Bring Him Home Santa

This is a tear jerker!!

Thank goodness for stand-by

I know, I know, you are probably asking yourselves, "Why in the world anyone would ever be thankful to be on stand-by?" The chance of not getting on, your baggage making it to your destination before you do, not being able to sit by the person or people you're flying with, having to wait until the very last minute to board (because that's when you find out if you have a seat) and having people stare you down like you are the reason for the hold up of the plane departing.

Well, I was very grateful for stand-by last week when my sister-in-law didn't make her flight. I wasn't going to be able to see her, but lo and behold the stand-by gods didn't let her on. (Hooray for me.....sad for her and my brother!) But this meant that I got to see her and two of my nieces instead! (One of which is new to the family and I haven't had a chance to meet yet.)

Thanks Lu for sticking around so I could see you and the girls! (I know you didn't plan it, but thanks anyway!!)

I went to help Layla play my dad's new Wii, and she kept telling me, "I know how to play this Wii." She did a wonderful job teaching Ama how to "golf correctly." I just wish we had Guitar Hero with us so I could have heard her sing "Heartbreaker." Maybe next time, as long as the stand-by gods cooperate with me again. :)This is just too cute!

I think she loves her Aunt Nicole!

Me and the girls!

He sure is going to make a cute dad one day!Fore!

'Tis the Season

I love Christmastime....the lights, decorations, traditions....everything that goes along with it. A couple weeks ago we went with our friends to see the lights at Temple Square-beautiful, gorgeous! We had the perfect night to go, it was still around 60 degrees outside! It doesn't get much better than that to walk around and see all the lights and displays. As most of you know, pictures don't do it justice, but here you go:

That would be our friend Jeff behind us....need I say more? (J/K, we still love him!)I love the reflection!I love this picture! Pretty good job if I do say so myself!! A Nicole original. :)

Utah vs. BYU.....the fans

So, I should preface this post in that I am normally a BYU fan. I grew up cheering for my Cougars. Well, after Kenyan graduated from the U, I've had to somewhat adjust. I enjoy cheering for the U, but don't always cheer them on as much when they are playing the Y. Kenyan said I was a 60-40 BYU fan, I said it was still about 80-20. Anyhow, I was glad for the Utes and am very excited they get to go to a BCS bowl game.

My friend Amy and I were going to "decorate" a former colleague's car in UTAH attire last Friday before the game on Saturday, but she decided to take a personal day. Fortunately for us, the Utes won and she didn't take a personal day today. Amy and I went down to our former school during lunch to "decorate" her car.....oh, did I mention she's an avid BYU fan!! Take a look:

The victim and the culprits

Utah's #1 Fan!

Picture Tag

I've been tagged, twice actually, so here we go. I went to my picture folder, fourth file, fourth picture and here's what I came up with: This is a picture from when we went camping up Henry's Fork in the Uintah Mountains. This is us playing the high elk game around the campfire. If you have never played the high elk game...you are missing out!!



4 People I tag: Jodi, Shanda, Cindy, and Sarah S. (And if any of you have already done this, then just disregard this tag.)

I'm an Esme!

Take the Quiz and Share Your Results!
You are thoughtful and care very deeply for your family. A loving home is of great
importance to you and you always try to make people feel welcome. Although you have a great capacity to love, you also have a great capacity to hurt, so at times you can be
sensitive. You're firm when you need to be, but people trust your judgment and
appreciate the kind way you always handle things.

Ummm.....Happy Halloween???

I know, I know, Halloween was almost 2 weeks ago, but better late than never, right? Since I have switched tracks I actually got to celebrate Halloween, on Halloween, with my class this year. (Most teachers hate Halloween....I love it!) I was Miss Frizzle from "The Magic School Bus." Most of my kids immediately recognized who I was, and then they called me Miss Frizzle all day long.



Kenyan also dressed up for work.....and after doing so began to wonder where he was going to keep all the keys he needs for work!! Kenyan was a redneck, or Cousin Eddy...isn't he hilarious!! He took his regular work clothes to work in case people made fun of him, but that's what it's all about!


He was also worried about going to the Trunk or Treat looking like that and wondered if he would continually get harassed for as long as we are in this ward. That's what it's all about, ha ha ha! Everyone loved his costume!!! He was the hit of the night!

I've been tagged......

(I've been tagged....and while I wait for my next parent/teacher conference appointment this will keep me busy....)

8 Things tag...

8 T.V. Shows I like... The Amazing Race, Survivor, The Office, Dancing With the Stars, The Biggest Loser, Deal or No Deal (I still like it, even if they didn't pick me to be on the show.), The Price is Right, Friends (reruns still count!) (Apparently I'm a game show and reality tv junkie!)

8 things I did yesterday...Taught school, videotaped a lesson for my national board certification, had Parent/Teacher conferences, watched the Utes pull out a win against TCU (I was the good luck charm, just ask Kenyan), fell asleep watching "Get Smart," talked to parents all night, talked to parents all night and talked to parents all night.

8 things I am looking forward to...Going to Disney World in January, my math endorsement being finished, getting my Master's Degree next May, turning in my National Board papers at the end of March, Thanksgiving dinner with my family, Christmas, playing Guitar Hero world tour (we're saving it for Christmas), going off track (I know I just came back on, but 6 more weeks and I get a break again!)

8 things I wish for... for Kenyan to get a job, to have the perfect class, for parents to not make excuses for their kids, enough money to support my shopping habit, to have time to sit down and read a book that's not related to school, the back room in our house to be organized, a self-cleaning house(I'm also stealing that one...who wouldn't want that?!), a cure for diabetes.

8 people I tag... Stephanie Dixon, Cookie, Lu, Sarah S., Jeri, Jill, Julie, and Beth

(P.S. I know I'm running behind on this...but Halloween pictures are coming!!!)

Tagged and Tagged Again

Tagged

Apparently I've had a lot of catching up to do so I hope all of you have enjoyed all of the blogging:) So, the first tag on here is from Anna and the second is from Shanda. Here we go.....

5 things I was doing 10 years ago: (That was a long time ago!!!)
1. In my last year of high school
2. Wishing I knew how to act around guys. :)
3. Deciding what I was going to be doing for Halloween
4. Celebrating my birthday
5. I might have been in Disney World (It was either 10 or 11 years ago...it works!)

5 things on my to do list today:
1. Finish my wedding scrapbook
2. Write National Board papers
3. Homework for my math class
4. Put grades in
5. Plan lessons to be video taped for National Boards

5 snacks I love:
1. Salt & Vinegar Pringles
2. Sixlets
3. Diet Dr. Pepper w/vanilla (I love Sonic!)
4. Anything with chocolate & peanut butter
5. Popcorn
(Is it bad that none of those are really healthy?)

5 things I would do if I were a millionaire:
1. Buy a house
2. Buy wave runners
3. Buy a black, baby grand piano
4. Invest-although, I don't know if right now is the best time for that
5. Take my entire family on vacation

5 places I've lived:
1. Lafayette, IN
2. Sandy, UT
3. Rexburg, ID
4. Logan, UT
5. West Jordan, UT

5 jobs I've had:
1. Kmart
2. JC Penney
3. Down East Outfitters
4. Zions Bank
5. Teacher-Jordan School District

5 people I tag:
1. Stacy
2. Beth
3. Julie
4. Kellie
5. Jill

Another Tag!!

The rules are:Link to the person that tagged you, and post the rules on your blog.
Share 7 random and/or weird facts about yourself.
Tag 7 random people at the end of your blog.
Let each person know that they’ve been tagged
by leaving a comment on their blog.

1. I have scars on three of my fingers on my left hand from sticking my hand down a bowling ball return when I was little.

2. When I eat Lucky Charms I like to eat the oat pieces and save as many of the marshmallows I can for the last few bites.

3. I sneeze when I put gum or a mint in my mouth.

4. I like to try out for game shows: Wheel of Fortune and Deal or No Deal

5. I like to watch the Biggest Loser while eating junk food.

6. I am usually know as "Miss Adams' tall friend."

7. I have my clothes in color order in my closet. (I have OCD, or as Amy likes to call it...CDO....in alphabetical order, the way it should be.)

I tag....Cookie, Stephanie, Mandy, Wendy, Lu, Bobette, and Monica

Happy Birthday to me!

I celebrated #27 on Sunday! It was a great day. We were at Kenyan's dad's house so they all came in and sang to me in the morning. And I have to say, they sounded pretty good for that early in the morning!!

We spent four hours of the day driving home from Elko to Salt Lake, but then my sister-in-law Crystal made a delicious steak dinner for us and the boys decorated cupcakes for me!

Before we left for Reno, Kenyan gave me a new game to play on the DS to keep myself occupied on our drive to Reno. :) (I get antsy easily! 4 hours flew by in no time!!) My mom took me out to lunch on Monday-Paradise Bakery-yummy! This was my first time and it was delicious! I also got some cute Halloween decor from her too-I love Halloween. Thanks mom!

Thanks to everyone for all the birthday wishes and cards I received, I appreciate your thoughtfulness!

Ethan decorating cupcakes


I managed to blow them all out!! Don't let the 4 candles deceive you, I really did turn 27. :)


The cupcake decorating culprits.....du, du, duuuuuuu.


Ethan, me and Conrad. Those cupcakes were yummy!!

Reno

We went to Reno this weekend to visit Kenyan's family. His Grandpa Brown was in town from Indiana and we wanted to go see him, especially since I've never met him. It was a quick weekend trip, and I think we were in the car most of the time, but we still had fun. Thanks to Kenyan's dad and step mom we got to stay in Tahoe one night-it was beautiful....and very cold!! We had fun visiting everyone and even got a chance to play at Circus Circus. I have become a pro at the camel racing game!!

The family with Grandpa Brown: Me, Kenyan, Justin, Angie, Spencer, Grandpa, Josh, Crystal and Conrad


Ethan is very excited about his Halloween costume....wouldn't you be if you were that cute?!


I think Kenyan's pretty excited about his Halloween costume too....I just don't know how well it's going to fit....hmmmm.


Tahoe! Ethan said it best, "It's Christmas!"


Ethan couldn't wait to play in the snow! He would've been out there in pj's and bare feet if he could have!


Daphne, Ethan's little sister, she's got the coolest leggings and I want her slippers!


Me and Kenyan...trying to stay warm!!


Kenyan helping Ethan playing the chicken game. (If you've never played you have to hit the catapult hard enough to get the chicken to fly and land in a pot.)


Me and my winnings at the camel racing game. :) We were celebrating my birthday early. :)

Viva Las Vegas!

This past weekend Kenyan and I decided to join the fam in Las Vegas. My mom and dad said it was good to see us. :) (Sorry mom that we haven't been over to play games for a while.)

We played a new game called "Category 5" with everyone. The point of it is to get the least amount of points as possible by not collecting rows of cards. If you are the one to play the sixth card in a row the row becomes yours. It was a fun game and I love learning new games, and we all have a favorite new phrase now after playing, "You eat!"(Sorry for all of you who have no idea what I'm talking about.)

While the guys went to the Priesthood session of conference Saturday night the girls went to women's night at Deseret Book. They had treats and drawings and Heather and I won the first two drawings!! And I ran into a friend of mine who just moved to Las Vegas-talk about a small world! (It was good to see you Julie!)

We had a fun weekend playing with everyone and enjoyed David's Thai curry. It was fun to play with the boys-they are getting so big!! We need to visit more often. :)

Unfortunately, to Brittany and Abell's dismay, we left Sunday after the first session of conference. Thanks for letting us stay with you guys-it was short and sweet, but still fun!

Nicole and Jake


Jake


Brittany, Tyler and Abell


Almost the whole family. We missed you Doug, Lu, Tiff and David!


Isn't my little sister cute!! Love you Beej!

Playing Catch Up

It has been a fun, busy weekend. On Thursday our friends Jeff and Marci finally got hitched in the Bountiful temple. Congrats to them! We are so excited for them and so jealous that they are vacationing in Mexico right now!

On Saturday Kenyan and I went for a ride up Millcreek canyon to see the leaves-I love fall! I love the smell, the colors, Halloween, everything! (I just wish it would stay longer so we could enjoy it longer before the snow comes.) After our ride we headed to the Ute game. Kenyan got suite tickets from a guy at work. We enjoyed the suite, but it's not the same as a basketball suite. We like to be part of the crowd and here everyone cheering-unless of course it prevents us from freezing to death! Go Utes! (Don't worry family, we still cheer for the Y too!! But we are obligated to Kenyan's alumni now. :)

And now I get to somewhat enjoy some R&R as I am off track for the next few weeks! Kenyan asked his boss yesterday if he could go off track-it didn't work. :( Anyway, enjoy some pics from our weekend:

Husband Tag

My friend did this on her blog and didn't tag anyone so I thought I'd pick it up so you can get to know Kenyan a little more:
1. Where did you meet?
We met on a blind date. (And I was about to swear off blind dates!) He almost didn't call me because he'd only been home from his mission for a week, but he caved. Good thing!
2. How long did you date before you were married?
5 years! (Kenyan gets a lot of crap for this, and he admits now he should have proposed a lot sooner, but I didn't force him into anything!)
3. How long have you been married?
We just celebrated one year! (Although it seems longer...in a good way!!)
4. What does he do that surprises you?
He does all sorts of cute little things for me. On my first day of school he woke up early and decorated the bathroom mirror with expo marker. He drew a falcon head, the school mascot. Wrote the school motto and even drew a picture of me disciplining the kiddos already! And then he had a note by the ipod that said, "Play the Back to School playlist. So cute!
5. What's your favorite feature about him?
His height. :) I always told him I loved him because I could still wear my tall shoes!
6. What's your favorite quality about him?
His patience for putting up with me and my never-ending "school work!"
7. Does he have a nickname for you? What is it?
Nicolee
8. What's his favorite color?
Blue and Green
9. What's his favorite food?
Yellow death-macaroni and cheese! But he loves curry too and he is a pro at making it!
10.What's his favorite sport?
He loves soccer, but right now I would have to go with football. It's fall and that
means college football every weekend. :)Go Cougars! (We root for Utah too, he is alumni now, but not when they're playing BYU.)
11.Who said "I love you" first?
He did, but I kind of coerced him into it. (That's a funny story.)
12.When and where was your first kiss?
On the front porch of my parent's house in August 2002. I was getting kind of impatient because he wasn't reciprocating anything and acknowledging my "flirtiness." He finally held my hand and laid it on me all in the same night.
13.What are your favorite things to do as a couple?
Playing games, going bowling, motorcycle rides, riding roller coasters!
14.Do you have kids? How many?
No kids yet.
15.What's a hidden talent that he has?
He is an excellent chef and he's been teaching himself how to play the guitar.
16.How old is he?
28
17.What's his favorite type of music?
He likes all genres
18.What do you admire most about him?
He is a hard worker, he never gives up!
19.What's his favorite past time?
Right now it is trying to make his brain bigger playing Brain Academy.
20.Do you think he's going to read this?
Only if I show it to him.

I'm going to tag Shanda and Jodi. (And if anyone else wants to do it-you're more than welcome!)

Girls night!

To try and make a long story short....one of my best friends, Lauren,just got a new roommate, Anna. I knew Anna up at Utah State. Anna found a picture of me and Lauren and said, "Hey, I know her."
Then Lauren called me and said, "Your friend MeDynn is coming to stay at my apartment this weekend."
"What?!"
And then all connections were made and we found out it really is a small world!

(If none of this makes any sense, it's ok.)

It was just like old times. I could be 20 all over again! And we went to Olive Garden and partook of the never-ending pasta bowl-yummy!!! The orichetti (spelling?) pasta is my new favorite with the alfredo sauce.

Lauren, me, MyDynn, Anna


Nicole & MeDynn



I had so much fun seeing you MeDynn and reminiscing on the good 'ole days! You need to move back to Salt Lake....ASAP!

Chocolate & PB

You can't go wrong with peanut butter and chocolate right?! That's one of my most favorite food groups!

I got my new Kraft Food & Family magazine in the mail the other day. (By the way, this is a FREE magazine you just go sign up for it on their website.) The Fall magazine had a recipe for Triple-Layer Peanut Butter Brownies. You don't even need to see a picture of it, you can just die and go to heaven by reading the title, but for you inquiring minds out there, here's what they look like:


I made them the other night for my friend Marci's bridal shower. Wow! They were soooo good! (And don't worry Amy, I'm bringing extra's for you to school on Tuesday when you get back.) Make sure you've got some milk in the fridge before eating because you're going to need it. A little vanilla ice cream to eat with them as well. They were so good and soft, and chewy. There are not enough words to describe the deliciousness of it. So, for you crazies out there who don't enjoy the chocolate and peanut butter...I'm sorry, because I'm convinced that is what heaven is made out of!

Graduation 2009

I know it seems a little early to be thinking about graduation, but I got an email from SUU the other day about graduation! I have to have my application turned in by October 1st for graduation next May! Wahoo! I will be so glad when I am done with classes and writing papers, not that it has been too bad, but I know Kenyan would love to have his wife back!! And I would love to have a life again! But I can't wait to wear that cool little hood on my gown that I've worked hard for!

P.S. I would just like to add that I made it 7 weeks into the school year before getting my first cold. I think it is due in part to my many late nights of staying up and working on school work! Another reason to be glad for graduation. :)

HaPpY (late) AnNiVeRsArY!

Yesterday was our one year anniversary! It's hard to believe it has already been a year! I would have posted yesterday, but we were out-of-town so it didn't get done.

We were lucky enough to be able to get away for a few days. We went to St. George for the weekend and had so much fun. We were able to do a session in the St. George temple while we were down there-I love going to different temples, it's so fun to see how different they all are. We went to see "Big River" Friday night at Tuacahn-it was really good! The guy who played Jim had an amazing voice and one of the coolest parts was watching them flood the stage for the river.


On Saturday we went to Zions National Park. Before going there we had decided we were going to hike Angel's Landing and then we decided not to (because we read some scary reviews online) and then we went into Zions and talked to one of the rangers and he said we would be fine and hundreds of people hike it everyday, so we decided to give it a try...and we succeeded! Here are some pics below (if you haven't heard of Angel's Landing it's a very narrrow trail at the top...the first 2 miles aren't bad, it's the last 1/2 mile on the trail that drops off on both sides!) You hike 2 1/2 miles and go 1500ft. up! It looks scary, but wasn't as bad as I was expecting...I had to keep myself looking forward onto the next part of the trail and not look down!




Angel's Landing-we hiked that!


Scout's lookout: this is the point where you could decide whether you wanted to do the last 1/2 mile or not.


Just try not to look down!



We made it!


A view from the top. Beautiful, gorgeous, wish you were here!





Yes, that would be a vulture. I think he was just waiting around for someone to fall off the cliff!

We hiked more in Zions on Sunday and stopped in Bryce Canyon on the way home too. It was beautiful! I am amazed at all of these things around us that I am now experiencing for the first time. Kenyan and I talked about how we live in Utah and haven't experienced all of the attractions we have around us and we were surrounded by people from all over the U.S., Europe and Asia! People are coming from all over the world to see these attractions and we only have a few hours to drive....take advantage of what's around you!


Among all the things we got to do and see I just loved that I was able to spend it with Kenyan! (I know...cheesy.) It was nice to get away from the hustle and bustle of life and spend some much needed time together. We've had a wonderful year of marriage and are looking forward to many more to come!
I love you Kenyan! Happy Anniversary!