Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving: a time to reflect, give thanks and be surrounded by family.  This is how Brady and I would had defined Thanksgiving in the past, but what do you do when you are a thousand miles away from your family? You make new family and give thanks with them!

We are so incredibly grateful for our friend family here in Kirksville.  It is so great to have other wives whose husbands are going through the exact same thing.  Normally it would be a little different to have girls nights every night and weekend, but when your husband is away that is the only way to survive!  Brady has made some great friends at school and loves having all his classes with his buddies. We know that we were meant to come to Kirksville because the people here have helped us get through so much! We are grateful for our friends!

So Thanksgiving was spent at the Wilson's house. There was a large group of our good friends at the church and next year we will all get together but it was nice to have a quiet little dinner for our first one away from home.  I made my first ham and Sariah made an incredible Turkey.  The Gardners had some great contributions and it was fun to share in some different culture with one of Brady's classmates Hassan.

We ate ourselves silly then the girls went for a walk while the boys "cleaned up". After that we played some Just Dance and watched a movie.  It was such a nice break from all the crazy and we were really able to reflect.

Fall Festivities

Fall is my favorite season ever.  I used to think I was unique in my obsession but I am pretty sure that everyone loves fall.  October and November were jam packed with fun activities.  We had to limit ourselves so Brady could stay caught up on his studies.  Here are some fun activities that we remembered to take pictures at! (I need to get better at taking pictures, maybe I need a better camera?) 

.heading into my first surgery for work, and I didn't pass out.

.we hung out with the Wilsons a bunch. We match.

.loving life and my good friends at the phillip phillips concert. 

.B tried to grow his hair out,
he couldn't stand it long so he cut it
himself.

.halloween party. 

.yes that is a real pig.
 

.Fun walk behind the TCC.

UTAH!

We knew Brady was having fall break which meant an ENTIRE week with no school!  I didn't think I would be able to take the whole week off of work so we had planned on just going to St. Louis with some friends.  Then right before fall break, I found out I could have it off!  We immediately changed our destination and set our sights to the west, UTAH!

B and I left right after I got off work to make the 17 hour car ride to see the fam.  Side note.. I LOVE car rides, especially with Brady!  We spent our time talking, laughing, listening to audio books, eating yummy treats and singing at the top of our lungs (it helps keep us awake).  We drove straight through the night, watching the sun go down and back up.  Then the party started!

Because we decided to go home on such short notice, we only told one of my brothers and my sister in law.  So we spent the first day surprising everyone!  We about gave Lichelle a heart attack when we surprised her at the hospital (this champ just spent over 2 months in the hospital on bed rest, she's my hero!)  We were able to see our new fighter nephew, Emmett! We were only able to see him in the NICU but I'm already in love and can't wait to see him again! After that we stalked Kam, ambushed Sam, Jami and Addi and got an incredible reaction from Mom, Dad and Tays!

Here are a few of our adventures... next time we will do better at taking pictures!

Fun time with the sisters after shopping!

Pedi's with the girls. Thanks mom!

.Pretty intense Volleyball game.

.Best birthday ever.

BooooondockS!

.love these kids. 

.too perfect. 

Our time with the families was jam packed with adventures and our time flew by!  The drive back home wasn't quite as fun and our first week back took some adjusting to.  But if I've have to be 17 hours away from my favorite people, at least I'm with this guy! 

Throw Back Thursday: Recruiting Compton

At the end of February I was able to go to the great land of California on a recruiting trip!  Getting ready for the trip was quite a learning experience.  I was in charge of setting up all of my visits, events, plane ticket, hotel, car, the works!  At a staff meeting I was reporting on what colleges I had lined up visits, one of them was Compton Community College.  (For anyone is as naive as me, Compton sounds like any other respectable college name.  But for everyone else, it reminds them of some lovely rappers called Tupac and The Game and lyrics such a "I'm from Compton where the wrong color be cautious" and some other lyrics that I just looked up and will now need to wash my eyes.) So it goes with out saying, as I left for trip, my colleagues were a little worried about how this bushy tailed, 22 year old recruiter would do.

The trip was so much fun, and the other recruiters I went with were incredible.  The recruiter that tag teamed with me had so much knowledge and spunk, there was never a dull moment.  Our most memorable experience was at Benihannas, where Lisa and I sat by two fascinating families.  They told us great stories about getting in fights, how they punched so and so, and getting the police called on them as they were in line for the Dumbo ride.  One of the families was from Inglewood and the other was from Compton. (I was so excited to meet people from this city I had heard so much about!) The son from Compton excused himself  a couple times to take care of his business, it looked like he was selling bags of sugar, and we were able to get to know those sitting with us really well, I mean really well.

As we started to leave, the son from Compton (the one with the sugar business) chases after us.  He gives us a note and asks if we are going clubbing tonight and if he could show us around his city.  As much as we wanted to, we already had plans to pick up a Pink Berry and watch the Bachelor.  He was persistent and kept walking with us as we kept turning him down.  Finally he gave up but us Utah girls were a little flustered and hadn't noticed that we had walked past our car.  When we turned around to go to our car, we found our friend lingering near by.  To avoid giving this entrepreneur false hope and avoid another run in, we decided to walk home. Below is the note he gave us, points for style!

It made me feel so mature to be going on a "work trip". I loved every second of it and the best part was I was able to tell people all week long how incredible UTAH STATE was!

Santa Monica Pier with Lisa

The Melting Pot

The Karaoke bar we almost went to. 

Block Weekends

ATSU has a pretty rigid testing schedule, every three to four weeks the students take a test on everything they were taught during that "block".  The tests are usually always on Monday so the Friday and Saturday before are big study days, which means the husbands are usually M.I.A.  This could make for terribly depressing and lonely days but with such incredible friends out here, block weekends are some of my favorite! (Don't get me wrong, they would be so much better with Brady!!)

.we only got a couple pictures at the end so we missed a lot of cute girls. 

This block weekend started off with a chill girls night where we just sat around, talked, laughed and ate cookies.  The next morning I slept in then spent the afternoon at the beach.  Yes, I did say beach.  Surprisingly, Kirksville has a beach.  It isn't huge but it does the trick.  We played in the water, made some sand castles and soaked in the sun.  Once I got home, I cleaned the house, laundry and went grocery shopping.  After that some friends came over and we made all kinds of popcorn and then went to the movie in the park.  During all this time, our poor husbands were stuck inside studying!  Sundays are the best because Brady doesn't do anything school related!  We were able to sleep in, go to church together and then enjoy a day of rest of rejuvenation.

.this one offers a great view of our nostrils.

This weekend was jam-packed with fun things and helped me remember why I love it here so much!  I love the fact that there is always someone ready to have fun and that there are so many people I can relate with.  I am grateful for the crazy girls who keep me busy and laughing my head off.

It is a good thing that I sacrificed this weekend so Brady could study because he felt pretty good about his test on Monday!

Anderson's in K-Ville

I counted down the days until my parents came! These two are a blast to be with and make you feel like the most important person in the world!  Their visit was way too short but I am so grateful for the time that I did get to spend with them.  

I drove to Kansas City to pick them up, and for those who know of my driving skills, this was an impressive feat!  I arrived at the hotel a couple hours before their flight came in so I splurged by using the gym and taking a relaxing bubble bath while watching a movie.  When their flight FINALLY came in, we could not stop talking! Even though we had a full day ahead of us, we stayed up far into the morning laughing and talking nonstop.  

The next morning we woke up, went to the gym and then jumped in the pool for a quick swim.  We decided to stop in Kirksville before heading to Nauvoo so that we could eat dinner with B man, who was MIA because of school.  The girls ate way too much at a salad buffet and the boys loaded up with steak and potatoes.  Finally we rolled out, sent B to the library to study, and headed to Nauvoo. 

 

We made it to Nauvoo just in time for the pageant.  WE LOVED IT!  The actors were amazing and the stories they told were incredible.  Even though I’m still scratching my mosquito bites from this night, it was worth it!  We didn’t plan well for the evening and mom and I started to get a bit chilly as soon as the pageant began.  My dad could not stop chuckling as we used the chair cushions as make shift blankets to keep us warm. 

Our time in Nauvoo was spent going around the historic town, eating yummy food, going to the beautiful temple, attending different shows and spending time with Aunt Bonita and Uncle Snick.  They are serving a mission out here and it has been great fun to be so close to these guys.  Another special treat was running into my cousins Sterling, Olivia, Tiffany and Todd and all their kids!  

After we were Nauvoo’ed out, we headed back to Kirksville.  Unfortunately, B man had gotten sick and was feeling miserable!  He stayed in bed the rest of the weekend while we made scrubbies, went to the lake, shopped, hiked and played games. 

I miss these two so much already!  Kirksville is a blast but there is nothing like being with family and I hope one day we will end up close to everyone.  Thanks for the laughs, the talks, the food and the fun!  Dad’s chuckle and silly grins can lighten any day and mom knows just what to say to turn any situation into a great one!  I am so lucky to have them in my life and could not have asked for better parents.  The hardest thing about these visits is that it makes you realize how much you miss them.. so come back soon!! I can't wait for future visits but until then, I will remember the fun memories we made. 

It Starts

.Perfect Doctor tie from AJ. 

Did anybody else play the Lion King game on Super Nintendo?  Do you remember at the beginning of every game Timon would come on the screen and say, "It starts" in a very ominous tone?  That phrase has been running through my mind the past couple weeks because B has started med school.

.First day of school.

Orientation started on July 10th and it was so fun to get to meet everyone we will be going through this process with.  I love that we all are in similar situations so it is easy to relate to one another and make friends.  Saturday was the white coat ceremony.  It was a ceremony similar to being sorted into different houses on Harry Potter except for there is only one house, they had white coats rather than black cloaks and there was no talking hat.  It was fun to celebrate the start of this adventure.  

Sunday night, before B's first day of school, we got in bed around 10:30 but B was so excited, he didn't stop talking until well after midnight.  He has worked hard to get where he is and he is thrilled to get started.

This week B has been at school from 7 am to 10 pm almost every day.  Most days we have been able to have lunch and dinner together and that is pretty much all we see of each other.  Thankfully work, church callings and good friends are all there to fill my time.  Here goes nothing! 

When the Webb's Come to Town

.Celebrating Papa Webb's BIRTHDAY. 

B has been pretty lonely staying home every day while I’ve been at work.  So he was pretty ecstatic when his parents made the trek out to K-Ville!  When it was time to go we were caught off gaurd.  We had smashed so much into their visit that the time flew by.  I will try and remember everything we did... just know that it was all AMAZING!

The first weekend we made our way up to Nauvoo.  We were able to spend the morning in the Nauvoo temple.  There is such an incredible feeling there.  We went to some houses, a show and ate some delicious food.  We also met up with some missionaries from UT and my aunt and uncle who are serving there as well.  Throughout the weekend it was humbling to think of how much the early saints sacrificed and how grateful I am that they had the faith to do it. 

.They really did have a fun time... it was just SO hot.

The next weekend we celebrated the fourth with a trip to Branson Missouri.  The 5 hour car ride was well worth it!  Thanks to Papa Webb’s good friend, we got ROCKIN deals on everything.  We also got to meet everyone after the shows.  Shows that we would HIGHLY recommend to anyone heading down that way are:

• IT- More commonly known as The Hughes Brothers.  The five brothers all sing, their wives sing AND all their kids sing!  Everyone is incorporated in the show.  There was so much talent and variety and it was also family friendly.  WE LOVED THIS ONE!!
• SIX- This is SIX brothers who sing acapella and throw out joke after joke.  These guys were very funny and very talented.  I have never heard such a good impersonation of Louis Armstrong.
• The Bretts- Another family act with a mom, dad, sister and two brothers.  They were original, patriotic and enthusiastic.  Another incredible show.
• AYO- These siblings made it to the top five on America’s Got Talent.  I would not be surprised to see them on billboards someday.  The sister is 13 and sounds just like Whitney Houston.  When she belted out the chorus on “I Will Always Love You”, I about jumped out of my chair to sing it with her.
• The Shanghai Acrobats- People can do some pretty freaky things.  I loved B’s comments on the side… “oh I could do that” or “wow I will so be trying that at home”.  Two of the acrobats did a  number on roller skates and had a rope tying them together at one point.  I couldn’t help but cringe as I to had done a number on roller skates tied to my sister, although that number didn’t end up with people applauding. Roller skates and rope should not be put together.



.Welcome to Missouri.

• We also had a good time at Silver Dollar City until we realized that four adults on a roller coaster that sends you upside down a gazillion times is not a good combination. 

The last night was the best show of all.  We made our way to a restaurant with KARAOKE.  It took some prodding but I was finally able to coax B up on stage to sing with me!  Gosh, did he sound good!  I did not but I had so much fun being on stage with the most HANDSOME man alive!

The time with these two FLEW by and we cannot wait for them to come back! We learned a lot about each other, for one Mama Webb doesn’t like sweaty palms and she doesn’t pronounce the “m” in palms very well. And when you get those two boys together, the puns and witty remarks are endless.  Thanks so much for coming and we can’t wait to see you again soon!! 

It's getting hot out here

Humidity.  This is a new concept for me.  Born and raised in a dry desert, I am having a hard time adjusting to the hot sticky air out here.  I get so excited when there is rain on the forecast, to get a break from the heat, but I have learned that as soon as the rain stops it is even MORE humid.  We really do love it here but a couple things have had to change. 

1. We no longer eat chips.  If you forget to vacuum seal your bag, you are left with waterlogged 

nastiness. 

2. We take more showers. Whenever you walk outside, you have immediate perspiration.  B helped move a couple people in this weekend, and each time he came home he was dripping wet.  Looks like our hygiene and water bill will both by going up. 

3. My hair will not behave.  I have naturally curly hair that I have tried to suppress my whole life.  But unless I can find some good anti-humidity product I will be looking like a lioness during our time here in MO. 

{My awesome lion's mane}

Even though the air is palpable here, the firebugs and friends make it worth it.  So I guess we will stay for a while. 

p.s. We unpacked almost everything! We are in the process of decorating and cleaning now so I will post more pictures as soon as we are done! 

Home Sweet Home

We are in our place!  It is so fun to have everything in and to sleep in our own bed.  Now the unpacking starts...

MO fun, MO friends, MO memories

Get it? MO sounds like more but stands for Missouri. Bahaha I saw that pun on a billboard on our way into Missouri and I could not stop laughing.  But we really are having such a great time here in Missouri.  We have already lived here for a month and it has flown by!  Here is just a little recap of the past month.

{The boys getting into just dance}

For the first three weeks we lived with one of the most hospitable and caring couples ever.  Staying at the Hills was so much fun!  I was sick for the first couple weeks, so I was a bit of a party pooper.  However, once I got better it was a non-stop party.

{The girls showing their stuff}

{Dinner at The Lake}

B and I took the weekends to travel out of town.  We went to Columbia one weekend and ate at Texas Roadhouse.  (It made it feel like we were back in UT) We had a great weekend shopping and seeing Iron Man 3, loved it!

My favorite trip we've taken was to see some church history sites.  We went into Kansas City to do some shopping and had a great meal at the Cheesecake Factory.  Then, to save money, we decided to sleep in the car.  We did not take into account how hot it would be and we forgot to pack a pad to sleep on and pillows.  You would think we weren't planning on sleeping there, but we were, we just forgot EVERYTHING.  We spent a couple hours rolling the windows down to cool the car down, then rolling them up because I was too scared, then rolling them down, rolling them up... needless to say we didn't get much sleep.  When we did wake up the next morning we couldn't stop laughing about the kinks we had in our back and neck.

Even with the rough start, the trip was still incredible.  We started the day by going to the Liberty jail.  I would recommend this to anyone and everyone!  We had the sweetest sister give us the tour and the spirit there was so strong.  D&C 121-123 mean so much more to me know.  Those sections give so much hope and comfort for those going through trials.  Hearing about the living conditions that the Prophet Joseph Smith and the other men were in makes you think twice before complaining.  And the fact that they continued to be faithful and write down inspiration is incredible to me.

{Liberty Jail}

{B and the HUGE dog at
the fair}

While we were still in Liberty, we saw a few sites around town.  We had such a fun time at the town fair making hats, painting and drawing with chalk on a car, all B's ideas of course :) We then went to independence and walked around the visitors center.  On our way home we stopped in adam ondi ahman.  Another great experience where the spirit is so strong.

We have one more month until B starts school and you can bet we will live it up! 

{Spreading the good word}