Brian and Emily Dahl

If you believe...

2012-02-13T17:08:00.000-08:00

...then stand up on your feet

and shout it loud REAL

Here at the RioT the battle hymns begun

We're Here for RSL!!!!

Can't Wait for March!!!!

A Night to Remember

2012-02-07T20:30:00.000-08:00

As you may have guessed by now, I am a HUGE St. Louis Cardinals fan

So of course, like most Cardinals growing up in the 80's and 90's, my all-time favorite player is none other than The Wizard...

Ozzie Smith

He is best known for his backflips and insane plays, and that is one reason I LOVED watching him play baseball.

So when the opportunity came up to attend a banquet to meet him, it was a no brainer.

(It helps that it also was supporting the Utes Baseball team)

So my brother Adam, my cousins Andrew, Zack and Kelton, my Uncle Scott and my Grandpa (who by the way is the biggest Cardinals fan you will ever meet and we surprised him with this ticket for Christmas) and I all ponied up the money for a Once in a Lifetime chance to meet our childhood hero.

He was the most humble and gracious man to meet. He spoke on his journey to the pinnacle of his career, which was his induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2002. He compared it to the characters in the Wizard of Oz (fitting) and said that all you need in life is a Mind to Dream, a Heart to Believe and Courage to serve men.

My favorite quote of the night was this

"Nothing is good enough if it can be made better, and nothing is better if it can be made the best"

I absolutely LOVED hearing that come from arguably the best short stop to ever play the game of baseball. That was his motto in life, and I think it was be applied into every area of my life.

It was a dream come true and a night I won't soon forget!

The Vow

2012-01-15T20:00:00.000-08:00

CANNOT WAIT to see this movie...

Only one more month

Baby Jack

2011-11-23T12:26:00.000-08:00

We would like to officially welcome our 4th nephew into the world!!!

Jack Keenan Glazier

11/11/11

He is so stinkin' cute and we love him very much!!

Congrats to Mary and Todd on a beautiful baby boy

We are the Champions!!!

2011-10-30T16:43:00.000-07:00

NOTHING is better than having the team you have cheered for your entire life win the World Series....NOTHING!

Thanks Cardinals for the most exhilarating ride ever!!!

LET'S GO CARDS!!!

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

2011-10-17T19:18:00.000-07:00

If you don't know already, I love Sports ;)

I did gymnastics for 10 years, grew up with season tickets to U of U football and basketball, and have recently learned to love soccer (thanks to Brian) and become RSL season ticket holders.

But my first love is...baseball.

My Grandpa has played, coached and scouted his entire life. My brothers both played, with my oldest brother playing at the U. If I was not at gym, I spend my childhood at a baseball field.

It was the first sport I learned nearly everything about.

So it is an understatement to say I LOVE October. The Playoffs are incredibly exciting for me. But it always makes it better when your team is in it AND winning.

Imagine my excitement over the past month watching my team be 10 games out of the playoffs, then winning the wild card on the last day of the regular season, then winning 1-0 in Game 5 of the Divisional series against the National League favorite, then beating your divisional rival (who hates you by the way) in the League Championship series and moving onto the WORLD SERIES.

Let's just say....Happy Flight!!!

LET'S GO CARDS!!!

USC...Dream Come True

2011-09-13T20:32:00.000-07:00

Some people have Bucket Lists...things to do before they die, places to travel to and so on...

Mine are College Football Stadiums to Visit

-Rose Bowl...Check! (Sept 2006)

-Autzen Stadium...Pending

-Notre Dame Stadium...missed and regret...but one day

-The Big House...missed and regret...but one day

-Tiger Stadium (aka Death Valley)...

-The Coliseum....Check!!!! Sept 2011

I was able to cross off one of those this past weekend. I have been quite a few stadiums, but this one has definitely taken the cake...for now...

Standing in front of the famous Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Tower. I was in awe for the first hour we were in the stadium.

Everyone was so nice. Every usher, concession worker, waiter, fan (ok just some here) welcomed us to L.A. and to the PAC 12. I was so excited! When we walked into the stadium the Usher who took our tickets said "Mam...I would like to be the first to officially welcome you to the PAC 12 and to the Coliseum." I responded with "I have been waiting for this my whole life"...then proceeded to break down and cry. It was 14-months since the official invite and it was finally here!

Here we are at field level. Pictures don't do it justice. This place is HUGE!!! It is old, but you could feel all the history that surrounded you. So many legends (both football and Olympic) had walked and played in this stadium.

Even though the Utes lost, I regret absolutely nothing about going. It is a completely different experience being a part of the "big boys". I can't wait to experience all of the PAC 12 stadiums over the next few years...2 down 9 to go!!!

So Long Sweet Summer

2011-08-15T21:02:00.000-07:00

June 8th I told myself...

"By August, you will be refreshed and ready to come back to school"

Well, its August...and I am not ready.

I truly believe last year was the hardest year of teaching I will ever have

So it can only go up from here right?

I have to keep telling myself this to make saying Goodbye to summer a little easier

No more sleeping in

No more Food Network all day long

No more freedom to do what I want all day

So...in the words of my favorite band

So long sweet summer
I stumbled upon you and gratefully basked in your rays
So long sweet summer
I fell into you
Now you're gracefully falling away

Hey thanks
Thanks for that summer
It's cold where you're going
I hope that your heart's always warm
I gave you the best
Gave you the best that I have

So, so long sweet summer
I stumbled upon you and gratefully basked in your rays
So long sweet summer
I fell into you
Now you're gracefully falling away

Good news! Fall brings so many good things :)

Best 5 years!

2011-07-07T15:28:00.000-07:00

We must like the first weeks of July because not only will we celebrate our wedding anniversary, but also our first date.

2006
Brand New Love
We had only been together about 3 weeks when we took our first road trip together
Rascal Flatts concert in Vegas

2007
Celebrating my birthday and 1 year together up in Park City

2008
2 years
Reliving our first date up at Silver Lake

2009
3 years
Bees game. Baseball and fireworks :)

2010
4 years and ENGAGED!

July 9, 2010
BEST day of my life!
I finally married the love of my life and my best friend.

July 9, 2011

So here we are, getting ready to celebrate our first anniversary and 5 years together. I have absolutely LOVED being married to Brian. He makes me happier then I ever thought I could be. I am so excited to see what life brings us in the MANY years to come.
I love you babe!

Feet Update

2011-06-27T19:32:00.000-07:00

So I went back to the doctor today over my cysts and got good news...

They are gone for now!!!

There is a good chance they will return...

so high heel shoes are out of the question for the time being.

But I am going back to my regular scheduled running, hoping they won't come back

(I have another 5k in August so must get back to work)

If they do come back, we now know that a simple injection will work, which is much better than having them surgically removed.

Happy to finally have normal feet again, for now.

Sore feet

2011-06-06T19:54:00.000-07:00

Back in August, my feet started hurting...bad. I thought of ALL the possibilities of what it could be...

...sore from wearing flip flops...nope they still hurt in the winter...

...sore from old running shoes...nope they still hurt when I got new shoes...

...stress fracture from running....nope they would hurt when I had not run for days...

While attempting to keep my goal of running a 10k by the end of the year, I decided to keep running and deal with the pain

After my last 5k on Mother's Day weekend, I was putting lotion on my feet when I noticed something alarming...a bump..

So the mind wandering began again...

...bone spur...wart...What could it be?

9 months later, I finally made an appointment with a podiatrist.

Today I got my answer...

...A Ganglion Cyst.

So 2 needle pokes, numb toes, and bruised (sore) feet later, I wait...3 more weeks to see if it disappears...if not, it comes to Option 2 or 3...neither of which I wish to go through.

Cyst, Cyst Go Away. Come again...NEVER!

Karma

2011-05-24T18:48:00.000-07:00

I get it from my mother...

...Superstition...

Wearing the same shirt or jewelry until its luck wore out (meaning the Utes lost)...making sure the flags were hung on the house and the car the day of a game...keeping the radio on 910 am (now AM 700) while we went into the games...sitting in the same seats every game, and if we didn't, we moved at half time...eating pretzels for 2 hours to keep the Utes winning (that's for you Hailie)...making sure every game was recording, unless they were losing then stopping the recording...Yes, this was how I grew up.

It wore off...During the 2008 Sugar Bowl season, I collected things throughout the season that became lucky. By the time the Sugar Bowl came around, I had a lucky shirt, pom-pom, towel, earrings, even underwear. We all know how that season turned out :)

Included in that season was a bracelet (you know, the Live Strong bracelets, just with Utah Utes on it)

Well that became part of my every day life in 2007 (I think...maybe earlier). I LITERALLY never took it off....only for my Wedding Day.

Just last week, while sitting on the couch, the unthinkable happened...it broke. Ask Brian, I was IN SHOCK for a good 2 minutes. I stared at it, not quite believing what had happened. Brian being the simple man he is simply said "Well, looks like it's time for a new bracelet" Didn't he understand??? This was THE lucky bracelet that had traveled to many Ute events over that past 4+years. The shirts, earrings and underwear came and went...but the bracelet stood strong.

Once the shock wore off, I decided it must be added to my shrine (Brian doesn't let me decorate the house with Ute stuff, so I have a cabinet dedicated to my second True Love...Brian being the first) It is now living out its life with the many other "lucky pieces" I have acquired over the years.

I became a little weary...what's going to happen now? Only bad things of course...

Well Karma had taken my side INSTANTLY. The Jazz got lucky in the lottery and received the #3 pick in the upcoming draft...a friend who had her car stolen just 2 days earlier had it returned to her in perfect condition...my dearest co-worker Catherine who gave up her full time position for me just a year ago, was getting it back to work right along side me...a prayer was answered (I will leave it at that) Only good things happening to me or those I love, therefore making me happy.

Maybe all this superstition stuff I was holding on to was actually preventing other good stuff from happening...it got me thinking...maybe it was time for a mind-shift

As for now, the whole superstition kick has been kicked. I can't promise anything come August (100 days!) but I will definitely try

Born This Way

2011-04-26T20:30:00.000-07:00

She is controversial, eccentric, and borderline psychotic...

...but Lady Gaga's song lyrics to "Born This Way" are, in my opinion, as powerful as any song in recent memory.

As most girls in this world, I have always struggled with self-confidence. I will always have things I am self conscious about. I don't think I will ever get completely away from that. But recently I have realized I have to do certain things to be my best me. Things like exercise, eating right, doing puzzles, reading good books, thinking positively and taking criticism are all needed to make me become the best person I can be.

Working in elementary schools, I am seeing girls at incredibly young ages struggling with the issues I struggle with as an adult. It is unfair for them to grow up in a world with such negativity and where vanity is portrayed everywhere.

I don't agree with certain lifestyles, but I can respect others for their differences.

What's important is you love yourself, know you are born to survive, and most of all remember...

Baby, You Were Born this Way!!!

Trendy?

2011-04-09T19:47:00.000-07:00

Maybe...

But this is one trend I am glad I finally joined

Hands down most comfortable shoes I have ever owned

I love Toms

Projects

2011-03-20T09:48:00.000-07:00

During my 30 day blog challenge, I mentioned I wanted to get pictures hung in our house. The walls had been bare the first 6 months of our marriage and I was tired of it. So I made it a goal to get it done. When we bought the house, we had not planned to do much to it as we don't plan staying here for too long. But after nearly a year, we could not stand it anymore.

One of my favorite Christmas presents this year came from my brothers wife Danielle. She bought it in Colorado while visiting her parents and I loved it! After an extensive search for a frame to fit (and a realization that custom framing is expensive even with a 60% coupon) I took the pictures out of the mat and framed each one individually....D-A-H-L

Brian's sister Katie was kind enough to take our engagement and bridals for the wedding. She used one of our favorites in a photography project at the U, which she aced! She gave us the final project for Christmas. Who knew they would go so well together. 2 great presents from 2 great sister-in-laws :)

Along with that, Brian and I had been looking for a piece of Art for our house practically since we bought the house last May. We have vaulted ceilings which makes our walls huge and empty. So a few weeks back, we ventured down to the Starving Artists Show to see if we could find anything to fill the space.

We did! We found this beautiful, warm painting that was exactly what we were looking for. Pair it with a beautiful frame and we were in luck. The whole thing only cost $200! What a steal!!!! We were so excited to get it home.

Last but not least, my husband is a very good artist himself. He has books, boxes and notebooks full of sketches and drawings in the basement. He is always sketching something. But his new skill is window moldings. He was lying in bed one morning looking out at our front window and thought "Our window is really bare and ugly" So what does he do, he makes it beautiful.

Here is the window before...

...And here is the finished work..

I love that he is talented enough to do almost anything. He had never done anything like this before and it turned out beautiful. Even better news, the whole project only cost $20! Now only 3 more windows to go

If and when the weather warms up, our next project is to make our backyard beautiful. We love spending time outside in the summer, but our backyard is not in any condition to relax in. So hopefully by the end of the summer, you will see pictures of a brand new patio, a new fence and a vegetable garden. Wish us luck!!!

Last but not least...Day 30!

2011-02-22T16:30:00.000-08:00

My favorite song...

This is impossible for me because I have more that just one

So here are 10 of them (in no particular order)

Somewhere Over the Rainbow-Almost any version

Memories of Us-Keith Urban

Love Like Crazy-Lee Brice

Bring it on Home-Little Big Town

Three Little Birds-Bob Marley

Utah Man-Utah Marching Band :)

The Way You Look Tonight-Frank Sinatra

Bless the Broken Road-Rascal Flatts

Moving On-Rascal Flatts

Breath-Faith Hill

Now for taking a break for a few days from blogging!

Day 29

2011-02-21T11:11:00.001-08:00

I have learned one major lesson from this past month. Unfortunately it doesn't really have anything to do with this challenge or the goals I have set.

It started back on Jan. 11. (I only remember the date because it was the day of the Utah/BYU game). I started feeling sick early in the day and it quickly progressed into chills, fever, body aches and a sore throat. I decided it was best to stay home and cheer them on from the couch. Little to say it was a good decision as that night was terrible (ask Brian). But I woke up the next day feeling better, just tired and congested. Since that day, I have been dealing with congestion and it has been quite annoying.

Despite not feeling 100%, I still went about my life. Never missed a day of work (at both jobs) made it to every basketball game, hung out with friends and family, cleaned the house, and continued training for my 10k.

The week before Valentines Day I thought I had finally rid myself of it. I could breath at nights, mornings weren't spent decongesting, and I had energy again. Well, I was wrong. I woke up Feb 15, now 1 month and 4 days after it all began, and it had come on even stronger. Unfortunately I had early morning meetings every morning at school and could not afford to stay home for even one day. I tried to keep running. I still went to basketball games, the grocery store, etc. I took on the stress of work without even thinking that some things could wait a day.

Friday morning my vice principal came into my room to ask a question and it took her saying "Emily, you look sick. You can see it in your eyes" for me to finally admit I had bottomed out. I did feel sick, I had zero energy, and my body was finally shutting down.

With the help from Brian, Saturday was spent on the couch doing nothing. I slept in, watched 3 movies, took a nap and did nothing. I finally listened to my body and gave in. Sadly, I was forced to be a bum on Sunday (only going to my Grandmas for dinner) also. Today I felt better, so I tried running again, only to realize I am no where near where I should be with my energy. So I stopped at 2.17 miles and I don't feel bad about it. The laundry is still not done, I have not vaccumed in a week, and I have yet to run the errands I need to. But guess what, life has gone on.

So the lesson I learned is this...listen to your body the first time it tries to talk to you or 6 weeks later, you will still be fighting over the same thing and ultimately, it will win.

Day 28

2011-02-20T08:08:00.000-08:00

Valentines Day 2010

Last year at this time I was working half time, living at home, and still dating Brian.

Now, I am married, own my own home, and surviving my first year of teaching full time. I thought I was so grown up a year ago. Little did I know, I had a lot of growing up to still do. I have learned a lot about myself in the past year and continue to learn more every day.

Day 27

2011-02-19T17:11:00.000-08:00

Why I am doing this 30 day challenge...

1) I love challenges

2) It has given me something to blog during this uneventful time of year

Day 26

2011-02-18T15:03:00.000-08:00

What do I think of my friends...

well obviously I like them, or they wouldn't be my friends. We always laugh, there is never drama, and I am planning on them being in my life forever...can't ask for much more than that.

Day 25

2011-02-17T15:27:00.000-08:00

What you would find in my purse...

Wallet
cell phone
gum
glasses case/cleaner
lotion
chap stick
epi-pen

Those are my only needs in life :)

Day 24

2011-02-16T16:31:00.000-08:00

My Last 5 Facebook Status's

Just when I thought the cold/flu/whatever was over, I woke up with another sore throat and runny nose...good thing I have Ellen in my life to take away all the worries

To celebrate Valentines Day, change your profile picture to you and your spouse/significant other. Re-post, and make sure to tell how long you've been together! We've been married for 7 months, but together for over 4 1/2 years...best time of my life! I'm so grateful to have a forever Valentine who loves me for exactly who I am. Love you Babe!!!

What makes this warm, sunny Sunday even better...knowing I don't have to get up to go to work in the morning!

A 2:30 exit was just what I needed...now for a 3-day weekend :)

Truly a sad day. Thank you Jerry Sloan.

Day 23

2011-02-15T16:42:00.001-08:00

Something I crave a lot...

"I would sell my soul for a Pork Salad"

Hawaii (view from our beach house on our last trip)

Lime snow cone please

Once you go Double Stuffed, you never go back

Cheeseburger, hold tomato and onion. Fries + fry sauce. Diet Coke.

Day 22

2011-02-14T13:07:00.000-08:00

What makes me different from everyone else...

I am deathly allergic to all nuts and anything with a shell

I have never been skiing/snowboarding and I've lived in Utah my entire life

I have to eat breakfast or I don't function

I don't get flu shots

I don't like taking medications, only if there is no other way

I can remember the score of a football game from 10 years ago, but can't remember something told to me 10 minutes earlier

I drive with my left foot, not always, but often

Day 21

2011-02-13T09:32:00.000-08:00

Something that makes me happy...

Sports...but more specifically...

Any time we beat BYU

The Utes across the board

Rice Eccles Stadium...my sanctuary

and The Huntsman Center

The Jazz

and Energy Solutions Arena

Real Salt Lake

and Rio Tinto Stadium

The St. Louis Cardinals

and Busch Stadium. I have yet to make it here, but I will someday.

Sports is my favorite thing in the entire world. Nothing (besides Brian) brings me more happiness. From football in the fall, to basketball in the winter, and baseball/soccer in the spring/summer, I don't have a time of the year where sports is not in my life.

Day 20

2011-02-12T09:20:00.000-08:00

Someone I love...

...this one is hard...

...not really...

Day 19

2011-02-11T13:55:00.000-08:00

Nicknames

Well of course the obvious...

Em and Emmy

And now (finally) I am Auntie Em

But the 3 that actually have stories behind them

Eac

Look closely, they are my initials pre-married life (Emily Ann Castleton)

Cami and I went through this stage where I was EAC and she was CEC (Camille Erin Crawley). We thought we were so cool

Trip

This started at my gymnastics and infiltrated over to school when I was in 4th or 5th grade. It is pretty self-explanatory. I use to trip, A LOT. Over nothing at all sometimes. I was, and still am, pretty clumsy believe it or not.

Dumbo

It might sound mean, but it really isn't. This stemmed from cheer my senior year. The next time you are with me, check out the size of my ear lobes. They are huge and flop around. I was born with them not connected to my head. So my mom pierced my ears when I was young to try and weigh them down. They have come down, but still flop around. I am almost always wearing earrings, but you can still see them. So there you have it, the origin of Dumbo.

Jerry Sloan

2011-02-10T15:58:00.000-08:00

In the midst of my 30 days of insight, it would be a shame to not post about one of the greatest coaches of all time.

Players have come and gone, but Sloan was a rock. In a world where most people are in it for themselves and for the glory, he was in it because he loved the game.

It is truly a sad day to see one of the few "old timers" finally break. I for one never wanted to see it happen.

Thank you Jerry.

Day 18

2011-02-10T15:41:00.000-08:00

Plans: Live my life one day at a time.
Get Healthy

Goals: Run a 10K
Be the best wife I can be
Be Positive in all situations
Hang up pictures in my house

Dreams: Be a mother
See the Utes win a National Championship in Football and Basketball
Go to New York and see Wicked on Broadway

Day 17

2011-02-10T15:31:00.000-08:00

Someone I would want to switch lives with for one day...

Brian.

I would love to see me from his perspective. I would love to be in his brain and hear his thousands of thoughts and ideas. I would love to know exactly what his day is like to better understand his frustrations.

Sounds weird, but I think it would be sweet.

Day 16

2011-02-08T17:38:00.000-08:00

You guessed it. Another picture of me. Probably my favorite wedding picture

Day 15

2011-02-07T22:18:00.000-08:00

It's not my full Ipod., but the Iphone will have to do (The Ipod is in the car and it is snowing)

Shuffle....first 10 songs

1. Man in the Mirror--Michael Jackson

2. Stigmatized--The Calling

3. That's How You Know--Amy Adams (from Enchanted)

4. Chasing Pavements--Adele

5. Need You Now--Lady Antebellum

6. The Way I Am--Ingrid Michaelson

7. More Than A Feeling--Boston

8. If It's Love--Train

9. I Run To You--Lady Antebellum

10. Magic--Colbie Caillat

Day 14

2011-02-06T20:21:00.000-08:00

My Little Family

My new MUCH BIGGER Family

But both I love oh so much :)

Day 13

2011-02-06T20:06:00.001-08:00

Dear Future Me...

Today you are happy. And here are the reasons why...

You are totally in love with Brian and he is very good to you

You live in a super cute house in a safe neighborhood

Both you and Brian have jobs that provide a good life

No matter how tough it can be, you have a great job with great co-workers

You are running 3-4 times a week, becoming healthier every day

Ellen is hilarious and puts a smile on your face every day

You are looking forward to one day being a mom

It is tough, but the budget DOES have a purpose

Spring is near

You are excited and optimistic about what the future will bring

If times get tough, read this and remember what all the struggles in life are really for.

Life is good!

Love, Emily

Day 12

2011-02-04T15:41:00.000-08:00

How I found out about blogger...

I honestly can't remember

But the reason I have one...

I have never been good at writing in my journal, but for whatever reason blogging has been much easier. I have at least some record or what has been going on in my life. It has been so much fun to go back and look at the fun events I have had over the past few years, just like a reading back in your diary or journal would be.

That's why I do it...

...and who knows, maybe one day I will follow my secret dream and start a sports blog...

Day 11

2011-02-03T15:48:00.000-08:00

We have the greatest friends and family...

...that we have traveled near and far with...

...that have stuck with us from the beginning...

...and will be there to the end! We love you all :)

Day 10

2011-02-02T15:38:00.000-08:00

Songs I listen to when I am...

~~~happy~~~

anything by Jack Johnson, Rascal Flatts, Lady Antebellum

3 of my favorite artists/bands therefore the reason I listening to them when I am happy

~~~sad~~~

Angel by Jack Johnson, Stigmatized by The Calling, Disney Music

always seems to perk me right up

~~~bored~~~

anything...therefore stopping my boredom

~~~hyped~~~

Utah Man (usually is the reason for my hype) Don't Stop Believing--Journey

~~~mad~~~

Dashboard Confessional, my Chillin' playlist to calm me down

Day 9

2011-02-01T16:58:00.001-08:00

Something I am proud of over the last few days...

One month into the new year, and I am on track with all of my resolutions

1) still training for a 10k

2) being more positive...last week was tough, but keeping my attitude right has made this week much better

Day 8

2011-01-31T15:44:00.000-08:00

This topic comes at a perfect time since the new month starts tomorrow...

Short term goals for this month

Get to the 5 mile mark in my 10K training

Get the pictures hung in my house (yes it has only taken 7 months but I will get it done)

Get the remaining baseboards painted in the house (actually that's Brian's Goal)

I think that is enough for one month

Day 7

2011-01-30T19:24:00.001-08:00

There is no one that impacts me more than Brian...

he makes me smile

he makes me mad

he drives me crazy

he makes me laugh

but most of all, he loves me for EXACTLY who I am

and because of that, I am the happiest girl in the world!

Love you babe :)

Day 6

2011-01-29T10:26:00.000-08:00

Not only can Superman do super incredible things like fly to space, hold an island over his head, and stop a bullet with his eyeball...

...but somehow, he can hide his alias from the entire world by simply wearing nerdy clothes, glasses and working for a newspaper...Genius!!!

That's why he is my favorite Superhero...oh and it helps he is HOT!!

Day 5

2011-01-28T20:09:00.000-08:00

The most favorite places I have ever been

Moab

I had never been until 3 years ago, and it quickly became one of my favorite places on earth

Hawaii

It was absolutely beautiful, more than I ever imagined it would be. This was the view from our beach house on the North Shore.

Some more places

Disneyland
Ft. Lauderdale
Panama
Belize
Costa Rica

Can't wait to see more of the world

Day 4

2011-01-28T20:07:00.000-08:00

Habits...

...I have a few...

biting/picking at my nails

twiddling with my hair when I am nervous or thinking

popping my knuckles

moving while I sleep (Brian hates that one too)

Day 3

2011-01-26T15:11:00.000-08:00

~~~Friends~~~

~~~Best Friends~~~

Love you all!

Day 2

2011-01-25T18:07:00.000-08:00

The Meaning Behind My Blog Name...

Well this one is not going to be very interesting, since the blog name is The Dahl's. But before the ole weddin', I had titled it "This is Me"

Simply said, I am a pretty simple person, therefore gave it a simple title of This is Me.

Nothing more

Day 1

2011-01-24T18:52:00.000-08:00

This isn't the most recent picture of me, but I realized that since the wedding we have not taken many pictures. So this is me

15 interesting facts about me

I was born with and still have a heart murmur, but it doesn't really bother me

I bought the very first wedding dress I tried on

I was never a clean freak until I bought my own home. Now I see why my mom always wanted me to clean my room. Sorry mom

I have broken 16 bones, but have never had stitches

I have wanted a golden retriever ever since I saw Homeward Bound as a kid

I never missed a day of school until I was a junior in high school

I have lived in Utah my whole life, yet I have never been skiing/snowboarding and have never been to Lake Powell

My favorite website is Utezone...shocking

One of my dream jobs is to be Cinderella at Disneyland

I can't wear most boots because my calves are too big

I taught 4 of Brian's cousins and went to a high school dance with his cousin...now they are my family

Until 3 weeks ago I never thought I could run a marathon...now it is definite possibility

Another dream job is to be the beat writer for the Utes

I love Food Network, but I am not a very good cook

I want to see Wicked on Broadway more than anything...one day it will happen

There is a little insight into me! Enjoy!

30 days of insight

2011-01-23T10:54:00.000-08:00

I saw this on a friends blog and decided to give it a shot. Hopefully it will give a little more insight into me...not only for those who read this, but for me also.

The 30 day blog challenge...

Day 1-recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself

Day 2- the meaning behing your blog name

Day 3- a picture of you and your friends

Day 4- a habit you wish you didn't have

Day 5- a picture of somewhere you've been to

Day 6- favorite super hero and why

Day 7- a picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you

Day 8- short term goals for this month and why

Day 9- something you're proud of in the past few days

Day 10- songs you listen to when you are happy, sad, bored, hyped, mad

Day 11- another picture of you and your friends

Day 12- how you found out about blogger and why you have one

Day 13- a letter to someone

Day 14- a picture of you and your family

Day 15- put your ipod on shuffle; first 10 songs that play

Day 16- another picture of yourself

Day 17- someone you would want to switch lives with for one day

Day 18- plans/dreams/goals you have

Day 19- nicknames you have and why you have them

Day 20- someone you love

Day 21- a picture of something that makes you happy

Day 22- what makes you different from everyone else

Day 23- something you crave for a lot

Day 24- your last five facebook status'

Day 25- what I would find in your bag/purse

Day 26- what do you think about your friends

Day 27- why are you doing this 30 day challenge

Day 28- a picture of you from last year and how you have changed since then

Day 29- in this past month, what have you learned

Day 30- your favorite song

2010...best year ever!

2010-12-29T08:45:00.001-08:00

2010 was a year where my life was turned upside down...in a good way. Life as I knew it completely changed, but it was the best change I could have ever imagined.

The change all started on April 9, when after nearly 4 years of dating Brian popped the question. Due to my shock and awe, he had to ask 3 times...but of course the answer was YES!

With all of the excitement still settling in, I found out that my dear friend Catherine was going to give us an early wedding present. Catherine and I have taught together at Sprucewood since 2008 and have become great friends. She knew Brian and I would struggle to survive being newlyweds and owning our first home. So she did the most selfless thing anyone could do. She offered to take my half time position and gave me her full time position! I will forever be grateful to Catherine for making our lives just a little bit easier.

We planned the big day for July 9, giving us only 3 months to plan a wedding. Doing what we do best, Brian and I decided to throw a little curve ball into the picture and purchase a house.

We bought our home in Draper. It is small, but perfect! It is actually in the boundaries of my school which makes commuting to work a piece of cake.

Only a week after getting engaged, we welcomed a new member to the Dahl family. Little Elin Jane was born April 16 and it only added to the fun and craziness of it all. She is the sweetest little girl and we love her very much.

The wedding day was absolutely perfect! After a mini thunderstorm about 2 hours before the wedding, the weather cleared up just long enough to have the wedding. As you can tell by the picture, that moment was the happiest moment of my life. I FINALLY married the love of my life and my best friend. I have never felt anything like it.

The wedding was small, but exactly how I wanted it. Everyone I loved was there (or there in spirit) and it honestly was the coolest experience. Many people told me I would regret not having a big, expensive wedding. But if you know me at all, you will know simple is the only way I would ever go. I am not the typical girl who had planned her wedding from the first time I saw a wedding dress. I started planning it about an hour after Brian proposed. But the picture I had in my mind was exactly the picture that was drawn that day.

We left the next day for a quick honeymoon get-away in Park City. With the wedding and buying a home, we were left with next to no money, so Park City was just the answer. I have to admit, I was VERY happy I didn't have to travel the day after the wedding. We were both exhausted. Hanging around the pool, going to the spa, shopping, and of course eating, was exactly what we needed to re-energize. Don't you worry though, we are planning a super fun vacation for our 1 year anniversary.

The last half of the year was not nearly as eventful as the first half. It has taken us 6 months to finally get a house (somewhat) put together. I am still working on it. Being a full time special ed teacher has definitely taken its toll on me, but I am still loving what I do. We survived our first Rivalry week living in the same house (believe me, we were nervous about it) Good thing it worked out for me this year

We celebrated our first Christmas as a married couple in our own home. It was very different than either of us were use too, but sweet none-the-less.

It is going to be really hard for 2011 to top 2010 for the Dahl family. But you never know what life is going to throw you.

Truffle Shuffle

2010-12-11T22:25:00.000-08:00

I got this idea from Kadee (Thanks!)

1) Go to your music library (Itunes, Ipod, whatever)

2) Put it in Shuffle Mode

3) Write down the first 20 songs that play

(This should be interesting considering I have only about 1/3 of my music put onto our new computer. But here goes nothing)

1- Ocean Avenue---Yellowcard

2- Tied Together With a Smile---Taylor Swift

3- Anticipating---Britney Spears

4- Illegal---Tim McGraw

5- My List---Toby Keith

6- More Than Words---Extreme (Classic)

7- Reason to Believe---Dashboard Confessional

8- DJ Got Us Falling in Love---Usher

9- Owe It All To You---Five Times August

10- Lessons Learned---Carrie Underwood

11- Popular (from Wicked)---Kristen Chenoweth

12- Don't Laugh at Me---Mark Wills

13- One Sweet Love---Sara Bareilles

14- One Fine Wire---Colbie Caillat

15- Find Yourself---Brad Paisley

16- Grow Old---Peter Breinholt

17- Beautiful Disaster---Jon Mclaughlin

18- Sing Me Home---Tim McGraw

19- Dust in the Wind---Kansas

20- You---Switchfoot

Quite the variety if you ask me. Brings back A LOT of memories

Another classic game

2010-11-28T11:24:00.001-08:00

It started out a little sour....

But man oh man did it end SWEET!!!

17-16

GO UTES!!!

The Rivalry

2010-11-25T17:46:00.000-08:00

This is my 27th experience with the Utah/BYU game. My earliest memory was when I was 4. It was 1988 and it snowed like crazy the night before the game. I happened to get sick that morning with the flu so my mom wouldn't let me go to the game. I remember being so mad at my mom and tried to prove to her I was not sick. But it did not work. I had to stay at Grandma's house while Utah demolished BYU 57-28 to break a 9-game losing streak to BYU. I haven't missed a game since then (either attending or watching on TV)

I don't remember every single game, but I can give a memory from every game since I was 9 years old. Since that would take forever, I decided to give my Top 5 Favorite and Least Favorite BYU games of all time. Let's start with the bad ones...

Top 5 Least Favorite

5. 1998--It was the first Rivalry Game at the new Rice-Eccles Stadium. With just a few seconds remaining, Utah had the chance to seal the victory with a 15-YARD FIELD GOAL. Yes, this was the game that produced "The Doink Heard 'Round the World" Ryan Kaneshiro nailed the goalpost and the ball fell to the ground. We lost 26-24.

4. 2000---This was Lavell Edwards last game as head coach of BYU. Utah was up 27-26 in the final minutes of the game. BYU had the ball and were driving. After a clear BYU fumble that was recovered by Utah, seen by everyone in the stands and watching on TV, but missed by the referee, BYU continued their drive and scored to clinch the win. I had to watch the players carry Lavell off the field on their shoulders. What's funny, another referee came out later and said he knew it was a fumble and Utah should have won the game, but he couldn't do anything about it. Utah lost 34-27.

3. 2007---Utah scored the first touchdown of the game to go up 10-9 with just over a minute to go. The defense held strong for 3 downs, to put BYU in a 4th and 18 situation. Well...Brice McCain fell down and Max Hall completed a pass to Austin. Collie to keep the drive going. After 2 more pass interference calls, Harvey Unga scored to put BYU up for good. We lost 17-10

2. 2009---Utah completed a 4th quarter comeback to force the game into overtime. After kicking a field goal, Utah went out on defense. Two Utah defenders ran into each other, allowing Max Hall to complete the pass to Andrew George and win the game. The fans rushed the field and put Max Hall on their shoulders. The D-bag had to become the most hated BYU player of all time after saying “I don’t like Utah. In fact, I hate them. I hate everything about them. I hate their program, their fans. I hate everything. I think the whole university and their fans and the organization is classless. They threw beer on my family and stuff last year and did a whole bunch of nasty things. I don’t respect them and they deserved to lose." Utah lost 26-23.

1. 2006---In one of the most back-and-forth games in recent history, I had my heart literally ripped out and stomped on. I am pretty sure part of it is still sitting on a bleacher over in the Muss section. John Beck threw a touchdown to Johnny Harline with no time remaining. Utah lost 33-31.

Now, let's get to the good stuff.

Top 5 Favorite Games of all Time

5. 2005. No one gave Utah a chance to win this game. We had lost Brian Johnson to a knee injury the game before, and Brett Ratliff had not started a college game. Both teams were struggling that year as they both had replaced head coaches. It was the first overtime game in the history of the rivalry. Brett Ratliff played the game of his life and completed a pass to Travis LaTondress in overtime to clinch the victory. It was the 4th victory in a row for Utah. My mom and I got in the car and drove around town blasting Utah Man from the radio and flying our flags proudly.

4. 1994--Utah had one of their best teams in the history of the program. They had been ranked in the Top 10 and BYU was ranked in the Top 25. Mike McCoy threw a 20-yard pass to Charlie Brown to put Utah up 34-31 with under a minute to go to seal the win. I remember sitting on the opposite side of the stadium and being so excited that I cried. Utah won 34-31...again :)

3. 2004--Utah was a perfect 10-0. Gameday came to Utah for the first time ever. After plays like Bo Nagahi's fumble recovery for a touchdown, Steve Savoy's 92 yard TD run, and Steve Fafita's final TD run, Utah had completed the perfect season and busted the BCS for the first time in history. Utah won 52-21

2. 2008--Most people will say this is their favorite game after 2 heartbreaks in a row to BYU, but one game takes the cake for me. Like I said, we had lost 2 TERRIBLE games in a row. We were 11-0 and BYU was 10-1. We were both ranked in the Top 15, but the game ended up being a blow out. After Max Hall's 5 interceptions and fumble (and apparently a few beers being tossed around in the stands towards his family) , Utah pulled away for the most lopsided victory since 2004. Paul Kruger's interception is one of my favorite memories, but there is one memory that I don't think anything will ever top, and that memory come next. Utah won 48-24.

And my favorite Utah/BYU game of all time.....

1993. I was 9 years old. Utah had not beat BYU in Provo for 22 years and Lavell Edwards had never lost to Utah at home. Our kicker, Chris Yergensen, had missed 2 field goals already, but Ron McBride sent him out with only a few seconds left to attempt a 55-yard field goal and hopefully break the 2 decade losing streak. I was sitting in my Grandpa's office with my eyes covered, barely peeking out between my fingers. (Yes Heidi, this is when and where it all started) He broke every BYU fans heart when he kicked it right down the middle as time expired. The players rushed the field and the fans jumped on the goalposts. Yergensen ran around the field, arms spread like an airplane. My cousin Andrew and I ran around my Grandma's basement the exact same way, but screaming and singing Utah Man. In my opinion, and many others, it was the game that changed the Rivalry forever. Utah won 34-31.

It's a little sad to think this is the last Saturday in November that will host a Utah/BYU game. I have known nothing but ending the season playing BYU. But I could not be more excited to start a new chapter of Utah Football by entering the PAC 12. Here's to another fantastic chapter of the Rivalry (which hopefully will end with a Utah blowout)

GO UTES!!!!!!!!!!

Farewell MWC

2010-11-18T20:48:00.000-08:00

As we all now by now, Utah is leaving for the PAC 12. Being in the WAC/MWC has definitely created hundreds of memories. With each game this year, I have thought of my favorite and least favorite games vs. all of our MWC foes. I thought I would bring up some good or bad memories for all those Ute fans out there.

Air Force

Favorite: 2003 Triple Overtime Win @ Air Force. Ben Moa completes the 2-point conversion in the 3rd overtime, then proceeds to do a toe touch right on the field

Least Favorite: 2007 Loss at Home. Lost Brent Casteel for the season due to a chop block and couldn't get into the endzone from the 1/2 yard line to win the game

Colorado State

Favorite: 2003. Arnold Parker returned a fumble 80 yards with about 1 minute left to win 28-21. The best part of this was I missed most of the game sitting in the Relief Society Conference. My mom and I left early because we couldn't stand not knowing what was going on, so as we got to the car and turned on the radio we were just in time to hear the fumble return happen. I have never attended another Relief Society Conference again.

Least Favorite: 2005. We were 1st and goal on the 1 yard line and COULD NOT GET IN THE ENDZONE!!!!

New Mexico

Favorite: One didn't really stick out, but I would have to say 2008 13-10 win. It was ugly, but it set up for the most amazing game I have ever witnessed.

Least Favorite: Almost every stinkin' time we play them. But to narrow it down, either 2003 when they came into Rice-Eccles and kicked our trash (Didn't lose again for almost 2 years). Or 2006 when we were up 24-3 and somehow found a way to lose 34-31.

San Diego State

Favorite: 2008. We dropped like 65 points on them and Deshawn Richards had back-to-back Pick 6's. Plus it was 90 degrees in November!

Least Favorite: 2005. Brian Johnson had like 400 yards of offense, but we couldn't score when we needed to. It was our 3rd loss in a row and broke our 10 game home winning streak

TCU

Favorite: Hands down 2008. In fact, this is probably my favorite Utah moment of all time. We were 9-0, they were 8-1. We were both ranked in the Top 12 and it was the first ever blackout. Down 10-6 with just about 3 minutes to go, Brian Johnson led the game winning drive, capped off by a touchdown pass to Freddie Brown with 47 seconds left in the game. I have never heard Rice Eccles that loud, and I have no idea how anything will ever top that night.

Least Favorite: 2010. Most disappointed I have ever been in Utah Football. But in a close 2nd is 2005. We had not lost in almost 2 years and we lost on a TERRIBLE missed call. Shocking...Man 2005 SUCKED!!!

UNLV

Favorite: 2004. It was literally raining buckets all night, but Stevie and I stuck it out to watch the Utes destroy UNLV. When the game starts off with a kickoff return for a TD by Morgan Scalley, you know only good things are to come.

Least Favorite: 2007. 27-0...enough said

Wyoming

Favorite: 2007. Joe Glenn promised a victory, and it pissed off Whitt. An onside kick, a friendly hand gesture, and the Muss pissing off the ushers by standing (or maybe pounding as hard as we could) on the bleachers made for a super fun afternoon. 50-0 final score

Least Favorite: 2006. My first trip to Laramie, and it will be my last. We lost 31-15, but worst of all I found Wyoming has the worst fans in the country, Laramie and Rawlings are the armpits of the earth, and "I hate FedEx Kinko's in Wyoming"

Yes I know, I left out BYU. But that history deserves its own post (which will come next week during Rivalry Week)

Moab

2010-09-14T19:15:00.000-07:00

One of my most favorite places to be is Moab. I love the small town feel, the unique restaurants, the little shops, but most of all the trails.

We have made multiple trips down south since we bought our Four Runner 2 years ago and I think it gets better every time. I think this time took the cake! Brian and Jason rented dirt bikes (as a test run before they buy them) so that meant that Marci and I got to drive the cars, which doesn't happen very often.

Windows down...sun roof open...music blaring...and just me and the trail is just what I needed after a rough couple of weeks back at school.

Here are a few pics from the trip

Overlooking Moab from the end of Hell's Revenge

Another pic from Hell's Revenge...one of my favorite trails

A view from 7 Mile Rim

Bri and I with Moab in the background

Getting all geared up to ride the bikes

Can't wait for the next trip!!!

Nothing to say but....

2010-09-01T17:15:00.001-07:00

Less than 24 hours and I will be in my sanctuary...Rice Eccles Stadium

LET'S GO UTAH!!!

Ole' Ole' Ole' Ole'...Real Salt Lake

2010-08-18T17:13:00.000-07:00

We decided to buy Real season tickets this summer. It has been a BLAST!!! Along with Andrew and Carrie, Rob and Lindsay, and Jason and Marci, we make quite the soccer clan.

Here we are enjoying our second row tickets! (If you can't see us, I am in the red with white shorts on the front row)

Picture courtesy of Real Salt Lake's Facebook Page

The big 30!

2010-08-07T08:25:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Brian!!!

Thank you for being all that I have ever wanted and more...

Here's to the next 30 being even better than the first!

I Love you

Nieces and Nephews...

2010-07-29T18:55:00.000-07:00

...truly are the best thing on the ever. You love them, they love you...but at the end of the day they go home to mom and dad.

My first and only nephew Anthony just turned 1 on June 6th and I love him more than anything

But getting married you instantly inherit more nieces and nephews that you can love and spoil

Our newest niece Elin Jane

Kayla

AJ

Alex

and Keagan

The best news of all is that we will be welcoming niece/nephew number 6 in March as Brian's sister Mary is expecting a baby!

Congrats Mary and Todd!!! We can't wait for another one

Mr, and Mrs Dahl

2010-07-19T08:56:00.000-07:00

It is not nearly as weird as calling him my "fiance"...

I definitely like calling him my HUSBAND much more.

Our first kiss as Mr. and Mrs. Dahl

WOW I love him :)

Last post as a single girl

2010-07-07T10:57:00.000-07:00

Over that past few weeks, I have had a chance to reflect back on my life. And WOW has it been great. Some people ask us why we waited so long to get married. Sometimes, I asked myself that question too. But looking back, I would not have done it any other way. I know Brian, I trust Brian, and I love Brian more than I could ever hope to. Every step I took in my life led me exactly to where I am now. It all was part of the great plan that was set out for me before I even came to earth. Here are a few highlights from that plan.

My Birth Day. June 22, 1984

Chicken Pox. A staple in every child's life. I only got about 10 over my body, but they were the size of golf balls. Obviously I was so sick that I needed an ice cream cone from Arctic Circle ;)

A Utah girl am I. I was this young when I started to realize that I didn't just like Utah because my mom and dad told me to, but that it really was EXACTLY where I wanted to be when I went to college. It slowly and surely became my passion and my love.

"I will be 'til I die"

My baptism day. I know I look crazy evil in the picture, but I really was a sweet little girl.

My first trip to the ocean.

My first formal dance.

Senior Pictures. Hillcrest High Graduate 2002...Husky for life!!!

Meeting Heather. Not only was she the one that introduced Brian and I, she has become one of my dearest, best friends in the entire world. Love you Nibbers!!!

It was the summer of '06. Brian and I met and I can't say it was Love at first sight, but we definitely jumped into things pretty quickly. Little did we know that this little summer fling we thought we were having would turn into all of this.

Trips and Football. Both something Brian and I have done A LOT of over the past 4 years. This was our 2nd trip together down to Pasadena to watch the Utes play UCLA in the Rose Bowl. He will kill me because I am showing everyone that Yes, at one point he did cheer for Utah (and wear their apparel) but he is a BYU fan. Luckily we have worked things out and we even were able to watch the Utah/BYU game together last year. Since then we have seen St. George, Las Vegas, Moab and Hawaii.

College graduation. This is something I am very proud of. I did it before I turned 23, and it was from the University I promised myself I would go to from a very young age.

So here we are, 4 years and 19 days later from the day we met. We have been through a lot, learned a lot, but most of all LOVED a lot. I couldn't be more grateful to be marrying a man who loves me for exactly who I am. He loves me unconditionally and patiently. He is exactly the man I needed in my life to make me be the best person I can possibly be. I love you Brian and can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you! Here's to my single life that was, and hopefully a married life I have always wanted.

One year older and wiser too

2010-06-24T11:40:00.000-07:00

Tuesday was my birthday and it was fantastic

Since everyone I know was working or at school, I decided it was time for a me day.

It started out with me making my own yummy strawberry and banana french toast

The traditional "Happy Birthday" phone calls from Grandma, mom, dad and my Aunt Julie (who shares my birthday with me)

Then a little shopping

Then one of my favorite sandwich shops for lunch

Off to a facial and pedicure

After working for just a few hours, it was dinner time with Brian.

(I love my family and friends, but I am overloaded with the attention being on me lately so it was a night just for me and him)

He gave me a SUPER cute red watch, for the Utah games of course :)

My favorite food of all, Cafe Rio Pork Salad

Then a Lime snowcone

And finally we went and saw "Sex and the City 2"

Brian was such a good sport sitting through the whole thing.

Overall, it was the perfect day. Like I said, nearly 3 months of being the center of attention really got to me, so a day spent by myself was exactly what I needed.

But only 2 more weeks...

12-PAC Here we come!!!

2010-06-16T11:58:00.000-07:00

I AM A UTAH MAN SIR AND I LIVE ACROSS THE GREEN

OUR GANG IT IS THE JOLLIEST THAT YOU HAVE EVER SEEN

OUR CO-EDS ARE THE FAIREST AND EACH ONE'S A SHINING STAR

OUR YELL YOU'LL HEAR IT RINGING THROUGH THE MOUNTAINS NEAR AND FAR

WHO AM I SIR

A UTAH MAN AM I

A UTAH MAN SIR

AND WILL BE 'TIL I DIE

WE'RE UP TO SNUFF, WE NEVER BLUFF

WE'RE GAME FOR ANY FUSS

NO OTHER GANG OF COLLEGE MEN

DARE MEET US IN THE MUSS

SO FILL YOUR LUNGS AND SING IT OUT

AND SHOUT IT TO THE SKY

WE'LL FIGHT FOR DEAR OLE CRIMSON

FOR A UTAH MAN AM I!!!

GO UTES!!!!!!!!

Realization

2010-06-15T12:48:00.000-07:00

Just about 3 weeks now

and I will be...

MRS. BRIAN DAHL!!!

So excited :)

FREEDOM

2010-06-03T09:44:00.000-07:00

School's Out For the Summer!!!

And yes...this is EXACTLY how I am feeling right now

Proposal

2010-05-05T17:14:00.000-07:00

It has only taken me almost a month, but here is how it all happened.

Brian and I had been taking about getting married for some time. I had left the decision completely up to him whether we got married, or moved on to bigger and better things. Brian being Brian, he had to analyze EVERYTHING, good and bad. It was Friday April 9th and I had to work, but Brian had the day off. When I was finally done around 3, he was really wanting to do something. So we picked up some lunch and he told me he had made a list of the Positives and Negatives of getting married. Shocking! So sitting in the drive thru at Wendy's I first saw "the List". There were 2 PAGES of concerns he had when it came to marriage, and roughly 12 reasons why it would be a good thing. I was super bummed because I realized he was farther away from getting married then I had ever imagined. We started discussing every concern he had while driving along Wasatch Blvd. I was so caught up in trying to convince him I wasn't going to turn crazy, our kids would have a choice whether they cheered for Utah or BYU, and many other reasons that are slightly more personal, that I didn't realize where we were.

He parked at the base of Brighton right by Silver Lake. We continued to discuss these concerns for about an hour. Brian started getting restless and didn't really want to keep talking, nothing out of the ordinary whatsoever. He got out of the car, played with Bella (who came along for the ride) and started acting really silly. I didn't really know what to do, so I just kept talking. Eventually he got back in the drivers seat and we finished our conversation. When we got to the end of the list, I asked if had any other concerns he should probably just bring them up right then. He said No, so I looked back at the "Good reasons". I noticed that out of the 12 reasons, 5 of them were "I Love You", so really he could only come up with 7. I was bummed, but surprisingly had not given up hope completely.

Just then I looked up at Brian, and he was sitting there in the drivers seat holding the ring. I was in shock! He asked "Will you marry me then?" I responded with "Are you serious?"...he then asked "Yes, will you be my wife?" and I said "Is this a joke?" and finally for a 3rd time he said "No, will you marry me?" and I finally said "Yes!"

After I had calmed down a little, he started telling me the List was all part of the plan. He had always wanted the proposal to be a surprise and it definetly worked. Silver Lake was where we had our first date, and it is a very memorable place for us. (Our first date story was one for the ages) He had wanted to take me to a specific place on the lake where on our first date, I freaked out because we were surrounded by moose. I wouldn't let him be a man and save us that night, instead I cried and made him call his dad to come save us. He told me sitting there almost 4 years earlier that he knew I was someone different and special, and that he could quite easily fall in love with me. It was perfect to go back to where it all started and now have even better memories of one of our favorite places ever.

I am so excited to marry Brian! I have known for quite sometime that I wanted to spend my life with him. He is loving, unselfish, funny, and dorky. He is so patient with me and all of my issues. He accepts me completely for who I am and supports me in everything I do. I love him more than I ever thought I could love anyone! July 9th could not come soon enough!!!

It's official

2010-04-13T14:36:00.001-07:00

It only took 3 years, 9 months and 10 days but....

WE ARE ENGAGED!!!

We are getting married July 9th and we could not be happier!!!

(Pictures of the real ring coming in a few weeks)

Take me out to the ball game...

2010-04-05T08:52:00.000-07:00

...take me out to the crowd

Buy me some peanuts (or nachos in my case)

and cracker jacks

I don't care if they ever get back

For its ROOT ROOT ROOT for the CARDINALS

if they don't win its a shame...

For its ONE TWO THREE strikes you're out

At the Old Ball Game!!!

Thank you Baseball for returning to my life!!!

Friends

2010-03-26T14:05:00.000-07:00

So you know those friends that you can not see for weeks or even months, but the second you are with them it feels like you saw them yesterday...the friends that you plan all your fun trips with...the friends you can spend all night talking to and never run out of things to say...the friends who make you laugh more then anything....and the friends who you know will be a part of your life for a very long time....

These are THOSE friends for us...

Congratulations Andrew and Carrie on your marriage! We are so happy for you two and can't wait for more adventures!!! Love you :)

St. George

2010-02-17T13:20:00.000-08:00

It had been a while since we had a vacation. I don't consider our trips to Moab or Football road trips vacations, so it had been a year since our trip. We decided to take a quick little road trip to St. George and stay at Brian's grandparents house. It was exactly what I needed. We had no set plans and it was wonderful.

We did get to go fishing for the first time this year. Quail Creek was absolutely beautiful Saturday morning. And my favorite part was I only had to wear a fleece jacket!!! Usually when we are fishing in February I am bundled up and miserable. But it was perfect!

The rest of Saturday was spent swimming, relaxing in the hot tub, taking naps, and playing boggle. Outside of a beach it was my ideal way to relax.

Sunday of course was Valentines Day. Brian and I have not been huge fans of Valentines Day. But since he had arranged the trip I thought I should get him a little something. So I got him some chocolates and Pinnochio. We have started collecting Disney movies for our kids one day so this was a perfect little present for him.

I truly didn't expect anything back, but I should have known better. Of course Brian had a dozen red roses for me! I was completely shocked but so happy he made the effort to have them for me Sunday morning.

That afternoon we spent 3 hours visiting my Grandparents. They don't get a chance to come up to Salt Lake very often anymore due to age, so we try and see them anytime we are down south. It was so great to be able to talk and catch up with them. My grandparents have made it possible for me to do so much in my life and I am grateful for them every single day. Brian and I learn so much from them every time we visit them. They are simply great!!!

Sunday night we went out to dinner at Outback Steakhouse. It was so YUMMY!!! I had not had a steak in a long time so it hit the spot. A little slice of cheesecake at the end was dreamy. Overall it was my favorite Valentines Day I have ever had. Thanks Babe I love you :)

Overall the weekend was awesome! I couldn't have asked for anything better. I can't wait to plan my next little getaway

UNBELIEVABLE!!!

2010-01-15T13:27:00.001-08:00

Last night I lay in my bed enjoying what I hoped to be a good game between the Jazz and the Cavs. With 5 minutes to go in the game, I was feeling pretty good. The Jazz were up by 12 and seemed to have all the momentum. Within just a few minutes, I witnessed why Lebron James is quite possibly the best player in the NBA. He alone put the Cavs ahead by 4 points with just under a minute to go. I fell into a slight depression. But for whatever reason-hope, faith, intuition- I kept the television on. Well we all know what happens next...

This is why you always watch until the clock reads

0:00. Thank you Sundiata Gaines for a

night I will never forget!!

GO JAZZ GO!!!

Let's Go Jazz

2010-01-07T12:23:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas to us!!! Jazz game sporting the green

GO JAZZ GO!!!

Unforgettable Christmas

2009-12-27T23:50:00.000-08:00

As many of you know, Brian and I have been together for 3 1/2 years. In that time, every Christmas and Birthday present he has ever given me has been thoughtful. But I think this year took the cake. We always wait to open each others presents until Christmas night. This year his family really wanted to be there to watch us open presents. They said they wanted to see my reaction. I didn't understand why, but I waited until 8:00 for all of them to get there. We opened each others little presents and they were all really fun. He gave me a keg of cream soda (because I LOVE cream soda), a box of Sham-Wow's because I have wanted them forever, a new purse and a really cute wallet. Then came the big presents, which I had two of this year. Let me preface this by reminding everyone that Brian is a HUGE BYU fan! Ok continuing on with the story...I opened up my first one and was shocked with what I saw!

Inside was a Baltimore Ravens jersey #99, which as many of you might know is Paul Kruger's NFL jersey. He was my favorite player while at the U, and I have continued to follow his career this year as a rookie. As I pulled it out of the box, I noticed something on the back. IT WAS AUTOGRAPHED BY PAUL HIMSELF!!! My jaw hit the ground as I looked around at Brian's family. All I could say was "How did you get this?" Brian smiled and didn't say anything, but just handed me a picture. Now I really was in awe! It was a picture of me, my friend Heidi, and Paul Kruger from after the BYU game last year. We rushed the field and happened to run into him so we snapped a picture. THE PICTURE WAS SIGNED ALSO!!! Brian went on to tell me how he pulled off this miracle.

Brian's dad and Mr. Kruger (Paul Sr.) work for the same company. They had a meeting and Bri's dad told him about Brian and I and how we finally took the risk and watched the Utah/BYU game together this year. He loved it! The rest was history!!! Brian bought the jersey, printed off a copy of the picture, and wrote a letter to Paul about me. He told Paul that I am the biggest Utah fan he has ever met and I loved Paul while he was here. (I called him the Greek God, but thankfully he did not add that in) He told him how I continue to follow his career and that it would mean more than anything if he could sign these two things for me. So Paul's awesome girlfriend took the jersey, picture and letter and flew out to Baltimore to see Paul last weekend. He signed the jersey and the picture and she brought it home.

By the time he was done telling the story I was in tears. I could not believe what Brian had done for me! But believe it or not, the story gets better because I still had ANOTHER present to open. I found myself in even more shock. As Utah fans know, Baby Krug (Dave Kruger) plays for the Utes now. He was amazing enough to take a Utah Football up to the team AND THEY AUTOGRAPHED IT FOR ME!!! Brian made sure he gave him a list of the players I would really want. There are no words to explain how ecstatic I was!!! I know I am not like most girls in the fact that other girls would cry over an engagement ring, or a diamond necklace...I cry over a football jersey and a autographed football. I was shown that Brian will go to any lengths to make me happy!

(You can see the picture signed in the top left corner)

Overall, I pretty much was floating on a cloud for the rest of the night. I thanked Brian's family, but I wish I could have thanked the Kruger family also. They truly made this Christmas one of the most unforgettable ones I think I will ever have.

Looking Back...

2009-12-20T21:41:00.000-08:00

Thank you Brynn for this idea!

1. What did you do in 2009 that you had never done before?

Got a 4.0!

2. What would you like in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?

Get a full-time teaching job and Travel!!!

3. My best memory of 2009.

The Sugar Bowl, finally getting my dream dog in Bella, becoming an Aunt to the cutest baby ever, Moab, and the trip to my cabin with my best friends.

4. What was your biggest achievement?

Surviving my first year of teaching WHILE going to school and getting a 4.0

5. What was your biggest failure?

I can truthfully say I did not fail at anything this year (that I can think of)

6. Did you or someone you know suffer any illness?

Yes, unfortunately both passed away: one in September and one just this last Sunday

7. What was your best purchase?

The 4-Runner!!!!

8. What behavior merited celebration this year?

The Utes amazing run at Championships! From the Sugar Bowl to Conference Championships in Mens/Womens Basketball, Volleyball and Baseball to a 2nd place finish in Gymnastics! It truly was the year of the Utes!

9. What behavior appalled or depressed you?

Two words: Max Hall...and most of our governments decisions.

10. Where did all your money go?

Car repairs, car payments and gas.

11. What was your favorite song for 2009?

Probably Taylor Swift "Love Story"

12. Who was your biggest influence of 2009?

Brian.

13. What was your favorite new TV show?

Honestly, didn't get into anything new. I still love Biggest Loser!

14. What was your favorite new book?

Angels and Demons

15. What was your favorite movie?

Ooooo I have a couple! Star Trek, 500 Days of Summer and The Blind Side

16. What is your favorite new fashion?

Headbands! I LOVE LOVE LOVE them!

17. What has kept you sane?

Brian, Good music and exercise

Do they really matter?

2009-11-06T16:45:00.000-08:00

Last week, while waiting for the Cleveland vs. Chicago game, I was talking to my friend Heidi. We were talking about the Jazz/Spurs game that was about to tip off. I was telling her how it could possibly be a big game for the Jazz due to their recent 4th quarter meltdowns. Her response was "It's early in the season, these games don't matter. I get into the NBA closer to the end of the season." I laughed to myself as this was not the first time I have heard someone say this. You hear it amongst family, friends, colleagues, and even the media. Not much hype is put on early season games in the NBA or MLB due to the extensive length of the seasons. A NBA team plays 82 games between late October and mid April, while a MLB teams season lasts a daunting 162 games spanning over 6 months and 3 seasons of the year. So the question came to my mind, are early season games important? My answer is Yes. And here is why.

How many times do you see the Wild Card race in baseball come down to the final day of the regular season, or like this year, a 163rd game? Ask the Detroit Tigers if they wish they would have won their season opening game this year against the Braves? They win that one, the 163rd game against Minnesota never happens and they are the ones partying in the playoffs. Ask the Utah Jazz if that November 9th loss to the New York Knicks last year meant something. They win that game, and they avoid playing the eventual World Champion Lakers in the first round. Now are you thinking differently?

Let's go even deeper. How often do you turn on a game (basketball, baseball, football, etc.) and you see the stands half full, people still filing in, and the front row "money" seats sitting empty? Almost every time right? The people who eventually come in 5 minutes after the game start think they haven't missed much. After all, isn't the end of the game the most exciting? The first few minutes of a 48 minute basketball game are insignificant in the big picture. But just think...if your team would have made one more shot in the early minutes of the game, overtime would have not been necessary. Add in those 3 missed free throws in the second quarter and that 1 point loss turns into a 2 point win.

So when you find yourself saying "Ah, this game doesn't matter because it's only November", jot that statement down somewhere and re-read it to yourself when your team misses out of the playoffs by 1 measly game. Or when you lose home court (or field) advantage throughout the playoffs because that winnable game in December ended in a loss. We expect the players on our team to come out every night and play their best, but yet we are not willing to give them our best effort as fans. If you are a fan, every quarter should matter, every half should matter, every game should matter. So before you go get mad at Boozer, Okur, D-Will, or whoever your favorite player (team) is for not showing up one night, ask yourself if you didn't show up one night also.

Girls will be girls

2009-10-22T14:05:00.000-07:00

The past few weekends have been dedicated to my favorite friends in the world! Once you get a boyfriend, you tend to lose touch with your girlfriends. Luckily, my boyfriend was friends with my girlfriends first so I am lucky enough to keep them in my life. Every once and a while though you need a little time to yourselves.

We were suppose to go to the Colorado State game, but last minute decided to save the money. We lucked out since it was 18 degrees and the freeways were shut down. So instead, we went to dinner, got a hotel, and watched TLC shows...oh ya and eavesdropped on the drunk people next door fighting.

Then last weekend was Heidi's birthday. Dinner at CPK, the most wonderful Red Velvet Cake, and presents made for awesome Thursday night.

The very next day we headed to Vegas for the football game. 2 years ago when Heidi and I went down, we witnessed one of the worst games Utah football has ever played. Luckily this trip turned out much better for everyone involved! A little In-and-Out Burger, cheering the Utes on to a win, and girls simply being girls made for a much needed weekend away from reality! Here's to the Single Ladies...One two three...or four? On the floor? Can't wait for the next girls weekend!

Who I am?

2009-09-28T19:44:00.000-07:00

I have been thinking the past few days of that very question....Who am I? What makes me the person I am today? What do I need to make me happy? Lately I have been trying to figure that out. How would I describe myself to someone who didn't know me? I had a hard time sleeping last night, and so I really thought of this question. So I figured the best way to figure it out was to write it down...

I am a Child of God...I believe strongly in family...I have come to realize how much I want a temple marriage...I am a Utah man sir and I will be 'til I die...No matter how hard I try, I still strongly dislike BYU... I have a PASSION for teaching...I love to learn...I REALLY need my alone time..Even though I need my alone time, I love when Brian is around...I cry at EVERYTHING...Even though I am not even close right now, I want to be a mother some day...I get a thrill out of finding things on sale...I can be extremely self-conscious...I don't always realize when I am in the wrong, and it gets me in trouble...I have to write things down...I really dislike talking on the phone...I am trustworthy...I am loving and caring...I will be loyal as long as you are loyal to me...I hate hurting people..I am happy...

This could go on for days, but even just sitting here I am getting some realizing more and more of who I am

A constant cycle

2009-08-31T20:44:00.000-07:00

Well its here... It inevitably comes no matter the state of the economy or the weather pattern. It's talked about on the news, the radio, blogs, around the water cooler, and yes...even in church on Sunday's. Some people say the only two things that are certain in life are Death and Taxes. In my world, there is one more certainty, and it could quite possibly be the best certainty of all. This certainty is College Football, and it is OH SO GOOD!

The cycle begins with emotions of excitement and uncertainty leading up to the season. Every fan has the highest expectations for their team, no matter the way the previous year ended. Some players have moved on to bigger and better things, and other players are stepping up to take their place. Newcoming players have their eye on the prize and feel like they rule the world. Coaches tell you that they are pleased with the progress their team has made throughout the spring and summer. After Week 1, 59 teams will be 1-0, and 59 will be 0-1 (1 lucky team will still be 0-0, who this is, I have no idea) So in all reality, half of the country will be celebrating and half will be mouring.

Within a few weeks, 30 (or so) groups of players, coaches and fans will still be living life on the high road. Yes there might have been a speed bump or two along the way, but the road is still paved for a successful season. The excitement and uncertainty of the pre-season is gone, and everyone has a pretty good idea of where their team sits. A different feeling of excitement is building as potential is now fairly clear. Some teams still might be on the way towards an Undefeated Season, some moving towards Conference Championships, and a handful are in the hunt for a National Championship. On the other end of the spectrum, 30 (or so) groups of players, coaches and fans are found asking themselves the question "What Happened?" or "What if?" or saying things like "If only..." and "Maybe next year".

Then there comes that fantastic week in November...Rivalry Week! Simply the best games of the year. A good season could become a great season by beating your rival. A bad season could have some of the bitterness put to rest because you won the "only game that really matters". But most of all, all of the questions will be answered. Who is on to the National Championship Game? Who is busting the BCS? And where will you be traveling for your Christmas break?

No matter the outcome, whether good or bad, the season inevitably comes to a close. Depression sets in as you deal with the dreary January and February weather. But there is that day in April when you get a glimpse of heaven, and the excitement again begins to build. Its a constant cycle that is as certain as the sun rising and setting every day.

So here's to the 2009 sunrise beginning tonight!!! I am ok with the uncertainty and excitement because the greatest day of the year has finally come...and you better believe I will be soaking it all up! See you all tonight at the best place on earth...Rice-Eccles Stadium!!!! A U-tah Man Am IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII GO UTES!!!!!

Leap of Faith

2009-08-25T19:07:00.000-07:00

Thinking back 3 years ago, I was starting back at the U for my final semester of college. I had just a few classes to take and I was so excited to be done. What was funny is I had no idea what I was going to do once December of 2006 came. I knew I would get a job, but I had no idea where to start. I went through the semester having the time of my life! I had just started dating Brian, I was serving on Lambda Delta Sigma's Interchapter Council, and living it up! Reality hit me that winter when January came and I had no school and no job.

Here I sit 3 years later a completely different person! If you would have told me then that in August 2009, you would be starting your second year as a Special Education teacher, I would have laughed in your face! I can not believe how much I have grown and learned in these past few years. Even looking back last year, I was a brand new teacher having NO IDEA what I was doing. Today as I walked around the halls of Sprucewood Elementary, I found myself excited for the new year. I know what to expect (to a point, being a teacher brings new experiences every day) and I feel like I kind of know what I am talking about. It is a great feeling!

I am so thankful for this windy road I have been down over the past 3 years. I have gone from a naive college graduate, to a fill-in aide, to a Literacy coordinator, to a potential Social Work Graduate Student and now a 2nd year Resource teacher. I have complete faith that you have to pick something and do it, and if it is not what you are suppose to be doing, something (or someone) will come and let you know. I can honestly tell you that all of those decisions were never "confirmed" to me that it was what I should be doing at the time. But I can tell you that every one of the choices I have made have lead me exactly to the point I am at right now.

So to all of those people who are in my shoes right now, hang in there! Everything will work out...don't wait around for someone or something to tell you it's right, just take the leap of faith and do it! You never know where it might take you and who knows, maybe 3 years from now you will be writing this exact same post on your blog. Happy Back-to-School time to everyone!!!

Utah Football...

2009-08-17T22:30:00.000-07:00

...Where Amazing Happens...

Let's...Go...Utah!!!!

Yes I know....

2009-08-03T21:45:00.000-07:00

He has to be one of the cutest babies on the planet...and he's my nephew!!!

I LOVE July!!!

2009-07-30T13:44:00.000-07:00

July could be one of my favorite months of the year! There is so much to do and celebrate and I find myself loving it more and more each year. This year my summer didn't start until July 2 due to teaching in a year-round school, but I was easily able to get right into the summer mood once school let out. Here is a run down of our fun July celebrations...

Late June--I never wrote a post on the trip to my cabin, and since it was the last weekend of June, I consider it July. We spent the weekend relaxing, playing games, eating, and of course Fishing! Andrew, Kerri, Heidi and Heather went with us and it was so much fun! My cabin is one of my most favorite places in the world. Here are some pictures of the trip...

(These pictures were so funny! Andrew brought a blow-up canoe and the first time they took it out it filled up with water...you see the results above)

July 4th- This was my first free Independence Day in about 5 years so I was excited to get to go to the Murray Parade again with the family. I spent the entire parade helping the little kids around me get candy (mainly teaching them how to be aggressive with the other kids around them), but because of it I did not get many pictures. But this was one of the coolest parts of the parade. These jeeps all climbed up on each other! I loved it!!!

We finished the night up with a BBQ with some friends and then fireworks!

Draper Days- Now 3 years ago if you would have told me I would be saying Draper Days is one of my favorite parts of summer, I would think you were crazy. In fact, the first time Brian and I met I told him he was crazy for not going on a road trip to Vegas to see Rascal Flatts because Draper Days was that weekend. But from dating Brian and being around it now 4 times, I absolutely love it! It is so much fun to hang around the park, listen to bands play, shop at the little stands, BBQ, and finish the night with AMAZING fireworks! I love Draper Days and consider it a highlight of the summer!

Bri and I enjoying the fireworks

July 24th-I am so glad that I live in Utah! We have so many reasons to celebrate our great country and to remember those who came before us. The 24th of July started out with the traditional Days of '47 Parade. I love it!!! My favorite part is seeing the member of the First Presidency leading the parade. I get tears in my eyes every time I see it is not President Hinckley, but I am still so happy to see who it will be. This year it was President Eyring! What an amazing man!

Later that night, Brian and I went on a triple date with Heather and McKay and Bri and Mike to the Bees game, or what was suppose to be a Bees game. The other team got sick and couldn't travel, so there was a homerun derby and a exhibition game instead. Luckily there were fireworks at the end

The next night, some of our best friends Andrew and Kerri invited us to another Bees game. It ended up being much more enjoyable! They took us to Andrew's cabin for a BBQ and brownies and then we headed to the Bees game. Andrew had SWEET tickets behind home plate. Unfortunately the Bees lost, but the fireworks made up for it! Thanks Andrew and Kerri for an AWESOME night!!!

Overall, summer has been FANTASTIC! With my obsession over College Football, I usually can not wait until Fall. But this year, I am hoping summer lasts extra long! I can't wait for a few more camping trips, BBQ's, and those fantastic summer nights!

Birthday #25

2009-06-23T13:42:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was my birthday weekend and it was absolutely fabulous!!! It started Saturday with a triple date with Brian's brother and wife, and their friend Jeff and his date Shannon. We went to dinner at Gecko's, which is a really yummy Mexican restaurant. Then we headed over to Mulligan's to hit a bucket of balls. I am not really good at it but its something I will definately do more of this summer. We finished the night off with some good ole' Arctic Circle milk shakes and sitting around the fire in Brian's backyard. It was a perfect date night!

Sunday was jam packed! It started with me having to speak in church. I don't really have a fear of public speaking so it was not too bad. We then headed up to my Grandma's for my family birthday dinner! Every year my Grandma makes our choice of dinner. With my love of BBQ's we had hamburgers, hot dogs, salad's, jello, scones and my all time favorite treat, Grandma's Chocolate Chip Cookies! After hanging out with my family for a few hours, we headed to Brian's family Father's Day BBQ. We had steak kabobs, salad and more jello! It was a fantastic day just to be with family.

Monday was my birthday! I'm 25! I am not very happy about getting older, but 2 positives come from this. 1) My car insurance was cut in HALF and 2) I can now successfully rent a car on my own. Yep thats the only good things that come from being 25. But the day was perfect!

I took work off so I was able to hit the gym early in the morning. Brian came to pick me up and brought me the cutest bouquet of daisies, carnations, and roses. I was already satisfied because I always complain he never buys me flowers and this time he came through.

Next we headed off to get my present. He surprised me by taking me to get a MOUNTAIN BIKE! I have wanted one forever but just have not been able to afford it. I was so excited! After almost 2 hours at the store, I finally decided on one!

After that, we picked up some lunch and went to see The Proposal. If you have not seen it yet, I highly recommend it. It is funny, cute, and overall a fun movie. Next we were off to the mall to shop for some new clothes. It wasn't very successful but I did come out with a new pair of jeans. Always a plus!

Then we went to dinner at Cafe Rio with my closest friends. Last Heather had us over for strawberry cake and presents! (More pictures might be coming soon)It really was the best day I could ask for!

I have had some real soul searching the past few days as I approached big 25! I have learned so much in my short life, especially the past 3 years while I have been dating Brian. I look back to my birthday right as we met (we met the day after I turned 22) and I can not believe how far I have come. I have come to realize what really is important in life. I am so grateful for my family and friends and the happiness they bring into my life. And most of all, I am grateful for Brian and for everything he has taught me.

Thanks everyone for all the birthday wishes and for making my birthday great!

I'm an AUNT!!!

2009-06-09T14:19:00.000-07:00

It finally happened! Something I have been waiting for since I was 8 years old and I realized that some of my friends already were one. I am an aunt!

Anthony Adam Castleton was born Saturday June 6 at 2:52 am.

He weighed 9 lbs. 3 oz. and was 21 1/2 inches long.

You see all of the tubes because there were some complications during labor and the little guy came out in respiratory failure. He spent the first few hours of his life hooked up to a breathing tube.

He went on to spend the first 3 days in the NICU. But I am happy to say he is out of intensive care and up in the room with my Sister-in-Law. Both Anthony and mom will be going home tomorrow.

It is truly incredible how you can love something the INSTANT you see it. I have never felt anything like it, and it is only my nephew. I can only imagine what it feels like to be a mother. After the experience this weekend, I will admit I am absolutely terrified to have children, but I am sure it will happen one day. It has to be one of the most self-less acts a woman can do.

Congratulations to my brother Adam and his wife Danielle! Thank you for bringing my little Tank (yes I already nicknamed him) into my life. Love you both!!!

Wants vs. Needs

2009-05-15T12:25:00.000-07:00

So I got this idea from Kate's blog and I thought it was an interesting idea. What do we NEED and what do we WANT? So here are the things I NEED...

Family

I don't know how many times my family has bailed me out in my life. I love my family and wouldn't change them for anything

Brian

He has always told me that I should be able to live my life without him, because you never know what will happen. But I can honestly say that I need him in my life. He keeps me centered on what I should be centered on and continually is patient with my imperfections, which I have come to find that I have a lot of. I am grateful for him every day of my life and I love him more every day.

Sports

It's simple, I could not live without them.

Music

I love all of my 5 senses, but I think that I enjoy my ability to hear the most (with seeing a close second) I absolutely love music. There is nothing in the world that can calm me down better than music. It is one of my favorite things in the world

Water with Ice

A couple months ago I gave up Diet Coke. But since then, I have come to LOVE water! I carry my Nalgene with me everywhere I go. There is nothing better than cold water with crushed up ice. Yummy!!!

Being prepared

I HAVE to be prepared for everything. Whether its lesson plans at school, finishing an assignment for school, going to the store with a list, packing to go somewhere, I absolute obsess over having everything I need. I go through a mental check list everytime I leave my house and then once again getting out of the car. It might be border line OCD.

Faith and my knowledge of the Gospel

In times like these, I don't know how people can survive without faith and the knowledge of why we are living here on earth. We are living in scary times, but I am eternally grateful for my knowledge of what is going to come.

Exercise

This is something that I really don't love doing. It hurts, I sweat, and for the first hour or so after I am done I never feel good. But recently I have come to the knowledge I have no choice but to do it. It is necessary for me to live a healthy life.

And here is a quick list of my wants...

1. A trip anywhere! Preferably Disneyland, New York, or a tropical location.

2. A bodybugg. Its this way cool armband that tracks your calories in/calories out.

3. To go to my cabin

4. My nephew!!! Down to a couple of weeks

5. Answers...its a little personal, but the best I can give on my blog.

6. New running shoes

7. A bike

8. A house of my own

Everyone take some time to do this, it really makes you think.

Say hello...

2009-04-15T13:50:00.001-07:00

....to the Newest Love of my Life!!!
BELLA

Getting excited

2009-03-11T12:08:00.001-07:00

So I had to make a new post for the first time in a while because I am finally super excited about something. My tickets for David Archuleta came in the mail today!!!! I am fully aware that I am going to be sharing the arena with thousands of teeny boppers screaming like raging lunatics but I DON'T CARE!!!! I love his music and I think his CD is awesome! I don't think Brian is nearly as excited as I am to be tagging along, but I am sure he will find a way for me to make it up to him.

With that, it is my second favorite time of the year... MARCH MADNESS!!! I am so excited this year for 2 reasons. One, the Utes will be making a trip to the tourny for the first time in 4 years!!! It always makes it more fun when your team is there. Reason number 2, I am only working part time, so that means I will be home during the day to enjoy almost all of the first and second round games (which are the most entertaining anyway)

If anyone wants to join in on the bracket fun, I am going to be making a group on Yahoo to compete against others and their brackets. Just leave your email in the comment box and I will be sure to invite you along.

Random

2009-01-28T19:20:00.000-08:00

1.First of all, I have a very specific routine to get ready for bed. I HAVE HAVE HAVE to wash my face and can have no make up on when I go to bed. It drives me crazy and there is no way I can sleep. Plus nothing feels better than to wash everything off to go to sleep. I then floss my teeth (yes every night) and brush my teeth. For all those dentists that say if you brush your teeth you will get no cavities I say "BULL!!!" I brush 3 times a day, floss every night, limit the sugar I eat, and I still get more cavities then anyone I know. In the past year, I have had over 15 cavities! Its ridiculous! But now that I am on Prescription toothpaste, hopefully I am on my way to a cavity free mouth.

2. I am very unorganized and spacey. It shows in almost every aspect of my life. Teaching, school, my room, my car. It's horrible! No matter how much I try, I can never come up with a system that works for me. It might work for a few days, and then before I know it, everything is a mess again. As far as being spacey, I forget everything! It has got so bad that I have multiple resources to try and help me remember things. A planner for school, a little notebook to write down random things (that was a present for Brian as he was annoyed by this trait also) and now a Blackberry. This seems to be doing the trick for the time. I love it!

3. With all of my disorganization, I HAVE to pay my bills on time. I panic if I realize I am getting close to the due date. I almost always pay days, if not weeks in advance just to be sure. It is a trait I picked up from my mother as I don't think she has ever paid a bill late in her life. I feel as though it is a good quality as my credit score is extremely high, enough that I can get approved for almost anything I want.

4. I have a problem keeping my body parts from moving, especially my feet. Most of the time I don't notice I do it, only when I am around Brian because it drives him crazy. I have come to realize it happens when my brain is thinking. The harder I think, the faster my feet move. It is insane. Its almost like my brain waves are directly connected to my feet.

5. I sometimes feel that I have OCD on certain things. 1) I have to know my car is locked. I will push the lock button 3 or 4 times as I walk away from my car just to double check I locked it. Along with that, I check multiple times that I did not lock my keys in the car. Even though I know I push the button to lock it, I freak out that they are inside. Its really weird. 2) When I go anywhere or leave anywhere, I always have to make sure certain things are in my purse. I call them "the necessities" They are my wallet, my phone, my keys, my camera, and chapstick. The first 4 I consider irreplaceable, and the chapstick is just neccessary. There is nothing worse then getting somewhere and needing chapstick and you don't have it. I would almost rather die.

6. I LOVE listening to talk radio, especially sports radio. This is a fairly recent trend, especially the past few months. In the mornings its either Jon and Hans on 1280 The Zone or DJ and PK on 1320 KFAN. I base whether I am late for work or not by where DJ and PK are in their show. It I am not off the freeway by the time they do Birthdays and This Day in Sports History I am going to be late. But I love waking up to the morning sports page. Its like I never have to pick up a newspaper, even though I do later in the day.Then in the afternoons, its Powerhouse on 1320 and Monson and Graham on 1280. Each show has their own style and I love listening to it. At 4 while I am driving to job #2 or school, its David Locke and his obsession with stats. What can I say, I am obsessed!

Ok give it a shot, it kind of reminds you of how weird you can be in your life. I tag Heidi, Tracy Lori and Amy

Continued...

2009-01-26T14:03:00.000-08:00

Back to the story....So Brian had mentioned to a few close friends and family that he thought I was pretty cool, but he was going to wait to ask me out until after our trip so just in case something happened, it would not be awkward. It had been a week since the party so he felt he had thought it out enough and it was the right decision. Well the night he decided that, he got a phone call from Heather wanting to know if he wanted to watch a movie with her, Josh (an interest of Heathers) and me. Since he had told Heather his plan about me, he figured she was hooking him up! Why else would she call him to make the numbers even? So he was totally down and met us at Heathers house.

Meanwhile, we had been wake boarding ALL DAY and I had not showered, no make up, and I was wearing sweats. But I figured, I am just going to watch a movie so why worry about getting all done up, especially since it was late at night. Plus, I had absoutely no interest in any boy at the time so why did I need to look good? So we got to Heathers and she wanted to watch "The Work and the Glory 3" (or 2 I have no idea which one it was) Neither Brian or I had seen any of them or read the books so we would be pretty lost. I laid in the Lovesac and Heather and Josh sat together on the couch. Well Brian had no idea what to do. Does he look like a 3rd wheel and sit on the couch with the couple, or take a chance and share the Lovesac with a girl he barely knows? As you can probably guess, he chose number 2. We innocently flirted for about 10 minutes, and before I knew it, he had reached over and was holding my hand!!! I couldn't believe it! I barely knew this kid. But I stuck with my gut feeling and went along with it. I mean why not?

Soon the movie was over and Josh headed home. Heather, Brian and I continued to talk and soon after that, Heather had gone to her room to go to sleep. Without any hesitation, Brian and I talked and cuddled well into the night, 6 am in fact. Everything about the night was so unlike me. 1) I never am able to stay up late 2) Holding hands for me is a big step 3) My parents ALWAYS called by 2 am if I was not home 4) I looked like crap yet this boy was still acting interested. So I was completely taken back how everything was working out. But me being cautious, I tried not to think too much of it. I left at 6 am and went home to sleep for a few hours. Even after all of that, we still had not exchanged numbers so who knew what would come next.

Later that night, I went to a friends wedding with my good friend Stevie. She was the first person I told about my late night escapades. She also could not believe all of this was happening. After the wedding, we hung out with some friends. I got a phone call from Heather and she just happened to be hanging out with Brian again that night and wanted to know what we were doing. So the 2 of them came over and we played games and watched a movie. Going with my gut again, I laid by Brian and we cuddled. We left that night, once again not exchanging numbers or knowing what would come next.

The next day was Sunday and I spent it like I usually did. Going to church, hanging out with family, and then relaxing at home. I went to my room and checked my cell phone and there was a missed call from an unknown number. In my gut, I knew it was Brian. So I bravely called it back, only to hear his voice on the other end. We talked for a few minutes and he invited me over to hang out with his family. Of course I headed over there, with a new outlook on this whole dating drama. Maybe not worrying about anything and just going with the flow of things is the way to go.

We spent the night long boarding, hanging out around a campfire with his family, and just talking. I went home that night feeling pretty good about the whole situation. The next day I never heard from him, but still I was pretty chill. No worries! It was not until the next day, July 4, that I saw him again. A big group of friends were going to watch fireworks at Sugarhouse so I met up with Heather at her house only to find Brian was there too. We went to dinner, hung out in the park and played games, and then enjoyed the fireworks. That night when we got back to Heathers, he walked me to my car and asked me out on our "official" first date. He would pick me up the next night and suprise me with what we were going to do.

The first date story deserves a post all to itself, so that will come later this week!

She's coming home!!!

2009-01-22T19:03:00.000-08:00

Heather Nibley, one of my best friends in the entire world is coming home from her mission in the morning!!! I am so excited to see her again. She left in August of 2007 and has been serving in Vancouver, Canada. It has been a crazy year and a half and at times it has flown by, but at times I have really missed her, like when I missed her phone call home both Christmas 2007 and Mothers Day 2008. But talking to her this past Christmas I was instantly reminded of how much I love her and how excited I am to see her.

For those of you who don't know, Heather is the one who introduced Brian and I, so she is a special person in our lives. Our story is one that when I look back on it, I really believe we were meant to be together. So in honor of Heather, I decided to share the story of Brian and I's beginning.

Heather and I started to be friends in the Spring of 2006 when I was called to serve on IC up in the LDS sororities. She had been serving on it the year before so she was my go-to-girl when I didn't know exactly how to feel about the calling. From our little talks in the Institute we became good friends.

In May, she planned a trip down to Vegas to see Rascal Flatts in concert. Anyone who knows Heather, she is all about mixing and matching social groups so everyone becomes friends. So it ended up being a completely random group of people (mainly just those who loved Rascal) that went. It was her, me, Erin Wiley, Dave Leavitt, Josh Checketts, and you guessed it Brian. I knew everyone but Brian but Heather reassured me that he was really cool, super chill, and we would totally get along great. So I jumped on board and was totally excited.

About 3 weeks before the trip, Heather and I decided to have a joint birthday party since our birthdays are a week apart and we both were turning 22. The night before our big party she invited me to hang out with some of her friends and go to Desert Star Playhouse. So my good friend Lettie and I tagged along, even though we weren't really friends with her friends. When we got there, we saw the group and I recognized everyone but 1 guy. He was giving a shoulder rub to Heather's friend Brooke. Heather quickly made sure we were introduced and his name was Brian. I instantly knew that he was the Brian that was going on our trip.

We sat by him during the play and anyone who knows me really well knows I tend to be sarcastic and outgoing. Well nothing changed and Brian had that exact same opinion of me, adding to it blunt and maybe slightly "bit***y" (if you catch my drift). But I stuck in his mind and that is where the party comes in.

The next night, Heather and I were together preparing for the party at her house when Brian showed up early to help (since him and Heather were best friends). So while we were cutting up fruit, setting the table, and decorating, we bantered back and forth with each other, each trying to top the other. Brian even made the comment while I was struggling to blow up a blow-up palm tree "I bet you have to come up for air when you make out". I was blown away, but couldn't help but laugh at the witty comment. From first look, you would think we hated each other.

But as the night went on, those little moments stuck in Brian's head. Later in the night, he was sitting on her porch with Heather's sister Sara and noticing I was out out in the drive way with a group of guys. Sara got up and left and I looked over and noticed he was sitting alone, so me being the nice person I am, I left the guys and went to sit with Brian because I knew he did not know many people at the party. He was absolutely shocked I would leave those guys to come sit with him, so I must be interested in him. He took that thought and kept it in his head for the rest of the week.

A few days later, I was going about my life as usual, not thinking of anyone in particular. Meanwhile, Brian had mentioned to Heather that he thought I was pretty cool and wanted to hang out more. He also mentioned to his grandparents that there was a certain girl he was thinking of asking out, but he was going on a trip with her and thought that might be awkward if things did not work out. Little did he know, things were going to speed up more than even he expected...

Since this is starting to get pretty long, I will write another post with the next part of the story in a few days.

Being prepared

2009-01-18T22:51:00.000-08:00

oooook...so I am going to vent for just a minute. I am more than slightly annoyed and sick of listening about Barak Obama. I am sick of signing on to MSN and seeing articles like "How is Barak going to move his stuff into the white house" or "Obama's last 5 meals...eat like the President Elect!" Sick Sick Sick!!! He is technically not even President yet and I am already done with him, well actually I was done with him months ago. It is going to be a long 4 years (yes I am hoping beyond everything I can hope on he is only in for 4 years) I won't lie, I am pretty scared of what what this country is going to turn into. I am glad Brian and I have decided to prepare for the worst, because when it comes down to it, you can only look out for you and your family in the end.

Anyway now to my real reason for writing. The speakers in church today talked about being Spiritually and Temporally prepared for a disaster. How many of those talks have we all heard in the past few years? My testimony is stronger than ever on following the counsel of the prophets and apostles. They have been telling us for years to get your food storage together, prepare 72 hour kits, and my biggest goal, get out of debt. Yes I believe that physical disasters are yet to come in our state and country, but more than that I have been blind sided by the economic disaster that our country is going through. Could you imagine if the country had followed the counsel of the prophets and got out of debt? I believe these problems would not be happening. But our society has become OBSESSED with greed, money and temporal objects. Brian and I have made a sincere effort to have no debt before we get married. I can not tell you how fantastic it feels to have next to ZERO bills!!! My wish for everyone is to strive to do the same thing. It opens up so many possibilities and freedom. It is so worth it to give up those little luxuries we all think we deserve or need. Brian and I have found out that there is so much we can do without spending money. Along with having a bigger number in our savings account, our relationship has become stronger from spending quality time together. It has only been a few weeks, but we have already started to see results that make it easier and easier to keep it up.

So here we are just 2 days away from "Change", but I strongly feel it will not be the change that is being talked about. So as our beloved apostles have told us for years, Get out of debt and Be Prepared!

So proud

2009-01-05T13:36:00.000-08:00

WHAT A STUD!

A little more than a month ago, I posted my "I told you so" post and I mentioned that at the time, I did not know where the Utes were going to play, who they would play, or if they would win. I had my suspicions that we would be playing Alabama in the Sugar Bowl but one can never know what will happen in the world of college football. I also had the slim slice of hope that we would be going to the Fiesta Bowl simply so I would be able to go. But my suspicions were right and we ended up in the Sugar Bowl as everyone who does not live under a rock now knows.

Well I can honestly tell you once again "I told you so". With my love of sports, I spend many an hour on Rivals.com (which I love way more than the incredibly biased ESPN) reading and literally scouting out other teams. I spend every waking moment (no exaggeration) on Saturday's watching, listening or keeping up with what is going on in the world of college football. Saturday night and Sunday morning, I re-watch the Utes game from the night before, obviously this year for enjoyment, but honestly to learn more about the game. Some say its ridiculous, I say its something I love so why not do what I enjoy. While others listen to the radio or their I-pod's, I am listening to talk radio (1280 The Zone and 1320 KFAN) listening to others opinions and obviously forming my own.

With all of this, I said to multiple people that WHEN (not if) Utah goes to the BCS, I would want to face Alabama. Not saying I don't think that the Utes could not hold their own against other teams, I just felt that our best chance to make a statement would be to play the Tide. I would call them a 1 1/2 dimension team. They run the football first and foremost, and if needed, JPW could throw a quick pass to Julio Jones for a first down. JPW was a mediocre quarterback with a big name school on his jersey, so therefore that made him a good quarterback. By the way, does anyone else think he might hair spray his hair before putting on his helmet??? What a priss! But when you have one WR have just over 900 yards of recieving for the year, with your next closest WR with only 324 yards, you don't pass the ball very often. All we had to do was stuff 8-9 guys in the box, put Sean Smith and Brice McCain on the WR's and we would be fine.

I believed from day one that we would win. I know everyone says that, but I honestly would have placed a lot of money on that game if I was a gambler. In fact, about 30 minutes before the game I said that if we really wanted to throw them off, come out with a no huddle offense. I would not be suprised if we put up 21 points in the first quarter. Well as we all know, that is EXACTLY what happened. I don't care what anyone says about Andy Ludwig, he was an absoulte genius Friday night. His game plan, and complete trust in Brian Johnson, single handedly put Alamaba on their back sides. Along with Gary Anderson and Sitake's defensive game plan, they could not do anything. **Another side note, whoever thinks we are screwed next year with Anderson leaving, you are sadly mistaken. Sitake's style was very much apparent in that game and we will be just fine, if not more dominant next year. And good luck Ludwig at Kansas State, you gave us some strokes the past few years, but when it comes down to it we are 13-0! Thank you for getting helping us get there **

But this post was not to boast, but from the title to express how absolutely proud of the Utah football team I am. I have never seen a group of individuals overcome disrespect as humbly as that team did. No one gave them a chance to win, some said it would be close, but I would love to know how many so called "experts" picked Utah on their Bowl Pick'em contests. I know only 8% of fans in this country did. And no matter what some fans say, I know there were Utah fans out there who did not think it could happen. From listening to post-game shows, I found out that many of the players could no longer hold in the emotion, frustration, pain and anger from constant disrespect for a month and broke down in the locker room crying. What an incredible sight that would have been to see a group of men finally know they had reached the absolute highest potential they could and prove to an entire country that they were wrong. I would have paid money to witness that scene. The game was fantastic, but to me, that was the most incredible moment of the night.

So Congratuations Utes! You did it! You made a school, a state, a conference, and thousands of fans proud to be a Utah man. Thank you for so many incredible memories and for competing and reaching your potential. After 24 seasons of being a season ticket holder, I can honestly say, this one will be hard to top. But I will be there next year cheering you on as you embark on another incredible season. GO UTES!

Butterflies

2008-12-13T00:40:00.000-08:00

Brian and I have been dating now for 2 1/2 years. With that comes being extremely comfortable with each other, and extremely comfortable with routine. We have got use to doing the same thing night after night, weekend after weekend. Lately I got to thinking that everything seemed very routine, including my feelings for him. I found myself having to rack my brain to remember the last time I felt the so called "butterflies" when I was with him. It was nothing I was worried about, but something I figured comes with being together for so long. But that raised another question in my mind...Why do the butterflies have to go away?

Nothing is better than your first few dates with a new person. You are ner-vited (nervous and excited) waiting for him to pick you up for the first date. You wonder "when will he hold my hand"? Your belly flips during your first kiss and you can't wait to call your best friend to tell her the good news. All of these different feelings make us crave the butterflies when they are not there. But why when we have the opportunity to have them everyday do they seem to fade away? It is not that you don't have feelings for the person, but I think its more of a routine each and every day. You see each other and hug or kiss hello. You hold hands in the car, in the store, or watching a movie. You cuddle and talk about everything. And then you hug and kiss goodnight. Your emotions stay even, neutral, and routine...just like your every day life.

As I thought about this the past week, I was reminded of something President Hinckley once said. When asked why his marriage survived for all those years, the advice he gave was to continually court your mate like you did before you were married. Go out on dates, surprise her with gifts, flowers, or her favorite meal. We are given this advice, but with the comfort of relationships, we seem to let those courting rituals fade away, along with the butterflies. Well after tonight, I am a believer of President Hinckley's advice. Brian and I decided after 4 months of staying home on the weekends, ordering pizza, Cafe Rio, or Chinese, and watching football...it was time to get out. Yes you guessed it, we went out on a date!

We spent the first part of the night at Zoo-lights. Walking around, I seemed to notice we were not the only ones there on a date. Couple after couple passed by, some holding hands, some grinning from ear to ear, some obviously ner-vited to be with a possible future mate. I laughed inside wondering if Brian and I ever looked like that. After, we went to Market Street Grill for a nice, sit down dinner. We literally could not remember the last time we went out to a sit down dinner alone. We enjoyed an AMAZING steak dinner and an even more amazing conversation. I again looked around and saw dozens of couples out doing the same thing. Some out for the first time, and some obviously out for the 1000 time. But for the first time in a long time, it felt like WE were dating. Driving home, I couldn't help but smile because something had come back, almost like brand new. Yep, the butterflies. Just like the first date, roughly 880 days later, I was twitterpated with the man that sat next to me in the car. We ended the night watching "The Holiday Inn" (one of Brian's favorite Christmas movies) and munching on the perfect piece of our to-go chocolate cake. A quick little dance in the street (yes Brian can dance), and a kiss goodnight, and our date night was over.

So now I sit here, hours after saying goodnight, and I am still smiling. I guess, once again, Pres. Hinckley is right. I am a true believer that marriage or relationships in general, should never become routine. They are the most rewarding part of our lives here on earth, and we should treat them just like that. Here I am, about to celebrate my 3rd Christmas with Brian, and I am rejuvenated with excitement. I can't wait to see him again tomorrow, can't wait to kiss him hello, give him a hug, and hold his hand as we walk down the street. The butterflies are back, and I hope this time, we find a way to let them stick around for a long time to come. Love you babe!!!

I told you so...believe me

2008-12-01T19:24:00.000-08:00

So just a short 3 months ago, I posted my feelings about summer being over, and how excited I was for Fall because of Football. I can not believe how fast the time went!!! Just about 13 weeks later, here I sit writing a new post about the INCREDIBLE season the Utes had. I will admit, I believed it could happen. My cousin Andrew and I spent weeks leading up to the season talking about how it would be to go into the BYU game undefeated. We both felt if we went into the Big House and beat Michigan that this season could be special. Well, we did that and the magic began. Everyone will remember this season as one with one too many heart-stopping games, amazing comebacks, or blowing out BYU to go undefeated. But in all honestly, I will remember the season with the simple saying "I told you so".

It all started with how perfect our schedule was. Opening the season at one of the most storied stadiums, against one of the most successful college football programs in history. Continuing on to home games against Oregon State, TCU, and BYU. And simply having to survive those "should win but could lose" road games at Wyoming, New Mexico and Air Force.

Next, we FINALLY had a healthy team. Getting starters like Brian Johnson, Brent Casteel, and Matt Asiata back were huge! Adding to that, Bradon Godfrey, Freddie Brown and Darrell Mack as solid contributors. Add in David Reed, John Peel, Eddie Wide, and Corbin Louks and we have an offense that will be hard to stop. With defenders like Sean Smith, Paul Kruger, Brice McCain, Robert Johnson, Joe Dale, Koa Misi (the list goes on and on) we were set to have another dominating year. If you look at it that way, who would bet against us? Well, the nation did.

ESPN gave us no respect. All we heard about early on was BYU and their Quest, Fresno State, East Carolina, and Boise State. Utah was mentioned as a side note only because of the win at Michigan. Throughout the season, we were still overshadowed. One by one, the so called "busters" fell. Starting with Fresno St., East Carolina, and BYU. Even after all of that, with Utah the highest ranked Non-BCS team in the first BCS standings, Boise State was the one to beat. Even teams like TCU, Tulsa and Ball State received more attention nation wide. But quietly Utah kept winning, and quietly they kept climbing. We shut those so called "experts" up by beating Oregon State and TCU when everyone bet against us. We quietly beat up on Wyoming, Colorado State, San Diego State, and the surprise of the year Weber State. It all built up to THE game. BYU...

Throughout the week, we had those who believed, and those who didn't. Still the experts like Lee Corso picked BYU. "No one can stop their offensive machine". "The underrated defense will step up and create turnovers" That's all we heard. Max Hall for Heisman!!! He will be the game changer. BYU will bust Utah's BCS bubble. All of those critics were proven wrong in so many ways! Well, Utah stopped their offensive machine. The underrated defense did not step up and create turnovers, yet kept the middle of the field open all day for Johnson-Brown. Max Hall turned out to be the MVP, too bad for the wrong team. 6 turnovers....looks like Utah's defense stepped it up. Kruger's STILL open!!! In the end, Utah busted the nation's bubble and busted the BCS AGAIN! Who has done it twice, oh yeah that's right...UTAH! Not the little Bronco's, or the Coogs, or the Cinderella Cardinals. It's the Utes!

So here we sit, 5 days away from learning where we will spend the holidays. New Orleans, Tempe, Florida? Who cares!!! I told you so! Ask my cousin (who I will vouch for if he vouches for me), my family, even Heidi who sat by me through all those nail biters and could not believe how calm I was. I knew it would happen. Call it intuition, luck, ESP...(N), or simply faith in my team, but I called it. I really can't tell you what will happen next, where we will go, who we will play, or if we will win. But it doesn't matter, because I love my Utes and always will. Season ticket holder from birth, season ticket holder to death. I am a Utah girl sir and I will be 'til I die....GO UTES!!!

I've been tagged

2008-11-28T21:14:00.000-08:00

I've Been Tagged

8 Shows I Watch:

1. Sporting events
2. Sportscenter

3. The Hills

4. Sex and the City

5. Bones

6. House

7. What Not to Wear

8. Friends

8 Restaurants That I Like To Eat At:
1. Café Rio
2. Texas Roadhouse
3. The Yardhouse (not in Utah)
4. In and Out (again, not in Northern Utah)
5. Zupas
6. Rumbi Grill
7. Jambo Express
8. Paradise Bakery

8 Things I Did Today:
1. Taught school
2. Had a team meeting
3. Did an IEP meeting with a parent
4. Raced home
5. Did an ENTIRE assignment that should have taken 3 weeks in 2 hours!!! BOO YAH!!!
6. Ate squash and crackers
7. Updated my blog (sort of)
8. took a shower

8 Things I Am Looking Forward To:
1. School to be over next week!
2. Christmas break at my elementary school
3. Finding out who Utah will play in their BCS bowl game
4. Christmas
5. Utah basketball starting up again
6. A vacation perhaps in a few weeks to Arizona??? Crossing my fingers
7. A wedding???
8. Heather getting home

8 Things On My Wish List:
1. Good grades in school
2. Utah going to the Fiesta Bowl
3. Utah winning their bowl game
4. A ring...
5. The weekend
6. The Utes to be successful in basketball
7. People to actually come out and support the basketball team
8. A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

8 People I Tag:
1. Stevie
2. Kate
3. Tracy
4. Lori
5. Cami
6. Nicole
7. and...
8. anyone else who feels they need to do this

Husband...err Boyfriend Quiz

2008-11-11T12:59:00.001-08:00

This is suppose to be for your husband, but he is not that yet so we will make it my Boyfriend quiz

Boyfriend Quiz: How well do you know your boyfriend? Answer these questions about him and find out:

1. Sitting in front of the TV, what's on the screen? Anything. Usually sports, Seinfeld, Friends, Family Guy, or the History Channel

2. You're out to eat; what kind of dressing does he get on his salad? No dressing. He does not eat any dressing and/or sauce.

3. What's one food he doesn't like? I mentioned it above, sauce and dressings

4. You go out to a bar. What does he order? He does not go to bars. He gets water or sprite though at restaurants

5. Where did he go to high school? Alta High

6. What size shoe does he wear? 10

7. If he was to collect anything, what would it be? Movies, he already has over 300. And we will throw guns into this picture.

8. What is his favorite type of sandwich? Turkey

9. What would this person eat everyday if he could? A good steak, stuffing, and chocolate

10. What is his favorite cereal? I am pretty sure Cinnamon Toast Crunch, but he does not eat it very often

11. What would he never wear? Hahaha a Utah Sweatshirt

12. What is his favorite sports team? BYU, the Jazz, the Chargers, the Red Sox, and Real Salt Lake. I think I hit every major sport

13. Who will he vote for? He DID vote for McCain. There is no way on earth he would ever vote for Obama, we would have broken up

14. Who is his best friend? Well besides me...his brother Jason, Heather Nibley and Andrew

15. What is something you do that he wishes you wouldn't do? Cheer for the Utes...

16. How many states has he lived in? Utah and Colorado

17.What is his heritage? I can not think of it for the life of me right now, I know his ancestors changed their name so all of the Dahl's in the world are not related to him in any way.

18. You bake him a cake for his birthday, what kind of cake? Chocolate, but lets be honest, I would not bake it. He would prefer I just go buy him one.

19. Did he play sports in high school? Soccer

20. What could he spend hours doing? Watching movies, playing his computer games, and looking at his guns, the ones that shoot, not his arms.

21. Does he belong to any men's organizations? The "Brian is the bomb" club

Holiday Tag

2008-10-27T19:20:00.000-07:00

Tag

Top 3 Favorite Vacations

1. Hawaii

2. Disneyland

3.a My cruise to the Caribbean

b. Pasadena (aka Trip O'Fun)

Top 3 Favorite Flowers

1. gerber daisies, preferably red

2. lillies

3. hibiscus

Top 3 Favorite "comfort" foods

1. cereal

2. chewy cherry slices from Cabella's

3. oreo's

Top 3 places to shop

1. Target! My favorite place ever

2. Barnes and Noble

3. The Utah Bookstore

Top 3 opinions about Halloween

1. I like the feel of it, but I hate being scared. I hate haunted houses, won't go. I hate scary movies, won't watch.

2. I am starting to really enjoy coming up with costumes each year with Brian.

3. I LOVE LOVE LOVE seeing my kids at school dressed up and the trick or treater's

Top 3 opinions about thanksgiving

1. Oh its amazing!!! Family, food and football...the 3 fabulous F's

2. It is the start of the the Christmas season

3. The mood depends on the previous Saturday...win or loss against BYU. We prefer a W!!! Makes for a more enjoyable dinner table conversation

Top 3 opinions about Christmas

1. The music! It is my favorite thing about Christmas

2. I love the feelings, the decorations and the smells...but please don't start them until AFTER Thanksgiving

3. I hate the stress of finding presents, but I love the feeling of seeing my family and friends open their gifts. It makes it worth it each year. Oh and I love seeing what Brian gets me, every year is amazing!

Top 3 things you look forward to in the week

1. The weekend for football

2. The nights I don't have school so I can be with Brian

3. Going to sleep each night

Top 3 events happening this week

1. Halloween Party on Friday! And as a bonus, I took the day off from school!

2. Utah vs. New Mexico on Saturday

3. Its going to sound funny, but a class I am taking on Asperger's Syndrome Thursday night. I know I am a dork

I tag Heidi, Stevie and Nicole