Have you heard about the Harpers?

So much has happened in the last several years (yes, years!) since I blogged.  I want to take a quick minute to let you know that we are indeed alive and well!  Here's a brief synopsis of what you've missed while we've been gone:

John graduated from BYU with a Bachelor degree in Nutritional Science. I graduated from the University of Utah with a Masters degree in Social Work.  I'm now a real live therapist. And I never have to go back to school again!

We found out we were expecting a baby, I had an emergency appendectomy at 16 weeks, and while at the hospital we learned that the baby would be a boy!

We moved...to Kirksville, Missouri.  Kirksville is a tiny town in the Midwest with a great deal of charm.  We are in the Nauvoo stake for our church and are just up the road from Amish country.  A trip to Walmart (one of the only stores in town) typically means running into a few Amish families out doing their shopping; it's kind of fun.  We have learned that people out here are VERY friendly.  Everyone wants to talk to you and get to know you.  There were even checkers at Wal Mart who remembered my due date and that I was having a baby boy.  On the outskirts of town is a beautiful state park called Thousand Hills.  It's set on a gorgeous lake with the forest in the background. Whenever we take the stroller out there to go for a jog, we always run past a herd of whitetail deer.  It's one of our favorite places to go here.  And we can still go as often as we want, because we don't have snow yet (or cold weather for that matter).  One of the great perks about Missouri is that we actually get a fall! It is beautiful and we are really enjoying it!

John is attending A.T. Still University.  He is currently working on his thesis about periodontal disease.  He loves his program, the faculty, staff, and university.

On August 31, 2012, after a tough time getting here, we welcomed Colt Marvin Harper into the world. We feel so blessed to be his parents and to have his sweet spirit in our home.  He is a very good natured baby and a great sleeper! It really doesn't get any better than this.

I would like to think that this post means a return to blogging on a regular basis for me.  However, that is probably not very likely as I am busy with a new baby, and John and I are also on the fence about blogging in general.  For us, the goal has always been to use our blog to keep family members and close friends abridged of the general happenings in our life.  I think this can be very positive.  But we also know that blogging can sometimes paint an inaccurate and too perfect picture of someone's life, making others feel bad and magnifying the problems in their own lives.  Or sometimes it becomes a tool to promote "keeping up with the Jones."  (If you have a blog, I'm not necessarily implying that this is the case with yours.)  I'm just simply saying that we would never want to be a part of these things and are fairly private people anyway, so our posts will probably be few and far between.  Just a few quick updates about how we are doing generally.  I hope you will still want to read them and hear how we are doing from time to time...which reminds me, please leave a comment if you are reading this at all.  Anyone?

Lastly, to our friends and family members in Utah and Idaho:  we miss you!  I am so grateful for google+, Facetime and other modern technology that helps us stay in touch.  We absolutely love our life in Missouri and know that this is where our family is suppose to be, but we really wish we could have brought all of you with us! So just remember that we are a mere 90 minutes from Nauvoo, the Mark Twain Museum, and more amish country that you can imagine....and we love having visitors!

What's your secret?

Have you ever stood in the middle of the make up aisle, completely panicked by all the choices? I definitely have. I mean, for some girls, a big store like Sephora is heaven on earth but it's enough to send me into a panic! So last week when I was scraping the bottom of the foundation bottle, I had that old familiar feeling of dread about having to select a new foundation. Thankfully, it was facebook to the rescue. Great friends responded with their favorite foundation choices and I was saved! The field narrowed from hundreds of possibilities to a few manageable choices- that I can deal with. Seriously, it saved my life that week! In fact, it was such a success that I want to try it again- but not just with foundation. So I'm asking you: What are your favorite beauty products? Post your top choices in the comments section, so we can all enjoy a little friendly girlie advice!

On Thursday, I had so much fun serving as a judge for the Miss Idaho Falls pageant. This was my first time judging and it was pretty exciting to be behind the scenes, rather than being a contestant! There were so many talented contestants and they were really fun to watch! I was also able to see Ali Christensen give up her title that night. This was really special, because I have helped Ali prepare for pageants; it was nice to be able to see her finish things. She is an incredibly sweet, beautiful, and sincere girl and I wish her good luck in all her future plans! Along with Ali, I was able to see lots of old pageant friends that I don't run into as much as I would like to. And of course, I helped choose the new Miss Idaho Falls- Kelsie Roper! Kelsie was an absolutely AMAZING contestant and will represent Idaho Falls well throughout her year and at state.

We need a vacation!

Help! We need a vacation so badly! Life at the Harper house lately has been busy, stressful, and totally monotonous at the same time. Basically, we are looking to get out of dodge. Just a quick trip over a weekend that we could easily do without jumping on an airplane or driving for hours and hours. And it would be nice if it didn't break the bank either. I'm sure you all have way more exciting lives and have taken some fun little weekend getaways in your time- so I'm asking you, any great ideas???

Condo-Mondo!

Big News: As of this week, we are officially home owners! Thursday night we closed on a great condo in North Orem. We are SO excited to be getting our own place. We love the complex and its great location! Not to mention, we're excited to be staying in one place for more than six months! The plan is to live in the condo until we head off to graduate school, and then we'll hang on to it as an investment property.

Right now, we're set to move in December 1st. We're doing a big round of home renovations before we move in. The condo is in great shape, but we have some things in mind to make it a little more 'home sweet home'. And we've had a blast doing "grown up stuff" like picking out new appliances, shopping for paint colors (no more white walls!), new fixtures and flooring. We're got some great plans for the place and I think its going to turn out fabulous! The not-so-fun part has been haggling with realtors and dealing with the ridiculous utah county real estate market! It's been a long month and a half, but it's all been worth it in the end.

So, no pictures to post yet. But I'll definitely be giving lots of updates over the next month and pictures will be posted once we are completely settled and decorated. At that point, you are all welcome to come pay us a visit!

I LOVE FALL!

Conference Weekend

What a crazy week! Between work and school, John and I have been kept pretty busy. Casey and her friend Brittany spontaneously came to stay with us this weekend. We were so excited to have them come visit and hope they come again soon. While they were here, of course we did lots of shopping and hit up a chick flick! Saturday night we had a lively dinner with Joey, Hunter, Casey, and Brittany. We had homemade Cafe Rio burritos and the college girls even learned how to make them. They were in awe of my newlywed domestic skills the whole weekend; it was pretty funny. They both have missionaries they are waiting for, so they loved seeing a happy ending. Sunday John made us yummy crepes for breakfast while we were watching conference. He is getting pretty good at crepes; especially considering we don't have an actual crepe pan. We all just lounged in our pajamas watching conference together before we put the girls on the road. In between sessions the Parks stopped by for a quick visit. We didn't get to talk to them for long, but we are super excited because we are going to a football game with them in a few weeks! Tonight we have a pot roast in the oven (smells amazing!) and we're having Joey over for dinner. He called and said he's got bunches of laundry to do. All in all, a pretty good weekend!

Where we are NOW

Wow- So many things to catch up on. I have been a total blogger slacker, and now I hardly know where to start with an update...We have had an interesting and yet, amazing summer. Right before graduation in April, we moved to a little duplex in American Fork right up by the temple. John started working building houses with his Uncle Matt, and I took a much needed break. We planted a great little garden and started teaching a little primary class. We absolutely loved being in American Fork and had so much fun discovering new places and fun things to do. Mostly, it was just nice to get out of Provo! We especially loved the cute little movie theater in AF- aka "the sticky." We spent quite a few nights there grabbing a movie with friends. We also spent time cooling off in the fun pool at the AF rec center. Oh- and we made probably a dozen or so trips back to Idaho to see our families and do lots of boating!

During this time, I was looking for my first real job out of college-not an easy thing to find in this economy. Anyway, the plan was for us to stay in American Fork and for John to commute to Provo for school in the fall. In July- two things happened. The first is that I received a couple of job offers. Finally! I decided to take an offer with Wasatch Mental Health working in Youth Outpatient. The second is our great friends, the Harrisons, announced they were moving to Atlanta, Georgia. We were seriously bummed to see them go...but they did have a great apartment in Orem. With John going to school at BYU and me working in Provo, it only made sense for us to shorten our commute. So we packed up our stuff, said goodbye to AF and headed to "The Harrison House." Luckily, the Harrisons had been kind enough to leave behind a great garden for us. Thanks guys!

We love our new ward and our close proximity to Krispy Kreme! So for now, we're settled in with school and work and trying to enjoy the little time we get together. John goes to school around 7 am and usually comes home around 10 pm. We try to at least take a quick dinner or lunch break together once or twice a week, which just means we've been eating way too much Costa Vida. I'm working full time at Wasatch and enjoying putting to use the things I learned at BYU and in my internship. It's nice to have all that schooling finally pay off! Well, that pretty much sums things up for now...

The Stone Age

We don't have internet at our house right now. We're looking in to getting some carrier pigeons but they are extremely difficult to find this time of year!

Guilty Pleasures

Guilty pleasures. We've all got them-life's little indulgences. Don't ya just love 'em?
My Guilty Pleasures:
1. Sleeping in
2. Gilmore Girls
3. new mascara
4. Red Mango
5. Girlie magazines
6. old school rock songs
7. Twilight (oh Edward!)
8. painted toenails
9. CNN
10. Anything from Chilis

Son of a Bachelor!

OMG! I am shocked. stunned. baffled. disgusted. ( I would say that I am speechless, but seriously who am I kidding?) Who does Jason Mesnick think he is? Sure, the guy's good-looking and the whole single dad thing is truly admirable, but his qualifications for god's gift to women end there. It takes some serious moxie to play with two women's hearts for an entire season, pick one disgard the other, spend weeks being engaged, and then announce on national television (in high definition!) that he simply made a mistake! This is the Bachelor people, show a little dignity! I mean, let's be honest, as much as we LOVED Melissa did we really expect this reality TV relationship to go the distance? No. We were all waiting to stumble across their People Magazine break up cover story in the grocery aisle six months from now. But never in a million years did I think I would go down like this. Poor Melissa! I just have to say a few things about Melissa- and by doing so I'll have to admit another seriously embarassing guilty pleasure of mine, but humilation seems to be the theme for the night so what the heck! I used to watch the super lame show Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: making the squad (laugh all you want) and Melissa was one of the cheerleaders. I found her completely endearing. 1.) She reminds me of my sister- luv ya cas! 2.) Really great hair- she's shown us all just how cute rockin the ponytail can be 3.) wouldn't we all love to be that gorgeous, nice, funny, etc? Mark my words Mr. Mesnick, you really dropped the ball on this one. Big Mistake. Now I find myself completely distressed and wanting to ship all sorts of heartfelt support to Melissa in the form of Ben & Jerry's. Any thoughts on where I should ship it to? To Melissa c/o Jason & Molly Mesnick- fat chance. Guess I'll just have to send it straight on to Dallas. On second though, it'd probably just arrive in a melty, irrepairable soupy mess...kinda like Melissa's heart. Son of a Bachelor!

Super Cute Goodies!

I'm totally not one of those bloggers who's always raving about my favorite things ( I mean c'mon I'm not oprah or anything) But I LOVE decorating goodies and these were just too cute to resist! I'm even gonna try to recreate a few on my own. Check 'em out!

http://shop.thesweettoothfairy.com/main.sc

There she is...

It's that time of year again! Inauguration- nope. Valentine's Day-no. Tax season- no go. Some people call it the female Superbowl; I call it Miss America!!! I had my good friend Kristen over and we made a girl's night out of it. We had so much fun catching up and eating yummy girlie food together. It brought back such good memories (not that I'm ready to do that again. Let's just say I gave up the crown and the gym) since that's how Kristen and I met. Anyway, this year was the first time I haven't been able to completely predict things. The top 15 was a little different than what I thought it would be. I thought for sure Utah would make it- Kayla is so talented. I was starting to worry that I had lost my touch but my girl Indiana pulled it out in the end so I at least called the crown!

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner!

It's no secret that we're pretty competitive at our house. However, we believe in competing with dignity, grace and integrity. And that is why I must announce: I WON!!! I WON!!! I WON!!! I beat John at Monopoly again. After two days, my total net worth was over $12,000. While John had compiled an impressive negative $3,000 in assetts! Basically, I kicked his little monopoly butt!

BYU Homecoming

So this weekend, my family was in town for the homecoming game. Saturday before the game, the girls went shopping (of course!) and we put together a cute little package for my sister's mission. Then we got all bundled up for the game. We've been pretty spoiled in provo; it hasn't been cold until this week. But the temperature has definitely dropped now and it officially feels like Fall! After the game, we headed over the our friends the Martinezs to carve pumpkins. Thanks so much Alex for the delicious pumpkin bread and hot chocolate- it was amazing! My pumpkin is the scary looking one on the left and I carved it without ANY help from John :-)
Oh, and just a quick shoutout to the Gibbs- we are super excited to see you guys tomorrow!

Joy in the journey

For me, this was a great weekend. It was so wonderful to spend the weekend listen to the prophet and apostles. Conference is always great, but this time was particularly uplifting and special for me. I am really excited about implementing the new counsel in my life. It's a Monday, and I feel spring in my step and have a smile on my face!

I wanna do it too!

They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, so Rachel and Mary I hope you don't mind that I am totally copying you- but it just looked like fun...

Fifty Questions:
1. Do you like blue cheese? Yes, but Gorgonzola is better
2. Have you ever smoked a cigarette? No
3. Do you own a gun? No - I am very against guns in the house. Unfortunately my husband is for it. Luckily, we don't have money to buy a gun!
4. What flavor do you add to your drink at Sonic? I don't get drinks- I get the fattening shakes! Fried ice cream shake is the best
5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointment? Nervous doesn't even cover it. I have insane anxiety about anything medical. I seriously GO CRAZY- just ask my mom about the time they needed to prick my finger...it's a great story. Good times had by all.
6. What do you think of hot dogs? They're good. Just don't read the label-ever. What you don't know can't hurt you.
7. Favorite Christmas Song? The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting) or Oh Holy Night. I love love love to sing Christmas music.
8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? Water
9. Can you do push-ups? Nope, not even close. Toothpicks for arms... I should work on that.
10. What is your favorite movie? "Just Married." For those of you who have watched this with me, I'm sorry. It never gets old to me; I still laugh like it's the first time.
11. What’s your favorite piece of jewelry? Pearl earrings; and lately I've been going through a huge headband stage...ooooh, and anything with bows. I really like girly things.
12. Favorite hobby? Shopping-when I have money. Reading-when I have time. Scrapbooking-when I have money and time.
13. Do you work with people who idolize you? I work with meth addicts, so I doubt it.
14. Do you have ADD? Only when I'm in class.
15. What’s one trait that you hate about yourself? I take time to warm up to people and I can be pretty self-conscious.
16. What’s your middle name? Ann (without an E- for those who love Anne of Green Gables)
17. Name three thoughts at this moment: Man, my life is boring, I'm excited for conference, and I miss my family.
18. Name 3 things you bought yesterday: Brown paper bags to make "kittens who lost their mittens" puppets with the kids at work, dishsoap w/ a coupon, and that's it.
19. Current worry right now? School
21. Current hate right now? Not being heard.
22. Favorite place to be? home.
23. How did you bring in the New Year? We went to dinner and a movie.
24. Where would you like to go? Everywhere. I love to travel. I definitely want to go to Greece, back to Europe- especially Italy, and Spain.
25. Name three people who will complete this? No idea.
26. Whose answer do you want to read the most? Anyone.
27. What color shirt are you wearing? It's a white American Eagle shirt.
28. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? Yes, I love satins sheets; wish I had them; that's when I'll know I have arrived. lol
29. Can you whistle? No, which is too bad, because I've been told that you can do anything if you whistle
30. Favorite color? I've very into black right now, and cream.
31. Would you be a pirate? Yes, my secret dream in life is to drop out of school, meet up with Captain Jack Sparrow, and travel around the world in the Black Pearl pillaging and plundering my weasley black guts out!
32. What songs do you sing in the shower? Usually, it's more of a groan, and it involves the phrase "Why? Why am I awake?" I am not a morning person.
33. Favorite girl’s name? I'm not telling- good names get taken. But let me tell ya, I've got some good ones. :-)
34. Favorite boy’s name? See above.
35. What’s in your pocket right now? Chapstick that has been through the washer.
36. Last thing that made you laugh? I'm not sure. Hmm...I should laugh more.
37. Best bed sheets as a child? Sheets were a traumatic thing in my childhood. My mom made me have polka dots sheets- can you imagine?
38. Worst injury you’ve ever had? I've broken each arm twice and a few weeks ago I almost lost my hand in a severe camping fire.
39. What is your favorite snack? spinach and artichoke dip
40. Favorite thing to do on Sundays? Nap or scrapbook
41. Who is your loudest friend? Casey
42. How many dogs do you have? No dogs
43. Does someone have a crush on you? Some of the kids at work
45. What is your favorite book? too many to choose from. But anything Anita Stansfield is my guilty pleasure. Oh Rachel, if you read this I totally still have your book. I'm pathetic. I'll mail it soon...I swear!
46. What is your favorite candy? Anything chocolate and mint. Oh, and strawberry cheesecake jellybellies.
47. What is your favorite sports team? Yankees
48. What song do you want played at your funeral? "Anyway" by Martina McBride.
49. What were you doing 12 AM last night? Sleeping, very soundly.
50. What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up this morning? Why, Why, Why am I awake?

Not so fast sunday...

This morning was fast sunday for our ward, because general conference is next week. John woke up before me though, and without even thinking he helped himself to some cereal and a couple of pieces of pizza for breakfast. When I finally rolled out of bed I told him I wasn't eating b/c it was fast sunday- he felt terrible! He just kept saying over and over again how bad he felt about missing fast sunday. In the meantime, I was just trying to make it through the day. I'm a little embarassed to say that I am not exactly the world's most pleasant faster, but I was determined to stick it out. We made it to sacrament meeting only to hear the bishop announce that the week after conference would be fast sunday for our ward. Boy, did I feel stupid... and hungry!

Happy Campers

So I definitely don't get the award for the most on-time blogger. John's been begging me to post our camping pictures since Pioneer Day. Anyway, we went camping at Hope Campground up Provo canyon. We were dying to try out our new tent and sleeping bags (thank you George W. Bush for that wonderful tax rebate!) Here are some pics from our trip:

We saw this deer right next to our camp site

Our beautiful tent! Actually the ground was a little bit unlevel, so it's much nicer than it looks....and it's seriously huge!
One happy camper!

We've been a little sick...

So we've been a little sick at our house lately; in fact, we have been down-right ill. We have Olympic Fever! I LOVE the Olympics. Especially the summer olympics. I love watching the swimming and I am a huge women's gymnastics fan. This year I've done it right- I started watching the women's team earlier in the season starting with nationals and then the trials ( sad, I know.) I think Shawn Johnson is an incredible and inspiring athlete- I really think she can take the gold. Anyway, last night we saluted the opening ceremonies in Beijing by ordering a ton of Chinese food. However, we were so disapointed to find that none of the chinese restaurants in Provo have pork and seeds. I have never been to a chinese restaurant that doesn't have them. Is that weird? I seriously thought they were totally chinese? Anyway, we hunkered in with our take out to watch the opening ceremony and we were completely blown away. John especially loved the performers with the suits that lit up. I really liked the cute little chinese girl who sang with the piano player and the cheesy chinese cheerleaders during the parade. Those chinese are pretty incredible- but it's gonna be TEAM USA!!!