Is This the New Normal?

The school year is here, but does that mean newly-wed life goes down the drain?

Chase and I will both be beginning our senior year at Utah State University. On top of school we both have nearly full-time jobs, and extracurricular activities. Chase is president of the PRSSA club on campus; his focus is getting some experience under his belt so he can get a job or at least an internship right after graduation. I will be volunteering with Mountain West Physical Therapy through the Cache Valley Specialty Hospital, and any other volunteering I can get my hands on. We are really focused on our ‘next step’ and doing everything we can to get into our careers as fast as we can.

As newly-weds we still love spending a lot of time with each other, so we are nervous that we won’t have much free time to enjoy each others company. We are a couple that has spent every night on the couch cuddling and watching a few episodes on Netflix so we can unwind after a long day with foot rubs and laughs, these few hours are really the only time we have been able to see each other the past few weeks.

These are a few ideas I have come up with to bring us closer together during our crazy schedule.

Studying together: We both want to excel with our academics so studying is very important. I like going to the library and getting a study room so we can focus on our studies but still talk and interact with each other. Other times studying will consist of a mixture of me making dinner and proof reading the latest article Chase has to submit by midnight.

Mini-Lunch dates: I love lunch dates, especially when we are both up on campus. We both like routines, so if we can find a few days a week where we can meet at The Hub and grab a bite to eat and catch up on our day it is perfect.

Walking to class: I don’t know why, but if I can, I will always find the time to walk with my hubby to class. It is relaxing, and helps me find my center when I can cherish and utilize every free second of my day being with him. When we walk and talk it is mentally productive for both of us, we like to go through our daily lists and confirm where each of us will be after school that day. We don’t have time in the morning to talk to each other because we have such different schedules, so if we can find a few minutes between classes it helps.

No Electronics: It is important to me that we interact on a daily basis without the use of phones or computers. Our relationship isn’t through the WI-FI. We can’t really appreciate each other if we only communicate with our phone. Chase really likes being on his phone, with all the new aps. and social sites how could he not? He is always reading something about the latest Lamborghini, or watching a funny video, so it is all I can do to get his attention sometimes. I like to find situations that keep us off our phones so we can enjoy each other’s company and not take anything for granted.

Cooking Lessons: I love to cook, and try out a new Pinterest Recipe. Chase likes to eat what I cook. It has been a goal of mine to incorporate him into the cooking process. He helps me chop veggies and cook the meat and mix everything together; he is also reliable when it comes to giving him directions on cooking when I am not home, But I need to find ways to make it more exciting for him.

I would love any tips or suggestions you have. I am sure everyone has been in this position and struggled a little. Let me know what you did to get through it. What fun activities did you incorporate into your weekly routine? Did you assign specific days for specific activities or events? Give me your input and help all of us newly-weds.

Duck, Duck, GOOSE!!

This post goes out to my little sister Tess. I want to wish you good luck this upcoming week during your sorority recruitment, and your first week being away to college. I know you will do amazing; just smile and be yourself. It’s too hard trying to impress people by being someone you aren’t. I love you and I can’t wait to hear all about it. Be funny, but not too sarcastic. Be gracious and grateful. Be polished and poised. Remember who you are. Going through a process such as Recruitment can shake your confidence and self esteem to its very core. Don’t let it.

You are strong and confident.

You are determined… Make a difference in the world you live in.

You are talented and skilled in everything you do. Remember it’s not always a competition, but if it helps, you can always compete against me.

You are compassionate and trustworthy… People value your opinion.

You are smart and witty… You will go far.

Above all else, you are my sister. And I am proud to call you that. I know this week will be hard  and intimidating, and the weeks to follow may be harder, but look in the mirror… you will see what me and everyone else see, a young woman staring back at you who is all of the above and more. The path before you will be smooth and exciting, but at times that path will turn into the washed out road through Elba. Bumps and pot holes will surface; no matter how hard you try you can’t miss them. But your strength and perseverance will help you navigate this path, and at the end of this week you will find yourself standing in front of your new “Home”, surrounded by a new family of sisters. Let them into your heart. They will change the way you view the world.

If you get sad, or feel lonesome and alone, you are not. I am here, in your heart, just a ‘Bartender’ song away. I wish I could be there with you today to give you big hug, and wish you well.

As you prepare for your first day of Recruitment, take a deep breath and say these words, “I am stronger than I seem, braver than I believe, and smarter than I think.”

I love you with all my heart!

xo Mav

Puppy Jealousy

There are feelings created when you see all of your friends getting engaged and married before you. Frustration, because they have only been in this serious relationship for a month or two, and you have been in your serious relationship for a year and a half, and marriage still isn't on the ToDo list; Jealousy, because they get to move on in their life and enjoy their spouse forever; Excitement, because it's one more wedding you get to be a bridesmaid in; and more jealous rage because all they post, tweet and talk about is every little wedding detail, and your Pinterest is flooded with wedding crap. It's annoying. I am sorry to those of you who I may have made feel this way during my engagement. Unfortunately I am experiencing these feelings again, and my husband is right there with me.

We have 'Puppy Jealousy'. It's all there, the frustration, jealousy, and rage. In this case there is no excitement because the fact that they have a puppy helps us in no way. All we want as a couple is a cute puppy that we can adore. We daydream about walking it, taking it on trips etc. Chase pictures coming home to it after work and cuddling with it on the couch all night. Yes, this does imply that I will be replaced as his nightly cuddle buddy, but that is OK, because he will be replaced too... unless he gets to the puppy first.We are hopeless romantics, and a puppy would complete us.

We have talked about getting a puppy nearly everyday. We know we aren't in a position to get a puppy right now, considering our apartment wouldn't allow it, but I have thought about ways to try and get around that. Moving has come up quite a bit. Unfortunately, our living situation isn't the only thing holding us back from being great puppy parents, we can't agree on what kind of puppy to get. There are so many choices.

The List

In no particular order.

Husky, Akita, German Shepard and Goldendoodle

As you can see we like puppies that will grow into really big dogs. They are each everything we would want in a dog and in some cases more, but then you see a picture of a different one each day, and for that day you are in love with that puppy, and the next day you are drooling over a different puppy.
We want a very energetic dog to play with and go on adventures with. One that is loyal and trainable. We would like for an indoor dog, so a clean coated dog would be nice because I don't want fur everywhere. We would love a unique dog that isn't seen very often, like an all white husky or all black German Shepherd.

I would like your input. Which dog do you think is right for us?

Husky

White Akita

Akita

Akita

German Shepherd

Black German Shepherd

Goldendoodle

Photo By: Sami Jo Photography

Husky: Chase's Top Pick

Loving, gentle, playful, happy-go-lucky dogs that are fond of their families. Keen, docile, social, relaxed and rather casual, this is a high-energy dog, especially when young. Good with children and friendly with strangers. Huskies are very intelligent and trainable, however they get bored easily and do not do well if left alone  for a long period of time. A lonely Husky, or a Husky that does not get enough mental and physical exercise can be very destructive. Husky's have a thick coat which sheds and needs brushed weekly.

I grew up with an all white female husky.We got her when she was about 2 from the animal shelter. She was very protective and could be aggressive towards other animals. When I was a baby she would lay by me and growl at the cat if it got near me. She was playful and full of energy and loved hikes with the family. She was an interactive dog and loved play time. She didn't like smaller animals that would taunt her. My parents trusted her alone with me, and she never harmed a person.

Akita

 Docile, intelligent, courageous and fearless. Careful and very affectionate with its family. Sometimes spontaneous, it needs a firm, confident, consistent  pack leader. May become very aggressive to other dogs and animals. It needs firm training as a puppy. Considered a first-class guard dog. If left alone for too long they get bored easy and get into things they shouldn't. Good with own family, but if teased Akitas may bite. Not an excessive barker. Akita's may appear as aggressive dogs, but with the right training, I know it would make a great family pet.

I also grew up with a male Akita at the same time as the female husky, he was perfect for where I lived because he was very protective, and my parents never worried about me when I was outside with him. He was never aggressive with strangers. They have a thick coat that takes some maintenance as far as just brushing goes. As a pair the Husky and Akita breeds were perfect together.

German Shepherd 

Courageous, keen, alert and fearless. Cheerful, obedient and eager to learn. Tranquil, confident, serious and clever. They have a high learning ability. German Shepherds love to be close to their families, but can be wary of strangers. It take a very authoritative owner to keep this dog in line. This breed needs his people and should not be left isolated for long periods of time. They only bark when they feel it is necessary. the German Shepherd has a very strong protective instinct, and is extremely loyal to its handler.  This is not a breed that will be happy simply lying around your living room or locked out in the backyard. 

The German Shepherd is a dog we are considering for its intelligence, protective, and if properly trained, docile qualities. The only problem is getting it well trained. We love their loyalty. We watch movies with German Shepherds in them, such as The Lucky One, and we want a dog that would behave like that.

Goldendoodle: My Top Pick

Affectionate and gentle dog. Goldendoodles are usually highly social and get along well with everyone. They don't do well in any type of guarding or watchdog role and they can thrive in both city and country settings, they love always being in contact with the people they love.
This dog is very easy to train and is a good match for first-time or timid owners. They're not known to have any aggressive traits. Goldendoodles are considered to be non- to light shedders.

This dog stands out to me because of its coat, which is hair like a humans, and its personality. I am allergic to cats and as I have gotten older and have been away from animals even the dander from my parent's Chocolate Lab can cause me grief. I also love that when you pet a Goldendoodle you stay clean. Their hair is soft and not greasy like other dogs can get and I would be OK with it crawling all over furniture, for the most part. I love the energy these dogs can have. The ones I have been around mimic the mood of the people they are around. If things were calm and relaxing, the dog was all for just laying with you and cuddling, but if you were excited and playful so was the Goldendoodle. I just know that as a couple, Chase and I will have a lot going on with school and jobs and sometimes we will just want to relax with our puppy.

Well there you have it. I hope you may have learned some about puppies you may have been considering. I would love any comments you have and suggestions for us. We know that a dog is in our near future, probably when we graduate from USU in May; but it will be nice to be in agreement when we go to pick out and put down the big bucks for the puppy we want.

Wedding Pictures By Brandi Lyn Photography

The GREATEST thing happened yesterday!! My wedding photographer dropped off 2 flash drives with all 2064 wedding pictures on them. That's a lot of pictures, 18 GBs to be exact, and I got to re-live mine and Chase's wedding all over again. It was great to see moments that I wasn't even there for, it completed the day for me.

While planning the wedding, friends told me horror stories of how they didn't spend the money, or put much thought into picking a wedding photographer and they didn't end up with any good pictures of their big day. It was the biggest regret of their wedding. I put in hours of research trying to find the right one, or two, photographers for me.

When considering photographers, it was important to me that I found someone who captured what I would have captured if I was behind the camera. Which was great because I didn't have to tell either of my photographers what pictures to take, it was already natural to them. Another big factor in picking a photographer was the 'vibe' I got from their photography. I wanted their style of pictures to match not only me and my husband, but our wedding too. Thanks to blogs, Pinterest and bridal faires I found my photographers.

Brandi Lyn Ribera, based out of Hyrum, UT, did a beautiful set of engagements and our wedding day photos. She was so fun and great to work with and very professional. I first came across Brandi at the Logan Bridal Faire; I fell in love with a first dance photo that she had displayed of a couple silhouetted by a few sets of car headlights. It was beautiful.

Facebook Brandi Lyn Photography and Design

Brandi Lyn Photography

Feel free to ask me any thing about working with Brandi, and use me as a reference!

Here are some of my favorite moments from the wedding, I wish I could show you all of them. 

ENJOY!

 I will never forget this moment with my little sister/MOH.

 Such a great group of girls who spoiled me and were there for everything!

 Justin and Kari Koyle accompanied me through the temple. My family and I are lucky to have them in our lives and I am so grateful for everyone's love and support.

 Such a fun rowdy group. Chase and I couldn't have any better friends than this bunch.

All the Single Ladies by Beyonce, will put a smile on anyone's face!!

 The Corvette logo Groom's cake was a success.

Better than your average love story

If I had to pick who the writer is between my husband, Chase, or me, I would not have chosen myself; considering he is a journalism major.  So why am I the one blogging? It sounded like something fun to do. I mean who doesn't have an online journal these days? So here it is, the life of CeAnn and Chase Christensen.

I will brief you on the formalities. Chase and I met at Utah State, his shirt happened to be inside-out on the first outing; luckily I noticed and with the satisfaction of humiliating him, I got to see him shirtless. He is studying PR, I am in physical therapy. We were engaged after dating for 2 months... I am just kidding, we might be LDS but we aren't that ridiculous. We dated for a year and a half before I asked him to marry me, gotcha again; we are a very traditional couple, he did the asking and lucky for him I said 'yes', not in so many words. We recently tied the knot at the end of June.

We are beyond your average couple. We like to cuddle and watch a lot of movies, and I occasionally use a recipe to make dinner for the two of us. Chase likes to help me out around the house, and he always does the dishes after a meal. We get into disagreements, and then we make up. We usually communicate daily via web videos posted on Facebook and sarcastic comments directed at each other on all social networks.

In some ways Chase and I are complete opposites and other ways we are the exact same person, but even though we clash and disagree sometimes, we always are on the same page and can see the situation through the eyes and ears of the other.

I hope you enjoy what is to come.