Marianne and Devin

Blog smog... sorry I just update facebook a lot sooner!

2009-08-23T19:14:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone... or anyone who actually reads our blog. I realized that I keep facebook updated a lot better than our blog, so this is me trying. June was good. Devin finished his last semester in school for his first year, and had his pinning ceremony. Its a ceremony that celebrates completion of their first year. I know a big deal huh. It actually made me laugh. Anyways... we snuck off to Lake Tahoe for a minute to get a break from the heat before Devin started his clinical for the summer. Tahoe was beautiful and a nice break from the heat... but a little cold. the water was still like 58 degrees so needless to say we didn't get in. Just a lot of hiking.

July was hot! I was super home sick for an awesome 4th of july with the family. It is my favorite holiday... so Devin my sweet husband decided we needed to do something really fun to take my mind off the homesickness. So we went about and hour and a half north to a little place called Fossile Springs past Payson, Arizona. It was incredible. First of all the weather was much like Utah (cool nights and refreshing water), next it was actually green. Fossil Springs itself is a river/spring area with pools and waterfalls to jump off of. So amazingly beautiful. So perfect. After playing in the emerald green springs we went to the awesome 45 minute firework display in Payson. I love fireworks so this was just sweet! Unfortunately we forgot our camera so we'll have to get picts from our friends Jeff and Chelan.

The end of July I took off to Lake Powell with my family while Devin stayed home and worked at his clinical. He was definately missed by all. It was good to see the family, but it was definately an unusual powell trip. We had thunderstorms every afternoon so we had a lot of down time. The worst part about it was that I didn't even get to slalom ski. It is my all time favorite activity that I've been doing for the past 5 years. But when I tried to get up on my sister's competition ski the first morning (which I've done for the last 2 years with no problems) I couldn't get up. I was so dang mad (to put it lightly), and then because I tried so hard so many times I didn't have any strength in my hands for the rest of the week. I even had to have my nieces open water bottles for me. UGgg... so just think of how frustrated you'd be if you've been doing something amazingly for years and all the sudden couldn't!

In August I came to Utah to watch Charlene's kids while she went to Maui for her Anniversary. (My sister) It was a crazy, exhausting week but so much fun to get to know her kids a lot better. I'm just glad she got to go relax for a while. She definately deserved it. After she came home, Devin joined me for a week in Utah to spend some time with our family and friends. We got to relax, go to dinner, hang out with nieces and nephews, go swimming, and go boating. Over all a good time and it went by way too fast!

Anyways... sorry I really don't update much. I feel like I'll do more when we actually have kids or more going on in our life. We love you all!

The Last Two Months

2009-06-02T19:04:00.000-07:00

The Flowers

Me and my honey

At the reception

Kara the lovely bride

Kara and Bob

So sorry it has been such a long while. I've been a little busy. Let me fill you all in. I was in Utah for 10 days in the beginning of March working for my sister on finishing designing her main floor of her house. We had lots of fun picking her tile, granite slabs, and installing all her furniture, accessories, window treatments, rugs, and custom florals made by yours truely.

In April I returned to Utah for two weeks to help my old job (sandstrom architecture) compete for a new high end elementary school. It was crazy hours and I pretty much came up with an entire new 80,000 square foot school, ideas, concepts, preliminary construction documents, designs, and a beautiful presentation to display all our hard work. We just learned that we won the project.... so we will see if I have to return to help with the real construction documents. No news from the boss yet...

We moved apartment complexes on May 1st. The new place is bigger, better, cheaper, nicer, closer to school and our ward is still great. I just barely finished unpacking and putting the pictures on the walls this week.

That same day of moving I took off in the afternoon for a weekend in Utah with my sister's and mom for our annual mother's day retreat. We had a ball. Pedicures, dinner at cheesecake factory, giggling till 3 am, secronized swimming, shopping, shopping and more shopping. Kari is the queen! Todd also blessed their new little one and so I was able to be there for some prime time auntie time.

May was a whirl wind of working at the flower shop for mother's day, and taking care of the shop while the owners were out of town. Mixed with a little Hair by Mar in the evenings.

Memorial weekend we went to Las Vegas for my friend Kara's wedding. She did a beautiful job planning and I had a wonderful time doing her flowers. She was even nice enough to plan a party at Lake Mead the next day with thier boat. Thanks for the fun, and skiing!

Happy Birthday to Me!

2009-04-03T12:10:00.000-07:00

Us together... and yes that is a tan line. That's what happens in March when you live in Arizona.

Top View

From the side

So I have to post pictures of this fabulous cake that my friend Devan made me. She says that she's not crafty... but by the looks of these we all know differently. She even made the fondant from scratch. What a woman! Oh by the way.... I turned 26 again. I've decided if I stay there I don't have to have children anytime soon!

OOps! That last post was a tag!

2009-04-03T12:07:00.000-07:00

RaNdom PicTurE...
Random Picture
I've been tagged.
Here are the rules:
1. Go to your documents/pictures
2. Go to your 6th file
3. Go to your 6th picture
4. Post it, and blog about it
5. Tag 6 people to do the same
6. Name your picture...I added this since thereis no official 6th rule...and since this is thewhole 6 theme...I thought it would be necessary

I tag sheila, catherine, brie, anne, andrea, and jeff and chelan.

Rippin it up!

2009-04-03T12:01:00.001-07:00

Oh how I love Lake powell, and my sister's sweet competition ski. This is probabbly my all time favorite activity. Oh how the legs, the arms and the back burn! Just blogging about it... makes me yearn for summer. Its so close... but so far away. I can't wait wait till July! Family powell trips Rock!

Family Photos!

2009-02-04T15:33:00.001-08:00

in motion

our first attempt

piggy back

awe precious

don't we just love our twin girls!

THe whole Fam!

Hey everyone... I'm just posting some cute picts from the seale family photo shoot that happened over christmas. Let me know which one you like best to be printed as an 8x10 for my mother in law's wall. Love you all!

I'm Learning!

2009-01-19T11:09:00.000-08:00

Out to Dinner once a month. P.F. Changs.. mmm...

goofing off in the car!

One of the many sunsets...

hiking in Arizona... not much to see...

Movie nigh is a regular occasion.

I just changed my background by myself. Wow... it really wasn't hard but I'm still learning how to do all of this. Sorry life is boring at the moment but here are a few photos of what we do here in Arizona. Mostly we hang out with our friends Dan and Devan watching movies on our couch cushions in the living room, playing games, hiking, going to Costco on saturday for sample lunch, or whatever else we can do for free or close to that.

It's been a While

2009-01-09T10:56:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone,
Sorry it has been so long since I've posted last. I guess the holidays were a bit crazy. Or I just didn't feel like typing. Anyhoo... our Thanksgiving and Christmas season was great. We got to go home for one thing and see our family which I am very thankful for. You don't realize how much they do for you until your are far away from them. Sunday dinners, hugs, smiles, playing with your nieces and nephews, going to lunch, or just hanging out playing games. We sure miss you all and can't wait to come home for good. I will say the only great thing about Arizona is that when we drove home from Utah for Christmas it was 9 degrees when we left and 70 when we arrived in Phoenix. I love the sun and I'm grateful that its here. If I had to live without my family and the sun I would be in big trouble by now. So if any of you have had enought of the cold.. you are welcome anytime to our little one bedroom apartment in the warmth.

This season I think more than anything has taught me to be grateful for what I have. We decided not to do gifts this Christmas and it was actually really nice. We were able to focus on what others really enjoyed and just appreciate the little things. We felt totally spoiled with the few things we did recieve from family. I think I've learned to be a little less selfish this season and I'm grateful. We have a home, food, family, friends, and love. I guess you don't need much else. (Except for a few hefty student loans) Thank you all for the blessing you are in our lives.

One down 11 to go!

2008-11-13T15:02:00.000-08:00

Devin has just finished his finals of his first semester as a physical therapy student. So far he is doing really well and loving his program. He is glad the semester has come to an end and now we get two weeks off to go home and be with our family. Wahoo!! We will be leaving on Friday the 14th and staying in Las Vegas with Kari Friday and possibly Saturday night. So that gets us to the Wasatch front on Sunday. I will be calling everyone to schedule appointments so you better be able to put us down in ink. We love you all and can't wait to see everyone!

Wow,... I guess I had a day last time I wrote....

2008-10-29T14:13:00.000-07:00

To all those who actually read this.... Sorry my last post was so intense. I guess its a way of venting without having to complain to anyone. Thank you all for your love, support, and words of encouragement. I know everything will turn out alright,... it just sucks in the mean time. Anyhoo, I hope you all have a fabulous Halloween and I will hopefully see you at Thanksgiving time.

Bugged!

2008-10-20T13:52:00.000-07:00

So I went to all those interviews last week and nothing worked out. I was liked by all but no one can afford to bring me on. I was really disapointed with the design firm cause they were the ones that said that they'd contact me when they needed someone else. So finally I got an interview with them and they were like.... "Oh we're not hiring right now, but we wanted to meet you just incase we do need someone." What a waste of my time. I am so discouraged. I've sent my resume to just about every design/Architecture firm down here with no hope. Searched career builder and have gone to almost all the flower shops near by. I don't know what to do. I feel as if I don't have any purpose in life... and that I'm a failure. What a waste of time and money going to school for 6 years and I can't even get a real job. A bit of advice to anyone out there going to school.... go into something that is always needed. Cause when the economy sucks your job will be the first to go.

This week...

2008-10-10T11:28:00.000-07:00

This week has been an interesting one. It started out by going to the dentist first thing monday morning for a routine cleaning and checkup. So I went to Dr. Van's office for the first time and was impressed right off. They're office is very nice and the staff was all very friendly. So I proceded with my exam and the xrays and digital pictures to find out that the dentist wants to replace all of my old cavities from when I was a kid and give one of them a crown since it was such a huge filing. I went in thinking nothing was wrong and waked out with a bid of $1500. So naturally I doubted this dentist. I went the following day for the start of my crown and really hit it off with the dentist and realized he was an alright guy. He actually wanted to hire me for one of his front office people. So after my interview in the chair he was undecided on what to do. He really liked me but wants someone who will be around longer than 3 years. So I don't think I've got that position. Meanwhile I found out that this dentist is not on my network so my insurance doesn't cover anything. I really like this guy but don't know what to do. He's started the work in my mouth but should I go elsewhere to finish the job so I can have some covered by my insurance?
Next is that I finally got some good interviews coming up. I am going to Scottsdale today to meet with a couple of really nice florists/event planners. One.... Julie wants me to start working next weekend. The thing is I would like to help her but it sounds like this is not a regular position.... but weekends and days when she has events. So hm... I don't know if it will work. I have been already helping out a shop down the road on a couple days a week for a measly $10/hour.... so should I stick with that till something better comes along. The best news is that I have a design interview on Monday with Fifer design studios. They are just an interior design firm that specializes in dental, doctor, law offices. I think that it would be perfect so everyone keep their fingers crossed! Anyhoo... I know this is boring...so I will be done. I thought I'd just ask for a few opinions about my situation. Thanks, and I love y0u all.

Flowers

2008-09-26T11:37:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,
You know how I've been looking for a job for a long while now not knowing what to do? Well I came up with a brilliant idea yesterday. Hm... ready for it..... Flowers. Yes I know, I'm a genious. I don't know why I didn't think about using my other talent that I've used for years. The thing is that when I think about doing flowers for a living is that I don't really think of it as work. Its something I enjoy doing and would love to have my own business one day just for the fun of it. Ya know when Devin is paying the bills. When I don't really have to make money. I could have it for something for me to do and relieve stress.
So I've realized that the Interior Design department down here is completely dead at the moment so I will rely on my floral talents and their tiny paychecks to pay the bills. But this will be something I actually enjoy. Go figure. And there will always be a need for flowers, holidays, weddings, and funerals. So I went out and about the city with a few adresses in hand, my resume and some pictures of my work. Low and behold, people were interested in me. They were impressed. So I have a few good leads and will be helping a shop next week doing high school dance flowers. Oh and the other good thing about flowers are the hours. Mon-Fri 9-5 and possibly 9-2 on sat. Not bad. Much better than working at Walmart and McDonalds 24- 7.
So I'm excited about this new adventure. I am also looking into becoming a event planner/ bridal consultant since that is a big market down here. By working with a company that is well established I can learn alot and get ins for the right places. Anyhoo... wish me luck!

Horray for fun things to keep us busy!

2008-09-17T19:43:00.000-07:00

I must admit that I just recently read all of the Twilight series for the first time, and I love them. Well most of them. I love the story and the romance of Bella and Edward. I'm am an Edward fan all the way and think that Jacob never stood a chance. I loved the first two books especially. I think the first one is my favorite and I'm super excited for the movie to come out. But I must complain about the final stupid book "Breaking Dawn." Yes it had its funny, romantic parts that kept you on your toes, but the whole having a baby thing completely pissed me off. I felt like we waited so long for this couple to get together and she has to go and ruin it with a stupid kid. They were completely robbed of their time together as newly weds. I think that she could have made a lot better book if she would have went in a different direction. Oh and the entire book of Jacob pissed me off as well. I am not a Jacob fan and so this section was just really annoying. Also there were a lot of things in the book that didn't make sense or that contradicted itself. I think she should have taken her time and thought more about the story. Oh and they didn't even get to fight at the end. Ugg... I think they should have fought and had a true ending with the chance to show everyone's talents. Anyhoo.. I'll get off my twilight box and move on to other things I'm grateful for.
I love facebook. I have found so many friends that I have lost track of. Its so nice to see what everyone is up to without necessarily having to contact them. Is that aweful to say? I just think that our lives are so busy and its hard to just keep up with our families these days. So I am grateful. It may be juvinille, but hey its better than myspace.

Update

2008-09-09T13:51:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone!

Sorry I still really haven't got the hang of this blog thing, but I will figure it out. The truth is we're more facebook people. I think it might be a bit easier. Cheesy but easy. Anyhoo, we are on our 6th week down here in Arizona and thinking that it's alright. I definately don't want to live here forever but it's alright for school. Devin is really liking school so far. Its just the beginning so its not that intense yet. Fortunately he also found out that he has a high school football buddy in his lab group so that helps immensly. He actually studies becasue he wants to now, such a difference from undergrad.

I'm still looking for a job. I was picky in the beginning only wanting the best firms but now I've been sending a resume to everyone. Including any kind of receptionist work. I've decided that the economy sucks and that I'll take anything I can get in order to pay the bills. Which better happen fast cause our savings is quickly depleting. So in between looking for a job and searching for a job I sit by the pool. Which is nice but still really hot. I'll be glad when its below 100.

Good news is that we have somehow become popular down here. We have 4 different couple friends that like to do things with us, and so its sometimes hard to ballance our different relationships with people. I was really homesick at first. Missing my family and the fact we could go outside for more than 5 minutes, so having some friends is a really nice change. I'm very grateful for all the cheap fun things we do to keep my mind off other things.

Anyhoo, I know that this is a boring update, but not much is really going on. I'll get some photos posted soon once I figure out how to do it. Thanks all for your love and keeping in touch!

Our First Blog

2008-08-09T20:36:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!
We've finally jumped on the band wagon and started a blog. Actually Camille took pity on me, and showed me how. Wahoo!