Our newest addition to our little family:)

I have been wanting to blog about our Sydney since we got her, but life has been so crazy with finals and starting a new job and adjusting to the new puppy. Well, it all started on our 20 month anniversary. We had been wanting a puppy for so long, and when we got the ok from my parents, we started looking. We had our hearts set on getting an Australian Shepherd because they are such great family dogs and have such a fun temperment, so we went searching. To our dismay, Aussie puppies cost at least $400, and are extremely hard to find at a shelter around here. But on that Wednesday afternoon, I found her. Sydney was in Cedar City at a shelter, and I saw her picture on Petfinder.com, and both Scott and I fell in love with her. Sydney is an Australian Shepherd/Border Collie mix. Within 10 minutes after calling the shelter, we decided to go and get her. I had to go to school, so Scott tool his brother James, and went that night. Needless to say, I was distracted at school all night, and couldn't wait to meet her!! She has been the sweetest little girl since day one. So loving and friendly, and curious. She is learning commands, such as "Sit", "Stay", "Come", and "Do your business"(potty time), and has only had a few accidents in the house. She sleeps in her crate all night in our room and does not whine. She is protective and affectionate to us, and anyone she meets. Sydney was 7.5 pounds when we got her, and she is now 9 pounds! She is almost 10 weeks old. We had quite a scare with her this last week. She has had the Parvo Virus, and if any of you have dogs, you know how scary that can be. But we caught it in time, and she has been such a good little fighter, and I believe she is nearly over it. I never knew I would love a dog so much. I never really liked other people's dogs that much, and especially when they licked me. But now I love it. It is so funny! I guess when they're your own, you don't care? I am sure it is the same with having your own baby, and their slobber and diapers. Sydney is the closest thing to having a baby of our own I believe. With having her, and being called to the Nursery this week, Scott and I are getting the best training for having a baby that we can get. With that said, life is pretty good! I got a job as an Administrative Assistant for a company called Burstabit Media, and I honestly couldn't ask for a better part time job. I love the company and the people and environment. I am truly blessed to have that job. Also, I just finished finals, and did very well! Massage school is going great, and i absolutely love Clinic Internship every Saturday. 5 massages in 5.5 hours is pretty exhausting, but I am proud to say I can do it, and have gained a few new clients so far, and a tip! Scott and I are saving our money and getting out of debt, so that next year we can move out and into a house. Life is going great right now, and I am so grateful. I feel happier and healthier than I have in a very long time. It truly is a wonderful life!

6:30 am was beautiful today...

I woke up this morning with Scott to make him lunch before he leaves for the day as I normally do now, feeling quite drowsy, since he normally doesn't have to leave till 7:30 am. This morning however, he had to be out the door about 6:30 am, so I half sleep-walked up the stairs to make him his lunch. He came in from outside and announced that it was beautiful outside. After he left, I decided to take a peak. To my surprise, the scene was perfect. I stuck my leg out, and felt the temperature. It felt so good. I grabbed a blanket just in case, and went out to sit on our porch swing. Everything smelled fresh, and I could smell the tulips that were right next to me in the air. Everything was quite, and still, all except my cat, who was attacking something in the bushes, which was quite entertaining to watch:) I thought to myself, this could not be a more perfect morning. I am not a morning person AT ALL, but this morning alone has made me want to see 6:30 am more often. In my newly formed opinion, this is the best time of the day!

Come to Paradise!!

Here is information about the tour that my Dad, Ken Young, is putting together for this October. Scott and I are also going to be coming, and helping with the tour! It really is a great opportunity for those not familiar with Hawaii, and don't have the time or resources to plan a vacation this detailed. We will be seeing every major tourist spot, and some that a lot of people don't know about. My dad has been to Hawaii several times throughout his life, and has done guided Hawaii tours before. Come to the meeting this Friday afternoon to see what its all about, and see if you are interested!

UCPolynesia
Fully Escorted Hawaiian Tours
Come to Paradise
Free Tour Presentation
with Hawaiian Music
PG Jacobs Senior Center
242 West 200 South, Pleasant Grove, UT
May 1, 2009 12:00 Noon

Escorted Hawaiian Tour
October 16-24, 2009
9 days / 8 nights visiting the islands of Kaua'i, Maui and Oahu. This is a fun and non-strenuous tour that is great for those who want a hassle-free vacation! Optional activities!

Tour Cost: $2,789* per person, double occupancy. Includes: Airfare, 8 nights in 4-star hotels, ground transportation, island tours, Luau, Polynesian Cultural Center admission, Lei greeting, some meals (3 dinners/2 lunches/3 breakfasts - other meals not included).

Tour Highlights*:
Oct 16 - Fly to Kaua'i. Evening free time at pool / beach. Option: Coconut Marketplace shopping.

Oct 17 – Kaua’i - Island Tour: Fern Grotto, Kilauea Lighthouse, Hanalei, Limahuli Gardens,
Haena Beach sunset picnic.

Oct 18 -. Kaua’i - Island Tour: Wailua Falls, Koloa Town, Poipu Beach, Spouting Horn.
Evening Havaiki Nui Luau. Option: attend church.

Oct 19 – Kaua’i - Na Pali Coast Boat Tour and Waimea Canyon. Evening fly to Maui.

Oct 20 – Maui - Island Tour: Iao Valley Park and Hale’akala volcano. Option: Lahaina Town

Oct 21 – Maui - Road to Hana Tour, tropical jungles, waterfalls, beaches.

Oct 22 – Oahu - Pearl Harbor Tour. Island Tour: Honolulu, Pali Lookout, Byodo-In, Laie Beach Option: LDS Laie Temple.

Oct 23 – Oahu - Polynesian Cultural Center, with Luau and Night Show.

Oct 24 - Fly to SLC, arrive evening.
* Subject to change

801-735-2191 | kyoung_ucp@msn.com | ucp-hawaiiantours.blogspot

.com

My wonderful St. George weekend, with a few surprises

Scott and I in a cave part of the Canyon Overlook hike!
Carson was so funny and decided he needed a nap halfway through the hike. We all laughed!!

Good picture of my highlights!
Mori, Carson, and Quint!! So cute.
Beautiful St. George Temple


My new hat...I love it!
Kylie all dressed up after her play!! What a doll!!

Us at Thanksgiving Point Gardens

St. George was just what the doctor ordered. My much-needed weekend started off with me getting my hair done...with blonde highlights! It has been quite a long time since I had blonde in my hair; since I was 17! But I love it, and so does Scott. It was time for a change, and since Scott would probably cry if I cut it, I settled for color. I guess I am going the blonde way now, because I intend to gradually go blonder and blonder. Oh! And we also went to the Tulip Festival at Thanksgiving point, which was just gorgeous!!
Anyway, so that night, we went and saw my sister Kylie play the Little Red-headed girl that Charlie Brown has a crush on in the play "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown". She was so adorable, and just lit up the stage!! After the play, we headed to St. George, and didn't get in till late Friday night and the Jensen's house. Saturday, we woke up and tried Herbalife shakes for the first time, and became hooked!! They are so yummy, and there are so many options, not just shakes, but pies, snack bars, and all kinds of other recipes. Scott and I decided to get the program, and we are loving it so far. We went shopping pretty much all afternoon on Saturday, and ate at Larsen's Frost top and ordered their famous rootbeer freeze, which I highly reccommend. We then went to the St. George temple grounds and took a wonderful nap on the green grass under a beautiful tree and enjoyed the flowers all around us. We then met Quint and Mori and their adorable 2 year old Carson at my favorite mexican restaurant, Pancho and Lefty's. We ended the evening seeing State of Play at the theater, which was pretty good. Sunday was spent in Zion's National Park, and the Jensen's joined us. It was gorgeous weather, and we were able to hike some beautiful trails. Carson was such a trooper! He was only carried some of the time, but mostly he walked all by himself, and loved looking at every little bug and stick! We ended the night saying goodbye to the Jensen's and eating at our favorite burger joint, Oscar's, which is right outside Zions. It was a fun and enjoyable trip, and we really liked getting to know the Jensen's better. Thanks for everything guys! Here are some pictures of Thanksgiving point, Kylie's play, and St. George.

My 22nd Birthday celebrations!

Boy did I get spoiled! I sure had a good 22nd. It started 2 Sundays ago at my Aunt Val and Uncle Mike's house to celebrate my birthday with my Dad's side of the family. We had yummy knock off Cafe Rio pork salads that my amazing Aunt came up with, and yummy cake and presents. The Saturday before my birthday, Scott and I went to Applebees to use the giftcard I got from my Aunt Wendy for my birthday and enjoyed a Bourbon Steak and embarrassing singing and yummy cake. Then on my birthday, we woke up at 7 am and had a yummy Belgium waffles and eggs and bacon breakfast made by my fabulous family. Jo was there too, and it was so yummy and fun! I wore the necklace my mom bought me from the Holy Cow fair that Pleasant Grove had, and it is absolutely gorgeous. It is a charm necklace, and I love it. Scott and I both had work off, so we spent the day eating lunch at The Olive Garden, looking at puppies and kitties and the animal shelter, shopped at Wal Mart, where I actually found some very cute capris that I never thought would look good on me, went to school to stop by (where I received a stern look from my teacher) to get a card that my classmates made, and then went to see Bedtime Stories at the dollar theater. It really was a very fun day! Oh! And I almost forgot to add that Amanda E and Amanda P took me out to Bajio last night and I received a fun knitting kit and iTunes gift card for my new iPhone that Scott bought me, and had so much fun with them! And Jo came today for the family party and gave me Breakfast at TIffany's; a cherished movie for us. I love them all!


Today we had my mom's side of the family over after conference, and celebrated my Aunt Libby's, Grandma's, and my birthday. We all had a yummy dinner and separate cakes, (chocolate peppermint, bananna cream and cheesecake) and opened many cards and presents. I was spoiled with enough money to go get a professional massage, which I have been urged to do so from my teachers at UCMT, and am very excited about it. It is a chance for me to see how other people do it, and to compare and contrast certain techniques used, the little extra ways they pamper their clients, and the aura and feeling of the room they use, so I can immatate, or better yet improve it in my own practice. (Not to mention enjoy a fabluous massage)

On another note, General Conference was amazing this spring. The major themes that stuck out to me were faith, change, and temples. What a perfect time to emphasize the importance of these. I myself have maybe lost some faith and been distraught at the hard things in this world that have occured in my life, and I felt lifted up by all the amazing talks reflecting on these topics. I know I am not the only one who needed to hear it. I feel a peace that I haven't felt in awhile, and a strong desire to visit the temple; not just for me, but for the souls in the next life who need me so much. I know that loosing yourself in the service of our Heavenly Father can lift our own burdens, and help us forget and see that there are so many things to be thankful for. I love this gospel more than anything. It is literally my spiritual oxygen and strength, and I feel I have been given a big dose of it this weekend. I hope you all felt the same way when you listened, and if you missed it, look it up online, or read in the Ensign next month.

I am posting some pictures of my birthday events. Hope you enjoy them!

Moving in with the parents...

Life threw us a curve ball. Two actually. At the same time. Everything was going great. My job of 20 months was going as usually, and Scott was making great money installing dish. We bought a truck for and excellent price ($4,000) in one weekend, and the next day, BAM! I was laid off from my job, and Scott's work came to a complete stand-still. Just like that, and that dramatic. This happened right after Valentine's weekend. Now, I was very blessed to get a new job in just 1 week of being laid off, but I had to go part time because of school, and took a big decrease in my hourly pay, while Scott's work hasn't gotten any better for the past month. Needless to say, we can't pay the bills on my part time income. Scott and I have both been working so hard to find him a good job, but as everyone knows, the economy SUCKS. We barely made it threw March, and so, with our heads hung low, we are moving in with my generous parents who understand. We were talking about debt and provident living in our combined Relief Society and Priesthood lesson today at church, and Scott and I both felt that now is the time to humble ourselves and live on a responisble budget to get out of debt and build up a big enough savings that if this ever happens to us again, we will be prepared. I am embaressed to say that we were not prepared for this. We had a year and a half of easy going, and did not save. We are learning our lesson the hard way, but at least we are learning it early on in our marriage, before kids. We are going to think of this as an opportunity to evalute and reconstruct our emergency preparedness and budget. Although I look at our apartment and feel a sadness that we will be losing a bit of our independence, I know that God will help us if we do our part and continue to pay tithing. I know that all things happen for a reason, and it is our decision what we do with what is thrown at us. Our hope is that Scott will get a good job, and we will be able to buy a home by the end of this year. We will see. But I have chosen to stay positive, and see the blessings in every part of life.

A year and a half of the greatest adventure of my life

Wow, it has been since New Years that I have blogged. So much has happened over the past 2 1/2 months. Many times I have wanted to blog, but my mind has literally been overloaded with emotions of all kinds, and school, which has been exceptionally trying. But I can now say, that I know where probably almost every muscle is in the body, and almost every function, which was so overwhelming. But I honestly think it is so cool that I am learning these things about the body. I have a new-found appreciation of the body and its amazing creation. It truly is mind-boggling. So with much studying and hard work, I managed to get 3 A's in Advanced Massage, Acupressure, and Professional Development 2, and a wonderful B in Anatomy 2. I now get to look forward to the nervous system, in all its complexities, in Anatomy 3 next week. I really am excited for it. We had our intro lesson last week, and it was fascinating. We also are taking Pathology, Cranial Sacral, Movement and Assesment, Sports Massage, and we will be starting Clinic soon as well, where i get to massage people every Saturday till October. That will be so cool, but no more weekend trips! It will be completely worth it when I finally graduate. I am so excited to be halfway through! Today is our year and a half anniversary. It is so sureal sometimes to think that it has already been that long. It hasn't always been easy, but I love my husband more and more everyday, and I am so blessed to have him. He is my very best friend, and has been a huge support to me these past 6 months since school started, and life threw some curve balls at us. There have been some events in both our families that have been so disheartening that have occured, and its easy to feel like Satan is winning sometimes. This world is becoming harder and harder to live in, but I know, I KNOW, that If we don't give in or give up, God will take care of us. He is always there, waiting and willing to carry us when it is just too hard to walk anymore. I love my family more than anything in the world, and I know things will work out in the end. Apart of this struggle has been the economy. A few weeks ago, I was laid off from my job of almost 2 years and at the same time, Scott's work became severely slow. It was so scary and strange to leave a company that I cared about so much so suddenly like that, but I know everything happens for a reason. I was very blessed to receive a job only 1 week later. I work as Real Estate Assistant for a good company, and I am hopeful that we will be able to get in a house with the help of this company. We will see. As far as Scott's work is going, things have been very slow still, but I have faith that he will find something. The only scary thing, is that if Scott doesn't find a stable job within the next week, we won't make it through April, and will have to move in with my parents. We are very grateful that they are willing to let us come, but we hope that we can remain independent. Life is full of hard choices and experiences, but it is also full of wonderful and exciting ones too, and it is so worth it. I love my life, and i love my husband, and I am grateful for these last 18 months of the greatest adventure of my life; Marriage.