess it’s difficult to wrap couches!!! Sad news but not surprising, I’ve already managed to punch a hole in the side of the love seat. Ugh! Due to Jordan’s and my paranoia, we purchased the accidental warranty and will soon be getting our new but damaged couches fixed. 

We love our new set of couches, but they sucked us dry as far as gift giving to each other went. I managed to get Jordan a Wii Nintendo game and I got Mary Kay makeup remover, a Fiskars cutting mat, rotary cutter and ruler. Here’s the rest of what we were fortunate enough to receive this Christmas:

• From Annie, Amy received Mary Kay lotion and day formula, face masks, chap stick, wash cloths, exfoliating sponge and a cute little basket to keep it in.
• From Annie, Jordan received a Nintendo points card.
• From Mom Willie, Amy received a brand new sewing machine.
• From Mom Willie, Jordan received a small TV to take on his title trips.
• From Mom and Dad Bassett, Amy and Jordan received the book Remember, a painting with a beautiful frame from Amy’s Great, Great Grandmother along with a biography of that wonderful lady and her husband.
• From Mom and Dad Bassett, Amy received homemade cutting boards and new shoes.
• From Mom and Dad Bassett, Jordan received shotgun shells and clay pigeons.
• From Sarah and Matt, Amy received the three Sailor Moon movies (which brought back TONS of memories as a child).
• From Sarah and Matt, Jordan received a special Wiimote for his new game.
• From Maegan (Matthew’s girlfriend), Amy received lots of Bath and Body lotion.
• From Maegan, Jordan received a desk organizer with clock.

It was great to be able to spend so much time with my family. We got to play games, watch movies and just have tons of fun. We were very grateful this Christmas for the love we felt from family, the love of our savior and the amazing sacrifice he made. Every year, we look forward to celebrating the birth of Christ and developing our relationship with him and each other.

In an attempt to spread the Christmas spirit, I made these little loaves of heaven. However, only a few people received their piece of heaven before they went bad due to our busy lives and half the ward living on base. :( The trash got a big slice of heaven, though!

 

This was our first year to finally put up Christmas decorations. Last year we were in the process of moving and didn’t find it worth our time. I love what Christmas does to our home and am sad to see this time of year pass. But Merry Christmas to all! Thanks to everyone who helped make our Christmas one to remember!