Fast Forward to Spring 2013!

We survived most of winter, although I've just recently heard of some more snow heading our way, and based on the torrential winds outside…I believe it! Here's some catch up....

In UT, with Sam, Ben & Jenna

 View on the way home after a snowy morning

With Grandma and Grandpa at The Top of the World

We've had a great first winter married. We spent Christmas Eve with Mike’s family, had our first Christmas morning together, and then went out to Uncle Dennis’ for his ever changing and always delicious prime rib---so good! We got to see Uncle Jeff and Aunt Renae and family over Christmas break, and enjoyed the delicious cooking of Grandma Ellis too! It really was a good first Christmas away from home.

Our baby Christmas Tree, Mike at Candy Land, USA, awesome ornaments from Mycah
 

In January, we took a trip out to see my parents and family in Hillsboro, Oregon, and believe it or not, the weather agreed with us, hadn't seen that much warm sunlight in weeks! We got to see all our family, go shooting at Uncle Wade’s new house, watch Mycah perform in a swim meet, have dinner at the Chinese restaurant that hosted out wedding luncheon, and see Dad’s new toy at the house! (I get married and move to Montana, Ben’s having a baby in Utah, and Sam’s going on a mission to Brazil, and Dad puts in a home theater system…you win, Mycah!) It was a great weekend to be home, we hadn't been back since May, and that’s my record for the longest time away from home (Mycah says it CAN’T happen again).

 Shooting at Uncle Wade's House

Valentine's day was pretty cool, came home to a very excited Mike, with flowers, Skyfall, and a beautiful necklace! We decided that every Valentines day we're going to watch a James Bond movie (I mean, who is the ultimate ladies' man?!?!) So, we're set for the next couple decades :)

Our Valentines night  

Mike has been working hard at MSU-B, his new schedule is a little more suited to his strengths, as he doesn't have to take so many weird writing courses…and he doesn't have any early classes.

Work for me has been, well, work. Wells Fargo is ever changing in the projects we are assigned to, and coaching has been exciting to see the swimmers make the changes through the season. We had Montana State a couple weeks ago, and I drove out to Butte for it. Longest time thus far away from Mike, but on the plus side, the kids did great! Got to see tons of break thru swims, and we’re getting ready for Age Group Sectionals now. But enough about work.

Yesterday was AWESOME! Seriously, I don’t think I've had such a good day in awhile….

1.) I got to sleep in.

2.) I got to go to Outback for lunch with Mike.

3.) We went to the temple.

4.) I got to see my Grands and Aunt Karen.

5.) I got to see baby ducklings at my neighbor’s house.

6.) We went out to Mike’s parent’s house.

7.) I got to see their neighbor’s baby goats.

8.) And ride a four wheeler down to see them (I mean, not the same as Brown’s camp, Honeyman State Park or anything….but it’s been AWHILE!!!!!)

9.) We had a smoked brisket with garlic mashed potatoes for dinner (definitely rivaled, if not beat anything Howard Wolowitz’s Mom could cook up).

10.) Watched The Italian Job.

11.) And then had brownie sundaes before heading home for the night.

The little goats at Pine Crest

This week, I’m heading up to Seattle with the team, and will get to see my wonderful Mom and little sister up there at the meet---and if I’m lucky, my Dad will get some time off to watch, too!!!

Mike and I are happy in our warm little home in Montana, but anxious for the weather to lighten up to get on to some adventures we've been planning!!!

PS Sam got his mission call, I know it’s old news, but he’s going to Florianopolis, Brazil! Supposed to be a great vacation spot, wonderful place to learn to surf, and they have sea turtles!!! So…I think Mike and I will have to take a visit near the end of his service. So excited for Sam!

The First Few Weeks

It's been just over a month since Mike and I were married, and it's been a month full of adjustments, fun, family, new jobs, and settling in. We're living in a duplex owned by our family friend--The Hanson's, its on just under eight acres of land, complete with horses, a barn, corrals, and irrigation ditches (which I call the moat). About nine miles from Billings we've (I mean I've) had to get used to going to town only once a day and trying to remember all the things I need in one trip--on the way home from work :)

Thankfully we both go jobs at Wells Fargo within a week of arriving, so we have been able to not only each work, but to be able to carpool into town! 

Here are some pictures of our transition...

                            

Whilst in Oregon, Mike and I made our way to the Oregon Zoo,  it was a rainy day, so of course it was the best day for seeing animals. We saw a polar bear dance, a cougar prowl, sea lions kiss, a lion jump, and some other animated animals. I think we only missed one, and that's because of my beyond compare directions giving---the rhino will have to wait for our next excursion into the zoo...

View from our back patio

Kitchen table looking through to the family room

This little machine is awesome.
I've never been so excited about a cleaning item before!!

We made cupcakes after doing cake waffles :)

Local Shepherd restaurant--I was impressed!!

  

There was a balloon guy at BWW's when we went to
watch Olympic Trials. Naturally, I got Iron Man

 Naturally, because Mike is now a man with his own household, the collection of tools has begun. I'm sure this will be our first of many trips to Home Depot...

We're still collecting pictures from our wedding--when I finally get through it all, there will be a post about the glorious work of Doris...just saying, it was beautiful.

All in all, we're loving our new place, enjoying our new ward, and yes, even after a WHOLE month---we still love each other :)

Good Bye to Provo

Sam and I aren’t sure, but we think we have the remains of a fairy on our windshield. What bug has rainbow glitter guts? I haven’t the slightest idea, I’m about to call Amanda H. to identify it. Prettiest smear I’ve ever seen.

 So this past week we had finals, graduation, move out, and a trip back to Portland (well, Mike didn’t get to come home with me, he has finals coming up!) And it was great! Mike, my family, and my Grands’ Titensor came down to celebrate.

Graduation was crazy. I’m glad I got my finals done early (Can you write a complete and specific narrative calendar of Joseph Smith’s last twenty days?—Ya, had to do that on one of a hundred questions for a religion class. Ew.)

Anyways, on to graduation, day one we got to sit wherever we wanted to, so Kelso and I took seats together amongst the English department, and got to wait outside for 45 minutes before going in to listen to Elder Oakes speak, but it was worth it, even if we were sitting in chairs made for munchkins. Then on Friday I got up to get to the Marriott Center at 7:00AM for an 8:00AM Convocation, which was very unique. I think a few of our speakers were a little nervous, some asked for applause without waiting for us to give it, leaving Rachel and I rather confused. But we graduated. We walked across that stage in our navy blue judges’ robes, didn't trip, and then my parents, siblings, grandparents, and fiance were there waiting for me with flowers. It was a great day, topped off with one last trip to the Creamery on 9th. (get the small brownie sundae, amazing)

 

BYU was a great experience for me, and I’m thrilled my brother Sam is headed that way. He’s going to love it. We had a great week, enjoying the warm weather, family, and a birthday party for little Claire McNeel.

I think Mike may have been more excited than me :) 

<- Yes, it says sample across the diploma

PS: Congratulations to Shelby and Braxton, very happy for the both of them!!!

Last Free T-Shirt

Today I received my last free shirt from BYU. Tomorrow is the 2012 Swim Banquet and next Thursday is Commencement. It’s finally here—graduation. Of course, first are the finals. I’m already baking a batch of brownies in preparation.

Before I get on with everything though, I’d like to recount a few memories that have stuck with me over the past four years.

Freshman year:

• ·         Baller sweats photo shoot
• ·         Some fast swimming
• ·         The Trial w/ Candice
• ·         Masquerade party
• ·         Crazy Christmas snowfall in Oregon
• ·         First Conference = Champions (Season of the Blue70)
• ·         Sectionals with J.B. (and no, that’s not Justin Bieber)
• ·         Sunday Series days w/ Ben, David, Jay, Kendra
• ·         “Taken”: Liam Neeson takes over our minds, and David’s heart.
•         The Tin foil Prank

Sophomore year:

• ·         Moving off campus
• ·         Sneaky college boys (w/ Candice) aka “You look like an Elf.”
• ·         The sleepover
• ·         More fast swimming
• ·         Ben’s wedding
• ·         Conference Champions x2

Junior Year:

• ·         Canyoneering with Angela, Kelso, and Melissa
• ·         Rise of SDSU
• ·         LBC C-O-U-G-A-R-S! (I’m half the U)
• ·         Sledding
• ·         Sectionals again—but but better J
• ·         Muddy Buddy parties
• ·         Y Awards Show Down (NBD Jimmer won…everything)
• ·         Summer of Adventure: VMAX and Phipps park adventures

Senior year:

• ·         Finally moved in with Air
• ·         Engaged! (again, sneaky Air & Mike)
• ·         Navajo doughnuts
• ·         Krispy Kreme Challenge & Mt. Dew extreme race (Air beat Mike)
• ·         Sam & Michelle come to BYU for recruiting
• ·         Tim’s retirement party and Deseret First Duel Champions
• ·         Mycah and Mom come for Dress shopping
• ·         New coach: Shari (Goal of being a sprinter realized)
• ·         Superhero Party
• ·         Dual Conference Champions!!!!

I liked it.

Reality is coming fast

I’m new to this game, but seeing as it hit me that not only is my graduation from BYU soon, I’m getting married soon too. And with that, the move to Montana is coming VERY soon!

Last night was my Utah bridal shower, put on by my wonderful sister-in-law Jenna, cousins Miriam and Rachel, and hosted by Aunt Kathleen. As my dear roommate Erin can attest, I was super twitchy all day. I guess that’s what nerves do to me. I’ve never really been that nervous before (silly right? It’s a party!) but for some reason the upcoming changes were making the party seem more and more like the gateway to a complete change of life. But no worries, all my nerves vanished as soon as I got to the party. They did such a wonderful job, the food was perfect, there were games that I’d never seen at a bridal shower (and that’s a feat considering Utah is the marriage capital of the USA), and the company was even better. Thoroughly enjoyed them all in one place at one time! And of course, everyone was so good to me, and gave gifts that will be not just beautiful, but possibly life saving in the new home Mike and I are going to be making together. After all, there are only about 208 other citizens of the small rural town we’re moving to. (Marnie had me check the figures!) 210 when we arrive!

That’s right, last week I went up to Billings for a few reasons:

·         First, I like Mike

·         Second, my birthday, and Grandma Ellis is the greatest and said she’d make me poppy seed cake. (The bribe wasn’t needed, as I love being at their home, anyways)

·         Third, I need to get a big kid job, I’m graduating, and Mike still has some school left (for the non-LDS: missions, though worthwhile, will put you two years behind)

·         Fourth, I only have class three days a week—that’s begging for a trip.

It looks like we’ve found the place that we’ll hopefully be staying at until Mike graduates from MSU-B. In the meantime, I think I’m going to be trying to get my Masters as well. Don’t want to get rusty or anything!

Since we got engaged six months and two days ago on September 29^th, it just felt so far off. Just recently have I begun to hand out invitations, finding an apartment, job hunting, registering, bridal shower, and beginning to move things up to Montana have really brought to mind that this is happening. I’m really ready to take a new step in my life. And as I’ve been thinking about what’s coming, I’ve been looking at what a wonderful life I’ve had. I’ve been given a lot, my education has gone well, and I’ve been able to pursue my enjoyment of sports, to go on trips with my family, friends, and team. It’s been a wonderful life, and I’m planning on it continuing.