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Reason 109: The end in sight

December 13, 2010.

Blogging fail.  It was bound to happen this semester.  But now that this semester is less than 24 hours from an official close, we will reinitiate the commitment to blogging!  I know my sister will be very pleased by this :).  So, some exciting tidbits to tide you over until the intense blogging begins...

1. BYU Football rocks.
2. Leaving Wednesday morning with said BYU Football team for New Mexico!  Woot!  Par-tay!
3. I have eight finals and I am over half done!
4. I get to go to St. George in 6 days and stay for like... a bajillion days!
5.  One of my best friends of all time is engaged!  YAY KELSI!
6. I get to work with the BYU Men's volleyball team next semester!
7.  I am going to start working as an intramural ref again :)
8.  My husband is going to cure cancer (and we are going to retire very young and very, very wealthy)
9.  It's almost CHRISTMAS!
10.  I have the greatest life :)

Okay.  Are you way stoked about all this?  I am.

And now... to study for Judaism.  Kiddush, havadalah, HUPPAH!

Reason 108: Familia

Tuesday, October 26, 2010.

This weekend my family came to Provo :) :) :).  Gran, pops, mom, Andrew Aaron, and little Hannah.  It was an insane game- it was pouring rain for the two hours before the game (when the girls are on the field and all the boys are in the locker room- figures).  Luckily, this very nice security man found all of us ponchos.  They were VERRRRY attractive.


See?  Attractive.  It did stop raining and my family came to the game around half time.  These were the flooded sidelines.  It was pretty crazy...



Here is a cute picture of my family :) Except for Aaron and Jason.  Aaron wanted to "house sit" my apartment and Jason was at work. 


Love ♥

Reason 107: Ten Thoughts on Life

Saturday, October 16, 2010.

1. Peanut Butter M&M's are one of the worlds most delicious foods.

2. I love classes this semester.  I feel an obvious shift in my attitude towards education.  I feel like I have gone from "Tell me what you know and I will believe you" to "Tell me what you know and I will questions, research, and thoroughly study until I am convinced."  It's been interesting- but it's made me a better student.  And I think I'm a little more annoying now (haha sorry).

3.  Football is awesome.  I've had a lot of great experiences as well as a lot of great conversations with doctors, chiropractors, athletic trainers, and other medical professionals.  I am just continuously fascinated by the body and football has offered a wealth of available knowledge and experience.

The Football Girls :)

4. I love cooking and having a husband who knows how to cook.  He has taught me a lot.

5. I love the show "House."  What a freaking amazing show!

6. I am so proud of Sister Owens and her desire to go serve the Lord in Russia.  What a cool girl!

From left, clockwise.  Hannah, Kelsi, Danae, Val, Brooke, Me.
This was my 16th birthday on January 2, 2006.
We were at the Cheesecake Factory in Las Vegas.
Just a little flashback :)

7. I am grateful for my medical knowledge and my Professional Rescuer certification.  Today I witnessed a motorcycle accident where the rider, who was not wearing a helmet, did a flip on his bike (hit the brakes too hard to avoid a car) and smashed his head on the road with his neck in flexion.  It was scary, but with Jason's help we were able to get to him and take care of the situation until the EMT's came. While we stabilized his neck and head I thought of all those times that we had to practice on a "victim" and I am grateful we did.

8. I have an awesome husband.  He is so willing to help and he is ridiculously hot.  And smart.
See? Ridiculously hot.
Wake surfing in Lake Powell.

9. We have a new calling as the Dating and Courtship teachers in a Glenwood singles ward.  It's actually really fun- we are using the Marriage and Family Relations manual.  We are enjoying it so far.

10. Happy 18th Birthday to my awesome brother Andrew!  So glad you get to celebrate in Disney World.  And I am THRILLED you decided to come to BYU!
'
Andrew is so cute, even when he pulls faces.

Reason 106: The Boys of Fall




Well, Kenny Chesney, you've stolen my heart again.

I've listened to Kenny for about seven years.  He always impresses me with his real life topics.  I had heard about his newest song "Boys of Fall" and always forgot to look it up.  But today, as I sit on my couch instead of in statistics compliments of food poisoning,  I saw it on CMT (Yes- I do watch the Country Music Channel. But only when my opinionated-country-judging-husband is gone haha).  




Brilliant.

"One of the things that caught me is how fast 27 years has gone by.  There are so many people that live vicariously through you.  I would give anything tonight to jump in one of these uniforms with you guys. That feeling goes away, it goes away and it doesn't come every Friday night.  It comes when you get married,  it comes when your child is born.  So you get, you just don't get it every Friday night.  You will miss that more than anything in the world."

This is the quote from the coach at the beginning.  Well said.  All of it, well said.


"It's I got your number, I got your back when your back's against the wall/
You mess with one man you got us all/
The boys of fall."

Love.

This just really got me thinking.  I can't believe it's already been 2 1/2 years since graduation.  High School was pretty awesome and I am proud to be an alumni of Dixie High.  I also miss my boys at American Fork from last years football season.  I was privileged enough to work as their student athletic trainer for football season and LOVED it.

And, of course, I love working with BYU Football this season.  Tomorrow?  Nevada.  Looking forward to challenging the Wolfpack.

Reason 105: Trip to Air Force Academy

Friday, September 10, 2010

Okay- so this trip didn't end so well.  We all know that by now so we will merely disregard that portion because everything else was AWESOME!

We had a walk-through on Friday afternoon before we went to the Provo Airport.  We flew on Virgin American which was sweet because we each had our own personal TV that had games, movies, satellite tv, music videos, and the ability to chat with people in other seats.  True story.  So we got to Colorado Springs and checked into our hotel and it was INCREDIBLE.  It's called the Broadmoor- a legit, 5-star hotel.  We got really lucky.

Our amazing room that only two of us had to share!

The swimming pool that turns into a "lake" in between all the sections of this hotel.  They had water slides, hot tubs, and paddle boats you could ride around.  

Cousin Linda picked me up and we went to dinner at this super quaint Mexican Restaurant.
This is PJ and Julia- so glad they could come!

Sean, Liam, Kaitlyn, and me.  I look exhausted.
Flying over the Rocky Mountains on a relatively small plane with high winds can make you VERY ill.

Linda and I :)
So glad I got to be with them!  Love you guys!

Saturday morning we got up and went to the stadium to get ready for the game.  

This is the sign we were met with as we walked into the stadium.

Me, Chels, and Shandi before the game

Their stadium was pretty awesome.

Uncle Jared was there!  

The American flag on the field at halftime

The this trip was awesome :).  I am SO grateful for the opportunity I have to work with the BYU Football team and it was so fun to travel with them.  This weekend Jason and I are flying to the Florida State game!  We are hoping for the beach on Friday, game on Saturday, and we want to go to the Cowboys- Bears game at the fancy new Cowboys stadium on Sunday!  

Reason 104: Our Apartment :)

Monday, August 30, 2010.

We finally got all moved in before school started!  We found some awesome bookshelves, tv stand, side tables, and a dresser at Target as well as the perfect table at KMart.  Jake's dad also brought us a couch and our love sac!  We found a cover for the couch and reorganized the living room to the best of our abilities- but the love sac still seems to eat the room.  But you know what?   It's so comfortable and perfect that we don't even care!  Here are some pictures of our current casa.








We love it :) We also got REALLY organized so our NEXT move at the end of January should be a piece of cake.  Living the life!!

Reason 103: Friends and Homemade Pizza :)

Saturday, August 28, 2010.

A little delayed, I know.  But so good I couldn't pass up the chance to blog about it!

Seeing as how we finally got settled into our new apartment, we invited some friends over for homemade pizza and ice cream sundaes.  It was such a great night!  Thanks to Val, Maren, Lindsey, Kyle, Skyler, Jocelyn, and Jake for making it a fantastic evening.

We played a couple of games which was extremely reminiscent of high school.  We definately missed the rest of our group and wish they could've come!  It was fun to catch up and unfortunately say some good-byes.  It's amazing to see where everyone goes in life and to remember the influence each person does- and continues to have- on you.

Reason 102: Rise and Shout

Tuesday, August 17, 2010.

Today was- to date- my favorite moment of football.  Practice was called a bit early and we met with the team in the center of the field.  Apparently, all the players are required to know the fight song and all the freshmen and transfers were asked to pass it off today.   And if they didn't know it?  They'd have to sprint 200 yards (haha).


So, they tentatively began.  There was one or two guys of the twenty that could actually carry a tune so it sounded pretty bad, but they did know the words.  Everyone got real excited and started clapping and cheering.  Soon the whole team joined in on the chorus.  They weren't just standing there singing- they were WAY into it!  They were dancing around, clapping, cheering- oh baby. I love football.

It gave me chills.  GO COUGS.

See you soon, Washington.

Reason 101: Life Currently

Tuesday, August 10, 2010.

I had to look up the date and day of the week.  I have spent more time on campus working with the BYU Football team than I ever thought possible.  Days, weeks, and months are running together (it's only been a week though- haha).  But seriously- working with the football team is the most awesome thing in the world.  I love every single second of it!  Today afforded a sweet tennis shoe tan line, a very prominent wedding ring tan line, and (unfortunately) a smoking hot sunglasses tan line. Maybe tomorrow I should go with the hat?

I was assigned to work with the inside linebackers.  I have never spent much time learning defenses, so I am super excited to be working with them. Practices are insane but so fun.  There is never a dull moment and until we learn exactly how practices run, it's a slight mad scramble to stay with our position groups when the drills change.  Check out this article that Deseret News ran:


Awesome stuff. We all have a bottle of pickle juice with us and I have already used it- a lot.  Can't wait for the Washington game to get here- this semester is going to be A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!
On a separate note, we are MOVING tomorrow!  We found a contract at Cambridge Court in Provo- very close to the stadium :).  We will be there until the end of January when we can finally move to Springville.

And on a final note- I have the wedding pictures and they look stunning.  Many thanks to Spencer Burton for all of his work and time.  I will start posting those soon!  If you were at the wedding, there is a very high chance that there is a picture of you :)

Reason 100: Honeymoon Day 8

Saturday, June 26, 2010.

Final day at sea.

We didn't want this cruise to end.  It was too wonderful, too relaxing, too nice to be totally cut off from the world.  But we were excited to go start real life together.  Here are a couple of pictures from the final day.
Formal night!  Back in black :)

Our dinner table.  This was one of the best parts of the cruise!

We had dinner at 8:30 every night.  At our table were two other couples.  On the right is Natalie and Jeff- who happen to be current BYU students!  That was fun to talk and find out mutual friends, majors, classes, etc.  They are both from California and are celebrating a delayed honeymoon after their marriage in December 2009.  On the left are our Russian friends.  It was really cool to talk to them about the culture differences and their experiences.  They live in Sacramento and she is a chef at UC Davis.  


                                      

So the cruise was incredible.  I am so grateful for an amazing husband (and his awesome family) for this wonderful surprise!  We had the best experience and couldn't have asked for anything better.  I love you Jake- thank you times a million :)

Reason 99: Honeymoon Day 7

Friday, June 25, 2010.

Today we were at sea. We took this opportunity to sleep in and try out some new stuff on the ship.

For lunch we went to a 1950's-style diner on board called Johnny Rocket's.

Photo from Royal Carribean's website.
Basically, you pay five dollars for all you can eat burgers, hot dogs, fries, shakes, etc.  So worth it.  Except for the little fact that we were about to explode afterwards :).  Next on the agenda was the belly flop contest and more seaside relaxation.  It was really wind and pretty cold on deck, so we didn't put on any sunscreen.  And lo and behold- we both ended up sunburnt.  Don't ever let the Pacific ocean wind deceive you!  

                         
I desperately love this boy.

More undocumented ship-exploration and fun occurred.  But like previously mentioned, we didn't take our camera everywhere (although citing the recent posts with dozens of pictures, you'd probably disagree).  Another nice, relaxing, food-filled day at sea!

Reason 98: Honeymoon Day 6 Part 2

Thursday, June 24, 2010.

We packed a lot into this day, so I figured I'd split the posts.

After the super incredible jungle experience, we went back to the ship for lunch.  We decided to head back to the beach since we still had five more hours in port.

My super hot husband posing at the beach.

The Burtons. *Aww*

This is one of my favorite beaches in the world.

**FLASHBACK**
This is the same beach Kels and I went parasailing in January 2007.
Love you and miss you Kelsi!

Jason swimming in the ocean :)
It was like bath water.  SO warm.

After the beach, we stopped at Walmart for shampoo.
We just can't get away from it!

Back on the ship, we participated in all of our favorite activities.
1. Free frozen yogurt any time.
2. Sitting on the deck, overlooking our port and the ocean.
3. Reading in pool chairs.
4. Sleeping in the pool chairs.
5. Repeat every day for many hours.
Vacation should equal relaxation and THIS was perfect.

Us... again :)

Pretty Puerto Vallarta sunset :)

Jason participating in said activity.

I couldn't get enough of this sunset.

Paradise.



I am going back to this city for a long vacation.
Favorite port, without question.

This was in intense, packed day.  The beauty of Mexico, especially Puerto Vallarta, is amazing.  

Reason 97: Honeymoon Day 6 Part 1

Thursday, June 24, 2010.

Today.  Was.  Fantastic.

We did this incredible tour to the jungles of Puerto Vallarta.  The tour description said it better than me... so here it goes!

"The adventure begins with a panga boat ride and off road adventure to the heart of the tropical forests where you will ride mules, learn a variety of wilderness techniques, splash through streams, rappel through waterfalls into natural river pools, and soar 200 ft above the ground over the jungle foliage on a 1000 ft zip line! Our trip leaders' knowledge of the landscape and wildlife makes these trips unforgettable adventures - and their expertise ensures a fun, educational and safe trip into the wilderness. Discover and explore the extraordinary flora and fauna hidden away under the canopy of the jungle!"

A professional photographer followed us around and took pictures.  Here are the pictures :)

The jungles we drove up to 

Our sweet trucks we rode up in.
Although at the time, we thought we were gonna die.
Oh. My. Bumpy. Freaking. Ride.
Crazy drivers!

Jason riding the mule up the mountain.

Myself riding the mule up the mountain.
(We are both in blue shirts- sorry.  Bad wardrobe choice for pics)


That smile?
Plastered on.
The guides would make the mules trot up the SUPER STEEP goat trail.
I felt as though I was close to death.
NOT my favorite part.
But in retrospect- it was pretty sweet to ride a mule to the top of the mountain in the Mexican Jungle!

Jason on the first zipline.  He was a pro.

This is me again.  I loved this so much.
To fly through the air over unspoiled jungles with splendid views really took your breath away.
And you could get going through the air REALLY fast.
God is very good to give us such a beautiful, diverse world.

Jason rappelling down the waterfall.
How cool is that?

So pretty.  So different than anything we've done before.

The water was the most clean water I have ever been in.
It was a warm, humid day and the cool water was welcome.

Me on the free fall rappel.
At the end of this one, they would drop you into the water.
True story.

Right before they dropped an unknowing Jason into the water.
Mwahahahaha.

Okay, okay.
So they got me, too.

But it felt so good.
This is the best adventure ever.

The last rappel was a race.
I am on the left.
Jake on the right.
Look at that view!

Jason won.  

We also got to walk over tightrope bridges, hike through the rattlesnake infested jungle, and see frogs and other wildlife.  So. Amazing.  Thanks to Jake for amazing cruise and adventure :) Love you forever.