Friday, February 13, 2009
I'm going to Phoenix...
The University of Phoenix!!! I'm going to go back to school and get my Master's in School Counseling degree! I start the entrance class on Thursday and if I pass that I will be good to go for the next two years. The program sounds too good to be true and I just heard about the whole thing for the first time on Monday, so I am a little nervous but I am very excited because this is what I really want to do. I will be able to keep my job and go to school one night a week for four hours and start the internships the second year so it is very exciting. Jeph has been extremely supportive of the idea of me going back to school. I think more because he thinks this will keep me too busy to want babies within the next few years, which is probably true. Anyway, I am very excited and nervous because it has been three and a half years since I have been in school and it is going to be intense but I don't think I'll ever regret doing this now. Wish me luck!
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
HAPPY BIRTHDAYJEPH!!!
Happy BIRTHDAY Jeph! I just want to let you and everyone reading this to know how much I love you! You always take such good care of me and make sure that I am spoiled. I love it! You are such a gentleman and always open my door for me, help me put my coat on and many other sweet gestures. Sure I could do all of that by myself but, it just means so much more when you are willing to stand out in the cold a few seconds longer just to make sure that I am comfortable, it shows me how much you really do care. I love when you cuddle with me while watching TV or just hanging out. You know it is my favorite ever!
It has taken me some time to get used to but I have found that I can tolerate and sometimes even laugh a little at your sense of humor. ;) We have a great time together and you always make me smile. I know I am a cheese ball but it’s really only because you’re around me so much! I love that you humor me and my craziness and that you even enjoy me most when I am tired and seem as though I’ve had some altering substance. Those times create some good memories for sure.
There is so much more I could go on about but I’m sure everyone is getting a little nauseous at this point. I love you so much and I am so grateful I get to keep you around forever! Thanks for all you do and I hope your next year of life brings you as much happiness as you have brought to me in the short time that I have known you! Love you Babe!
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Hot-lanta?
Not this time! Last week, Venita and I went to Atlanta to go visit a friend from the mission and also make a road trip to Memphis to check out a school. It was quite the trip but it was disappointing that we left Salt Lake during one of the warmest weeks of winter to go to the one time a year that it "snows" in Atlanta. Nonetheless, we had a great trip and can't wait to go back someday.
We arrived in Atlanta late Saturday night so the next morning we woke up, went to church and headed on a relatively quick road trip (3 hours each way) straight up to Tennessee. It was Venita and I, Trent and Erin and Kelsi and her fiance Gregg. We went up to Fall Creek Falls and went for a little hike. Here are some pictures of the different water falls and the ice that goes along with them.
The next day our adventures included going to the Coca Cola Factory/ Museum. In Venita's words, I come from a Coke addicted family (the drink) and so this was a special treat to go to the Happiness Factory!!
Funny story time: Sunday night as we were going to bed, Venita had been telling me about how she has felt so unusually nauseous lately and especially with all the traveling the previous few days it had gotten worse. She had absolutely convinced me that she was pregnant! Terrible feeling when having babies interrupts your 4 year plan! I told her that the next day we'd go get a test and find out for sure. We didn't really want to make a big deal about getting one and so while we were on our way to the Coca Cola factory, we stopped to get some gas. Trent and Erin were filling up the car and V and I ran over to the grocery store to get some "water and something for a headache". We picked up a 2 pack of tests and as we walked out of the store, I opened the package and threw away the box, putting the tests in my inside coat pocket. Right then, Trent and Erin pulled up to the curb to pick us up. And we were off! When we got to the Coca Cola Factory, I didn't realize that we'd have to go through a metal detector to get inside. As expected, I walked through and set off the alarm. They noticed I had my watch on so had me take it off and walk through again. Again, the alarm went off. At this point, the nice black lady with the wand had me step to the side while she did a manual search. Of course the wand started beeping quickly as it passed over my coat pocket. She asked me to open my jacket to show her what was inside so I asked her to step off to the side even more so that no one would see but her. I opened my jacket and showed her the two sticks in foil wrappers that have the words "Pregnancy Test" written at least 43 times on each of them. She just nods and says, "Oh, ok". As she's using the wand over my back she says to me, "Well, I guess congratulations are in order". I kinda chuckled and replied, "I sure hope not!" The look on her face was priceless! Venita couldn't hear what we were saying but she saw the lady's face and knew that something awkward had just happened. You probably had to be there but I was laughing the rest of the afternoon.
We were lucky enough to have our picture with the Coca Cola Polar Bear (just for you Rachel). As we were standing in line, Erin had mentioned that she was disappointed that it was just a robotic bear instead of someone in a bear suit. Erin and Trent were in line for their picture first and the bear must have heard what she said because as they were walking up to him, he stood up and scared the poop out of her. The bear had quite a good laugh about it after all of her shrieks.
There was a case that held all the Olympic Torches from the past 2 decades. This is me holding the torch from Torino.
And the official American Idol couch from the first few seasons.
This was the highlight of the tour though. Over 60 different Coke products from all over the world! Drink as much of anything that you want for free!
This is us eating at the best BBQ restaurant in the south- Barbecue Street! Erin is a server there and Trent has worked his way up from host, server, cook and is now the General Manager. Definitely the BEST ribs I've ever had along with the BBQ pork, chicken, macaroni and cheese, green beans, potato salad, hushpuppies, and deep fried pickles. Thanks Trent for the great southern hospitality!!
And finally, the last part of the trip. Since Trent had to work and school on Tuesday, V and I decided it would be the best day to make our 18 hour road trip to Memphis to check out the Southern College of Optometry. We had a tour set up for 12:30 and since it is about 6 hours from Atlanta to Memphis, we got an early start. Luckily the rental car company gave us a new VW Passat so we drove in style! V and I took turns alternating between driving and napping and made it in pretty good time. The drive took us from Georgia, through Alabama and Mississippi and up to Tennessee. We did get there in time to watch the Inauguration in the lobby with all the students. I sure didn't vote for him but it was a cool experience to watch the Inauguration the day after MLK Jr. day in the city he was assassinated.
The tour was great and Venita's friend Eric answered a lot of questions for us. He's really helped us for awhile now with advice and I was really glad to finally meet him. It's too bad that by the time I'm heading to school, he will be graduating.
After the tour, I had a meeting with the head of admissions and just talked about where I am in school and what I need to be doing to prepare for optometry school. She made a chart for me so the school already has my information on file. That will help for when I actually apply and hopefully give me an upper hand!
We were both kinda sad that we had forgotten to download the song "Walking in Memphis" before we left but as we were leaving, we experienced a tender mercy as it came on the radio!
Goodbye Atlanta! Thanks for the fun times!
We arrived in Atlanta late Saturday night so the next morning we woke up, went to church and headed on a relatively quick road trip (3 hours each way) straight up to Tennessee. It was Venita and I, Trent and Erin and Kelsi and her fiance Gregg. We went up to Fall Creek Falls and went for a little hike. Here are some pictures of the different water falls and the ice that goes along with them.
The next day our adventures included going to the Coca Cola Factory/ Museum. In Venita's words, I come from a Coke addicted family (the drink) and so this was a special treat to go to the Happiness Factory!!
Funny story time: Sunday night as we were going to bed, Venita had been telling me about how she has felt so unusually nauseous lately and especially with all the traveling the previous few days it had gotten worse. She had absolutely convinced me that she was pregnant! Terrible feeling when having babies interrupts your 4 year plan! I told her that the next day we'd go get a test and find out for sure. We didn't really want to make a big deal about getting one and so while we were on our way to the Coca Cola factory, we stopped to get some gas. Trent and Erin were filling up the car and V and I ran over to the grocery store to get some "water and something for a headache". We picked up a 2 pack of tests and as we walked out of the store, I opened the package and threw away the box, putting the tests in my inside coat pocket. Right then, Trent and Erin pulled up to the curb to pick us up. And we were off! When we got to the Coca Cola Factory, I didn't realize that we'd have to go through a metal detector to get inside. As expected, I walked through and set off the alarm. They noticed I had my watch on so had me take it off and walk through again. Again, the alarm went off. At this point, the nice black lady with the wand had me step to the side while she did a manual search. Of course the wand started beeping quickly as it passed over my coat pocket. She asked me to open my jacket to show her what was inside so I asked her to step off to the side even more so that no one would see but her. I opened my jacket and showed her the two sticks in foil wrappers that have the words "Pregnancy Test" written at least 43 times on each of them. She just nods and says, "Oh, ok". As she's using the wand over my back she says to me, "Well, I guess congratulations are in order". I kinda chuckled and replied, "I sure hope not!" The look on her face was priceless! Venita couldn't hear what we were saying but she saw the lady's face and knew that something awkward had just happened. You probably had to be there but I was laughing the rest of the afternoon.
We were lucky enough to have our picture with the Coca Cola Polar Bear (just for you Rachel). As we were standing in line, Erin had mentioned that she was disappointed that it was just a robotic bear instead of someone in a bear suit. Erin and Trent were in line for their picture first and the bear must have heard what she said because as they were walking up to him, he stood up and scared the poop out of her. The bear had quite a good laugh about it after all of her shrieks.
There was a case that held all the Olympic Torches from the past 2 decades. This is me holding the torch from Torino.
And the official American Idol couch from the first few seasons.
This was the highlight of the tour though. Over 60 different Coke products from all over the world! Drink as much of anything that you want for free!
This is us eating at the best BBQ restaurant in the south- Barbecue Street! Erin is a server there and Trent has worked his way up from host, server, cook and is now the General Manager. Definitely the BEST ribs I've ever had along with the BBQ pork, chicken, macaroni and cheese, green beans, potato salad, hushpuppies, and deep fried pickles. Thanks Trent for the great southern hospitality!!
And finally, the last part of the trip. Since Trent had to work and school on Tuesday, V and I decided it would be the best day to make our 18 hour road trip to Memphis to check out the Southern College of Optometry. We had a tour set up for 12:30 and since it is about 6 hours from Atlanta to Memphis, we got an early start. Luckily the rental car company gave us a new VW Passat so we drove in style! V and I took turns alternating between driving and napping and made it in pretty good time. The drive took us from Georgia, through Alabama and Mississippi and up to Tennessee. We did get there in time to watch the Inauguration in the lobby with all the students. I sure didn't vote for him but it was a cool experience to watch the Inauguration the day after MLK Jr. day in the city he was assassinated.
The tour was great and Venita's friend Eric answered a lot of questions for us. He's really helped us for awhile now with advice and I was really glad to finally meet him. It's too bad that by the time I'm heading to school, he will be graduating.
After the tour, I had a meeting with the head of admissions and just talked about where I am in school and what I need to be doing to prepare for optometry school. She made a chart for me so the school already has my information on file. That will help for when I actually apply and hopefully give me an upper hand!
We were both kinda sad that we had forgotten to download the song "Walking in Memphis" before we left but as we were leaving, we experienced a tender mercy as it came on the radio!
Goodbye Atlanta! Thanks for the fun times!
Monday, January 12, 2009
The Story of The Fish
It all started with the Annual Simmons White Elephant Exchange. After attending the a family party (the elite Utah family party at Janice's house) we decided to change the rules of the traditional White Elephant to the new rules we had learned there. In order to take a gift from the selection, you have to preform a talent for the group. Then if you would like to steal someone's gift, you have to challenge them to some sort of challenge. So on with the story.
Jaelyn out did herself and brought goldfish as her exchange gift. Mike Bizzle was lucky enough to pick it out of the pile and it became one of the coveted items.
So Kim challenged M. Bizzle to see who could hop on one leg the longest without switching legs. Needless to say, Kim beat Mike in this challenge.
Jeph was quite jealous and challenged Kim to a broom pull contest. Jeph seemed to out power Kim and took claim over the fishes.
Jeph was generous enough to offer half to Mike and Kim since we both want pets and cannot have anything bigger than a fish in our places. So Mike and Kim agreed to take them home and keep three and bring three over to us later.
Well, the next day they show up at our place with four of the fish and reported the other two had committed suicide by jumping into the garbage disposal. What else can you do when I fish jumps down there but just flip the switch? Kim, you fish killer!! After which Mike and Kim decided the pet thing just is not for them at this time.
They told us that they did not have fish food so they had been feeding the fish Cheetos. We had some Beta fish food so we tried that, and the fish rejected that so we resorted to Cheddar popcorn. They loved it! Unfortunately, it did not keep them alive. One by one, every day, another one bit the dust.
Therefore we are left with the lone survivor:
BLACKY! ( He was named such due to the obvious black mark on his head which has strangely spread across his body.) Welcome to the family Blacky!
Jaelyn out did herself and brought goldfish as her exchange gift. Mike Bizzle was lucky enough to pick it out of the pile and it became one of the coveted items.
So Kim challenged M. Bizzle to see who could hop on one leg the longest without switching legs. Needless to say, Kim beat Mike in this challenge.
Jeph was quite jealous and challenged Kim to a broom pull contest. Jeph seemed to out power Kim and took claim over the fishes.Jeph was generous enough to offer half to Mike and Kim since we both want pets and cannot have anything bigger than a fish in our places. So Mike and Kim agreed to take them home and keep three and bring three over to us later.
Well, the next day they show up at our place with four of the fish and reported the other two had committed suicide by jumping into the garbage disposal. What else can you do when I fish jumps down there but just flip the switch? Kim, you fish killer!! After which Mike and Kim decided the pet thing just is not for them at this time.
They told us that they did not have fish food so they had been feeding the fish Cheetos. We had some Beta fish food so we tried that, and the fish rejected that so we resorted to Cheddar popcorn. They loved it! Unfortunately, it did not keep them alive. One by one, every day, another one bit the dust.
Therefore we are left with the lone survivor:
BLACKY! ( He was named such due to the obvious black mark on his head which has strangely spread across his body.) Welcome to the family Blacky!
New Year's News
We planned to make a trip to Idaho sometime between the day after Christmas and New Years but due to the bad weather and road closures we did not end up going. It was unfortunate but what can you do about that weather. So instead we celebrated with some good friends and had a good good time.
The next day I found out from my 13 year old nephew that he had a new cousin. Baby Kessa Lin was born January 1, 2009! Congrats to Brian, Cali, and fam for their new addition! (check out that hair! Beautiful!)
A few days later Chanae moved in with us and came home that night with her own news! Congrats to Chanae and David! They're getting married April 10th or July 28th.
Look at the happy couple!
Happy Holidays and Congratulations to you from us! We are so happy for all of you!
Christmas Goodness!!
So this is only a few weeks late!
We had a wonderful Christmas but due to dead batteries, we have no pictures to prove it. So once again we are just stealing them from family that did take pictures. (Thanks all who dontated to our cause!)
Jeph surprised me by making a book out of our blog posts since we started our blog until the end of November. It is amazing and now we will have all these memories forever! I know what I'll be expecting again next year ;)
We had a wonderful Christmas but due to dead batteries, we have no pictures to prove it. So once again we are just stealing them from family that did take pictures. (Thanks all who dontated to our cause!)
So here are the highlights:
Breakfast at Grandma Simmons' House
Christmas Street
Simmons White Elephant Party:
Christmas Eve:
CHRISTMAS:
CHRISTMAS:
Jeph surprised me by making a book out of our blog posts since we started our blog until the end of November. It is amazing and now we will have all these memories forever! I know what I'll be expecting again next year ;)Thursday, December 18, 2008
Copy post
So because Mike and Kim said it so well, I'll just send you to their post about us meeting Glenn Beck. Check it out at Mike and Kim's blog!
Friday, December 12, 2008
Raise your hand if you wish it were Christmas time all year!!!
(P.S. Chanae, all of those presents are for you, so don't forget to come get them!!)
P.P.S. Lynnette, note the Joy to the World tile on the mantle, looks so nice, we love the early Christmas gifts!!)
TAG
I think I have been tagged a few times with this or similar surveys, but every time I sit down to fill it out, I get way too distracted (which is not hard to do). So I decided that it is finally time to really do this and so I picked the shortest one. Here it is:
4 Things I did yesterday
-Went to work
-Went to Provo for work
-Wrote a huge court report
-Watched The Office with Jeph
4 things I'm looking forward to
-Christmas!!!
-Christmas Eve
-Being with family
-New Years
4 Restaurants I like
-Zupas
-Texas Road House
-Olive Garden
-Cafe Rio
4 Favorite TV shows
-The Office
-The Secret Life of an American Teenager
-CSI Miami
-Ace of Cakes
4 People I tag:
-Chanae
-Kimberly
-Kami
-Anyone who wants to
4 Things I did yesterday
-Went to work
-Went to Provo for work
-Wrote a huge court report
-Watched The Office with Jeph
4 things I'm looking forward to
-Christmas!!!
-Christmas Eve
-Being with family
-New Years
4 Restaurants I like
-Zupas
-Texas Road House
-Olive Garden
-Cafe Rio
4 Favorite TV shows
-The Office
-The Secret Life of an American Teenager
-CSI Miami
-Ace of Cakes
4 People I tag:
-Chanae
-Kimberly
-Kami
-Anyone who wants to
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