It's the Simple Things

Okay, so this post is supposed to be about my canning adventures...but it isn't. I have all the tools and ingredients which are not collecting dust or mold sitting on my counter. I got beginners jitters and gave in and ordered the "canning bible". I will fulfill this self promise as soon as it arrives with its wonderful pages full of step by step pictures and tutorials.

In the mean time I have realized that it is the simple things in life that make me happy...

• Dave having a steady and flexible job. Although he still likes to tap on my veins to see if I have any "good ones." 
• Dave only has less than a month until he graduates! He has worked so hard this semester and only falls asleep doing homework half of the time...which he thinks I don't notice:)
• Having reliable friends to talk to.
• My parents who not only predict my daily phone calls, but look forward to them! Little do they know how boring their lives would be with me!
• We now get one more channel and it is in English.
• Pointless job interviews. I am now confident enough with my answers that I don't say UM every other word. Still no job, but at least I am getting practice.
• Teaching my Sunday School class. It is a great group and as soon as I learn not to procrastinate til Saturday night in preparing Dave will be a lot happier.
• Maintenance workers...my complex has such friendly workers and even though they only speak one key phrase that I can understand it is still nice to know they are there. Especially when Dave tries to rewire the light switches...
• Reading...can't get enough of it. I joined a book club last week and it was fabulous. I realize I used to make fun of my mom for being in one and now I am eating my words:)
• Cooking good food. We have really found some great recipes lately!  Although our kitchen looks like a tornado after and I have used all of our utensils in the process. 
• Dave. I don't want to make his ego any larger than it already is, but he is so good to me. 
• Patience...seems like I am learning to use it more and more.
• Family...even though I favor my niece:) I appreciate all of them!
• Last but not least I am learning to stick up for myself. Never saw it as a lacking quality until I hit the "real world"!

I usually never write that much, but this has been a week of reflection and realizing what I am grateful for.

Now for some highlights...

Dave's mom gave us a gift card to the Olive Garden...yummy! 

*Dave is always embarrassed to take pictures...hence the crossed arms and half smile:)

 He would die if he saw this...good thing he never gets on here!

I made absolutely the best strawberry sauce/syrup. We poured it over french toast and ate in silence we were loving it so much!

Where did I put all the jars I made...

That's right folks I am excited about a brand new FREEZER! What my life is becoming:)

I finally finished the "welcome packets" for my ward!

Had to post this. Dave has faithfully been doing P90X. Even though he works out instead of helping with dinner I can't wait for the results:)

Dave has the next five days off! That means I can expect a few breakfasts in bed and foot rubs right?:)