We Are Friends!

For the last several weeks, my Bryce and I have had the opportunity, pleasure, adventure, experience, or what-have-you to have a semi-permanent house guest.

Jeffery "The Bowler Extraordinaire" J.K.
(Previously introduced here, as the Stroker!)

Jeff is a good friend of my Bryce and, given some family issues, we decided that he needed to become part of our little clan; at least for awhile. While Jeff was visiting we had way more fun than usual. I mean, no one likes staying with lame, stay-at-home hosts like my Bryce and I usually are; Jeff especially dislikes people like this. So we adventured.
We took a trip to see the "big white church in George" a.k.a the Latter-day Saint temple in St. George, UT, spent infinite hours playing Wii bowling, took a trip to visit the "above parents" in N-town, faithfully attended EVERY SUU Women's Basketball game (Yes, we are the fans in the second row :}), single-handedly kept ESPN in business by watching SportsCenter 24/7, gad a rocking Super Bowl par-tay, spent many an hour harrassing Papa B, Lonna and 'Lest aka Hairy aka Celeste, christened Erin Jo and Kyle's baby Fuffie (Jeff's choice, not mine), and made super-delicious-can't-get-enough-homemade granola bars. Take that Quaker Oats Man a.k.a the devilish preservative king of the world!

I really like using a.k.a. It's because I want to be a super secret spy with an a.k.a name. Ask my students!

It was quite the eventful few weeks and we are very grateful for the time Jeff spent with us. Of course he still comes over on week night to chill, but its not the same as having him everyday. We (and by we I mean me because my Bryce is nearly perfect in all of these areas so by overgeneralizing I don't feel too terrible) learned a lot about patience, gratitude, question answering, love, bowling, cast-wearing, and charity while Jeff was with us.

I now, give a running commentary of what I am doing and why I am doing it. It's a Jeff-born habit.

Semi-adopting Jeff was a very unique, inspiring blessing that I will never forget. Because really, who doesn't like getting big ol' hugs with the proclamation, "We are friends, right!", every half hour a.k.a Jeff's hugs are best :)



My Bryce and Jeff at the big white church!



Monday Night Camping

 Last Monday, Bryce and I decided that we needed some adventure. I mean seriously. How much adventure do we really have with work, school, endless homework, ward callings, and no money? That's right, nearly none. So, Monday night my engenius husband decided we would go camping. But it's freezing cold and 10:00 p.m. and pitch black and work comes early on Tuesdays you say. . . . Well, not to fear. We still had our little adventure. Right in our own backyard!



Notice the fence? There was a serious cat fight going on just on the other side of that baby. Oh I love the wild :)

We borrowed a tent from Papa and Momma H. Zipped our sleeping bags together for greater cuddle capacity. Popped some popcorn. Got the lastest NetFlix ready and snuggled in for a night in nature. Needless to say the movie only lasted about ten minutes before our eye-lids said goodnight and our pillow got a little wet from the sprinklers at 6:30 in the blessed but it was definitely a high quality adventure. I mean really, who wouldn't enjoy cuddling close to this guy when the temperature drops close to freezing?

March Madness

The legendary disease that typically plagues high school seniors and Spring breakin' college freshmen has unfortunately mutated and is running rampant at SUU. Unfortunately two events have led to my infection. First, the shortage of vacinations. (You would think this is the flu!) Second, the inability of constant snow in March to kill the bug. The following are side effects of this horrid disease:

1. I now feel no desire to attend classes and would much rather attempt at becoming the next Betty Crocker. Betty, let me warn you, Bryce should never be allowed to use the chicken hot pads to retrieve a hot cookiesheet! Yes, that is perfectly placed cookie dough on my floor. No, I did not eat it.

2. An increased need to spend time with HAL! (Insert imaginary picture of us) More quality bonding time means more quality summer ideas which now include us living together. We pledge to at least attempt at acting our age but should not be held accountable for uncontrolable laughter, late night ice cream, and too much singing! It's almost the white-picket-fence scene huh?

3. Several unfortunate attempts at striking a Blue Steel Pose with Meggi and Aubs. America's next top model here we come!!

4. A ridiculous obsession with LOST. I blame this 100% on B-ryce. The intriguing plot twists, great character development, and excellent cinematography make this fifth-season drama a must see. . . if you want and uncontrollable addiction to the TV every Wednesday night at 8:00. (psst. . . it's on ABC)

5. I frequently spend time at the temple with boys. It's almost like driving in cars but with a completely different plot line. . . Rach and Chancen are the inspiration behind several trips to St. George. The Spirit of Elijah is alive and it feels great to participate in such a redemptive work.

6. Fleeing to warmer climates does not work to escape unmotivation. Especially when the warmer weather (Las Vegas) only means trading a parka for a sweater during the opening baseball game.

7. Eccessive watching of any and all college basketball games. Needless to say my bracket was an all around failure but that has yet to stop me from tuning in every Thursday - Sunday in March and half of April. Much to my mom's excitment the championship is this weekend. She can hear the angels sing!!

As it stands, this disease has not adversly affected too many "important" things like my term paper, graduation status, or unscathed police record. Dad, I promise I will try my hardest to keep things in order, but seriously sometimes being sick is just way too fun!!

Elvis is pretty and Hali sings!

How about a little trip for some quality Reed's Ice Cream and catch-up time? Sounds simple right? Adding that this little trip included Hali and a fantastic, life size cardboard cut-out of Elvis doesn't make it ridiculously illegal does it? Well, it should! We started out with some creamed cold (or frozen Play Dough in Hal's case - Superman, sicky) and it all went uphill from there. Hali, Erin, and The King having a night on the town!

First stop the light park. Elvis is a l-u-c-k-y man!!

Elvis at THE stop light. This would be were Hali let me jump in the snow while she hid in her car because it was "cold" and mostly because she was scared of the cops. Sheesh! (First the fireworks now the street corner.)


No, it is not completely against the law to be in the city park after dark if you don't get caught! And so we didn't. We may have walked through at least 2' of snow but Elvis got to swing and slide just like old times!!


Next stop, our old stomping grounds. "Neath the majestic guard of Nebo and blending with the clear blue sky stands the master of our valley, behold our dear Juab High with Elvis!!"

The tour would not be complete without a stop at the Nephi Dental Clinic! Many a night spend at this place but never one so royal. (P.S. The latex, bubblegum, disinfectant of NDC is one of those things like riding a bike. . . it instantly comes back)

Finally, Elvis visited la bibliotecha or at least the bookdrop. In honor of the times and joys of the Sherratt Library!

Now, I would never bring a guy home without properally introducing him to the family. . . by placing him on the porch and doorbell ditching of course!

Oh what a magical evening full of folded cardboard, frozen fingers, and CRAZY fun! And we thought Nephi would be boring! ;)


(P.S. I was 15 degrees and yes, Hali does sing. She also texts, drives, and talks simaltaneously - impressive)