The Planner

If you know me, you know I love to plan. Planning out goals, vacations, a busy day. . . the list goes on. I often make a 5 year plan where I set goals and plan when I want to accomplish them. When I first graduated from High School I had a 5 year plan . . .
- Go to College
- Work and save up for my mission
- Graduate with my Bachelors in Psychology/Behavioral Science
- Go on a mission
- Come home and get my Masters
- Get married at age 23-25

As you can see, it all worked out. . . not! That's the funny thing, I love to plan and feel like I have thought out every detail perfectly. Then I have to humble myself and remember, I don't always know whats best for me. That is when prayer comes in.

My 5 year plan 2 weeks ago went kind of like this.
- Apply for the Dental Hygiene Program in the spring
- Begin the DH Program in the fall and finish in 2012
- Support Joseph till he has finished school
- Complete projects on the home during all of this

I really thought this plan ^ would work. I guess that's why we are moving to Arizona in a week and 1/2!
That's right, for the past few months, my Dad who owns Costa Vida Restaurants down in Arizona, has been mentioning to us that we should go down and work/own one of his restaurants. We were thinking that we would do it, just in 5 years or so. Before we knew it, we found ourselves talking and praying and talking and praying some more. We felt like we came to our conclusion. We are really doing it, and we have so much to do before we go.


That's why we are in Hawaii right now ha ha. Really, we are. We took off to Oregon the day after it was all decided and spent a week there, then caught a flight to Oahu. We are so happy to have some time to enjoy these trips because we haven't had a break from school or work since last year (literally).

We are trying to prepare ourselves for this big change and find ourselves getting a little sad about leaving Family, Friends, and Utah. But we will come visit and always welcome visitors, so don't forget about us :). We really are excited to work together and learn everything from my brothers so we can expedite the opening of Costa #3! I hope this clears things up for you. We love you all and hope things are great at home!

P.S. We will be leaving October 3rd, just to let you know.

Our lives this Fall . . .

My thoughts 90% of the day . . .

His thoughts 90% of the day. . .

What you will most likely find me doing . . .

What you will most likely find him doing . . .

We are both happy to have the summer over with and to be home :)

School . . .

"So who are the people who are crazy enough to be taking Human Anatomy AND Human Physiology . . . ." I then raised my hand with one other girl across the room. "Wow ..." My professor said as I received looks of pity from fellow students.

THAT is how my semester started. And This is how it will continue, it should be an interesting one :)

I am just letting you know ahead, I wont be posting for the next 4 months pretty much. I will hopefully find time to browse your blogs. Maybe Joseph can do some posts :)

See you around Christmas!

Water Bottles?

I Love Water Bottles.

I take my water bottle to school almost everyday. I once turned around when I was almost to work because I forgot my water bottle. . . (maybe a little obsessive?)
Anyway, my beautiful Green camelbak water bottle broke today. I guess it was ok because I was in need of a new one after hearing all of that news on a chemical which is released from plastic when it is heated and causes cancer . . .
Apparently the plastic my water bottle is made out of is one of those plastics. What are the good numbers again, Mom? I know she will comment . . . hopefully.
So I am wondering who knows of a good water bottle I should try? The Sigg bottles intrigue me, because I would love to design my own. But they seem odd and would be uncomfortable to drink out of? Any recommendations?
Does anyone else understand where I am coming from or do I seem crazy ha ha?

CA and AZ

Sleeping on the beach in Carlsbad was a lot of fun. Even though I really didnt swim, I enjoyed the beach, card games, inn n out burger, running while over looking the beach, and smores while laughing around the campfire.

I LOVE this picture of Jack
Sophia came with her parents (Brad and Cynthia) and Bryce, to come and visit us. Her Daddy has great B-Ball skills and won this HUGE Shamu for her at Sea World :)
Sandy Samuel


Sandy JackI got to spend a lot of fun time with Jack and I really miss him!
I loved going on the Pier, there were so many fisherman and we were lucky to find this kid who had a starfish on his line. I haven't ever seen one so big.
And of course, daring little Samuel wanted to climb up the sides
I would love to go back again next year, I was thinking this would be a great vacation for the VanCott Fam. You have Campsites that are all next to eachother and you just walk down the street to get to the ocean. Your campsite overlooks the beautiful ocean.Following CA we went to AZ and of course had fun in the 117 degree weather.
Sophia and Isaak showed off their new swimming skillsAnd played chicken fight, although I don't think Sophia new the strategyBecause Isaak and Sophia are only like 6 months apart, they tend to fight. They are so much better about "playing nicely" now, but while I was walking down the hall I heard some arguing so I thought I would go and break it up. Isaak was in a box shaking his head and Sophia was telling him, "Get out, its my turn, its my turn!" I then said, in a similar manner, "No its my turn." They both looked at me with smurks on their faces and said, all giggley, "No, your too big ha ha, you cant." Im not sure why, but it felt as though they were mocking me. "Pshhh, whatever I am too big. Whatch this!" Isaak jumped out and I strategically sat in the box. They both had surprised looks when I said, "See" before I knew it, Isaak said "I want to get in too" and was climbing in. Of course Sophia joined us and my mom walked by as we were all laughing and took a picture.

I got this adorable picture of Noah, while we were playing the wii. Cute little Bryce slept so much while we were there, I didn't get a picture of him.
I loved my break from Arkansas, but wished Joseph could have come too. We will see you all soon!

Candy for Everyone!

Joseph hit 100 sales on Monday!

He has been working hard, and it shows. Believe me, the few times I have gone out selling with him in the past, have made me appreciate more and more what he endures.
Anyway, to celebrate, we wanted to give everyone FREE Candy Bars :)
Really though, if you click on THIS link on Friday (tomorrow), you can register your name and address for a free candy bar. You can register 4 per household, every
Friday.

And now to leave you with some great Arkansas Pictures. I think it is important to show all of you the classy side of Arkansas.And the car every hunter wants. . .Have a GREAT Weekend everyone!

35 days . . .

until we are HOME! (28 days left for me)

We are so excited for, FAMILY & FRIENDS, Running Outside, Costa Vida Food, Painting and Gardening, School, Lost with the Boys, Wedding Receptions, Sunday Nights with Our Families, Trips to Anywhere but Arkansas, and just being HOME!

We love you and miss you all! I had a great time on my adventure that took place for almost all of July. I had a few days in Utah where I got to see friends and family,
make hundreds of Oreo truffles for the VanCotts,Eat my wonderful Raspberry Coconut Pancakes,(If you ever want to try the most delicious food, I would be happy to make these for you, just let me know)
and have my car hit in the Wal-Mart parking lot. Her insurance is taking care of everything, so I am happy.

After my fun in Utah I left for California to camp on the beach and after, drove to Arizona to see the last of my family :) Pictures of these fun times coming soon.

P.S. Make sure you click THIS link! Cold Stone is giving away free ice cream creations to you on your birthday. I love finding free things and I love sharing them. Enjoy!