Making the Most of Things

I know.... Terrible. 

I have not been writing! I told Austin, "I don't feel like it... we're boring and old, and probably no one wants to hear." He reminded me that this has been my journal about our life together, and that is so true. That's the reason I started! I think I have said that over three times now...

So here's what's been going on. We are on our summer break, Austin works in banquets, and as a server at the Hilton, I quit McDonald's for a hopefully better situation (doing my teacherspayteachers illustrations for my mom's store and my own store), and we have been making the most of living in Wyoming. We moved to a way cheaper place, got new couches, and sadly the new place did not allow for Juno to stay. It was heart-wrenching. Thankfully, Austin's parents took her in which we are so grateful for. She has been adjusting... too comfortably! 

We also got to see my mom, Lance (step-dad), and Chris' family (step-brother) in Sacramento! I didn't take really any pictures sadly... But we camped, hiked, and paddle boarded in the Sierra Nevadas, and Lake Natomas. And we partied with their new ward. I made a hedgehog pineapple-walnut cream cheese dip for the occasion.

My parents live in a new area, Folsom! We loved it. In fact, Chris (just today) was talking us into moving out... heck yes! So much to do. Plus they have these funny little frogs that live in your yard...

My mom said sometimes she can't scare them away in time with turning on the car and crunch pop ......ooops.

Since coming back to Wyoming Austin and I are under the realisation after doing so much in Cali --we are obsessed with the outdoors. My parents were super outdoorsy growing up, so I owe a lot of that to them. 

Southern Utah, 1996

He and I always have loved the outdoors, but we've been making a special effort to really hit the road... or lack of road. Hit the trails? Either together or with good friends, that's where you'll find us these days. 

Anyway. Here's some photos of our backyard, literally. 

P.S. Lisa and Dad, thanks for the awesome buffs! 

I had a birthday as well, 24! I was overly spoiled this year! 24 was how old Austin was when he married me, and I remember thinking he was so dang old. Now I feel old, because that was my old person landmark haha!

Here's a photo of those new couches I was talking about.. yes, I'm proud because it was one of our landmark big expenses as a couple. We had a couch that broke during two moves and really only fit one person. (The brown one, remember?) Anyway, we feel like big kids now!

Not the best photo but there it is in its grandeur! Come see us haha!

In preparation for August (Nursing and Law school combined... and with the recent changes to jobs and such) we are trying a new budget plan. We have been quite blessed with being able to work a lot, and having more. However, that's changing for a bit! We have very basic needs and always knew what we spent because there wasn't much else. We thought it might be good to try saving all of our receipts to see if we can find better deals elsewhere, and keep track of every last penny. We had a bit of leniency, and now we kinda don't depending on my illustration job. 

So we have a green budget book, a calendar and menu board, and some envelopes to save receipts for food and gas! I'll let you know how that goes!

Here's to the next adventures!