First Contributor: Mary Jo Howard

I recently recieved my first contribution to my fundrasing page. I already mentioned that I would be running the Wasatch Back Ragnar Relay (with 11 other girls) for the Americal Cancer Society and that I have committed to raising money for their cause.

I plan to highlight each contributor. It's the least I can do. I really appreciate the willingness to help and donate to such an important foundation and I'd like the opportunity to publicly thank those of you willing to donate. I also want to document each contribution for my own sake.

(I will be keeping the amount donated anonymous as any donation is greatly appreciated)

My first contributor, was my mother-in-law, Mary Jo Howard.

Thanks, Mary Jo!

**if you'd like to donate to the American Cancer Society, click the link on the top of the right sidebar. It's really easy and can help so many people!**

A Tag...what can I say, I kinda like them.

1. What time did you get up this morning?
7:05. Adam and I aren't morning people. We actually stayed at my mom's house last night because of the blizzard, though. My parents were super nice and cleaned our cars off for us!
2. How do you like your steak?
Medium. Sometimes medium rare. Depends on who's cooking it.
3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema?
The Fighter. It's the movie about Micky Ward. Adam is a HUGE boxing fan.
4. What is your favorite TV show?
Gilmore Girls, Friends, and Glee.
5. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?
Probably somewhere smallish in Utah (done and done). I don't like huge crowds but I like staying fairly close to my family.
6. What did you have for breakfast?
Two clementine oranges...around 10:00 am. I can't eat early or I get sick.
7. What is your favorite cuisine?
I love pasta. It's part of why I'm the chubby kid. I'm also a big fan of Mexican food.
8. What foods do you dislike?
Cauliflower is gross. So are beets. I also have had some pretty bad experiences with Peruvian food.
9. Favorite place to eat?
Maddox. Hands down.
10. Favorite dressing?
Blue Cheese, balsamic, or creamy tomatillo depending on the salad.
11. What kind of vehicle do you drive?
2009 Toyota Corolla.
12. What are your favorite clothes?
Sweats. Specifically my soft, grey, stretchy pants with my t-shirt hoodie.
13. Where would you visit if you had the chance?
Greece is number one on the list. Ireland is number two. I also want to do some humanitarian work is south america or africa someday.
14. Cup 1/2 empty or 1/2 full?
Can I have a new cup?
15. Where would you want to retire?
Adam and I want to do the old people "two house thing" and we would live up here-ish for half the year and then somewhere warmer...maybe AZ...during the colder months.
16. Favorite time of the day?
If it's a weekday, I like 4:12 pm. Weekends, I like 9:43 pm. Just for looking at, I like sunset.
17. Where were you born?
Holy Cross Hospital in SLC, UT.
18. What is your favorite sport to watch? Gymnastics. Maybe water polo. If I'm there, I love "ball sports"...especially football. I also am really learning to appreciate boxing.
19. Who do you think will not tag you back?
I'm not really doing this in true "tag" fashion...so maybe no one.
20. Person you expect to tag you back first?
Same situation...probably no one.
21. Who are you most curious about their responses to this?
Anyone. I like reading other people's tags. Occasionally you learn something interesting.
22. Bird Watcher?
Hate it. Hate birds.
23. Are a morning person or a night person?
I am such a night person! I get really hyper and fun/obnoxious. I am not very fun to be around in the morning.
24. Pets?
I wish. Probably never though.
25. Any new and exciting news that you'd like to share?
I got some cool sewing stuff for Christmas! I graduated last May! I start applying to grad school soon!
26. What did you want to be when you were little?
A mom. A teacher. A doctor. An artist. All sorts.
27. What is your best childhood memory?
I have so many. I had an amazing childhood. Most involve my family, the cabin, or my first babysitter Geri.
28. Apparently somebody didn't approve of #28...?
29. Are you married?
Thank goodness! I sure dig my husband. We've been married for a year and a half.
30. Always wear your seat belt?
Almost always. The only time I don't is in Adam's truck. I always used to but he kind of teased me about it when we were first dating (ie...you don't trust my driving skills?) and I kind of got in the habit of not wearing it in his truck when he drove. Silly. I usually wear it in his truck now though, the habbit is nearly broken.
31. Been in a car accident?
Many. But not all my fault or while I was driving. Luckily none recently though.
32. Any pet peeves?
Too many probably. People who try to talk to me while I am on the phone. People who make me feel guilty/weird for doing what I want. People who don't use their blinkers. People who eat gross. Kitchen counters that aren't clean. Being wet...or having to touch cold, wet things.
33. Favorite pizza topping?
Cheese. I am a cheese fan. (note the chubby).
34. Favorite flower?
Tulips. Gardenias. Orchids.
35. Favorite candy?
Lindt white chocolate truffles or red sour patch kids. Otherwise, I'm not really a candy fan.
36. Favorite fast food restaurant?
Apollo. Taco Bell. McD's. In that order.
37. How many times did you fail your driver's test?
Zero. I'm the champ. I did an amazing parallel parking job...sheer luck. I couldn't duplicate that effort again for many years.
38. From whom did you get your last email?
AK. My phone battery is dead from sleeping at my mom's and not going home to my charger so I've been emailing him back and forth.
39. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card?
The very thought of maxing out a credit card terrifys me! (so, none)
40. Do anything spontaneous lately?
Is deciding to sleep at my mom's spontaneous? No? Oh. Sometimes AK and I pack up and go somewhere for the weekend or go on a random hike or something. But not for the past couple months.
41. Like your job?
I like it okay. It's a decent job with good people. I've been here for over 4 years...and now that I have degree I feel like I should make more or do something more important. When done with grad school, I think I will really love my job though.
42. Broccoli?
Ew. I tolerate now it but it seriously used to make me gag.
43. What was your favorite vacation?
Honeymoon to PEI. Amazing. I want to go back.
44. Last person you went out to dinner with?
Adam.
45. What are you listening to right now?
My coworkers chatting amongst themselves.
46. What is your favorite color?
Grey. Blue. Pink. Probably in that order. Or combined.
47. How many tattoos do you have & what are they?
None. I never will. But I would get one on the toe next to my big toe if I could/would.
48. Coffee drinker?
Next to never. I have in my lifetime enjoyed some coffee stuff that tastes mostly like chocolate milk. But pretty much never.
49. How many children do you have?
Zero. Maybe some day. We plan to have 1-3 children.

Weird that it ends at 49?

My Parents' Anniversary.

These crazy cats (my parents, not Adam & I, or Katie & Lyv) got married 29 years ago today. And boy am I glad they did! If not for the events 29 years ago, I wouldn't be here and I wouldn't have the rad family I have. They have done a spectacular job raising us and keeping us close to each other and our savior.

Happy Anniversary, Mom & Dad!

At least my tetanus shots are all up to date...

I'm clumsy. This is no secret. I'm known to be a bit accident prone.

***note...those who get mildly queezey at the sight/thought of injury...don't read this (or don't look at the picture (Hailey, this warning is mostly for you)***

This morning I was cutting a roll and thought, why stop there? Why not just cut my finger a little? Ok. That part isn't true (the roll part is...just not the thinking part which I've so cleverly italisized). But I did cut my finger...I just didn't really intend to. So now I'm rocking a very cute bandaid on my left pointer finger.

I know what you're thinking...not really a noteworthy injury and definitely not needing a tetanus shot. Granted. Don't worry...there's more. So, I took this morning off work to get some Christmas time glory done. Included in this was sewing the annual matching Christmas pajama pants for Adam and myself. Now I'm no seamstress (which is why I shall use the non-word "sew-er") but I'm a decent sew-er (not to be pronounced sewer). I make pajama pants every year for the two of us. I've been sewing since I was a little girl. I made our Christmas stockings, MANY quilts, and loads of other stuff with no incident. But sometimes, paying attention isn't really my thing. Example:

Today, while sewing, I sewed right through my finger (Right birdie if you're curious). The sewing machine needle entered through my finger nail and then came out the other side (as pictured below). After mumbling some much merited "s words" (don't judge...or do...I guess I don't care), I decided to remove the foreign body. I tried sending it back out the way it entered, pulling it all the way though, engaging the use of other objects (i.e. tweezers) to aid in my endeavor. Fail. On all counts. It hurt a little when it first happened but after messing with it for about twenty minutes or so it hurt kind of a lot. Like a mother as some may put it (sans naught "f word" I don't say that swear...just eh "s word"). I tried calling Adam (just to tell him of my championship in grace). No answer. So, I called my mom. She taught home-ec - I thought - this has had to have happened to one of her students at some point! And I was right. But it came out fairly easily when her student sewed through her finger. She told me to go the to dr. I texted Adam something a little dramatic to freak him out and make him call me back fast. It worked. He left work for a spell and came and took me to the dr. (maybe I didn't really need the ride but it was nice to have a good fellow by my side).

*Exhibit A*
I don't know if it looks painful...but I believe it was. That is blood, not nail polish (on my finger...it's definitely nail polish on my toes which look freakishly tiny at this camera angle) and that was after a little rinseroo. Ouch!

Oh...and I forgot to mention, once it entered, it broke off and the broken end kind of got trapped in/around/under my fingernail...which is why it's hard to see.

Also, pardon the crappy photo. It's a cell phone picture and I was a little distraught at the time. I tried to call/text work to tell them I wouldn't be making it and I got no response. So I sent them this picture so they knew I wasn't faking.

Side note: while at the doctor's office, the MA went to put the oximeter on my previously mention, purple bandaged left pointer. Then she and Adam had a good laugh at me. Haha! Clumsy old Jen, always good for a laugh (like crazy old Maurice...name it?).

The nice, old, southern doctor injected some Lidocaine into the old third digit (or is it second...do you count the thumb?...I forget). This hurt. There's a lot going on in the finger tip! Then he removed the foreign body. Hip hip! Next was the tetanus shot for good measure. I did the old "tense-up-to-prepare-so-it-doesn't-hurt-so-much" that I learned from childhood shots (and from the previously mentioned injected Lidocaine which was hurty). I felt nothing. Maybe I remember shots hurting worse than normal, the tetanus shot really is practically un-feelable, or the stabbing pain in the right birdie was making the rest of my body invinsible (proabably all three). I felt kind of like a dork for doing the "tense-up-to-prepare-so-it-doesn't-hurt-so-much". Nonetheless. I was ship shape and back out the door good as new...plus, now I'm sporting 3 band-aids which is awesome and kind of makes me feel like I'm six (which is also awesome).

My right arm is starting to get a little sore from the tetanus shot. Kind of like I recently lifted some weights which certainly isn't the case. And I'm typing like a newb even though I'm normally a fairly proficient "typist".

And in case you were wondering, the pajama pants still lie, unfinished, in the sewing machine (sans needle). I might take a little break from sewing and make my mom or sister finish for me.

But on the bright side, the next time I'm asked, "have you had a tetanus shot in the last five years?" I don't have to say "I don't know...probably not."

(Remember that time I took FOREVER to say that I sewed through my finger and here's a picture? Sorry about that.)

Christmas Cards!

These are the Christmas cards we ordered (for free!) from Shutterfly this year. I think they're kinda cute! Aliese took our pictures while we were goofing around at my Grandma's house on Thanksgiving. They should be ready to roll just in time for Christmas. They'll be here any day and then I'll be sending them out. So if you want one you've only got a few days left to get your address to me. Merry Christmas!

Ragnar Relay - Wasatch Back

Weird...why would Jen, not a runner, be blogging about the Wasatch Back Relay. Weird indeed.

Well, I'm going to run it! But, Jen, don't you know you can't really run because you have crap joints, destroyed knees, and nerdy kid asthma? Obviously, I know that. This is for an amazing cause though. So, for the next 6 months. I am a runner. I can do hard things especially if I know it's going to benefit so many people in the long run (plus, I'm about due for another knee surgery so I may as well squeeze this in first, right?). I (and the team of girls I am running with) am running the Ragnar Relay on behalf of the American Cancer Society. We've each pledged to raise a bunch of money for their fantastic cause.

I have been affected by cancer. My family line is riddled with it. I've lost many family members to cancer and am lucky enough to be surrounded by cancer survivors. Even Adam and I have had "pre-cancerous" cells removed (lifeguard-sunblock=skin cancer). I have decided to run this race in honor (you get to select one person to run in their memory) of my uncle, Dennis. He was an incredible man who fought brain cancer and left a young wife and three very young children behind when he passed away.

Wow, Jen, cancer sure does suck. I wish I could help.

Oh, you can! Click here for a chance to save lives! I know times are tough but imagine how much tougher it is on families paying for a loved one's cancer treatments. The team I am on has committed to raise $3,000 for the American Cancer Society and we could really use your help. If you can donate even $5 click the link above and make a donation. The link takes you directly to my personal fundraising page and there is an option on the right (you can't miss it) to donate. And if you know anybody who might be interested please pass this along. Mention it on you blog, or on your facebook, or in person. Spread the word. Help me help others. If I can run from Logan to Park City (in a relay...not all alone) on these crappy knees, you can click a couple links, donate a couple dollars, and save a couple lives, right?

Swimming and Boxing!

Two of our (and by "our" I mean "Adam's" favorite sports!

A month ago (yes a month), we went to St. George and Las Vegas. I know. I'm a suck. There's pictures though!

So, We went to the Greg Fernley Invitational to watch the little sister swim. She did quite well and got best times in most of her events. We also got some fun family time in. My parents, Adam, and I all crashed at Aliese and Darrin's for the night. I stole these pictures directly from my sister's blog. I didn't want to re-scrap them and they were already cute. Maybe some day I'll change the text...since it's in her voice...maybe not.

After the swim meet, we went off to Las Vegas. Adam has always wanted to see live boxing and found some sweet tickets. They were back row but a screaming deal. The deal got even better when we were told that our section had been closed and that we were being upgraded to $400 per seat tickets. Delightful!

Thankful

I once had the opporunity to live with a really rad group of girls. One of them, whom I highly admire, doesn't get to live with her husband for a little bit. They both had amazing opportunities in different locations. I can't even imagine what that would be like.

So, while I am grateful for so many things in my life, I think I am most grateful to be able to live with my everything. With grad school and work situations heading our way, I am aware there is a chance this won't be always be the case. That'll suck. But for now, I have him here with me and I get to see him every day. I am lucky. Because I don't think I am as tough as my friend (or as smart or cool...really, she's pretty spectacular)...at least not now.

Not only am I grateful to get to spend so much time with sir Kay. I'm grateful that we want to spend to much time together. I can never get enough. Seriously. Ever. My Adam-time needs are never fully satiated. He is so cool and funny. And he will play rock band with me for hours or watch stupid movies. What a champ. If you know me well, you know I don't feel this way about many people...at all. I'm lucky.

I am grateful for A LOT of amazing family. My family is hands down the greatest family ever. We are so close and we do so much together. I love having siblings and cousins as best friends. Adam's family is also incredible and I am really glad to be one of them. I really could mention each family member individually but they know how I feel...and most of you probably wouldn't read it anyway.

I am so glad to be done with some school and to have the opportunity to go to even more. Really, I hate school. But I'm grateful to be in the financial and intellectual situations to be able to fully pursue my ambitions. I am also grateful that Adam has been gracious enough to put his own dreams on hold while I work to acheive mine. He really is the tops (are you getting the sense that I dig him?).

I am grateful for my religion and Savior, for my beautiful home, and for decent health...considering the circumstances. I'm grateful for my perspective. I used to be pretty narrow minded, judgemental, and self-righteous. I am ashamed of that. But I can say, with great confidence, that I have come a long way and that I am a very tolerant and open-minded person...which I like. My life isn't perfect. (Note: I didn't say I was grateful for my chub...but I guess I can be grateful I'm not any fatter than I am). It is pretty great though.

Like I said...lucky.

Shutterfly

Last year, I planned on making my own Christmas Cards. They were going to be really cute. But I never got around to it. This year, in an effort to actually get Christmas cards done, I will be using Shutterfly. I've seen this promotion on many other sites and finally decided to look into . I'm pretty dang glad I did. They are doing a promotion for bloggers (as most of you have probably already seen). All you need to do is fill out an application form found HERE. You'll be required to post about Shutterfly and then you'll be given a code to get 50 free Christmas Cards. Awesome, right? If you don't have your own blog you can always buy their cards, click HERE to check out all their cute Christmas cards options.


These are a few of my favorites:


Way Cute...huh? In looking at their site further, I also saw that they have a ton of other stuff that I'll totally use in the future. They have customizable photo calendars and photo books (something I've been planning to do with my blog posts but haven't yet). And if you don't already have an account, they give you a free order fo 4x6 pictures when you sign up...so it's kind of a double whammy. I highly suggest it. My sister has already ordered her Christmas Cards and they are really cute!

October Catch up

My October blogging is quite lacking...but October was pretty fun filled.

We were going to watch Lyv one Saturday and our sister in law, Lindsey invited us to go to the zoo. It was really fun to take all the kids and help Lindsey out a little (it would have been rough to have all three all alone). In the middle picture is Katelyn, Alyvia, and Max.

The following week, we watched Lyv again and decided to take her to the cornmaze. While we were there, we saw a rock wall and Lyv wanted to climb it. She LOVED this and had a surprisingly easy time getting up the wall. She was much faster than the 10-12 ish year old girls climbing on the other side! She is super athletic.

For my mom's birthday, I made her an atumnal birthday cake (bottom left). I thought it turned out well. I especially like the piping. I didn't have time to dust off the cornstartch to it's a bit powdery but still pretty cute.

Brittany and Kody came over the next weekend (as did, Lyv, my mom, my dad, and Natalie...full house) and wanted help making a cake for their family's fall birthdya get together. I think it's really cute and I love the 2 toned leaves and acorns.

November is already off to a roaring start and I already have a bunch of pictures to post...but that will have to wait. I hope you all had a fun Halloween! We were Jessie and Woody (no pictures) and we carved some cute pumpkins...mine was a flamingo (also no pictures). Now that we're finally feeling good again, I'll be a bit better at the posting...hopefully.

This is what happens when the Kays get sick

...that's right...big fat nothing.

We've done a lot of cool stuff and have been way busy...I even took pictures to prove it. But I'm too sick to. Sorry. I'm starting to feel a lot better so I'll get a legit post with pictures and all put on here really soon. For now, I'll keep going to sleep as soon as I get home from work.

Nobody puts Baby in the corner

I'm a little behind on the blogging...so I'll start with our Labor Day trip to Amethyst. We backpacked and stayed one night. In future I think we'll stay two or more. It's really long hike and a really beautiful area...you really need more time (that's a lot of really's in one sentence).
Next up, Adam's birthday. I know I pretty much already blogged about it. It was stellar. I just didn't post the two measly pictures I got of all the festivities.And our lovely new curtains. I finally finished them and I am totally pleased with how they turned out. I also made two of the pillows one the couch (the green pleated one and the tan neck roll). I'll eventually make two more. We'll see how long that takes. My house is looking really cute and fall-ey and thanks to our fall decorations and our curtains it's finally slightly less beige. I'm totally pleased with it. Now all we need is our new tv (which we have been saving best buy gift cards for...we have about 10 now)...and maybe an accent wall...we'll see. The tv console even has a fireplace in it...so cozy!The above picture is a before picture because we recently (today) moved stuff a tiny bit to make way for Jacob's new piano. The little brother was gifted this beauty (slight exaggeration) from a family on his mission...no not from Elton John. He was stoked so he sent it home and I shall babysit it until he comes to claim it. I really didn't want to ditch a section of the biggest couch in the history of couches (which I was pretty sure we would have to do). I was pleased as punch when I saw that it was on the smaller side for a baby grand and that I could just squeeze it into the corner (thus the title...baby blue...baby grand...in a corner?...c'mon, that's funny!). Adam thinks it's an eye sore. He might be right. Even the movers mentioned that it doesn't really "go" with the room. It doesn't. But I'm totally thrilled for my brother and I'm happy to have a piano to play for the next little while (once it's tuned of course).

Happy Birthday Adam!

My handsome Adam is 28 today. He is the absolute best. Because I like him so much, his festivities lasted all weekend...and will get a reprise in 2 weeks when his dad is in town.

Friday: Olive Garden and games, Adam's favorite (it's really really not, but I like it!), with Brian and Megan. The staff people sang to him which he loathes. But we still had a ton of fun.

Saturday: Some family time then Maddox in Brigham City (3 hour round trip). We do it every birthday. It's so worth the drive. Especially since we love drives anway.

Sunday: The Howard side of Adam's family came over. We ate pizza, red cake (made by Mary Jo...best red cake ever), and sugar cookies (made by me, also the best ever...recipe from my sister). It was so much fun to have his family over (all but Taylor, who's friend/roommate was the 22 yr old rock climber who fell 80 ft...way sad, Taylor was at the hospital with him). A few had never even seen our house. We're dorky and never invite people over. We just figure there's an open invitation and people will invite themselves. They rarely do.

Today, Adam's real birthday: lunch at Haagerman's then Tepanyaki for dinner with Mary Jo, Kim, Tyson (whose birthday is tomorrow), Bree, and Lyv (lots of eating out, huh?).

In honor of my best friend on his special day, here are 28 things I love about my 28 year old husband:

1. Adam is SO funny. He has a quirky clever kind of wit. He always makes me laugh.

2. Adam is really really nice. He isn't at all judgemental and he helps people out...even if he doesn't really like them so much (a rarity in Adam land).

3. Adam is a genius. Seriously. I think I'm pretty smart but Adam knows so much more about EVERYTHING than I do. He's probably in the top 5 of all time smartest people I have ever met.

4. Adam is driven and always follows through with whatever he sets his mind to.

5. Adam is patient. I am not. At all. It's amazing to me. He'll go to the fabric store with me and just stand around and give his approval of various patterns (granted, it may be half heartedly) for hours. He doesn't really get annoyed with me or with anybody (including our 4 year old neices).

6. Adam is extremely loyal. To his family, to me, his friends, his favorite sports teams, and even to his less than beloved job.

7. Adam does chores. He washes the toilets more than I do. He does the dishes about as often. He does laundry, vacuums, cleans, whatev. He doesn't just sit there while I clean our house. He helps me so so much. The only thing he doens't do is sweep...and not because he's unwilling, it's just the one chore he's not so good at.

8. Adam sacrifices a lot. He has worked at a job he doesn't like and put off his plans for grad school so I can go to grad school first (hopefully). He bought our house mostly because of how much I love it. He always gives things up for others whether it be time, money, energy. Anything really.

9. Adam doesn't baby me. He knows I am independent and capable and he respects my abilities. I don't really like being babied or pampered. He does open the occasional difficult jar for me though.

10. Adam is so attractive. He's very fit and tall and just really really hot.

11. Adam is a family man. He loves his family SO much. And I know he'll be a great dad.

12. An extension of #11...Adam is close to, and respects his mother. He treats her so well and

that's definitely been carried over into our relationship. He treats women like gold.

13. Another extension...more of #12. Adam is very chivalrous. He always opens the door. He always wants to pay (I occasionally beat him out, much to his dissatisfaction). He's just really considerate and good.

14. Adam can be sarcastic. While Adam is a purely kind person, he can be sarcastic and participate in a bit of mockery with me. I really needed a guy who had a bit of an edge. He has one. And I love it.

15. Adam believes in me. He thinks I'm talented and believes that I'll get into grad school and one day be a PA like I want to be. He praises me when I need it and encourages me.

16. Adam does things I like. I do things he likes. We trade. He'll watch crappy girl movies or play sing star for hours. And when I do things he likes, he acknowledges that I may not like them so much and is super nice.

17. Adam gets along with my family. He and Aliese maybe didn't always get along...but that was high school. Now they get along great. He and my brother are quite friendly and Adam's been kind enough to allow me to allow Jacob's giant piano to live in our house even though there is barely room for it...just so I can play the piano and Jacob can have a place to store it. Adam's really patient with Natalie and talks to her about books and such. He even gets along with my extended family...I'm beginning to think many of them prefer him over me even.

18. Adam goes slow for me. When we're hiking, biking, running, whatev. He'll just go slow and not really even mind it. I'm not so speedy but I like doing stuff so I like that he'll just wait for me because he likes being with me.

19. Adam dresses well. He is a classy guy. I never have to worry about thinking, "really, you're gonna wear that?" Really he probably thinks that about me sometimes!

20. Adam lets me do what I want. I know this might sound kind of weird but I know a lot of guys who very tightly control their wives and it makes me sad. Some aren't allowed to go to school, have a strict grocery budget, and pretty much have to ask permission to spend money or see their friends or family. I do what I want. If I issue a courtesy asker, he tells me to do what I want and that I don't have to ask him. It's pretty nice.

21. Adam is good at playing. He's so cute with our neices and nephew and he's happy to play their imaginary games. He's a really good dinosaur...he'll make noises, crawl around. It's awesome.

22. Adam is proud of me. He brags about me and doesn't gripe to his family or coworkers about me (at least I'm pretty sure he doesn't). He probably talks me up more than I deserve.

23. Adam married me in the temple. In the Logan temple at that. I know this is a big sacrifice but it merrits it's own mention. You're probably saying that getting married in the temple is not a sacrifice but a blessing. It's true. It's an amazing blessing. But when the people you are closest to aren't allowed to see you get married...it becomes a sacrifice. A huge one. And then to ask said cared for people to drive two hours just to sit outside...HUGE sacrifice. I'll always feel really bad that many members of his family (some of my very favorite ones) couldn't be there. We waited to exchange rings until later. I know it isn't the same. But I am really grateful that Adam loved me enough to marry me in the temple rather than civily with a "one year plan" in mind. I really really appreciate it and I can't even begin to understand how hard it was for him.

24. Adam is humble. Maybe too humble. He doesn't know how amazing he is. And when he has mastered a major accomplishment he totally downplays it. He's not one to brag about himself.

25. Adam is a little shy at first. I think it's adorable. It always kind of catches me off guard because he's SO NOT SHY around people who know him.

26. Adam is tough. He's really strong. Much strong than his wirey frame suggests. And he has

amazing endurance. When he's injured (ie. broken big toe while dirtbiking) he pretty much ignores it (ie. run 16.5 miles 2 weeks later). Tough!

27. Adam is a good friend. He is always there for his friends. He'll drop anything to help and will listen and give advice like a champ. And he's extremely trustworthy.

28. Adam love me. He somehow manages to put up with the my quirks (I'll call them quirks to make them sounds endearing...but really I should probably say annoyances). I never get on his nerves. He never gets on my nerves. I am amazed that he can even stand me but he loves me so much. And I sure glad.

There are so many things I love about Adam. He's the best ever and I appreciate him so much.

Thanks for being born 28 years ago so you could marry me and be my everything!

How about a tag instead?

I have plenty of posts/pictures that I am behind on updating. We went to amethyst two weeks ago. I'll add those pics soon, promise. I also finally finished sewing our curtains. They aren't super fancy or anything but curtains are boring and I've had so many more fun sewing projects that I keep putting off the curtains...but now they are done and look amazing and my living room is a bit less beige.

But, because it takes time to upload pictures (not a lot, I know...I'm a dork) and I have to be at home, which I am not (I'm on hold with an insurance company...a common occurance at work), I'll just do this tag so that my neglected blog is at least updated in some form.

*A little tidbit: Today is the 6th anniversary of my first date with the greatest Adam Kay who I knew would eventually become my husband. It was blissful!

1. What bill do you hate paying the most? That would be the HOA. Adam actually pays this bill but I sure don't like it. Especially when we have ugly overgrown bushes that they neglect. I don't mind it as much in the winter because I sure don't like shoveling snow.

2. Do you miss being a child? In many ways I do. I was a really free spirit...kind of fearless. I entertained myself and didn't have a care in the world. I was also more playful. I'm still a little childish so I don't miss my youth terribly, but I do miss being fearless and carefree. I also kind of miss having somebody else do all the sucky chores.

3. Chore you hate the most? I actually like doing most chores...especially if I have a day off. I like to do all my cleaning in one big rush. But I really hate cleaning the pans/dishes after making dinner. I just spent all that time making dinner...why should I spend more time in the kitchen cleaning? Hate it. Luckily, Adam usually takes care of this for me. He's a good fellow.

4. Where was the last place you had a romantic dinner? Well, Adam and I are pretty much the most romantic couple ever and every single dinner we've ever eaten is romantic. Uh...just kidding. It was probably at home. I don't really know/remember. We sure love each other a lot but we really just aren't that "romantic".

5. If you could go back and change one thing what would it be? I would have tried out for Into the Woods my senior year of high school and not cared so much about being a good swim team captain because my efforts weren't really appreciated, the coach was pure scum, and I really didn't love swimming that much. I would have had a lot more fun being in Into the Woods.

6. Name of your first grade teacher. Her name is Mrs. England. She was lovely. One time we were instructed to write a short story. In part of mine, I used the word "so" but spelled it "soooooooooo" for dramatic effect. She did not enjoy that. I have really bad allergies, always have. This usually results in very watery eyes. So while Mrs. Englad sweetly told me to ditch the extra "o"s (I was allowed to keep 3...my word seriously took up most the page), my eyes were watering and I was sniffling. So she apologized and felt terribly bad. I tried to tell her I was fine. That same year we dabbled in the Italian language (ALPS = blissfully nerdy kids), I was in a musical involving many fairy tales, and a bird peed on me. I've hated birds and loved musicals ever since.

7. What do you really want to be doing right now? I'd like to be at home working on the quiet book I'm making. Or spending time with AK...if he were allowed to leave work and galavant around with me. That'd be swell.

8. What did you want to be when you grew up? A mom, a teacher, or an artist. Apparently "PA" never crossed my mind.

9. How many colleges did you attend? So far 3. SLCC, USU, Uof U. Hopefully we can keep it at 3 and the U will let me into their grad program. If not, hopefully I'll be given the chance to make it 4. Otherwise, I'm kinda screwed.

10. Why did you choose the shirt you have on right now? Well, it's a little nerdy. I'm wearing the outfit I wore on my first date with Adam (six years ago today). This is the first time I've worn this outfit on our first date anniversary, but I was feeling nostalgic. The red shirt/blue jacket combo is now a bit snug. I had the freshman -15 rather than the freshman 15 at the time. I've more than made up for that now though.

11. What are your thoughts on gas prices? They are fine. I disliked them when they were above $4 /gallon and I drove a horrible, gas guzzling truck. But my little corolla is quite efficient and I pretty much don't consider the price of gas. There's nothing I can do about it. I work quite far from where I live, thus, I must drive regardless.

12. First thought when the alarm went off this morning? ALREADY!? I don't like to wake up. Ever. But last night I stayed up until 3 am crafting because I couldn't sleep (my dad, brother, and I are all insomniacs).

13. Last thought before going to sleep last night? I'm bummed that the weekend is over. It went by too quickly.

14. What famous person(s) would you like to have dinner with? I think I'd rather just have dinner with Adam. I like him better than some famous person I've never met. Or my friends or family. They aren't famous but I like them.

15. Have you ever crashed your vehicle? Not my current vehicle...hopefully I never do. But I have crashed many other vehicles. None of which were technically mine. I totalled my sisters neon shortly after obtaining my lisence. I did a bit of body damage to my mom's van. And I rear ended my mom's van while in my sister's tempo (a particularly shining moment...but I warned my parents for weeks that the breaks didn't seem to be working well). Luckily, all my wrecks were quite some time ago and my insurance rates don't suck. I'm a much better driver now.

16. If you didn't have to work, would you volunteer? Absolutely. I want them to kind of be one in the same. My dream is to provide humanitarian medical aide in third world countries. That would be amazing. But I loved volunteering at the senior center and I really want to volunteer at PCMC.

17. Get up early or sleep in? Sleep in. Hands down. As long as it isn't too late that I start to feel lazy and am wasting my day.

18. What is your favorite cartoon character? Does Robin Hood the fox count? Also, I've been kind of craving duck dales lately...so maybe some Webby.

19. Favorite thing to do at night? Sleep. But earlier in the evening, I love watching shows or playing games. I like to hang out with Mr. Kay. He's a delight.

20. When did you first start feeling old? I don't really feel old. Most of my friends have progressed a little more in life than I have (kids, careers) which might affect that. Not sure. I guess I felt older when I got married. But not old.

21. Favorite lunch meat? Either turkey or roast beef...freshly cut from behind the deli counter.

22. What do you get everytime you go into Walmart? Random items. I don't really buy the same thing every time. I often don't buy anything.

23. Do you think marriage is an outdated ritual? No. Maybe no. I think it's symbolic. I think if I wasn't religiously inclined to wed, I may not feel the need. I didn't really feel different after getting married. I loved Adam so much and was completely devoted to him before we got married. Getting married was a celebration of our commitment and it allowed us to advance our relationship (because we are LDS and waited until we were married to...). I think a lot of people don't respect what marriage is and some people have better relationships unmarried than many married people do. I think those who don't value their marriages have led society to where we are now. But I think it is important to promise yourself to your mate and to be faithful to them. Personally, an LDS temple marriage was important to me. I needed to make certain promises to Adam and to God that mean a lot to me. But I understand that many don't share my religious beliefs and I respect their ways of devoting themselves to their spouses as well...in some form of marriage...even common law. Mostly, I think you should pick one person and mate for life. It's healthy and beautiful. That was a lot of babble I think...sorry. I love my husband and I love being married to him. K?

24. Favorite movie you wouldn't want anyone to find out about? I'm not really ashamed of stuff I like. I like a few rated R's (I know I shouldn't, but I do), and some really lame stuff. Adam says that the movie I should be the most ashamed of liking is Mannequin. I disagree. It's funny.
25. What's your favorite drink? Diet Pepsi Vanilla.

26. Whom from high school would you like to run into? Probably Holly Knackstedt because that would mean one of us is on vacation which is a nice thought.

27. What radio station is your car radio tuned to right now? I think X-96 or NPR.

28. Sopranos or Desperate Housewives? I haven't seen more than 5 minutes of either. I don't have channels so I don't do much tv watching anyway. I will agree with Aliese though, if I'm watching trashy tv, it's Sex and the City.

29. Worst relationship mistake that you wish you could take back? I wasn't really in a lot of relationships...nor do I make a lot of mistakes (just kidding, I'm a walking screwball). If the guy I dated breifly before Adam counts as a relationship, I would take back hurting him. I wasn't entirely honest when I ended it (you see, I didn't ever actually end it) with him. I did the guy thing where I kind of lied and didn't really ever break up. I'm a jerk. I thought it'd be nicer. It wasn't. He really is one of the nicest, coolest guys ever (just not as nice or cool as Adam...which is why this guy got the ax) and I'm sorry I treated him the way I did.

30. Do you like the person who sits directly across from you at work? Hailey...remember when it was you (on Thursdays at least)? That was fun. I like everybody I work with...as people. That doesn't mean I love working with them all the time. But I like them all the same. But I really liked working with Hailey and Brittany. They're good friends and in a similar situation in life.

31. Have you ever had to use a fire extinguisher for its intended purpose? Haha! Yes. And many times for other shenanigans. The time I had to use it for it's intended purpose could very possible offend some people so I think I'll keep it to myself. But it was really funny. I was the fire extinguisher operator. I almost died. I couldn't breathe. That part sucked, but it really is kind of a funny story...unless you love birds a lot.

32. Last book you finished reading? The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets Nest. I liked that series. I can't exactly recommend it though since it is a bit naughty. Crude language is frequented. The writing is splendid though.

33. Do you have a teddy bear? I do. I have had a small, white (white-ish now...it's a bit haggard) teddy bear named Pookie since I was a babe. I don't know his current location (my guess is a box somewere) but he's around.

34. Strangest place you have ever brushed your teeth? Um...the grand canyon? Work? I don't really think dental hygeine is strange, regardless of the location. Maybe I don't get it.

35. How old are you? 24. It seems to be a good age. Although I think I preferred 23.

Congratulations if you made it through all that blabbing! You must be as bored as I am.

Pictures and some legit posts to come. Happy 6 years of dating, champ!

Cabin Fun!

Last weekend Adam and I went to the Freeman grandparent's cabin. My family (sans Jacob, Aliese, and Darrin) attended the festivities as well as Patti's crew, Liz and Lad, and the Grandparents. It was so so so much fun. I can never get enough of the cabiny goodness.

Eric and Patti brought their four-wheeler and borrowed 2 dirt-bikes/motorcycles from a friend. We had so much fun on them! We all got so muddy from four-wheeling. Adam and Eric rode the dirt-bikes (because they actually know how to) but I got a short little sampling of the fun. I rode (and fell from) a dirt bike for the very first time! The third time I fell was really near that muddy road below. When I looked up, there was a couple on a four-wheeler there. Turns out they are from my parent's ward and they witness my crash. Splendid.
We (Patti, Lad, Liz, and I) got extremely filthy. Hayden and Caleb did too...but not quite to this extent. We all had muddy raccoon eyes. I didn't realize how muddy my shirt got until I saw how muddy my undershirt got. After a bleaching and a washing it is still muddy. At least it went to a good cause!

We were too filthy to go inside and use the shower...so we all jumped in the river to clean off. It was SO COLD! Caleb didn't so much jump...he was flung. Patti and I jumped in the same pose (not planned), perhaps we should start a river synchronized swimming group.

We had so much fun at the cabin! I just love it there. I can't wait to go back. Even though Adam and I were both thoroughly battered (by hips are bruised and my back hurts...from falling; Adam broke his big toe from dirt biking through boulders), it was some of the funnest fun ever!

Howard Family Camping Trip!

Last weekend, we went to my grandparents cabin (more to come on that...maybe tomorrow) and did some living room updating (more to come on that too...much more but much later). But the weekend before that, we went camping with Adam's family (his mom's side) in Nephi Canyon.

All the kids came in shifts. It was too bad we couldn't all be there together at the same time but luckily Adam and I got to camp with everyone at some point. The first night, Katie, Lyv, and Max all thought they wanted to sleep with Aunt Jen. A nice idea in theory. Max only lingered a few minutes. Katie and Lyv were on either side of me all night long. I love my nieces but I also love my sleep...they slept with their parents the next night.

On Saturday, AK decided to go on a lonely death march. I am opposed to lonely hiking. He likes it though. He trekked up Mount Nebo all alone. There are some glorious views (360) from the tippety top...I'm still pretty glad I didn't go though. Instead, I caught some fish!

We also got some 4 wheeling time in and tons of fun family time. Katie and Lyv were SO filthy. I only got a pic of Katie for some reason but Lyv was equally dirty. Poor baby Max took a real beating. Apparently camping can be hard on a baby. He fell many times resulting in a bruised/bloodied nose and some other bumps and bruises. At one point, Lyv had his leash (the tail of the monkey harness he was wearing...I used to be against them but they are so so handy when camping with a baby...and he looked stinking adorably giving his little stuffed monkey a piggy back)...anyhow, Lyv had the leash and baby Max started running. Lyv's hyper competitive side came out and she very quickly outran baby Max...pulling little Max onto his face and dragging him across the asphalt for a few feet. If you look closely at the picture his right eye/face is pretty battered. I couldn't get him to not look directly at the camera to get a great picture...he sure is cute, isn't he?

We had a rocking time. I love camping and I love family time. It was swell. More on cabiny family goodness later!

Stair Couch Survey

Our friends Mike and Amy came over with their sweet little baby, Emma (what I should have done was taken a picture of them...but I didn't think to until they left). They live in CA so we don't see much of them. Baby Emma is quite the walker and she enjoyed wandering around our house. We decided to move a third of our sectional in front of the stairs leading to the basement so she wouldn't wander herself into a spill.

After they left, Adam posed an interesting question. How long will our couch (that third of it, anyway) stay there? Most people would probably move it right back once there was no more baby around to be threatened by treacherous stairs. We aren't most people. AK thought I ought to blog about it and pose the question publicly. So you tell me, how long with that portion of our couch stay there before we decide to move it back (yes, I'm serious)?

Missionary Cake

It's seems to be wilting and is a bit top heavy (apparently the top is supposed to be smaller than the bottom?) but it turned out pretty cool. Jacob wore a blue tie...so he'd match it. He did not wear a brown belt...so he'd match himself. If you want to follow the coolest kids every move and write him a bunch of letters click here.

My Little Missionary

Today, I cried like a baby as I hugged one of my best friends goodbye. My little brother will be gone for two years and I can barely believe it. He is seriously going to be a phenomenal missionary and I am so proud of him. But I'm really going to miss him.

Baby Quilt for Ruby

I am a project person. I love projects. I have about a billion on my list and about ten that are currently in the works/unfinished (including the grandfather clock I started 6 years ago...yikes). This is one of my faves. I really like quilting. I've made so many quilts I couldn't count them but this is the first quilt in which I attempted applique and quilting vs. tying. I think it's pretty dang cute.

I'm not the best picture taker. I can never make the colors seem to look just right...but you get the idea.And the close up of the front. Cute little flowery things to girly it up a bit more. They're called yo-yo's I think. See that satin ribbon edging? My poor arthritic fingers are still livid with me for that part (I hand sewed that bit).And the back. I am a minky fan.See my applique skills? They aren't perfect but still not so sucky. The "R" is for a sweet baby Ruby. Also, do you see the quilted bits (stippling)? I really like applique and stippling and already have big plans on more in my future.All in all, I'd say it's not bad for my first quilted and appliqued quilt. Hopefully baby Ruby likes it.

Disneyland

My little brother is leaving for two years to serve an LDS mission. He wanted to go to Disneyland as a family before he leaves. So we all packed up and drove to California.

We made and effort to squeeze as many people as possible into the little seats on the rides. Adam has a giant bruise on his thigh from the top right picture. Apparently three grown adults aren't meant to fit into the Thunder Mountain Railroad ride. Jacob ended up entirely off the seat before the ride's completion.It's hard to see in this picture, but Jacob and I bought matching Jack hoodies. They are for children but they were so cool we just bought XLs and will avoid drying them. They say "JACK" all over them. I am a huge fan of this since my initials are J.A.C.K.. My mom took a better picture of us wearing them. Maybe I'll post them once I get her pictures (these pictures are all Aliese's, my camera died).

And the whole fam damily riding the Winnie the Pooh ride.This trip was a blast. Our hotel was only about half a mile from Disneyland so we walked everyday (my feet/legs are so sore) and we could see the fireworks from the hotel. We also met Nathan and Brandon from "Pernaburney" (not the real name of their town but I'll keep it secret for their sakes). They were adorable.

We ate the Blue Bayou which was super delicious (and super pricey) and enjoyed the glories of the pineapple float/whip. We also did some swimming/hot tubbing. We had so much fun. I'm not so happy to be back.

...and the kitchen sink

As I mentioned in my last post, our old kitchen sink had pretty much had it so we chucked it and got a new sink and faucet. We decided to do all the work ourselves. I don't know if this was the best decision but everything seems to be working fine...we must have missed a calling as plumbers perhaps. Anyway, here are some not stock photos:

I didn't take any before photos...I wish I would have...but here is our old kitchen sink after a week in our trash can. He's filthy, but I don't make a habit of cleaning garbage. Our sink and faucet were both stainless which would have been fine if we had any stainless appliances in our kitchen. The sink was also really shallow and the faucet quite low so we couldn't fill larger pans or pitchers.The new sink matches our kitchen much better since all our appliances are black stainless and all our doorknobs and light fixtures are oil rubbed bronze. And, I can fill ginormous pans now! (The new sink is a creamish color - not white - it's quite lovely and super deep). So pretty!

Big Fat Fourth

I've never been so tired at the end of a long weekend. Seriously. On Friday night I made the coolest cake ever so I could take to to the Kay family shindig. It's five layers and looks like the flag when you cut it open. It looked all blobby and sucky but I fixed it up with loads of frosting and it ended up being a hit.

The family party was lovely. The weather was actually a little cold which I like. Adam and I did poorly in the skeet shooting contest. I shot 2 of 10 "skeets" (I know that's incorrect but that's what I like to call them) which I thought was awesome but Adam's family showed me up. We also threw in some frisbee golf which makes any day a good one. After staying up until 2 am baking and frostinging and then waking up at 5 am to drive to the family thing, I was ruther tired. So I took the longest nap ever (3 hrs...I could have comfortable quadrupled this time though) and then AK and I went to his brothers to watch some punchy kicky (UFC). One of the fighters entered to "Time to Say Goodbye" (Mads...you know this, right?). Most fighters come in to rap or metal songs...not Josh Groban. He was immediately my favorite.

Sunday we had some bbq fun with Adam's mom's side of the fam. We played games, rode the 4 wheeler, played rock band, and watched fireworks. It was so so fun. AK took me on a motorcycle ride too...now I think we need one. Maybe.

Monday was supposed to be the day to clean and recover and pack for our upcoming trip. Monday was not such a day. After some laundry time and a little Mac D brecky. I was doing some dishes and noticed an extremely wet floor. Upon further inspection, I learned that our faucet was leaking out the bottom, then down into our sink (which we later learned was caulked NOWHERE). So, Adam and I spent quite a long time cleaning and drying the mess. Then we took apart the sink, faucet, and all the plumbing underneath. The faucet was broken and the sink hadn't been caulked our sealed anywhere. We are lucky it wasn't worse. We bought this beauty:

Marvelous, no? Our new sink and faucet are much prettier than our old ones and we learned how to be plumbers. It's a good thing we have a vacation headed our way because these kids are real tired from our longest fun weekend.

Family Time in Manti

With my favorite little bro (he's my only brother, but I assure you, if I had more brothers, he'd be my favorite one) going on his mission in one month from today (I can barely believe it's coming so soon!) the fam gathered at the Manti temple for some temple time. That temple is amazing. It's seriously so pretty inside. It looks like what I thought Logan would look like...but they thought the 70's (merely a guess) was prime time to gut all that beautiful character out of the Logan temple and "update it." Okay...that's a big tangent and really I think the Logan temple is lovely and the outside is so unique and it will always be my favorite. But Manti was splendid. And there was a really nice elderly couple who were obviously regulars who literally took Adam and I by the hands and led us to the dressing rooms and such.

After temple time, Aliese's friend, Kristen, took some photogs of our family. Here's a little snippet if you're interested in knowing what my family looks like...but if you don't know any of us (including me), you should refrain because that's maybe a little creepy. Here's the link to Kristen's photo blog. While she's a lovely girl and the pics are adorable, I still strongly endorse the greatness of greats, Carlos...found here.

I like the pic of me and Adam...we look young and in love (which is convenient...cuz we are...try not to gag). Also, I like the look on Jacob's face while he's doing the Jag train...I'm holding still because I was laughing too much to continue Jag training...J-A-G-U-A-R-S. I also like the one with my whole big fam...the green one, not the church clothes one. Kneeling makes my chub look even chubbier...and frankly, we don't need more of that around here.

Thanks Kristen for putting up with us.

Highlight of the weekend: Refusing to put my heels back on and running with very high knees, across the melty hot asphalt, from grass patch to park strip, so as to not scorch my piggies. What a dope!

One Year!

I married the greatest guy in the world one year ago today. We celebrated in Logan this weekend with some camping, Maddox, shopping, playing, summerfesting, and some Anniversary Inn time. It was a great weekend (I'm a bit sad it's already over) and the perfect way to celebrate a really spectacular first year of marriage.

Marrying Adam was the best and easiest decision I have ever made. He is the best husband and my best friend. He makes me laugh and takes such good care of me. I still can barely believe that I managed to snag such a guy. I also still marvel at how perfect he is for me. Literally perfect. I am so lucky and grateful that Adam and I have each other and will forever.

Adam,

Thanks for marrying me. Thanks for being an amazing husband. Thanks for taking out the trash and cleaning the bathtub. Thanks for rubbing my crappy joints and making fun of my many oddities. Thank you for being a genius and for telling me I am smarter than you...even though we both know I am not. Thanks for being so proud of my minor accomplishments and for believing that I am capable of many more. Thank you for telling me I am pretty even when I look like an orphan in pajamas. Thank you for making so many sacrifices. Thanks for being cool and interesting and fun to hang out with. Thanks for being a really good driver so I don't heave. Thanks for being quirky and hilarious. Thanks for making me take my inhaler when I'm having asthma troubs but am being too stubborn to do anything about it myself. Thanks for teaching me more about love and kindness every single day. Thank you for all the surprises and for the consistencies. I am so grateful for you and I love you so much. You really are the best husband ever and I am astounded and thrilled that you'll be mine forever. I hope I make you as blissfully happy as you make me every day. Thank you for making this past year the very best one of my life.

~your Jen

Saratoga Springs Triathlon

On June 6, Adam competed in the Saratoga Springs Triathlon. He really loves participating in these which I think is really impressive. Maybe one day I'll become tough enough to join him...but until then, here is my handsome husband in all his glory.


Adam is an amazing swimmer. He used to suck. I mean, he could get across the pool and everything. But he sucked. Now he is SO GOOD! He has worked quite hard to become so. The swim was done in waves. Adam was in the 3rd wave...so he started after 42 people. He finished 10th...passing many who started 1 or 2 minutes before he did. What a champ. The top right pic has a sign that says, "no swimming in the marina" haha!

AK only had the chance to ride his bike twice before this race (not twice ever, just twice this year). The weather in EM didn't really allow much more. He still did an awesome job though.

The run is probably where Adam made the most improvement from his last triathlon. He did a great job and passed some more people. After the race they announced the winners for gender and age group and awarded prizes. Adam took third in his age group! He sure is a champ!

I hope they call me on a mission!

Ok, well not really me...but my little bro got his mission call today. He'll be serving the [extremely lucky] people of San Jose, California. I'm sure gonna miss this kid. One major perk to his close proximity to UT is the postage won't cost me an arm and a leg.

That's one happy kid.

Reading...contentedly.

Congrats, Chicken! You'll be the greatest missionary anyone ever saw.

More Havasu

Somehow this little beauty snuck its way out of my last post. This is havasu falls. It was our first swimming endeavor (and the one the crew is pictured in in the last picture of my previous post). Splendor, yes?

Havasupai Falls

Preface: The color of the water is not at all done justice and any of these pictures. It was a really cool greenish-blue and you could see straight to the bottom. I have about 50 pics...these are the favs.

Last weekend we went on a really really great trip to Havasupai Falls. By "we" I mean Adam and I went with my cousins , Brent and Kelli, and my aunt, Terry. Terry has some really cool pictures that I will one day obtain and post. Here are some of my pictures and some snagged from Kelli.

On Wednesday night we began the long drive. We stayed the night in Henderson (Sunset Station is a nice hotel for quite cheap...stay there sometime if you'd like).

On Thursday morning, we drove the rest of the way and then began the hardest hike ever. Maybe I'm being a baby but I thought it was tough. (Dear Kelli, I know I spelled your name wrong in the below picture but I didn't want to go back and change...but I really do know how to spell your name).

We backpacked 8 miles (seemed like way longer) to the town and then about 3 more to our chosen campsite.

The next morning, we hiked back up to the new waterfalls formed as a result of a mega flood (which wrecked some falls also).
New Navajo Falls were super rad. Brent just walked right up and jumped off (without checking depth) he's an adrenaline junky, I think. You could climb behind this waterfall and jump through. It was way cool.


The next day we hiked the other direction to Mooney Falls. It was really close to our campsite but the climb in took plenty of time. You walk down a path to a hole in the ground with a sign that read "descend at your own risk" which we did. Then you pop out to a landing (there is merely a chain between you an a huge drop off) and proceed to another pit which are then to climb down. When you pop out of that little cave, you then begin climbing down the face of the grand canyon (which is slippery from the mist of the waterfall) with only chains to aid your descent. It was so fun until you try to pass someone going in the opposite direction, then it's mostly scary.


Kelli and I hung out at Mooney and met some interesting characters while the others hiked to Beaver Falls (I was injured and Kelli felt bad leaving me behind). Apparently those water falls were really cool too. Adam took pictures. I'll consider uploading them but I doubt I'll post them.


There was also a really cool mine in the wall of the grand canyon which Brent climbed (right passed the "no climbing sign") to. I might post pics of that one day too.

All in all it was a really amazing trip. I'd recommend it to anyone who feels like walking themselves to death to see some crazy amazing waterfalls in the middle of the desert. So so cool. I'm definitely going again...but with some different footwear.

Recommend:
Stay 3 nights...you'll need that long to see the waterfalls and recover from the hike.
Take a good backpack (mine was the only one that didn't dig into me and hurt me).
Wear hiking boots (I wore running shoes...worst idea ever).
Take water shoes (this does not mean flip-flops...I'm as bummed as you are).
Drink more water than you think you want (I was so dehydrated that my fingers swelled up to prolly about 3 times their size and I couldn't bend them...cute).

Addendum: I just got this picture from my aunt and I loved it so I'm including it...this is Brent, .Adam, Me, and Kelli swimming at Havasu Falls