Christmas in July

Yesterday, Josh and I went with some friends to the house where "The Christmas Story" movie was filmed. It was a lot of fun and we learned lots of great little facts about the movie. This house was actually only used to film the outside scenes and scenes that occurred inside the house were done off set because of the large equipment.

This car was used in the movie, but was not used as the family's car....It was just casted as an "extra."

The leg lamp...

Street view of the house with the lamp in the window.

Once we were inside the house, they let us play and touch anything in the house.  It was really neat.  All of the important, untouchables were in the museum across the street.  I got the BB Gun for Christmas and Josh got a bowling ball :)

We went with some friends so we actually got pictures of us together!  So nice :)

It was really neat and fun to go to.  I love this movie!  It made me want to watch the movie again soon.  We are so happy that we were able to go and cross it off on our list of things to do in Cleveland.

Indians Baseball

There never seems to be a dull moment in our lives right now!  Things have just been absolutely crazy.  I guess that's what happens when you are moving though.  This month has gone by sooo fast!  I don't even know where to start!  We have been having some internet/computer problems lately too.  And for some reason I have the hardest time commenting on blogs, but I do want you all to know that I do read them! 

So the beginning of this month, I started my new job.  I absolutely love it.  It is the perfect job for me.  It's not that I enjoy working by any means, but since I have to this is the right job for me.  To celebrate the first day of my new job, we went to an Indians baseball game (with tickets that the owner from my previous job gave me).  Going to watch the Indians have been something that we have really enjoyed being able to during our time here in Cleveland. 

Every game they have ketchup, mustard and onion race.  Before the race, Josh and I put a little bet on who would win.  I went with ketchup because he has won the most and Josh went with onion.  Sadly, the onion won; but it was still fun to cheer them on.

We really had a great time and are thankful we were able to go.

Other than the baseball game, not much has been going on.  We have just been packing and getting ready to move this weekend.  Like every other move, I can't wait to get this one over with.  Luckily, we were able to sell and just get rid of a bunch of stuff. 

*Memorial Day 2011*

Josh and I have been very fortunate these last few years and have had great Memorial Day celebrations!  They have been ones that we will never forget.  Last year, Josh's parents came out to Ohio and we got to celebrate with them by going to Kirtland, Palmyra and Niagara Falls.  The year before we had an awesome time in Michigan with my family.  This year, we stayed home but still had a great time.  Our Memorial Day really only consisted of going to our ward's picnic, but it was so much fun.  The boys played softball, which Josh had so much fun playing.  We had great food and great company. 

As things were wrapping up, a major water fight started.  All the kids and a lot of the adults were all in the water fight. It was so much fun.  I don't remember the last time I got into a huge water fight like that.  Everyone was completely drenched from their heads to their feet by the time it was over.  The kids had no mercy and got anyone and everyone wet.  We had a blast.  After the initial water fight, the kids decided to get the slides wet and fly down the slides.  They got some good speed going down;  I don't know how no one got hurt.  I decided that I had to get in on the slides.  I flew down but it was so much fun and definitely a little dangerous.

I didn't get very many pictures because as I stated earlier, the kids had no mercy.  They would get me wet, camera or no camera in hand :)  I did get a way too cute picture of my friend's kid though.  This is Andrew.  He's just too cute.

Andrew and his family moved away from us this last weekend.  Andrew's mom, Valerie, has been my best friend for the last few years in Ohio.  They are already greatly missed by us!  We wish you well on your journey in Michigan, but we miss you guys so much!  It's hard for me to believe that there will be no more going to the movies with you or playing games or just the great talks that we had.  Thank you for all the many blessings you brought into our lives!  We miss you!  Thank you for a wonderful Memorial Day!  This year would not have been as much fun without you guys!

My New Camera Strap!

While Josh was gone, I had to find things to do to keep my self busy.  I must have been able to find enough things to do because the two months went by so quickly!  I'm just hoping that the rest of this year will go by just as quickly.  One of the things I did while Josh was gone was making this new camera strap cover.  It took MUCH longer than I thought it would.  I got the idea off of a crafty blog.  I absolutely love it!  I'm still not the best seamstress, but it's good enough.  Hopefully with more practice I can get a little better.  Here are a few pictures:





I was also able to take a little camera class that taught me how to use my camera.  I still need LOTS of help and LOTS more practice, but I did learn a few tricks and hopefully I can get out and use my camera a little more. 

Josh is now home and life has been even crazier.  In this last week, we had a garage sale and have started packing as we are moving at the end of the month!  More posts and pictures to come.

Hangin with...

THREE OLD FARTS :) My mom, Grandma and Aunt Valerie all came to Cleveland to hang out with me last weekend. There is nothing like hanging out with them. They are one of a kind...each of them.  And really I am not degrading them by calling them old farts; it's what they call themselves.  I have a great time with them all.  They can keep anyone entertained. 

It doesn't seem like we really did much. We mainly just hung out talking and laughing.  We did go down to Amish Country, which is always fun.  And it's always a different experience every time I go.  I love all the little shops no matter how touristy they are.

We also attempted to go see the covered bridges of northest Ohio; bu on our way in the rain, we hit a pothole and got a flat tire.  Oh I was sooo mad.  WE had to wait about an hour for someone to come change the tire for us.  My mom and Grandma wouldn't let me attempt to do it myself.  I ended up having to get a new tire too.  Needless to say it was a ton of money for a trip to nowhere.  Oh well, the old farts kept me entertained while we waited.  And a not so bad looking police officer stopped and gave me a letter.  He said for us to send our receipts in and try to get reimbursed by the state.  I will most certainly be doing that! 

Here are the few pictures that I did take:

My Mommy:

 Aunt Valerie:

Grandma during her facebook lesson from my mom (now that was fun to listen too :))

Thanks Mom, Grandma and Aunt Valerie for keeping me company for the weekend.  It was great to see you all.  Come again!  Love you all!

So Blessed!

I just wanted to write a quick post.  I got a new job offer!!!  I am beyond excited.  Since the beginning of the year, my job has become more and more less desirable.  I couldn't take it any more.  At times I thought I would be able to last another year then the next day something else at work would happen and I didn't think I could take another day.  A few weeks ago I started to apply for some new jobs and posted my resume online.  I got a few calls, a few phone interviews and a few personal interviews.  The day after I really started to look for a job, I got a phone call from a medical billing office.  As soon as I heard what type of position they were looking for, I totally wanted the job.  It's actually my favorite part of my current job and I would be doing just that full time!  I went in for an interview...my first in 3 years and I felt a little rusty.  I didn't think it went over that well.  A week later, they asked me to do an Excel test online.  Then another week went by.  I was thinking that it wasn't looking good even though i had only missed one question on the test.  Then I got a phone call for a second interview, which was scheduled for yesterday.  On my way to the interview, I prayed that whatever what going to be best for me would happen.  I also prayed for comfort.  I went in and felt totally confident.  I knew my Heavenly Father was there.  It was a pretty lax interview and I walked out feeling great.  I got a call this morning and was offered the position!!!  I am so unbelievably happy.  I truly feel that this job just fell into my lap.  It's not one that I applied for; they found my resume online.  I know that my Heavenly Father wants me to be happy. 

I also have a GREAT friend who had me over for dinner.  She even made me a cake to celebrate the new job.  And her family sung to me as well!  I am so grateful for the friendship that I have with them.  They are an amazing family and have no idea how much they will be missed by the Wrays when they move :(  Thank you so much!  You are the best!

This day has been a great one!  I got a new job!  My new running shoes FINALLY came were delivered!  I can't wait to wear them!  We also had a little thunderstorm...nothing like an Oklahoma storm, but it was something.  Overall, a GREAT day!  I feel so truly blessed by my Heavenly Father who wants me to be happy and also puts great friends into my life.  Ok..I'm off to go watch the Biggest Loser, read or clean...I need/want to do all three but I know that's not going to happen...We'll see which one wins.....Coming Soon...My Mother's Day post (maybe).

April Recap

I can't believe that April is just about over!  Where did the time go?  Actually I am very thankful it went by as fast as it did.  I'm just hoping that this next month goes by just as fast.  Josh has finished his rotation in New York.  He will be home soon and will be here til Sunday morning then off to Kansas City.  I have actually been very busy this month and have been able to see Josh every weekend.  I have been very fortunate and this first month away hasn't been too bad.  Busy with just me being home by myself?  Yes, that's right.  Here are some of the things I have done.  I have been doing a lot of job searching.  Things at work have been a little rough this month, so I have started a search.  I'm not sure that I will actually go through with it as I only have a year left here and I'm hoping that I can make my current employer last at least that long, but I'm not sure that I can.  I have done a lot of searching online and have had 2 in person interviews and 4-5 phone interviews.  I have also been busy with my calling.  I've had a few meetings and have to make sure I have teachers, etc, etc...I have also been able to do a few things that I enjoy.  This last week I started reading a book that I really enjoy.  Tonight I made sugar cookies for Josh. 

Yes, they are feet.  We like feet around house...hopefully soon they will start making us money :) 

I made this birthday wreath, which I love: 

I have also done a little sewing.  Not much, but some.

I mowed the lawn for the first time.  I actually really enjoyed doing it.  I had my iPod going with headphones so I could hear and mowed away.  Luckily our lawn is small, but I did enjoy it.  I also got the car's oil change and new brakes installed for the car.  About 4 hours later and too much $$$, my car feels much better :)    I'm proud of myself.  Overall, I feel like I have gotten a lot accomplished this month.  It's been hard being away from Josh, but I have definitely kept myself busy enough that it hasn't been too bad.  Now I need a few projects for this coming month...Any ideas???

Birthday Weekend

Ok, Ok...I know I'm a little late on updating, but after this post I should be all up to date.  I really had a great birthday.  I know that as I get older that birthdays really just aren't the same any more; but this year my dad, Nola, Brayden and Jenna all came up to Ohio to come celebrate with me!  It was their first time to come visit us in Ohio; yes, that's right it took them just about THREE years to come visit me and they fly free!!  :)  It's ok, I'm so glad they came and we had such a great time.  It all started with me getting to leave work early on Friday!  WooHoo!!  That alone could have made my weekend :)  But I was lucky and my weekend continued with greatness.  I left work at about noon and went straight to the airport to pick up Nola and Jenna  (Dad and Brayden got stuck and ended up on a later flight).  Then us girls went out for lunch at Penn Station, our favorite sandwich place here in Cleveland...YUM!  We came back to my place and just talked and hung out until we got the call from Dad.  Then I left to go pick them up.  To continue with the Dill family tradition for dinner  we had pizza.  We enjoyed Donato's Pizza...our favorite pizza place in Ohio.  Even Jenna enjoyed a little bite :)

Happy Jenna:  She hardly fussed at all the whole time!

Josh came home late Friday night then we all went to bed.  Saturday was suppose to be our fun day of adventure in Cleveland, but the weather rained us out.  It pretty much rained all day.  We drove up to Lake Erie and just drove by because it was raining so hard.  Then we went off to Brandywine Falls.  It was still pouring and we all got soaked, but it was fun and worth it.  Josh and I have been there several times and have never seen the waterfall so full; I guess there is an upside to going while it's raining.

Here is Brayden in the "rock cave:"

Brayden & Dad:

Then we went on to Amish Country.  By that time it was a little late in the day so we didn't get to see too much as they close at 5pm.  But what we were able to see and do was pretty cool.  We stopped at a furniture store....BEAUTIFUL!  Their woodworking is AMAZING...and expensive :)  Then as we were driving into the town we saw a free petting zoo; so we stopped and finished our tour of Amish Country there.  Brayden loved all the animals.  And we all had a great time at their stores and even with the animals.

This horse was HUGE!  If I remember correctly, it weighed 3000 lbs!

So they had this GIANT rocking chair outside.  It you can't tell by my face, I was a little freaked out sitting in it.  It totally feels like you are going to fall and flip backwards.

After Amish country, Dad ad Nola took us out for a birthday dinner at LongHorn Steakhouse.  It was pretty good, but we were all sooo exhausted by our long day.  By the time we got home, we were all ready to go to bed.

We went to church on Sunday then went to Kirtland.  We didn't stay at Kirtland for too long and the kids were ready to go, but it was fun to go.  Josh left from there to go back to New York.  When we got home, my dad grilled some hamburgers and I made some corn on the cob!  It was yummy!

They left early Monday morning.  It was a short trip, but I am so thankful they came.  It was nice to be able to show them around a little and really just to see them.  Thanks Dad & Nola!

Just so that I am totally caught up now,  Josh came back this weekend as well.  I have been very fortunate that we got to see each other every weekend this month!  I won't be that lucky next month :(  This last Saturday, we went down to the Columbus Temple.  It was an amazing experience to be able to do sealings for family names, including my great grandparents.  We didn't really have a chance to do anything special for Easter. We just went to church, came home, ate hot dogs then Josh left to go back up to New York to finish his month out there.  But Happy Easter to everyone!

Bizzzzzy

Oh my gosh!  Seriously, where has the time gone???  This last month has gone by so fast.  It's like I blinked and it is now April!  Josh and I have been SUPER DUPER busy lately.  I have read most of your blogs, but haven't commented cause when I do sit down at the computer I rush to read everyone's updates for the last week or two.  I honestly don't know where to begin and unfortunately I'm not sure what all we did....so here's March of what I can remember.

Some time at the end of February to beginning of March, I was released from my calling in Primary.  I had mixed emotions about being released.  Happy to have the pressure gone, but sad to not be teaching the children any more.  They are such sweet kids and I enjoyed teaching them once a month for sharing time.  A few weeks later, I was told the Bishop wanted to talk to me.  I knew I must be getting a new calling, but I never thought that I would be called as the first counselor in RELIEF SOCIETY!  Yep, that's right.  Actually the day that I was called, I was sitting on the stand as I was giving a talk that day.  It was fun to see some of the shocked faces of some of my good friends :)  I too was very shocked.  To be honest, I have never really enjoyed Relief Society and I wasn't too shy about it.  But I will say that I know it's where I need to be at this time in my life.  I have already grown a huge appreciation and love for the sisters in the ward and I know that will continue to grow.  Needless to say, this calling has kept be VERY busy this last month :)  For some reason, I feel much busier than my Primary calling, but I am happy to do what I can. 

Josh is still the Ward Mission Leader, which has also kept us very busy.  We have had two baptism in the last month.  The first was for three young girls in an amazing family.  The second was a guy married to a great lady who is a member.  Both baptisms were amazing and filled with the Spirit.  Josh also helped a kid in our ward with him Pine Wood Derby car.  They didn't win, but did a great job.  I went and took a few pictures.

I don't know how these parents feel about pictures of their kids online, so just pictures of their cars.  But these boys were all super excited the whole night.  It was fun to see them all and have them race their cars...plus there was lots for dessert :)

On March 27th, we had the opportunity to go to the Kirtland Temply for a special fireside celebrating the 175th aaniversary of it's dedication.  It was such a neat experience.  I'm so glad that we were able to go.  No one could leave without feeling the Spirit and only a few left with dry eyes.  It was an amazing fireside. 

At the end of March, Josh finished his first rotation as a fourth year podiatry student!  We are both so excited to just have one more year left of school/rotations!  This month, Josh is on rotation in Johnson City, NY.  He is really like the program up there and the area.  I drove up there this last weekend and we had a blast.  It was fun to explore this new town with him and just be able to see each other.  We didn't do anything too exciting as Josh was on-call all weekend, but it was nice to see him.  I didn't realize how much he does for me until he was gone!  He is such an amazing guy who has done our dishes by hand for the last year and a half!  :)  I do miss him terribly, but I'm doing ok.  Sorry...back to our weekend.  We just did a lot of exploring of the town and shops.  Josh only got called in to do/see one surgery, so it wasn't so bad.  On Sunday, we drove down to Pennsylvania.  This whole area is just so beautiful!  Most of the pictures that I took were wile we were in the car driving around, so not the best quality and I don't feel like editing them to look any better :)

Trying for a picture of the sunset:

So, I thought Oklahoma had a ton of deer, this place has more than I have ever seen!

Pennsylvania did a great job of welcoming us...New York, not so much (couldn't get the camera out in time)

The Susquehanna River...BEAUTIFUL, my picture does not do it any justice....Guess we should have gotten out of the car:

We stumbled upon our DREAM house.  One day we will be living in a house quite similar to this...It was AMAZING!!

Just a cool barn that we drove past:



Hello March!

And Hello to being fourth year podiatry students!  Yep that's right, Josh is now a fourth year!  He is now done with all of his classwork!  Yay!  For the next year, he will be doing his hospitals rotations around town and around the country!  We are pretty excited and Josh is very relieved to not have any more "test weeks" or finals!

March is such a great month!  My favorite color is green, so I love St. Patty's Day!  It's also a great month because it FINALLY starts to get a little warmer.  I know we are suppose to get snow tomorrow, but not very much!  Spring is almost here!  And the sun is shining for a longer time.  I'm lovin March so far!





How many of you have recipe blogs?  If you have one or follow one, please let me know.  Josh & I are tired of eating the same things all the time and I'm tired of cooking them.  PLEASE (yes, I am begging) let me know if you know of good recipe blogs!  I want to try to make at least 1-2 new recipes a week!  We are also wanting to eat a bit healthier, so please share your favorite "healthy" recipe.  Thanks!  Happy March!