A Special Thanks

Despite the current economic situation going on in our country, as well as health care, war and other policy problems- I would like to express a certain thank you to our government.

When you are declared an independent, in college, and poor enough you qualify for government pell grants. Jon and my education were paid in full this year by government pell grants, and we truly cannot be more grateful. They make getting through school and working at low pay possible for us. I have many married friends who are in the same situation as us. It seems like we should say more "thank yous", we really are blessed.

Also a special thank you to Santa Barbara Scholarship for giving Jon living expenses, as well as the government SMART grant for science majors.

Sometimes it just seems like when we do our checkbook we come out even every month. But luckily we have been able to putting away savings, and live beyond groceries and rent. Sometimes it is easy to forget why that is, and what makes life comfortable. So I would like to be sure that I express my gratitude for all types of scholarships and aid for students.

Computer Help

If any of my Santa Barbara readers ever have any computer problems, I am happy to say that my very own computer specialist is opening herself up to freelance work. My sister Amy is an IT specialist, and knows her way around all types of computer problems- small and big. She has been a necessary help for me and my lap top, and my family always takes advantage of her knowledge. Bottom line: she seriously knows her stuff!

So if you have a computer problem, feel free to contact her. She will be happy to give you estimates on cost, and will definitely charge less than other companies.

She was also kind enough to let me design her business cards, and send her about a bazillion drafts until we got the final one done. You can find her contact information on the image below!

A Real Man

Does the dishes in purple gloves.

Nouns and books and show and tell: Back to school

Fall term has started. The first day of Jon and my senior year. Here is a brief list of random thoughts we have had thus far...

1. 400 level teachers have convinced themselves that 400 classes are hard, and like to tell their students that their classes are hard. Isn't that what 200 and 300 level classes prepared us for?

2. Jon and I have 2 classes together. It is fun, and kind of sweet. I think we will be less competitive this time around.

3. It is weird for campus to be so full of people. We used to think we had campus all to ourselves. We are cattle again, elbowing our way through the halls.

4. We like our professors. Having some great professors really makes a difference.

5. I am questioning grad school. Now that I should be applying. It doesn't feel quite right anymore. Sigh. I wish future me would tell me what to do.

6. Jon and I have some good goals set up for this semester. They will remain a mystery until we accomplish something, then I will be willing to share.

7. When did we ever get homework done? Vacation made me forget how this works.

8. We like BYU. We like our majors.

There is no place like home

Here are some more pictures from our vacation! We have a lot of favorites, but here are some of our highlights.

Tonight we went to dinner at Ruth's Chris steak house for an early birthday. They had delicious food!


I tried my luck at surfing. Jon's brother Jake helped me.. I caught two waves, but knelt instead of standing up. But we had fun!


The mystery spot in Santa Cruz was entertaining, we also went to the boardwalk while we were down there.


San Francisco was fantastic, we loved the city, fishermans warf, and ghiradelli square. Here we are with the golden gate bridge:



I feel as though Jon and I have two homes now... in Goleta California and our little apartment in Provo Utah. But it sure has been nice to be with our families, we like them!

Good News

We are taking a little break after our nearly 4 mile trek to fishermans warf and ghiradelli square.

I thought I would take the time to share some little bits of good news.

First, Jon is getting A's in his 2 classes from this term! And I am getting an A in abnormal psychology! We are very happy.

Also, remember voting for t-shirt designs? Well they choose this one and asked me to make it navy blue (otherwise it looks too much like a UVU shirt, I agree). Who knows, maybe I was the only one who submitted anything, but either way, it is fun to have my design on some shirts! Thanks for voting guys!

Seattle, Portland and San Fran

This vacation has been so wonderful!

Here are some quick highlights

Sunday: dinner with the Toborgs and getting to see my friend Rachelle from BYU-Idaho and meeting her awesome amily

Monday: Pikes place and the Experience Music Project and Science Fiction museum, having Kaitlin as an amazing tour guide, yummy lunch and cupcakes, the locks and awesome views of Seattle.

Tuesday: going to the Vista house with Bethany and Chandler, checking out chiropractic west with Brandon, and getting to spend time with my favorite cousin and her family

Wednesday: a not so fun 11 hour drive, but a super cute hotel and a yummy dinner at the cheesecake factory made everything ok again.

This is our small, but lovely hotel room, right by union square:


We are so excited for tomorrow! Pictures are on facebook if you would like to see what we've been up to.