*Pillow Talk*

Joey: "You're pretty and I'm funny, that's how this marriage works!"

Me: "You're such a liar...... You're not that funny."

Joey: :(

Me: "Just kidding babe. You make me laugh all the time see... 'Ha Ha'!" :)

*A Marriage That Works*

What are 5 things I think every marriage needs in order to work you ask??? Lets count on our fingers...

{Pointer Finger} Trust & Honesty

(They work hand in hand. If you are both honest you both can trust)

{Middle Finger} Friendship

(You're gonna wanna be the best of friends with your spouse... Trust me)

{Ring Finger} Selflessness!

(One of the single most important "musts" of a marriage. If you're always thinking "him" or "her" and not "me" and "I" things will be a lot happier around your house! Try it sometime)
{Pinky} Communication
(Talk about it!!! If you aren't happy don't do something stupid thinking it will make you happier, tell your other 1/2 about it, I guaranty they'll do whatever it takes to make you happy again... This goes for everything else, just talk about it!)
{Thumb} Love
(I'll betchya you married that person because you fell madly in love with them? Am I right? If you ever find yourself wondering if you really still love your spouse or not just remember why and how you fell in love with them. I bet it was worth it then, why not now? The best kind of love is eternal love)

*And FOREVER To Go*

Ummm wow, has anyone else noticed this little "ticker" deal on the sidebar of my blog??

------------------------------------------------------------------------>

I just glanced at it and realized it said we have been married now for 2 YEARS 1 MONTH 2 WEEKS AND 6 DAYS.... Crazy.

*Learning New Things*

Just the other day Joey and I were in the truck listening to our IPod on shuffle and the song "Look After You" by The Fray came on. I turned to Joey and told him, "This is the song I used to play when I'd had a bad day. I would sometimes jump in my truck, drive somewhere and listen to it to help me calm down and relax."

I realized after that, how, even after over 2 years of knowing each other and thinking that we know everything about each other that, there are still tons of things we don't know. Tons of small, insignificant things and maybe even meaningful things that we just have never brought up in a conversation yet. I like the feeling of being able to still learn things about each other :)

*Be Reasonable*

I have decided that over this last year and a half of marriage to my hard working, very smart husband; with all the things we've already been through and with all the work, sacrifice and smarts and budgeting it takes to live the kind of life we've chosen to live... That there are a lot of things that are better to be reasonable about then not.  For instance: (BTW: This is a semi-long post, just with my thoughts and I don't mean to offend anybody.  It's just been on my mind and it's what makes sense for me and Joe)

Vehicles- We have two pick-up trucks.  First off, I know it's not that great with mileage on fuel, but it's what works best for us.  Joe has a 1 ton Dodge cummins, completely stock, no frill's on it what-so-ever.  That's because it's the work truck.  It pulls the huge horse trailer.  My truck is the commute, future baby haulin' truck.  Now, we prefer trucks in Randolph on the ranch because the cars just get beat up from the roads, and unlike SUV's we have a bed in the back to haul "dirties" as I call them (anything that would dirty up or ruin the inside of the vehicle). Also, our for hauling our wolf pack around haha.

I used to (and still kinda do) think these huge, 8" lifted, 35+ mud tires, chromed out, custom painted trucks were dead sexy.... until I got a reality check.  I bought my GMC earlier this year while we lived in town and I thought it was just so pretty with it's small lift, clean inside, and slightly chromed out exterior (I even added a couple chrome detailing after we bought the truck).  And then we moved to Randolph.  After one week you could barely even make out that it was a white truck with chrome detailing because we live down and 1 1/2 mile dirt road and I've had to take it off into muddy, bumpy fields numerous times.  When all that was said and done I had a muddy red/brown truck that could be beat to crap for all anyone else knew.

If you have the money to have a super nice truck, with all this extra detailing to it than that's awesome, good for you, I'll probably envy you for a second or two.  But then I'll think about how for us, we'll save our money that we could use to lift, primp, sexy-up our trucks for when the tranny goes out or the brakes, tires and oil need changed (which they do A LOT).

Clothes- Now this subject I'm not too picky about but still, where we live it's kind of ridiculous not to be reasonable.  It's a cold, muddy, snowy, windy and hairy (from the horses, dogs, cats, cows exc.) life here.  So, I'd rather not walk outside and in my cute heels, expensive jeans, tee, or jacket on just to have a dog jump up and muddy my jeans or accidently rub up my jacket up on my dirty truck.  I've also realized that I'd rather be toasty warm in a makes-you-look-20lbs-heavier-than-you-really-are Carhartt jacket and thick unflattering Wranglers than freeze my tush off in a cute little sweatshirt and skin-tight, paper thin jeans.  It's also pretty hard to save up for a nice pair of durable boots that I'll get a lot of use from when I'm spending all my money on unnecessary clothing.

I do love though to have a few "nice" articles of clothing for church, or when we go out somewhere not ranch related.  I used to spend all my money on clothes, now I'm learning how to keep clothes looking nice for as long as possible by learning how to wash different kinds of material, and steering clear of the color stripping clothing detergents.

Pets- I LOVE my pets (as you all know too well).  I've realized after having pets whom I paid good money for, who I spent so much money on throughout the time I had them and who I spent so much time, care and love on.  Just to see them die.  I love my pets but, from now on if I am going to have them I need reasonable pets.  I need dogs who are our companions but who are also going to work.  Our pets are our family members, so with the life we have all of our family members have to work.  I've always wanted a big cuddly St. Bernard or a cute little Pug.  But, it just makes more sense for our family to have a good cow dog who'll help us out on those long rides in the mountains, or in those tight corners of the cattle shoots where we can't reach to keep the cows moving but the dogs can.

Same with cats.  I adore a sweet cat to cuddle up with on the couch.  I would have 20 inside cats (Yes, I could totally see myself as the old cat lady, with a house full of just me and my 100 cats haha) but, with our little old house we only need one cat inside to take care of the mice.  And she does a great job.

This post is mostly for me, as much as I would love to have a fully-loaded, beautifully brand new vehicle, or super nice, expensive clothes, shoes and jewelry, or a cute little AKA Pug to keep me company and buy cute little dogs things for, or manicures every week(they would need to be every week  because they get ruined after 10 minutes outside around here), getting my hair done at steep priced salons(I get trims every once in a while, no coloring, no hairstyles that require $100 worth of hair product and my sis-in-law usually cuts it for free... Bless you Druc {muah}), the fact is that I simply can't afford these things and they are not reasonable!

So here is me saying, think about what is and is not reasonable to you, in your circumstances, and eliminate any unreasonableness in your life. It really is a smart idea!

*In Bed*

Right now I am sitting in bed next to my sleeping husband.  When this cough settles and I can lay down without feeling like I'm going to drown I will be able to shut my eyes and dream about the man of my dreams who just so happens to be breathing soundly right next to me.

Tonight has been amazing.  Joey & I, along with some great friends, were able to go on a wonderful group date to the "big city".  And get this, it was all our boys idea!  They planned to... take us to the mall!?! And out to eat (at Rodizio Grill which I love).  Joey got me some stocking stuffers from Anthropology and I let myself pig out a little bit at dinner because common, Brazilian food, umm yes please and thank you!  Joey & I pretty much ate a whole grilled pineapple by ourselves.  We all had a great time laughing until our guts hurt and us girls got to show our adorable, amazing boys off.  It was such a great night but, let me tell you, I'm content at this very moment.  I'm all warm and snuggled up to my man.  He might be dead to the world but he has his arm securely wrapped around me like he always has to in order to fall asleep, his poor swollen nose (he was running with Dolly in the pitch dark outside with only a tiny flash light and got clothes-lined by the clothes line haha) is having a hard time breathing without making a little snoring sound.  So cute.

I love him more than I can think, more than I can imagine to think.  I can't even remember what my life was without him besides not complete.  He is my husband, we're married, and where I come from that is the most important commitment/promise/purpose you can ever be a part of... ever.  And wow, I wouldn't have it any other way.  He & I are the makers of a new family, and we're gonna be a family f o r e v e r.  I can't describe the way that makes me feel, it's a feeling I've never known before that day he and I held hands in the LDS Temple where we got married(sealed) and made promises to each other and our Heavenly Father.  It's a feeling I wish everyone could know.  I love this man, I love our marriage, I love our family, I love our life, I love our future family and life together, I love my HUSBAND.

*Missin' The Alone Time*

Today I just want to spend time with my husband and my family. I wish it were Christmas right now because that's the only day for the rest of the year I think this will happen.  Even then it won't be my whole family :(  I also just want ONE DAY, one whole uneventful, lazy day to spend with Joey. Tonight is supposed to be Family Night (FHE), but he's going to be working LATE.

  My advice for people about to get married is ENJOY your honeymoon! Make sure if you are working, to get approved for a WHOLE week off. Not just a weekend or a few days. In fact, make it a whole week and then some. Trust me. You will hardly EVER have that kind of alone time with your loved one again. Pretty soon it will be school, work, quick lunch (if that) work, work, work, laundry, make dinner, eat dinner, maybe work some more, too tired to do anything but watch TV, go to sleep, repeat. It's not always like this but it's close. Those rare occasions where you splurge a bit and maybe rent a nice hotel room, or have a night out on the town are precious. We don't even have children yet and we still struggle to find alone time with each other.

I've been doing this whole planning thing where even if I don't think it will happen I still plan some "alone time" for us. Like going to the corn mazes, or spend some time in Salt Lake, go on a date or stuff like that. Lately though each date plan has been overruled by work, sickness or previous plans. I try not to get too hurt by these plans not turning out how I want them but I can't help it sometimes. I guess I was just really spoiled in our first year of marriage when I got to spend quite a bit of time with him. At least got to have an lunch that wasn't rushed, or most of our evenings together. I miss those days. 

SO boys and girls, don't take them for granted. Don't take one year of your marriage for granted. There is always going to be change. Harder classes (for you college students), new jobs, new family members, more chores, more activities. Enjoy everyday of your marriage and each other's company! I promise it's worth it!

*Quotes That Stick*

"The truest mark of your success in life will be the quality of your marriage"

Gordon B. Hinckley (Former LDS[Mormon] Prophet/Leader ) 

This is my momma's favorite quote.  I love it.  Every time I am cross with Joey, or think our marriage is "tough" on me I think of this quote.  Marriage isn't a one person show, it takes two to make it last forever.  So, if I'm not doing my part to make it work and make it the best marriage ever than I am failing on my success in life... here on earth and in heaven

*We Made It A Whole Year! And Still Counting!*

Happy 1 year anniversary to the most amazing man I know... MY HUSBAND. I love you Joseph. Can't wait to spend forever with you :)

Here's a short survey I found that I had fun filling out:

1. How long have you been married? 1 year to the day

2. How many people came to your wedding reception? Oh I dunno… A lot!!!

3. What kind of cake did you serve? Chocolate with raspberry filling and chocolate frosting

4. Where was your wedding & reception? Wedding: LDS Temple in Logan, UT Reception: The Bluebird Inn on Bear Lake in Fish Haven, ID

5. What did you serve for your meal? The lunch-in there was a choice of Salmon, Chicken Alfredo or Steak. At the reception we had BBQ brisket on rolls & corn on the cob

6. How many people were in your bridal party? My sister Christi

7. Are you still friends with them all? Well duh

8. Did your spouse cry during the ceremony? Nah ;)

9. Most special moment of your wedding day? Meeting Joey in the sealing room

10. Any funny moments? Our sealer couldn’t get my name right haha

11. Any big disasters? It got super cold at the reception but almost everyone was gone by then

12. Where did you go on your honeymoon? Lake Tahoe & Vegas

13. How long were you gone? Almost a week

14. If you were to do your wedding over, what would you change? Nothing

15. What side of the bed do you sleep on? Left side

16. What size is your bed? Queen

17. Greatest strength as a couple? We are best friends. We keep nothing from each other

18. Greatest challenge as a couple? Neither of us likes to make a decision, because we want the other person to get what they want more than ourselves

19. Who literally pays the bills? I pay them with the money Joey earns

20. What is your song? Soon As You Can by Dierks Bentley

21. What did you dance your wedding dance to? That song

22. Describe your wedding dress: Ivory colored. BIG. Quarter length sleeves. Embroidery all over the top of the dress. Pinched skirt & train. Laced back.

23. What kind of flowers did you have at your wedding? Cream roses, blue hydrangeas, brown fern curls

24. Are your wedding bands engraved? Nope

25. What were your colors? Light blue, dark brown & cream/ivory

26. Any thing unique in anyone’s attire? I had on cowboy boots under my dress. Joey and a couple others wore their cowboy hates that were made for the wedding

27. Do you feel like you know everything about your spouse? I know quite a bit, but no not everything

28. Any kids yet? Not just yet :)

29. How many times have you moved? So far… twice, soon to be three then four haha

30. Future plans: Joe graduating from college, finding a permanent place in Randolph, kids (2 or 3), have our own ranch, be married for time and all eternity

*Yes, No, I Mean Yes, Well Maybe No, Definitly No, Mmm Actually Yes*

So I change my mind A LOT. For example, just tonight Joe & I were over at Brett & Nikki's to brand their calves and eat dinner. We only took Joey's truck and left mine half way between the Ranch and Brett & Nikki's on the road that goes to our house so I could be dropped off there and head home while Joe went back to the ranch to unload his horse before coming home. So that was the plan, THEN I decided I would go back to the ranch and do our laundry, but THEN I wanted to go home to unpack our bedroom, but THEN I wanted to go to the ranch so I could check my mail and do the laundry, but THEN I wanted to go home 'cause I was having tummy aches and just wanted to be home, SO we head out and as Joey is pulling over to where my truck was parked I tell him actually I want to go with him to the ranch so I don't have to be home alone and I could do the laundry like I wanted. This kind of annoyed Joe because apparently I do this "all the freakin' time". I can never decide where or what to eat before we are out driving to go get something or it's just about dinner time. I change my outfit about 2-4 times before I find the right one, and sometimes I have to run back inside before we head to where we're going so I can change. I can't help it, I just make decisions on how I feel at the moment which could sometimes be a bad thing I guess and really annoying. But, there are some things I want Joey to know I will NEVER change my mind about and those are:

-I will never change my mind on how I feel about you and how much I love you

-I will never change my mind on wanting to be with you forever and I will not do anything to jeopardize that

-I will never change my mind about wanting to have a family with you

-I will never change from being the person you fell in love with

-I promise I will never change my mind about wanting to live in Randolph where you've set our roots (even though you don't believe me on that one haha)

I'm sorry I change my mind a lot Jojo... but in all fairness, you knew what you were getting yourself into before you married me :)

I love you babe... don't ever change

"Becoming A Homemaker"

Since I am not going to be working the whole rest of this year I have decided to work on my homemaking skills (which are at the moment NONE) so, in other words I am going to "acquire" homemaking skills which will consist of:

-Cooking better and healthy meals (For EVERY breakfast and dinner)

-Baking (I'm going to master breads and desserts)

-Cleaning (I am going to pick one thing a day to clean and CLEAN IT)

-Garden (as much as I can in Randolph, and eventually get a small green house and use all the vegetables I grow in our meals)

-Learn how to can (So I will have vegies and fruit in the winter time)

-Learn how to sew (So I can fix Joey's MANY holes and rips is clothes turn up with)

-Scrapbooking and Blogging more and better (So I can remember all of our wonderful times together and so other people can enjoy it for generations)

-Get a food storage put together and keep an updated 72 hr kit (Randolph's nice little earthquake kind of scared this thought into my head and I don't want us to be unprepared for anything that could happen)

Now, I don't want any woman activists giving me crap for this blog haha, Joey knows perfectly that I wear the pants in the relationship (just kidding!) but, I usually am working all the time and now that I'm not I want to learn how to do all these things. I admire my mom, mom-in-law, sisters and sisters-in-law with all their talents. I want to be like my mom who has the perfect balance of homemaking skills and being in charge ;) And I want t0 be more like Diane who is the best mother-in-law and knows how to do so many things and had 9 AMAZING kids. My sister Molly in England who is an AWESOME mom and has CHICKENS... yes MOLLY has chickens haha and she gardens and cooks up a storm for the 4 guys in her life. And my sisters-in-law Aline and McCall who also cook amazingly and are so crafty. And Joey's sisters who are all so talented (Michelle you do AMAZING things with bread haha). I admire all these talented women in my life and hope that I can be even a part as talented, smart and beautiful as them all someday.

*Joey & Jency Sittin' In A Tree...*

1. When is your "engagement" anniversary?

March 22nd

2. When is your "marriage" anniversary?

August 6th

3. How long have you known your spouse:

1 year 1 month 3 weeks and 5 days :)

4. How long did you date/court before you were engaged?

About 1 1/2 months (OH MY GOODNESS....)

5. Where did you meet your spouse for the first time?

We were in 2 classes together so I knew of him and exchanged a few words with him in Jan. 2009. But, the first time we actually "met" was on the AggieBus that would take us from the school to different drop offs. Our Animal Science class was having an extra credit sheep shearing on Feb. 3rd at one of the school's farms way on the other end of town and I didn't know how to get there. So, when I saw Joe on the bus I took a deep breath, got up and moved over to a seat next to him and asked him for a ride. That's when we exchanged names and phone numbers :)

6. What is you and your spouse's full names:

Jency Joyonne (Carson) Weston

Joseph Hansen Weston

7. Do you have any children:

Not yet.... not for a while ;)

8. How many - boys/girls:

Well, I WANT two boys first then one or two girls

9. Do you have any house pets:

Yes, a cat "Oprah" aka: "Diddy's McGee" "Yum Yums" "Didder Cat" and various other names.

We have two outside dogs: Hagen (my dog) and Blue (Joe's dog)

11. Do you live in the country or town/city:

At the moment we live in town in Logan. But, when we have a more permanent accommodations they will definitely be out of town

12. What are some of your favorite activities together:

Lots! We like to:

- Have date nights where we'll try out a different restaurant or go to one of our favorites like Texas Roadhouse, Red Lobster, Olive Garden, The Indian Oven, Cafe Sabor, Wingers... yeah we like to eat out haha

- Go to the movies

- Watch Grey's Anatomy episodes

- Go on drives

- Go on walks

- Go on rides (horseback or four-wheeler)

- Cook dinner together

- Lunch dates in between school and work

- Travel

- Camping

- Fishing

- Checking on the cows and calves

- Hang out with friends and family

- Talk about anything and everything

- Cuddle

- Read scriptures

- Joe likes to watch me get ready in the morning (he's fascinated with me putting on my make-up) And I like to choose his shirt he'll wear each day haha

- and many more things......

13. Do you have a favorite vacation spot:

Lake Tahoe! So going there again someday (but we'll probably fly this time haha). We liked Vegas and are planning on going back for the PBR. To the cabin in Island Park and Yellowstone. Our next vacation will be either Montana or Jackson Hole, WY. We want to go back south/east and visit where he served his mission, where I used to live and see family around there

14. When did you first kiss?

Valentines Day 2009

15. What church do you attend?

LDS Church in Randolph

16. Did you get married in a church?

Logan, UT Temple

17. What town is your current address at:

Logan, UT

18. Do you work or stay at home:

Work

19. Where did you go on your honeymoon:

Logan Anniversary Inn/Lake Tahoe/Vegas

20.What was the funniest gift you gave when dating?

He gave to me: We drove to Franklin, ID so we could buy scratch tickets and Joey made me kiss his quarter and he won so he gave it to me cause he said it was a lucky quarter

I gave to him: Right before Joey proposed to me we were walking around and there were some "soft" rocks and I picked one up and told him to keep it in his pocket and rub it all the time and it will eventually make a smooth dent where he'd rubbed it. And it did! We call it his "rubbing rock"

21.How long have you been together?

1 year 1 month 3 weeks-ish

22. How long did you know each other before you started dating?

We never really started "dating" we pretty much saw each other every day from the day we sheared the sheep and just fell in love. We went on a date the day after the extra credit, he kissed me a week and a half after that, he told me he loved me half a week after that then we got engaged a month after that. We never officially "started dating"

23. Who asked who out?

I asked him for a ride, but he asked me the next day if I wanted to go on a date

25.Where do you each work or go to school?

I work at Checker Auto, Joey works at IMDS Research and goes to School at Utah State University

26. Which situation is the hardest on you as a couple?

Figuring out where to live through these next couple of years

27. Did you go to the same school?

We did for one semester at USU, that's how we met

28. Are you from the same home town?

Nope. I am from Rexburg, ID and he's from Randolph, UT

29. Who is smarter?

He definitely is. He always gets A's, corrects my spelling and has lots more common sense than me haha

30. Who is more sensitive?

Me. I'm too sensitive and emotional. I don't think Joey is quite used it quite yet, but he does a great job taking care of me.

31.Where do you eat out most as a couple?

Olive Garden, we're always there. It was where we went for our 2nd date

32. Where is the furthest you two have traveled together as a couple?

Lake Tahoe... it took FOREVER

34. What attracted you about him/her?

Him being a rancher, his smile, his humor (he always made people laugh in class)

35. Who does the cooking?

I do, when I actually cook. But, that has to change before we move to Randolph, there isn't really anywhere to eat there. So I've decided I have to become quite the cook!

36. Who is more social?

Joey! I'm pretty shy and quiet until I get more comfortable

37. Who is the neat-freak?

Oh my gosh I so am, Joe thought I was OCD the first month we lived together cause I'm always cleaning (I get it from my mom)

38. Who is more stubborn?

We both are pretty stubborn but mostly me

39. Who hogs the bed?

Depends on the night, he usually steals the covers and I hog the bed, but sometimes HE steals the covers AND the bed

40. Who wakes up earlier?

I do just because I go to work earlier, but if it is a weekend it is Joey for sure, he loves to get up early if he doesn't have to go to work or school

41. Where was your first date?

We went to Charlie's Ice Cream Parlor, then to the movie theaters to see Yes Man, then we went to my apartment and he ended up staying and watching another movie with me and my roomies. I'm so glad he did, I didn't want him to leave :)

42. Who had more boyfriends/girlfriends?

HAHAhaha ummm that would be me with the boyfriends, Joey didn't really have serious girlfriends just kissing buddies (so he says haha)

43. Do you get flowers often?

He picks me wild flowers every so often

44. How do you spend the holidays?

We've decided to do Thanksgiving with one family and Christmas with the other and then trade of the next year and so forth. 2009 we did Thanksgiving in Island Park with my family and Christmas in Randolph with his family. 4th of July, New Years and other holidays are just up in the air, where ever

45. Who is more jealous?

Joey used to get jealous but he says he doesn't anymore, I did a little but realized I have nothing to be jealous about because I know he loves me :)

46. How long did it take to get serious?

It felt serious from the first date. But, he told me he was falling in love with me about 2 1/2 weeks after we met

47. Who eats more?

I graze more haha but in one sitting Joey does hands down

48. Who does the laundry?

I do most of it but if I'm busy with something Joe will help if I ask

49. Who’s better with the computer?

I am

50. Leave a piece of advice for the other couples:

BE SELFLESS! If it comes down to you or your spouse, please, pick your spouse. And same goes for you spouse!

If I tag you then you should fill this out and post it on your blog: Mom, Molly, Aline, McCall and Lulu(Lauren I never really heard your story and I've never met your husband so do tell!)

Our 1st Month Together

Joey started school about a month ago and is enjoying it as much as you can enjoy school :) I have been working at Checker auto parts for the same store that 4 of Joe's sisters and also his brother Tom have all worked at. We have a cute apartment there in Logan, UT and it is finally about all put together! I have been trying to balance working, cleaning the apartment, cooking dinners and being an all around good house wife haha. Joey is an awesome Hubby and I am so thankful I have him! We've been back to the temple a couple times and have gone on quite a few dates. He's so good to me.

Pretty much every weekend since we've been married Joey & I have been in Randolph. Joe and Tom finally finished mowing, bailing and moving the hay that they have been working on all summer! Yay! We've also been moving some of the cows and their calves home to the ranch. We still have the ones up in the ID mountains to bring home which we should be doing here in the next week or so. Joe also just does some odds and ends around the ranch and can't sit inside for more than 30 minutes when he is back home on the ranch. He's been shoeing the horses and getting them ready for some rough rides up in the mountains.

Other than that we've just been enjoying being newlyweds. AND no babies yet :) haha.

Some of the bales Joey had been working on. Beautiful! Thank goodness it's all done! My dog Hagen (who is pregnant again we are pretty sure) and Joe's dog Blue sleeping at Joe's feet in the tractor with him keeping him company.

Joey shoeing Panama. He was a good boy and stood nice and still for Joe. His other horse Nibbs on the other hand was a pain in the rear, he'd never had shoes put on him before. It was interesting.

Nice butt shot haha.

Mid-Swing shot.

Our first real homemade dinner in our new apartment haha.

Joey picked me a flower while we were on a walk together. He's such a sweetheart :)