Winter Wonderland: Shad's Car in the Snow

We have obviously been having a lot of snow recently. My car was parked at the street when the storms began because I came home late from school that day. I dug it out once but I didn’t need to go anywhere and there was no where else to park at the time because of all the snow, so I just left it there. Well, we returned from the holidays and 3-4 more storms and 2 more feet of snow later, it was totally plowed in.

Since the weather was finally decent earlier today, I resolved to get it out before the next storm hits tomorrow. The first time I dug it out it only took me about 45 minutes or so, so I expected to only spend maybe an hour or so on it today. The only problem was that the snow berm surrounding my car was mostly huge chunks of ice plowed from the road. It took me 2 hours of digging through the berm before I even touched the car. 

I obviously had my work cut out for me. I knew if I got everything cleared out from behind me, it would only take me a few minutes to actually back my car out. I just had to make sure I didn't get stuck.

As you can see here, other cars were in the same boat as me. 

Finally, I got to the car, but it took me almost 2 more hours to actually dig around it. It was about 4:00 by then, so it was of course dark (Gotta love winter). 

At that point, I was finally ready to drive the car free from its "snow fort prison" (If the people across the street would dig their cars out as well, we could have some great snow ball fights because we would already have prebuilt snow forts from the plows; the ice would make them impenetrable from oncoming snowballs...awesome!).

You can see how much snow there was. It took me forever to dig around the car.

As I had guessed, it was really easy to get out once I had dug around it. It only took me about 5 seconds to drive it free. Behold, the final product below--an empty parking spot. Anyone need somewhere to park???

Snow update... this is CRAZY!

It is STILL snowing here in little old Spokane washington! We have received a record total of 46.2 inches as of Tuesday, (yup, that would be four feet!) and that's just in the last week and a half!! Then Wednesday we got another storm good for another 8-10 inches, and you guessed it, it is still snowing outside today. We have officially made national news, the mayor has declared a "state of emergency" and every morning we wake up to people shoveling out their cars. The plows cannot get around fast enough, and once they do, you've already dug out your car, and thus have to do it again! There is literally NOTHING we can do about this. Shad and I cannot get up the hill to our apartment complex to park, because it is too steep and slick for our car to make it! So we've been forced to park on the street, where we are plowed or snowed in half the time. We've had to find rides to work and church. This really is awful. 

However, I do take solace in the fact that the whole country is receiving snow. My parents house in Seattle has almost a foot of snow!!! The first true white Christmas I can EVER remember in Seattle. CRAZY! Las Vegas received snow, and so did california. This is madness. And I really am beginning to truly LOATHE the  snow. 

This is my car, BEFORE the snow plows came, and only about 2.5 feet into it. There is about 4.5 feet of snow now. So you can imagine...

Yes, that UPS truck in the background is stuck! We offered him help, but he was beyond help at that point! 

SNOWED IN!!!!!

Oh man... we have had some CRAZY weather here in Spokane! I was not aware that when we moved to Spokane we moved to the Artic! Geez! We are currently experiencing the worst winter storm I have ever been in! It's literally like Finland weather here, and trust me I know what Finland is capable of!! There is currently 2, yes TWO, feet of snow that fell since yesterday morning and is continuing to DUMP on us THROUGH tomorrow. They are predicting another foot of snow!! Shad had his last final scheduled for this morning but it has been cancelled!! All the schools are closed, all the universities are closed, the banks are closed, and even the malls are probably going to close! We are literally SNOWED in. Never in my life... this is absolutely nuts! On the bright side, our heater was fixed earlier this week, so at least we are staying nice and toasty inside! Phew! But There is no going anywhere today! There will be no dreaming of a White Christmas, this is for reals!

Here are some pictures of this crazy snow storm from our balcony: 

This is what it normally looks like from our balcony, to compare.

This is this morning at 7:30!!

Look at these cars!! Completely buried! You can kind of see my car parked in the background...buried on the street.  I couldn't get it up the hill last night after work! 

Snow, Snow, SNOW! 

Baby its cold outside! (And Inside!)

  8°F

Current: Clear
Wind: NE at 5 mph
Humidity: 59%

Sun

7°F | -4°F

Mon

4°F | -13°F

Tue

2°F | -8°F

Wed

11°F | 9°F

Oh man, as you can see by the forecast it has been ridiculously cold here!!!! We had a crazy winter storm move in over the weekend and it is absolutely FRIGID! The highs are not even in the teens! And the lows are sub-zero temps!! The wind chill makes it even colder... like negative 16! It has been so windy here that the moment you step outside it moves through you and chills you inside out. But I know what you are thinking... wow, that's cold. But at least you have a nice warm bed and apartment to come home to and have a nice cup of hot chocolate. Nope, you'd be wrong! Shad and I being the poor students that we are rarely turn on our heater, because gas is too expensive and we just don't have the luxury of heat! But in this cold weather we really have no alternative, so we turned it on this morning before church so we can come home to a warm house afterwards, on the way home we were ready for a nice and toasty home, but we walked and soon realized our heater stopped working! Of all days to stop working it has decided to go out during the winter storm. So we are totally freezing here at home. This picture is of Shad studying... INSIDE the house for his finals. Notice he is equipped with two coats, a hat, and thick blanket! I am sporting long johns, two sweaters, and three pairs of socks. I made soup for dinner, that hit the spot perfectly and warmed us up briefly, and then warm brownies for dessert! And I left the oven on extra long to heat up the kitchen while I cooked! I opened up the oven and stood over it for a little bit to toast up my nose which I'm pretty sure is growing icicles! And to top it off for my Laurel activity this Tuesday, we are suppose to go caroling!?! I wanted to skip out, but I was just put in charge of it today as the adult leader!!! Oh man! Any ideas on how to keep warm??? Just when I thought Provo was too cold for us! Burrrrrr!! 

 

Christmas Decoration Are Up

I have had a hard time feeling very "Christmas-y" this year, we've just had a lot going on these last couple months, that it's all overwhelming. Plus its just too soon! I cannot believe Christmas is literally around the corner, so on Monday night Shad and I put up our Christmas decor as our family home evening this week. We didn't start until late, because we are upon Shad's final season, so I hardly see him these days, so as a result we didn't finish until almost midnight (which is why I look so sleepy in these pics and I had a cold!).  Plus if you have any gift ideas for Shad (under $50, we put a cap on it this year, poor law students here!), please let me know, because I am definitely having a hard time. I tried to convince him that we needed no gifts at all and just to buy a wii, but he didn't go for that idea! Happy Christmas! 

The Before Shot...pretty sad looking tree!

And After... awesome looking tree! My parents and I have a tradition that started when I was 7 or 8, they give me a mouse ornament every year, and still do! So if you look closely, you will see our tree is decorated with mice!! 

So Sleepy...

This tree we bought our first Christmas together, because we were poor, but then we were given the bigger tree from my old boss. But we still kept them both... two trees YAY!!

The finished product...ignore the boxes and crap on the couch! hehe

Thanksgiving...Yum!

Shad and I had a WONDERFUL Thanksgiving this year!! I was originally supposed to work the Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving, however, my wonderful co-worker volunteered to cover my shifts, so we got to spent 5 blissful days at home! Hooray! This was Shad's first Thanksgiving with my family, so that also made it a little extra special, and my first Thanksgiving at home for 3 years. So we drove down on Wednesday morning, and spent Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday day visiting fam (Shad's sister Heidi lives there too, so we got to see her and her three girls, who we just love!) and just hanging out around home, just being together. And enjoying delicious goodness on Thursday (Yum!)!! Then on Saturday we went downtown and spent the day walking around and shopping. It was such a great day for walking around, I just love it there this time of year, with all the Christmas decor, and people everywhere. Then we stopped by the Seattle Temple on the way home, we just walked around the grounds, and enjoyed the view. Which was GREAT, because Shad and I haven't been back since we were married. We also helped put up my parents Christmas tree and decorations. Then, sadly, we drove back on Sunday night after attending my family ward. We are lucky that we live so close that we can drive, plus gas is getting cheaper!! It was an awesome mini vacation, and so nice to get away for a bit. Plus, we heard it snowed a bit here in Spokane, suckers! So here are some pics of our weekend, I posted a lot... so enjoy! Hehe!

Prepping delicious dinner, we all look so intense! I was making stuffing!

Shad and I getting ready to stuff our faces, Mmmm...

Our beautiful Thanksgiving Table!

Making Robert Redford, the most delicious dessert in the world, yup, you should be jealous.

One my favorite places in the world, downtown Seattle.

This is where we took some of our first pictures as husband and wife, almost two and a half years ago!

Pretty fall pic, they had just shined up the Moroni.

My wonderful parents! Happy Thanksgiving!

Livin' on Loans and Love!

So, I haven't blogged for a while, because not much has been going on. Actually I take that back... A whole bunch has been going on...just nothing exciting enough to blog about! Shad and I have had a crazy couple of weeks, school has been crazy for him, and I've been busy with work and my new calling as Laurel advisor!! Plus, I've been sick on and off the last week or so... so its just been nuts. But most of this time through all this craziness I've have found multiple reasons to complain about our situation. Either we're too poor to do anything, or I don't feel good, or Shad has too much school. But the more I complained the more I found myself upset. However, I taught a lesson on Sunday to my girls about Being Dependable, and it really made me realize that I should definitely NOT be in a constant "woe-to-me" state. I'm pretty sure that Shad and I can get through anything, as long as we're together. And I am so lucky to have such an amazing husband, who in spite of all his school makes sure to take time to take care of me, and take me out. Also, I'm so glad that we have the church and the gospel to really shead light on our lives when things look a little bit grim. Plus I have a nice place to live, we've made friends, and Shad has the opportunity to pursue his education at a great school. So why, am I complaining so much and playing hermit?? Exactly, no reason! So even though Shad and I aren't sure how we are going to make it everyday, I'm just glad that we are living on loans and love for now (And a little bit of faith!). And I think that should be enough!

Also, I was tagged again by my friend, Heather. And I just thought I'd add it to this post, because its all about my sweetheart, Shad. I just love that kid! 

What is your husband’s name? Shad Owen 

How long have you guys been married? Hmmm... I'd have to say 2 years, 4 months, and 2 days! :) 

How long did you date? We dated 13 months, from meeting to marriage.

How old is he? He just had his 26th birthday, he's pretty much a grandpa! 

Who is taller? Well... I guess he his. By about an inch or two. Hehehe

Who can sing best? I am the world's worst singer!! So It would definitely have to be him!

Who is smarter? Well, I got the better grades in high school and such. But he is the law student... so I would have to say he his for sure!

Who does laundry? We both do it. Shad is pretty good about doing a load once and a while.  

Who pays the bills? I pay them, in the sense that I know when everything is due and how much. But i make shad go online and actually pay them! But I am definitely more on top of this one than he is. 

Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? Depends on which way you look at it. If you walk into our bedroom and look at the bed, He sleeps on the right. But if you are actually IN the bed looking out, then I sleep on the right. So i would say I do...???

Who mows the lawn? We don't have a lawn, but when we get one, I figure by that time we'll have one of our kids do it! Hehe. 

Who cooks dinner? I do most of the time, but sometimes I'm spoiled and he'll make me something.

Who is the first to admit when they are wrong? It depends, on the argument. We don't argue that often, but most of the time it's him who comes over first to apologize. He's good to me like that. 

Who kissed who first? He kissed me, but I was definitely asking for it! 

Who wears the pants? It's mutual. Let's say that we are equally yoked! 

I tag: Anyone who reads this! :) no pressure. I always feel pressure, when someone tags me! 

Halloween Party Anyone?

Shad and I were invited to a Halloween party on Friday, at first we weren't sure if we were going to go, or even dress up. However, as Halloween night came, we decided that we'd better throw something together! So Shad and I went as something we already are... extreme BYU fans!! It was fun party, they had all these games and prizes all planned out...Shad and I of course dominated!

BYU Superfans! You can't tell in this picture but our hair is blue, and I have Y earrings and flip flops! And Shad is wearing our SWEET BYU flag as a cape!

Shad Bobbing for Apples, he totally dominated the competition, 3 seconds!!! Oh yeah!

And the eating bugs off a string, without using your hands. I totally won. 

They also had a pumpkin cookie decorating contest! This was the winning pumpkin cookie, our picture did not turn out, so I cannot post ours. So I will post the winner! (Even though our was much more awesome!)

My Fall Craft

 Shad has school all day, and then comes home to study all night, so I decided that I needed to be productive, and pick up some sort of craft. So in another attempt to keep me from going crazy at home all day and be a good crafty wife... I made a pine cone wreath. Since there are so many pine trees and parks here, I just collected the pine cones myself, and went from there! I guess I'm pretty proud of it, I think it could have turned out a little better. But, eh, it kept me busy. :) (Kjirstin you were my inspiration!!)

Birthday and Pumpkins!

A week ago, last Thursday 10/16, it was Shad's 26th Birthday!!! Yay!! He's such a big boy now, going to law school and everything. I'm so proud of him. He works really hard at school, and being a good husband to me. I really wanted to get him something fancy for his birthday, like an ipod (Because he ruined his about a month ago in a lake!) But we are totally too broke for that kind of thing...So I got him a sweater, that he is wearing the picture above, because he NEVER wears green, and I think he looks studly in it. And Sword in the Stone came out on DVD, which is his favorite Disney, so he got that for his birthday as well. Then on Saturday we had our new ward friends come over and eat Shad's favorite delicious homemade pumpkin pie (which I made myself!) and play some wicked guitar hero! Good times. 

Then last night, we carved our pumpkins! Last year I made a cat pumpkin, which I think turned out really good. So I did it again this year. And Shad and I were just going to make a normal happy face  jack-o-lantern, but his eye fell out!!! So Shad saved it and made him into a pirate pumpkin!!! We figure they are one of kind!

Here's Shad saving the pirate, because I broke off his eye!

The Final Product!!!

Happy Halloween!

Fall Fun

This past Saturday, aside from watching football all day, Shad and I, along with our friends Jay and Courtney, decided to go to a fall festival, to celebrate the new fall season. And enjoy the fun activities. We drove about a half hour to Greenbluff, where they have about a million farms, pumpkin patches, and apple orchards. We stopped by first at "Apple Fest," were they had lots of good smelling food (like Funnel Cake and donuts!) and apple cider. Also they had pumpkins, and TONS of apple orchards! But we were first and foremost wanting to find a corn maze! So we left Apple Fest, and ventured to find the corn maze at a different farm location, where they also had tons of food, crafts, pumpkins, an train rides. However, being the poor students that we are, we just did the corn maze, and split an Elephant Ear! At first glance I thought the corn maze was going to be lame, but it proved to be much harder than it appeared. But here are some fun pictures of the corn maze...  

Our Destination: The Castle


The Castle is in sight.

'Oh No! Can we find it...??'
'We made it to the top!'