Date Night: Lanterns from Tangled

Have you seen the movie 

Tangled?

Have you made a lantern?

We have!

This past Friday was my turn to plan our date so I decided to base it off one of Alyssa's favourite movies, TANGLED! I kind of wanted to try this out too so I decided it was going to be a night of tangled lanterns. I told Alyssa before what we were going to do so we could go to Wal-Mart together and get supplies. We had most of the supplies but there were things we had to get like yellow paper and tissue paper.

We used this video to explain to us how to do it.

We loved making the lantern. It was relaxing for us and it probably took us about an hour to complete. The hardest part was cutting out the patterns for the lanterns. 

Then afterwards we cuddled up and watched the movie... 

Tangled :)

When life gives you lemons...

Baby size this week:

My size this week:

Fun facts:

-Arms have grown to match the body proportion but the legs still have a little while to go.

-Our baby is more than likely a thumb sucker right about now, ohhh and a cute little toe wigglier.

-The peach-fuzz like hair that grows over the body? Yea, our baby is being covered with that as we type!

-AND our baby is officially going to the bathroom inside my tummy. 

Good Morning

Rarely I get to sleep in. Even when I do sleep in, I'm still awake around 7am. Today I did not have class until 11am so I had 4 hours to spend with my wife. After cuddling and talking in bed, we decided to make ourselves a premium breakfast. Needless to say, it was divine!

Alyssa made a delicious first course meal by mixing my favourite yogurt with fresh cut fruit. Then while she was preparing that she got the eggs ready and I cooked the thick-cut bacon and diced hash browns. To top all that off, juice. Not ordinary juice, country fresh orange juice with some pulp. I loved it. We lounged in PJ's, ate our amazing breakfast while enjoying each other's company. 

Thank you to my wonderful wife for making a great breakfast and keeping me healthy :)

Marriage Humor

You may feel like marriage feels similar to these...  

...welp, good luck! 

Everyday I'm Shuffling

"Weak things made Strong"

Cliff Young - age 61

Every year in Australia, an endurance race that goes from Sydney to Melbourne is held. This race is 543.7 miles long and takes world class athletes five full days to complete. It is known as the world’s most grueling ultra-marathon. And the athletes who enter are mostly young, less than 30 years of age, highly trained and sponsored by large companies.

Let me share with you the story of a very unlikely competitor named Cliff Young, who at 61 years of age showed up at the start of this race wearing his overalls and work boots. Everyone assumed he was a spectator, but when he picked up his number and joined the other competitors, everyone was shocked. When he was interviewed by the press, they told him in effect that he was crazy to attempt this and that he should not even start the race. They told him there was no way he could ever finish. To which Cliff replied: “Yes I can. See, I grew up on a farm where we couldn't afford horses or tractors, and the whole time I was growing up, whenever the storms would roll in, I'd have to go out and round up the sheep. We had 2,000 sheep on 2,000 acres. Sometimes I would have to run those sheep for two or three days. It took a long time, but I'd always catch them. I believe I can run this race.”

The professionals who had run this race knew what it took and they had calculated that in order to finish in five days, a person had to run for 18 hours straight and then sleep for six hours. Everyone knew this fact. Everyone that is, except for Cliff Young! 

When the race started, Cliff was left in the dust. He wasn’t flashy, he wasn’t sponsored, and he wasn’t fast. In fact he didn’t even run properly—he shuffled! So on the second day of the race, Cliff was forgotten. But to everyone’s surprise, he was still in the race. He had jogged all night long! And not only that, but he had determined to run for the next five days straight to the finish line without sleeping at all. No one believed that this could be done—no one that is, except Cliff. 

“Cliff kept running. Each night he came a little closer to the leading pack. By the final night, he had surpassed all of the young, world-class athletes. He was the first competitor to cross the finish line and he set a new course record…Today, the ‘Young-shuffle’ has been adopted by ultra-marathon runners because it is considered more energy-efficient. At least three champions of the Sydney to Melbourne race have used the shuffle to win the race. Furthermore, during the Sydney to Melbourne race now, modern competitors do not sleep. Winning the race requires runners to go all night as well as all day, just like Cliff Young.”

What does this story teach us? It isn’t that we shouldn’t sleep; rather, it teaches us that we can change the world! We can do hard things. We can endure. We must prepare and all our life is preparation. Believe in yourself! Don’t give up. Endure! You have the power to achieve anything you set your mind to. There are many lessons and each is custom fit to you. What I know and have learned is that anything worth doing is not easy and that we can do anything that is not easy if we believe. Now you may not be contemplating a marathon or an ultra-marathon, but you may be in the middle of a challenge that looks like one. You may feel opposed on every side. You may wonder if you really can continue to push forward with a perfect brightness of hope.
-Elaine Dalton, "Dare Great Things"

What Every Guy Should Know

Hey guys, I know some woman are tough to be with. Remember, we're different... very different.

1. Don't lie to women, they will find out
2. Don't say we understand, coz let's face it guys, we really don't
3. Girls are pretty, but yours is the prettiest
4. Saying something sweet might get you off the hook; doing something sweet will always get you off the hook (until the next dumb thing you do)
5. A system in your car only impresses your homeboys, not the best women
6. No matter what you say, your ex-girlfriend is the devil
7. If you did something wrong or even if you didn't - apologize
8. Woman are self-conscience by nature, they cannot help it
9. Drama Queens, need I say more?
10. "Fine" is not an appropriate answer when she asks how she looks.
11. They don't care about monster trucks, car systems, extreme sports, or anything else the guys talk about
12. Trust me, they don't shave their legs every day, so get over it
13. Don't make bets about your women, they will find out
14. Your woman is beautiful ALL the time
15. They will always think they are fat, but humour them and tell them they are not
16. Most important, women are always right, so don't forget it

To all the guys out there, good luck! 

Alright guys, this shows you just how different we are. 

This is a video of how men's brains are different from women's.

Oh so thankful Tuesdays...10/18

1. Picnik. For those of you who are like me and can't afford Adobe Photoshop but love editing pictures...should definitely check this website out! It's amazing and lets you do everything that Photoshop does.

2. Fun packages from my family. We got a Halloween one yesterday and it was filled with fun Halloween things and lots of candy! LOVE IT! Thank you!!

3. Marriage. Check out the last post from the hubs. He sums it up to a "T"...I love that man!

4. Pinterest. At first I didn't even know how to pronounce the word, but now I am addicted. There are so many creative and inspiring things on there. 

5. My bed. I've had that things for years, but it just gets comfier and comfier. 

Marriage?

Marriage? Why on earth would I do that?
My thought on this subject has certainly changed over the years. I wanted to share a quote from an internationally renowned surgeon and prominent LDS leader, Russel M. Nelson:

Wise shoppers study their options thoroughly before they make a selection. They focus primarily on the quality and durability of a desired product. They want the very best. In contrast, some shoppers look for bargains, and others may splurge, only to learn later—much to their dismay—that their choice did not endure well. And sadly, there are those rare individuals who cast aside their personal integrity and steal what they want. We call them shoplifters.The patterns of the shopper may be applied to the topic of marriage. A couple in love can choose a marriage of the highest quality or a lesser type that will not endure. Or they can choose neither and brazenly steal what they want as “marital shoplifters.”

Please know that I didn't buy my wife, although I had high expectations I have loved every day of my marriage with my eternal wife, Alyssa Smeda. She has been more than wonderful to me. We have only been for six months but I'm happy and I have come to realize my thoughts about marriage was a little off before. 

Growing up I wasn't a fan of marriage. To me, marriage meant tied to one person, diminishing my goals, and not being able to do what I wanted to do. In contrast, I have learned that marriage means always having a best friend, enhancing goals, and learning to love enough to sacrifice for things which are really important in life. I struggled with the concept of skyrocketing rates of divorce worldwide. I didn't want to be another statistic. I have learned that the best way to stay married is to STAY married. It's hard sometimes, sure. But it doesn't mean it is impossible. Drop the things that don't matter, and discuss the things that does. I have learned to appreciate  communicate, and date. 
Appreciating is easy, it's saying I love you and Thank you. It makes a world of a difference. It's the first step to strengthening a relationship.
Communication is not just talking. It's listening too. My wife will agree that I have much improvement in this area, but I'm working on it. Communicating is key for Alyssa and I as we discuss common goals and building our friendship. 
Dating is so much better than hanging out. I love the dates my wife go on. We both enjoy the dates but it is so much better when it is a planned date. When actual creativity and effort is put into it, I get much more excited for a date knowing I took the time out of my day to think of something special for her, not just anyone, but for my wife. I have often thought as planning a date like "service." It's an unselfish act which benefits others, but at the same time there is something intangible that happens to yourself, a sense of peace perhaps. Depending on the service, but for me, planning a date for Alyssa means I'm thinking about her more in a positive way. I'm thinking about her likes and dislikes. 

Life is peachy.

Baby size this week:

My size this week:

How far along? 13 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: Only 1lb :]
Maternity clothes? Bought my first 2 shirts this weekend.
Stretch marks? No. Lets pray I don't get any.
Sleep: Is my best friend.
Best moment this week: Learning that our baby is moving and kicking constantly inside me. I wish I could feel it!
Have you told family and friends: yes!
Movement: not yet :(
Food cravings: nachos, panda express, & brownies.
Anything making you queasy or sick? Not really, my nose is just really sensitive.
Have you started to show yet? I think so.
Gender prediction: I want a girl, hubs wants a boy.
Labor Signs: No.
Belly Button in or out? In
Wedding rings on or off? Still on, for now.
Happy or Moody: It varies and it all depends.
Weekly Wisdom: Our baby has fingerprints!!!
Milestones: Second Trimester!!!

oh so thankful Tuesdays...10/11

1. These...Hubs brought them home for me today. He said "I was at the store and saw one red rose...but then I decided she deserves a dozen." Awww..

2. That this snow was just a teaser...for now. I was scared to drive & it hadn't even iced over yet.

3. The bump that is quickly growing around my belly button. It's fun...but I can't wait until it gets bigger and doesn't just look like I ate a big lunch.

4. New shows that spark my interest. The Secret Circle. Check it out. It's gooooooood.

5. Support. Everything that has happened in my life during the past year has really opened my eyes to the amount of love and support I have from family and friends. You all are the best, and I love you!

surprise.

This little plum is growing inside me. 12 weeks down, 27 to go. I am in love.

first 6 months

Okay, here are some things I have learned about my relationship with my wife


-My wife is an amazing cook
-She likes things done her way (the better way :)
-She turns a cold apartment into a warm home
-She is beautiful, with or without make up
-I have the most fun when I am with her
-She picks me up when I am down
-Apparently it's weird to eat leftovers
-apparently it's not okay to eat the same kind of food every day, every meal
-She does not share my passion for rugby, how unfortunate. 
-She saves money with couponing, and is amazing at it!!
-She's more patient than I expected


I love her more with every passing day. 


Alyssa, I love you so much! Thank you for the best 6 months... 
(how many months left?)

SIX MONTHS♥

What I've learned in the past 6 months... about myself & my husband:

-I CAN cook, never thought that day would come.

-He makes me laugh more than I ever thought possible.

-I'm not as patient as I thought I was.

-He is an extremely hard worker.

-I do know how to dust...(Dad...I know, shocking huh?)

-He doesn't talk when I'm upset...its his way of letting me vent.

-I jump to conclusions more than I should.

-He is a very forgiving person.

-"I'm sorry" aren't words that come out of my mouth often.

-Living with someone other than family can be rough.

-He is a child at heart. Give this boy cereal and cartoons and he's set. 

-Snoring is something I can sleep through, if I try hard enough.

-Lady Gaga, Ke$ha, & the Glee Cast live with us. They sing to me while their showering.

-He's very adamant about his future, dreams and goals.

-Being away from family and friends is a struggle I face daily, still.

-He can go to sleep angry, I can't.

-The past is the past, the future is what's important.

-He is creative when it comes to planning dates.

-We have different tastes in movies, but he watches chick flicks because I like them.

-Compromise is the key ingredient in all relationships.

-Waking up at 2am for a rugby game? He is crazy.

-General conference, the temple and the church mean more to me now. 

-He is very outgoing and much more of a people person than I am.

-I worry about money, he keeps me calm.

-We will have extremely cute kids.

Yes, we've had our fair share of arguments and disagreements, but in the end they make us a stronger couple. We are one and we are together forever. When we got married we didn't say vows, but in my heart I knew I would be with him through sickness and in health, for better and for worse. They say that the first year of marriage is the hardest and once you make it past that year you can do anything together. 6 down, 6 more to go. 

I love you Christopher Alan. 

Thank you for an amazing 6 months.

Happy Friday!

Agenda this weekend? MOVE (into our lovely new two bedroom.)
It'll be nice to have extra space, this one bedroom was gettin too small.

I guess I better document this:
First snowfall of the season: October 6, 2011.
And you wanna know what I have to say about that?
buuuuuuurrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr, it's chilly.

Have a wonderful weekend.
& if you're anywhere close to Idaho, stay warm.

Oh so thankful Tuesdays...10/4

1. The new apartment we are moving into this weekend. :] That's right, we finally sold our contract and we are moving this weekend! Same complex, same ward...bigger apartment. 

2. Netflix. I think I would go crazy without it.

3. General Conference. I loved being able to watch & listen to our prophets and apostles this past weekend. There were some amazing talks. 

4. Marriage. It has changed my life....and definitely for the better. Love it!

5. Andriod Apps. No matter what I enter in the little search box they always have something...

Date Night: Choose Your Own Adventure Date

It's been awhile, but this week I actually felt like planning a fun, creative date!! With help from The Dating Divas, I planned the "Choose Your Own Adventure" Date Night. I switched it up to fit us, but you can find their version of the date here. 

To start off, you need to plan activities for 3 different categories....before dinner, dinner, and after dinner (you can add/subtract the amount of categories depending on how much time/people you have.) I planned 3 things for each of these categories...having 9 different options when I was done. I typed up all these options and placed each individual one in separate envelopes (9 envelopes total.) On each envelope I wrote a clue that would help him figure out what was in the envelope (pictures on bottom of post.) 

I came up with this poem and gave it to Chris when I picked him up from school... (it does a better job at explaining that he will be the one choosing what we do that night)

He was excited..especially because everything was planned, but he was in control. We quickly changed and got ready and I handed him the first 3 envelopes.... (the options are printed next to the envelope because I forgot to take pictures before I sealed them up...oops!)

He chose...

and off to DI we went...

After we both found pants & only spent $12.00, I gave him the next three envelopes...

He's been craving Costa Vida and figured that one out pretty quick....Costa Vida it was!

Never been there or wonder what kind of food they have? It's almost identical to Cafe Rio, Chipotle, or Bajios. It's Mexican food, and its delicious! I gave him the last 3 envelopes once we got in the car.

I think "Let's take a swing at this black light thing" sounded a lot more interesting than the other two, so he picked that one & we enjoyed a game of blacklight mini-golfing!! (sorry the pics are blurry..they were taken with my phone!)

And I won :)

It was a super fun, laid back and cheap date!!