Goodbye Lloyd, Hello Ron

When Nik and I returned home from our anniversary getaway it was to a sad sight. Our beloved fire bellied toad, Lloyd, had died. It was a very sad moment for me, and Nik was very supportive, it was great. We wrapped Lloyd in a paper towel and Nik dug a hole in the closest thing we have to a front yard and we burried him with a head stone with his name on it. It was really sweet. Nik even found "Amazing Grace," bagpipe version and played it after we burried him. It was great. Nik was great. I felt pretty stupid getting all choaked up over a frog, but I really did love Lloyd and I had had him for almost three years. He had been pretty sick, so I am sure he was not comfortable the last months of his life, and he was about 6 years old. It was his time. I really do miss him.

The happy side to this story is that, after a short grieving period, I was able to get another frog. Nik and I went wiht Jake and Lisa to PetCo on monday and we picked out Ron. In case you didnt know, our frogs were named Harry and Lloyd from the movie Dumb and Dumber. Since we were left with Harry we were going to name the next frog Sally, from When Harry met Sally. Unfortunatly, when we got home "Sally was quite a bit bigger than Harry, and it was a little awkward, so we decided on Ron. I am now considering getting a third and naming it Hermione. Good huh? I hope at least a few of you got the name refference before I said Hermione.

Noah has already been over and shown his approval, and Ron gave him a hearty hello. I am excited for our newest addition, and hope everyone can come see him as soon as you can.

Shrek the Third

For part of our anniversary celebrations, Nik and I went to see Shrek the Third at the Gateway. I was so excited because it had been a long time since I had seen a show in a big theater (as opposed to the dollar theaters) and it was at the Gateway no less! I went in with high expectations and was not dissapointed. Much. I had heard that this one was better than the previous two and I was looking forward to it. It was very funny and I really enjoyed the princesses, though they did scare me a liitle. The story was not as involved as the first two, but it was still good. I especially liked when Shrek was talking to Artie in "street" and Artie goes running to Merlin's house yelling "Help! There's an ogre trying to connect with me!" I laughed. The end was a little corney, but I didnt expect much else. I dont know if those of you who have seen it realized, but Jim from the Office was the voice of Lancelot. That made it better. Anyway, short post, but I hope all of you get a chance to see this movie soon. Especially those with small children. Shrek rocks.

Graduation!

Last friday was my graduation from Salt Lake Community College. I was so excited and so nervous. Last time I did this I was with a bunch of my friends who were doing the same thing. This time I was on my own. I arrived on time (enough) and was too nevous to enjoy the fruit kabobs and bagles they had set out for the graduates. I struggled to get my little white collar on and to keep my cords and the stole from blowing away. Finally I decided to line up and was just a little astonished to see that the line extended from the SI building to the institute and arround the corner to the automotive trades building. It was amazing. It just so happened that I ended up next to a friend of mine and that made the procedings more bareable. Before everyone walks into the gym all the teachers in their schools robes walk down the middle of our lines and we get to cheer for them, then, as we are processionaling in to the gym all the teachers are standing and clapping for us. That means that I got to see my dad in his robes twice! I was very cool to know that even though I was not staning next to him, that he was in this with me. The ceremony itself was not as boring as I thought it would be, but for a more accurate description of the events, ask Nik, Jeanne, My mom and and my uncle Pres. They all attened, despite my warnings. I tried to keep talking though most of it so I wouldnt think about how nervous I was. Finally it was my turn to get my diploma (holder) and I managed to walk up the first ramp, get the holder, shake two peoples hands and walk down the second ramp with out tripping. Go me. Afterwards we took lots of pictures and then went to my parents house for a barbecue. I was very impressed at the turnout. I thought for sure that midday on a friday would mean that no one could come, but I felt very supported. I even got to see a good friend from high school I haddnt seen in more than a year. Thank you to eveyone that came and made me feel so accomplished. I was a great day, topped off by a great night.

Time Me

I was inspired by Lou.

11 years ago:
I was 11.
I was in finishing up 5th grade.
My younger brother had just turned 3.

6 years ago:
I was a sophomore in high school.
I was preparing for Spring Fling with one of my best guy friends.
I had a major crush on mike Bjarnson.

2 years ago:
I was in a serious relationship with my now husband.
I had just been in a car wreck that totaled my first car.
One of my best friends was already married and the other was soon to follow.

Yesterday I:
Went to my third day of my new job.
Went to Audrey's with a pregnant Vivian to watch shows.
Considered buying my husband a turtle.

Today I:
Went to my little brother's 14th birthday party.
Prepared for graduation.
Probably stayed up way too late.

Tomorrow I will:
GRADUATE!

Recent Events

Since it has been a while since I have writen anything of worth, I am going to update everyone on what has been going on in my life...in no particular order...

Yesterday afternoon Nik's work took us to see Spiderman Three at Jordan Landing. I have to admit that it was a pretty good show. It definitly had comic book feel, and the story took a little bit to get going, but the villians were amazing and I loved the animation. It was even better than Superman Returns. I liked Kirsten Dunst's performance in this one much more than either of the others, but she had a slightly smaller part, so that could have had something to do with it.

Also last night, all the friends got together to celebrate Vivians last birthday with out kids. We (me, nik, talina, david, viv, and Jake) met at Viv's appt and went to a late dinner at Village Inn, Vivian's favorite restaraunt, and then bowling at Bonnwood on 2100S Main. It was a lot of fun. We dont get to do much with Talina and David, so it was extra fun. There were a couple of memorable things that happened that night: Vivian got her first ever Turkey! David finally broke 100 and Nik finally beat me! It was a great night!

As of today I am officially done with school. I emailed my last test to my teacher today. Everything seems to have gone fine. My video teacher even had some unexpected nice things to say about my final project. I got an A in Java, which I never thought possible. I should know all my grades by tuesday and then I will see if I qualify for the honor cords. I am really close, before this semester i had a 3.53, so as long as I dont get anything lower than I usually get, I should be good to go. My graduation is next Friday, May 11th.

I will start my new stained glass job on monday (probably) and I am excited and nervous. Wish me luck!

Ok, that will have to do for now. I am due at my Sister in laws in a few minutes. Thanks for listening!

Celebrity Love Match

After reading who Mimi's love match was, I felt compelled to find out my own. And know my husband would approve!

Check it out for yourself!

http://www.jokesandhumor.com/tests/celebrity-love-match/

Don't fall asleep

Last night I was at my parents house for dinner and a movie. Regretfully, Nik was sick and unable to make it. Dinner was great and I made Jello-poke-cake for dessert. When I arrived, my brother Mason was streched out on the couch asleep, as usual. He shifted enough to make room for me and Jeff (it is a big couch)and went back to sleep. Through out the evening he was awake for maybe ten minutes, total. So, when I started painting my fingernails sparkly orange, I couldn't resist taking advantage of Mason's feet reaching towards me. Slowly the rest of my family realized what I was doing and we were all suffering from fits of silent laughter as I finished my task. My mom and Jeff even took pictures of the finished product on numerous camera phones and with the family digital.

Unfortunatly, I hear this morning that Mason deleted the pictures. Sad, I know. It was great fun, and he looked pretty good with orange polish. He should consider it as a future addition. In my defense, I have never done this to my brothers before, so I figured, as an older sister, it was time to fullfill my calling.

Thank you to everyone who participated!

I Met the Robinsons

As many of you know by now, I was dying to see the new Disney Animation Studio movie, "Meet the Robinsons." Every time I see the commercial with the dinosaur I laugh out loud. Even now.

On Friday night Nik and I decided to go to a "big" movie and I was delighted when he suggested "Meet the Robinsons." We went to the Union Heights theater up by my house, but unfortunatly it was not a 3-D showing. That just means I will have to see it again! I have to admit that I laughed all the way through. I even almost cried a little at the end. Even now as I write I am thinking about that dinosaur. My new favorite line from the movie is one that is repeated a few times by different characters, "I just don't think this plan was well thought through."

This movie was full of hilarious situations, colorful characters, and fantastic dialog. Overall I think this was a great movie. Nik says he had it figured out from the begining, but I told him it was supposed to be a kids show, so I would have been more surprised if he hadn't got it at the begining. I will say though, that there is a slightly scary part toward the end that I warn those with young children about. Nothing gruesome or anything, just a little scary, and maybe a tad disturbing if they understand the connotations. I will explain more if you really want.

I want to see it again soon, so anyone who hasnt seen it, let me know, I wil tag along.

Whats in a purse?

In acceptance of Lou's challenge, I am posting a list of the random things in my purse. On a similar note, my mom recently threw a Mary Kay party for me and my girlfriends, and we played the "whats in your purse" points game that we played at my ward RS Birthday Party. I didnt win, but I was second place. My friend Ana won, but she had three books in her purse. Lucky.

Checkbook wallet includes:
one and a half sticks of spearmint gum
plastic (debit, Costco, school ID, library card)
many movie ticket stubs from about a year back
drivers license
SS card ( i know, take that out ASAP)
3 Yu-gi-oh cards
many fortunes
a guitar pick
full size Avon Lotion
smal tin of mints from Hot Topic, its a kick-A** tin too
unopened packet of Orbit Spearmint gum
watch with wedding ring attached
iPod
Nursery closet key
keys with 2 sharpie mini's attached
2 trial size Mary Kay "Embrace Today" lotions
2 Bath and Body works lip glosses, one Apple Torte, one Tinted MInt
one chinese die
small bottle of hand sanitizer gel
Asprin bottle with various pain killers inside
one black pen
one regular tampon (sorry if that offends anyone)
silver heart pendant necklace
plastic spider ring from halloween

There, that is everything that is in my purse, and now that I know this, i will remove about half of it. Sometimes I am amazed at what fits in my little flowered purse.

While looking through what I have in here, I started to think about what the junk in my purse must say about me. I found a few sites on the matter, and one that will help us all get a little more organized. I hope you enjoy them.

I tag Polli and my mom!

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=1539488
http://www.creativeladiesministry.com/pursedev.html
http://magazines.ivillage.com/marieclaire/fashion/trends/photo/0,,696817_696876,00.html
http://ezinearticles.com/?What’s-In-Your-Purse?--3-Simple-Steps-to-Organize-and-Lighten-Your-Load&id=334001

Big Break?

For the last few weeks I have been researching stained glass companies here in SLC and asking if any of them will have positions open around when I graduate. Of all the emails I sent out, I got one response. Mike Green from Green Glass Art contacted me about three days ago saying that he would be needing some help on a few projects and would love me to come down to his studio and talk to him in person. I was so excited I almost wet myself! He informed me that while he didn't have any full-time positions open right now, several of his project-by-project employees have gone on to full time positions in other glass studios. So that was encouraging.

Mike and his company have done work for many LDS Temples, the Assembly Hall, The Joseph Smith Memorial Building, etc. Please, check out his site, on the ARTISTS BIO page, and see all the work he has done!

http://www.greenglassart.com/index.html

Easter

This last Sunday was mine and Nik's first easter being married. I can't say "together", cause it is like our third. Around Thursday I told Nik that I would like to do Easter baskets for each other. I was doing one for him anyway, and I wanted one too. Can you blame me? Anyway, true to form, sometime around Saturday night at 11:00pm, I still had no easter basket. Luckily I did not have to do any persuading to get Nik to take a trip to Wallys World that night. I would just like to say that Easter in the English house was a tremendous success. We both had full baskets, there was lots of candy, and we had a great time hiding the baskets. We had to take turns, given the smallness of our house, but it was great fun anyway.

I hope everyone had a fantastic easter. I am excited for future holidays with my husband!

Shameless Self Promotion

Today I am going to talk about me. It is one of my favorite subjects! Only this time, I am hoping that other people are interested too. I will be graduating in May and I will be looking for a full time job. This blog is to make people aware of what I do, so maybe they can help me with my job search. I will try to make it as little like a resume as possible.

Name: Lena Michelle English
Age: 22
Degree: Associate of Arts and Science in Visual Arts with an emphasis in Multimedia(in May)

I am looking for a full time job, prefferably with medical benefits, and that pays at least $10.50/hour. I am good at receptionist and assistant positions, but would rather something a little more hands on. I do graphic design (forms, ad layout, banners, hand outs, etc.), stained glass, a little painting, some photography, and some clay work.

I am looking for something that will challenge my artistic skills but also allow me to contribute positively to the company. I think an entry level designer would be perfect. I need a company that understands that I am just out of college so I don't have a ton of experience, and that would be willing to help me get that experience.

If anyone knows of any of these type positions available, please let me know, or give them my email: lena.dumas@gmail.com. I have resumes available. Thank you for your help.

Yard Sale Season!

I am so excited! It is starting to get warm, and the sun is out in the morning, and the yard sales are out! I love yard sale season. It is probably what I look forward to the most in the summer.



Saturday, while Nik was sleeping, I took advantage of the warmth and went to my first yard sale of the season. I was glad to see how many were out, but there weren't a whole lot out there. The first, maybe, three that I found, didn't have anything interesting, and I passed them up with out even getting out of the car. I did find a small gift for Kristin, which I haven't given her yet, and a super cute blue elephant for Vivian's baby, and perhaps my favorite find, and something I will consider a good omen for the season to come, was a pair of slip covers for chairs, that match my slip cover on my couch! Great huh? The best part is that the family was moving to Singapore (spelling) and needed to sell everything, so I got them both for a dollar. Great! They don't fit exactly, but they fit well enough and I love them in my front room. I feel like I could actually have people over and they could sit down!

I know I have revived an interest in yard saleing (this is one of those verbs that is not actually a verb, like scrapbooking) in my family and friends, and I hope that they too can make it out soon, and see what the world has to offer!

My Favorite Things

In an effort to improve my life and happieness in general, I have decided to list all the things I can think of that make me happy. Please forgive any duplicates.

* Nik
* Talking to a good friend I haven't seen in a long time.
* Playing games with my family.
* Finally understanding something I have been struggling with for a long time.
* Finishing a book you just couldn't put down.
* Getting flowers from a loved one
* Helping someone who wasn't expecting it.
* Opening presents
* Continuing family traditions
* Getting new clothes
* Sharing a friends good news
* Decorating a room by myself
* Having my boss tell me I did a good job.
* Going to a floral shop.
* Watching my favorite movie.
* Giving someone hand-me downs that they appreciate.
* Going yard-saling.
* Getting a new plant.
* Making Nik laugh.
* Playing with babies.
* Having friends over.
* Playing a murder mystery.
* How I feel the day after a good cry.
* Finishing a project that was your idea.
* Laughing at an inside joke.
* Watching my favorite TV shows.
* Having standing plans with friends.
* Going to the Temple.
* Going to the Temple with friends.
* Listening to my favorite song on the radio.
* Getting a new CD of my favorite artists.
* Listening to Nik laugh, when he is really laughing.
* Realizing again that I have great friends.
* Getting a message from friends or loved ones saying they were thinking of me.
* Being excited to see someone.
* Finding someone with the same random interests as me.
* Falling back asleep when I realize I woke up too early.
* Waking up and feeling Nik asleep next to me.
* Surprising Nik with breakfast
* Being able to help someone who needs it.
* Sunsets
* Cloud formations
* A clear morning after a big snow
* The first time I can wear shorts in spring.
* French toast
* Gerber daisies
* Taking pictures


I hope you have been inspired to think of all the things that make you happy. I will add to this list as often as I can.

Having Friends and Being Married

When Nik and I were dating, we were very social. Nik had so many friends from Encore, and such, that there were always parties and friends houses to hang out at. I had a couple of friends within hang out distance, so there was no shortage of social interaction. I thought this would always be a normal for us, but was brought to a realization the other day.

Last Friday Nik suggested that we invite some friends over that we hadn't seen in a long time. I was suddenly upset that he would rather hang out with friends than have an evening home with me. After thinking on this for a moment, I figured there was no harm in calling a couple friends over for the evening. Nik called Spencer and Jess (an engaged couple that he has been friends with for a long time). At first I was just a little disapointed when they were able to come over, and I was afraid I would be upset, or unpleasent the whole eveing. When they showed up, however, I realized how much fun I have with them, even though I do not know Jess very well. We talked for an hour or so (the boys in the computer room) and then decided to watch a movie. When the evening ended and Spencer and Jess went home, I thought about how much fun we had, and how good it was to see them again.

The following day, I was up early for a morning with Vivian, then an afternoon tending my niece and nephew, then my best friend and her husband came up from Provo and we spent the evening with them. This is probably the most social contact I have had a long time.

In church on Sunday I was contemplating my full weekend and I was surprised at myself when I thought about how upset I had been about friends coming over. I never thought I would rater sit at home by myself (essentially) than have fun with friends. I think I forgot how much Nik thrives on being social. And how much I thrive on Nik. He has a social personality, and I had been stiffling it by insisting we spend every evening alone together.

I love having friends over and I love going to friends houses. I just need to be reminded of how much fun it is every once in a while.

Tried and Tested

I have been thinking recently about a "fight" I had with one of my best friends a few weeks ago. I went into the discusion with an open mind and willing to work through any issues we had. But as the argument progressed, I began to realize that I was not going to make any headway. And it made me sad. I had the sudden feeling that this might be the end of a long standing friendship, and I couldn't even get her to understand my point. We talked for about half and hour, and I was almost in tears by the end. I was terrible. I have disagreed with my friends choices before, but nothing to the extent that my friend seemed to disagree with my choice in this matter.

I was particularly worried because I had been thinking that maybe my our friendship was on the way out, and that we were only friends still because we had been friends for so long. And that this was going to be the final blow.

I went to bed sad, and without telling Nik what had happened. That forboading feeling stayed with me the next day as well. I just couldn't get over it. When Nik finally returned home that night I decided to tell me what had happened. He was very understanding and helped me to understand my friends point a little better, but mostly he was outraged as well. Well, I was scheduled to see this friend the following week, and I wasn't sure if I could go.

I finally decided to give it a chance and see how it went. Surprisingly, nothing seemed to have changed. We both acted as we always do around each other. Frankly, I was surprised given the strong feelings expressed only a week earlier. But it was fine. All fine. We have enjoyed each other's company numerous times since the fight, and it is like it never happend. Now, I will admit that everytime I talk to her I have this thing in the back of my mind that reminds me of what happed, but I never let it get past a fleeting thought.

I am proud of both of us and our grown up abilities to put petty things behind us and move on, better for it. My advice, please try to remember how amazing relationships like this are and don't let your pride get in the way of a true friendship.

Southern Utah Blizzard

Over the long weekend Nik and I (and my family) took a last minute trip to St. George. It was a blast! The weather was warm, and sunny (though I still frequently "mentioned" that it was cold outside). Due to several family functions this weekend, I was able to see family members I hadn't seen since my wedding. I even got my favorite St. George treat twice! I know, I am spoiled.

We had planned to leave monday afternoon, but didn't have a set time. After eating, taking naps, and putting it off as long as we could, we finally left around 3:30. And it was raining pretty good in St. George. By the time we were outside Leeds, it was snowing. And if anyone knows Cedar City weather, you will know what is coming next. We had white out conditions clear through Cedar and into Beaver. To top it all off, there was an accident about 5 miles south of Cedar, so we were stuck in traffic for close to an hour. Needless to say, I had to pee when we got there. The weather cleared inbetween Beaver and Filmore, and there was a beautiful sunset, so I guess something good came out of it. I do feel bad for those people in the accident though. I can't imagine being in the middle of nowhere and in a three-car pile up. It was bad.

My parents were about hours ahead of us and they were sending me pictures from their phones of the conditions ahead. Very encouraging. Lucky for us, they weren't as bad by the time we got there. But it put us about an hour behind schedule, not to mention that we were starving by the time we got to Nephi, so we stopped for dinner. It felt like we had been on the road all day.

Luckily, I was in the car with my wonderful husband, and he helped pass the time. He has such great sense of humor and a positive outlook on things, that I forget that we still have four hours left in the car. I love you Nik.

Happy Valentine's Day

My wonderful husband and I decided to exchange Valentine's gifts last night, as opposed to today. Mainly because he was so excited to give me mine, that he couldn't wait. When he returned from work he rang the doorbell instead of just coming in the house. When I answered the door he had a dozen red roses for me. And a box of fresh chocolate covered strawberries! I was so excited! My husband is the best.

I had be not so subtlely hinting that I wanted flowers, and I was really hoping he would get them for me for Valentine's. I immeditally put them in the only vase I have and arranged them with the beautiful green filler they came with. I repeated many times last night how beautiful they were and how happy I was that he had given them to me. Even now I am anxious to get back home to see them displayed in my home. I was so excited about the strawberries too, I usually have to share them with someone, but not this time! I was savoring them last night. I still have about five in the box.

I just want my husband to know how much I love him and everything he does for me. He works so hard to provide for me, and I am so proud of him for it. I know he sacrifices a lot to have a full-time job, and I want him to know that I completely understand how it is. I love you so much Nik. Always.

Sweet Tooth

Last night, after returning home from Toast, Jam and Cheese, I had a major sweets craving. I don't know why...I had just had three pieces of toast and jam...isnt that sweet? Anyway. Due to a problem with our kitchen sink drain I was not able to do the dishes this weekend and therefore did not have any clean cookie sheets. So no making cookies. And, a rarety in my house, but we didn't have any ice cream either! The horror! I didn't even have any sweet cereal.

I had just resigned myself to having popcorn instead, when I noticed my husbands newly purchased bag of marshmallow gun ammo. Then i had an idea. I popped a bag of microwave popcorn and melted half a stick of butter and half the bag of marshmallows (rice crispy treat style) in the microwave and then added the popcorn. Since Nik had yoinked a small bowl of the un-mallowed popcorn, I ended up with a little more gooey than popcorn. After mixing I sprayed a pyrex dish with Pam and dumped in the mallow corn. I smushed it around a little and let it set in the fridge (I didnt have the patience for it to set at room temperature) for a few minutes. After that I was in sweet tooth heaven. It was awesome. Even Nik liked it. Sort of.

So, please try my newest solution for sweet tooth cravings, and tell me what you think!

Child vs. Grown-up

Nik and I are in the nursery in our ward and really enjoy it. I don't want kids for a long time now... :) Nik particularly likes it because he gets to play with toys and little kids for two hours, and heck, that is better than the grown-up alternative. Nik has invented a new game with our nursery little ones: he lays down and announces that he is tired and going to take a nap. This alerts the kids that it is time to jump on Brother Nik and wake him up. He then makes a show of waking up and waits a little bit before needing another nap. I think Nik enjoys this almost more than the kids do. Which is great. That means that I get to build with the blocks.

This little-kid attitude was reinforced yesterday when we were at Lou and Ten's house and Nik spent the evening playing with Noah. Noah is a big fan of light sabers and, you guessed it, so is Nik, so this is a great time had by all. Nik has also taught Noah how to use his Force powers, so the play isnt as physical as it used to be. I love that my husband is so young at heart. He has so much fun bringing out the inner child with his nieces and nephews that sometimes I have a hard time getting the Grown-up Nik back.

I know that Nik will be a great Dad someday, and I hope that our kids will help keep their dad young for many more years. Love you Baby.