Be Mine

I couldn't be more excited to say bye bye to January 

and hello to February.

Valentines has always been one of my very favorite holidays.

But this year I am especially excited.

It's the first year James and I will spend Valentines together.

One year ago today we got the "Provo disease"

(as we now like to call it)

dropped the m word 

got ourselves all scared

and ended up spending this "lovely" holiday apart.

Needless to say I am head over heels excited for Valentines this year.

I am seriously contemplating decorating a Valentines box.

We've been eating conversation hearts since the beginning of January.

Bags and bags of them.

I remind James on a daily basis that it is February 14th.

This weekend I asked him what he was getting me

Completely stunned he looked at me and said,

"Wait, are we getting each other something for Valentines?"

I then reminded him that it is good thing he's stinkin cute

or he'd be a goner.

Dear James,

This year will you please be my Valentine

xoxo

 

The Good Ol' Days...

 

On Saturday James and I went on an old fashioned date.

Nothing better than a night out on the town with my favorite person.

First, we went to Peter Pan which was showing at BYU.

My request of course.

But at intermission we were feeling the desperate need for a caramel apple.

So...

we bailed.

And went straight for our first date treat.

Avalanche Caramel Apples.

We believe they are the most under rated caramel apple at Rocky Mountain

and highly suggest them.

 

Then we waltzed on over to the new Provo Beach Resort.

James and I thoroughly enjoy a new idea or store...

not even to buy or play...

but just out of simple curiosity.

It has Provo written all over it -

but we secretly loved it.

 

It felt like we were dating again 

being out on the town with my boyfriend.

And and at the end of the night-

we headed home 

cuddled on the couch

and fell asleep watching a movie.

Just like the good ol' days.

Wednesdsay Wisdom...

I've been a little under the weather around here and forgot to get this up.

Sorry it is late!

Thanks Grandma for being so on top of it!

With the Grand Opening of the new St. George Regional Airport, it has set off memories of the early days of the old airport on the black hill close by the 'D'.  At that kind of primitive air port I saw an airplane for the very first time.  As I remember it, the runway was dirt or small gravel.  Glen E. Snow, President of Dixie College, had asked the State Board of Education for permission to start teaching classes in aeronautics.  This was accepted, which was around 1939.  After the attack on Pearl Harbor by Japan, the National Defense Plan was activated.  The California coastal areas were restricted and non military air training was forbidden.  Ventura Jr. College and a flying service, both in CA, moved their training to St. George, Utah.  With that came students and instructors.  They requested the state of Utah improve the air port.  This was funded by the government because of the need of pilots in war time.  Then Andy Anderson was recruited to join Dixie College in 1940 to conduct the Civil Pilot Training.  Andy was an experienced pilot, barn stormer,(conducting one man air shows and plane rides across the country) instructor, and working for Western Air Express, a flying mail service from SLC, LV, and CA.  He was respected and revered by his students, and ended up courting and marrying our local beauty and school teacher, Phyllis Nisson.  Joe Milne, my beloved brother-in-law was one of Andy's first students.  About 269 pilots went on to serve their country in military and civilian aviation.  Joe eventually flew for American Air Lines and became the first pilot to fly the new DC-10-his passengers on the maiden flight were the CEO of American Air Lines with corporate officers and dignitaries.  That was a special experience for Captain Milne.  Joe was the one to take me on my first plane ride.  After I married Earl, and worked with him in SLC at Milne Truck Line, he joined the US Air Force and I came home to live with my parents.  I was 2 or 3 months pregnant when Joe asked me fly with him.  I remember the day as if it were yesterday.  We took off and I shouted with glee, loving every minute of it as we flew around this beautiful area.  Then---he took me through a few spins and stalls, and a few roll overs.  Of course in my delicate condition I began to feel sick.  I hadn't told Joe I was pregnant, but as I became more quezzy, I asked Joe to land.  Noticing the color of my face, he landed pronto.  You can guess what happened as soon as I deplaned.  Joe felt terrible after I told him my story.    My husband served as a bomber pilot in Europe, so forever after he had a great love of planes and flying, and I continued loving it more and more.  We had several different planes through out the years, and a lot of experiences flying all over the country.  Then, with the encouragement of my husband, I LEARNED TO FLY ALL BY MYSELF!!!  More next time.

-Love to you all--Grandma Ora
PS  If I am wrong on a bit of history, I take full credit.

James Graduates!

 Today James received a pretty piece of paper in the mail.

A VERY expensive piece of paper we might add.

It doesn't seem real yet because 

he's still waiting to walk with me...

 and because he studies more now than he did when he was in school.

BUT sure enough.

He did it!

Bachelor of Science

in Accounting.

Couldn't be more proud of you.

MLK Weekend

Allison came to visit us in our snowy little village.

She has so many friends here in Provo...

and before we know it all of them are going to be spread across the country doing who knows what.

So of course she has to jump in on the opportunity

to see lots of friends and family while they are all located in one place.

We did lots of fun things while she was here.

Including stalking famous people

talking about blogging for hours

analyzing our career paths

going to the married ward together

watching the bachelor

introduction to hobby lobby

pedicures

and of course the ultimate friend dinner.

 

 I do not know a person more loved than Allison.

Everyone adores her.

Including myself.

I do not know how I got so lucky to have her as not only my sister-in-law 

but my twin-in-law.

If you haven't checked out her blog you really should.

She is a great tour guide for Washington D.C.

As we drove home from our delicious dinner at Terra Mia we talked about how rare this group of friends is.

They all moved into the same building relatively soon after it was built.

And haven't stopped being friends.

I've never seen anything like it.

From an outsiders perspective it is truly remarkable!

 We were especially glad to see Taylor Hoyt.

We haven't seen him since we were engaged and married.

That boy has been all over this world and back.

Sure glad he's back.

Allison slept on an air mattress in our spare bedroom.

She was certainly a trooper.

We miss her already and can't wait to see her in April.

From Lizzie's Camera...

James' little sister Lizzie got a new camera for Christmas

So, she's been busy snapping lots of pics

and driving James bonkers

BUT I love it because we get photos like this!

 

James and I have a constant who loves who more competition.

Hmm... looks like its me.

Can't get enough of that boy.

James Sr. aka Jim came to town for business a few weeks ago.

Which means dinner at Macaroni Grill.

I love the little family tradition.

And am obsessed with their new Mediterranean menu.

Jim is the greatest father-in-law!

I love the little text convo's we get to have.

And that I can call him anytime I need help with his son...

since they are pretty much the same person!

  

Lizzie has some new adorable roomies that we were excited to get to meet.

 The crew at Maglebys for breakfast.

Too bad I had class.

Boo.

 We had a few friends over for the National Championship.

Please note our pillows in front of our dish receiver.

We have a haunted dish.

One of our neighbors has a remote that is taking over our system.

It makes watching football rather complicated.

But it gives me a good laugh.

 Aren't Kourt and Matt the cutest.

Counting down the days until their wedding!

 Cute Elise and Dustin.

So glad we've gotten to know them better this year.

I am pretty sure Dustin and James are the same person.

 

I made Pioneer Woman's Tortilla soup.

Suz introduced me to her over the summer.

I absolutely love her

but just not the butter in her recipes.

So, when she has one without it I jump right on it.

The soup was a hit.

 

 Lizzie and Brando.

Wess in the corner.

We didn't snap a photo of Melissa and Wess but I am so glad they were able to join in on the fun.

We are loving having Wess in the gang.

 

I love this picture.

I have never known a guy to have a curvy butt.

Until my husband.

Seriously he is known for it.

And I sincerely hope I one day have little babies running around with 

ghetto booties like his!

 Allison came to town last weekend.

We miss her so much!

Please note James using my massive pillow to hide his face.

 

I made lots of food over the weekend and was quite pleased with how it all turned out.

I made Your Home Based Mom's Beef Taco's.

I am obsessed with her.

Allison is good friends with her son.

I had the privilege of meeting him this past week.

The poor guy.

I kept going on and on and on about his brilliant Mom.

It was rather embarrassing.

But truly this recipe is delish.

 

I also made her Tuscan Roasted Tomato Pesto

I didn't have time to make my own pesto but I really want to give it a try sometime.

I am REALLY trying to be a good cook.

It is a struggle for me.

But her recipes aren't gourmet so I can semi make them.

 Aren't my sister-in-laws beautiful?

And their roommates!

I love it when Allison and Lizzie are around because people are just constantly in and out of the house.

It's a blast!

Despite the fact that my husband spent the weekend running away from Lizzie and her camera.

I am certainly glad she snapped these photos for me.

Love you lots Liz Biz.

Carl Bloch Exhibit

This week I had the opportunity to do a story on the Carl Bloch exhibit at the BYU Museum of Art.

It was a story that I will always remember.

Going into it I thought I would do a historical piece about the artist.

I didn't expect it to be touching.

But just a few minutes into interviews I learned the story had a real heart.

By the end they were in tears and so was I.

If you haven't seen these paintings

you are truly missing out.

They depict the Saviors life so well and remind everyone of his miracles.

Fast forward to 7:30 for the Carl Bloch piece.

James' Socks.

Since most of my New Years resolutions have already gone out the window

(exhibit a. Sweet Tooth Fairy Cupcake I enjoyed tonight)

I'd like to tell you about one that I am still holding on to.

Enjoying the simple things in life.

Since I don't have any clue what I am going to be doing in 3 months

I've decided to cling onto the simple things

They never let me down.

Tonight I am simply enjoying my husbands socks.

Mens dress socks are perfect for boots.

Thin.

But warm.

Go nearly to your knees.

AND 

they get a lovely reaction from your husband when he finds you wearing them.

(please note the heels of the socks past my ankles.  Slight downfall.)

Wednesday Wisdom...

Two small, but profound words of wisdom.

 

Have a wonderful happy time, but be serious and be prepared.
 

When the tides of life turn against you,
And the current upsets your boat,
don't waste those tears on what
might have been;
just lie on your back and float!!! 

Love to you all.  Grandma Ora

He's On His Way...

to the CPA.

You better bet that was the first line on his study DVD's.

We had a good laugh over that one.

Ways to make accounting interesting...

Hmm throw in rhyme whenever possible.

James has officially "graduated."

But in all reality I feel like we are back in the "junior core"

(aka the hardest year of his schooling)

We've got flashcards coming out our ears

A 20 lb box full of number crunching techniques

and class every Saturday in SLC from 8-5 for the next 4+ months.

If there is one quality James has that I don't it is self discipline.

Despite the fact that James doesn't have a set class schedule he is up at 8 each morning.

Showered.

And ready to get crackalackin.

If it were up to me we'd stay in our PJ's all day 

and tell each other how much we love each other from morning until night.

But according to James that isn't what people do in the real world.

Bummer.

So here we are busy little bee's.

I am taking some fabulous classes.

Including student leadership, floral design, and stage makeup.

You betcha.

Some real winners.

Tomorrow James gets to be my male model for my makeup class.

He is super thrilled about it.

So, if you need us you can find us here in Provo -

I'll be making James look faaaabulous while he reads his flashcards.

You know what they say...

Opposites attract.

BYU Weekly

Our First House Guest.

Allison is coming to visit us for the long weekend.

Ok, lets be honest...

She's pretty much the most popular person in Provo.

So she is coming to visit more than just us.

But we get the privilege of having her STAY here!

It's going to be a wild weekend.

Can't wait!

Bowling Night Out...

Cafe Rio.

Bowling at Miracle Bowl.

Scratch that.

Too busy.

BYU Bowl.

 James.

Doing his prebowl routine.

Wipe the hands.

Squat.

And Bowl.

Happens EVERY time.

What can I say...

my man likes order.

 

 Professor Ludlow handing out some spontaneous post game awards. 

 Trent the winner of the crew with his mini bowling set.

 Adam winner of the best "through the leg throw "

 Me and James...

Winner of the most newlywed mushy couple.

Wow, that's embarrassing.

Sadly, it's true.

 

Ronnie winner of...

we can't remember which award.

Probably best strike dance?

And I'd like to announce that for the first time ever

I broke 100.

It was a big night for me.

Best restaurant.

Favorite boy.

Great company.

And a new bowling record.

Fantastic Saturday night!

New Years Getaway...

 Growing up my parents would go on little "getaways" once or twice a year

Just the two of them

Leaving us kids behind

We didn't mind cause Travis and Holly Wilkinson would fill in 

as our "rent-a-parents"
They were way cooler than our own parents so we thought it was a party
staying up late
cracking our heads open
and at the end of the week acting like none of it happened..

Even if it was a quick trip to Pine Valley or Vegas

it was always done.

When James and I were talking about getting married 

I informed him that we would be running away from our children to be together - alone.

Even though we don't have kids to run away from -

we do have school, ESPN, stock trading, ESPN, work, cell phones, ESPN, blogs, ESPN, laundry, yada yada 

So, we packed up our things after nearly two weeks in STG ...

and had a fabulous free romantic weekend in Brianhead.

After living in my parents house 

and hanging out with lots of high school friends he didn't know

for two weeks James definitely deserved a break.

He was such a trooper.

 The first day there we whipped out my parents snowshoes.

After Christmas we were too poor to ski...

So we opted for our favorite cheap activity in the winter.

Even I like this athletic activity -

and that does not happen often!

 

 

I've been going to Brianhead my whole life and I have NEVER seen this much snow

or seen it this cold.

It was the coldest weather I had ever been in.

2 degrees.

James - Mr. I served in Montreal Canada laughed in my face.

He kept repeating...

Mind over matter

Mind over matter.

Well...

just for that I decided to post this video.

We were trying to hike a really steep part of the mountain.

And well.

James was getting nowhere fast.

 

Next time he thinks about mocking 

the fact that my toes were going to freeze off 

and I felt like I was going to die... 

he might reconsider.

At the end of our snow shoeing experience

the sun started to shine and we saw a rainbow...

made out of flurries of snow.

It was gorgeous.

 

That night was New Years Eve.

We brought up some sparking cider

Made a delicious fancy dinner

Decided to ditch out on the New Years activities in Brianhead due to the -17 degree temp.

We curled up by the fire 

and watched every channels coverage of the ball dropping.

Say what you want about going out and partying on New Years Eve...

You know you would much rather sit by a fire in your PJ's 

watch a few movies

(and maybe a little bit of Gilmore Girls - James may or may not have LOVED it)

eat some muddy buddies

and maybe even go to bed before the New Year.

(Our excuse was we watched the New Year on the East Coast...Valid?)

 The number one question we get as newlyweds is...

"So, do you still like each other?"

After 4 months...

Lots of happy moments...

and of course lots of moments where we wanted to kill each other...

I can proudly say I still kinda like the guy!

**Thanks to my parents for the fabulous weekend at their condo in Brianhead.

You guys are the best.