March 2013

Also not a whole lot going on in March. We were still doing the same old same old. At the YMCA we both signed up for the Lazyman Triathlon Ironman Challenge. We swam 2.4 miles, biked 112 miles, and ran/walked 26.2 miles. So we basically spent a lot of time at the Y. Chris also did a good amount of traveling as well in. He went down to Florida for a conference and Bloomington, MN as well. We also went to Sioux Falls, South Dakota so that I could get my bridesmaid dress for Valerie's wedding in September.
It was a crazy day in Sioux Falls. We had a bunch of things that we wanted to see but it just didn't work out because of parades and other town things that were going on. Here are some photos on the trip home. We ended up stopping at a bunch of different places on the way home. It was such a nice day out!

Here is a frozen lake on the way home from Sioux Falls.

Just thought I would through in a Merlin picture

Here is a Peanut Butter Brownie Trifle that I made for treat day at work. It was a huge hit, and super delicious!

January 2013

Wow since I am so far behind with this blog I am just going to start in January. Here are some things that happened in this month. To start off one thing that I absolutely love about Minnesota are the sunrises and sunsets. Here is a sunrise while leaving for work. Absolutely BEAUTIFUL!

About the only thing that happened in January was us going to the Mall of America. It wasn't as busy as last time that we had went, so it was a little more enjoyable. I believe that winter is the best time to go since it is so stinking cold outside to even want to do anything. Just going through my facebook status for January and at one point it was -28. 

We went over to the cities Friday after work and stayed at a hotel. In the morning we got up to go to the St. Paul Minnesota Temple. It was SO COLD that morning. Here is a lake that was at the hotel. 

After going to the temple we headed over to the Mall of America

I could not believe how big this mall is! Four stories of shopping

  

After having an enjoyable day at the temple and Mall of America we started our 3 hour ride home. We headed out a little early to have daylight on the ride home. We knew their was suppose to be some snow storms but we were thinking we were heading out early enough to beat the storm. Boy were we wrong!

 We got to experience our first Minnesota whiteout! I have been in whiteouts in Idaho, but this was just crazy. It had been perfectly clear and we turned down another road and BAM whiteout! It was just how the wind was blowing. So here we are with very poor visibility. We just kept going extremely slow. Country roads mean no shoulders, so we didn't have any other options. Once we got off that road it was perfectly clear as if nothing had happened.

 To the right is a picture of what the whiteout looked like once we were out of it. It was so crazy!

Chris was also called as a Branch Clerk, so church keeps us pretty busy. In our church we have callings, which is basically a job that we do in the church since no one is paid. Chris's job is to take notes at meetings and manage the money of the church. He is also their to help the leaders also known as the Branch Presidency. Here is a link to learn more about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day-Saints.

How we ended up in Marshall, Minnesota

Okay, so I am REALLY behind with the blog and a huge slacker! Since I last posted a lot has happened. Right after graduation (April 6, 2012) Chris and I were full time job searchers. We were applying to anything and everything (well the areas that applied to our degrees). We had quite a few interviews but nothing too promising. We made a trip out to Twin Falls, Idaho for one of Chris's interviews. That obviously didn't turn out after the fact  the that we had already fell in love with the area, but oh well.
On the way back to Rexburg, Idaho we went through Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve. Talk about NOTHING and WIND!
It was a neat place to go and see though. Here are some pictures seeing that I was so much of a slacker that I didn't even put pictures on facebook.

While at the park we went through Indian Tunnel since that was the only one we could go in seeing we didn't have flash lights to go into the other caves.


The end of April came with no promise of work. So we packed up all of our belongings, loaded up in a budget truck and headed for Washington to stay with our families until we were able to find work. It was a sad day leaving Rexburg, Idaho. We grew to love the place, it was our home. We had so many amazing friends there, but it comes a time when it is time to move on, and so move on we did. While we were in Snohomish, Washington the job search continued. We arrived in Snohomish the beginning of May and ended up staying there a month. While in Washington I helped my Dad with his business in building fences and whatever other jobs he had to earn some money along with working at my Mom's work at the Extension Office. Chris also helped his Mom with her business as well. We kept applying for work and had many phone interviews. In the middle of May I was flown to Marshall, Minnesota to interview with Ralco Nutrition as a formulation specialist. May 19th we adopted our bobtail cat Merlin who just turned 2 in July 2012. I then received a job offer from Ralco Nutrition right at a time when Chris was getting ready to fly to Louisiana for an interview.

 Here is a picture of when we first got Merlin. 

We accepted the job offer May 29th after much prayer. I would have to say it was the hardest decision I have ever had to make. We had never even heard of Marshall, Minnesota, it was so far away, and we didn't know what would happen as far as Chris finding work. But our Heavenly Father knew what was best, so we went in the direction we were supposed to go. We loaded up the Budget truck again on June 11th, and June 12th we were off to Marshall, Minnesota with Kia in tow, and Chris, fishes, Merlin and I in the front seat of the truck. We went through Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, South Dakota, and finally arrived in Minnesota. The trip went well, just never ending. Merlin even did pretty good with the ride seeing that we had only had him 3 weeks. We ended up taking him out of the crate half way through the trip because I felt so bad leaving him in there all the time. He just sat on the passengers lap and slept. We was such a good traveler. We arrived in Marshall on June 14th and I had my first day at Ralco Nutrition on June 18th.

In August Chris got a job offer from The Schwan Food Company as a buyer and accepted. He had his first day on August 13th. The cool thing is that Ralco Nutrition is surrounded by Schwan's and Chris's work is like 3 minutes away from where I work. Pretty cool! Heavenly Father was sure watching over us!

So that is a good summation of how we ended up in Marshall, Minnesota.

Graduation

So I am a little behind with blogging. I think it is so funny how people in blogs apologize for being a week behind, but I am a month. Oh well, better late than never!
So here is the post from Graduation from BYU-Idaho. This occurred on April 6, 2012 at the BYU-Idaho Center in Rexburg, Idaho. It was so great having our families come into town and we were able to relax, celebrate, and enjoy time with family. However for me it was still a little stressful because I was asked to speak at graduation about a month and a half before graduation, and of course the week of graduation I still didn't have a clue what I was going to speak on. I ended up writing my graduation speech the day before graduation once I started writing and got over the writers block.
The day of graduation I was a little stressed. The day seemed to CRAWL by as I awaited the time in which I would have to speak. In the afternoon we finally made our way to campus in order to line up for Commencement which is where all the graduates gather together and proceed into the BYU-Idaho Center. We had the wonderful opportunity to hear from Elder M. Russell Ballard Click Here. However with me being stressed about speaking I have to admit that I didn't really pay any attention, I was off in another world I guess you could say.
Then after Commencement the graduates proceeded out and met up with our families before Convocation in which I would speak. We then headed back into the auditorium area where I would take my place on the stage. It was so nerve-racking. Dr. Lamb gave us comfort by telling us that you wont see anyone with the lights... lets just say that that statement was NOT true. I was the first to speak, and I was really nervous until I got to speaking and then everything was fine. I actually really enjoyed it and was re-leaved that it was finally happening. When I was finished I was actually surprised at how fast time went by and was wondering if I was way short on time. I have to say that I actually really enjoyed speaking and took a deep breath when I sat back down and knew that all I had to do now was walk across the stage to receive my diploma cover.
After that part of graduation was completed we then took our seats with the other graduates to walk on the stage and announce our degree. Agriculture was the very first department to walk and so we were done right away and then it was the waiting game. It was fun to see everyone walk across the stage and how many people I recognized from other departments that I had a class with. Chris also walked with my college since I was speaking.
Overall it was a great experience and I was so relieved when it was all over. Here are some photos from graduation.

 Before Graduation: Photos with Family

Commencement

Convocation

After Graduation

Dr. Jim Lamb, Chris, Heather

The day after graduation we had a day with family. We went out to lunch at the Olive Garden in Idaho Falls, the Museum of Idaho which had dinosaurs, and then went and walked around the Green Belt. We had a lot of fun spending time with family and relaxing after graduation. Here are some photos at the Green Belt.

 Many of the birds at the park were not in a good mood. Chris took a TON of photos of the birds and I believe we ended up with more photos of birds than we did graduation. At least we got some cool action shots.

Graduation Speech

Chris and I graduated from BYU-Idaho on April 6, 2012 at the BYU-Idaho Center in Rexburg, Idaho. About a month and a half before graduation I was asked to speak at convocation. Here is my speech so that you are able to read it if you feel so inclined to.

First off, I would like to say congratulations to all of the graduates. We have had a wonderful journey and are opening another chapter of our life with new excitement of the things to come. I want to thank my family for their love and support as I completed my education here at BYU-Idaho. Also the professors here who have helped us get where we are today. Thank you!

            As I reflect on my education here at BYU-Idaho, I have experienced many joyous times and many challenging times. I have gained a great deal of knowledge; however I have also realized how little we know and that there is so much more that we need to learn. We are prepared to go out into the world and make a difference in whatever field we are going into. Whether it is going into agriculture and feeding the world, caring for the sick, continuing on with our education, or performing scientific research. We have the ability to be an example and make a difference in whatever it may be.

This is an exciting time in our life. We are so blessed and we have many opportunities before us. As we make these life changing decisions it would be best for us to follow President Uchtdorf’s council as stated “We would do well to slow down a little, proceed at the optimum speed for our circumstances, focus on the significant, lift up our eyes, and truly see the things that matter most.”

Since starting my education here at BYU-Idaho I have learned many things. I have learned that the inside of your nose freezing is common in Idaho winters and to always bring a coat with you wherever you go because in the morning it may be sunny, but in the afternoon snow may be blowing sideways. I have also learned how to perform an emergency c-section on a cow, develop a balanced ration for livestock, identify range plants in which I am constantly doing whenever I see a plant, and in many other areas as well. Including gaining a stronger understanding for the importance of agriculture and how America truly is a blessed country. The fertility of the soil here is substantial compared to other countries, with most of the large food production occurring in the United States. We have food that is easily accessible, roofs over our heads, great educational opportunities, and time to spend with our families and worship as we please.

These blessings of food, family, shelter, and freedom of religion, are marvelous yet simple blessings. Let us focus on the simple things in life that bring us great joy and remember the hand that our Heavenly Father has played in our lives as we go about our daily tasks. Let us take time to enjoy life and all that it has to offer. Many opportunities are before us, let us take advantage of them and gain as much education as we possibly can. There is always something for us to learn and improve on as we progress through this life.

I am grateful for the opportunity I had to come to BYU-Idaho, the knowledge I have gained, and experiences I have had here. This is a great university with so much to offer. I am grateful for the friendships I have gained and the spirit that resides on this campus.

            As we go off into our different directions and leave BYU-Idaho, let us keep close to our hearts the things that we have learned, both spiritual and secular. Let us remember where we stand, take time to slow down a little, enjoy life’s challenges, see the things that matter most, and place our focus on the significant things in life. 

Update

Their really has not been a whole lot going on lately, just school. Since my last update I dropped my agribusiness management class and I am substituting it with processed meats. Chris has been very busy with school and projects. We were also called as temple ordinance workers for the Rexburg Idaho Temple. What a wonderful blessing that is to serve others in the House of the Lord each week. We work the Friday morning shift from 5 am to 10 am. That means we have to be at the temple at 4:30 am and are there until 10:30 am every Friday. Yes it is early, but their is absolutely no better way to start the day and to serve our Heavenly Father and be close to Him.
Chris and I are also waiting to hear about a phone interview from a nutrition company located in the Mid-West that is interested in hiring both of us. Professor Lamb has really helped us in getting connections and in putting in a good word for us. We applied almost a month ago and he said he had gotten an e-mail from a friend saying they were very interested in both of us and will be contacting us soon. We are very excited and hope that something works out. Graduation is fast approaching and in a way it seems very real, but in another way I cannot imagine not going to school. It has been what I have been doing for quite some time now and I think it will really hit us in September when we don't return to Rexburg. I have gotten to the point that I am very excited, yet very nervous as to what lays ahead of us and that something will come about as far as work. I know that something will open up, it is just a waiting and applying game.
I will have to say that I will miss Rexburg and friends. I have lived here since 2008, and it will be different not coming back and seeing everyone again. I am very excited about what is in store for us, but it would also be nice as to know where we are going. Last night I really realized how close graduation is and how very excited I am to be done, however reality also hits in in the fact of where will we be? What will we be doing? Along with the stress of moving. I know something will work out, I just experience little spurts of stress which mainly occur at night when I am trying to sleep which isn't always a good thing.

Cross Country Skiing

On February 4th we went cross country skiing with the school. We had wanted to do it last year, but didn't get the chance to, so it was high priority for us this year since we will be leaving Rexburg, Idaho in April. Through BYU-Idaho they put on different trips for students to do such as skiing, air boarding, cross country skiing, snowshoeing and so on, for a very reasonable price. We had arranged to go the weekend before to Harriman State Park, but it ended up being cancelled. So we went on the February 4th trip to Mesa Falls. We had gone here this summer, which I don't think I ever posted pictures of. Anyway, when we arrived at Mesa Falls, the students leading the trip informed us that this was not a great place to start for beginner skiers because of all the hills and the course is a bit more difficult. (Wish we would have been informed of this earlier because otherwise we would have waited until another trip to Harriman was offered because it is flat). It was good none the less though, we were just extremely exhausted and sore when we got back.

Here we are at the start of the trip. We had just made it up the very large hill, it is actually a road, but in the winter the road closes at a certain point and it becomes a snow mobile trail. We had to go up this very large hill in order to get to the cross country ski trail.

On part of the cross country ski trail waiting for others to catch up and just before we got ready to head down this HUGE hill with curves and trees of either side. (Very Scary, and I wished that I would have just walked down it). It was funny because right before getting on the cross country ski trail another person (not part of our group) was telling a group of people about the trail that we just happen to be entering on. He said the hills are very curvy and with trees on either side, so the best way to stop is to just fall over so you don't hit a tree. Really wish we would have known that BEFORE the trip! I ended up falling so many times because I would get going way to fast for my preference, panic, and then fall. I came home covered in bruises and my pour knees hurt from all the falling. On the really huge hill both Chris and I got ice burns on our hands. Note to self, NEVER TAKE OFF GLOVES EVEN IF YOUR HANDS ARE SWEATING BECAUSE THEY ARE REALLY HOT! Had to learn that the hard way while going down the huge hill and crashing because of trees, and the hills being ice, not snow.
Here we are at the Lower Falls. Absolutely BEAUTIFUL! Here we had lunch and got to sit down for a bit in the snow before heading back. At this point I was pretty tired, the whole trip was about 5 miles doing something you are not used to and tough terrain. It was a TON of fun the first half on the way there, but the last half we were just tired and wanted it to be over. On the way back we had to climb up all the hills we had gone down which involved more falling and walking sideways up with skis. A couple hills I got stuck in the snow and ended up taking the skis off and just walking up. Let me tell you, I thought the hardest part was going up the hills with skis.


Overall it was a good trip. We would have enjoyed it a lot more if it was flat. Both Chris and I don't have any skiing experience and at the end we had to ski down a huge hill, the snow mobile trail. We didn't like that at all and it made it tiring from all the falling and not wanting to go too fast because we didn't have much control. But it was great to get outside and enjoy the very mild Idaho winter that we are having. We have had hardly any snow and it has been so warm (teens to thirties, it is usually in the negatives or single digits).