The Claw Wins!

I love the show, The Big Bang Theory. It's about four scientists who are incredibly smart. Two of them live across the hall from this cute girl who they all try to impress. Sheldon, the main one who talks in the video, is hilarious because he does not understand how to interact with people. This video cracks me up and reminded me of a funny story... One sunny afternoon I was going to lunch with my friends at work. As we were walking out to the car we all called "shotgun", of course. To decide who would win the prized seat we played rock-paper-scissors. This was not unusual. Anyway, to assure that I would win I pulled out the coveted - CLAW! The claw, which is your hand in the shape of a claw, beats everything! I totally made it up, threw everyone off, and you can bet your bottom dollar I got the front seat! Boo nan!

Braving The Elements

Join me as I brave the elements to go to Shannon and Dan's to make a snowman. Not a lot of people go out while it is snowing in Portland, obviously since church was cancelled, but I think a little part of me wanted to prove that I could do it. You'll have to excuse the awful camera work, but it sure was an adventure! (Assuming you have 5 minutes, watch the clips in order. I couldn't upload them all as one because it was too big.)









When I finally arrived we all bundled up, including Chompers, and headed out to make a snowman! Normally Chompers won't let me hold her, but I think since we were wearing matching jackets she thought we could be friends. The snow was pretty dry, but Dan had a great idea to use a spray bottle to make the snow stick. Meet our snowman, Frank! He has chalk for his nose, drawer handles for eyes and fresh picked blueberries for a mouth. It sure is fun when everything is cancelled for a snow day. Everyone in Utah is really missing out!

Hold The Phone, It's Snowing!

This morning I wake up to a text message from Shannon saying, "It's a Christmas miracle!" I look outside to see this:

Hmmm, that's interesting I thought to myself... I was told it didn't snow in the valley very often. Well apparently when it does, we all take a day off! I soon received an email from my bishopric saying that due to the extreme weather conditions church would be cancelled. WHHAATT?!? I can't tell you how many days growing up in Utah I wished and hoped that it would snow enough that school would get cancelled, but I think in Utah your house has to be snowed in for that to happen, and it never did! I didn't even know church could be cancelled! This is amazingly crazy because there are only a couple inches on the ground, but how fun that I get to experience snow in Portland!

Bringing The Heat!

It is freezing in my house. The weird thing about it being freezing in my house is that it's about 40 degrees here - not like Utah below freezing winter temps that I am so accustomed to. Yet, I am colder than I have ever been! My office is the worst, maybe it is because there are 2 windows, but when I work my right hand (mouse hand) literally turns into an ice sickle. I have been known to take a warm bath in the middle of the day just to warm up and I work with gloves and 3 blankets. When I sleep at night, I sleep with 5 blankets (which actually isn't that strange cause I like to be bundled up tight). I sleep with my bath robe over my pj's and socks with sometimes slippers. I do this because the initial jump into bed is like jumping into a freezing river! It's like my sheets have been sitting outside freezing all day. After the bedding gets warm however, I am just right. Well, the other day I decided enough is enough! I kept waiting for it to get better, but the heat is on and it's not getting better. To remedy the situation I drove the 20 miles to the nearest Walmart and purchased myself a space heater and an electric blanket. This was the best purchase I have ever made! Here I sit, my right hand NOT freezing and last night when I went to bed I just turned the blanket on about 10 minutes before and it was like climbing into heaven! I didn't have to sleep with my robe or socks! Who invented these wonderful heat makers because they just increased my happiness by 100%?! Bring on the freezing temperatures Mother Nature cause I can totally take it now!

Image illustrated by Amy Ning. Courtesy of This Old House.

Lights, Camera, CHRISTMAS

I love Christmas lights, I LOVE the zoo... now imagine combining the two of them and you have Christmas ZOO LIGHTS fun!

Myself, Dan, Shannon, Shelby, Jon, Christen, Jason and the kids braved the crowds and the freezing temperatures to bask in the wonderfulness of the Oregon Zoo. They had really fun lights AND I got to see tigers! Seriously, I wish I could have gotten a picture of them (it was too dark) because they are so huge! I could see their breath in the air though (cause it was cold) and I felt like we were so close that they could have jumped out and eaten me!! I loved it! Other than that, most of the animals were sleeping so I think I definitely need to go back. The zoo + lights was a very fun way to start off the Christmas season.

Life Gets Crazy In Utah

I was in Utah for 17 jam-packed days. It was fun and tiring all at the same time. I am so glad that I was able to go and spend time with family and friends. I was especially glad to be able to be with my dad while he recovers. Aside from the 2 previous posts about the game and Rumbi, here are some highlights from the trip.

We went to the Alta/Bingham State Championship football game. It was FREEZING and I thought my toes were going to fall off. Bryce used to play for Alta so it was fun for him to see his old high school win the state championship. Ashley D and I went shopping and 2 hilarious things happened... first while we were trying on shoes Isaac thought he should join in. I think these go perfect with his outfit! Second, we left the mall only to find that Ashley had accidentally locked her keys in the car. This turned into my fault because I had left my coat in the car which had prompted Ashley to lock the doors. Brett (Ashley's husband) had to come rescue us to which he said, "When you two get together do you forget to bring your brains?" Yes, actually I think we did.

I was so excited to be able to go to a Jazz game while I was in town! Bryce and I saw the Jazz kick some booty! This year at the games they are introducing the Jazz starting line up in the dark... It makes it feel like a playoff game mid season! Also, while we were at the Jazz game Bryce insists that I almost got into a fight. But what really happened is 2 of the fans were arguing because one was taking forever to sit down. This young girl in the front was being very rude to the older guy and his wife sitting next to me. After I had heard enough I said, "OK,OK!" Bryce thinks I should have minded my own business, but they didn't say a word after that and I couldn't just sit there and let the young girl be rude!

Thanksgiving was a packed full day of fun! I was able to eat with Bryce and his family and then go to my parents house for dinner. Normally my family celebrates Thanksgiving with my mom's brothers and sister. This year since my dad was still in 'healing stage' we stayed at home. We had a nice quiet dinner, it was a welcomed change for this year. I am really thankful that I was able to spend this time with my family! I wish however, that I would have gotten more pictures than just this one of my mom and I!
The day after Thanksgiving Mandy, Tami and I got up at 5am and went shopping! We found some great deals - well actually Mandy didn't because everything she wanted was sold out! But, we found some fun stuff nonetheless. After the early morning shopping we finished the day at Honk's and Big Lots with Alisha, Jada and Pat. It was a full day of shopping that didn't end until about 8pm! Tami and I had a couple favorite purchases for ourselves. We found these boots and shirts and figured we could buy the same clothes since I live in Oregon and she in Nevada. We found the boots at our first store and wore them the rest of the day!
Bryce was able to have his first Taco Amigo experience. Taco Amigo is a local PG restaurant. I was so excited to eat there that I had it twice while I was in town! Bryce rated it a C+ for the following reasons: Pros - good tortillas, good nacho cheese, good chips, good ice. Cons - dry meat and it's weird to each french fries with tacos. I don't care though, Taco Amigo has an A+ in my book.
We had a rockband party with my friends from high school. Ashley and Casey were so sweet to host us and let me just say that Heidi is a rockband star on the vocals! Even the neighbors 2 blocks away thought so!
The day I left I was able to get together with my college roommates and catch up. It was so fun to see everyone and catch up on their lives - We were just missing Shannon! I am so glad I was able to live with these girls and I love to see them doing so well!
I also have to include this video that I took of Camden right before I left. He was dancing for us. This kid has such a fun personality. No one teaches him his dance moves - this is all Camden!

Thanks everyone for such a fun time!

It Was A Sad Weekend For the Cougs...

As much as I really am not trying to rub the perfect (12-0) Utah season into any unsuspecting BUY fan's face... we took these cute pictures on game day and I figured I should post them. Couple things about the game - it's about time Utah took a 'W' from the U - Y rivalry. The last 2 years last minute BYU wins have really taken a toll on the Utah fans. And, although I have become a little bit softer toward BYU and respect their whole organization when it comes to Utah vs. BYU I will always cheer for my alma mater. So, I am happy about the win. However, since so many people I love are die hard BYU fans... I will leave it at - HELLO BCS #2 - GO UTES!

Bryce and I took this picture before the game. Mandy and Pat bought us these Utah/BYU pez candies. They are so cute! Bryce and I went out that day in our conflicting collegiate gear, which was actually really fun. We didn't however, watch the game together. Bryce watched it at his parents house where only cheering for BYU is allowed and I watched it at my parents house where only cheering for Utah is allowed. With the turnout of the game, I am sure glad we did it that way! :)

I also have to include this picture of Bryce with his pride and joy - the turkey fryer. He was so excited to deep fry a turkey for Thanksgiving that he decided to do a test run for the game which also happened to be his dad's birthday. The turkey took 3 gallons of oil and only 45 mins and turned out really moist and yummy! Good thinking Bryce! Happy Birthday Lynn! And one more time, Go Utes!