Ice Fishing

Over Christmas break weekend, my dad took us ice fishing up at Scofield Resevior. Neither Brad and I or my mom had ever been before, and were kind of excited to give it a try. We were suppose to meet my parents in Spanish Fork at 6:30am, meaning we'd have to wake up a little after 5:00 to get ready...needless to say, some of us were more excited than others. Brad woke up at 4:00am, tossing and turing, finally getting out of bed at quarter to 5:00 because he was so excited to go ice fishing. I couldn't help but laugh, he reminded me of a little kid who couldn't sleep waiting for Santa to arrive. (Only, he wasnt even THAT excited on Christmas itself, and this was just a fishing trip).

We headed to Scofield, which was a lot longer of a drive than any of us remembered it being, and set foot on the ice. It was freezing, especially with a cold crips wind blowing around. There were a lot more people than I had anticipated, and ice tents were set up almost mimicing little cities on the ice. My dad got a new tent last year that he was unable to use because Gary Coleman plowed into our truck making it so my dad couldnt take it fishing, so this year my mom and I got to have the pleasure of watching him put it up for the first time on the ice, with the help of Brad. It was one of the funniest things I've ever seen, and we were almost rolling in the snow laughing. They struggled and struggled with the tent, it folding in over the heads, and my mom's reply was "That tent is kicking your butt!" It truly was, and I thought I was going to die.

Once the tent was up we settled in for a good 2 hours or so of fishing, with not so much as a nibble from any fish the whole time. My mom and I had plenty of jokes about "ice holes" (yeah...we're mature) to keep us all entertained as we waited for the fish to bite, with no luck. Nevertheless, we had a great day enjoying each others company and a few laughs. Here are a few pics from our trip:

Our Christmas Tree Expedition (the novel edition)

First off, I'd like to apologize for this REALLY long post, but its mostly for journaling purposes, and for those of you who can bare to read all of it. It definitely was a memorable experience....

The past few years my parents have made it some-what of a tradition to get a tree permit and go pick and cut down our very own tree. In spirit of that tradition, Brad and I decided we wanted to do that this year as well, with it being our first Christmas together as a married couple. We had gone in years past with my parents, and always had a good time, and were excited again to go. I was in charge of getting the permits this year (which will probably be my last year of being in charge, needless to say). Thinking that it was the same area that we went to last year to cut, I got Brad & I and my parents tree permits for the Vernal area. When we received the permit and map of where we could cut a tree in the mail, we realized it was about 100 miles just to the cutting site, one way. Nevertheless we embarked on our journey to cut down our trees at 10:00am. I must mention that my recollection of our tree cutting adventure in years before was filled with lots of snow, and cold temperatures. So I bundled up, and I bundled up well, expecting the same conditions. I was decked out in 3 pairs of pants (one pair being thermals), 2 shirts, a coat, a beenie, 2 pairs of gloves and socks, and snow boots. (You'll find this attire to be a little over-kill later in the story.....) Anyways, all was well as we made our way to Price, heading out towards 9 Mile Canyon, but as we exited the freeway in Price for the turn off, we quickly found that our luck was beginning to go in another direction.

The truck began thumping and shaking pretty roughly. It felt as if it were coming from the driver's front side of the truck, where my dad had just replaced a tie-rod end. We pulled over to a gas station where my dad could take a look, and was unable to see anything wrong. With it being a Sunday, we were unable to find a shop open to take a look at the issue, and were a bit hesitant to continue on our journey with another 30-4o miles still yet to go to the cutting area. Lucky for us, there is a Walmart in Price (as much as I hate Walmart, and swear I'm never going back yet find myself there anyways, I was actually a little relieved to comee across one that day). Unable to do anyting with the truck, and not knowing exactly what the issue was to begin with, the Walmart tire shop suggested perhaps the noise and thumping was coming from a bushing, and it probably wasnt a huge deal. After a while of debating, we decided to continue on our journey to find a tree, figuring we had come that far already and wasn't turning back without some reward for our long drive. Once we hit the dirt road we could not tell the difference from the washboard road and the actual thumping of the truck. When finally arrived at our destination, 100 miles from home, we began searching for the perfect Christmas tree to take home, which was actually a little hard to do seeing how the trees in that area were not the big, full beautiful trees you find in the forest. We were in the Utah desert, not quite what I had imagined. Here is where my attire comes in to play....there was no snow. None, zero, zip,nada. The temp was at least a crisp 60 degrees or so, and I was dressed as if I were expecting the greatest snow storm of the century. Who woulda thought that there would be no snow & warm air well into December in the Utah desert?? I felt kind of dumb decked out in snow boots and a million layers, but hey, better safe than sorry right? Anyways, we found the "perfect tree" and decided to head back for home, this time going over to Duchesne and down past Strawberry resevoir and Heber expecting it to be a little be quicker with more paved road than dirt.

We were some-what right, yet it still took us forever to get home. Once we hit pavement we realized the truck was still thumping, especially when we would turn left. The max. speed we could travel was 50 mph, and if my dad went 1 mile per hour over we experienced intense shaking and I'm pretty sure at least some point during our trip home we each feared for our lives at least once. Making jokes and poking fun at our situation, we continued on our way at a mere 50 miles per hour....at 4:00pm with 100 miles to go still til we get home. Once we hit Starvation Resevoir or so my dad, in the midst of our joke making, said "Yeah, but this (meaning our situation and trip) is what makes memories!" and at that very moment the passenger front tire blew out veering us onto the shoulder of the road (and nearly scaring the crap out of my mom. literally). After calming down a bit, my dad and Brad began working on putting the spare tire on the truck only to find the spare was flat, and all we had to pump it up with was a little 250 psi pump, which took about a half an hour to inflate the tire itself. Upon changing the blown out tire and heading for home...again, we found that the shaking and thumping had stopped and all the while we had just been driving on a bad tire. We were so lucky that the blow out happened where it did, as we had driven at least 80 miles on a bad tire. We finally made it home about 8:00pm with our trees, 10 hours and 200 miles on the truck later, and lots of memories. Needless to say, I wont be in charge of picking the area to cut trees again, and we definitely wont forget our 2008 Christmas tree adventure.

Coming To A Mailbox Near You....

This year I decided I would design the Christmas card Brad and I will be sending out this holiday season since I had such a fun time designing our wedding announcement. Here is the finished product that I am planning on printing and mailing out to our friends and family! I have most addresses of family and friends from our wedding announcement, but if you're afraid you'll be missed please leave your address!

Bolt....in 3D

While the rest of the world was "ooohing and awwwing" over the release of Twighlight, Brad and I took a trip to the theater to see the Disney movie, Bolt. I wasn't a bit surprised to find we were probably the only "adults" in the theater without children by their side. But, I've been excited to see this movie since I first saw the previews. (I love kids movies, anytime I get to choose a movie to rent, you can almost always bet that I'm gonna pick a "kid" movie.) Even better though, is that Bolt was in 3D! Brad and I had never seen a 3D movie, and were anxious to see what the hype is all about. We were fascinated that the images "popped" off the screen, and appeared as if you could reach out and touch them. Aside from the sweet 3D effects, the movie was great! Lots of laughs, and a good story line/moral proving that who the world expects/perceives you to be means nothing. What matters is who you perceive yourself to be, and believe you can be. Maybe that's why I like "kid" movies so much....wholesome, fun entertainment, and it always leaves you seeing the world and/or yourself in a different way. Anyways, if you have the chance, get out and see this movie. Be warned though, it did leave me desirious and yearning for a puppy.....but that's another story.

The Joys of Renting

Brad and I are quickly experiencing the pains of renting. Last night I went to do the dishes, only to find the water coming from the hot water tap was ice cold. Thinking perhaps it was due to the load of laundry I put in, I decided to wait a while and see if it'd warm back up. After giving it some time, and still finding it to be really cold with no hint of the water warming up anytime soon, Brad took at look at the heater. A big red flag indicitating the water heater has had problems before (besides the fact that we came home to soaking wet carpet and a leaking laundry room ceiling after our honeymoon...which still hasn't been repaired), was the writing on the water heater in permanent marker giving "4 Steps If There Is No Hot Water". Bad Sign. We followed the "4 Steps", waited a while, and still...no hot water. Brad called the manager, who actually answered his phone for once, and told him of our situation. He said he's send someone over to fix it that night. To our surprise, once again, the guy actually showed up to look at the water heater. (Do you get the sense we've had bad experiences with the manager and mantainance guy before?) Unfortuanetly, the mantainance guy said he couldnt do anything about the water heater that night, and he'd be back tomorrow (today) to fix it. We also asked about him putting our heater back on the wall while he is there...not only have we been without hot water, but also without a heater...and if he'd fix the water damaged cause from the water heater's last incident.

So this morning, Brad got out of bed and was brave enough to shower. I opted for a cold-water sponge bath and a quick rub of shampoo through my hair. I was amazed the water that was coming out of the tap was actually liquid form, and experienced a brain freeze while washing my hair.Which leads me to my next disaster.....Along with the whole water heater incident last night, I attempted to cut Brad's hair (per his request, and the yearning to use our new set of clippers). Needless to say...he'll be stopping by his mom's house tonight on his way home from work to see if she can salvage some of the damage I did to the neckline. I felt terrible after ruining his hair (it's not completely bad...just doesn't look all that great. I went through the whole "I'm a terrible wife" thing, pointing out I cant make bread and I can't cut hair), but luckily for me Brad laughed it off, insisted that it takes practice, and said he'd have his mom fix it...and maybe cut it for the next few times. : ) I'm very grateful for a patient husband, and a mother-in-law who can (hopefully) fix his hair.

About My Hubby

1 Where did you meet your husband?

Long Story. Basically we met working and through my sister and his friends.

#2 How long did you date before you were married?

5 years, exactly on our wedding day.

#3 How long have you been married?

1 month, 10 days, and 2 hours. (I'm usually not that specific...but thought I'd figure it out for the question :)

#4 What does he do that suprises you?

Is very helpful around the house! If he sees me folding laundry he'll jump in and help. He always asks what he can do to help and even OFFERS to clean the bathroom. What a great guy!

#5 What is your favorite feature of his?

His legs (ha...sounds weird coming from a girl about a guy). And his smile. (and i'm a bit jealous he never had to have braces..)

#6 What is your favorite quality?

There are a few....1. He is always happy! 2. He doesn't give up on projects til he figures out what the issue is (lately, that example has been the truck). 3.He's easy going and does his best to keep me from being so high strung.

#7 What is his favorite food?

Hamburgers. But, I am very lucky because he isnt a picky eater. I love him because he makes thinking of what to make for dinners/making dinner pretty easy!

#8 What is his favorite sport?

Basketball. Go Jazz!

#9 When and where did you first kiss?

October 3, 2003. On my family's 4wheeler, on a mountain overlooking the night lights of the city.

#10 What is your favorite thing to do as a couple?

Everything! My favorite sometimes is just hanging out watching TV or playing games. (SkipBo and Phase 10 have been big hits with us lately). I also like camping, and anything that gets us together and away from work and "normal life".

#11Do you have any kids?

Nope. A month after getting married is a little soon for us, believe it or not. :) But someday!

#12 Does he have any hidden talents?

He's a really good cook.

#13 How old is he?

22

#14Whats his favorite music?

Stuff that I think is weird. He likes non-mainstream music. We do agree on John Vanderslice, Radiohead, and Jurassic 5. We also enjoy the sweet beats of Will Smith! :)

#15 What do you admire most about him?

His determination, honesty, sense of humor, and the fact that he is concerned about being a good provider for our family.

#16 What is his favorite past time?

Playing basketball, watching the Jazz, off-roading, camping...and pretty much anything outside.

A Saturday Trip Out West

This past Saturday Brad and I went out west to do a bit of off roading with Bradley and his girlfriend Janessa. We were a little discouraged to find American Fork Canyon closed for the season, but opted to venture to our usual "diggin" area, out west of Utah Lake. We had a lot of fun, found a few puddles, and got some amazing pictures of the mountains reflecting into Utah Lake. The water was so calm and peaceful, it made for some great pictures. Brad and I finished the journey around the west side of the lake and made a stop in Santaquin to see my family. Turned out to be a great Saturday adventure!

A Few Wedding/Family Pictures At The Temple

Here are some favorite pics from our wedding day at the Manti Temple. The weather turned out perfect, although on the way to the temple that morning I was almost certain it was going to rain during our picture session. Luckily the clouds held the rain and it was a beautiful day. Special thanks to Matt Selman for the wonderful shots he got of us and our families on our very special day! I am so excited to have such wonderful pictures as a visual reminder, throughout my life, of the day I married my best friend.

Newly Married Life

I have had a blog of my own for a few months now, but unfortunately (and sadly) I didnt have a whole lot to post based on my own life. And so now I am SO excited to be married because I will hopefully have more reasons/occasions to blog! (That, of course, is not the only reason I'm excited to be married....but I'm hoping it'll be one of the "perks". lol) As an update for those of you who need one, and for those of you who know already but have to suffer hearing about it for the 100th time.... Brad and I were married 2 weeks ago on October 3rd. It was our 5 year annversary, which made our wedding day even more special. We were married in the morning in the Manti Temple, and it was such a great experience! It was so wonderful to feel the love of our Heavenly Father and all of our family, who so lovingly support us. What a wonderful opportunity it was to enter the temple and know that the ordinance we were participating in would make it possible for our marriage to be of full force when we leave this world.

Later that evening we had a reception in Santaquin. My mom and I spent many months, weeks, days, and hours planning for and putting together the reception. We made the centerpieces for each table (with the help of my grandma), and even made the cake ourselves. I was so pleased with the way everything turned out, it was perfect. It was so personal, unique and originial. It was exactly what I had envisioned! And, of course, I need to mention that Brad's mom did such an amazing job making my dress. It was the center of many compliments, and was very non-Utah-traditional. Just as I wanted it to be.

With post-wedding day traumatic stress syndrome (not a real diagnosis, but I'm pretty sure it should be....)Brad and I hit the road the next morning for our honeymoon in Durango, Colorado and made a trip to a little mining town nearby called Silverton. It was so beautiful this time of year with the forest area and trees changing colors. It was perfect and we had such a good time! (...Other than I may have freaked out a little bit while on an off-road trail Brad wanted to check out above Silverton). We came home the following Wednesday, and were a bit shocked to find that the water heater in our town home had broke while we were gone, ruining and soaking the carpet in the hallway, and leaking through the ceiling into the washer/dryer room down below. When I walked into the house and realized it smelled worse than normal (if that can be imagined), I knew it was a bad sign. The honeymoon was over, and we were back to "real life" more quickly than we had hoped! :) But life is good, and we are both adjusting to married life well. We love all the time we get to spend together, and life is treating us well...what more could you ask for?

And...I almost forgot! Another on my favorite pieces from our wedding was our invites! I had so much fun designing and creating them. Like the rest of the wedding they were unique and personal...just as I wanted.