My exciting news...

As most of you know... I have a new job!! 

(I think I have posted a million things on Facebook about it! 

So unless you have my posts "hidden", or you never log on, or you ignore me.... 

I am sure you've heard!)

I have recently accepted a position at Taylor Andrews Academy... 

as an Instructor!

I am the new Night Freshman Instructor.

Which means:

I get to teach all of the new people who are just barely starting.

I get to show them the ropes!

I get to teach the newbies all about hair

The basics of hair

The workings of hair

The art of coloring hair

The art of cutting hair

The task of perms

The joy of styling

The oh so wonderful scalp treatments

I get to teach them all about nails

The basics of nails

The proper way to do a manicure

The proper way to do a pedicure

I get to teach them all about sanitizing their kits and stuff

And I get to teach them all of the important things that come with hair school!

and much, much, MUCH more!

I get to teach it all!!

Oh, you noticed the "Night" part, huh?!

Don't worry! It isn't like a "graveyard shift" thing!

Thanks goodness!!!

I just teach night school.

5 pm to 10 pm.

Monday through Thursday!

I will, however, get to teach and do things on "The Floor" (where students are currently working on real, living clients) during the day, throughout the week, too!

Maybe do the noon to 5 shifts before my freshman class.

on Monday, or Tuesday, or Wednesday..

(I'm hoping to have Thursdays off during the day, so I can at least see my husband one day!)

Maybe I will work on Fridays...

from 8:30 to 5 pm...

And for sure I will work every-other Saturday!

From 8:30 am to 5 pm.

I am so stinking excited!!

I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am for this new adventure!

It is going to be such a great experience!

It already has been.

I started training at night, after my current job..

(it's only my current job until HOPEFULLY tomorrow!)

So I have been doing 9 am to 5 pm at The Mortgage Partner

and then 5:30 pm to 10 pm at TA!

Trust me... we've experienced some long days this past week and a half.

Last Wednesday and Thursday nights I got to be on "The Floor" with Jamee Thatcher.

We went around checking off people's colors and cuts. 

Stamping grids. Checking mannequins.

It was so much fun!

Buuuut.....

Tonight and tomorrow night...

I get to shadow Jamee Thatcher in the current Freshman Class!

I am way excited! 

(This class will be "promoted to jr.'s" before I actually start teaching.)

Next Monday and Tuesday I get to shadow the Day Freshman instructor, Alex.

From 8:30 am to 5 pm.

Saturday I am training on "The Floor" again.

From 8:30 am to 5 pm.

THEN..........

On Monday, July 8th...

I get to start teaching my very own Freshman class!!

Please pray for them! ;)

Just kidding! ....Kind of!

I do feel like I need to mention... I have loved my job as a receptionist at The Mortgage Partner.

I love my boss. And I am so grateful I was able to get to know her and her family.

They are all so wonderful! And have done so many nice things for me.

I will miss my daily chats with Penny and learning about all of her kids' accomplishments for the week!

It was very hard for me to put my two weeks in.

Turns out the receptionist job wasn't what I thought it would be or what I had planned it would turn into.

And....

Unfortunately, some things changed around our household and I needed to be making more money.

So when I had the opportunity to go work at TA fall into my lap, I had to check it out. It happened to be a nice pay increase and I just couldn't refuse!

Something I love and want to do!

Also, my amazing husband has felt good about it and encouraged me from the very beginning to "just do it"!

Even though it will be an opposite schedule from his for awhile, he has been so supportive of me trying to get this position. I feel so lucky to be married to someone so wonderful and so supportive.

Don't know what I would do without my Mike!

I love you, Mike!

Thank you for the many sacrifices you make, so I can be happy!

It was well worth the money for the textbook and the workbook!

and well worth the money for the state test and license!

WE MADE IT!!!

We love it!

We are happy!

It's official!

I am finally an official Hiatt. 

Well... it's officially legal. ha ha

That's right- on our 14 month anniversary, I received my new social security card in the mail!

I know- took me long enough.

don't judge.

I originally thought that once I changed my name for my Social Security card, 

I would have to immediately change my Driver's License.

My DL expires this December. 

If I renew it any time before 12/3/13 I still have to renew it on (or only up to 30 days before) 12/3/13.

I thought paying the $25 twice and making two trips to the DMV in 21 months was stupid.

I wanted my full 5 years.

So I was putting off the name change.

Recently I discovered that one of my friends still hasn't changed her name on her DL... 

and she has been married for like 4 years!

She changed her SS card right after they got married, but not her DL.

(Thanks for the information, Heid! 

It helped me change my name to make Mike happy, but know that I could still wait to change my DL!)

So- almost 2 weeks ago I sent an application and our marriage license over to the SS office.

Last Wednesday I got our marriage license back with a letter saying my new card would be here in 2 week.

Yesterday- I received that new SS card in the mail.

I am legally known as Brindi Rae Hiatt now. 

(That's kinda weird.....)

The Birthday Boy!

Today, I am celebrating my Mike.

Today, he is 23!! 

Mike has been the best thing to ever happen to me. This is the 3rd birthday I have gotten to celebrate with him! It seems so strange to me some days that I met him when he was 20... 

We were dating for his 21st birthday, just barely married for his 22nd birthday, and now we are celebrating another 

birthday after a year of marriage. 

I am more and more grateful for him every day. I honestly don't know where my life would be without him in it, and I hope to never find out. I am not sure how I got so lucky, or what I did to deserve someone so incredible. He is the most kind person I have ever met. I can't imagining loving anyone more than I love him.

For his 23rd birthday, I thought I would give him his very own blog post. I want to write down 23 things I love about him.

(Trust me, it isn't just limited to these 23 things.)

1. He loves Jeeps.

2. He is fabulous with our nieces and nephews

3. He loves Duck Dynasty

4. He always texts me to let me know he made it to work safely

5. He doesn't give up

6. He climbs back into bed after he is ready for work, just so he can cuddle with me one last time before leaving

7. He believes family is the most important

8. He thinks he is a redneck (he's not...)

9. He is always so supportive of everyone

10. He can make anyone happy

11. He is always helping other people out

12. He does laundry on his day off

13. He is always so happy

14. He loves to go camping

15. He makes people laugh

16. He helps clean our room

17. He has to be touching me in order to fall asleep at night

18. He loves to "sing" ;)

19. He loves guns

20. He is an amazing Primary Teacher

21. He is the most patient person I know

22. He works so hard

23. He is my very best friend

My life would be so boring without him. He is constantly doing something or saying something to make me laugh. He is so ridiculous all of the time and I love it. I love every minute we spend together. And some days it just doesn't seem like we have enough time together. He is so wonderful. Always worrying about other people, how he can help out, make them feel better, include them. He has always had the softest heart and never wanted anyone to feel left out. He is so kind. And so forgiving. I am so happy our Heavenly Father trusted me to love one of his choicest of children. I don't know how I have been so blessed or what I have done to deserve it. But I know Mike was sent to me to make me a better person- and I am grateful for that blessing every day.

I love you, Mike!

I hope you have a wonderful birthday!

and... a little treat for the rest of you... 

he may kill me for some of these... oops!

Mike has many faces:

Mike and Brian trying on fun hats in Disneyland

Mike would make the face of the hat he had on

Such a terrifying bear......

Nothing like suspenders with basketball shorts...

He can't smile in a photo!

Really excited to eat our wedding cake

He loves it when I take pictures of him

One a date with Misty.....

23 candles in one cupcake! 

Such a stud muffin! :)

One. Twelve. Fifty-Two. Three Hundred Sixty-Five.

That's right folks... today is THE Anniversary!

We have made it to 

one year. 

twelve months. 

fifty-two weeks. 

three hundred sixty-five days.

of marriage.

I honestly can't believe how quickly this day has arrived. 

Does anyone else ever feel like that with their own anniversaries? How about with their first anniversary? 

Or maybe.... am I just crazy? (...that's a strong possibility...)

Seriously, some days it feels like we have only been married since last week! 

Okay, okay, so maybe more like - since last month...

But a year? No way! Is it really March? Is it 2013? 

Has it already been a year since I married Mike?

As hard as it is to believe.... (for all of us..) yes, I have been married to my Mike for one year today!

The time really has flown on by!

It's true what they say, "Time flies when you're having fun!"

I think it should be more like... "Time goes by faster if you're happy."

I know, that doesn't flow the same way.. blah, blah.

I like it better.

I guess I am grateful this year has gone by quickly. Can you imagine if this post were more like.... 

"This has been the longest year of my life!"

That just sounds depressing! And there is nothing depressing about being married to your very best friend.

It's the greatest decision someone ever makes.

True Story.

If you're married to your best friend.... are you going to argue with me?

There are some days that I feel like we have been married for longer than a year, though.

it is the weirdest feeling, really.

I don't feel that way because I feel like time is moving by at snail speed...

It's more like...

It feels like I have known/been with Mike for much longer than the 2+ years he has really been in my life.

(I don't count anything before January 2011 - 

I didn't know him... I knew his family. 

And him telling me to "shut up" at 6 am while I was doing Ashley's hair for her wedding..

hardly counts as a conversation!)

In reality, yes, I've known of Mike since 2006-ish...

But I didn't know him until 2011.

He got my number. he sent me a text. we hung out.

the rest is history.

His mom kinda set us up.

His sister gave him my number.

I agreed to a "hang out", but had no idea what was coming.

[a blip of our story with the entire engagement story can be found HERE.

as if you're not bored enough! ha ha]

Is it weird to say I really do feel like I knew Mike back in the pre-mortal life?

Of course I don't remember it... or remember him...

But I just feel like maybe my spirit recognizes his spirit.

And maybe that's really weird or maybe even really lame to say.

But I just feel like he and I have known each other, on a personal level, for much longer than we really have.
And maybe that's why the first time we hung out it was the most comfortable I have ever been with someone.

I know he is who I am supposed to be with for eternity.

And I am grateful to our Heavenly Father, every day, for softening my heart.

So I could marry such an incredible man. Who loves me more than I can even understand.

When we got married... some of the advice we were given was to write in a journal... 

I've never been a journal writer... ever... so the three journals we received... are still empty. 

I.am.sorry.!

Along with that advice... was to write down every thing that happened on the day of the wedding.

--Jeanette, that was AWESOME advice... but I still haven't done it.--

Whoops.

So... a year later, I am going to do it.

Right here.

**As a side note... We did a dinner the night before in place of a luncheon on the day of the wedding. I am a big fan! To anyone who asks.... I strongly suggest it. It was one of the smartest things we did in the planning process. Because of that- our Sealing Ceremony was at 11. We got to "sleep in". (ie: we didn't have to get up at 4 am to start getting ready- like people I know....) and we got to enjoy our day. Not once did I feel rushed to get things done. Kade and his whining about being hungry and ready for lunch doesn't count as feeling rushed. I just ignored him. ;)**

One year ago today:

6:30 AM- My alarm went off.
(like I had really been sleeping!) 
6:35 AM- Climbed in a shower
7:00 AM - put some sweats on
7:05 AM- I started on my hair!
(Yes, I mostly did my own hair...)
- first I blow-dried it
-then I curled it
(I have a LOT of hair and I like the curls that you get when you wrap your hair around the barrel of the iron, so that always takes a long time... but it only took about 45 minutes to curl! I was happy! ...It might have had something to do with the 4 "practice rounds" in 3 weeks that made it quicker than normal...)
7:55 AM-  I started on my make-up
(I don't normally wear much make-up... quite often it's only mascara... but not many people can get away with that on their wedding day... so I went all out.)
Concealer.
Foundation.
Powder.
3 eye shadows.
Eye liner.
I filled in my eyebrows.
(I have some bald spots... don't judge!)
blush
...........and...........
lip stick.
(the stuff that lasts all day. Brilliant.)
8:30 AM- I got dressed for reals.
(they frown upon people showing up to the temple in sweats... so I had to put on a skirt and shirt... 
I had my aunt make me an outfit to match the bridesmaids for this specific reason. 
I wore it to and from the temple.. to lunch with Mike.. and to and from the reception.) 
8:45 AM- I had something to eat.
(I don't remember what it was.)
9:10 AM- We left for the temple.
9:20 AM- We arrived at The Oquirrh Mountain Temple.
-I love living in Utah... where the temples just aren't that far away.
-I had Mike's recommend, so we had to wait for him to get there.
- of course they were running late.... ;)
- The Stake President forgot to enter Mike's recommend into the system... (idiot.)
- They finally let Mike in... but it was touch and go there for a second.
-When I walked past the recommend desk and into the temple, one of my dear friends, Debi, was standing there. I didn't know she was a temple worker, and I especially didn't know she would be there that day.. standing there. It was so fun to see her. She gave me a huge hug and it was such a sweet moment.
One I hope to never forget.
(I met Debi while I worked in the salon, she came in shortly after moving to Utah from Georgia. Her husband got a job with the church. A few months after she started coming in to have me do her hair, I quit the salon, but we got each other's information and I would make trips to the Scadden home and do hair all day. All 8 of them. It was so fun! They would entertain me, feed me- always making me try new things, and they were always so kind! I love the Scadden family. And I honestly miss hanging out with them so much.)
- My mom came with me back to the Bride's Dressing Room and helped me get ready.
(We bought me a temple dress when I went through the temple for my endowment, so that way, every time I go to the temple, I can be in the dress I got married in. It is such a sweet little reminder. And I love it. I get to wear my "wedding dress" all of the time.)
10:00 AM- We met with the temple Matron. (the Temple President's wife)
- There were only two of us who got married that day... and they were both at 11 a.m..
- The other Bride was the sister/sister-in-law/aunt to a family in our ward.
10:30 AM- Mike and I were waiting to be taken to the veil.
(since I went through the temple in October, he had to walk me through the veil.) 
- As we were sitting at the top of the staircase waiting, my friend Kimberly (who is also a temple worker) surprised me and gave me a huge hug! I totally forgot she worked at the temple on Wednesday mornings!
It was such an awesome surprise and so fun to see her!
10:40 AM- The Veil.
10:45 AM- My favorite part. While we were waiting for our guests to all arrive...
we got to sit in the Celestial Room together. It was just the two of us in there.
Even the temple worker assigned to us left us alone for a minute.
**I had a friend from hair school, who got married a month before me, Kelsie, send me the cutest email a couple of weeks before our wedding to tell me a few of her favorite parts that she thought I would like to know. Kels... if you happen to read this... THANK YOU!!! I am so grateful for that information. Kels told me her favorite part was when they let her and her new husband, Nick, sit in the celestial room together and just have a few minutes alone. --I will be eternally grateful for that heads up.--**
Mike and I have had a lot of people close to us pass away. Mike has lost all of his grandparents. I have lost 3 of mine. My "best friend", Blaine, who passed away a year and a half before. And a few others.
As we sat in the celestial room... I knew they were all there with us. You could feel every single one of them. You could feel the weight of their hugs. It was the coolest feeling.
Mike and I said a prayer together and then our attendant came to get us.
11:00 AM- We met Brother Walker. The wonderful man that sealed us.
11:05 AM- We walked into the room of our loved ones.
- I don't remember everything that was said in our sealing...
but even though we didn't know our sealer, I knew what he was saying was meant just for us.
- He reminded us to always act kind to each other.
- To always be supportive of the other.
- To continue to stay strong in the gospel.
- He reminded us to attend the temple often.
- To be forgiving.
-To raise our children in the gospel and teach them to love the temple.
--I cried through the whole thing--
We held hands across the alter and promised Heavenly Father that we would love one another for the rest of Eternity.
We became husband and wife.
We kissed.
We looked at each other in the "infinity mirrors".
We exchanged rings.
Our ceremony ended and we hugged all of our family and friends.
(So grateful for such loving and supporting people in our lives.)
11:30 AM ish- We parted ways and my mom and two sisters came to the Bride's room with me to help me get into my other "Wedding Dress".
- It laced up the back... it was quite the project and needed a lot of help.
-Misty helped me put on my socks and boots..
-Mom and Kacey laced me up.
-Kacey had to finish my hair and do the waterfall braid.
(in the temple, you have to wear a veil, I didn't want it to mess up my braid and have to re-do it... 
it was kind of a huge pain.. poor Kacey.... 
so I just left it down and curly for the ceremony.)
-We put my hair flower-piece-thing in.
- Touched up my make-up
- And did one last check in the big mirror to make sure I looked okay.

12:00 PM-ish- We walked out of the temple doors, hugged everyone some more, and took a million pictures!
2:30 - 3:00 PM ish- We were done with pictures and Mike and I headed to lunch.
-Mike wanted to go to lunch for our very first date as a married couple.
(That's why we did the dinner the night before. I promise it isn't what you're thinking. We wanted that to be special.)
-We went to Costa Vida for lunch.
-It's one of our favorites.

(This was at Costa...)

-It was so fun! There were only about 4 other people there (not including the employees) and no one had any idea we had just gotten married a few hours before.
3:40 PM- We finished lunch and headed to the reception center.
4:00 PM- We got to the reception center and started helping set up!
-Vases were filled
...each table had 3 vases filled with something different....
--strawberry and green apple gummy bears
--pink lemonade, green apple, and root beer tootsie frooties
--bubble gum, green apple, and root beer gum balls
--pink and green sixlets
--a sunken tulip

-the kids were dressed
-adults were dressed
-bride and groom were dressed
-flowers handed out
5:30 PM- A million more pictures were taken.

 

6:00 PM- The reception started
- I'm a brat and didn't want a "line". So our parents had to stand in another part of the room from us.
(I hate going to weddings where I only know the bride/groom, but can't say "hello" because their parents are talking to John Doe that they knew from Kindergarten, haven't seen for years, and are catching up on life. 
IN THE WEDDING LINE.
My parents are guilty of this scenario to some extent.... so to avoid torturing our guests, I gave the parents their own line! I, at least, thought it was brilliant!)
- I can't believe how many people came to see us.
- The line was to the door the entire 2 hours.
- Our gift pile was insane. We were so very, very blessed.
(And we are very grateful! Even though I am a huge slacker and haven't gotten all of my "Thank You" cards out... SORRY! I am working on them! I promise!)
- People told us to cut our cake halfway through the reception, but I couldn't justify leaving line for it.
- We had people take pictures in a photo booth to put in our "book".
-There are some awesome pictures! I am so glad people participated!
8:00 PM- We got to the end of our line!!
- We cut the cake.....

(Ask Mike how it is to have cake up your nose. Oops! :) )

- We had our "First Dance" to "Are You Gunna Kiss Me or Not" by Thompson Square
- My dad and I danced.
-Mike and his mom danced.
-Mike's dad and brother danced....
(They think they're funny...)
-We opened up the dance floor!
-We talked with people
- We had some brownies and ice cream... and Walt's chocolates!
(I have the best aunt and uncle ever! My uncle makes AMAZING chocolates, so he made my favorite kinds to have as a treat at our wedding! If you don't know what "Walt's Chocolates" are... you're missing out on the best thing in life!!)
-We talked with more people
-We forgot to throw the bouquet and garter, so we fake threw it to my cousin and his wife for pictures.
(Big thanks to Travis and Shay! I know it was silly, but I am so glad you would do it for us! Not to mention miss school and work to come down from Idaho for our dinner and all of the wedding... in the middle of the week! I was so happy to have my "twin" there!)
-We changed.
-We went out to see our car.
(It was a disaster. I cried. and I am still angry about it.) 
-We helped clean up.
(only a little bit... while we were waiting for the car to be cleaned out... It took awhile... it really was bad.)
- We left the reception.
- We stopped at our house to change into sweats and grab some things for the hotel and we left for Anniversary Inn.

It was a long, long, LONG, looooooooong, long day. But its crazy how quickly it went by. Everyone tells you it will. And they are right. It passed in a flash! And now... here I sit... a year later. It really is so hard to believe! Sometimes I wish we had a pause button on life. I would love to be able to just enjoy some moments a little bit longer. I know this feeling will only increase when I have kids of my own. (that's a long way out still, don't get your hopes up.) But for now... I will try to remember to enjoy the moments we have with each other.

Now...

Things I have learned in a year of marriage:

- we will never fold the towels the same. Ever.

- men don't know there is such a thing as organizing your closet.
- they don't understand why there would/should be, either.

- splitting time between families never gets easy.
- folding laundry is not a man's strongest point.
- men will never understand the number of shoes women have.
- men don't do "sick" well.
(I am sorry, honey, you just don't.)

- My husband is more patient than anyone should have to be.
- Mike makes me feel so loved and treasured every moment of every day.
- I married the best man for me.
- Mike is actually the best man ever.
- Married life is the best decision anyone will ever make.
- I never knew it was possible to love someone so much.
- I fall in love with Mike more and more every day.
- I am more in love with Mike now, than I was a year ago.
- Mike is my very best friend and I wouldn't have it any other way.
- If one of you doesn't sleep well... neither of you do.
- Losing sleep is worth it, if you can help your spouse feel better.

I am so grateful for this year of bliss. So grateful for the man I married a year ago.

We've got one year down, and an eternity to go, Sweet Pea!
I love you, Mike!



Oh! Tonight we are going to the Melting Pot to celebrate!
(we went on our honeymoon one of the nights we were staying at The Anniversary Inn on 5th South!)
Saturday night, as soon as Mike is off of work, we are driving up to Logan and spending a night at
The Anniversary Inn up there!
We are excited! We think it will be so fun!

This was at the Melting Pot on our Honeymoon...
Don't ask about Mike's face.. I have no idea.

Best Monday Ever!

Who would have ever thought a Monday could be good?

Seriously though... Mondays normally suck.

Nobody likes them.

But yesterday was the best Monday in the history of ever. 

Work went by so fast!

Just kidding. That isn't what made it the "Best Monday Ever". Although, it was an added bonus! I love it when work passes quickly- who doesn't?




1. Mike started his new job! For those of you who don't know - Mike has started working at the Mini Cooper Dealership in Murray! He will be working in their service department as the scheduler. So when people call in to make an appointment to get their car worked on... he will be the one taking that call and making the appointment! He will be doing other things as well, but that is his main position!
This week they are one person short until Friday, so he has been taking the cars from the service station and topping off the gas tank and helping detail and stuff. He is loving it! He keeps telling me we will have to own a Mini... I keep reminding him we will never have enough money. ha ha But for now he can enjoy driving someone else's Mini Cooper! ;)
He looks soooo handsome for work every day! No more T-Shirts and Jeans. He has to wear black dress pants, black professional looking shoes, and until he gets his "Mini Cooper polo" he has to wear a button down shirt and a tie. He looks goooood! :)

On Saturday we went shopping for his new clothes! We got him two pairs of black pants, 3 button down shirts; blue, white, gray, a new pair of shoes, and 7 new ties! (ummm... 7 ties for $50.97 - STEAL DEAL! buy 5 and get the 6th free is always the deal at the store, FYI! go HERE if you need new ties! or if you're like me and hate most of your husbands "mission ties"... oops.) It was a really fun way to spend his last Saturday off work! It was nice to be with him all day long. I will really miss having a whole day together to do whatever we want.

See? Handsome!! :)

2. My grandparents got home! My mom's parents have been serving an LDS mission in Mesa, Arizona for the last 18 months. Well, The Arizona Mesa Mission is the one they were called to... they actually spent most of their time in a city/town called Cave Creek. (It's North of Scottsdale and Phoenix.) Stephanie Meyer (yes, the author of the Twilight books) and her family were in their ward. My grandma has nothing to say but kind things about that family. They really enjoyed their mission and getting to serve in Arizona! (I worry my grandma isn't going to adjust back to the cold Utah weather very well. ha ha)

Senior missionaries don't seem to have to follow as many rules as the younger elders and sisters do... First of all... my grandma lived with a boy! ;) Really, though... they could watch TV, they could travel outside of their mission boundaries, they called home at least twice a week, (my mom was on the phone with them almost every other day the first few weeks they got there!) they were only in the MTC for about 5 days, they had to take their own car with them, they could have family come down and visit them, etc. So for Thanksgiving this past year we drove down to hang out with them for a few days! It was so much fun! We spent Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and part of Sunday with them. Trent, Holly, and Ayden came down, too! So we had quite the party for Thanksgiving dinner. My cousin Weston lives in Phoenix, so he got to join us as well. It was so fun! Having Thanksgiving dinner in shorts/capris, short sleeves, and flip flops was AWESOME! We also went swimming in the pool at the club house that night, too! (swimming outdoors in November! Unheard of here in UT!)

 

While my grandparents were gone they missed a lot of things (that's normal when you're gone for long periods of time...) and was expected... they had a lot of great-grandchildren join our family while they were gone, they missed 5 weddings of grandchildren... (ours being one of them.) They lost many friends and even a couple of siblings. They couldn't justify coming home for certain things. They were important and they would have loved to be there, but they knew it would be hard to truly stay focused on the Lord's work if they kept coming home. We all understood! But... one really BIG, super cool thing happened while they were away... In July (I think...) my Uncle Trent and Aunt Holly got to adopt a little 4 year old boy named Ayden and have him sealed to them in the temple the same day. My Aunt Paula had some extra buddy passes through Delta, so she called my grandparents the night before and told them to get on the flight in the morning and be here for the adoption and sealing. They were afraid they would offend other people if they came home for this but didn't come home for other things.... but honestly... I think we were all just happy to see them! :)

So... even though I saw them twice in that 18 month period... I am still WAY excited to have them home! I can't wait to make them look at wedding pictures! (We tried to get them to sit down and look at them while we were in AZ, but those two don't hold still!) I can't wait to hear more about their mission. And most of all... I am so excited to be able to cut my grandpa's hair again! I have missed that. I am very close with my grandpa, always have been, we have a very funny relationship and I am sooo happy to get that time with him again! It was kind of weird seeing them in their own house last night! It almost felt like they hadn't really left at all! :)

My grandpa texts! He is really cool! :)

Yesterday wasn't a typical Monday... 

Yesterday was a good Monday.

A long time coming...

Well.... Mike and I have some very good news!!!

No... it's not a baby!

Don't read into my Pinterest posts, either... We aren't planning on any little Hiatts for at least 3 years, but I seem to have a lot of friends who are expecting and seem to post a LOT of baby stuff on there... I don't want to pass it up and not be able to find it again! There is some good stuff on there, people!

MIKE GOT A NEW JOB!!!

We are so very, very excited about it! This new job is full time, with the possibility of over-time, and he will get benefits! (Mike hasn't had insurance since he got home from his mission...) We have been looking for a new job for him off an on since before we got married - mostly hoping that we could find one with benefits!

Getting out of 1800Contacts was the best thing I could do for myself and my marriage, but I took a pretty big pay cut to do it. ($2.40 an hour decrease. Ouch.) So Back in November we started to get really serious about the job hunt for Mike, but knew we couldn't afford a pay-cut for him, as well.... at all. So it made finding the right job even harder.

Mike has a pretty bad back.. (He had to come home from is mission a little early for emergency back surgery. It's pretty serious and he will always have problems with it. We had an MRI done back in September 2012... it cleared up a lot of questions, but really helped us know how important it is for Mike to have a job that won't strain his back.) He can't lift anything very heavy. He shouldn't sit or stand for long periods of time. Things that wouldn't bother you or me... bothers him and his back. So our search had to be pretty specific. 

Our wonderful friend, Abby, is a genius when it comes to resumes. (okay, she's a genius when it comes to many things... but for the sake of this story... we'll stick with just listing resumes...) So we enlisted her help to get Mike's updated and looking real professional! She did a great job... It is so nice to have such fabulously talented friends. I am sure Abby doesn't see it as a talent, but I sure do, there is no way I would have gotten it to look that great or made Mike sound as awesome. (She helped me with mine a few years ago. She is awesome!)

Mike sent his resume into quite a few different places...-- Ooookay....It is just me, or does anyone else think it's inconsiderate when people don't send a letter/email or call someone to let them know they got their resume/application, but they are going to go with other applicants? I was pretty annoyed with a few companies who didn't give any sort of response. We get the hint, but it would be nice to have confirmation. -- We heard back from a few places.. one place really wanted him to come work for them, but after praying about it and doing a little pondering in the temple.. we came to the conclusion that the job just didn't feel right. So we continued the search.

A month or so ago, Mike got a call from the BMW Dealership in Murray. He had applied to their service department for a position they posted - I think the position was for a Scheduler... people call in... they schedule a time for them to bring in their car to get serviced. The call was from a lady named Vicki - she told Mike that because of his customer service background, she thought he would be better in a different position so she wanted him to come interview for that instead. The other position was like a greeter... he would greet the customers as they came in, check them in, and take their cars to the service dock. He interviewed once with Vicki and then a second interview was done with the manager over the position. They decided to go with someone else for the job. Mike was really disappointed. He LOVES cars and was hoping this would be a way to get his foot in the door. He got an email from Vicki telling him the manager wanted to go with someone else, but that she really liked him. She was going to hold onto his resume and contact information and if something else opened up, she would let him know. 

A week and a half ago we got a call from Vicki...

There was an opening on the Mini Cooper side of the dealership. It was for.... a service department scheduler. (We've come full circle with the dealership! ha ha) Vicki told Mike about the opening and told him she really wanted him to come in for an interview with the manager on the "Mini" side. She said, "We all know I already love you, but you need to come in to meet the other guy." They talked a little bit more about the position and she ended up telling Mike that she normally doesn't hold on to very many people's information, but she thought Mike was really great. Thank goodness for Vicki!

Mike went in for an interview and felt really good about! He really liked the manager and thought the manager liked him in return... In the interview he kept saying things to Mike like, "When you start....." and "I will talk to Vicki and see how we get started on this.." They told Mike he would probably find out by the next day if he got the job or not... but a few hours after Mike left the interview he got a phone call telling him he got the job! They liked him so much, they just couldn't make him wait any longer to hear the good news!

And good news it is! :)

So... He will be working at the Mini Cooper Dealership in Murray- in the Service Department. He will mainly be scheduling appointments for people to bring in their car to get it serviced. He will work 4 days during the week and every Saturday. (that part is a little bit of a bummer for Bear Lake weekends...) He will be there from 8 am to 6 pm.

We honestly couldn't be more grateful for this job opportunity for him. We are feeling extremely blessed and so happy with such a wonderful answer to many months of prayers. Thank you to all of our friends and family members who have been so supportive and helpful during this search! 

We love and appreciate you all very, very,very.very, very, VERY much.

A Slacker and an Update!

Okay, okay...

I am terrible at this! I haven't posted or logged in since JULY!!

Yeah, I am not so good at this blogging stuff!
Maybe if I wasn't boring I would be better.

Yeah.Right!!


I wish I could be a stay at home wife and just get paid to blog all day!
Seriously, those women have the best job in the whole world! And they are all so creative and funny!

Can you imagine- "What do you do for a living, Brindi?" "Oh, I sit at home all day typing about my latest findings on Pinterest!"
Everyone would be jealous. As they should be. Shoot! I am even jealous of my day dream. Mostly because I know it will never happen.

Okay, it CAN'T ever happen..... because if I did have a stay at home job, I would never ever get dressed in anything other than sweats and pajamas. I have the sweetest husband who tells me I always look beautiful, no matter what! (I pay him to say these things, ladies! -ooooh! Maybe in a later post I will break down my budget for such things!) Just kidding! I don't really pay him, he really is just the best husband in the whole world.... But I think even for him there would be a line. I could lie and say I would set up a plan to only wear my sweat pants -all day- once a week... But I know that would soon turn into twice a week... and then soon after that three times a week... and the pattern would just go down hill. I don't think I would even make it through the first week. If I am being honest.



Okay- off my tangent! Probably not for long. Sorry...


So here is a little (okay.. it's actually big) update on Mike and Me--
In the 11 months we have been married (well.. in 3 days it is 11 months. Close enough.) we have done the following:

March 2012
- Married in the Oquirrh Mountain Temple
- Instead of doing a luncheon, we did a dinner the night before, so Mike and I could have our very first date as a married couple to Costa Vida for lunch between the Ceremony and Reception. It was sooo fun! I highly suggest it!
- Stayed at the Anniversary Inn on 5th South for 2 days!
- While downtown we went to the Melting Pot! (Expensive, but worth it!)
- 6 hour drive to Vegas!
- 2 of the 10 days of our honeymoon spent in Vegas (it was a nightmare train wreck!)
- 6 hour drive back home to make a stop at InstaCare! (Thought I had strep!) Then a 3 hour drive to the next stop on our honeymoon...
- Finished out our honeymoon with a week in Bear Lake (we should have just skipped Vegas!)
- Tara turned 28 on the 27th!
- Katie turned 26 on the 12th!

Wedding Day!

Lunch at Costa as a married couple!

Dinner at The Melting Pot

Cheese

Main Course

Dessert...
We ate it all before I remembered to take the picture!
Oops!

Hard Rock Cafe in Vegas!

Buca Di Beppo in Vegas!

Bear Lake
I have never seen it this smooth!

We were sick for 3 days on our Honeymoon, so naps were wonderful!!

April 2012
- Brooks turned 1 on the 14th and we had a big party!
- Gavin turned 11 on the 19th
- We celebrated 1 month of marriage! :)

Brooks loved his cupcake

   

Reading with Grandma after his party

May 2012
- Mike turned 22 on the 10th!
- Mike's sister, Ashley, turned 23 on the same day.
- Mia turned 3 on the 20th!
- Kacey turned 36 on the 28th.
- LOTS of family birthday parties!
- We celebrated 2 months of marriage!

One of Mike's Birthday presents!

June 2012
- Dallin turned 2!
- We went to a really fun BBQ that our friends Aly and Stacey had for Aly's 24th birthday!
- We celebrated 3 months of marriage
- Spent time at Bear Lake
- QUIT WORKING AT 1800CONTACTS!!! (YAAAAY!)
- My grandma Helen turned 92 on the 5th!
- We celebrated 3 months of marriage!

The dessert from Aly's Birthday BBQ!

My 92 year old Grandma!

July 2012
- Started a new job at "The Mortgage Partner" as a receptionist. (I no longer work weekends!)
- We took a fast trip to California! (Saturday morning to Sunday afternoon!)
- Some of our best friends, Chris and Shay Swensen, got married, so we went to the Sealing Ceremony in the San Diego Temple!
- We rented a Camaro while we were in CA! (Okay.. Mike is the one who wanted the upgrade, but it was only $30 extra, so I said "okay"!)
- We went to the Ocean and hung out on the beach, before flying home!
- Tasha turned 6 on the 10th!
- Brian turned 27 on the 11th! (I think... ha ha)
- Bryce turned 15 on the 15th! (Golden Birthday!!)
- Shaela and Colby turned 10 on the 26th!
- Kacey and Josh, with my parents, bought a new boat!
- Spent time at Bear Lake with all the cousins and Aunts and Uncles
- Spent time at Bear Lake with just my parents, siblings, nieces and nephews
- We celebrated 4 months of marriage!

San Diego Temple!

The Beach!

The Ocean!

The new boat!

August 2012
- More time spent at Bear Lake - this time some friends came! ;)
- House sitting for Mark and Lela
- Mark had a pretty intense surgery done on his stomach. So glad he is feeling better!
- Madrigal Reunion Party!
- Josh turned 36 on the 21st!
- We celebrated 5 months of marriage!

Someone was tired of the hospital!

Bear Lake snuggle time with Barfuss!

September 2012
- Spent Labor Day weekend in Idaho Falls with Katie and Markie and Katie's family -The Alder's!
- Went for a walk around the beautiful Idaho Falls Temple (It just happens to be in the Alder's front yard... like literally!)
- Mike had an MRI done on his back... found out he is hopeless! ;) not really, but he will always have back problems!
- Went to the Idaho State Fair!
- We tried a deep fried snickers bar, "elephant ears", elk burgers, and some other things I can't remember...
- Saw some reeeeeally fat piggies!
- Went to the Brigham City Temple open house... took us 4 hours to get through all of the lines. 45 minute bus wait, 2 hours and 45 minute line around the temple, 45 minutes inside the temple.
- Visited Maggie and her new baby, Porter. We also saw her cute new house!
- more time at Bear Lake
- Misty turned 34 on the 6th!
- Collin turned 13 on the 18th! AHHHH!
- We celebrated 6 months of marriage!

Idaho Falls Temple

Idaho State Fair

Brigham City Temple

October 2012
- Markie turned 25 on the 4th!
- 4 wheeling with the Jensen Family, my parents, and Reyn and Janine at Bear Lake up to Old Ephraim's grave! Cold and wet, but soo fun!
- Witch Fest at Gardner Village with all the girls and kids... and Mike! :)
- First nail in my tire! :(
- Mike and I watched Kacey and Josh's kids for a week while they went to Disneyland!
- Time Out for Women with my mom and Lela!
- Pumpkin Patch with the family!
- Halloween Party with the Barfi
- Pumpkin Carving on Halloween!
- We celebrated 7 months of marriage!

4-Wheeling!
We look sooo cool!

Mia loved the witches

Getting the nail out...

Putting the patch in

The culprit :(

November 2012
- Dad turned 57 on the 7th!
- Greg turned 36 on the 11th!
- Met Abby's bulldog puppy George! YUM!!
- Halo 4 came out so the guys had a party.. while the wife's made crafts! :)
- Thanksgiving spent in Arizona with my grandparents! They are on a mission in Mesa, (living in Cave Creek) but will be home March 4th!!!
- Saw Stephanie Meyer and her family sitting across the aisle from us in Sacrament meeting in AZ! (My grandparents think the world of the Meyer Family!)
- Drove by the Grand Canyon!
- Mike got his old Jeep back!
- We celebrated 8 months of marriage!

George!

Picture with the Missionaries!

Grandparents

The day after Thanksgiving..
In capris/shorts and T-Shirts!

Mike and his baby

December 2012
- I turned 25! My cute boss bought me a "Nothing Bunt Cakes" cake and we ate some at work! (It's just the two of us!)
- I had to serve on the Jury! For two days! 12/12/12 and 12/13/12!
- I will never forget what day I got called to serve jury duty.
- Blake turned 4 on the 12th!
- Mom turned 57 on the 27th!
- Made gingerbread houses as a family at Mark and Lela's!
- Went to Disneyland with almost the whole Hiatt Clan! (We missed Markie and Katie! But gained Jeff and Lori Goodell!)
- Christmas Celebrations!
- We celebrated 9 months of marriage!

Nothing Bundt Cakes

Disneyland Castle at Christmas time!

January 2013
- New Year's celebrations!
- Kade turned 29 on the 19th!
- Kacey made Kade an awesome hamburger cake!
- We found a new love... Churro Waffles! YUUUUM!
- Started to get more serious about losing weight.
- Did some major "spring cleaning" in our room!
- Bought and set up a TV stand for the TV we got for Christmas!
- Mike had an interview with BMW! But.. unfortunately they went with someone else. :( The job search continues!
- We celebrated 10 months of marriage!

Kade's birthday party

February 2013
- Mark turned 50 on the 7th!!
- We had a big party for him on the 6th- complete with a nacho bar!
- Made Mark a video of pictures for his party.
- Mike started a class at Lifetime Fitness with his mom and a trainer and is loving it!
- Went shooting with Brian, Mike, and my dad! Found a gun I really like to shoot!
- Taxes are submitted!! Thanks, Mom!!
- Lela will turn 51 on the 28th!
- Valentine's Day this week!
- And celebrating 11 months of marriage on the same day!

Shooting

We are loving married life! It has been a busy year, but so worth it! We have had some awesome vacations and nice little get-aways to Bear Lake! We love spending time with our families! We have some awesome friends who we love trying to get together once a month with for dinner and a hang out!

We have really enjoyed this journey of marriage! And I am thankful every day that I married my very best friend! I love Mike so much and he is the best thing for me!

Cheers to a wonderful 11 months of marriage! And an eternity more to come!