Happy Birthday to You... Happy Birthday to You...

My dear Stu is now 24 years old! We were in California last weekend with Stu's family so we had fun celebrating with them. [unfortunately, we had to drive back to Mesa Sunday morning, so a big chunk of his actual birthday was spent in a car...] We went to his parents for family birthday dinner, and last night we went out, just us, to celebrate. (my mom was pleased to know that he chose a Korean restaurant.. pictures to come.)

Here's a "happy birthday" worth of things I love about him:

Handsome
Able
Playful
Photogenic
Youthful

BUFF
Intelligent
Righteous
Thoughtful
Helpful, happy, and humble
Dedicated
Affable
Yes-man (he is always the first to jump up and do)

Other adjectives would include: loving, fun, wonderful, hilarious, charitable, focused, cuddly, friendly... the list goes on.

It was kind of frustrating trying to figure out what to get this lovable man for his birthday, he didn't want anything. Yeah, no seriously, he would say "I don't need anything. I have all I could ever want," or someone else would ask and he'd say, "I have what I want, she [me] is sitting right next to me." Yes, I know, so cute.. But it didn't help me any! I had to get him something... And to top it off, the plans I came up with were foiled! Sad day. I learned some things about the hubs though, the Milne fam is not huge on birthdays and presents. They enjoy the simple things on their special day- getting together as a family, getting to use the special birthday plate, sharing a delish homemade cake, laughing about memories and expressing their favorites about the birthday boy, unwrapping maybe a small gift or two, living and loving in the moment. It was really nice and refreshing that the focus wasn't on what presents you got or didn't get, something I am excited to take into our future home. Now, I'm not completely reformed, so I do have some gifties ["nifty gifties"] for the birthday boy...

I love you so much Stu! You make my life happy everyday. I hope you enjoyed your birthday!

Where We'll Be for the Next Few Days...

ooooh yes...

A Glimpse into the Life of Ang and Stu...

Last night, before bed, Stu and I had a "deep" convo about how our life is going to change with this new semester. It ended and then went something like this...

me: "Why are you so perfect?"
goonie: "Nooo, I'm not perfect."
me: "Yes, you are."
goonie: "Correction: I have stinky toots."
me: "Perfectly stinky toots."
goonie: briefly ponders, "You are right. I am perfect."
laughter ensues...

There you have it ladies and gents,
I have the perfect husband.

What I've Been Dreaming about Lately...

Amid the occasional secret mission, ALIAS-esque dreams, babies have been occupying my dreams. MY BABIES. I'm either pregnant, or playing with and loving on a precious babe. [I blame Berit and her adorable baby boy Curtis and Amanda's little Sarah Elizabeth]

I guess I've just been thinking a lot lately. Not about babies, but about school. I've found that they are completely connected...

Stuart and I are all about this "three-year plan" allowing for me to finish hygiene school (provided I get accepted and start right away next September) and for Stu to be graduated with his business degree. Well my friends, we are almost a year into "the plan" and apparently I'm already baby hungry [subconciously]. I know my awake self is totally PRO-plan because I want a degree, I want to be a hygienist, I want to be able to help my family.

A couple weeks ago, after waking up from one of my baby-mares, I started saying my morning prayers and I dropped a little "please help me to know how to prepare both spiritually and temporally for my future family, I want to be the best wife to my husband and the best mother to my children."

Wanna hear how Heavenly Father works? Mmhmm, keep reading..

That week I found my patriarchal blessing (it had been hiding since we moved into our apartment) and I read it during the quiet time while the young men passed the sacrament and I was reminded of my request to Heavenly Father earlier that week. There are two distinct passages in my blessing that talk both about being a mother and about education. When I put it away to prepare for the speakers, I still had no clue what my answer was. Then I hear the first speaker, "I was asked to speak about continuing education." HA! Seriously? The second speaker had the same topic. They were amazing talks, and referenced so many great things from the scriptures and the prophets. And they spoke directly to ME. Honestly, as if that weren't enough, I went visiting teaching after church and got the same message! (being the horrid VT that I am, I didn't read the message until right before our appointment) I now have a CONCRETE affirmation of the fact that school is where I need to be right now. Along with a solid testimony in the power of prayer and the love God has for His children.

Here are some quotes that I loved:

"You are interested in education, not just for mortal life but for eternal life. When you see that reality clearly with spiritual sight, you will put spiritual learning first and yet not slight the secular learning. In fact, you will work harder at your secular learning than you would without that spiritual vision." --President Henry B. Eyring

“The Lord has told us that our time should ‘be devoted to the studying of the scriptures’ and that ‘the Book of Mormon and the holy scriptures are given … for [our] instruction’. Every woman can be a gospel doctrine instructor in her home, and every sister in the Church needs gospel knowledge as a leader and teacher...” --Julie B. Beck

“Beyond our study of spiritual matters, secular learning is also essential. … I urge you to pursue your education—if you are not already doing so or have not done so—that you might be prepared to provide if circumstances necessitate such... Your talents will expand as you study and learn. You will be able to better assist your families in their learning, and you will have peace of mind in knowing that you have prepared yourself for the eventualities that you may encounter in life” --President Thomas S. Monson

"Lifelong learning is essential to the vitality of the human mind, body, and soul. It enhances self-worth and self-actuation. Lifelong learning is invigorating mentally and is a great defense against aging, depression, and self-doubt” --Robert D. Hales


I totally still think/dream about little Stu Jr.'s but now it's with a renewed sense of responsibility, with love, with GOALS. I know (for me) that being the best wife and momma means that I will be educated and prepared for my future family. School started up again yesterday, and although I am taking upper level science classes (ick), this is the first time I am starting a semester with purpose and excitement. Bring it on!

As Summer Ends..

Geez it seems like we didn't even have time to enjoy the summer, and now it's almost over! We know we MUST be grown-ups now, we hardly did any of the typical "summer stuff" that you get to waste all your days doing while you're a kid. I think we went swimming TWICE? And I am really lacking a nice summery tan :( booo.

We are having a good time though, no doubt about that! Here are some of the things that we have been up to...

Baseball games!!! [yes, again.] Every once in a while Stu's "Uncle" Paul (he's not really his uncle, but we pretend because he's like family) gives us GREAT tickets right behind the visitors dugout. We have fun jeering along with all the hardcore fans, we both love the vendors that walk up and down the aisles too. "lemonade, lemonade-just like your mamma made" hahaaha. THANKS Paul!

Ps I feel like I look really gerbil-ish in this picture.

WICKED! Oh my gosh AMAZING. We doubled with Tan and Ave, bought LOTS of candy to take into the theater, and seriously enjoyed the show. I really recommend it! Avery and I can't get the incredible songs out of our heads!

This has been my new project for the past little bit. I got it at goodwill on half-off Saturday for only $5! I have been sanding it down mercilessly to get that nasty red varnish off and then I am going to spray it a cream-ish color (which doesn't match any of the colors in our apt currently, but I am thinking for the future milne home-I'm getting a little tired of the BLACK everything.)

This was Stu's life for a few weeks, real estate school for 9+ hours a day. (no that's not him, and no this isn't really his school. I google imaged.) Now he's just studying like a mad man to pass the ridiculous test!

And this is what I've been up to, taking pictures. It's been really fun and I even have some sessions set up for the next couple months!

An episode or two (or four) of Alias has been part of our daily routine since we've gotten hooked. We just started the last season though and are a little sad that it's almost over.. And I am really kind of upset with where the show is going, but I don't want to ruin it for you so I won't share details. Go rent it!

[Speaking of renting.. I feel a need to watch Billy Madison sometime in the near future.] We start school again on Monday! Stu is taking more business classes (econ and accounting, not so fun) and I'm finishing up my two last prereqs for hygiene (microbio and the 2nd half of anatomy) and taking a photo class! Wish us luck!

We hope you had a good summer too!
What was your favorite part of summer?

need/want photos?

I decided that since so many of you were interested in photos, I'd make it easy for you! Half off the price of a normal session if you book this week! [no, you don't need to take them this week, just plan a date with me by Sunday] Details here.

Can't Wait!!!

Stu sent me a link to the preview of the upcoming season of Biggest Loser, I am so excited. It looks so good. [okay, I cried. Ten bucks to you if you don't.]

Watch it HERE.

For those of you who haven't ever watched this incredibly inspiring show, this looks like the best season yet. Don't miss it!

Finally! A New Post!

With school, work, church callings and a fun new hobby, it's been really hard to keep the blog updated.. sorry sorry. The worst part is I don't really remember all that has been going on. But, here are some pictures from the last month..

A few diamond backs games (too bad they kind of stink right now)

We helped my momma with moving, she moved to New York last month. We miss her lots.

We spent a fun night with my mom and sisters before she left.
PF changs and bowling? great combination :)

We headed over to San Diego with Stu's family for the week of the 4th. So fun! It really was more of a relaxing vacation. We spent most of our time at the beach everyday and even did a session in the San Diego Temple! It really is the most breathtaking place.

Tanner and Ave and their cute little family

Kev and Jodie for a walk on the beach. Thank you guys so much! The trip was awesome!

This picture kind of encapsulates the whole trip. LOTS of smashball and boogie boarding for the brave souls who entered the freezing water.

Also lots of yogurtland :) kind of my new favorite place ever. Lucky for me, there's one right by ASU!
Mmmmm pomegranate raspberry... you get in my belly.

The grownups went to the amusement park one night, way fun. [note to all, the spinning-tilty ride is NOT good on the stomach]

Stu and Grafton grew out their man beards the whole trip.
I kinda like it :)

Stu catching some waves

incredible

the brothers

Great trip! The vacation was definitely necessary. I wish I could put all the pictures up, there were so many!

...

Since then, we've both been doing school and working as much as we can. Just one more semester until I can apply to hygiene school! I had my last anatomy 201 class today, thaaaaank goodness. Stu is still working on a degree in business and just completed a three-week course for real estate. He went to school for 9+ hours a day AND worked anytime he could. He's kind of amazing and really works hard to take care of us.

Ooooh and:

We got brand-spanking-new phones, looove these babies. Stu is kind of obsessed with his.

(not my hand)

We also finished watching LOST [i'm kind of grateful, that show was getting crazy] and now we have started watching Alias, which so far is awesome!


Stu let me get a nice new camera so I could take my hobby a little further. I love it!


I also got some new editing software that is absolutely amazing. It can do so much with photos.
ps thank you stu!

That's pretty much all we've been up to, our life has gotten busy- but happy. This summer I've seen some of my close friends that have gotten home from their missions, some leave on their missions, some of my great friends get engaged [SOOO many weddings coming up!], and some starting their families with their first child! It's been a great summer, definitely mostly good news :) No babies at the Milne home just yet (to the dismay of my eager parents..)

We hope everything is well in your lives too!

PS If you haven't checked out the photoblog and entered the giveaway for a free photo session, tomorrow is the LAST day! Do it!

FREE Session!

I'm giving away a free photo session this week,
visit my photography blog and leave a comment by Friday to enter!

angiemilnephotography.blogspot.com

Thanks!

photo blog

yep, we kind of fell off the face of the blogging world for a while...
yep, a HUGE post is on its way...
no, i didn't hit the gym everyday...
no, i didn't keep a budget...
no, i didn't keep my blog updated...

BUT, i did keep myself busy taking pictures. AND, i created a separate blog for them.

CHECK IT OUT: angie milne photography

[please please let me know what you think!]