Why I Love HIM

I know I just keep giving you all snapshots of our life,  but that's all I can get around to right now.
We have been living the dream having fun with family and friends.  We love the life we have and make the most of it, even though we don't have everything.

To start with, do you know how sneaky Scott is?  Let me show you...

 I know these might be from quite a while ago, but they are from when he started.  I would always get worried when I heard an alarm go off on my phone, but then when I saw what it was, I would get the biggest smile! Seriously though.  These sweet alarms/reminders have been so wonderful and alway cheer me up when I need it most.  Thank goodness he hasn't set any in the middle of the night...I might not get a big smile at that time, but I'd still get a smile.

As some of you may know, Scott and I are regular gym goers.  We love the way it makes us feel and cherish the times we get to go together.  A few weeks ago Scott was trying to max-out and squat 500 pounds! Crazy, right?!  I definitely wasn't the one spotting him on that lift.  Here he is getting in the "zone" to go for it.  Sadly, the gym we were at didn't have the exact weights we needed, so he ended up attempting 505 lbs.  That ended up being too much.  So he's working at it again and is going to try and max-out sometime soon.

 Anyways...this is one thing that I love about Scott.  His continuous desire to push himself and do better. He is like this in so many aspects of his life.  He is always wanting to do more and do better to better himself and our family.  There is always room for improvement in his eyes, and I love that vision he has.

Scott absolutely LOVES his family.  We love when we are all able to get together, whether it be with family on his side, or my side.  It's a party and full of laughs and good times.  Anytime I get to see him with his nieces or nephew is a glimpse of what our lives may one day be.  He has so much fun and let them know he cares for them and loves them all at the same time.  I have been blessed to have found such a wonderful man that is so gentle and loving with children continually.

I couldn't help adding this one...he is so happy to have all those little kiddies around him.

They're all so grown up now.  They were so little in this picture!

Scott is so hard working and willing to serve those around him.  Now that Scott doesn't play rugby, he still finds a way to spend time with the team.  He is able to help organize a service day with the team and do great things.  This year they went to prep for winter by raking leaving, cleaning out the rain gutters, moving things around, and cleaning playgrounds.  It seemed like so much work, but when you get those boys going they get the job done.  It only took and hour, when I thought it was going to take a few hours!  Here they are after the hard work and representing their team through and through to show that you need to give back to your community, when they give so much to you.  

If that doesn't say enough, then come and talk to me because I seriously love Scott so much!

He's always there, cheerful, patient, funny, spiritual, hard working, driven, loving, and determined.  

He isn't all mine, because I share him with all of you, so you can have him in your life too :)

Here's to Scott and the wonderful man that he is!

Doing Good

Life keeps going on...and we're doing good.

We would like to introduce to your all our first pet.  

Yes it's totally cliche to do something like this, but it has been a fun adventure for us. 

Meet Fobby.  

He is our trusted fish that is always at home to greet us.  

This is the first of many pets that we will have as we live our lives together.

Next, a puppy?! 

Now for another aspect of our lives...

We like "going about doing good" (Acts 10:38).

For FHE (family home evening) this past Monday night we made Blessing Bags.

On Saturday we went up to Salt Lake to watch the U of U & Cal Berkley rugby game.

As we were driving around we continued passing homeless people asking for help, food, and money on multiple corners.

After seeing them, I was reminded of a family from Montana that I got to know while on my mission.  I remembered them telling me about care packages they would make to hand to off to those asking for help, money, or food on the streets.

We made up our minds after passing a few that we would make the care packages, or what we now call, Blessings Bags.

We invited one of Scott's friends from the rugby team and his wife to come over and make them with us.  We had so much fun putting them together and chatting the whole time.

Here is a break down of what we put in the bags.

Wipes
Gum
Protein Bar
Deodorant
Bottled Water
Toothbrush & Toothpaste
Kleenex
Socks
And something sweet, Reeses

We have yet to pass one off, but we hope to do so soon.

Doing good for others always cheers us up and helps us want to continue helping others.  We hope you have all found ways of doing good in your life and for others.  

Have a Great Day!!!

Rugby

Tis the season...

Rugby is here and its his last year!

Scott has been playing rugby while attending BYU and he has enjoyed every year.  I admire him for the dedication he has for this team and all that he sacrifices.  It is a lot of work, especially while going to school and and having a social life.  

If it weren't for rugby Scott and I might not be where we are now.  When I moved down to Utah for my student teaching I was looking for things to do, and after the first time meeting Scott I might've had a little interest in him.  Then, learning about him being on the team, I knew that I would have something to do for the summer.  

Having something to do was a huge relief.  I didn't have friends down in Utah so at least having something to do would keep me entertained until I met a few people.  Who would've thought that I would meet the man of my dreams by going to rugby games.

Now I sit on the sidelines cheering him on and being his paparazzi from time to time.  Here is a glimpse of what I see most Saturdays while sitting on the side lines of the rugby field.

 

 

Oh and Scotty is quite a celebrity...So far in each game there have been people sitting behind me at some point or another "Hey! That's Scott Gowdy...He's so cool!" or "Wait, isn't that the guy that plays Sid Going in that one video."  I seriously get a good kick out of it and feel like the luckiest girl to be married to this man - FOREVER! I still haven't mentioned anything to these people that he's my one and only...secretly I do it so I can hear them talk about him more.  Wouldn't you?!

Oh and here he is giving autographs.  Priceless.

Firstie Blues & Joys

The effects of being a a 1st year teacher is hitting me.

I'm going to call these the Firstie Blues.

I've been warned many times that you will never get sick in one year more than your first year of teaching. I would have to say that I am living proof!

I have never bought more Kleenex, Dayquil, Nyquil, Airborne, Orange Juice, Tea, and Soup in my life than I have since I started my first year of teaching. 

Don't get me wrong, I love my job, but the side effects of being surrounded by sick kids (especially in the winter) everyday is catching up to me.  I'm pretty proud of myself to only have taken ONE sick day so far this year.  

Being at a year round school is definitely helpful because I get a break.  With that being said...my next break is coming at the end of this month and I'm ready for it.  

Being a teacher is work, and a lot of work at that.  However, the rewards are absolutely amazing! Seeing the growth and joy in the children is one of the greatest things I have ever seen in my life.  

This week was extra special because of the dance performance my students put on for their parents.  We have had a few dance classes over the past month with a dance teacher.  She is wonderful with the kids and they love dancing with her.  They are just so cute when they dance that I couldn't help but share with you.  One is of them doing a Mexican dance, and the other is part of the Magician Story.  

Other than the Firstie Blues, having Scott in my life brings me some of the happiest moments.  Even when I'm sick and stuck at home with the "firstie blues" he still makes being sick bearable.  

This past week we have been able to do a few things after our long days of work, school, and rugby.  

We went out for a little date night to Sub Zero Ice Cream.  It was quite the adventure, and next time we know what to order differently to make it taste even more delicious! 

Another story to share.  Some of you may have heard about Scott's gash on his nose.  Every Saturday morning at six o'clock he has rugby practice.  Last week he goes off and as I'm at home doing a few chores I get a text from Scott saying, "On my way home...I got my nose jacked up." Reading this gets my mind going every direction possible.  I know rugby is a very intense and aggressive sport, but why in the world does it have to be like that at practice too.

Scott gets home and what a sight to see...

 The best part of this story is that Scott doesn't even know how it happened, other than in a ruck.  By the looks of it I would say that it was a cleat to the nose, but he really has no idea.  

This isn't the last injury of the year I'm sure, but I hope that this is the worst of what is yet to come.  I don't want to have a completely beat up husband.

Good thing it's his last season playing, so in sense is a bitter sweet ending for both of us.

...........

Scott was gone this weekend for a tournament in Mesquite, Nevada so I found a few things to do to keep myself busy.

Last night Dani, one of my roommates from BYU-I, came down from SLC to have a girl night.  We went out for dinner at Texas Roadhouse and then had a girl night with shopping and girl talk.  Having lived with each other for almost a year, we just made it a night like we would have had if we were still in Rexburg.  Brought back many memories and we had many laughs too.

Then today I put together some decorations on our wall before our love seat comes.  I don't know if I love it, but I'll have a better idea once the couch is here.  

Our home is little and wonderful for the two of us, and we are creating so many memories now that we live our lives together.  Soon enough I will give everyone a peek at our little home