Joni needs...

My cousin Kami had a fun game on her blog, so I thought I would try it out! First, go to google and type in your name, followed by the word "needs". Now, list the first 10 things that come up. Here is mine.


1-Joni needs: a loving home with a dog friendly couch and a securely fenced yard


2-Joni needs: your vote


3-Joni needs: to wake up


4-Joni needs: some encouragement and is asking for others to minister to her


5-Jonii needs: to be added to the list of great 20th century composers


6-Joni needs: to chill


7-Joni needs: to learn


8-Joni needs: to be better, to be more consistent


9-Joni needs: to develop her "warrior" side that will enable her to face the world


10-Joni needs: help

These are in the order that I found them. I love the "warrior" one. Try it out yourself.

Chasing the garbage man

This morning wasn't any different from any other morning except for the fact it is Garbage Day. Because Rocky and I are fairly new at this home ownership thing, only 2 weeks in, we are still trying to get our garbage groove. I woke up this morning to the garbage truck right in front of our house, it only took me about 5 seconds for my brain to compute the following equation. Full garbage can + no garbage pickup = too much garbage for next week. I screamed "ROCKY! THE GARBAGE TRUCK." We talked about it fast and thought that we had missed our chance. I looked out the window and saw that he wasn't too far away and said to Rocky, "RUN." Run is exactly what he did, with the garbage can in tow. Now I didn't get to see it but it must have been hilarious. He said that he was wildly waving at the garbage truck, pushing the garbage can, hoping to get the drivers attention before he turned the corner and drove away, which was coming up fast. Rocky said he was surprised how fast the truck was. Well the wild waving worked and the garbage man stopped long enough for Rocky to catch up to him and get our trash dumped. Whew. Then the truck did something very unexpected. He didn't turn and drive away, he did turn but he went onto a street really close to us. All that chasing for nothing? Well we now know the garbage man route and have achieved the garbage groove we were looking for. I'm excited that we will have room for this upcoming week's garbage. Odd thing to be excited about but I totally am. I looked with pride at the empty garbage can next to the house. I'm pretty sure I've got an awesome husband.

Got Ya!!!

To Mom and Dad,

The hair piece rides again. Thanks for giving us a great laugh, although I don't think you knew about it. That made it even better for us.

Love,

The Girls (Joni, Jamie and Sara) and The Rock

We made it!

We finally made it to our home in Ohio! It has been quite an adventure so I'll start from the beginning. We left for Ohio on Sunday the 3rd. We met up with my family in Evanston and began the long drive. Well I guess Sunday's drive wasn't too bad. We stopped in Cheyenne for the night.

Monday was the Loooonnnngggg drive. I don't remember the exact timing of everything but it was super super long.

Tuesday we visited Independence and Far West.

Wednesday was Nauvoo - This was so much fun. I'm pretty sure that my mom would have fit in perfectly with the pioneers. This is also where I showed my talent with a metal ring and a stick. I'm very confident that if it were in the Olympics that I would and should be competing in it. The pageant was really cool. I am amazed at all the missionary's that are called there and then all the families that volunteer there.

Thursday we stopped at Carthage Jail and then drove to the Indianapolis speedway...we got there late so all we could do was peek over the side. It looked HUGE to me.

Friday morning we got to the house. Welcome to OHIO.

The house story....the agent that was working with the sellers of the condo we bought lost the keys to the house. We had to have a locksmith come out to the house to let us in. $200+ dollars later we were in the house. So exciting....until I went downstairs and noticed that the ceiling was sagging. I thought that was very odd and couldn't remember it being that way when we bought it. So I touched it and it was wet. :( I went back upstairs and looked at the kitchen floor...it was sagging too. We are very thankful at this point for insurance. To make the story a little shorter it is now Sunday a week and two days since we got to Ohio. We had to have the kitchen floor replaced, basement ceiling and basement carpet. The joys of homeownership. We are excited for next week when all the work should be done.

On a high note these are a lot of the things that Rocky and I had talked about doing during our 4 years here. Now instead of us doing them we get to have the work done by professionals and done now. I personally think that is a bonus.

We are so thankful for my family and all their help while they were here. We are thankful for a garage to put all of our stuff that we can't put in the house just yet. We are thankful for the Christensen's who fed us dinner...going out to eat is getting OLD super fast. Now that I think about it we have lots to be thankful for.

Here is a quick list of some of our firsts that have happened this past week.
using homeowners insurance
fixing a toilet, breaking that toilet, buying new toilet (thanks for your help Dean)
replace bathroom faucets with new faucets (3 hour project for first one, second one only took minutes)
buying a bed (thanks Cyndi)
putting out the garbage
picking out flooring
purchasing appliances

Just a quick note

Today is our official moving day. I can't believe it is actually here. It snuck up on me so fast. There are so many people that I am going to miss. Goodbye... sniffle, sniffle.

Fam-o-lee reunion

We just got back from our family reunion with the Carlisle Clan. It was a blast. Rocky and I got to use our tent and sleeping bags for the first time..outside. Yes we have camped in our living room with the tent. Anyway, we had lots of fun with cousins, aunts and uncles. We had one queen air mattress and two small twin air mattresses (thanks grandma). They fit almost perfectly, after a few hours of sleeping on them they deflated enough to fit perfectly. We had a good laugh with the size of Sara's sleeping bag. She had borrowed grandpa's bag and lets just say that we probably could have made two out of that one. I asked Rocky and Jamie what their favorite part of the reunion was. They both said the evening in the tent. We probably spent the first hour of trying to go to sleep telling stories and laughing. Our night wasn't complete without a few Rocky bulldozers. Luckily nothing broke. The family talent show was really special. There were some really good talents, some talents that probably needed a little more work (like mine and Rocky's) and we got a really cool treat from Grandma, a poem that she wrote. Wow! There was also a sand castle building crew. i believe that we had the coolest castle ever. Special thanks to the Bodily's who put the reunion together. It was so much fun.

PS. I just remembered...Rocky borrowed Jamie's flip flops to run and get something from his car. When he came back Jamie vowed to never wear her shoes again and this is why.....

We weren't sure if that was Rocky's snot or bear snot. Rocky assured us that it was not him but Jamie wasn't so sure....interesting.

This is how we do it.

Happy 4th of July....on the 6th of July. I'm celebrating as long as I can. Long, hot summer nights with the distant sound of illegal fireworks, lots of family and lots of food is what really makes July an awesome month for me. This year we went home to Springville to celebrate the 4th. It was quite fun. Well the end part anyway. Rocky, Sara, Jamie, Peggy, Mom and I spent a good portion of the day packing up more of our stuff as we prepare for the big move. I am happy to say that the majority of it is done. Yippee.

Then it was time for games. We had such a good time. We played Pit, Rat-a-tat-cat, Sardines and Slappsies and crawlsies. We also did the ultimate in fireworks...snaps and sparklers. Yes, we went all out. When you live in the NO FIREWORKS zone you are pretty limited. I think we were still in breach of the No fireworks code...luckily nothing or no one caught on fire. Below is a slide show documenting some of our fun. Oh and Rocky and I finally tried our wedding cake...two and a half years after our wedding. It wasn't bad but it definitely wasn't good. Yes we know that it is supposed to be a one year anniversary thing but it was buried in the freezer and well we forgot. Better late then never. :)

Trying to catch up.

So here is a quick post of the things that we have been up to.

The driving range for FHE. My first visit and hopefully not my last. I really liked it. I hit the ball straight which Rocky says is good and most (not all) went farther than 5 ft. WHOO HOO



Ron's wedding. My cute cousin Ron got married last weekend. Congrats you two.



This is me and Rocky at the Temple.



Oh and I forgot to post about our little date with H, Jake and their little bud. We went bowling and out to lunch. Here are some photos from bowling.



Rocky and his brother went to California this weekend to get in some surfing and family time. He took my camera so I won't be able to show you all the exciting things I did this weekend. (clean, clean...and oh yeah clean) Hopefully he will post about all his adventures.

A new Career choice? What do you think?

The job search continues. Maybe I should be a hairstylist. Look at all the things I can do with one head of hair. Special thanks to my model - Rocky!

Visiting the Past

This week I got to spend some time with past roommates. We had a roommate get together. Well almost all of us were able to get together. We missed Lindsay and Kristine. It was a quick little lunch at the park but it was awesome. It is fun to see my roommates as mom's. They all just amaze me. I'm glad that I had Rach who like me is a mom in waiting. No kids for us yet. I just want to thank all of you for being awesome examples and for continuing to be my friend.

This weekend Rocky and I attended my 10 year High School Reunion. It was nuts. I can't believe that it has been 10 years since we were all in the school chanting "98, 98, 90 90 90 98." We tried that cheer again but I remember there being a lot more enthusiasm 10 years ago. I guess that is what being an old fart does to you or it could have been that about half of the people there were spouses who are unfamiliar with that particular cheer and felt weird saying it. Rocky and I helped with set up and Rocky ended up handing out raffle tickets downstairs while I was helping upstairs. Rocky said that most of the people would look at him uncomfortably probably thinking something like this. "I can't believe I don't remember who this guy is. He doesn't look familiar at all. This is so embarrassing. Maybe if I don't make eye contact it won't be awkward." Okay well maybe that isn't what was being said but it was a pretty funny situation. It was great to see everyone who came. I am so glad that we had name tags because secretly I have forgotten a lot of people's names. If my yearbook wouldn't have been boxed up I would have studied it. All in all it was really fun to reminisce. A flood of memories came back to me. I loved high school...well most of it. This is a picture of a few of us from the reunion.


I also want to wish my two dad's a very Happy Father's Day! Here is my little tribute to them.

Dad Sorenson (Chippy)

You are probably one of the best listeners around. I appreciate all you have done for me the past 28 years of my life. You find anyway you can to help me out and it is absolutely amazing. I can see the love that you have for me, mom, the girls, the boys, Dean and the Rock. You are such a good example to me. I'm so proud of you and all the things that you have accomplished. So many favorite memories to pick from but one that stands out today is you joining us girls while we dance. Where you came up with your smooth moves I will never know and to think that you have no professional training...wow. Love you dad!

Dad Wright (Daddy Dick)Well I have told you this before but you have made me feel so welcome into this Wright family and it means so much to me. I love the stories that you tell. You have the best sense of humor and you are so witty. I am amazed with your knowledge of the scriptures. I think one of my favorite memories of you is on my first family trip. You got totally fried on the first day...I don't think I have ever seen anyone so red. You also tried surfing. I don't know that you had tried it before but I was totally amazed and thought that you were so cool, that is something that I haven't had the guts to try. You are the best. Love you lots!

THE Ohio State

Rocky and I made a quick trip to Ohio this past weekend aaannnnndddd bought a house! It was great. I've added a few photos from the listing online along with some from our trip. We are so excited to make it our own. Our new house is close to Sams Club, Miejer, Target, Walmart, the movie theater, and here is the BIGGIE...Chick-fil-a (my most favorite restaurant). We also visited some other soon to be important sites in Ohio like the Medical school, THE Ohio State stadium, THE Ohio State workout facility (this was very important to Rocky). I've been reminded multiple times that it's not Ohio State it is THE Ohio State. For some reason it's not sticking with me.

If any of you out there know of any good jobs in Columbus please let me know.

Today is my mom's birthday (June 6th). Happy Birthday mom. Here is my little tribute to you.



My top ten Mom Favorites
1. Bicycle basket
2. Giggles
3. Seamstress extrodinare
4. Hard worker
5. Very kind
6. Very funny
7. One of the best listeners around
8. Curly Girl!
9. Queen of the de-junk
10. Best example a girl could have

Mom your pretty much the best!! Happy Birthday

One more tag...my crazy 8's

8 things I'm passionate about:

Sleep
Working hard
Food
Illegal Immigration
My shows
Music
Family
Rocky

8 movies I can watch without getting sick of 'em:

Mary Poppins
Sound of Music
Princess Bride
Emperors New Groove
Robin Hood
Cars
Fried Green Tomatoes
The Little Mermaid

8 things I say often:

Dude
Rats
Rat-a-tat-cat
Rocky....Please....
k, luv you bye
Don't
Serious?
I'm hungry like the wolf

8 things that attract me to a friend:

happy
sincere
good attitude
honest
willing to be themself
if they will tell me if I have something in my teeth
laughing is a must
love

8 random things about me:

I love to pop zits
I love to have my hair played with
I love to read
I sing all the time
I love purses with lots of pockets
I love to change my hair
I love the sound of the lawn mower and the smell of freshly cut grass
I lOVE to shop

8 things I want to do before I die:

be a mom
own a dog
take piano lessons (again, and learn to play this time)
be able to cook beef - not necessarily eat it though)
keep my room clean for at least a week
get Christmas cards sent out before Christmas
Surf at least once
visit Guam with Jamie

8 things I've learned this past year:

I can't fix everything
I can cook without breaking or burning something
Money doesn't really burn pockets - it does well in the bank
eating small meals ofter is better then a few big meals
Finish what I start
it stinks being the messy one in the marriage
I would get a lot more done if I didn't have a TV
I have the best husband for me.

I'm tagging
Amy Balls, Jacque Bair and Brooke Brown

6 Facts about me

I was tagged by Melinda and I don't want to be the person who doesn't follow through. I'm not as creative Melinda but I hope this will do. Here are 6 facts about me.

1. I love ice cream.
2. I am 5' 7.75"
3. I hate snakes
4. Chick-fil-a is my favorite restaurant
5. I have a small obsession with skirts
6. I don't like bird poop on my car.

I'm tagging Amy Balls and Jacque Bair

Take Cover!

Is it possible for birds to consider cars their bathroom? Do you think there is something about seeing their poop splattered all over a nice clean car they just tickles them pink? The birds that live near my car seem to. Every morning when Rocky and I walk out to our cars we discover new "deposits" that have been cleverly placed on our cars. They are sure to hit the windshield...that one there is a doosey. Regular windshield wiping fluid is only strong enough to get it wet and smear it all over the rest of the windshield. Last week I had one on my door handle. I guess that takes some skill. I'll post todays latest "transactions." I just washed my car last weekend and was hoping that the wash would last for more than a day. But when parking one's nice clean car in the bird bathroom you will find that you are taking a huge gamble with cleanliness. Today on my car...over 30 deposits....Oh my! (click on picture to enlarge if you would like to count for yourself, and that is only in the front)
Moving onto a cleaner topic....I got my birthday bike today. I'm so excited. I'm all set. I've got my basket, water bottle and water bottle holder, lock and helmet. Rock and I went for a ride down to his grandpa's house. I loved it. I love riding. It reminds me when I got my first bike. It was red and I was afraid to ride it. My mom rode it around to show me that it was ok. It wasn't a brand new bike and I wonder if that was part of my fear. Whatever the reason I got over my fear and had some great memories on that bike. I've posted a picture of me and my new bike and yes I am wearing a hat with my helmet. It was an attempt to hide some out of control hair, with or without the helmet.
Last of all I'm posting my Memorial day flag. I'm very thankful for all the service men and women who have given their lives for "Liberty and Justice for all..." I feel very blessed to be a citizen of the United States.

What? No Cake?

I recently had a birthday. It ended up being a very odd birthday for me. I was working and not just regular work, this was event work. Like overnight stay event work. I don’t worry so much if people remember my birthday or not. Wait, I take that back. There are a few that I care if they do or do not remember, like family, you know…mom, dad, husband. Those sorts. Anyway, other than that it isn’t a huge deal. I appreciate those who do remember and still love those who don’t. But there is one thing that I have decided that is a must: a cake! (most kinds will do). It could be big or small, short or tall and it must have at least one candle. I did not discover how important this was to me until it didn’t happen.

Rocky came up to Snowbird to join me for dinner as the event I was working came to a close. We cleaned up and finally headed for home. On the drive he gave me a thoughtful gift but I was still secretly hoping that there would be some sort of dessert waiting for me at home. The only thing waiting for me was the mess I had left….darn it! I realized that not only was I hoping for a little cake but also for my clothes to somehow put themselves away. My awesome mom told me once that if I keep my expectations low then I will almost always be pleasantly surprised. Well I decided that if I tell Rocky what my expectations are then I won’t have to lower them. So I told him that I was a little disappointed that I didn’t have a cake. He told me that he had no idea cake was so important because when he was growing up his birthday often wasn’t a big deal and he didn’t always get cake. I guess he could see that his answer didn’t really satisfy me because the next night when he came home from work (it was late and I was already on my way to dream land) he entered with a small cake and what looked like a small ball of fire on top (I was not wearing glasses) and he was singing happy birthday. So sweet.

So I have learned a few things. 1) For my birthday I expect some sort of sweet thing with a candle on top. 2) No matter how much I want my clothes to learn how to put themselves away they never will. 3) I have the sweetest husband in the world, ( okay, I already knew this but I love the little confirmations). Thanks for the cake babe.

PS...Thank you to my family too. Especially Peggy who made one of my favorite cakes, pudding cake.