Five Years....

December 19, 2013

 

FIVE Years

FOUR different kitchen tables (and still waiting to get the perfect one)

THREE different homes (hoping to stop paying rent and buy our own this coming year)

TWO imperfect people who sometimes drive each other crazy, but are still crazy in love,

ONE Marriage for eternity.

Brought to you the thoughts before you fall asleep of yours truly! 

Seriously though... Five Years! 

I can't believe it, and I can.

It has been a wonderful road full of twists and turns, and I feel like quite a few steep slopes.

I am so grateful Justin chose me, because he is my best friend.

 Here is to many more years of laughter,date night movies, pick up rides, disagreements, dinner conversations, buying our first home, babies, and sticking it through because you know that you made the best decision back in 2008. 

Our anniversary celebration consisted of a salmon dinner at home, 

watching a movie because this is our favorite date night activity, 

and attending the temple the following Saturday to perform sealings. 

Justin of course brought me flowers, because he does that every year, and yes

some of them were Red because that is my favorite color.

 

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

Financial Homemaking

We have always been pretty good about living frugally. Never having lived on a really strict, visual budget we were able to graduate college with no debt. We also paid off a car loan we took out last year in seven months. While the organized side of me really wanted to be on a strict budget with spreadsheets and goals, my husband didn't see the need for it. We seemed to do great with our method of buying only the necessities, eating at home, and keeping our entertainment to a minimum. This did work really well until having Natalie.

She is the biggest blessing in our lives and we are so grateful to have her. It has always been our plan to have me stay home with our children. However, switching to one income has been a wake up call that we need to tighten up where we are spending our money and carefully plan where it goes. We have this goal of getting into a home next year. To make this possible while living on one income is going to require some work and creativity. We are committed though. I am excited to see how far I can make a dollar stretch. I was really inspired by the Fun, Cheap or Free Queen blog. She has great information on how much you really should be spending on groceries, how much you should be saving of each pay check, and how to do things better.

Many times in our married life and especially now I have worried about being able to contribute more financially. Justin never makes me feel this way, it is always just my thoughts. It has become clear to me that I can. By being a better steward of the home I am in charge of and plan things out with more precision. Look for ways to barter services with others. Be creative! Many thoughts and ideas have come as I have tried to focus on what I can do, rather than what I cannot.  Here is to working on being content, creative and making the most of what we have.

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

Fourth Anniversary

We celebrated our fourth wedding anniversary on December 19th. We hadn't made big plans for the day, because we were going to wait and really celebrate by spending a night at the Anniversary Inn in Logan during our Christmas break. Justin was sweet and majorly surprised me. On the night of the 18th I was helping with the Relief Society dinner.

He hurried home from work and stopped at Albertsons to pick up a bouquet of flowers. After looking at the price of them, he decided he could make his own for a much lower cost. He got a dozen roses and another simple bouquet of daisies (my favorite) and other flowers. He threw in a vase and 'Ta-Da!' This is what he came up with. I think they are beautiful and I would have never known if he hadn't told me that he arranged them himself.

He also cut out these letters and strung them together for a 'Happy Anniversary' sign, which I lovingly hung on our Christmas tree. His original plan was to get this all put together before I got home and then set them out the next morning to surprise me when I woke up. I cam home sooner than he thought from the dinner and therefore got the surprise that night. I truly loved it and I truly love him!

The second part of our Anniversary we celebrated at the Anniversary Inn in the Pirates Paradise room. It was awesome. We have never spent a night in a hotel room together since our honeymoon because it has never fit into our budget. This was 100% worth the cost. We both agree that our favorite part of Christmas break was that night. Four years has brought a lot of growth and wonderful memories. I am so grateful we are married and look forward to the future.

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

LEON

 

A couple of Christmas's ago, my older sister gave me these blocks.

When I pulled them out of the box to look at them I had a major blonde moment or myabe you would call it red neck moment, 

I exclaimed,

"They spell LEON."

Everyone laughed.

Then it hit me, they spell NOEL.

 

 

Justin left before five in the morning on Monday this week.

He made sure that I would remember him that day.

This is what I woke up to that morning.

Thanks babe for the laugh.

We LOVE Christmas time.

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

Thankful Jar

Each year Justin and I do a Thankful Jar during the month of November.

We use a mason jar with a lid and little slips of colorful paper.

Each day we are supposed to write down one thing we were thankful for that day. At the end of the month we take an evening and read them together.

It is always fun to see what the other has written. I usually have to do more than one a day.

Justin does it when he is home, but this November has been busy for him with traveling for work.

Here are the things we were grateful for this November.

 

Justin's Entries:

The Savior and His Atonement

The Holidays

Sunday Naps

Being Home With My Wife

Spending Time With Family

The Scriptures

I Am Thankful To Become A Dad

Clean Clothes

Cake

Cookies

Joseph Smith

For A Good Job

A Wonderful Wife Who Is Capable And Willing

To Do Alot of Things

Our Baby

Prayer

When I Can Feel Our Baby Move

 

Ruth's Entries:

Indoor Heating

Justin x4

(I put his name in there four times)

Justin's Foot Rubs

The Gospel of Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ

Finding a Maternity Dress

Sunshine In The Fall Timex2

Our Baby Girlx2

All That We Have Accomplished In 2012

Buttons

Lazy Saturdays

Little Baby Kicks

Time

Our Apartment

Cell Phones x2

Good Night Sleep

Crispt Cold Air

A Strong Body

My Heavenly Father

Movies

Sleeping In

Basketball

Good Books To Read

My Immune System

Love

The Scripturesx2

Christmas

My Friends

My Callings

Prophets & Apostles

My Right to Vote

Sewing Machinex2

My Mother- In-Law

A Car

My Mom & Dad

Colors

Having A Body That Can Carry A Baby

Our Warm Home

Waking Up With Justin In The Morning

My Grandparents

My Mom

Stake Conference

Garrett & Nicole

 

 



Justin and Ruth Blazzard

Thanksgiving Weekend

I have no pictures from Thanksgiving weekend this year, but it was wonderful. The week started off on not such a great note. Justin went to install the first sale of the new product he has been working on and the product did not work correctly. He was four hours away from the shop he works out of, so it made fixing the problem very difficult. He was supposed to be home Tuesday evening, but didn't make it home until Wednesday. This bumped our traveling plans to Thursday morning. I was grateful to have him home Wednesday, and he was glad to be home but was not happy about how the week had gone thus far.

We set out Thursday morning to Ontario. The sun was out and the roads were beautiful as we drove the six hours. Thanksgiving dinner was yummy as always and there were 31 people in attendance at my parents home. This made for a tight squeeze at the tables, but we all survived. Friday and Saturday were filled with shopping, games, movies, conversations and relaxation.

Highlight of the weekend was just getting to be with my parents and siblings and see my nieces and nephes, and of course the pie. My family always goes a little overboard on making pies for Thanksgiving. Then we eat it the rest of the weekend for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Not healthy, I know, but it is yummy! Justin went black Friday shopping and we actually got most of our Christmas shopping done.

Things that frustrated me about the weekend- We both got colds and are still fighting them off, BOO!

It was a wonderful weekend that went by quickly. As Justin put it though when we arrived home on Sunday, "It is so hard to leave, but always great to get home."

We are now looking forward to our first Christmas season in the Portland area.

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

Justin's 27th Birthday

Happy 27th birthday to my dear sweet husband!  We both can't believe that he is this old. To celebrate we went to a really neat home town pizza parlor. They have the biggest sausage you have ever seen on a pizza. Then we went and watched 'Wreck It Ralph.' Super cute and fun movie, we even saw it 3D! Lastly was the birthday cake.

Justin always requests a yellow cake with chocolate frosting. I decided to spice it up a bit this year and do a two layer cake. This is the best cake I have ever frosted, meaning it was the first I didn't have crumbs in the frosting.

We are headed to a Trail Blazer game this week as well for his birthday with my parents.

Great day and a wonderful man. Glad we got to celebrate it together.

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

20 Week Ultra Sound

We went in for our 20 week ultra sound on Monday November 5. It had been a long weekend as we anticipated finding out the sex of our baby. Then we had to wait almost 15 minutes at the doctor office to be called back for our turn. Finally, we got to see our baby. The ultra sound tech started at the head and moved down the body. Checking to make sure the baby had all of the parts a person needs. Everything was there and looked great! It was such a miracle to see the baby and how developed it was. The very last thing the ultra sound tech showed us was the sex. We were ecstatic to hear it is a GIRL! We both thought she was going to be a boy, but couldn't be happier and more excited to meet her. During the ultra sound she was moving around like crazy, which was fun to see.

Justin's comment on everything is so sweet, he says, "Now I have two beautiful ladies in my life."

We have some names picked out we like, but honestly I think we are going to wait until she gets here to decide. We love her so much and both agree she is the most amazing, beautiful thing we have seen. Here are some pictures.

                                                         Her little fist

                                                    

                                                           Giving a thumbs up

                                                      Little feet that I can't wait to kiss!

                                                            She's a girl!

                                                             Face shot

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

Temple

We were able to go to the temple for the first time in a very LONG time yesterday. As always, it was such an uplifting experience. I had the thought while there and it was reiterated today in church. We are asked to go to the temple so often to help us remember what life is really about. It definitely did that for me.

We went to Red Robin, Yummmm, afterwards. I really enjoyed the fries. Justin ordered Mac & Cheese with his food. Funny guy.

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

Josh's Wedding

 

We made a trip to Utah last week for Justin's youngest brother's wedding. The wedding was held in Kamas. We are happy for Josh and Brandi and know the future has good things in store for them.

Nearly all of the Blazzard's and the Atkinson's were at the wedding. It was nice to catch up with everyone since it has been a while since we had seen them.

 

A funny portion of the evening was during picture taking. Josh and Brandi wanted a picture with all of Justin's brothers and their spouses dipping and kissing. Great idea! However, a sad side effect of my pregnancy has been that I can't really kiss Justin (it is just gross to me right now). You may think this is weird, however I have talked to many other pregnant woman and they say they have the same problem. Anyways we tried to do the picture, but every time I got close to Justin's lips I just couldn't follow through. The photgrapher got fed up with it and we never got a successful picture, but it was pretty funny. Justin's older brother and his wife are not super affectionate. He wasn't quite sure how to dip her, so as a joke he put her in the baptismal hold. He is too funny!

 

While in Kamas, we sold Justin's truck to his younger brother Brad. Justin's work provides him with a work truck and told him he can use it for whatever he needs, including personal use. It is a great bonus and blessing! Since the Chevy was just sitting around and we live in an apartment, we decided it should probably go. Brad and Riata had been needing another car and wanted a truck. It worked out well for everyone. We were sad to part with it. Alot of our history has stories involving that truck. It was a great truck and hope that it does well for Brad and Riata.

 

 

Notice my heart pajama pants- $6 at Old Navy that week. Thank you!

 

I didn't take too many pictures while we were there. I was still feeling kind of yucky, so I was constantly eating or sitting to calm the stomach. We went target shooting one day, what fun! There aren't any places we know of here in the Portland area to do that. Justin's dad brought a Chinese war gun out and we shot that a bit. Talk about big, loud, and powerful. I could only shoot it three times and then was done. I didn't like imagining people using it for its intended purpose.

 

Another highlight of the trip was seeing the mountains and the fall colors! Utah is a truly beautiful land and at times we miss it. Family, good food, and fun. It was time well spent and look forward to the coming holidays when we get to be with family again!

Random picture of our niece Abbie, but she wanted me to take one of her after we took one in front of the truck. Isn't she a cutie!

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

Last weekend was the first time Justin and I have been out of the house on Friday night in about three months. We went to Jamba Juice and Kohl's, it totaled about one hour. I felt accomplished. We came home and watched the 'Shakiest Gun in the West'. Fun movie and great evening, it ended around 9 p.m. I had to laugh at us going to bed that early. Justin is up early (like by 5:30 a.m. at the latest) every morning and I well, am pregnant and can sleep most any time.

I helped Justin make a power point for work on Saturday of the Grapple Processor product his company is coming out with. It was nice to be able to use my brain and creativity again. I am feeling alot better than I was, but still by the afternoon I am struggling. I still am not working alot because of this and while I really enjoy my time to do whatever I want, sometimes I wish I could use my brain more.

I am so glad fall is here. I love the cool mornings and evenings, and occasional rainy days. We are headed to Utah for Justin's youngest brothers wedding in about two weeks. We are both looking forward to a break, change of scenery, and seeing family.

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

Car Keys...... Locked in the Car

Last night as I prepared to head out the door from work at 9:45 p.m. I suddenly realized I could not find my car keys. I began thoroughly searching my lunch box, purse, and pockets only to come up empty handed for the keys. Then it hit me, they were safely locked, inside my car.

I hate that moment when  you realize you have done that stupid thing of locking the doors without a way to get back into them. Lucky for me I have a kind, understanding husband who came to my rescue. We bought the car in April and have yet to make a copy of the key. This being the case, we were forced to do the old wire coat hanger trick, but thankfully it worked and didn't take too much time.

One of my stops today is Home Depot to have copies made of that key for the next time. The last time I had this happen was about two months after we got married. I guess I am averaging about once every two years right now. Not to bad if you ask me. Justin and I are actually equal on our experiences of doing this. That always makes me feel better. Good thing we were half way through the week and it wasn't on a Monday, because that would not be a fun way to start off the week.

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

Saturday

You know those Saturdays where you can; sleep in until 9, wake up to sunshine, eat pancakes, sit on the couch for as long as you want if you want to, window shop at stores or farmers markets, joke around, go on a hike, and eat yummy food for dinner?

Yeh, today was one of those days and how needed it was! The last few weeks have been great, but a blur. The slower pace of today was such a blessing. We enjoyed spending time together and I even made a strawberry pie to top off this wonderful summer day.

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

The Rest of the Fourth of July

Annie and Clay wanted to go to Seaside for the fourth. We rushed home from the half, showered and grabbed a bite to eat and headed out again for the day.

We found a hat store while walking around. They had everything, as you can see, literally every kind of hat you could want, or never even dreamed of. Yes, that is a hamburger hat.

Wading in the ocean. Megan had a harder time getting her pant legs to stay up. By the end, they were soaked and we actually had to go buy her new pants so she didn't have to suffer the rest of the day. Justin and her were trying to beat the tide, but it overtook them once.

We rented this little beautie. A four person bike. It was pretty entertaining pedaling it around. James, my nephew actually fell asleep sitting there on the front.

The fireworks were beautiful. The actual show didn't start until 10, but there were so many others that people were setting off prior to the show we were entertained for about 3 hours.

Everything went well that day, until it was time to leave. Traffice was horrible! If you ever go to the coast for a show like this, plan to stay the night. We didn't get home until two in the morning. Exhausting, but a great day!

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

Fourth of July Half

My Sister and her family came into town the Sunday before the fourth to take a mini vacation for the summer. We enjoyed their company and made some new memories of the great Northwest. I had planned since June to run a half marathon the morning of the fourth. Which meant Justin, myself, and my niece began the day at 4 in the morning. Early, but we beat traffic to get to Sauvie Island.

Cold weather when we arrived, watched the sun come up.

Look at us bundled up in front of the Brooks running trailer.

One aspect I loved about this half was the location. Sauvie Island is just a bunch of farm fields. How refreshing this was for the farm girl in me. Justin and Megan infront of a red barn that had animals in it.

I heart John Deere tractors

Megan and Justin waiting for me to be done.

The end, finally- I was exhausted and sore!

Megan wore my medal for me. Grateful for the great support system of Justin and Megan.

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

Sick

This is what it looks like at our house right now. I feel like sickness hits at some of the most incovenient times. I won't whine too long I promise. I just am trying to finish up preparation for girls camp and stay dedicated to my half-marathon training. However, it is not going so well with the current sinus infection. Praying for it to get better and doing my best to rest and keep the fluids coming. All things pass. One positive thing, I have gotten several naps in the past couple of days. I do love a good nap. :)

I must also say- I am a terrible sick person, but Justin puts up with me. How grateful I am for his patience and still holding me when I smell like mentholatum and haven't put makeup on in days. He has run to the store for me a couple times now to get cold medicine, Emergen-C, and Gatorade. I sure do love him and his endurance with me.

Justin and Ruth Blazzard

Memorial Day Weekend

On Saturdy of Memorial Day Weekend, Justin and I watched "We Bought a Zoo." It was so inspiring that we decided to go to the Portland Zoo the coming Monday. Overall, it was a good experience. The zoo is layed out nicely and has a lot of great animal exhibits. We were especially excited to see the tigers, bears, and orangutangs. Neither of us had been to the zoo in a very long time. It seems to mostly be attended by small children and their parents.

Justin next to the zebra.

There's a tiger in there. I really like tigers, in fact if I could choose to be an animal, it would probably be this one.

I have this irrational fear of finding a cougar in a tree when I go outside sometimes. (especially when I lived at my parents house and had to take the garbage out in the dark) This was the closest I would like to come to one.

We found this black bear rather entertaining. He is just chilling on the stump.

Wait a second, cows at the zoo? That is exactly what I thought? I was baffled at why the 'Family Farm' is an exhibit at the zoo? If you want to see these things go to the County Fair. (Unfortunately the county we now live in doesn't really have a fair)

The biggest thing that irritated me about this exhibit was the misrepresentation of what the 'family farm' now looks like today. They had breeds of animals that are rarely even seen on the family farm. Pot belly pigs? Usually they are hampshire, duroc or yorkshire, etc. American agriculture has a big job to do in the next hundred years. I felt like this zoo exhibit treats it as a thing of the past. Grrr.... where have I moved to? 

On a lighter note, it didn't rain and we enjoyed spending time together doing something out of the norm. Probably won't return until we have children of our own to show God's many amazing creations, or if someone with children comes to visit.
Justin and Ruth Blazzard

Wedding

Robbie Petersen became like a brother to us during the time we spent in Logan. He got married this last weekend and we couldn't be happier for him. We had many late night talks with him on girls and marriage, and it finally worked itself out for him. His bride, Alexa, was beautiful along with the whole day. Here are a couple of pictures reflecting the experience.

So happy for them! :)

Friends, and sister. Cole, Amy, Chris, and Spencer.

Glasses- eye problems again- still all smiles.

Amy and I met through a mutual friend about 5 years earlier- so happy we did.

I love this woman.

Their car wasn't decorated when it was time to leave, so we helped them out a little bit. The pie tasted as good as it looks.

Justin and Ruth Blazzard