MY FIRST TAG!!!

I've blogged for quite a while now and have dodged the tags (well actually now that I think about it...Jyl tagged me but I never did it... sorry jyl-o!) Anyway, this is for Tara (I'll try not to use words that end in -ie OK? haha just kidding tar!)
Answer these 15 questions about yourself on your blog. List 3 Joys, 3 Fears, 3 Goals, 3 Current Obsessions/Collections and 3 Random/Surprising facts. Tag 5 people at the end of your post by leaving their names.

NOTE- i'm going to do the "first things that come to my head" game. So if you think i've sorely looked over something, it would have come up if I had more than 3 listed!

JOYS
1. Laughing with (mostly at) my wonderfully witty husband. Especially when he tries to act like he's Scott Stewart on Sportscenter! (mind you he may actually hate this joy of mine because I can't get rid of my hiccups for hours!)
2. Teaching TurboKickBoxing at BYU. Laugh all you want but it's seriously a rush standing up on that stage (mic and all) and seeing 80 women pushing themselves and leading them for an hour to a healthier life.
3. Making a good tasting and good looking meal. The combo of those two things are hard to come by in this house- but those moments are precious! It helps remind me that I have hope as a domestic goddess!

FEARS
1. That I'm not trying enough new things. Sometimes I hesitate to use that new machine at the gym when it really could be fat shedding miracle worker and I'm missing out on it just because i'm too afraid to #1 ask #2 look stupid...and that's just an example!
2. That no matter what I do, my kids will be absolute hellians!
3. That my husband will never learn to make the bed.

GOALS
1. Write a children's book! (no i will not be doing the illustrations!)
2. Pass my Special Ed Law final in a few weeks
3. Learn to make gravy like my mom!

CURRENT OBSESSIONS
1. SWIMMING! I'm currently obsessed with putting on the speedo suit (the brand, don't worry) goggles and jumping in that lap pool for my workout! Refreshing, Remarkably difficuly and Reshaping. I hope I see the fruits of my labors soon!!
2. Healthy Choice Fudge Bars (see below for the post)
3. V-8. I think i'm growing up because I can seriously down a can and love every second of it.
3 1/2 Andrew being on the grill at work because he sneaks me garlic sirloin and teriyaki beef! yumm.. I'm just glad he only works the grill once a week or so because otherwise it would be bad news! i had to add that in there!

RANDOM FACTS (ok this one is hard!)
1. I'm a second away from making a paper chain to count down the days til Andrew and I get to spend over a week in OREGON!!!
2. You should probably think twice before letting me plan you or your child's college class schedule, I just figured out today that I filled my letters requirement three times without knowing...and i have 3 other requirements left to fill that I should have had done already! Looks like I'll be squeezing in more classes than i thought the next 2 semesters!
3. I crave the cookies from Whole Foods every darn day!

I tag: Jyl Coward, Mandy Dickson, Laura Hawkins, , Aubrey Sotutu and Mykol Warner
Every post needs a picture right?? I know- we're SOOO cute. Wondering about the background? Try the Children's Section and Barnes and Noble. Yes- we read for date night

Everyone Should Try....

HEALTHY CHOICE FUDGE BARS...

I know what you're thinking...when it only has 90 calories, how can it be good right? WRONG. These little buggars are my new favorite! They not only give you that chocolate fix (yea the one I've been longing for far too much lately) but they taste great, they don't create dishes and they're cold! I call that the perfect recipe for summer dessert greatness. Thanks Mandy for helping me rediscover them in the grocery store today!

Cookie Bandit

So I have loved this first year of marriage until this moment. My wife, who I have recently begun to call my "bucket of dreams", with whom I share everything; every laugh, hope, and dream, stole my dadgum cookies. Now if you talk to her she may say "No they were mine, someone gave them to me." But can you really trust a gypsy thief? The answer is an emphatic NO! Well that is all I had to say, I was told that blogging was a great way to get things off your chest.

Sincerely, Sleepless in Provo.

Lots to be happy about!

Ok so it's not Thanksgiving (nor even somewhat close to it) but I feel so overwhelmed with gratitude that I can't help but post some of them... in list style of course! (note: this is merely the beginning of a list-- all of my blessings can't possibly fit in this text box)

1. Andrew: Never did I think I would be lucky enough to be walking through this life with the most compassionate, most incredible man in the world. He truly is the love of my life and everyday with him gets better. He is my best friend, my greatest example and my better half.

2. Perspective: The gospel brings more comfort, more understanding, and more peace than I can even begin to be worthy of. In recent events, I've gained an even stronger testimony that even when things seem so out of control are the same moments when Heavenly Father is in the most control. He knows me, inside and out, and I'm glad he's in charge.

3. Trials: Hard as they are, you always come out with a deeper understanding of their purpose. The trials Heavenly Father puts in my life are perfect, truly are for my benefit, and he truly gives me the tools and strength I need to get through them. The best moment in a trial is when you have the "A-ha" moment when you realize their purpose and commit yourself to a better you.

4. Family: It truly is the most sacred institution in this life. The unwaivering love, support, and prayers are the most powerful instruments we can use and my catalyst for change, for growth and for the courage to keep going!

5. The Plan of Happiness: The knowledge of the plan is such a great comfort. I'm so glad to be sealed to my husband and to our children no matter what if we live worthy. I'm grateful for special spirit who bless our lives but who have a purpose greater than this earthly life.

6. Teaching: Since I've had to take a few days off, I've been able to see how much I miss being with my little rascals. I love being with them, learning from them, and trying to get them to learn something from me (which is no easy task might I add.) Especially my special needs kids, they have so much love and life to give. I'm grateful that Heavenly Father placed me (and kept me) in this major much to my dismay at times. I can't wait to feel their hugs around me tomorrow morning when I see them again.

7. SAMonila: Since my first day in Ecuador, Sam has been blessing my life more than I can even begin to explain. She is the best friend any girl could ask for and I even dare to say I would trust her with my life. I'm also grateful for Bryan who goes above our busy schedules and forces Sam's visits to Provo. In all seriousness, she is the best and I appreciate her love and friendship more than she will ever even begin to know.
(this is where I insert a slightly embarassing picture of Sam and I in Ecuador. (warning: we probably hadn't showered for multiple days in a row-)