So Long, Farewell

This past weekend, Josh and I went down to California with Tahnee and Tyler for Michael's mission farewell. It was a VERY quick trip. We left about 1:00 pm on Friday and came home around 4:00 pm on Sunday. While we were there we took family pictures, which is always a blast with four little ones. Afterward, I took Gracee and drove up to Anaheim to try a new skin care product. My face has been breaking out a little more than desired and I have a friend who, basically, swears on LUSH products.

I only had a couple hours and that is the closest store. There is no store in Utah, either :( I am becoming a huge fan of LUSH and also think if you have tried everything out there for your skin and nothing works, give this a try. Later Saturday evening, my cousin Aubree got married to Kasey Cowan. It was so fun to be with the whole family. Aubree looked great, the wedding ceremony was very nice, and the reception was awesome. I loved the food, apples, cupcakes...YUM! Congrats to the Cowan's! Sunday was Michael's farewell. He did a great job and it is so crazy that it is actually time for him to go. He will be great.

Although, his Visa has not come, so he will be flying into SLC on Tuesday and we are going to take him to the Provo Missionary Training Center. It will be a really neat thing to take him. It was so much fun to see everyone last weekend and Josh and I are already looking forward to Thanksgiving!!! I know...jumping the gun a little bit.

Yesterday, I went to the Cardiologist and everything is pretty much ok. He said he cannot hear the leak in my tricuspid valve...woohoo!! We talked about a few other things...like having a baby. He said waiting a couple years would not be a bad idea. Phew! I really want a baby (don't get me wrong), but I really want to be done with school before I start that chapter of my life.

Everything is going really well with Josh and I. Life is good...we have no complaints :)

He Joined the Club

The 25 year old club that is!!! Josh had his birthday yesterday and what a fun day it was! Unfortunately, the older you get, you cannot really enjoy the WHOLE day, but around 3:30 Josh finally got home from class and we were able to finally celebrate.

He came home to this...
When he walked in the door I exclaimed, "HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" I gave my husband a big kiss and bigger hug (like I do everyday when he walks through the door), but this time it was different because there were PRESENTS to open and a great MEAL to eat. Of course when I asked Josh what he wanted to do, eat or open gifts first, he quickly said open presents! Side note: Josh's family LOVES presents. When I went to his house last Christmas, I arrived at about midnight to his house. His mom stayed up to meet me and asked if I wanted to open presents then or in the morning. Then in the morning, I met his sister Rachel, and she asked pretty quickly, are you going to open presents? I got the impression that they all love this. So I totally know where Josh gets it! I sat Josh down on the couch and he started reading his cards and opening gifts.

LOST Seasons 1-6

NFL Madden
(Yes, I caved and bought him a video game)

GAP Jeans

Then we ate a delicious meal (didn't get any pictures...sad day) that I made (not to brag or anything) with the help of Eve, Josh's mom, and her time in sending me the recipe for one of Josh's favorite meals...Hawaiian Haystacks. I think Josh was pretty surprised and right when I told him he asked me, "did you get the recipe for my mom?" Haha he probably wanted me to make it just right. It tasted delicious!! THEN I told him one more little surprise...

An ice cream cake

Haha lighting his own candles

I sang "Happy Birthday"

Of course it's mint...his favorite.

Later that night we went to an eventful Accounting social. It was pretty fun...lots of desserts! They sent all the spouses into a room for question and answer time. That was nice to kind of have a more casual setting and ask whatever we wanted too. Overall, it was a good day. I love birthdays and can't wait for next year!!!!

Latest Happenings

I have been horrible at keeping this thing updated lately. So let me just fill you in on what has been going on lately...

Josh and I went to CA to baby-sit the twins while the rest of my family spent the week in San Diego. We had a blast! Josh was rather busy tending to other important matters.




He met with all of the "Big Four" accounting firms in the Orange County offices. He went out to fancy-shmancy breakfasts and lunches, met with professionals that worked with the various companies and toured each office. It was great exposure and he was really glad he did it. He even met with people who know the Neilson's!! He enjoyed the OC offices a lot and would not be disappointed if that's where he ended up working.

Jess and Trent came to stay with us and enjoy a few days in southern California. We went to the Irvine Spectrum, Newport Beach, they were able to have Golden Spoon, enjoy the tidepools in Corona del Mar, and more. Hopefully they weren't bored too much, as Josh and I were in by 5:00 pm with the babies.

The last day we were there, my brother, Michael, went to the temple for the first time. It was a great experience. Later that night, we went with him, his friend, Eli, to Downtown Disney and then to a new outdoor shopping/dining place in Anaheim. We ate at the Cheesecake Factory (you can never go wrong).



The next morning, we flew back to Utah in order to start school the next day. In addition to starting school, I started my internship at the United Way with the "Welcome Baby" program. So far I love it. I am doing mostly administrative work in the office, but occasionally get to be out on site for different events. I will be doing this internship for two semesters.


After the first week of school, we had some friends over for a movie night. Well, let's just say we never watched the movie. We just had too much to say to each other. It was fun catching up and enjoying each others company. It might not happen again (at least for a while) due to everyone's hectic school schedules. And I finally got to use my adorable dessert plates I bought at Tai Pan before Josh and I were even married! I know my pictures look like a bridal/baby shower, but I just love doing things like that.







Some other fun things that have happened...

Meg's missionary friend came home from Brazil and we have been able to get to know him a little bit. We love Ty and think they are really cute together. Oh, I can't forget to mention I beat Meg in NERTS! ;) Sorry Meg...but it will probably never happen again!!



The girls and I went to a Women's Expo at the UVU Events Center. It was a lot of fun. And I got my hair done... (the only picture too)


Michael came into town for a week. We were able to go out for (an early dinner) Josh's birthday to Tucano's. I have footage of Josh shaking his hips...a little bit. (I'll have to post that later)

Then we had my cousins, Amanda and Rachel, over for dinner on Sunday.



Life has been going pretty well with my only complaint being to the Accounting program of giving my hubby too much homework. Yesterday I got news that my job was no longer in need of me. I was hired on a trial run, basically, and while I am sitting in class I get a text saying we no longer need you, don't worry about coming in today. It wasn't really a shock to me. I kind of sensed it was coming. I really have been wanting to quit, it just makes me mad they got to me before I could say anything to them. Honestly, I don't know why they did hire me, they have plenty of enough people to do my job and a lot of time to do it. I am not upset, but more relieved. But I am kind of looking for another part-time job. Luckily, my internship is paid so I still feel like I am contributing financially, in some small way, and I am not as stressed as I probably would be if I had no income coming in at all. I went to get my last paycheck today and turn in my key. I asked my office manager if I could still use them as a reference because I have learned new stuff working there that may be applicable to a future job. She explained that they "let me go" not fired me and that it is all on good terms. Phew!

That is all that has been going on in our small Whitmore family. Stay tuned...tomorrow is Josh's birthday!!!!