Guess whos back...back again..the Crosby's are back...

Well, yes. Once again I have failed at keeping this thing updated. Mainly because I sort of forgot it existed...why? because I sat at home all summer doing nothing but laying out by the pool and pinning things on pinterest. I'm addicted. But in other news, we are Done and DONE with that stupid four months! It went by slow yet fast at the same time. Probably because once I graduated school i had NOTHING to do. haha. and I was definitely not used to that at all after working and going to school and being non stop busy! I received letter after letter and then before I knew it those letters became phone calls! weeks before I was to be reunited with the love of my life it surprisingly became almost unbearable to be separated any longer. the goodbyes seemed so much harder than before. All because we were SO close, but not close enough for our liking. Finally came the long awaited day for me to fly to Missouri. Luckily I have awesome in-laws who came along the lovely little trip. Well, once we got there in the glamorous humidity it didnt seem real. I couldnt believe it. I was 30 minutes from where my husband was sleeping, hours away from seeing that wonderful man of my dreams that I havent seen in four long months. I felt as if I indeed was dreaming. it had been so long. I didnt think i was going to be able to sleep, but from all the traveling and waking up early in the morning, I was exhausted by the time we got to the hotel! Thursday was "family day", where we basically got to spend all day with Steven while he showed us around Ft Leonard Wood (aka : "Fort lost in the woods") ya It lasted maybe 10 min. We went to the Military Police museum which was pretty cool, but after that we ate and....welp theres FLW! haha We didnt know what to do and it was only 2 o'clock. We had until 8pm. So we went off base to one of the few cities we were limited to and saw a movie, Captain America. Which I thought was appropriate for the occasion. haha. We didnt really do much else, because we didnt want him to get in trouble for being late and he still had to pack. This day was like a tease because Steven technically wasnt done yet. It was our last night apart! Friday morning came and the graduation ceremony was great. Although I couldnt help but giggle a few times watching Steven be so serious..haha If you know him, you would do the same :) But it was a short and sweet ceremony, we snapped a few shots, and off he went in his cattle truck (yes a real cattle truck) to be transported back to his "pod" or apartment that they stayed in to pick up his bags. We met him there, he literally ran out of the place to the car because he was DONE! ok and maybe the bags where kinda heavy too ;p Welp, off we went! We wanted o get the heck out of FLW so we hopped on the freeway after a quick lunch and headed to downtown St. Louis where we were to stay for the night until our plane left Saturday evening. We were both so tired that we slept pretty much the whole way there. It was ridiculously hot and humid! Thank goodness for AC! we relaxed in our hotel room and cooled off before we headed out on the town. For dinner we walked (alot more blocks than I had expected) to this restaurant called Misu, it was a japanese restaurant with delicious sushi and noodle bowls :) Later we soaked in the hot tub on the rooftop of the hotel and got some ice cream for dessert. A perfect first night together! Saturday we met up with his parents and had some breakfast and went on a little hr cruise on the Mississippi River by the famous Arch in MO. It was nice...eventhough it was raining! haha dont worry it was still hot and humid :) but MO is just as bipolar as Utah, and it cleared up just as we were leaving the river. perfect. We had some lunch and tried the famous goey butter cake in St. Louis. (I cant remember the exact name) but basicallly it had the consistency of a lemon bar, but...no lemon, just pure sugar and butter! good but i could only handle one bite haha ;) The time steven had been waiting for for four months has finally come, to fly HOME. He was sooo excited to get the heck outta Missouri. We quickly caught on to the many perks of being in the military as he had his uniform on. His 2 bags were far to big to carry on so we checked in and they were for free, and I asked if we could be seated next to each other because I booked them separately and knew we weren't sitting next to each other. Well, we got 3rd row seats next to each other, more leg room, and FREE TV. because with frontier you have to pay $6 extra to get tv. haha so awesome :) the only downside about our travel home is that our next flight was delayed ...but at least we made it home!
Since we've been home, we have been running a million errands between grocery shopping, schools, his army unit, and job interviews. We have been glued at the hip almost every day except for when he has class or I've had my interviews. Unfortunately on Monday I woke up with a sore throat. I thought oh maybe its from sleeping with my mouth open. we woke up early that day to go for a fun in the mountains with our good friend mark. I first thought maybe I shouldn't go..but I brushed it off and sucked on a few cough drops on the way there. Half way through the run, i couldnt breath, stupid elevation. haha So i jogged a little here and there on the way back up to the car. my body started to hurt all over by the time i was stretching next to the car. we went and got some jamba juice and I thought I would feel better once I got some food in me, even though I felt I could barely stand up in line to order. I didnt know what was wrong. A shower always helps an achey body. So we carried on with the day and gradually it came back worse and worse as the time flew by. All of monday and tuesday my throat hurt even when I wasnt doing anything and I was so scared to swallow because I knew it would hurt. we went to the dollar theater Tuesday night and I thought it would be fine because all I would be doing is sitting there, just like at home. I hurt all over and could barely sit still. When we got up to leave I could barely walk, every step was painful, my joints and muscles hurt. I still have no clue why. Steven gave me a blessing that night and as of today no more achey body but still have a terrible sore throat and no matter how much tea I drink or nyquil I take, it doesnt seem to work. I've been hoping that slowly this will go away so I wont have to go to the dr. But I don't think I have a choice at this point. I know for a fact I have strep throat, I've known since Mon/Tues, just didnt want to believe it because our military insurance ended when steven left basic, so we are in between getting our insurance back again. of course I get sick the week after right?! sheeeesh. well that pretty much sums up our life right now! Its been good yet stressful at the same time with starting school, trying to get a job so we can live and figuring out all of his military benefits and when they start...but thats life right? haha I'm just happy I have my Steven back, life is so much better with him next to me :) Enjoy the pictures below!!

Our first kiss in four months :)

Staring into each others eyes....we've been waiting for this day for soo long!

So happy to be together again :)

My handsome husband in his dress blues

Steven all serious getting pinned...haha

After the graduation ceremony

Military Police Memorial Grove

Last but not least...the cattle truck they were transported in! hahahah

A smiling girl is a happy girl.

The title explains it all. I am a happy smiling girl at the moment. Since my last post, I have been nothing but busy busy busy. I got 60+ hrs a week at school, insane. I received more letters and phone calls on Sunday. Days like today are my favorite. Church, food, nap and a phone call from my soldier. I cant believe he's already been gone for 4 weeks! Its insane to me. Being busy with school definitely helps time fly. I just cant wait to go home and play with my family in Cali for the summer!
Steven is doing great! He actually is enjoying himself. yes, enjoying it :) He says his Drill Ssgts are very stern but fair, so its not too bad. His unit is split up into 3 different groups, His group is getting along very well already. If I remember right, they beat one of the fastest times in the mile run. go babe! They have learned to work together and listen to the Ssgts, because if they get ahead of themselves, they are usually wrong, and end up doing more push-ups. He told me that since they are doing so well I should expect to hear from every Sunday! As good as that sounds too me, I try not to believe it and get my hopes up and then for some reason they arent allowed to call that Sunday. You just never know with the Army! This past week they did the..dun dun dun... Gas Chamber! He said he felt as if he were going to die! The only thing he could say about it was that and "It just SUCKED" but its over with! They are almost out of Red Phase, which is one of the hardest phases he said. The next phase he gets to play with guns...oh boy, now I know why hes excited to be done with red phase! Steven also said that basic training isn't really all that hard, you just do what they tell you, the only hard part for him is being away from me. awwww :) hearing that today definitely made me teary eyed! He only has 5 1/2 weeks left of basic training, and then its on to the easier stuff; his specialty training. And during that time, he might even get his phone every night! He will be getting more privileges as the time goes on. And before we know it I will be going out there for his graduation! I cannot wait for that day to come!! I'm so excited :) Oh, he also had to mention that he already has a six pack and that its only been 4 weeks, so come time for graduation he will have a 20 pack. haha yep stevens still got his humor! It was great to talk to him today and laugh and cry and express our love for each other:)

I only have about 2 weeks left of school! Time really is flying. I am so excited because not this coming weekend, but memorial day weekend my family is coming!! It cant come soon enough! I have so much to do and so little time. Better get started now! Hope everyone has a fabulous week! And once school is over with, I will try to update this thing more often when I get letters from him :)

What an uplifting day.

Oh how I love my Sundays. I forgot that today was Regional Stake Conference..:/ oh well. I slept in, which was VERY much needed. although I still woke up at 6:40 and went back to bed until 9. I guess I cant sleep in like I used to when Steven was around. weird. The dishes are done, another box is packed, most of the pictures are off the walls, and my house smells clean :) I finished my book Sarah's Key today! It was soo good! I don't know why, but the Holocaust is something that has always interested me, maybe that's why I loved the book so much? Now to find another good book...suggestions??
Once the house was to my liking, I sat down and read some general conference talks from this last session. Why I never took much time to actually read the talks after wards I do not know, because I feel like I get more out of them when I do!
As I was printing out a few talks, my phone rings, Its my hubby! I got to talk to him for 15 minutes! It was so nice :) He's doing great! When they went to Basic Training on Tuesday he said they all went into a bit of a shock. The drill sergeants at basic are a whole lot worse than in processing. He said they yelled the whole morning when they first got there while cursing every other word. I could only imagine the look on Stevens face. haha The showers are fast paced and cold! They have just a few seconds to take a group shower and get out fast. He said there are guys running all over the place in there with their towels, Sounds interesting...He said hes gotten faster at eating..I don't know how that's possible. I'm curious to see what Steven is going to be like when he gets home and we have dinner together, Hes going to finish while I'm taking my first bite! They started their physical training and he says hes one of the fastest guys in his group! So proud of him :) There are about 150 guys in his...unit i think he said, and they split them into 3 groups...If I remember correctly. He said he wrote me a letter with his address. So when I get it and any of you readers would like to write him, let me know and I'll pass it on! The only sad news I got from him today was that he wont be done until August 25th, instead of on the 18th. an extra week:/...only because he was in processing for longer than usual.
Despite all the hardship of not having my husband by myside as I finish out my LAST MONTH OF SCHOOL, I love him so incredibly much. After our phone call, I sat there and just thought to myself how lucky I am. Lucky to be his wife. Lucky to have someone love me as much as he does. Lucky to have him gone for only 4 months vs 1 yr. Lucky to have the good example that he is to me. Steven has joined the army, to better not only his future, but OUR future. Our future family. He loves me that much, to go through all the pain and hard work, to ensure we have a good future together. That just amazes me. I love my husband, my religion, and my life. I couldn't ask for any better man. I love you Steven Crosby, and am waiting here for you, strong and proud! :)

2 Down.

Almost 2 weeks down! This past Easter Sunday was a good one. I went to church by myself and was very nervous for some reason. I got there 20 minutes early( which is a miracle) and I just felt so..peaceful I guess is the word. I got the opportunity to read my scriptures while I waited for Sacrament meeting to start. It was such a good Sunday, my heart was filled, and I just felt the spirit so strongly, It was amazing. Afterwards, I get home and get ready to go over to Jake and Jili's place for Easter dinner. We prepared the food to be cooked (well Jake did the meat..while we all chit chatted and watched) and then we started to work on the puzzle they were putting together during finals. My phone rang while Jili and I were sitting there and I didn't recognize it. I almost didn't answer it but thought...maybe its someone interested in the apt. SO I did and I heard "Hey Baby"..totally caught me off guard, It was Steven! tears immediately came to my eyes because I had been waiting ALL week to hear from him. My phone hasn't left my pocket in case he got the opportunity to call. I only got to talk to him for a few minutes, and he stated he hasn't seen his phone since he got to processing the first night. :( sad. But he said he had written me several letters already and that I should be getting them this week. There were so many things I wanted to ask him, but I was just in such shock that I was actually talking to him that I couldn't think of where to start! We ended the day with delicious Pork Tenderloins, potatoes, salad and rolls; Dying easter eggs and going on an easter egg hunt! What a great Sunday.

I went to school every day this week. (including tomorrow) Since that call, Ive had such a good week. It put me in such a good mood every morning. Tuesday night I came home to find the first letter from steven waiting for me in the mailbox! I booked it up our stairs because i was so excited to read his letter :) Then last night I got my second letter from him! With a letter from the Stake President there on base with his picture...Here is my handsome soldier :)

In his letters he writes a lot about how much he misses and loves me and is looking forward to being back home with me. He also says that he called it as far as what the age group is. There is a guy there that is 40! and then a few his age, some "chatty chicks"(as steven worded it) and tons of 18-19 yr olds who screw it up for them because they start talking 2 min after the drill ssgt tells them to be quiet. So they've done lots of push ups and what not for that! The first week he was in processing the whole time. He said tuesday they got a whole of 2 hrs then another night 4 hrs. and then by his second letter he got a full 8 hrs of sleep and then had time to take a nap during one of his days! (lucky) He went into the actual Basic Training on tuesday morning. I havent gotten a letter from him since he has been there yet. From his first two letters, he said that it was alot of hurry up and waiting, and that he needs to get smarter with his meal choices which are chicken, pork, or beef, and not go for what looks best, but which will fill him up the most. They get about 7-10 minutes to shovel down their food. He said hes good now at eating with the fork in his right hand and using just his left hand to get in as much food as he can. hahaha I can only imagine what that looks like! He doesnt sound like he's really having and difficulties yet..then again...i dont know if he will really tell me if hes having a hard time?..hmm. But it is really good to get these letters. He told me in his last letter that he wont stop writing to me because he feels as if in a small way he is with me when he writes to me. Which is so true. I got an email from him easter sunday as well from the church branc he's in. Basically i can write him as many times throughout the week until sat afternoon, and they print out the emails on sunday and hand them to the soldiers at church. So everynight when Ive gotten home from school I write and email to him telling him about my day and what not. Hes write. I feel like I am with him, just telling him about my day and what happened. Its nice ;) So he will expect tons of letters to read on sunday! I'm hoping to hear from him again, but we'll see how that goes....

Today has been the only day this week that has been rough for me. I dont know if its because i finally got to see his face in that picture I got last night. And we were talking about daymakers at school and I shared how I had a rough first week, but every day I went to school, people were so nice to me and were always smiling and giving me hugs, and majority of them didn't even know what was going on in my life. That's one reason why I love my school so much. But I guess I am entitled to have my off days like today. It probably doesnt help that I am tired too. from going to school everyday this week..and getting up early and going to bed late..not a good mixture. But next week will be the same...and I'm doing final phase( a week long class that preps us for our state board exams). Its so crazy to me, that I am almost done! Now lets just pray that steven's check from the army gets deposited on Monday, it would just make everything much simpler! Now that I have written a novel, I hope you enjoyed it and have a wonderful evening!

Tears, Tears and more Tears..

This week has been one of the hardest weeks I've had to go through. Steven left for basic training on Monday morning. Luckily I got to talk to him all day through texts while he was traveling. I receive a phone call later that night from him that lasted maybe 30 seconds. He said "Hey babe" Me: "Hey"(excited to finally talk to him) Steven: "Hey I cant really talk but I'm here, I'm safe and I'll talk to you when I can, I love you" Me: ok, love you (with a shaky starting to cry voice....as he hangs up the phone.) It was soo hard! I have cried almost everyday except maybe one day. It's mainly the nights that are the rough. Ive gone from two years of seeing him everyday and talking to him throughout the day via text, to not seeing him or talking to him at all. No one wakes up with me in the morning and makes me breakfast and lunch while I get ready anymore. Its super weird being alone in our apt. Everyday I'm home alone I keep thinking hes at school and will be home any minute, and then I remember. Its tough. I didn't know what to expect, so this is all just really weird to me. I have my phone on me all the time. I check it more than I should hoping and waiting to hear from Steven. I look at my phone all night long waiting to see Stevens face pop up that he's calling. I'm pathetic. haha

Everyday up until the day he left seemed to fly by. I would wake up every morning and hug and kiss him and think, how is it possible to love someone this much? As the days grew closer and closer to his departure our love grew stronger and stronger for each other. I could feel it. It's amazing, I still ask myself this question everyday. It just amazes me. As I go about my daily routine, I realize how much it sucks not to have him here. Not for the affection every girl needs all the time, but because he was my wife! My house is such a mess!! I started going to day and night school, meaning I'm at school from 9 in the morning until 10 at night. Yes it's brutal, but it keeps me busy and my mind off things. So I'm at school about 50 hours a week. leaving hardly any downtime for myself. meaning theres tons of dishes and laundry to be folded and washed! I need my Steven back :(

As hard as this week has been so far. I already feel stronger. Steven gave me a blessing the night before he left and it was incredible. Since then I haven't missed a prayer morning and night. It truly has helped. A few days after he left I woke up and instead of instantly being sad and depressed, I was fine. Its hard to explain, but I felt loved. I felt warm and good; that everything was ok. I know a lot of friends and family have me in their prayers and I think thats what I'm feeling. I cried that morning not because i was sad but because I'm so fortunate to have such amazing friends and family who care about me so much. I don't know what I would do without my Paul Mitchell Family. Everyone mentioned they cared, or were thinking about me, some even let me cry on their shoulder after trying to hold it in all day. A girls gotta cry! Ive learned that. You can't just hold it in because then it builds up into a huge hysterical cry and its a disaster especially when you need to be sleeping because you have to get up for school. As I go about my day on the verge of a breakdown I think....I could have it worse. At least Steven isn't deathly ill/dead or left me heartbroken. My heart does hurt, but not the same hurt you feel after a breakup. The hurt of not knowing how your loved one is doing. Is he ok? Is he having a hard time? Is he hurt? The hurt of not being with him and talking to him everyday. But I know this is all going to make us both stronger. When steven gets back its going to be like our honeymoon all over again. all giddy and what not.(which is kind of what we normally are like all the time) Gosh I can't wait for that day to come! Only 117 more days!

Yes, Its True.

Yes, it's true; Steven is in the Army.
Yes, it's true; He's leaving in a week.
Yes, it's true; I'm not looking forward to this day AT ALL
Yes, it's true; I graduate soon!

It's getting closer and closer. I hate it and I love it.
I hate it because he will not be with me everyday to enjoy the warm sun of the summer and my freedom from school. But I love it because I get to spend the summer in Cali with my family and when he gets back, we get to start a new chapter in our lives. A life where I work and he goes to school. A life that I can be an actual housewife that cleans the house, does laundry and cooks dinner every night. It's going to be awesome to say the least.

Steven is truly the most amazing husband ever. I am so happy to be married to him for eternity. He supports me in everything I do, and pushes me to reach my dreams. He loves me everyday and makes sure I know that. He serves me 24/7 without any sort of obligation or complaints. Oh the simple things I'm going to miss about him these next four months. His sweet texts saying "Love you so much babes :)". The most amazing omelets and smoothies for breakfast. The way he wakes me up with a kiss on my cheek. His voice rockin out in the car(no matter how off key he is). Snuggling up to him on the couch while we watch a movie. His sweet smile that cheers me up every time. Everything about him will be missed.

Well, here goes to a week of spending time with eachother, friends, and finals for steven. We appreciate the support we have from all of our friends and family and love you all!

So many things...

Ok, ok. I have not been so good at keeping one of my goals to blog. BUT I have been a faithful gym member! So my fitness goals have been reached! I have found a new obsession...

My friend MaKayla got me into it...now I'm hooked! I even went when I was sick one day! I go every Monday and Friday and love it more each time I'm there.

The week before Valentines day I was gone in Vegas! and Ogden(not my favorite place) I will recap on this trip in another post with some pictures and details :) My 14 days of Valentines did go well. Basically I left little love notes and treats for Steven around the house each day for him to find. He loved it! Now if only I can remember to take more pictures. On Valentines Day Steven got me my favorite sparkly black toms and a gift card at the mall. After class he took me to Chefs Table. This place was amazing! and for being a little more expensive restaurant, it was delicious! Man I am such a lucky girl to have such an amazing husband :)

In other news.....I quite my job! I received a generous amount of grants through the FAFSA for school with left overs....meaning I didnt have to work! It has been such a blessing for the both of us. Nothing is better than waking up every morning to my dear husband and not having to rush out the door at 7 in the morning. Now in the mornings I work out and work on my honors when I can. A week from next weekend Steven leaves for Basic Training in Missouri. This past month it has really started to hit me and I have definitely gotten emotional. Despite how hard these four months will be, I know this whole experience is going to be a great thing for our family in the future.

I will be graduating from Paul Mitchell the School at the end of May possibly into the first of June. Instead of me living by myself we have decided for me to move home! All of our belongings will go into storage and I will stay with my parents for about 2 months. I am so excited that I will be able to be with my family during the time Steven and I will be apart. It will definitely make time go by faster.

School is going great for the both of us. I've been living the dream I like to say. I love doing hair and makeup for photo shoots and that's just what I have been doing lately. Almost every other week I am doing one. I might make a new blog just for all the photo shoots I participate in. Stay tuned for an addition to this blog. Have a great day everyone!