happy birthday dirty d money

I just made up that nick-name...just now. I don't know how much Daniel would like it.

Anyway, Daniel turned 24 on Saturday and we were lucky enough to get to celebrate with him!

We went to dinner at the one and only TT and then headed to FatCats. We ran into Tanner there and found out that his wife works there, and she was so generous and let us bowl for free. Seriously, so nice of the both of them to do that.

.

Just me and the hubby. You know

The boys. They're all fantastic.

And the wives. I hate that every picture Mandy and I take together ends up being awful of me, oh well I guess. Something I have to get over.

It was so fun to get out with friends and actually do something on a weekend! It is something that I think must happen more often.

Sunday our stake changed out ward boundaries and we found out that we're becoming a family ward! WHOO. No more newlyweds and nearly-deads. PRIMARY, YOUNG MEN/WOMEN. Oh, I'm so excited. And then we get a phone call tonight, and John and I were asked to be CTR 5 Primary Teachers. I AM SO STOKED.

John goes, "A whole class of Noelle's?!" and I immediately knew it was going to be an experience. A great one, with lots of fantastic stories.

Of course, yesterday was also the super bowl. I am in no way a Steelers fan. I just am not. I would only cheer for the Steelers if they were playing against the Cowboys or the Patriots, and maybe the Broncos. I am just not a band-wagon person, and I hate that those teams are such band-wagon teams. Needless to say, I was very happy that the Packers won.

By the way, I didn't even notice that Christina Aguliera (SP? I DON'T KNOW) miffed the lyrics to the National Anthem. Is that bad? I also thought the BEP were entertaining, but I think they aren't that good at singing live. LOVED Lea Michelle singing America the Beautiful (and loved the new Glee last night), and I must say my favorite commercial was the Darth Vader one. I died laughing. What was your favorite?

Who I Am

I stole this idea from the one and only Mandy.

Thanks for the cute idea, lady. :)

I am...emily lawrence

I want...a house of my own

I have...the most amazing husband

I wish...I enjoyed running

I hate...math

I fear...postpartom depression

I search...news websites constantly

I wonder...what life will be like in the future

I regret...not being more serious about academics in high school

I love...my family

I ache...all over

I always...hit the snooze at least twice

I usually...wear a jacket at all times

I am not...5'6 and never will be

I dance...to music in the grocery store

I sing...any time I can

I never...floss

I sometimes...miss my brother

I cry...for no reason at all

I am not always...the best at telling stories

I lose...pens

I am confused...by people's behavior

I need...a vacation with my John

I should...be at the gym

blog?

I know, it's been forever. I seriously need a break from life, and haven't even had time to think, let alone blog.

I'll try and update you on the past month, but I honestly don't know that I can remember all of it.

The beginning of January started out with a whole lot a stress, when on the first day of school I also found out that my company was majorly downsizing due to attorneys leaving to start their own firm. Panic attack central. LUCKILY, I kept my job, and we are now working crazily to pick up the pieces after people have left.

January also meant Teddy's birthday (like how I just skipped over the entire month?). He's now 62, which is hard for me to believe. I've always thought 62 was like waaay old. When I was younger, I was always scared my Dad wouldn't be at my wedding because he'd be in 60's and that was just ancient to me! Now I realize that it's really not, and even though he's an exception, he's still just as young as ever.

January also meant the 18 month mark for John and I. Being married a year and a half is kind of surreal. Some days it feels like it was last week, and other times I can't imagine a time that I was not with him. But I guess that's just what happens!

Anyway. Moving on.

I was in class one night, came home to an empty apartment, and about 20 minutes later there was a knock on my back door. Frightening, because I hate being home alone, and then I had to answer the door. But no worries, it was just Patty and John. They had been to Costco, which I knew, but John told me he was going for a few things. In they come with more food than we've probably ever had in our house, okay, exaggeration. BUT, it was a lot of food. Patty found out we eat out a lot, and she was appalled, so she bought us groceries.

You see, I'm trying really hard to eat better. Being in class until 9 every night makes it really hard to come home and make myself make an actual dinner. TBell is just so much easier! But now I have the food that means no excuses, and I've been doing well! I crave processed food, but I really am just done looking at myself in the mirror with nothing positive to say about my image. Sad, but true.

Wheat bread. I hate wheat bread. But I've accepted that it's better for you, and I am getting used to the taste.

Tuna, snap peas, tomatoes, carrots, apples, applesauce, 100 calorie packs, pop-tarts (for John), and oatmeal. This is pretty much all I eat now-a-days. It's repetitive, but it works!

We are so grateful for Patty. She really went out of her way to help us, and I really don't think THANK YOU counts for enough in this situation.

Well the Honda has been having some tire problems. For some reason my drive side front tire can not and will not hold air for long periods of time. We have yet to take it in, we just keep filling it up. We really don't want them to tell us that we need a new tire, but it's probably something that needs to get done. Seeing as I don't know how to change a flat. Probably something I should learn, huh?

This semester I'm in a photography class. Just a beginning photo class, teaches the basics of your camera, the settings, and we also get into photo shop. I already love it.

I took this for my class. I have to take at least 2 photos a week of just anything, and one day when I was walking to TRAX, I decided I would stop and take this, because I thought it looked pretty cool. I was PISSED when I opened it up in photo shop and saw the statue, the street light, power lines, etc. On my little camera screen I could just see the trees, and it looked awesome. I guess it's something I will have to try and fix, or go re-take the shot. Boo.

Oh running. I have started to the couch to 5k program with Anne. We have math together this semester, so we just go after class. It's kickin' my butt. I definitely need new shoes because after I run my hips hurt, and my knee. Just one knee. I'm hoping that as I go, I will start to enjoy it, because right now I'm not really loving it. I know (hope) it will get better though.

Anne and I...well Anne and I just am stealing the idea; we've decided we're going to do 500 miles in 2011, between running, biking, elliptical, etc. It's a big task...approximately 1 1/2 a day, which is kind of hard when you don't go to the gym every day (I'M WORKING ON IT!) but we can do it. It's a good challenge.

Other than those things, life is just the same old stuff. John and I are both in school, both working as much as physically possible, and still seeing each other for about an hour each day...long enough to tell each other goodnight, good morning and goodbye, is what I tell to people. It feels that way sometimes. No joke.

Goodnight is sounding pretty fantastic right now, I'm pooped.

I promise I'll blog before March. I have a post I want to steal from Mandy. So I will do that soon. Keep on stalkin'. I love when I hear people care what I write. :)

two zero one one

well..it's a new year.
Another new year.
2010 was a stressful one, but it was a good one, and we experienced a lot
January:
I returned to working one job for the first time since I was sixteen.
Riley got his mission call to THE mission of church.
David found out he would be serving in Mississippi.
John and I started yet another semester of school.
February:
another Valentine's day at the monster truck rally.
We said goodbye to David for 2 years.
We went through the temple with Riley.
March:
John turned 23.
I started our stove on fire cooking corndogs.
bought the FJ.
attended several BYU women's lacrosse games.
April:
sold the Jeep and bought the Honda.
We got pulled over on the way to license the Honda.
We said goodbye to Riley for 2 years.
Two of our best friends got engaged.
MS Walk.
May:
We bought a new, hip couch.
I finally found orange pumps. Which Rufus later destroyed.
Race for the Cure.
We saw Frank Layden and Jerry Sloan at Cinna Grill.
We went to Loa, Utah to gather sticks.
We attended a graduation dinner for the one and only Sara.
We finished another semester.
June:
We went to Park City with some of our best friends.
I attended a bridal shower for Mrs. Sorensen.
We threw a goodbye party for the London-er.
July:
Independence day celebrations.
Sugarhouse Fireworks.
Oakley Rodeo.
I caught up with an old friend after 5 years.
OUR FIRST ANNIVERSARY.
We vacationed in Bear Lake with both families.
August:
Sorensen Wedding.
One more semester started.
September:
Utah football.
Rufus killed Gordon. RIP.
John participated in the Dodge Barrage.
I met Ronnie Price, Kyle Korver, and Deron Williams.
Our annual trip to the state fair.
October:
Taylor's baptism.
Goodbye to our soldier.
Mission reunion.
I changed my major (again) to Mass Comm/Photography.
I turned 21.
Sorensen cabin.
November:
TCU game :(
Win over BYU.
Thanksgiving with the Roos'.
Thanksgiving with the Grow's.
December:
Weddings.
JW's birthday.
Family photos.
Santa.
Sea food dinner.
Talked to both our missionaries.
Christmas = Family.
New Years = Family.

It's been an eventful year when you put it all in perspective. Who knows what 2011 will bring us, whatever it is, as long as we have each other we'll be okay.

okay I caved...

I started a Twitter.

I've never been so confused about something in my life.

If you care enough to follow me, my user name is lawrence_emily

Let me know if you have an account! I would love to follow you...

That is, if I know you.

adventure with the Jells

Noelle and I went on a little adventure to the Gateway today to see Tangled.

She is the funniest kid.

First, we are driving down to the mall and there were cement trucks in front of us, those ones that spin as they drive, you know? Well, Noelle points out the truck and says to me,

"Do you know what are in those?"

"Yes, it's cement."

"No, it's cinnamon."

"Cinnamon?"

"Yes, cinnamon to keep the bricks together."

Cinnamon. Well okay.

Then we get to the movie theater and we get up to the ticket counter and she holds out her hand. In it was 27 cents.

She said "Here. To help pay for the movie."

CUTEST THING EVER.

Tender moment.

I asked her after the movie if she liked it, and she said yes. Even though she spent most of the movie either with her head in my chest, or hiding behind her coat.

I think it scared her a little bit.

But I would definitely recommend it.

It's a very cute Disney movie.

december.

We're alive. I promise.

I have failed at blogging this entire month. Literally.

So I guess I'll update you on the past 30 days.

We started out the month with ending the semester.

I out-right failed one of my finals, but I passed the class so I wasn't too worried about it.

I haven't found out about my other two classes and the anticipation is killing me. I hate waiting for grades more than anything.

John got an A in one of his classes, and didn't pass his other class. Not too sure why he didn't pass the one, but we'll have to deal with it.

We had a little family photo shoot at Memory Grove for our Christmas card.

Kati was our photographer and she was very patient with us.

We chose Memory Grove because they allow dogs, but with that comes the fact that there are going to be dogs there, guaranteed, and we have a pooch who thinks he should be with the other dogs constantly, even though he doesn't know how to play nice.

We saw Elder Oaks out for a walk while we were there, that was unexpected. I get stage fright when I see general authorities. Weird, I know.

Kati had John stand like this and wanted me to try and stand with my legs crossed. I couldn't do it, I couldn't stand up, which led to the next picture...

This became a favorite of course.
It's just too cute.

This is the one we used for our Christmas Card. It turned out so cute! Even though Rufus isn't looking at the camera, I don't even care because that is how Rufus is.

This one turned out awesome also.

I wanted to do a card with three pictures on it, but the only one Costco had had blue on it, and I knew that if I used a Christmas card with blue in it, then I would never hear the end from my father. So we went with a one-picture card.

It's just me.

I was looking at a photographer taking a couple's engagement pictures, and they were sitting at the meditation temple, sitting Indian-style, in the meditation pose.

I found it cheesy.

Also this month, of course, we put up our Christmas tree. I forgot how massive that thing is. As you can see, not all the lights work, and since the lights are pre-strung, it wasn't something we were about to try and fix. Oh well, we didn't mind it!

We celebrated Sara's 24th birthday with her and Chris and a couple other people. We went out to dinner at Chili's and this was our dessert. I had never had it before, but it was delicious!

We helped out with Mama Roos' work Christmas part.

Santa (aka Mr. Swensen) was HILARIOUS.

It was honestly one of the best experiences of my life.

Santa also visited Patty's house so that all the children and grandchildren could let him know what they wanted for Christmas...

...John asked for the Utes to beat Boise State, and I asked for my camera.

Neither of us got what we wanted.

WHOMP WHOMP.

On the 20th, John and I split up for the night.

I went to the grub to celebrate the Dubster's birthday, and John went to a mission companion's wedding.

Ben and Kate's wedding was in Heber, and was a sit down dinner, so it wasn't really possible for us to go both places in one night, and both events were very important to us.

This is the only picture John took from the wedding, and of course it was of Kate's dress. He knew I would want to see it; and I am very impressed.

Gorgeous girl, gorgeous dress.

Oh, Christmas. We spent Christmas Eve at my parents' house with all the Grow's that wanted to come, and then we slept at my parents' and spent Christmas morning with them to open gifts and to eat the annual breakfast.

John got a new iPod along with other things, and I got a new iPhone along with other things. We are both very spoiled, but both very grateful.

We then went up to John's parents' house because David was calling from Mississippi, and we wanted to be there to chat with him. He's doing great, he's a zone leader, and currently in Clinton. He'll be home this time next year which is absolutely crazy to think about.

We then opened presents with all the Lawrence's, and once again, we're super spoiled. John's parents gave us a new wireless printer, new jump drives, earrings, clothes. John's mom painted this picture of a finch in oils that John loves, and so she gave him that. He also got a junior pottery wheel, it's made for like 12 year olds, but hey, he loves it already!

I also got things to start up a journal. Millysa had me for Christmas and John explained to her how I love her way of keeping a journal, and that she should get me some of that stuff. What she does it she buys the big journals from Deseret Book, and then she tapes in pictures when she writes things. Genius idea if you ask me, because pictures are so much more fun than just a bunch of writing, and then people who look at it years down the road will know what we looked like at that time! I just love it.

For Christmas from John, I got some new jeans, and leggings, which I knew I was getting because I bought them on black Friday. Ha.

But it was the cutest thing ever...John hands me a small box on Christmas day, and I open it...in it are my favorite pair of earrings that have been broken for almost the entire time we've been married.

He said "Since we don't have that much money, I decided I would make you a gift."

SO CUTE.

I cried.

It's the little moments like that that count people, I'm tellin' ya.

This was what I gave John for Christmas. He's wanted coveralls for when he works on his car, so I got him some grey ones, and then above the pocket we had his name embroidered.

He was stoked.

I couldn't be happier.

Overall, December has been a very busy, seriously stressful month. I love Christmas more than anything but at times it gets a little nerve wracking.

I have more pictures, well...Kati has pictures, and so I may post those as soon as I get some of them from her.

Starting a new year again this weekend, I can't believe it.

Really, where did the decade go?

I'm excited for another year, because you never know where it will take you.

Here's to 2011.

Oh, p.s. John and I have been married for 17 months, TODAY.

Almost a year and a half. Has it really been that long?