Henry Happenings

Our Future of Fighting Cancer

2012-01-19T15:36:00.001-07:00

AJ and I have decided to change AJ's diet. . . Okay, okay, I confess! I have decided AJ needs a change in diet to help his body combat cancer and reduce the likelihood of a relapse. He is happy about the changes and is gladly sacrificing. We are in no ways experts on cancer-fighting diets, but with good suggestions from our cousin Monica and our uncle Jeff, we have at least set a starting point.

The diet requires 80 percent fresh produce. AJ is so happy about this. He says he remembers how his mom almost always had fresh produce on the counter and he loved picking up an orange or an apple whenever he pleased.

Other changes that we are gradually working in are almost no added sugars or desserts and no pork or beef. We are trying to cut back on the dairy but I think this will be our hardest challenge... Aside from the sugars, as we both have a big sweet tooth.

So, for the first night my lovely cousin Lynn (who currently lives with us) made vegetable enchiladas with no cheese.

Then the next days for lunch I made veggie stir fry and salad. Okay, so there is some sausage in it but we are also extremely frugal so I had to not let the sausage go to waste. It's a gradual process... Gradual!

Enough of that jibber-jabber! The Kansas City temple now has dates for the open house!

Hey, Mom! Look what I can do!

2012-01-16T07:59:00.001-07:00

Our weekend has actually been pretty eventful! On Saturday morning we went to a baptism for our friend, Greg, who AJ had been teaching with the missionaries. We are so excited for him. He was almost radiating the spirit. It was such a nice experience.

After the baptism we went to play soccer with a big group of friends. I hadn't had that much fun in a while. We ended up plating for nearly 4 hours. My body was thanking me afterwards.

Sunday was ward conference and then we ate lunch with Aunt B before Lynn and Margaret showed up from AZ.

Today, Eliza climbed the entire stairwell herself and then crawled over the kitchen and learned how to open the cabinets.

The pictures are of the soccer, the first snow of the season, Eliza climbing the stairs today, and Eliza getting herself stuck in the stairs this past week.

Dresser Makeover

2012-01-13T10:10:00.000-07:00

So, the other day AJ and I were just driving around and I was showing him where different people in our ward lived. As it turned out, it was the night before mega trash day (not sure what it is really called) and we spotted a beat up little dresser. Two of the top drawers were busted and one of the bottom handles was missing. The color was a maple-syrupy and there were quite a few nicks and scratches on the top. I had always wanted to re-purpose something and I thought "ooooh, free! Let's take it!" So we snatched it up and took it home. My dad and grandparents laughed at me and couldn't think of how I could possibly fix it. I thought and thought and thought and finally came up with this:

This picture was taken from my iPod so it isn't quite clear. The dresser is a light grey with black over bronze handles and blackish/brownish baskets. I am planning to use this in our future living room to hide the clutter. (For example, I always put my electronics in one small basket, diapers in another, and wipes in another. I am planning on putting some dishtowels, throws, and table cloths in the big drawers.)

Tot Ziens! (Dutch for "Good Bye" - - Pronounced Tult Zeenz)

Bright Side

2012-01-12T11:37:00.000-07:00

"My life is a gift. My life has a plan. My life has a purpose, in heaven it began. My choice was to come to this lovely home on Earth to seek for God's light to direct me from birth."

(I think those are the right lyrics...this is from a song in the Children's Hymn book. I currently serve in the church as the Primary Music Leader so the sweet lyrics are constantly running through my mind.)

E, a couple months ago before her two bottom teeth came in :) Is she really my offspring!? She is adorable and looks just like her handsome daddy.

Happily Welcoming the New Year

2012-01-09T19:39:00.000-07:00

Hello all! Sorry it has been so long since I have last posted. Life has been CRAZY . . . as I'm sure everybody's has!   Here is a brief update of the Henry Family for the year of 2011:

- January-April 2011 Winter Semester for both AJ and I... busy busy busy studying and preparing for the baby, my fabulous friend Whitney Nielsen threw a baby shower for me and Eliza and she did such an amazing job, AJ was working on grounds crew still, and we both decided to take spring and summer classes and graduate

- May 2011 Precious angel was welcomed into our eternal family and into our home. Eliza has filled a certain void in our lives and now we wouldn't know what we would be doing without her. When she's sad, we're sad. When she's happy, we're happy. When she's sleepy....well, we're usually sleepy now :) But, we're learning that every sacrifice that marriage and parenting has required of us has been worth it.

- June 2011 - I turned 21.

- July 2011 - We went to the Wimmer family reunion and had such a wonderful time with AJ's family! We love them all and miss them so much.

- August 2011 - AJ and I both graduated with our Bachelor's of Science degrees (me: family studies, AJ: Psychology). Then, wonderful friends and family helped us to pack up and move to Missouri.

- September 2011 - AJ starts up undergrad coursework again out of inspiration to redirect is educational and professional pursuits to the medical field. I started working full time at a pre-school for children with developmental disabilities. I worked in a room full of 8 little two year-olds.

-October & November 2011 - Work began to wear me out and time away from Eliza was heartbreaking. Again out of inspiration, I quit my job (but they actually just bumped me to be a substitute). Shortly after quitting, AJ found a lump in his ...body... and we began our regular visits to the hospital.   I still haven't figured the timing out on this, but we're trusting in the Lord every day.

-December 2011 We had a wonderful Christmas full of many great memories with family and friends. AJ turned 24 and picked out a toy car for his birthday. I am glad he helped pick out his present because he has had so much fun showing everybody how much joy that simple gift has brought him. I am learning from him and Eliza everyday about the simple gifts that God gives to us everyday. We do not need anything grandiose and dazzling to be happy. Right now we have each other and resources sufficient for our needs.

AJ had surgery the Thursday after Christmas and today we went to the hospital so he could get his stitches removed. The doctor said that the pathologist has confirmed that AJ does indeed have cancer. Luckily, he caught it early and we're hoping that the surgery removed all of the bad stuff. However, the doctor also said that the type of cancer that AJ has/had requires chemotherapy and he will need to get routine CT Scans at least twice a year for the next 5 years and that he might have to end up receiving chemotherapy.

So, here we are with our small family. Living life everyday-- trying our best to always have faith and rely on the Holy Ghost to guide us in our decisions. I debated updating the blog today....wondering what I could possibly write. But, here's to 2011: each day has made us stronger and we remember how very blessed we are. And here's to 2012: we can't wait to see what's in store!

A Very Happy Saturday

2011-09-10T10:20:00.000-06:00

Here is a little video that we proud parents feel the need to share with everyone we know:

I'm certainly enjoying this weekend before I start working full-time.

New Beginnings and New Goals - A Challenge

2011-09-05T10:31:00.000-06:00

Well, lately there have been a lot of new changes in our lives:

- home
- school
- work
- family atmosphere
- ward
- roads and landmarks
- people all around us & the quest of making new friends!

- humidity, ahhhh (that's a good sigh, not a bad one)

It's crazy how so much can be changing but then our old good (and bad, unfortunately) habits still live on! Some of my goals I am hoping to change--since everything else is changing--include visiting teaching, scripture study, healthy meal preparation, musical enrichment, exercising and just figuring out how to balance all of this in order to have a happy family.

Today I am starting a challenge that my wonderful sister-in-law, Maria, told me about. She was strengthened in so many ways by taking it... but more importantly, she was able to help others and serve God in the process. (I just love Maria so much!)

I am going to read the Book of Mormon again. But this time I am going to add studying to my regimen.

As I was pondering about this new goal this morning, I looked down at my copy of the Book of Mormon and saw "just a book". It's a story and it is one of the top however-so-many books that changed America. Reading this book could simply be an historical experience. Latter-day Saint or not, I would want to read a book that changed America, wouldn't you?

I am hoping it is more than just a historical experience. I hope it is a learning experience that teaches me who I am and what my purpose is. I hope to learn from the "characters" in this book. I hope to take something that could be a secular experience and make it sacred.

This summer I took a class (SFL 460) about advanced family processes. One of the lectures was about how the sacred can help and hurt families. The whole idea was that what is sacred is different to different people. What works best is when families have the same general belief as to what each member holds sacred, and that the sacred is used in a healthy and helpful way (i.e. if a family views watching game shows as a sacred experience, they might use it unhealthily in that it might detract from forming interpersonal relationships and so on and so forth.... or, that corporal punishment (in this case, spanking) is viewed as sacred to some due to parental upbringing, but then is taken out of control and turns into domestic violence (#very harmful) the example possibilities are endless.. ) In any case, the sacred is POWERFUL in changing families. I know that my husband believes in the Book of Mormon. Actually, he loves it and when he tells me about the stories in it, he tells them with a great love and passion for the morals they teach and the spirit they can potentially bring.

Taking the challenge for the sake of gaining personal knowledge and experience would be selfish.
I hope that this experience will help me to serve God by serving others and to help strengthen family.

My first experience with this challenge was when I was about to rush out the door to go to a job interview. I was scared and I did not know what to say, what to do, and if working was even the right thing for my family and me at this time (since, baby girl needs her mama--oh, don't even get me started!).

I have been meaning to start reading the Book of Mormon for a while and finally felt like, "If you don't start today, you might not ever get around to starting." So, I sat down and started with the title page. I was hoping to just get to the scripture with Nephi saying, " I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them." I thought that would get me through the day, but I didn't even get to that part.

I was reading about what the Book of Mormon is and how it came to be. I was overwhelmed with a feeling about Joseph Smith. He was a man just like those that walk the street today. He was human in many ways with his own strengths and weaknesses. BUT, he did as the Lord commanded him. He was persecuted and went through experiences I don't think I would ever have the strength to endure. He was a good man and I honestly do not think he would go through with all that he did if he did not know with a surety that what he was doing was good and true. So, even if someone does not believe in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Joseph Smith deserves credit where credit is due. He really went through a lot which eventually blessed the lives of so many people (millions and millions) who live peacefully and happily believing in the Bible AND the Book of Mormon.

Now, those who read my blog already know that I believe in the Book of Mormon, but I would just like to say that if I didn't, just by reading the first couple pages, I have convinced myself that reading this book wouldn't be so bad.

I had a great experience reading but then it was time for me to rush out the door. I quickly asked the love of my life if he could tell me a quick scripture - any scripture. This is what he told me (well, not verbatim, but this is the scripture he was referencing): "For behold, this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of this life is the day for men to perform their labors."

That was exactly what I needed. AJ did not know, but the Lord sure did. I was so scared and worried and this scripture gave me peace. While keeping this scripture in my thoughts, I realized that perhaps I might not know what I need to be doing with my life right now, but whatever I do, I can do it with faith and I can just trust that I am working hard to help my family. I can try to do my best ("perform my labors") with the goal to meet God and surely, He will redirect my path if I get a little off course.

I figured that this scripture would be somewhere in the New Testament, but lo, and behold, where did I find it? Alma 34: 32-34 in the Book of Mormon.

You can take my experience with a grain of salt, but I will keep choosing to embrace it. "Yea, for every seed bringeth forth unto its own likeness."

About the Book of Mormon: http://mormon.org/book-of-mormon/

Online copy: http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm?lang=eng

And just for fun, I want to share how much I LOVE my family. Here are some pictures I flip to often just reminding us of how ordinary and ordinarily happy we are.

Baby Milestones and a Knight in Shining Armor

2011-09-02T11:38:00.000-06:00

Little girl ate her first solid meal this week. She didn't take to the rice cereal and formula as well as straight pears. We just gave her a little bit though because straight food can be hard on her little organs still developing. I might try some sweet potatoes mixed in with rice cereal today. She also learned to roll over last weekend. I tried getting a video but she flopped back over... you get the idea. She can do it!

Last Friday AJ and I went to the Ethnic Enrichment Festival in Kansas City. It was so much fun watching the different cultures perform and not to mention eating all the delicious food! AJ finally got to eat a Donerkebab (he's been craving them since his mission) from Turkey and drink some guarana from Brasil. I preferred Edemame from Japan, Pad Thai from Thailand, and Baklava from Greece. Mmmmmmm, we should have this every weekend! Here is a photo op that we got near some European country... maybe Scotland... we can't remember.

Other good news is that I have had a few job interviews this week at an organization that I love so I hope to hear back some even better news that I got the job! I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

Our Newest Chapter

2011-08-18T20:13:00.000-06:00

Well our time at BYU has come and gone and we are grateful for every moment of it! AJ and I both graduated with our Bachelor's degrees August 11th and 12th and it felt so great! Now we have moved on to the next Chapter of our life, which happens to be taking place in Missouri. AJ got accepted into a University here and is doing some pre-med courses and studying for the MCAT. He's looking at persuing a career in Psychiatry but we'll see what happens--we always seem to change our minds (e.g. I went through about 3 majors before I finally decided). We are both on the hunt for jobs but I am not quite sure I'm ready to leave my baby and I don't think she's ready for that either. I think I might just wait until we are all settled in at the house and baby girl gets a little older.
Speaking of the girly, she was sitting up today on her own (well, almost!--AJ had a blanket bunched up in her lap to help keep her up), she's also playing with her feet more, and cracking up at AJ when he gives her kisses in her neck fat rolls and sings Sesame Street's "Rubber Ducky."
My little sister leaves for the Windy City on Monday and we're all starting to get a little teary-eyed because she's the baby of the family. We're excited for her and we know she'll do great! (We're also getting excited to go visit her and have already started planning our trip)
Sorry this post lacks any pictures or videos. They will come soon! I just figured I would write a little since a friend so kindly reminded us that we have no good reason to not keep up with our blog. I agree, so here I am! Enjoy!

I take a little pride in being a food lover.

2011-07-11T12:14:00.000-06:00

I love to go out to eat ... and unless I REALLY love a restaurant I usually try to go places I have never eaten before. I have been living in Provo for 3 years now and I would like to share with you some of my favorite places to eat and what I order.

Sensuous Sandwich (Provo center street or Orem state street):

*The Satisfier: Chicken Breast lunch meat with Jack cheese and lettuce, tomato, pickles, banana peppers, mayo and vinegar. Try it. You'll love it!

Zupas:

*My favorite thing to eat at Zupas is their tomato basil soup with orzo (no, the orzo does not cost extra, so next time they ask if you want it, no need to hesitate!--orzo are just noodles that look like big rice) AJ's favorite food there is "any salad with fruit". My favorite of these salads is the one with chicken, mandarin oranges, and pina colada dressing--forgot the name, sorry. Each meal comes with French bread and a chocolate-dipped strawberry :)

Sammy's:

*Sammy's is right off Provo center street and 100 West. They are famous for their pie shakes. Get any shake and it is delicious. They put a whole pie of pie in one shake. They also serve food here and I love the grilled chicken sandwich with avocado. Also, if you've never had sweet potato fries, theirs are legitimately delicious. Dip them in ranch. ... My mouth is watering. They also have italian creme soda which I "craved" a lot while pregnant.

Speaking of being pregnant... you might like Taco Bell's bean burrito with no onions. This was my default food when I was starving and about to scream. Pretzel sticks, orange juice, and medication saved my morning, day, and nighttime sickness.

Cafe Rio:

* This is a pretty hoppin' place to eat. Both AJ's and my favorite food there is: Pork Burrito with black beans, mild salsa, served enchilada style (as in they cover it with sauce and cheese and run it through the oven) .... Feel free to also order their Tres Leches for dessert and go ahead and get a punch card. If you plan on living in Provo for a few years you might find yourself with a free entree :) - We just earned ours and are saving it for the perfect day. Horchata is always good here too.

Art City Trolley: (AJ's Favorite!)

*AJ LOVES the Hawaiian BBQ sandwich. -- Oh this is a little train in Springville right along North State street. The sandwich he orders has a big ring of fresh pineapple on it... SO good. I like everything I have ever tried here, so I whatever you pick out on the menu that suits your fancy will be delicious! They also have HUGE desserts ... perfect for sharing ;)

Gloria's Little Italy: (Carrie's Favorite!) - Off Center Street and University Ave, Provo

*This is a small restaurant that we would go to occasionally to buy gelato or italian creme soda... then, when my dad was in town ($$) we finally went to eat a meal there. The prices are about $15-20 a plate but SOOO DELICIOUS! The best was the gnocchi with the creamy tomato sauce (has a fancy name that I can not remember) I ordered white spinach lasagna but like what Dad and AJ ordered better. The staff there was AMAZING and the manager is the bomb! (when I was pregnant he let us come it right when they were locking up the doors ... I was craving Italian Creme Soda ... anyways we ordered some and he smiled at me and said we could have it for free... I like to call it a blessing of paying tithing and a very nice man!)

This is all that I have time to share right now... Bon Appetit! Or however it's spelled!

Newest addition to the Henry Family

2011-05-09T15:41:00.001-06:00

Just dropping in quickly to post some pictures.

It's almost April.....

2011-03-31T08:35:00.000-06:00

Hi everybody! Finals week and baby time are getting too close to count down to and I haven't posted in a long time. I figured I should get one in before I have even more excuses to prolong this blogging abstinence.

What is new in our life?

- AJ and I both applied for August graduation
- I bought my cap, gown, and tassle
- Dad and Kay came to visit and help get ready for the baby. I am so grateful they came and I love my family so much!
- Right now we are looking at moving in August to Missouri for 1 year to save for AJ's graduate school and pay for mine as well
- I began application to graduate school
- Our brother, sister-in-law and 2 kids are staying over this week, which we love.
- The last day of Winter semester is only 13 days away (then it's finals week)
- The baby is due in 29 days (yikes!)
- Well, that is all that is on my mind right now. Life is just rolling along and does not want to take any breaks.
- I could list heartaches and trials but I don't want to waste time. (And, I am still trying to learn my lessons from them)

And, can I just say how much I love my nephew, Corbin? Last night AJ and I took him to campus and there was a small dance group practicing in a large empty room. Corbin asked AJ if he would dance with him. AJ, old enough to know social norms, decided to save himself the embarrassment and suggested Corbin have his own spot-light. Corbin ran into the room and started dancing around like crazy. The dancers all watched him and then gave him a round of applause. It's amazing how inspirational children can be. No one was mad, embarrassed, or rude. This was a little boy expressing his love for life through a little rhythm and dance.

He also asked me why the baby can't come out of my mouth.

And, this morning as AJ and I left for school he said, "You guys come back here next time!"... I don't think he realized that he was in our house and we go back there everyday. :)

Moments like these happen multiple times a day with little kids around. I am just not immune to it yet so I get such a kick out of every occurrence. I love our family.

We're Still Alive!

2011-01-26T11:27:00.000-07:00

No, we didn't almost die... It just seems like we have escaped off the face of the Earth. But, we haven't!

I am happy that I haven't found time to blog a nice big'n lately. AJ and I have both been extremely busy with school, moving, family, the baby, church, work, etc. that time hasn't really permitted blogging.

We moved into a new apartment that we are so happy in. What a blessing to be excited to go home at night and feel safe and comfortable!

We're looking into graduate schools for AJ and we're trying to use all the resources around us that are available to help with the baby. (I'm applying for WIC on Friday this week and AJ's siblings have contributed a lot to things we can use and not have to worry about purchasing for the baby)

For one of my classes I am making a family history cook book. It's due in April (like my girl!) but I am so excited to do it that I printed off a copy and already turned it in to my professor. However, I am still making plenty of adjustments and additions.

Wittle KAY is not so wittle any more! She got accepted into William Jewell College as her safety cushion and she turned 18 yesterday. I am so happy for her and her achievements!

Anyways, that is a short update on our life. Teachers, friends, family and community members have been taking really great care of us and I am so grateful for those blessings!

I promise to give a better update later on but it's time for me to scoot over to the academic advisement center to figure out my school life!

-Carrie

It's a....It's a.... Baby!

2010-12-14T11:23:00.000-07:00

Well I am sure by now that anyone who reads this blog already knows...but I've been carrying a sweet baby GIRL these past 20 weeks (well, technically she hasn't been a girl that long... but we'll go with it!<---that's what infant development class does to you)

There she is. And here is one of her face:

We love her so very much!

And to add to the excitement... here is a little video clip of one of the many joys of parenthood. Sometimes I think these quadruplets remind me of the little green alien toys from the Toy Story movies because they are so in unison but here it is just for kicks!

This time, last year: Our First Date

2010-12-06T15:28:00.000-07:00

Happy December everybody! AJ reminded me just the other day that it was the anniversary of our first date. He is much better at remembering all of the dates than I am. So, how did all the magic begin?

We actually had known each other all summer and fall and were really good friends. He honestly just never thought I liked him in a romantic way.

AJ was taking a country dancing class for fun at BYU. He had missed one of his classes and in order to make up for the class he had to go country dancing at the Provo community center. He asked one of our mutual friends who would like to go country dancing. Our friend (Ogden) suggested 3 names and mine stuck out to him so he asked me.

How did he ask? Well, he came over to my apartment and was just talking to my roommates and I as usual. Then, he started talking to me in Dutch. I don't know that language. So, I was joking around with him as usual and making up funny translations. Eventually he broke into his native tongue and asked me in English if I would like to go country dancing with him.

Of course, I said 'yes'! And after he left I told my roommates about it and was so excited I made up a little rap song about how "I'm goin' on a date with A. J.!!!"

Okay, I didn't know he was basically a professional dancer. Nevertheless, we had plenty of fun despite the fact that I kept stepping on his toes and making us both look like fools when I tried to lead instead of him.

That was a Wednesday night. The next weekend his friend had planned a double date to get milkshakes, play games, and make snowflake. As AJ was diligently cutting out a snowflake for me, he realized that I was writing him a long letter instead. Maybe he felt guilty--I don't know--but, after cutting his, he wrote a little note to me on it. In Dutch. Mine was in a language he was able to read. I told him that I have always enjoyed his company and valued our friendship. I also told him how I was going to miss him since he was moving to a different complex the next month. Oh, I supposed I did mention how I wouldn't mind going on another date with him...

Well, after receiving that note, everything he ever felt like he needed to tell me, he did in English. I guess he just needed to be reassured that I enjoyed the time that we spent together or something. Anyways, we said our Christmas farewells and after my plane landed in Missouri, I noticed I had received a call from AJ. My dad had picked me up from the airport and it was just him and me in the car so I decided to call AJ back real quick. Apparently AJ had been wanting a reason to be able to call me everyday over the break to see how I was doing... so he expressed his wishes to make our relationship official. After talking to AJ for probably less than a minute (just enough time for him to ask me out), my dad said, "Who is this person taking away all my time with my daughter!???" So, we hung up and that was my dad's very first impression of AJ. It seemed to be fairly accurate though, because now AJ is most of my time. (Even when he is not home, I'm sitting here typing about him!)

So, that year during Christmas I couldn't get my mind off of him... neither his of me, apparently. AJ went to Israel and as I sat at home jealous and wishing we could make contact, he was constantly telling his family about me and even bought an engagement ring on his trip. (But, he did not know it was going to be mine yet!)

The one thing I asked for for Christmas last year: Country Dancing Boots (Which sadly did not help me improve my dancing... but it was a perfect reason for him to take me back to our first date)

So, happy winter to all you love birds! Whether you are together or apart, may God bless you and know what is best for you and your heart! :)

A Family of Many Talents

2010-12-03T10:20:00.000-07:00

Okay, it's been a while so I will put up a new post :)

Thanksgiving was so much fun! I love AJ's side of the family. Here is what I have to share about our little break from school:

Matt was able to finish his denim quilt that he has been diligently working on every time he goes to Richfield. He worked on it almost non-stop for two days and was probably really relieved once he finished.

AJ got to play his Saxophone! That was exciting because he usually only plays it in Richfield but he has put a lot of hard-worked hours into learning that instrument so it was rewarding for him to get to play. I was happy to hear him too!

These are the only 2 pictures I could get to upload so I will post more later!

A new day.

2010-11-16T18:12:00.000-07:00

Time for some upbeat and good news!
With Thanksgiving in ONE WEEK... I feel it appropriate to list some recent reasons to be grateful.
1.) We have an apartment that keeps us warm and provides shelter to us.
2.) The location of our temporary home has lead us to a wonderful church ward and amazing friends.
3.) AJ just bought me a camera I have been wanting since my Jun. year of high school.
4.) My husband admires my dreams.
5.) My husband, in general.
6.) There is a healthy baby growing inside of me that has been moving and we have heard a strong heartbeat. AND their is a healthy baby growing in AJ's sister right now too!
7.) Wonderful family and friends back in Missouri and...big breath... Texas, Utah, Virginia, Colorado, One of the Dakotas, Kansas, Illinois, Arkansas, Arizona....
8.) The cute three year-olds I teach Sunday School to who think that BYU is a country.
9.) When my husband sits down and plays on the piano (well, keyboard)
10.) Neighbors that come over in their pajamas to play dominos and help us eat our ice-cream before it gets freezer burnt.
11.) Clog America, that sends Matt through Provo. A long Logan drive that sends Anna through Provo. Meetings that send my parent in-laws through Provo... and anything that sends anyone we love through Provo so we can see them.
12.) Emails that tell us how everyone is doing from far away places.
13.) A warm blanket and big pile of pillows that help me sleep at night... or any time of the day.
14.) Professors that care about my health and overall well-being.
15.) . . . it's taken a while for me to get to it...but, as always, FOOD.
16.) Phones that let me talk to my dad about insurance, my mom about recipes, and my grandma and I about life in general and Harry Potter.
17.) And, as I look up right now and see the back of AJ's head. Why? . . . because he is facing the sink and washing dishes from when we had lunch with his parents.
Life is better than I made it seem in my last post. Sorry! There are so many other reasons for me to be grateful but these were on the top of my mind!....

Thank you for being one of those friends/family that I am so grateful for.

today.

2010-11-08T14:11:00.004-07:00

Please excuse my whining but sometimes a hormonal person just needs to vent.
It's been a while since I last updated so I told myself that TODAY I would post at least something. But, today isn't a fantastic day. I have 4 assignments to complete and I am continually discouraged about an apartment complex that we have been on the waiting list for for about 6 months now. We got put on the waiting list around May and then they said that there was an opening in May, June, and then another around August. BUT, we didn't even get a chance at any of those. Then... on various other months we have seen people moving out or moving in of said apartments and we haven't heard anything about it. The also told us when we were put on the waiting list that we could probably get in in October. October came and left and we didn't hear one word. This month I know for a fact that there is another opening soon and we haven't heard anything about it. It just bothers me because the people said that they would send out monthly emails with updates of openings but out of the six months... we received one email, replied immediately and then the apartment was taken. Today... I feel neglected by my family and by people that said they would do one thing and in turn have done another. Today I am going to just try and do what I need to do for school. Today I am going to turn around and instead of watch my life and complain (now that I am practically done), I am going to do my best to make myself be happy.

The Baby Bump

2010-10-29T11:45:00.001-06:00

Welcome to the second trimester! Woohoo.. I am so excited. I also came across this picture on my camera from last week. AJ took it on accident but we both thought it was funny.

We were taking a picture to see the growth of the baby bump... this is my 13 week picture and the first picture we have taken to track the growth. I think it's funny because the big yawn explains how I have felt this whole time. Sleeping is difficult because of the morning sickness and anxiety and we took this picture around 8 or 9 pm. AJ likes it when I am pregnant because he usually sticks to a early bedtime so he can get up early in the morning to study scriptures and eat breakfast. Sometimes he will lay down in my spot of the bed before I get there. At first I would say, "HEY, what's this all about?" But I have learned that he does it to warm up my spot. What a sweetheart!

Well, that is all I have for today.

Good News

2010-10-25T13:09:00.002-06:00

A pregnancy:
Here is how I put it to my dad: "Dad, there is another human being growing in my body."

That method seemed to work pretty well for him, but in other words, I am pregnant!

I have kept quiet for a while but last week we were able to hear a strong heartbeat and I am still going strong with the morning sickness... which is actually a good sign. I've learned to be grateful to have my head in a bucket.

Anyways, the due date is April 29th, one week after finals are over! So, we will be cutting it close. In about 4 days I will be in my second trimester and AJ and I are so happy.

We are excited to be parents and have a family of our own...plus I can't keep the parents waiting to be grandparents (although, I am sure they didn't mind waiting a little bit longer).

We think it will be a boy but we honestly have NO idea. We will hopefully find that out right before Christmas.
As of 10/25/2010:

I love the bottom: "Only 186 days!" Ha.

A birth:
Whitney and I started a new blog: Liberty's Lime. It is a ... well click on the link to the right and find out for yourself :) We are excited to add more posts and learn more. But, I shouldn't keep you waiting... Take a look!

Tribute to Dad

2010-10-15T11:13:00.000-06:00

I.Love.My.Dad.

The other day I was looking through old pictures on my computer and found just a couple of my dad. He hates having his picture taken but in one of the pictures he decided to humor me and the other was just a nice candid of my dad be his observant self. As I stared at the pictures I reflected on how wonderful my dad is and decided that I should write him a little tribute. Well, that was probably a month ago and days past and past and I convinced myself that if I were to try and write such a post, it would never truly be complete.

This is him watching his little grandson open presents on Christmas morning last year. I have never had Christmas without my dad and almost never without his parents, Grandma Lana and Granddad Bill. In this picture you can tell how quiet and patient he is. He is definitely and observer. He is always aware of his surroundings and knows where potential danger lies, a fun opportunity, and most important he can spot any opportunity to serve. Someone asked me once what my father has taught me. The first lesson that came to my mind is that every moment is a good time to serve someone, no matter what your own circumstances may be. Perhaps you might be in a hurry to get somewhere, but if you slow down and take the time to see what is most important, you will be able to gain and understand a lot more in this life.

This is a picture of him humoring me. No one in my family takes pictures and so none of us are used to having our picture taken or event like it. Actually, we are quite awkward. But, my dad plays it off well! He's just being cool in this picture. He has been through a lot but has been cool throughout everything. He has 4 kids and 2 divorces and he loves all of us so much. Most of the time my brother lived with his mom and step-dad, but my 2 sisters and I lived with him. It was as if we captured him in this evil girly trap. He put up with our yelling and fighting over clothes and pretty much whatever we could find to argue about. He put up with our crying and emotions. And, most impressively, he put up with SHOPPING. He actually has really good taste now that he's been through 3 daughters. He would sit on the couches the stores have specifically for husbands and dads and wait for us to try on what we thought were the coolest fashions at the time. He would also give us positive feedback and help when we were possibly making wardrobe mistakes :) Through it all, his life is his family. Isn't that what life is all about? He spends time with his parents and never misses a second of opportunities with his children. He has worked hard at his job and has always provided us with amazing health care (weather it be a Gatorade and a spoonful of medicine, or a trip to a specialist, he has been there, every. time.) He let us learn and grow and make really stupid mistakes. But, I think that would be a challenge for most parents. He wasn't controlling or too strict, he was "just right". He still is.

This was on a canoeing trip 2 summers ago. We took the RV with Granddad, Dad, Kay and I to Alley Springs for a couple days. On long drives, sometimes we get a little goofy... as do most people. We somehow got on the topic of Mr. Bean and as I tried to sneak a picture of dad, he turned around and gave me his best Mr. Bean. For kicks, I'll show you Kay's version too.

Nice. Anyways... Back to dad! Sorry Kay.
Now my heart aches sometimes because I miss home so much. Not to discredit living in Utah and having my wonderful husband, but there is always something special at home. I was thinking the other day and thought, "You know what, if you look down and notice you see yourself clicking your heels and saying, 'there's no place like home', you know your parents did something right!" That's exactly what my dad did: something right. I can't pinpoint one specific thing because that is the art of parenting. It is simply complex. ( is that an oxymoron? I'm no good at this stuff)

I was talking to AJ the other day and tried to un-offensively ask him a question. I thought that once you were married that no one in the world can love you as much as your spouse does or is supposed to. I asked him, "Honey, I hope this doesn't sound wrong, but do you think anyone can ever love me as much as my dad loves me?" He looked back at me and as I was expecting something to the effect of "I love you more than anyone"... he, instead, responded, "Actually, no. I don't think that is possible. Your dad loves you very much and a father's love is special. There is something there that I will never be able to accomplish. That type of love is only a kind your father can have for you." I am glad that we sort of had the same idea. It just didn't seem possible to me. Although I know AJ does love me very very much and I do to him as well, no love can compare to the love that parents have for their children.

It was then that I understood. My Father in Heaven loves me beyond a love that I can even comprehend yet. I know for many reasons but one of those reasons is because He blessed me with my dad, David, my sweet husband and all of his family, my brother and two sisters, my mom, and all of my wonderful grandparents. I am still working on trying to understand the love that lies in blessing me with a family, first and foremost nonetheless, eventually understand the love that He has for me to bless me with everything else that He has.

"All of my wonderful grandparents"... This past week I had 2 great-grandparents left. Grandma Melba, and Grandma Peggy. Both extraordinarily fantastic women. A couple days ago I was informed that Grandma Peggy has passed away. My heart broke instantaneously and I cried as I sat and watched a young man play the practice piano in the basement of the loud Student Wilkinson Center on campus. Suddenly, the noise was gone and it was just the boy, his music, the Spirit and me. That song was alive and that song was for her. I knew that Grandma Peggy lived a difficult, yet accomplished life. I have never heard of a women succeeding and facing challenges with such bravery and love. She fought every challenge that came in her way and finally they had to team up in her lungs, kidneys, brain, and heart to take her. She is a strong women and will forever be loved and remembered. I am happy to call her family and blessed to know she still lives on in memory and in Spirit.

...touching Heaven

2010-10-05T09:31:00.000-06:00

"To express gratitude is gracious, and honorable. To enact gratitude is generous and noble, but to live with gratitude ever in our hearts is to touch heaven."-Thomas S. Monson

I am so grateful that this year for conference I could be with loving family. Not to mention go shopping with the girls and then come home to all the men full of the spirit after Priesthood session!

Also... some of the cutest nephews in the world!

This time last year

2010-10-01T09:25:00.000-06:00

Lately my thoughts have taken me on a whirlwind of emotions and they never fail to take me on a joyous nostalgic daydream. Not to mention, pictures, smells, tastes, and feelings always help to make the experience more real. So, here is my nostalgic thought for the day. General Conference weekend (and surrounding weekends, I believe) last year.

Natalie making cookies.... (Something is wrong here. How much does one stick of butter equal?)

Brooke and Natalie let me do their hair. I love doing hair and they were so sweet and patient with me!

We built an awesome fort over our whole living room and were able to watch general conference in the fort! Also, Allie made delicious potato soup because...

I tried to make broccoli cheddar soup with low-quality cheese and it was disastrous! Allie saved the day!

We had a girls night on Friday and we put egg and oatmeal face masks on that were a bit unpleasant, but nevertheless they were fun and we had a good time. Not to mention after the masks we watched a Jane Austin. Girls night doesn't get much better than that.

Also in October, some friends and I went on the most beautiful bike ride I have ever been on! We rode through North Provo on the river trail and then biked past Bridal Veil falls. The trees were all changing colors, the leaves were falling, it was nice and cool, and the sun peeked through the trees to give us just enough light and warmth. Sounds like a dream!

AND... We happened to spot this bad boy... A real life tarantula... or what we think is one. I am no where near an arachnid know-it-all but this thing was huge and furry and looked like a spider. That pretty much defines tarantula in my book.

Even though last year was full of fun past times, this year is going to be just as great, and better if I want it to be! AJ and I are going to Richfield tonight, sporting our blue and red to root for Josh and his 6-0 football team. We will also be counting on our Cougars to kindly smash the Aggies in their dual this afternoon/evening. Saturday and Sunday we are going to be watching general conference and spending time with some pretty awesome family members. (Okay, so I don't really know who all is going to be there but all of them are awesome so we are in for a great treat!)

As far as the general broadcast goes, I have a few questions on my mind such as: where we go after our undergrads, where we should live, if I am trying to submit my will to God's and I am still making mistakes am I still doing well at submitting my will, and as always, I am listening for how to strengthen marriage and families because we will probably end up taking about it in some of my classes.

Enjoy conference! This time of the year is so beautiful.

"I have a big problem everyone!"

2010-09-27T08:41:00.000-06:00

So yesterday at church there was a new Sunbeam in my class. He was supposed to come a few weeks ago but he had a really difficult time adjusting. Well... he isn't entirely "adjusted" yet, but he is funny! As we were having singing time he kept shouting out, "I have a BIG problem, everyone!" He repeated a few times so I asked him if he would help us sing the primary songs. He said, "NO! I have a BIG problem!" At the brink of his tears, I guilt-fully asked him what the problem was. His reply: "I don't know how to make pancakes."

Now, this was completely irrelevant to anything that had happened so far at church, so it really must have been a huge problem for it to have been stuck in his mind all morning!

Now if you ask me what the huge problem of the day was... The other teacher wasn't there today and one of the little girls had to go to the bathroom. Since I couldn't send her with anyone, we took a little field trip to the bathroom. Usually the kids know what to do on their own but today was another story. Arley came out without any bottoms on and said, "Will you help me to sit on that big toilet?" Thankfully, as I was racking my brains trying to figure out what to do, one of the boys' dads came to get a drink and I asked if he would help the boys go to the bathroom. He came out and said that Arley wanted to sit on the urinal because he has never seen one before! ... Then it all clicked.. "That big toilet"

Over a Year Ago...

2010-09-24T13:04:00.001-06:00

So, for Christmas 2007 I received a laptop for college and graduation. Two years later it conked out on me and I haven't had any of the material that was saved to it. My main concerns were the family history interviews I had saved of my grandma and granddad Hottel. As a nice little treat, my friend, Ogden, was able to retrieve all of the information for me as a post-wedding gift. I was able to find all my family history work AND.... many memories that I otherwise might have forgotten. So, in rejoicing of Ogden's heroic act, I have decided to post a memory from the summer of 2009. This is when I met AJ just a handful of days after he returned home from his mission! I also made many other good friends. We tried to make traditions left and right and one of our traditions was "Whipped Cream Wednesday". It only lasted a week or so, but it was fun while it lasted. (also, as I was leaving for the airport we had one last go-round) Taco Tuesday was a hit but the restaurant we went to posted a sign that is still there, reading, "Closed until furder notice". I suppose it is a good reminder to us that life still goes on and we will always have the memories. The preserved memory for today:

I found these two random pictures of AJ too!

You can tell by the way he looks at the camera that he really had a crush on me then! NOT! Haha, but I promise that we were good friends!

How Can I Be?

2010-09-17T15:20:00.000-06:00

I came across this video on youtube at a time when I was a bit discouraged and a doubty-mufasa. It reminded me that I have a lot more to stand for than to not.

Whom, you say?

Nephi: He is the son of Lehi of Old. Him and his family were sent by the Lord out of Jerusalem to live in the wilderness. They left all they had and did as the Lord commanded them. His father was a prophet and their family went through many trials. Nephi had faith, but his brothers, Laman and Lemuel, murmur against him and the Lord. At one point, his brothers bind him but he is saved by his faith. Nephi and his brothers are sent back into the city to retrieve some records. He could have died, but the Lord delivered wicked King Laban into his hands and the records are saved. Nephi invites Laban's servant, Zoram, to live with his family in the wilderness. Zoram goes and is converted to the gospel. Nephi is a prophet of God and makes a record on small and large plates. Nephi has a vision of the promised land and the crucifixion of Christ. There was a time in the wilderness that the family had no food and Nephi's bow breaks. His brothers murmur again and Nephi doesn't give up. He makes a new bow and is able to get food for the family. The Lord commands him to build a ship. His brothers murmur some more. Nevertheless, he completes the ship and travels across the seas with the Lehites and preaches of Christ. The list goes on and on...

Lehi of Old:"Hebrew prophet who led his followers to the promised land in the western hemisphere (600 BC)" As mentioned before, he moves with his family into the wilderness. He comforts his wife and she bears 2 more sons in the wilderness: Joseph and Jacob. Lehi is a prophet and undergoes many struggles in the wilderness with his family that sometimes he even got really discouraged and murmured a bit. The Lord blesses Lehi with visions and prophecies of Christ, the fall, atonement, promised land, his seed, Babylonian captivity, and the tree of life. Lehi also found the Liahona, which is an instrument similar to, but cooler than, a compass that works according to your faith. Lehi sails his people to the promised land. This is where the Book of Mormon comes from. It is another testament of Jesus Christ from the people in the America's during the time of the bible. (It didn't start with Lehi though, the brother of Jared first brought people to the promised land around 2200 BC and Adam and Noah and all them were around 4000 BC)

------- Okay, I looked up extra details on Nephi and Lehi in the Index. The next are AJ's descriptions. I love AJ so much and listening to his excitement while telling me about these prophets made me want to weep out of joy because he has such a love for the gospel. He sure is a keeper!-----------

Captain Moroni:Led the armies in battle and fortified the weakest cities and made them into the strongest cities. He led battles as a young man. Him and his armies dug trenches and built towers on top and when the Lamanites came, his troops threw rocks on their heads and filled the trenches with Lamanites. The Nephites didn't lose anyone. Apparently there is a scripture that says that If all men were like Captain Moroni, Hell would be shaken forever.

What? Promise to the Three Nephites: The same promise as John the Beloved to live until Christ comes back. John the Beloved wanted to spread the gospel and that is why he was promised to live so long. When Jesus went to visit the Nephites to establish his church, he called Twelve apostles and asked their desires. Nine of them said, "We want to return to thee speedily" and the other 3 were hesitant and Christ said basically, I know you desire the same as John. So he promised the three Nephites that they could live until the coming of Christ.

Samuel the Lamanite: Before Jesus came, the Nephites turned wicked. Samuel was a Lamanite but he was good and he was a prophet. He went to preach to the Nephites to warn them that Christ was coming and they kicked him out of the city. So, he stood on their city wall and prophesied of Christ. They tried to shoot him down, but couldn't do it. Then, they went to take him down from the wall and he jumped down and escaped.

Benjamin the Wise: Young adult king who got Laban's sword and defended his people from the Lamanites. When he was older, he gave a sermon on a tower and preached to the people. The people wrote down his words and shared them with the people that weren't close enough to hear (like General Conference). He taught them about the atonement and the people said, "We are nothing compared to God" and they desired to sin no more. The people make a covenant to follow Christ and be his "children" through a spiritual rebirth (like baptism). They won't be like Christ's children forever because He is our brother and we will all be joint heirs as children of God.

Abinidi: Preached to the people and they kicked him out. Then, he came back later but in disguise! He was preaching to wicked King Noah and his wicked Priests. He said to the priests "you do not know the commandments of God" They claimed that they did so he replied, "Then why don't you live them?" (OUCH!) Anyways, the king sends to have Abinidi killed but he said if they touched him they would die because he did not finish his message. Then, once he finished he basically said that they could do whatever they wanted with him but surely it would be done unto them. So some of the priests went to kill him and they burnt him and later they were hunted and burnt. One priest ran away and decided to repent. His name was Alma.

Alma the Younger: The priest that escaped was Alma the Younger's father. Alma the younger was bad. He was trying to destroy the church and he formed sort of like a "gang". Him and his "gang" would go around and try to destroy the church and told people it wasn't true. Then, an angel of the Lord came to the "gang" and it's voice was so strong it was like an earthquake. Alma the Younger was then in a coma for 3 days. So, he was taken to his father and his father rejoiced because his son was being humbled. (Alma 36) After the coma, Alma the Younger felt so terrible for what he had done, he felt like the mountain should be put upon him. Then he remembered how his father had taught him about Jesus Christ. He then put his faith in Christ and him and his previous "gang" became missionaries. They were even so bold as to preach unto the Lamanites. Thousands of people were converted and became Anti-Nephi-Lehites

Mighty Ammon: Ammon was in the "gang". The Lamanites were going to kill him but his dad, Mosiah, prayed and the Lord promised to protect him. Ammon told the king that he wanted to live there and be the king's servant. The king was happy and even offered his daughter as Ammon's wife. Ammon said "No thanks" and was sent out to look after the sheep. Then, bad guys came to scatter the sheep and the other servants of the king were so afraid because they knew the king would kill them for letting that happen. Ammon said, okay, you guys go gather the sheep. (This is where AJ jumped of the bed and grabbed his sling shot from Isreal and started acting out the story!) Ammon takes his sling shot and kills off some of the bad guys. Then others come up to him and he slices off all of their arms with his sword and kills their leader. Then, the king thinks, okay this guy is unreal. The king has Ammon come back to talk with him and the king is silent and is overcome by the spirit. Basically, the king is converted and helps convert the thousands of Anti-Nephi-Lehites.

Stripling Warriors: Under captain Moroni. The parents of the stripling warriors made a covenant to never go to war again and they buried their weapons. Then, the time for war came and there was no one to be in the army. The stripling warriors were young teenagers who didn't make the covenant their parents did, so they went to fight. There were about 2,000 of them total. When in battle, none of them died. They said they didn't die because their mothers had taught them.

Brother Joseph: Joseph Smith, at the age of 14 prayed in a grove of trees to know which church to join. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ came to him and told him to join none of the churches. Then, he was persecuted by many people but the Lord was with him always and prepared him to dig up the plates that the previous prophets mentioned had their stories recorded on. Those plates became known as the Book of Mormon. Twelve new apostles were called and the church was again restored on this earth.

Jesus Christ: I was telling AJ that I didn't know what I would write here because there is so much that can be said about our Savior. I am just going to say that as I look around at what is going on in the world today and recognize my own downfalls and weaknesses, my heart breaks but also rejoices in the fact that Heavenly Father sent his only begotten son, who was perfect, to die for the sins of all of us. He bled from every pore and suffered any kind of pain that we can go through so we can return to the Father someday.

If you want to know more, search it out! But, I will try to always ponder "How can I be?" as I remember all the prophets and the Savior and I will leave this with you in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

San Antonio Adventures

2010-09-16T11:32:00.001-06:00

It's about time I update everyone on our official honeymoon! We were married in early May but were in school for Spring and Summer Terms so we had to take our honeymoon a few months late. The timing was perfect! We didn't have any other stresses to worry about the whole time... with a huge thanks to Chris and Maria. Maria is AJ's 2nd oldest sister and her and her husband, Chris live in San Antonio. Chris's family shares a lake house on Lake McQueeney and as a wedding gift, the two of them flew us out to San Antonio and let us stay in their new house and the lake house. We had such a fun trip and look forward to visiting the Payne's again sometime. The first full day we were there we went out on the lake. The water was perfect and the lake was near empty of boats! We couldn't have asked for anything better. We went wake boarding, water skiing(David), and tubing. AJ rocked on the wake board, for how few times he's been.

David is in the first grade and he is practically a pro water-skier! It was so funny watching him ski. He is so calm and throws tricks here and there and everyone is yelling, "Don't smile!" because is nearly expressionless when he's out on the water. Here is a picture of him throwing the one-hander. If I were to put an expression on the picture it would be, "Yeah, I can ski one-handed. Who can't? No big deal."

The next picture is of (in order) me, AJ, and Maria while Chris was driving, I believe. It isn't a high action shot, but I thought it was funny because it reminded me of the hear no evil, speak no evil, see no evil monkey things. I guess, in this case, we were all thinking the "see no evil" part.... a.k.a. "the sun is obviously in our eyes"!

For the next two pictures, I would just like to do a fun comparison. I guess Anna has started throwing peace signs in photos recently and as I was looking at the photos from my camera, I noticed she was throwing the number one. Maria sent us a picture from her phone of Anna at the Alamo throwing the peace sign. It's really hard to tell on the boat picture, but if you look closely, the number one is there!

We had such a fun time in San Antonio and we loved spending time with Chris, Maria, and the kids.
I also wanted to add a joyous and belated note about our beautiful new niece. Below is precious Abigail who was born mid July I believe. Sandra emailed pictures to AJ and I just had to steal one from him and post it on our blog. Doesn't she just look so adorable and healthy?!? We can't wait to see her in person someday!...Maybe in Hawaii???

"Spanking" Good Friends

2010-09-15T14:00:00.001-06:00

Last year was full of fun friends and many many blessings from the Lord. I am so grateful for the friendships I was able to cultivate during last school year. Not only can I feel comfortable in their presence, they are all loyal and trustworthy! WELL.... Sometimes. ;)

This is the only exception I can think of. So, our friend "Connoro" (changed for confidentiality), found this ginormous wooden spoon in the central building kitchen and felt it appropriate to borrow it for a night. That same night, him and our friend "Odgen-Hotstuff-Schmills" (also changed) came over and started their seemingly ritualistic wrestling match. Whhhhhy? Many people wonder, but no one really knows.

I, being the saint of a student that I am (think what you wish), was completely shocked that they would do such a thing in the presence of ladies AND during their studies.... that I had to take matters into my own hands.

Surely there is some way to tame a college student.

The threats for time-out, no dessert, earlier bedtime, no playing with their friends the next day, counting up to three.... NONE of it worked! I am terribly ashamed, but I resorted to spanking.

Yes, I am aware of all the research done on spanking and whether or not it is appropriate or detrimental to a child's well-being. Sometimes I think, "I got the wooden spoon on my rump and I turned out great!" (and humble). Well, in a child development class, we talked about this and although opinions were flying and general authorities were being quoted, one girl said that it seems like it wouldn't be too inappropriate if the natural consequence would have been physical harm. (e.g. when a child runs out into the street, it's okay to give him a little pat because he could have got hit by a car instead.... talk about detrimental)

Well, if any of you have ever been a spectator in one of these wrestling matches, it is easy to slip into the thought that perhaps someone is going to end up with a little physical harm done. SO...

Whatever you believe, and however much I try to justify this picture (or why I am even posting it on my blog), I will have you know that this was an innocent joke from friend, to friend, to.. however many friends were there. For the record, we NEVER asked them or even wanted them to wrestle in our apartment, EVER! But, we will always have this gem of a picture to re-live the memory.

I also want to add this precious memory:

This is "Natasha" (changed, again, and also a bit Russian). She loved going out to eat sushi. But, hated the sushi part. I do say, however, that she does have quite a way with chopsticks and she also has a Vietnamese roommate.

That is all.

Love,

KAPU (also changed, and Pure Russian)

Favorite Fall Recipes

2010-09-11T17:16:00.000-06:00

There seems to be nothing that I do not like about fall. I don't care about equinox this or whatever 21st this... Fall starts when the temperatures cool down a bit and the pools get covered with stinky tarps. In fall, some of my favorite things are happening:

*School starts. People start making new friends and learning new material. (and you get new school clothes!)

*The leaves are starting to fall and change colors.

*General conference. . mustn't do without!

*The air is cool, crisp, and mostly fresh.

*In Liberty, we have fall festival on the square. . which means... home-made root beer, kettle corn, and freshly dipped corn dogs. (What "health conscious"?) Yum, yum, yummy!

*Halloween spooks and Disney movies like Hocus-Pocus and Halloween town.

*Birthdays (that I know of) Dad, Joshua, Natalie, Brooke

*Thanksgiving .... Need I say anything about this one? Heavvennnnn

*Rain starts to come again. I LOVE rain.

*Corn maze

*Pumpkin Patch

*All of BYU's best performing groups are here and in action

*And last but not least.... THE FOOD.

Okay, so judging from my remarks about Fall Festival and Thanksgiving, it is not surprising that people once called me Carrie Suueeeeeeeey! or Stinky-Poo Carrie Sue. As a child, I used to lick all the left-overs to "claim" them and hide the Chewy Chips Ahoy and the Puffy Cheetos in my bedroom. Yes, I was quite a chubsters and my sisters and cousins never hesitate to attest to it! I'm not ashamed. Actually, I've been a little sick lately and really wanted to eat real food again. I do not ever want to take for granted all the tasty goodness around me and my ability to just keep it down the hatch. Food is such a blessing.

What's her point? Where is she getting at?
Well, I just wanted to share with you some of my family's favorite fall specialties. I apologize in advance that I have no pictures to go with the recipes. Also, I like to simplify the instructions and usually just do it as it lists the ingredients. Hope nobody minds too much.

Mom's Cheese Soup
Simmer for 20 minutes:
1 can chicken broth
1 cup chopped carrots
3/4 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup diced onion

Then add:
1 can Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup
2 cans Condensed Potato Soup
2 tsp. Parsley
Stir and wait long enough for these ingredients to heat up to the rest of the soup.

Then add:
1-2 cans of milk to desired consistency

Stir in:
1 cup sour cream
2 cups grated cheddar cheese

(We don't use canned milk, my mom just uses the soup cans before she throws them away. Also, this is delectable with those tiny Oyster Crackers thrown in.)

Grandma Lana's Cheese Spread
2 cups soft margarine
1 cup mayonaisse
3/4 lb. Velveeta, grated (or food processor can take care of it)
1 small can chopped black olives

Combine all ingredients in food processor. Spread on french bread. Bake at 350 until cheese is bubbly and melted.

(Bethy-B is CRAZY about cheese. When she was little, she would pop a squat right in the fridge and nibble directly off of the Velveeta block. This recipe goes out to her! We adore our cheese lover.)

Oatmeal Scotchies
1 1/4 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup soft butter
3/4 white sugar
3/4 brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla
3 cups quick oats
1 2/3 cups Butterscotch morsels

Preheat over to 375. Combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in small bowl. Beat butter, sugars, eggs, and vanilla in large bowl. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in oats and morsels. Drop small spoonfuls of dough on ungreased cookie sheet or baking sheet with parchment paper. Bake 7-8 minutes. Cool on sheets for 2 minutes. Yield: 4 dozen

* This is what my mom makes most in the fall as a special treat. If it isn't this, then she makes butterscotch muffins. I tried to make these in Utah and they weren't the same. Maybe needs a bit more flour for the altitude adjustment. OH, I wouldn't be surprise if this is the same recipe on the butterscotch morsels package. In our family, we are fans of the recipes on the packages. (That way, you know you at least have one of the ingredients!)

Some of our Family's Simple Fall Favorites:
1 Take a bowl and throw in some candy corn and peanuts. Oh, suga-honey-love! It's like making peanut butter in your mouth.:)

2 Another specialty in our family (if you love Spinach)... Buy the Lipton's Vegetable Soup Mix and follow the recipe on the box for Spinach Dip. It is so yummy! My mom would sometimes even make or buy a bread bowl to put the dip in for parties. You can serve it with vegetables, bread, or crackers.

3 Make your favorite chili recipe and before serving, top your bowl off with some crackers and a big, healthy dollop of cottage cheese. If you haven't tried your chili with cottage cheese yet, you are missing something spectacular!

Okay, enough chubby kid ranting.

Turn those cookin' gears and switch over to your loving fall chef mode!

My name is Carrie Henry and I am a Mormon. (Conversion Story)

2010-09-10T09:21:00.000-06:00

“None of us knows what the next change is going to be, what unexpected opportunity is just around the corner, waiting a few months or a few years to change all the tenor of our lives.” – Kathleen Norris

Too often I find myself observing the lives of those around me, wondering how some people can make it another day without the gospel and without the understanding of the atonement. Without fail, with each new experience in my life, I become more and more grateful for the light of Christ leading me to know about the truthfulness of the gospel and for the family and members of the church who followed their promptings of the Spirit.

All throughout my childhood I was interested in religion. I needed to know what truly was out there. Even at a young age, I understood that nothing that happens in life is mere coincidence. I remember one of my favorite movies as a child, Angels in the Outfield. In one scene, the young boy kneels down to pray and says, “God, if there is a God. . .” I always remember this scene and would even kneel down and pray, using the same words. I knew there was someone out there, I just wasn’t sure where or how to get in tune.

Growing up in Missouri and with non-denominational parents helped me to be lead to the churches where I felt most comfortable and right. I attended Lutheran, Baptist, Catholic, Methodist, you name it—if it was a Christian Church in Liberty, I probably gave it a shot! When I was 14 I thought I had found the church that I wanted to attend for the rest of my life. Each Wednesday I would ride the school bus home to my friend, Emily Bollinger’s house. Wednesday was my favorite day of the week because that was the day we would go to youth group. I made sure never to miss youth group each week and eventually I decided that I was ready to join the church. I went through confirmation with all of the 12 year-olds and was confirmed a member of the Methodist church and was baptized.

I thought that the minute I was baptized I would feel renewed and clean and on top of the world. This wasn’t the case. The moment of my baptism and shortly after, I only remember having a strong feeling of resentment. The youth pastor said that I would be given 3 methods of baptism to choose from. These included sprinkling of water, pouring of water, and full immersion. Each method symbolized something different. For example, sprinkling would blot out your sins, pouring would wash them away, and immersion would completely cleanse you and you would be “born again”. I knew with a surety that I wanted full immersion. However, the pastor decided that since 3 other people were getting baptized as well; sprinkling would suffice for the sake of time. I felt completely robbed of agency and of blessings that would follow me the rest of my life. In most cases, baptism is a one-time deal and mine was shot.

On the contrary, I was going to be given another chance; I just didn’t know it yet. Shortly after joining the Methodist church, a friend of mine, Taylor Wilson, was somewhat “dared” by his friend to ask if I would be his Valentine. He took the challenge and I accepted. We dated for 2 years after that.

Within the two years was the biggest rollercoaster of my life (so far). Emotionally I was on highs and lows, I was struggling with school, family, and all challenges most people typically deal with.

It all started when the Wilson’s invited me over for dinner. There, they would say a blessing on the food and then after dinner they would pass the Book of Mormon around the table and each read a page. I loved it so much and could really feel the difference in their home. The light of Christ gave me the desire to learn more about the gospel and about the church.

A few weeks after being in their home and truly understanding the value of family, my Great Uncle Dale came from Utah to live with my Great-grandmother Melba. He was in his final years of a shortened life. He was dying of bone cancer. He came for just a short period of time, to be taken off of support so he could pass away in his mother’s home. My Great-grandmother, that day, had become a widower of her one true love and not only that, she had just lost her second of three sons.

The day of my Uncle’s funeral was the first day I ever attended the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Since the day was filled with certain events, I had a lot of questions on my mind and wanted to know about eternal families and differences of worthiness and so forth. Members shared with me the Plan of Salvation and although I did not fully comprehend at age 14, there was not a doubt in my mind that what they were sharing with me was true.

The following two months (April and May 2004) I continued to go to church periodically and to be in the homes of loving church members. In June, Samantha Wilson (Taylor’s younger sister) decided to take the next step. As a new beehive in the young women’s she was excited and inspired to take the monthly missionary challenge. The challenge for June was to give out a Book of Mormon. So, one day Taylor and I were on our way to the Wilson’s home and he was telling me, “Samantha has something to give you. It really isn’t a big deal though. You can even throw it away if you don’t want it.” When I arrived at their home, Samantha had a gift bag wrapped up all nice and neat and even though it wasn’t my birthday, presented me with the gift. I opened the bag and pulled out the Book of Mormon. Inside the front cover she had written in sharpie, “Carrie, I just wanted to give you this Book of Mormon and bear my testimony that this book is true and that our church is true. I know that Jesus Christ lives and loves us. I know that the prophet Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon and restored Jesus Christ’s church to this earth. Love you, Samantha Wilson.” In the top right-hand corner was the scripture reference Moroni 10: 3-5. Keri Wilson (Samantha and Taylor’s mother) advised me to read that scripture before reading anything else.

The scripture promises that if a person reads and ponders the scriptures with real intent, then asking sincerely if the words be not true, through the Holy Ghost will let the person know if it is true. Since it is a promise, I decided to take the Lord up on it. Each day, I would sit out at the pool while nannying and read the Book of Mormon. I kept a journal and with everything I read, I would write down what I understood and questions about what I did not. I made diagrams, maps, family trees, timelines, you name it! I had to know if this Book was true!

Moroni 10:3-5

3 Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts.

4 And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.

5 And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.

I didn’t make it far with my diligent studies. Eventually fall rolled back around and it was time to go to school. In Junior High, Taylor and I used to sit in the cafeteria before class every morning. This year was different though. Since high school starts earlier than junior high, he wouldn’t have extra time in the mornings because he would be going to seminary*. The seminary curriculum for 2005-06 was the Book of Mormon. I remember pondering about how much better my studies of the Book of Mormon would pick up if I were to attend seminary. I thought about attending, but then would convince myself that the idea was ridiculous and I would never make it there on time each morning.

(* What is seminary? Seminary is somewhat like a Sunday school class. However, the students from grades 8-12 attend it every day. In Missouri, seminary is an early morning program--before school starts--because there are so few members of the church. Some states that are heavily populated with LDS people have what is called “release time” where students can go to seminary as it fits in their schedule. In the 4 year period a student attends seminary, the curriculum rotates. One year you will be studying The Book of Mormon, the next you will be studying the Doctrine and Covenants, the Old Testament, or the New Testament. If you go all four years, you will study all the scriptures.)

A week or so before school started, Keri was dropping me off at my house and I remember walking inside and shutting the door behind me, thinking. I stood there for a moment and then began to weep with excitement. I ran outside and waved my arms around, summoning Keri to stop the van. I ran down the driveway as she rolled the window down. I said, “I want to go to seminary, I don’t care what I have to do, I want to go!” She then told me that we would have a lot to plan, but if my parents would allow me, I could go.

Keri was right; there certainly was a lot to plan. Thankfully, neither of my parents detest to me going, but getting there was another story. Early morning seminary starts at 6:00 AM. My mother lives 20 minutes from the church and my father 3 minutes. The summer before school started, I had been living full-time at my mother’s house. Unfortunately, she declined my request to have her wake up each morning and drive me to church.

Too bad for her then, I moved to my father’s home. He told me he could drive me and he lasted for about 2 days. I then tried to receive rides from other members that lived close by. One young man was inactive. I didn’t know he was, but he was the closest to where I lived so I asked if he could take me. He said yes, but was about 20-30 minutes late every day. Another family gave me rides a couple times except sometimes they wouldn’t even go or they too were late. In turn, I was forced to move back into my mother’s home. My stepfather would leave for work every morning at 5:00am. He promised me that if I were in the car by that time, he would give me a ride to any member’s home and then I could ride to church with them. So that is what I did.

I am so grateful each and every day that I was given the opportunity to spend this time with my Stepfather, Rob. Something about him was changed. I know he would never be inspired to take me to church. Rob was an alcoholic in denial. His addiction had become so bad that he had lost his remembrance of the simplest memories (like where the couch is, etc.). He no longer went to work because he didn’t sleep, but was too weak to work or to remember the tasks he needed to complete. Rob loved the time that we spent together. I often wish I could have that time back. He would listen to me about what I had learned and what was going on in my life. It seemed as though we might have connected through or struggles. People didn’t want him to drink or smoke anymore, and people didn’t want me going to church. He wanted to know more about the church so I gave him a Book of Mormon. He told me he would read it. The last time I saw it, it was on a stack of Playboy magazines. He hasn’t really gotten around to reading it yet, but maybe someday he might find time.

(A small tangent:

In the past year, Rob had a seizure and truly hit rock bottom with his addiction. For almost a week in the intensive care unit he refused to go to rehab. At the end of his hospitalization, the drugs wore off and he decided that maybe rehab wasn’t so bad of an idea. While Rob was in rehab, I had been supporting a friend of mine who attends a 12-step recovery group. After I went to the meeting, I called Rob and we talked about recovery and why it’s worth it. We both cried.

Rob was adopted by two wonderful people whom I adore. His sister was adopted too, and between the both of them, life has surely taken them down rough paths. Rob’s father recently died during Rob’s recovery. I think about Rob often and how hard he has had to work. Sometimes life is really rough but I think it’s because of how strong and valiant he must be to fight against it.

President Ezra Taft Benson once said, “The Lord works from the inside out. The world works from the outside in. The world would take people out of the slums. Christ takes the slums out of people, and then they take themselves out of the slums. The world would mold men by changing their environment. Christ changes men, who then change their environment. The world would shape human behavior, but Christ can change human nature.” (Ensign, Nov. 1985, 6-7)

Christ can take the slums out of anyone. He did it for me, and I am ordinary.)

The first time I ever bore my testimony was in the winter, I think it was January of 2006. I was prompted during sacrament meeting, but didn’t have the courage. I would say might, but a woman once told me that your might is your testimony. In young women’s the last 10 minutes were left for bearing of testimonies. Since the young women in the branch numbered to about 5, we all would have a fair chance. I felt like my heart was going to pound out of my chest like a cartoon character. I stood up and bore witness of what had been promised that the spirit would bless me with. I did not want to be a person who said the church was true just to say it and borrow the testimony, so I told the young women what I knew. I said, “I don’t know much, but I know for a fact that I am supposed to be here. I have never been happier in my life.” I then gave a “thank-imony” and closed in the name of Jesus Christ. None of us could contain ourselves through the closing prayer because we were crying so much.

The rest of the year passed quickly. Seminary came and went and I was waiting to know what the next step would be. There was only one thing left to do, really. I had already given a talk in sacrament meeting about the Holy Ghost. I think this was the Lord’s and the bishopric’s strategy to make me realize that I wasn’t capable of having the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost unless I was baptized. I finally announced that I was ready to be baptized.

Oh, the missionaries were ecstatic! They had been waiting and been transferred multiple times and all of them knew who I was and were so patient. The two elders that taught me were Elder Tyson Ropati Kuresa and Elder Trenton Taylor. They had both been out for about 5 months but were so nervous to teach me. Regardless, they did what they knew best. They taught me through the power of the Holy Ghost. The Wilson’s and I got an honest kick out of their discussions because they were just so excited they could hardly slow down! Even though I had been going to church for a while, I still had many questions about the Plan of Salvation and the Restoration of the Gospel. I remember Elder Taylor reciting Joseph Smith’s account of the first vision. The spirit is so strong. I love hearing the lessons about the Restoration of the Gospel!

Eventually I was challenged to set a baptism date. We set one, but my father kept declining my request so the date had to be set back. There are school nights that I can recall going into the living room (where my father sleeps) and keeping him up until 2 or 3 in the morning just crying and bearing my testimony and all that I knew just to get him to say ‘yes’. If there is ever a lesson to be learned in life it is that no one can make anyone do anything. It seemed like there was nothing I could do to get him to just say one word, ‘yes’! Eventually the fact finally settled in with him that this is where I would end up and this is what I would do whether he said ‘yes’ now or never. In two years, I would be able to make the decision on my own. Thankfully, the loving father that I have only wants his children to be happy, so he signed the papers and let me go through with the baptism.

There are two events in this world that I ever get extremely excited for: a Royal’s game and baptism. I was more excited for my baptism than I have ever expressed as much excitement for in my life. No longer was I being “robbed” of all the blessings which I have been promised. I remember hanging my baptism gown up in the car Saturday before the baptism. I usually don’t ever lock my car doors but that night I did. You can take my car, you can take my belongings, I just didn’t ever want my baptism to be taken from me.

There is much more to the story. I can recall other moments of being overwhelmed by the spirit and times where my wants and ideas were silenced by the will of the Lord.

Recently I sent Samantha a thank-you letter for being so bold and full of love. I thanked her for not hiding her testimony. She wrote me back and told me that she had just finished the Book of Mormon and the letter came right after. She felt like the Lord was telling her, through the thank-you letter, that He was happy with her decisions and the Book of Mormon, is in fact, true.

Our Father in Heaven knows us. He knows our needs and he understands our wants. He has a timeframe for us that is incomprehensible. Times when we feel like we know what may be best for us; He will always know something that will be even better, no matter how difficult it may seem. What He wants for us is greater than anything we could ever think up for ourselves. He loves us so much, He sent His son to save us. He sent prophets to establish and restore His and His son’s church on this earth. The light of Christ is in everybody. Not one person on this Earth today was not one of the ‘noble and great’ in the pre-mortal existence. We are all entitled to all of the blessings of the restored gospel and the celestial kingdom and the highest degree of glory.

I am a girl from Missouri. I have 1 half brother, 2 sisters, and a mom and a dad.

As a child, I would watch Woody the Woodpecker and Gilligan’s Island before school and Full House at least twice after school. My siblings and I would roller skate in the basement while listening to The Beach Boys. Once, my older siblings were mad at me for ruining the fun when I pooped my pants while crunching along on my Fisher Price skates. I was too busy to go to a restroom.

My favorite food was honey-smoked baby-back ribs. We would go on bike rides together and we built a tree house in our back yard. I tried to run away once and take my little sister with me. My sisters and I were in Girl Scouts and loved camping and singing songs. We went to public schools and ate school lunches. In Junior High I was curious but never wandered too far into mischief. My friends and I would have slumber and pool parties. In high school I took pictures for the yearbook and tried to help save the environment by testing the streams and raising awareness about recycling. The furthest I have been outside of the U.S. has been walking across the U.S. and Mexican border.

Now, I am married and my husband and I are poor college students trying to find out what our futures my hold. We live in a small apartment with 1 bedroom and a swamp cooler. I am studying Family Counseling and my husband is studying Psychology. I have a doctor's appointment today. We are certainly average people.

My name is Carrie Henry and I am a Mormon.

If you have any questions, feel free to post a comment or visit www.mormon.org or www.lds.org

Lovin' that Genius

2010-08-31T17:48:00.000-06:00

Today my blog post is short and a little...."cheesy." All of my short 20 years of life I have taken something so wonderful--that is right in front of my face--for granted. I would just like to thank the genius who invented these bad boys:

Today, I am so grateful for the snack that is actually happy to see me and glad that I am partaking of his golden goodness. Today, happy goldfish Finn; you saved me!

Also, a special thanks to BYU vending machines.

Sunbeam Adventures

2010-08-15T14:07:00.000-06:00

Nothing gets more meek and innocent than a sunbeam. For those of you who are thinking, "What in the world is a sunbeam?!?", "sunbeam" is a title given to the 3-4 year-olds at church. Since we don't have little children running around our house, we always remember the precious words of the Sunbeams I teach. Here are some of my favorites:

Me: Would anyone like to say the opening prayer?

Riley: I DO, I DO. . . Habenly Fader.. and a ZOOOM.. and den a POW POW... and den WOOSH... and den PING PING PING.....

Another Teacher: Riley, do you remember how to pray?

Riley: Name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Another day I was teaching the children about temples and I had pictures of our wedding and had AJ come and tell about how temples are special for families.

AJ comes in : So, have you been learning about temples today?

Riley: NO, I was talking about PETS!

. . . . and he was being completely honest.

Today we had a visitor, which is very special! Her name is Ruthie and she was in town visiting family. At one moment (or a few) she would burst out of the class room and yell all the way down the hall. AJ was there since the young men are at camp so he was able to run after her. Her mom heard her from her class, opened the door, and sprinted after the speedy girl. One woman said she has never seen anyone run so fast in high heels. After some mommy time, Ruthie was ready to come back. Today the lesson was "I am thankful for food and clothes." I was asking the kids who they say "thank you" to. They said they say "thank you" when they pray. I asked them who they are saying "thank you" to when they pray. They weren't answering so I was giving a hint... when we pray we say, "Dear...." Ruthie then burst out in song "... a female dear. Ray, a drop of golden sun. Me, a name I call myself..." After all the running and squirming she had done, I couldn't help but let her embrace her little moment. It was the cutest. Some little kids visit and fit themselves right in, but others have a difficult time adjusting. Kids like routines. Ruthie did a great job during class and I was so happy she could join us this week. Her singing made her fit right in.

Some items the kids have shown up with to class: a random pearl necklace (not his mother's), food, drawings, strings, a laser, and lense-less glasses with eyebrows.

Some items of concern: head lice (students in other classes), sticking hands in pants, sitting facing towards the teacher, inside voices, and key changes in songs (one kid cried because the music all the sudden sounded scary)

The elder's quorum and relief society teachers must be thankful they don't have to run out and chase their students down the hall! Overall, I love my calling so much. Getting to know all the kids in primary has really helped me get involved in the ward and to meet everyone. Otherwise, I am not sure how well I would have tried to get to know all of the parents. What a blessing!

Clogging Man

2010-08-11T18:29:00.000-06:00

Okay, I have to be honest here. Almost every time I go watch someone I know perform their talents I get so emotional. I cried last night at AJ's show. I cried when Whitney tap-danced at a BYU performance. I cried when I saw Brianna, Kay, Dalin, Kevin and Evan run cross-country and when Amanda danced on the square. I cried when the band would play sometimes during half-time. I cry at assemblies. I am just a big cry baby! But, I think it is important that people who work so hard to do something that is good should be recognized for their hard work. I lack the guts to ever say how much I admire people but I really do admire and love all of my friends. (ALL of them - from childhood, adolescence, and from now)

AJ is the first guy to come in from the right side... His little brother, Matt, is in the second group to come in from the right side... Good luck keeping track of them later though! :) We had a lot of fun at the International Festival in South Jordan last night and AJ is going to miss clogging a bit but he has had a lot of great experiences going on tour and doing local shows. I love the cloggers in the group that I was able to be introduced to. They are all genuinely wonderful people who work hard to represent our country in a fun and wholesome way.

Forever.

2010-08-09T13:07:00.000-06:00

So, I have a bajillion things piling up that I have been meaning to blog about. I suppose I will just take everything one at a time, by order they happened.

Well, I am always making more flowers and headband-type crafts, but my biggest lately is this quilt. It is a flannel quilt and it is called a "rag quilt" on the other side the seams are all coming out and then I cut them and run the quilt through the washer. Right now this side looks better because I only have parts cut here and there on the other side. In the middle is fabric wanting to be used... but I don't know what to do with it. :)

STOMPPOT.... This is a Dutch meal. I thought I would surprise AJ with some Dutch food because he served his mission in the Netherlands. Luckily I spilled the surprise too early and he wasn't familiar with any of the recipes I had planned on making so he told me about his favorite dish: stomppot. It is similar to mashed potatoes, but they put onions, carrots, cabbage and potatoes in a big pot of boiling water until all are tender and then they mash them together in bacon grease. (I left out the bacon grease though) Then, they have sausage with the stomppot. I also made a cucumber salad because the recipe said "Dutch" and we needed a fresh vegetable.

This past week, AJ went to Scout Camp with the boys in our Stake. He had such a great time with all the leaders and young men! Our stake is a melting pot. We have an ASL ward, Spanish wards, Navajo ward, and the English-Speaking ward that AJ and I attend. So, one of the activities the boys made Native-American medicine pouches. AJ spent two weeks beading his and it really turned out great. The theme of the camp was David and Goliath and not having fear to do the right things and to stand up against challenges, so the boys keep a nice shiny rock/pebble in their medicine pouches to remind them.

The second picture is of some of the boys in our ward making an A-frame. The boys got on separate teams and had A-frame tying races.

The last scout camp picture blows my mind. I asked AJ what the boys really loved about the camp and he guessed that their favorite part about camp was the tackle football. I almost choked. "Tackle?" "Yeah".... "As in pads and helmets?" "No"... "Oh so it was actually two-hand touch?" "No, they grab you and slam you into the ground so you stop running." "What?!? We would never be allowed to do that at Young Women's camp... or recess... or girl scouts.... Someone is bound to get hurt." "Oh, they did!!!!"

That was the end of the conversation. I was glad they had fun, but I had forgotten how rowdy boys can get.

This magical goodness was a perfect surprise right before finals. You see, when I left for college my "grampa" had taken requests on what he could send me in a package each month. I have always been grateful for the support my family members have given me while in college. One of my only requests was DEER JERKY. My grampa hunts deer sometimes and makes the best mouth-watering deer jerky. After two years, my request was granted and it was the greatest surprise. I could eat it all in one sitting, but I want to savor it as along as I can.

Yesterday AJ's brother, Matt, came up with his friend, Jenny, and we all went ice-blocking in the park. We had a fun time and only spent $4! Now, we are creating a way to make our own ice blocks. It looks like we aren't going fast... and maybe we aren't... but it was still a little scary!

When I blog, I seem to pick the happy stuff in life. I don't want it to seem like life is easy. We had a rough week and getting used to marriage is not an easy thing to do... and marriage probably never gets any easier. Sometimes it is easy to confuse happiness. It can often be disguised. Luckily, joy can not be mistaken. Everyday I find joy in the fact that we have been sealed together for all eternity in the temple. Nothing brings greater joy to me than knowing that our family will last forever!

Forever.

Brain Damage

2010-08-04T12:08:00.000-06:00

Before I start, I have to admit that I still have brain damage.

AJ always asks me if I would like to "for to for to drink da drink" when we sit down for dinner or basically anywhere with drinks. I always laugh and then think he is crazy for a second. Finally I decided to ask him why he said that. He told me it was because kids have brain damage. I'm thinkin' "he is even crazier than I thought". Apparently he was quoting a famous comedian and I had no idea. So here is your "for to for to drink da drink". It falls short behind "Dad is GREAT! Give us the Chocolate Cake!"

So you want to craft?

2010-08-03T14:08:00.000-06:00

You get married. You continue life, similar to the way you did before marriage. However, something changes within you. All of the sudden you are going sort of crazy. Your new life has put a new color into your world, the idea that families are indeed eternal and you have now started your own family. Since tasting of all these new flavors, it starts to seem like there isn't enough color or creativity to this normal world that you have been living in this whole time. No, not at all, and you think there is something you can do to solve the problem. . . so, you start crafting and cooking and finding how to spruce up dinner and the living room, etc. Then you realize you don't know how to craft anything so you start looking for tutorials and sweating over what you want to make. . . well after sweating and worrying what I could do... here are somethings I have done so far.
*This story is a dramatization. Actually, I love to craft and cook and was getting a little craft hungry with a lonely sewing machine sitting in the closet.

White stretchy headband made with three different sized cotton yo-yo flowers.

Mason jars spray painted black lids with fabric covers. I got so tired of all the open plastic bags in my pantry that looked so unorganized.

This is a cute flannel burp cloth that I made just to see how it would turn out... now I have a stack of different colored flannel remnants that I can't wait to quilt with and make more of these! AJ and I have about 4 expecting friends so if I can whip some of these up that would be a nice and affordable gift.

I saw this tutorial at Craftaholics Anonymous Blog and thought it was such a cute way to cover books of any kind. The Book of Mormon is so readily available and always my favorite book to give away so I gave the cover a try on one.


Baby wipes case... Another project for my expecting friends... not the easiest because you can't measure the fabric perfectly before hand because of the shape. Not suitable for perfectionists. (I'm not a perfectionist though, you should see under our bed right now!) Oh yes, AJ finished off this one by adding the ribbon and buttons. He has good input and more importantly valuable insight in other areas of our life.

I have a couple more projects I am working on but I am at a loss to find my camera. Yesterday I took everything on the shelves and dressers in our room and shoved it under the bed to de-clutter and de-stress for just a day because I had a final project due. Now, things are starting to trickle out and go back to where they belong but I have still been wondering when some items will show up. :) The joys of .... everyday life!

Carrie

Our True Identity

2010-07-24T18:19:00.000-06:00

I know that the words he's speaking are true. I have found them to be true through trials and tests of my faith. Blessings flow in abundance by living according to the pure knowledge that God is our Eternal Father in Heaven.

Carrie

Blast from AJ's Past & A Little Bit of Now-a-days

2010-07-12T13:33:00.000-06:00

So, I am terrible at blogging but I do enjoy taking pictures. So, I don't have much to write about and I hope that pictures can tell a story much better than I can.

Here are a few pictures that will help everyone get to know AJ a little bit better... and if not, at least maybe you can have a few giggles! This picture is of AJ and his oldest sister Angela is holding him and his other sister Naomi is standing looking up at him.

AJ is a good sleeper. Sometimes he even graces me with a little sleep talk. The other night he asked me if I ever took the temperature of a person named Avery. ??? Hmmm... Well I don't recall ever doing that but at least I could laugh a little and go back to sleep. Here is AJ as a youngster fast asleep on the piano bench in his home in Richfield, UT.

What is funny about this picture now is that AJ sometimes comes home to a similar looking mess, but I am the messy one. I try to cook yummy treats but sometimes I am not the best at cleaning as I go! AJ's parents keep their staple ingredients in a lazy susan under the counter. I have been informed that AJ wasn't the first to explore those canisters!

None of these are at all blackmail, for us, they are fun memories and a nice blast from the past. Here are a couple more that I think are so cute.

This picture is my favorite. AJ's mom's name is Sally and she loved reading the book, "Blueberries for Sal" to the children. AJ tells me it is one of her favorite. One day AJ and I went on my favorite of dates to Barnes and Noble and read children's books to each other. When he saw this book on the shelf he got so excited. He had to read it to me! I loved it so much and as I listened to him reading it, I pictured his mom reading it to him and could hear the same emphasis and excitement in her voice to his. "Kurplink! Kurplunk!" I hope my children can become as great of readers as her children have become. This is a picture of Sally reading to AJ (bottom), Josh, Matt and Anna (the four youngest of the Henry children).

Last but not least, here is the ladies man himself.

Sometimes I will say or do something extremely girly and ask AJ if he knows what I am talking about, or expect a reaction. He always reminds me, "Remember, I have sisters." He is in between 3 girls in his family: Anna (younger), and Sandra and Naomi (Older). I love this picture of him and the girls and Matthew. He is so good at understanding me and knowing how to best communicate and help me with things I need (or want for no apparent reason).

NOW-a-DAYS....

May

Here is a short update of our summer so far.

Memorial day weekend, AJ and I went camping for one night up in the mountains. It was fun, spur-of-the-moment, and really cold. We made chocolate chip cookie 'smores and for breakfast, AJ treated himself to a little bit of left-overs :). Both of us have a really bad sweet tooth, so I was kind of craving one too!

Here was our quick dinner thrown together; foil dinners! Ah, a camp-out classic! We just had chicken, vegetables and potatoes with some salt, pepper, and italian dressing thrown in and tossed on the fire that AJ built. (Thank you, Scouts!)

June

Here is a photo of AJ's mom, talking to my great-grandma Melba at our open house in Missouri. We had a great time seeing all the family and catching up. We are so blessed to have so much family so close and to have as many grandparents and great-grandparents as we do.

July

The end of June and July were full of some crazies. In late June, AJ was so thoughtfully washing the dishes and a glass accidentally slipped off the counter top and shattered on his foot. I was in class at the time and so he wrapped it up and drove to the emergency room to get stitches. When I called him to pick me up from class I asked him where he was. He told me he couldn't pick me up from school anymore. For a brief moment I was upset and felt neglected... then he told me it was because he was in the emergency room. I felt guilty for being mad for a tiny moment, but then I walked to the hospital and watched them stitch up his foot! He is almost totally healed up now BUT, there is more. After he stopped taking ibuprofen for his foot, his fever spiked up and he was very sick. His body was aching and he felt cold (but was burning up), nauseous, and had a sore throat. We thought maybe it was a 24 hour bug and waited it out. The next day his fever went down but that evening it was over 100 again. We took him to the doctor and found out that we had mono. He is currently back at work and is sleeping off the final lingerings of the virus. He is a trooper.

On a lighter note, the fourth of July was full of fun, food, and family (as it should be!). We went to Richfield, where AJ grew up and where his parents live now. He sister Maria is in town with her 4 children, Tyler, Nicole, David, and Anna Grace. We had so much fun talking with her and playing with her kids and all the other nieces and nephews that came to Richfield. I was told that 30 people slept sleeping over one of the nights in Paul and Sally's home. I didn't take too many pictures because Paul is awesome at doing that. Here is one that I thought was really cute of our nephew Corbin and his mom Virginia.

She tried to get him to smile but I guess he just wasn't feelin' it. She has a nice cute smile though!

Here is my sister-in-law Angela. She is so wonderful! On her lap is he daughter Mari. We have fun pretending like different animals together.

Last, but certainly not least, beautiful Anna Grace.

She is incredibly adorable! AJ and I have 3 nieces all around the age of three; Anna, Mari, and Emelie. They are all so good at posing for pictures. The famous pose is the knees together and the bum out a little. Watching Emelie pose for pictures is so funny! We miss Sandra, Jake and Emelie on the other side of the country.

So, this is the post that I will leave you with and a witness that families are eternal and the greatest blessing that God has given us.

I want to embrace every moment of it!

Today is joy.

2010-05-22T14:13:00.002-06:00

LIFE... with Cinnamon!

2010-03-05T10:05:00.000-07:00

Well. It sure has been a while since I last posted. Big changes have really taken place. I rearranged my room. . . Winter semester has started with new classes. . . And among everything, I have also gotten engaged to my wonderful fiance, AJ Henry! We are getting married this May.

I have learned a lot this semester about marriage and family in my classes in the family life department. I look back and think about all that my dad and grandparents have done to raise us in high warmth and a high standard environment and am so grateful! Quite often in my class I remember my friends' parents as well and how they each have parented so well and in love and righteousness.

LIFE cereal is good, right? YES!. . . Well life is wonderful, and most people seem to enjoy it. My teacher wanted us to remember 3 things:

1.) Life is hard, but we can do hard things. (Might I add. . with the help of the Lord)
2.) When things don't go as planned, don't get upset...Make the best of the situation. AND
3.) Things take time.

For anyone who has ever had LIFE cereal, I am sure you could attest to it's satiating taste. Now my question is. . . have you ever had LIFE with Cinnamon? Everyone is going through life, one day at a time, trying to remember those 3 principles, but few have tried LIFE with Cinnamon. Those who have had the cereal know that it's life changing. The cinnamon I am referring to now is "The Family: A Proclamation to the World". The Lord has graced us with special counsel on families and how they are the most important unit in society. Now that I have had LIFE with Cinnamon, I never want to go back.

The Family: A Proclamation to the World

Andrew and I have been so blessed with such wonderful families and are excited to have an eternal family of our own. We will continue to learn and have life experience and throughout it all, we will continue to learn and express appreciation for all that our parents, friends, and other family members have done.

You are all probably thinking, "This is boring, where are the videos and pictures?" - - That's just my formal operational egocentric thinking, but I will succumb and post them for you, if for some instance you were thinking that.

For more pictures you can look at my roommate, Brooke's blog. She is amazing and took our pictures for us. She has been such a great help and I am so blessed to know her and to live with her. Her and Natalie are fantastic!

Life is Wonderful!

God is so mindful of you. Keep on keepin' on!

Only If...

2009-11-12T12:06:00.000-07:00

Life is wonderful, despite the world's belief. School is going great. Lately I have been debating on what major I should choose because I am not interested in exercise science anymore. This fall semester has gone really well. I love my roommates, I love my ward, I love my classes, and I love my friends. I miss everyone from back home so much and can not hardly wait for Christmas season! My two roommates are Natalie and Brooke. They are both freshmen with big hopes for the future. They are both extremely talented and capable of doing whatever they choose with their futures. There is not much new about my life. My favorite class right now is American Sign Language. Some days I will sit around sign instead of talking just because I prefer it. Lately I have been escaping the whole "graduate as fast as you can" trap that I put myself in and am taking time to do those things I have always wanted to like learn another language, guitar, piano, etc. Sometimes it is easy to fill up a schedule with items that need to be done and I fill it so jammed pack that I don't take time to develop those hobbies and talents I have always dreamed of. Now I've finally opened my eyes and am starting to understand the importance of family and expression.

Here is a little video I found randomly online. A guy named Jeremy Ashida wrote and plays the song, but another guy does this art in his free time and both are really talented.

Only If...

Also, here are some inspirational words from my man Mr. T.

Enjoy! I love you all!

In Due Time

2009-07-09T10:48:00.000-06:00

Well, I knew I wasn't going to be the best at keeping a blog, but I didn't think I would be this bad! For all of those who may not know, I am still in Utah doing the same old fun stuff. School has been a blast! The spring/summer atmosphere is so great. After I finish up with spring classes I will officially be a junior, and my the end of winter semester I will hopefully be able to apply for optometry school. I love my new roommates, Chelsea and Allie. They are both new freshmen and they are so enjoyable and fun to be around.
I am in a family history class this term and have found a lot of grandma Melba's ancestors and I am working to try and find Grandma Jeannie's, but that task is a bit difficult. The easiest way to find ancestors is if they are deceased because I might find them in the social security index or they might have filled out a early 1900's census or served in the wars. I am just going to keep searching though and maybe I can find something here soon!
This term I am in Statistics, Family History, and Current Social Problems. I love each and every one of the classes and the professors that teach them!
I love how beautiful everything is out here in the summer. There are flowers in full bloom on every block (especially Roses). Also, the mountains are green because of the unusual amount of rainfall and sometimes I feel like I am in a different country like Iceland or Ireland.
I am especially excited to go home for a comparably lengthy trip (a whopping 15 days!!!!) and spend time with everybody.