Fall Semester

Even though I'm not still in school, something about living in provo/going to a student ward for church/having a husband who is still a student makes it easy to refer to time frames in semesters.  So it is crazy to think the fall semester is quickly coming to an end.  The end of this semester is pretty significant for us and lots of changes will be happening, but that's for another post.  Right now I want to document some of the fun we've been having the last few months.  I'm really far behind and know that if I don't just post it all now it'll never get documented.  There is a lot of random stuff so I'll try to keep it organized (for those of you who actually read all of it) and post as many pictures as I can (for the rest of you). 

• Just after coming back from our Portland trip my office location for work changed.  I had avoided several "office space" moves in the American Fork office because the idea of packing up all my work junk and moving it just didn't sound appealing, even if it would have meant and bigger/nicer office.  Because of this, you can imagine I wasn't exactly thrilled at the idea of moving all my stuff to a completely different building down in Provo.  Especially because this change did not come with a bigger or nicer office either.  Instead, I spent a few weeks working out of a conference room before moving to a slightly better location and finally ending up where I am now which is decent but still a step down from my other space.  The move wasn't easy; as saying good-bye to friends/routines/familiarity never is.  But looking back, it was definitely for the better!  I have LOVED the shorter commute and realized just how much stress I came home with simply because I hated driving in traffic/construction.   The State also switched from four 10-hour days to five 8-hour days around the same time.  And although I miss my 3 day weekend, I have greatly enjoyed the cut from an 11 hour day to a 8 hour and 10 minute day.  An extra 3 hours a day has been fabulous! The extra time has been a blessing too because it means that I'm more available to help around the house which makes me feel better. As for a picture?  Here is one I took off my phone one day.  My office is on the 5th floor so the view is nice.  

• While my time commitments went down, Brett's increased significantly.  He has been serving in our ward as the Elder Quorum President.  It has been quite the ordeal getting things straightened out.  Our wards combined and re-arranged boundaries shortly before he was called and there was almost 2 month period of time where there was no president officially called and then to top it off they combined two quorums into one.  Lots needed to be done but I'm always impressed by Brett's work ethic and strong skills in leadership.  And although its no fun having him gone most of Sunday in meetings and one night a week doing visits, its been a huge blessing in our life.  One of the best things is that Brett was forced to meet everyone in the ward and we have GREATLY enjoyed getting to know so many amazing couples in our ward. Sorry, no picture.

• Brett's brother, Tyler (not to be confused with my brother Tyler) moved down to Provo this fall so we've also enjoyed spending time with him.  His parents were also in town at one point and we all celebrated Tyler's birthday by going golfing.  The score ended in a three-way tie. 

• We took a quick trip up to Baker City to surprise Brett's mom for her birthday.  I was impressed the guys were able to keep it a secret.  We weren't there for that long but we got to celebrate with them which is always fun!  The only picture I got was of this deer by their house.  I always tell Brett that I only ever see the does around town but this one actually had his antlers! 

• The annual Smith Elk hunt was at the end of October.  Brett was gone for a week and although he didn't shoot anything, he had a great time as always.  He had been working so hard I'm glad he got a chance to relax (even if I don't understand how walking around in the mountains all day every day can be relaxing.)  

• Brett brought one of his guns back to Provo so he could go trap/skeet shooting with my brother Tyler.  He has only been once, but has fallen in love.  I think he has found a new hobby.  I wasn't there to take pictures, but the way Brett has been talking about it I'm sure I'll get a chance to see what it is all about eventually.

• Speaking of Tyler (my brother) he got MARRIED!  I am so happy for his and so glad to have Nicki as a sister-in-law.  They are perfect for each other and their wedding was beautiful.  My parents and younger brother, David, came into town for wedding.  As did a number of extended family members and David's girlfriend, Linda.  It was great to all be together even if it was SUPER windy and I look funny in all the pictures!  

• The fall season also means Intramural Flag Football. Brett decided to forgo playing with his typical team and instead put together a ward team.  They struggled a little at the beginning but really got it together at the end.  Their last game was this morning and they lost in the championship game.  Second place is hard, but they had lots of fun playing and I actually had lots of fun watching and getting to know the wives better.  This is the last time Brett will be playing intramural sports here at BYU and he is sad to see it go.  I'm especially grateful we've made it this far without any serious injuries to Brett (we've had 3 broken fingers on our team this season alone). I slacked in picture taking, but here are a few. 

This was the first (and probably last) time that Brett and Tyler got to play on the same team

Their dad came down just for the Championship game! 

• Of course you can't have a fall without Thanksgiving.  Thanksgiving week was great.  We spent a nice long week with my family in Portland.  Although we had some work/homework to do we took full advantage of the chance to relax.  We got together with some of my friends from highschool for a game night one day and then went to a Hockey game one night as well (it would have been a basketball game, but well.. you know).  Our friends Brittany and Rob invited us to the game and we always enjoy the chance to hang out with them and play with their adorable daughter.  Our seats came with free hats so you'll note Brett and I sporting them...cute, yeah I know. 

• Thanksgiving day was also fabulous.  My brother and his new wife came in and we invited over her brother and his family (wife and two kids).  It was a full house and although we missed my youngest brother, David, we enjoyed the great company and good food.  

• Well, that about brings us to now.  We are busy getting ready for our big move.  This post is long enough as it is, so I'll try to get on here real soon and post about all our plans to move across the country in a few short weeks.