Best Birthday Yet

I am now officially 21. It's time for me to update my license and finally have an "adult" license. (I'm dreading taking the picture)

Tuesday was an exceptional day and I don't know that I have ever felt so loved. The day started off with my friend taking me to breakfast. It was so nice of her to do and she not only paid for my meal, but also gave me presents. (A cute shirt, movie, and necklace) I couldn't have asked for a better start to my day.

In my first class, one of my friends knew it was my birthday and requested that the class sing to me. Anyone that knows me, knows I get embarrassed easily. This was the case. Another one of my classes sang to me as well and this time I was even more embarrassed. Everyone was staring at me. The girl sitting next to me told me that she could even feel the awkwardness. Luckily in one of my classes, I was able to avoid being sung to. In that class though, one of my friends was there waiting with a present which was super nice.

I got a text from my boss saying, "We have birthday treats for you. Feel free to stop by whenever." After taking my midterm (hoping for birthday luck after not studying much) I headed to work only to find that my boss had made me my favorite dessert. Apparently I talk about peanut butter a lot and she knew exactly what  my favorite dessert is. If you have not had "Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars" now is your chance. Here is the recipe: http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/2011/06/lunch-lady-peanut-butter-bars.html

Elder Oaks just happened to be in town on my birthday and spoke in devotional. It was so fun to have the opportunity to hear from him and listening to his talk made my day better.

By the time dinner rolled around, I wasn't even that hungry. (That did not stop me from eating as much as possible) We had a $50 cash card and decided to splurge a little. We went to a restaurant in Idaho Falls called Jakers. It's a steakhouse and everyone raves about it. We had never been before because it's out of our price range. On your birthday, you get 50% off your meal which is why I ordered a $20.00 bacon-wrapped sirloin. It was heavenly. The scones, soup, and french fries were all noteworthy as well. Not to mention the free Cinnamon-Roll- Sunday they gave me because it was my birthday.

(This is the shirt my friend gave me)

Where has this been all my life?

The night was topped off with some thoughtful birthday presents from Andrew. He gave me a cute bag to carry my relief society binders in on Sundays. (There are 3 of them and they are quite bulky) He also gave me curlers which was really thoughtful. Over 2 months ago, I mentioned that curlers would be nice to have, (we workout at night, so my hair is always wet when I go to bed) but completely forgot about that conversation. He even gave me both thick and thin curlers. Reese's are a given every birthday. After those gifts, Andrew pretended that they were the only gifts. He then pulled out an envelope. I'm getting a 50 minute massage! I am so excited. I have never had one and have been wanting one for months. 

As you can tell, my day was fabulous and I didn't even mention all the thoughtful Facebook posts, text messages, and phone calls from friends and family.

I hope your birthday will be as good as mine was this year!

"Budding Artist"

I've been putting off taking "Art Methods" for as long as possible for a pretty good reason. I'm terrible at art. This is not me seeking compliments either because trust me, you won't find a good thing about my artwork. The good news is that my teacher grades mostly on completion which would explain how I have an A. (For now) In Mrs. Hovey's words, "I'm a budding artist..." There is plenty of room for growth. I always know I will get a good laugh out of Andrew when I show him anything I've done for art. I can't blame him. Here is an example from the first assignment of the semester. (I can't believe I'm posting this!) Can you guess who it is...?

I was hoping the big ears would give it away. These were the instructions from my teacher.. "Draw President Monson" without looking at a picture of him. First of all, how do you even draw a picture of someone and make it look like them? I obviously don't know.

Now, let me introduce you to someone... ME! (By the way, I am aware of the bad quality of these pictures. I'm pleased that you can't see them more clearly.)

I should change my major to art, right? Honestly, my students will be better at art than me which I am ok with. This class has been super helpful for me because I'm learning some creative and easy art projects I can use in my future classroom. Whenever someone says they are an art major, I applaud them. I really admire people who have this talent which I lack. (obviously)

Lastly, I'll introduce you to my husband..

Looks just like him. Good thing the semester is officially halfway over this week. Let the countdown begin!

The Birthday Boy

February 20th was and always will be a special day. Yes, I did start my blog on February 20th, but it's also Andrew's birthday! This year was a milestone and as the hostess at Red Robin said to Andrew, "You're a quarter of a century dead." I only have 5 short days to rub in the fact that he is five years older than me. Soon, it will be back to 4.

Red Robin is kind of our place. We went there on his birthday in 2012 just 2 weeks after we started dating. I crave the Campfire Sauce on a regular basis. Andrew and I always order the same thing and do it within seconds of sitting down. We also ask for the bottomless fries to start ASAP. What better way to celebrate than go to Red Robin? We also recently joined the Red Robin Royalty Club, so Andrew's burger was free.
Not to mention that we used a gift card to pay for mine... :)

I wanted Andrew's birthday to be special for him and so I decided to plan a surprise birthday party for him. He had no idea! I tried to be pretty sneaky. Unfortunately, his birthday happened to fall on ward temple night, so a few of our friends couldn't make it.

Just when I thought I had everything figured out and planned perfectly for the surprise party, I got this text, "My lab tomorrow is cancelled." I tried to pretend to be happy for him, but inside I was dying. We were supposed to go straight to dinner after his lab, so he would not have a chance to go home. Now, he would get to go home 3 hours sooner and the house could not be decorated and ready for the party. I didn't let this stop me. The morning of, Andrew headed to class and my friend sped over to our apartment. We made tons of cupcakes and cookies and cleaned like mad women. I did not want him to know about this, and took out the trash, washed and put away every dish, and hid the cup-cakes/cookies. I even lit a candle, so he would not smell the Funfetti. (I was a little paranoid.) He had no idea...

(This is the birthday bin that I hid everything in--the candles, his presents, birthday napkins, cupcakes, cookies, etc.) It's hard to be sneaky when there are only 2 of you in 1 apartment!

Dinner ended sooner than I thought and so we headed to Barnes and Noble. We ended up spending 40 minutes there. We read children's books and wandered around. He later told me he was suspicious of my behavior because I never spend that long in Barnes and Noble.

We started the 30 minute drive home. I soon got a text "running late, sorry," from some of our friends. Our friends ended up being 2 minutes behind us on the freeway... I didn't know what to do and had to think quickly. I made Andrew stop at Burger King claiming that I had explosive diarrhea and needed to use the bathroom ASAP. He stopped, but I could tell he knew something was up. (Our house is 1 minute away from Burger King.)

While "in the bathroom," I called our friends. They made it to our apartment just before we did. When we walked in the door, Andrew was surprised to see so many friends. (Jerrry, Madison, and Ella Ditto- Sam Ditto- Royce Robinson (and some girl)- Andrew, Hannah, and Soren Call- Keoni Aledo-Kaitlin Lowry)

We had an enjoyable evening playing games, eating, and watching Ender's Game. (Which he opened that night.)

I'm glad the night is over, and was finally able to sleep stress-free last night. 

*Special thanks to Kaitlin Lowry and Royce Robinson who frosted the cupcakes and set everything up while we were at dinner.

Valentine's Day aka Grumpy Day

Growing up, Valentine's Day was never a hugely celebrated holiday in my house. My Mom always wrote each of us nice notes and made us heart-shaped sugar cookies. I have never been one who gets way into the holiday. Now that I'm married, my views have changed entirely and I could hardly wait for Valentine's Day this year. I couldn't stop thinking about what Andrew was going to do for me and never have liked waiting for surprises. Valentines Day rolled around and I was as anxious as ever. I decided to do a few cute things for him to help time pass more quickly... I made Andrew a candy-bar poster that was pretty cheesy, but using some of his favorite candy bars helped make up for that. I also "heart-attacked" the steering wheel. (Adding to the cheese) Hey, it was free! Also, all of the hearts with reasons I love Andrew are STILL taped to the steering wheel. (Valentine's day was a week ago people!)

When 5:00 finally hit, I could hardly resist sprinting out of work. I expected Andrew to have chocolate, flowers, and pizza waiting for me. I was more than disappointed when I received a text that said, "going to be a few minutes late." That few minutes turned into 40. I waited... and waited... and waited... Did I mention that I didn't have cell service in the building I was waiting in, so I had to go outside and wait in the rain?

When Andrew FINALLY arrived, I heard what happened. Dominoe's was supposed to deliver pizza to our apartment at 4:45. They came 45 minutes late. The good news is that they gave us a measly $10 gift card. (Not worth the long wait in the rain.) We enjoyed the pizza, despite my dreadful mood. Andrew even bought some $10 root beer that we have been wanting to try forever.

After dinner, Andrew showed me a video that he had made just for me. I feel bad because I let me cranky mood bring out some mean questions. "Why did you choose those pictures?" "I look fat!" The video was super sweet and took him over 3 hours to make.

Reese's cannot be forgotten this night. Anyone who knows me knows that I LOVE peanut butter. (This is the understatement of the century) My family even started calling me Jenna Peanut-Butter Denning. That being said, there is now a new Reese's bar that is just like a Hershey's bar, but way better. Andrew got it for me! I limited my intake, so the goodness could last longer. (You should be proud. It's been a week, and there is still some left!) Now I'm craving it... Nothing makes a better breakfast.

I promise that I'm usually not that grumpy. (Well, most of the time.) 

I Caved

I joined the blogging world. I have been putting this off for quite sometime for a couple reasons: writing is not my forte (I don't get paid to do it like my sister) and my life is pretty boring (I live in Rexburg!) If you are looking for adventure and excitement, I suggest searching elsewhere. I started this blog so I can print it out at the end of the year and feel good about my kind of "scrap-booking." It's free and my creativity and cuteness are not judged. (Thank goodness) Some might ask where the name of this blog comes from... Yes, I am still married to Andrew and yes, I realize his name does not start with a J. At an early age, my husband introduced himself as "Juje" because he had a hard time pronouncing his name. This nickname has stuck and I have yet to hear his family call him by his actual name. Now you know.