Our little friend

We have one new friend here in Arkansas and his name is Mr. Toad. He is this little red toad that first showed up by our garage door and then stopped by our front door. He only comes out at night. Weird. We don't know the kind of frog (we believe toad from looking up pictures) but he just sits there very still, making no sound at all. So, he is our first friend here in our new town.

We are in Arkansas!!

So we did make it to Arkansas after 24 hours of driving (not straight). I drove Todd's truck while he drove the big Budget truck towing my car. Wasn't too fun trying to stay awake with the long and mostly flat drive, but, loud music, singing in the car, and talking to each other on the walkie talkies helped a little. We are now officially done with the unpacking part and have both started on our new jobs. I am really feeling sad today though because I miss my old job so very much!!! My old co-workers, the patients, the atmosphere, etc. I mean, really, I don't think there will be another "Mother"Joan or people to share my "issues" with. We were a little family and I feel lost without my family :(

But, I love love love our new house. I officially feel like a little housewife/handy woman. I have granite and tile grout to seal, mopping to do, a lot more cleaning to do, and weeding of the plants. Todd has turned into the handy man himself; changing water pressures in the house, installing the washer and dryer, mowing the lawn, and other odds and ends things. Our neighborhood is so cute and everyone is so nice...waving and saying hello. It is really pretty here and we are just embracing the area, humidity and all.
However, I have a couple enemies...

1. SPIDERS and for that matter any bug. I have sprayed inside and outside the perimeter of our house to keep them at bay. With it being so hot and humid around here they love to set up shop inside with the cooler air. Since our house was vacant for about 2 months before we moved in, there were a number of spiders everywhere...I think I counted at least 10-20. Gross.
2. WEEDS (in the lawn and plants in the front of our house). They are all in our lawn because it's new sod. The neighbors say it will eventually go away. But, they are everywhere and the more time I spend pulling, the more they come back. I have to get some weed killer/fertilizer. Anyone recommend a brand?

Anyways, we are doing great and loving our new adventure here in NW Arkansas. We wanted to post some pictures of our last little vacation before the big move. We spent a few days in Las Vegas a couple of weeks ago and loved it, as always...

Dinner at Spago's in Ceaser's Palace

Our favorite milkshakes (Cookie dough on the right and reese's/caramel on the left)

Milkshake #2...good ole chocolate

Oh Costco

So, I usually only do blog posts about events, vacations, etc. but sometimes that just doesn't cut it. So, I have decided to broaden my blogging world, and actually blog about anything and everything. And, on that note, I have to make a small tribute to Costco. We love love love this place. I think now, it's just not even about the deals or new items they have for sale there. It's the actual event of going to Costco. It is extremely therapeutic for me to walk up and down the big, over-sized grocery lanes, just "window" shopping. Now, I have tried to fall in love with Sam's Club also but it is definitely NOT the same. Costco has brick walls, nicer bulbs that are easier on the eyes, and to be honest, friendlier people. Sam's Club, on the other hand, has starch-white walls, bright lighting, and not always the friendliest staff. Although Sam's Club technically speaking has more warehouses, it just doesn't really compete in my book. On top of good prices, the quality is there at Costco. We have bought furniture, clothing, electronics, tools, make-up, and of course food, etc and have never been dissatisfied. And, the cash back from the American Express card you can get from having a membership with them is oh so nice. So for now, we will miss the weekly, bi-weekly, and sometimes tri-weekly trips to Costco (pizza and all) and will devote our time and energy to enjoying the big soft pretzels at Sam's Club.

Family Vacation in Arizona

So, I don't know about any of ya'll but Todd and myself were in desperate need of vacation. And, that is exactly what we did this past weekend. We spend hours in the sun, soaking up the sun in ARIZONA!! Every year, Todd's family goes on a yearly trip and this year we went to hot Arizona. We had a great time and Todd planned the whole trip for us all. What a man he is!! We are sad to be back to reality but we loved seeing our family!! Here are some pictures from our memorable vacation...

The Folkman Clan

Sunbathing with our shades on

Dinner at the Russtler's Roost...Western all the way

The restaurant had it all...even a bull

So, see the big 8 story slides in front of you? Yeah, Todd and I both went down these. Talk about free enema! Yikes (picture courtesy of the Internet)

Happy One Year Anniversary to Us!!

It has been a wonderful past year for Todd and me. We have learned quite a bit about each other. Who would have known men and women are so different with thinking, emotions, decision making, etc?! It's probably a good thing we are opposite in a lot of ways because we truly complement each other so well. We have loved every minute of our marriage and we look forward to many more memories and happiness. Our anniversary was officially yesterday (May 17th) but we half celebrated it on Saturday evening with dinner. We officially are taking a Las Vegas trip in the beginning of June for the true anniversary celebration and to go one more time before the big move. We went to Vegas on our honeymoon and are excited to be going back a year later...pool, good food, spa trips. Who can beat all of that? Anyways, we went to Ruth's Chris Steakhouse in Park City for dinner on Saturday...melt in your mouth steak, so yummy! That was the wonderful dinner surprise from Todd. He is the absolute best. We had such a great anniversary, besides the part that we both had to speak in church, yep that's right. How ironic is that? Well, here are a few pictures from our dinner at Ruth's Chris.

Todd studying the dictionary in the front lobby of the hotel (where the restaurant in located).

Me reading in the big chair

Baseball anyone?

Todd and I decided to finally go to a baseball game yesterday since it was one of the last home games this season. It was fun but chilly when the sun started going down. I grew up going to baseball games (Atlanta Braves) and it was fun to go with Todd. I have to say though that one of my favorite things about a baseball game is people watching (not in the creepy way). It is so funny to see the different kinds of people that end up at the games...all different sizes, shapes, ages, etc. I try to watch the game but I find that I people watch way more. And to top the night off, I got a big soft pretzel from the concession stand. I probably waited about 30 minutes in line for one and I thought about forgetting about it but I love soft pretzels. It wasn't the best, but it satisfied my craving for one. I have tried a lot of soft pretzels in my day and Sam's club big soft pretzels, hands down, are the best. Baseball, warmer weather, flip-flops...Summer time is just around the corner!

Todd doesn't like this picture but it's the only one we have together. So, good or bad, here it is...

Graduation!!

Todd graduated this past week from BYU. Yahoo! His parents came into town and it was so nice to spend some time with them. Graduation, job, home, what next?! We sure are starting to feel more and more like real "adults" every day...and loving each minute of it.