Jon and Molly: Update

Yup, I'm alive!

Here are some updates:

-Elza. Elza flew in on Tuesday night, so it's great to have her as a roommate again, even if it's only for a few weeks. I dread finding a new roommate. I will post for one on Craigslist/KSL right when I am done with this update. (Sorry it's taken so long, mumsy...)

PS: Shelby, come back! I don't think I've watched Pride and Prejudice since you left OR the TCM* channel (*Turner Classic Movies)

-My garden. I planted so many things! Corn, peas, beans, zucchini, squash, carrots, and lettuce. So far, I only have zucchini. Nothing else grew! Probably because: 1) mom is not here making me a chore list, which always including weeding the garden (there are so many bees here!) 2) the garden is in the shade most of the day (my bad!), and 3) I'm lazy (probably the most honest reason - and because I hate bees, of course).

-Chris and Marian. I love going over and playing with/babysitting them. Chris and I look at pictures of tractors, play catch with his basketball, give Franklin dog treats, call Grandpa and Grandma, reading lots of books, and watch Backyardigans. Always a fun evening!

- Babies. My sister Hannah and sister-in-law Shauna had their babies in July! I can't wait to meet my new niece and nephew: Ellie Jane and Hamilton Ralph!

-Work. I like my job, and I love the people. I am a front desk manager at a local career college. It can be stressful, but what job isn't? Working with good people makes it all worthwhile.

-Painting. A little, anyway. I painted all of the cabinets and drawers in the kitchen a cream color and bought new hardware. The cupboards were dark brown with gold handles, so it's really lightened it up. I painted the back splash a nice green color, so it just looks fresh and clean. I also painted the front door a medium blue so it pops out against the red brick. I love it! Next project: painting the living room (?). We'll see...

- Home. I'm going home to Pennsylvania and then to Palmyra for a week in September to spend time with my family. I can't wait! I've never flown alone so I'm a bit nervous. (I know, I know, I'm 21 years old. Time to grow up!)

-Walking. My friend from the singles ward I attend (whose name is also Molly S! ) and I have been going walking every morning these past two weeks. So far, so good. We go 3-3.5 miles every day. She pushes me hard some mornings going up those hills but I always feel great afterwards! Watch out family, I'm going to win our Pace Race across the U.S.A.!

-Purging. I have too much stuff. I've decided no more buying lots of cheap shoes in all colors! And no more dishes, I have plenty of sets (plus two more sets stored in the milk house back in PA!) Too many clothes, too many lotions (I keep finding them in different closets and drawers), too much of about everything! Really, who needs 7 pairs of brown shoes?! I only wear 1 or 2 of them. Sick. I am NOT going to become a pack rat. Simplicity! That's what I want!

- Cooking. I'm trying to cook more. Especially now that Kyle isn't around to cook for me anymore (he ALWAYS made the food)! I've decided I need to experiment more and cook. I have so many cookbooks, I just don't use them. Time to start pulling them off the shelves!! I always tell myself to make weekly meal plans. I hate when I find a recipe that I really want to make, and I don't have all of the ingredients! And if I go to the store and buy it, I'm usually not in the mood to make it anymore by the time I get back! It's a rough cycle, I know...

- Reading...or not. I've been going to the library a lot lately. I end up getting about 5 or 6 books, just to return them 3 weeks later after sitting on my nightstand, unopened! I might open and read the first couple pages of each book, but I never finish. I don't know what's happened to me, I used to read ALL THE TIME! I went again tonight and checked out 8 books. We'll see if I finish any this time...

- Church. I am the Relief Society secretary in my ward. I have a new respect for secretaries. It's not just about numbers. You have to keep track of EVERYONE. And it's hard, especially with people moving in and out of the ward all of the time...I don't think I'll EVER have an updated list with everyone. But I love the Presidency I work with, they are awesome and do such a great job.

-Haircut. I got my hair cut and highlighted a few weeks ago. I love it. It was too long and boring, so I got some more layers and chopped off about 4-5 inches. I don't think I've even taken any pics of it, yet! Those will have to come later.

That's all for now. I'll try to keep this more updated and add some more pictures!

Back in April:

Carter on the John Deere!