Shaver Lake, Ca

the weekend

I'm warning you right now that this is more of a journal entry with no purpose and a lot of disorganization. go ahead and read if you want.

I've been thinking lately.. about how life is simple. I think I have always known that I have a simple mind. really when it comes to everything; what I believe, learning in school. I understand things in a simple, realistic way. With that being said, not everything in this world is simple, which can sometimes throw me for a loop when I'm trying to wrap my head about something more complicated than making brownies with coconut oil. (haha - I feel like I'm making myself sound super dumb and un-intelligent right now. promise I am sort of smart people). I have just been thinking lately about the decisions that Steve and I are facing in our lives. Big ones at that. Like what to do with our hard earned money, how there are so many not simple choices that we are having to make in the next little while. (really people - how hard can it be to decide what kind of dog to get? kidding - but really. That is one of the more simple decisions might you know). And then I think about how simple our summer lives are - and how I'm going to miss is tooo much. We wake up, eat, work, fall asleep next to each other, go on little adventures, discover more and more about one another each day.. It just seems simple sometimes. But soo complicated at too.

Just rambles over here. But it has been on my mind lately. How simple can life really get? And how do our minds make it so complicated.. Deep stuff friends.

Any who (I feel like I'm saying that a lot lately).. We had a great weekend. I didn't sell on Saturday which was a bummer because I worked dang hard.. and was so close so many times. but it's alright. There is always today. We went and hung out with some chubby baby cousins of mine that night and it made me baby hungry. Steve and I went to the full 3 hours of our ward on Sunday which was so refreshing. We have been traveling and out of town so much the past couple weeks, and I loved being able to just sit, and feel at peace, and just take in a lot of good stuff. (the good stuff meaning parenting - raising children - Steve and I had one of those really in depth couple conversations after church while I was making these BOMB chicken tacos which was really fun. The kind of conversation that makes you just smile and fall in love with each other all again - that is for another post though. It was cool).

We are working in Sacramento for the week and I already love it up here. love it enough that I would raise my kids here, that kind of love. I am going to be staying in a hotel room with three stinky boys though (one of them is my husband - who smells good most of the time, so that shouldn't be a problem) so wish me lots of luck and patience and stuff.

That's all.

>> Ry

Life

So I had the goal of finishing a book before the summer was over. Last week I bought the book Escape, by Carolyn Jessop and I just couldn't put it down. I finished it in like 5 days. I was that hooked. I had to force myself to not bring it with me while I worked or I wouldn't have knocked on one door all week. I have always had a thing for books that are intense and empowering... maybe because of some of the experiences I have had in my life, and some of the amazing women I look up to that have dealt with and overcome some incredible obstacles.. I dunno. But that kind of stuff absolutely fascinates me (Steve sometimes makes fun of me for it ha. But it's whatever). 

Any who, I've been thinking a lot lately about this life that I have been given. About how I am living my life right now, and the luxuries that I have that so many people in the world are so unaware of. I probably sound like a crazy person right now, ha the fact that one single book brought all of these emotions to surface for me (that and Steve and I had an awesome talk about obedience last night - I love talking about smart, in-depth things with my husband. I feel like we grow closer with every word that comes out of our mouths and I love it), but it's true. I have been reflecting on how blessed I am to live the way I do. I think about some of the hard things that I have had to go through in my life, or that Steve and I may have ahead of us, and it truly makes me grateful. It makes me grateful to think that there is a God that cares about us enough to help us learn how to become stronger. To give us chances to improve ourselves, and is there every millisecond that we may need help. Then I think about the people in our world like carolyn jessop. The life that she, and so many women had to (and still have to) live. That "Why?" question always comes up when I think about stuff like that, and even though I already feel like I know the answer (maybe the answer is just sufficient for me) I always get curious and have to have long thoughts with myself about it. Then I come back to the same few sentences every time. Our spirits our strong enough to endure anything that is put in our way, as long as we are obedient and willing to work with our Father in Heaven. I remember that those women who live any FLDS community, and those children that have to face all that they do in Syria, or the babies who sleep in huts at night, all have spirits strong enough to withstand their circumstances. (but that doesn't stop the other part of me that wants to walk into Colorado City and shake every single women silly and go and buy them mini skirts and take tops and take a bat to every man's head - was that too harsh?)

Bottom line, I'm grateful. I'm grateful that I have to worry about whether or not I am going to get yelled at by a complete stranger when I knock on their doors a couple times a day. I am grateful that I open the fridge and have an endless amount of items I could scarf in seconds. I am grateful that I have a man who respects me, and see's my worth, and loves me for it. I'm just plain grateful.

{oh, and last night steve and I drove home from a little sight seeing and that picture above is what we ran into. I mean, really? Heaven is for real people. Like seriously for real. I love this life.}

And now Steve and I are going to go and write down 100 things that we are thankful for. Heaven knows we have been blessed with much more than 100 things, and for that, I wouldn't give up what I know and the Gospel I live for anything.

Let's all be blessed together.

>Ry

It's Just Different

I always get weird, nasty homesick feelings when my husband leaves for work. It's mostly just when he goes to sell though. Maybe it is because I know how bad it sucks, and how much I hate it so I just feel strange and sensitive (like I might just cry cause I miss him kinda sensitive) feelings. Who knows. It's hard to explain, but I have all of these emotions right now, cause he left to sell for california today. So now I'm writing about them. It helps :)

I think sometimes he knows when I am getting this way. Like getting ready to send him off and I don't love that he is going kinda thing. Last night he took me to get late night yogurtland cause he knew I liked my outfit and was craving sweet stuff. Even though he was already in his pajamas. He is the best. Really he is, and I don't know if I really share how amazing he is sometimes. Like to other people... And he has this awesome wave with his hair going on right now. I just have a really rad husband. I love him. And his hair.

Oh! And I went to this crazy sweet hair show last night with my sista haley. Like the kind of hair show where you think an animal might crawl out of these ladies heads. It was sweet. And a charity for an amazing cause too! Not to mention I got loads of free shampoo and conditioner samples. The sunflower head was by far my favorite. This is art here people. Pure talent. I would call it a successful time.

P.S. Wasn't the weather amazing yesterday. I ran outside and it made me feel good about myself. I can't wait for spring. OH! And happy "day of being married for a hear and a half!" Mr. Warner! Love it.

- Ry

On Friday, July 19th (The day that my sweet Steven Leland Warner started life on this earth), I drove to the far away land of Simi Valley to surprise my big 23 year old kid. I was literally shakin' in my boots as my partner and crime, Mal and I drove to the Holiday Inn Express. Then I wanted to pee my pants as we were hiding in the dark hotel room, Behind the beds, waiting for our men to come in the door after a long day of work. We ate some delicious food at a little joint right by their hotel, and then just cuddled. Fun, right? Our time together was short. (like 1 and 1/2 hours short). Us ladies may or may not have gotten emotional as we said good bye to our significant others, and then Mal and I were off and home at one in the morning that night. Wohoo for sporadic, last minute, crazy fun road trips.

It was so quick I only took one picture. This is Mr. Warner's birthday cake with bomb fire candles and the most delicious frosting you will ever taste in your life…

Yes, I know that this little shout out is a little late… but I wanted to make sure that the world knows again (This is pretty much a reminder post, because I already shoved a bunch of mushy gushy awesomeness on insta the day he was actually born) how happy, lucky, ecstatic, overjoyed, etc etc. I am that this man was born and is in my life for forever.

I am the literally the luckiest lady in this universe to have a man who is so hardworking, loving, patient, hilarious, caring, kind, sexy, admirable, spiritual, friendly, considerate, helpful, supportive, classy,  handsome, entertaining, strong, spectacular, the list goes on and on and on… to be my husband. 

He is amazing at everything that he does, and never settles for less than his best. He would do anything to make me happy and sacrifices for me every day. I love you Steve. As high as the sky and as deep as the ocean.  You are my hero in so many different ways. 

We are going to party all year long in celebration of you. Mark my words. 

>> Ry

Woah

I'm baaaacckkkk. But really.

I have actually been avoiding this place for a little while now, because when I think about how much I have to catch up on, it makes me insane. But I am facing my problems now and finally telling the world about what has been happening in our lives the past little while..

Crazy amazing, I know. 

A fun secret that I figured out about myself this past week, is that I literally become mentally deranged when my husband leaves me. Steve left last week, for the entire week. And the only person who will know how crazy I went will be my best friend across the hall from us, Mal. Her Mr. was gone as well, and we just mourned together. We have obviously been away from each other before. But I think that I have been so used to being with Steve literally all the time, that I didn't know what to do with myself when he was gone. Normally we have mornings together, we come home together, drive out to area together, but not last week. I was alone in the morning, alone driving out, alone coming home, and alone at night. (Except for when Mal and I would watch Extreme Weight Loss via the Mac).

Any who, I cried every single day, except for Friday, because I went and surprised him for his birthday (More on that later) and I didn't cry on Saturday either because that was the day he was coming home. Yes, I know that sounds ridiculous, and I've accepted it. That's why I'm sharing :)

Well that was a fun little soap box. Let's move on.

The title of this post? That is about all I have to say about life lately. Woah. It has been so unbelievably great, (besides being in my depressed state last week). And there is going to be a LOT of catch up to do.. that is for dang sure.

I'll start where I left off from last time though... SISTER TIME!

Having Mckenna out here was so awesome. It was hard to work. But I still did. And we had such a lovely time. I definetely made sure that Ken had a taste of what my job is like... aaanndd we didn't last long to say the least. We made sure to check out the beach, local Victoria Gardens {Where we ran in to our friends the Greens/Stayners from back home!!!} play with our favorite girl Indie baby, and of course many delicious foodie joints here and there.

One of my favorite parts of the trip? Was finding this sweet little cottage that my Grandma Penney grew up in. Its breathtaking. The best part is that it is literally a two minute walk from the beach, and in one of the prettiest little beach towns, Corona Del Mar. Worst part? It was sold  years ago and we can't enjoy it for ourselves anymore.. major bummer. Cheers to wishing we were billionaires right now!

Don't worry. That's all I'm going to bore you with for now. But for the next four days you will see a blog posting blast on this thing. Steve is leaving again tomorrow for the week, and I think I am ready to handle it a little bit better. Hoping that I won't be confined to tissues and be able to lead a normal life. Knock on wood. I may be talking to soon, So I guess you will find out tomorrow! Wohoo for girl emotions!! 

Mal will be my step in Husband for the week. Love you dear.

>> Ry

Sister time

Mr. Warner and I have been away from our families for a little over 2 months now. We love it here in California, and love that we have some of our family here with us, buuuutttt.... I am missin my sisters!!! Mckenna is flying here tomorrow night to spend about a week here with us, and I cannot wait... I am seriously so excited. I am excited to show her around town, go to the beach with her, have her knock with me and see what I do everyday... It is going to be a blast. If only the rest of the family could come with!!!

It's funny to think back to like three years ago, when I was about to leave high school, Ken was the annoying little sister who always stole my clothes and wouldn't clean the bathroom, etc. etc. And now I am like a giddy child (or adult) waiting in line to enter Disneyland or something. I CAN'T wait for here to get here. There will probably be an overload of instagram pictures, and of course a novel of how our time together went.

We love each other.

 

PS.. the summer is half way over... what the crap??? I'm realizing how fast these days are going by and it's freaking me out. Here is to taking advantage of every single second I have of this amazing opportunity!!! Catch ya on the flip side.

>>Ry

We Love Sun

Yesterday was our first {and last} day this entire summer that we had the ENTIRE day off. As an office we sold over 200 accounts, and were rewarded a beach day. It was seriously needed, and seriously the best. We woke in the early hours and then headed down to Laguna Beach were we gained territory with the rest of the amazing friends and family that we are surrounded by out here. Volleyball tournaments and running from the waves were some of my favorite parts, not to mention the food. Oh my… the food. We ate like three different lunches yesterday. We just kept finding place after place that was delicious, and didn't break the bank either!! Score! The shops there are amazing, all little and have treasures galore.. And I do have to say that the small streets and crazy nice cars gave me LC and The Hills withdrawals.

I decided I'm gonna start watching those shows again. ha. We will see how long that lasts. Look at how fun our day was though..

(See that orangish bag with the fun triangle design and colored stripes ^^^^^ on the front? I was dying… I couldn't justify paying that much money for one bag though. And the lady wasn't very impressive with her negotiating/sales skills so it was a no go. Heaven help me find one like it again in my lifetime!!)

One of our many lunches. Best burger place. It was so good that I don't even remember what it was called. The White House maybe? 

We love you long time Laguna. Be back soon.

Side note || I have the gnarliest sunburn on my legs and shoulders and back. Literally kills. Solarcaine is my best friend right now. I have finally come to the conclusion that my body isn't like my 9 year old sisters, and doesn't just get brown when I step in the sun. I actually have to use sunscreen and be careful about tanning. yeesssss.

>> Ry

What. A. Week.

I can officially say that Sunday's are my most favorite day of the week. Haha no brainer, right?

Here is the selling story of the week. Enjoy.

This past week I went three days with a big 'ol bagel by my name (that means 0, zilch, nothing, nada). Finally sold two on Thursday, then Friday just punched me in the face, big bagel again. I had a breakdown to say the least… haha I have been trying to be strong, and not cry these past three weeks, and I have succeeded. Then came Friday night, I just needed to let it all out.

Next day? Saturday… the dreadful/amazing day ha. I sold three. And to think that I was debating whether I should really continue on and go out on Saturday. Man am I happy that I stuck to my guns. And I hope it sounds like I'm bragging… if not, I am going to and tell you that I am awesome… because that was dang hard!! And I am so proud of myself.

Okay, selling story done.

I wanted to take a minute and give a quick shout out to all of the amazing women that are in my life. There are so many that have taught me, helped me grow, and become the woman that I am today… It's so incredible to me to think of how blessed I truly am. Last Sunday being Mother's Day, I just want to make sure that we all remember, that we shouldn't just be thanking those women in our lives on just one day of the year… I want my mama, my sweet mama Denise, my grandmas, aunts, mama friends, sisters, all to know that I think about you every day… really.. whether it be about something that I learned from you, or how much I miss you. But you are thought of, and appreciated, and loved. 

May every single one of your days on this earth be recognized… because you are amazing. 

Wanna know what else? I can't wait to be a mama myself.. I think about that everyday, too. How what I do, and say, and how I act today is going to effect my babies, and how I teach them, and the example that I set for them… They aren't even here yet… and I am already stressin.. stress and motherhood? They are connected in every way possible. Right?

I am just glad that this lady below taught me everything I know.. I think I might pass because of her. XOXO mama

Also, is it so vain of me that one of the only reason I want kids right now is so I can dress them? (Side note, in our ward out here, there is the most adorable family, with the most adorable little nuggets.. I told Mr. Warner that if our kids are as cute as theirs, we can have 10. Yes I really said that) Buuut, I don't think so. I can control myself with that reason, so let's hope it stays that way for a while. 

>>Ry

MIA

Yes, this post is entitled MIA… because, yes, I have been missing in action for the past little while.

We have officially been here in Rancho Cucamonga (the "cooc" as we call it) for 2 weeks now. When I look back at how long we have been here, I swear time is going by faster than usual; but then when it is 4 o'clock in the afternoon and I am sitting on the curb eating a cliff bar for dinner, the minutes take like an hour each to go by. Welcome to summer sales my friends!!

What a life it is.

#1) My husband. He is the best. Some of you already know that….but no, you really have no idea how amazing he really is. A week before we were supposed to leave for the summer, both Mr. and I started having second thoughts about me selling or not.. after months of having the plan that we would both sell this summer (and maybe more summers to come.. more on that later), so that I wouldn't have to go to school and work at the same time, we could buy our first house faster, etc. we were now second guessing ourselves. Long story short, that was so idiotic  of us… like for real.. what were we thinking???

I couldn't imagine not being out here with him, or him here without me. because that would suck. Strong word, but true.

PS… I've already made more in one week here, than I would have made in two months at my job back home… and I was getting paid way more than minimum wage at that pretty place, too. SO.. leading in to my next point.

#2) Hard Job = Amazing Results. You won't find this girl anywhere but on your doorstep for the next 3 1/2 months.. unless it is ten at night, then I will be in my bed exhausted. I won't lie.. last week I wasn't so sure about this whole thing… Every single morning  I would want to throw up and start crying. (That is still the case by the way… don't think it is changing anytime soon either). BUT I would make these amazing people that I am with out here drop me off on the curb and drive away. Crazy, right? But I promised myself that I would do this. It's not for Steve, it's not for any of the other guys selling out here, it's for me. So that I can prove to myself that I can do hard things. Because this is hard. I think I could say that this is the hardest thing I have ever done. Last Tuesday, May 7th, I sat on the curb and finally broke down crying because I hated my life so much. But then I went and got my first sale, and realized that my life is going to go on, and it will be awesome. And I have to keep remembering that every single day.

SHOUT OUT!! To my sweet and loving and supportive and amazing Mr. Warner, as well as all of the family and friends I have out here with me. Definitely couldn't do it with out you. And that is fact.

#3) Birthday. I will be a one week old, 20 year old tomorrow!! How cool is that! It was my birthday last monday, and it was one different than I have ever had before. Normal day of wearing the same attire 6 days out of the week, and a few doors slammed in my face. I tried to play the "but it's my birthday card" a few times.. it didn't work to say the least. Mr. Warner did make sure we celebrated with a sweet dinner at PF Changs that night. Our great friend Michael, and his papa Simon Hodson came and celebrated with us too. They serenaded me with their birthday toons, and it was fantastic. I'm 20 now. People still say that is young, and it's annoying, but its better than having the word "teen" at the end of your age. I can say that I don't feel any different. I have always felt like I'm 23 or 24, so maybe when those ages catch up to me I will start feeling my real age :)

Now that I have written half a novel, I will save the few readers that consume my words and hold off on all of my other thoughts until a later date.. Which won't be two weeks away. I can promise you that. I actually have started a list of what I want to talk about. There is so much. And this summer is going to be so great. 

>> Ry

Fail

I remembered about five minutes ago, that five days ago was a dang special day... and I sorta forgot to celebrate it...

And I feel like I have failed..
At this whole wife, first year of marriage thing.

 BUT after about ten minutes of sulking in sorrow and remorse, I realized that it is fine.

It is alright to forget sometimes... (even though I still want to kind of cry as I type this)...

I'm sure there are those out there who are gasping with their hand over their mouth, because who in their RIGHT mind forgets to celebrate, or even mention the day they got engaged.

Yes people... I didn't say anything.. not to just the world... since the world needs to know... but to Mr. Warner as well.

Soooo I am going to say it now...

April 17th, 2012 - The love of my life put this beautiful, sparkly ring on my left hand and asked me to be his wife...

It was one of the best days. Ever.. {besides the one where we actually sealed the deal}

I love you Mr. Warner.

Sorry for being the worst and not saying anything to you last Wednesday...

I think you can forgive me though, because:

1) I am pretty sure you forgot too

and

2) I think about it everyday anyways

Thank you for making me your wife!!

Maybe I will remember next year... that is a long shot though..

It's finals week. Over sized shirts and skirts are welcome on this body, and we can't wait until Wednesday comes when all of these overrated tests are over with.

I think you can blame my lack of memory/stupidity on school, and leaving for the summer in a matter of 5 days, and finishing work a day before we leave, accompanied by a yard sale...

Good thing I have the rest of my life to get it right. Boom.

>>Ry

Here We Come

Mr Warner and I are gonna do something...

We are going to leave sweet little #5 that we have been living in for the past eight months,
Sell a lot of our clothes,
Pack up all of our newlywed belongings,
And drive to California together.

We are going to be there for 4 months. 

I can't wait.

Now you are probably wondering, is this that summer sales thing that every single person in Utah County does? Including their dog? And pet fish?

Well yes, yes it is.

But to us it is much more than that "summer sales job".

This job is going to help us reach our dreams, and create a stable foundation for the Warner Family. A foundation that will make it so we can buy our first home by the end of this year.

So, I can't wait.

It is going to be hard, and it is going to be long, and hot... but it'll be awesome.

And yes.

I will be knocking on doors too.

All alone, not with husband.

With mace in hand,

And Dr. Scholls for my feet to love on.

>>Ry 

Ridiculous

So... it would be an understatement to say that I have absolutely failed at blogging this past little while. At this point I'm not even sure what to write about on here, because there is so much that has happened in our awesome/crazy lives up to this point that I would most likely space almost everything that has taken place. And I can't just write an instagram post, because that is what I did two weeks ago, and that is the last post that is on this thing, and that would just be retarded of me.

Consume what you will. I promise I'll get better at this thing.

{These statements will be written in (attempted) periodic order from past to most recent - pictures included where it matters}

Mr Warner and I go on date nights to the mall and reminisce about when we can do things. In this case it was camping.

I got my first pedicure thanks to mama. And then downed Happy Sumo like no one's business (I'm gonna miss that place come summer). My husband was gone, so I was eating my feelings.

I snatched him up from the airport after he dominated southern California. We went to a family party in honor of our cousin Beau becoming a teenager.

My love took me on a shopping date and spoiled me with this lovely piece of clothing. I can't get enough of it.

We celebrated our 7 month anniversary together. On the 25th of March. It was awesome.

We watch our nieces and nephews because we love them a lot. This time we made brownies with Elle and Ivy. PS. Elle eats tomatoes like apples.

We went out to eat with our brothers and sisters. Mama Denise and Papa Kevin treated us all to Tucanos. What lovely people. {Yes that is my creepy husband, and yes that is our hungry brother reminiscing on the amazing food}

I reunited with some of my high school cheer coaches and girlie's. It was great to see them all. I miss cheer. And then I remember I am crazy to miss getting up at 5:45 in the morning for practice, and being so sore that I am confined to my bed for a day. I'll probably still be a cheer coach though. Whatever.

After a day of preparation for this summer, Husband and I took a quick stop to Tortilla Bar. My favorite thing about this whole place was this License plate collage. (No, I didn't think the food was that great... Sorry:/)

We celebrated Easter and baby Tommy was blessed.

We have a lot of family. That we love

Monday was my sister's 17th birthday (It is still weird to say that... I remember when I was 17). Yes she was born on April Fools. Yes she is the one that plays the jokes on everyone.

Oh how I love being married to such a wonderful man.

We are getting away to St. George this weekend. We leave late tonight, and I am just thanking the heavens for the sun, and warm weather.

I've been needing this.

I want to throw up a few brain pukes about service up here in the near future. Mr. Warner and I have had some chilling experiences that I don't ever want to forget.

>>Ry