alpine loop

The snow was a little unexpected and the rain storms had taken most of the leaves, but we enjoyed the beautiful drive. Adios Fall, you had a good run and we're glad you could stay for as long as you did.

love, love, love this book

A couple months ago, I searched Mormon in the search engine of Amazon to see what books would come up. The New York Regional Mormon Singles Halloween Dance, a memoir, by Elna Baker was one of the first ones to show up. It had good reviews, but because I had never heard anyone talk about it, I wouldn't order it. I tried to find it at the Provo Library, but it already had 20 holds on it. Yesterday, as I was waiting for my eye exam at Costco (my eyes are at an all time worst, with a -9 in each eye, fantastic), I was looking through the books and happened to stumble upon it. I was excited, but thought it could also be lame. It was only $9 so I got it. I am so glad I did! I could not put this book down.

I wish I could paste parts of it on here. I appreciate this memoir for it's honesty. The author knows how to write and how to tell a story. She is hilarious and you are guaranteed to laugh out loud as you read about her life as a single Mormon in New York and possibly tear up a few times (I did). She is frank and there is "colorful" language and racy material, so don't expect because this is written by a Mormon, it will be all unicorns and rainbows. It is genuine and it is refreshing that she does not sugarcoat her struggles with faith and love. That is why I love her and this book. I highly recommend this memoir and I think any woman would enjoy reading this, not just Mormons. I promise you will enjoy reading this, it's too funny not to enjoy!

i don't know what to do with this blog

Matt has been a busy, busy man with this job. He has been traveling North America like nobody's business. He loves his job and the people he works with so that is great. He is almost a third of the way through his training and I am surprised by how well I am holding up. Nights are lonely, but I keep myself busy. Spending time with Rach is also a huge help.

I do want a dog though if we move into a pet friendly apartment wherever we end up. Matt doesn't want a dog, (it kind of breaks my heart) but I am going to try to warm him up to it. Since I went to a Republican fundraiser with Matt and some friends last night, Matt has to go with me to a dog shelter here in Utah and then again wherever we end up. My plan is for him to fall in love with one of them and we'll have to take it home. If that doesn't work...I'm still going to get one. Matt can't stop me. Anyways, the fundraiser was kind of cool.

Running for Congress, Morgan Philpot at my right and Orrin Hatch at Matt's left in front of the Fire Pelosi bus.

After finishing the Hunger Games trilogy, I read Endurance. A recommendation from my Dad and sister-in-law. It is really good. It's a true story and it's amazing what the people had to go through to survive. Frostbite is one of my greatest fears. I don't know how this hasn't been turned into a movie yet.

Every season brings some kind of distinct spirit. I look forward to the holidays and seeing family. Especially, my brother, Steve, at Thanksgiving who returned to the states from Afghanistan while I was in Arizona.

Football is another fall favorite. It makes me miss Texas. I wish I was there for the State Fair right now. Matt makes fun of me for loving the Cowboys since they tend to disappoint.

I am going to embrace the continual decrease of the temperature this year. I want to drive the Alpine Loop before the colorful leaves are gone and I look forward to bundling up for the cooler weather. Rach and I were enjoying the aroma created by the car heater this week.

Most of all, I wish I had a baby to dress up this year for Halloween. Anyone want to loan me one?



lava fields and hot springs

Matt and I drove to Meadow, Utah, right by Fillmore to camp out in the lava fields and visit the Meadow Hot Springs. We also stopped in Fillmore to eat and see the original Capitol of Utah.

arizona

Matt stayed with his family through the weekend he was in California before he would fly to another city the following week for work, so we bought me a ticket to visit family. I am so glad I got to spend time down in Arizona, but I could have done without the 100+ degree weather.

Highlights of my time with Grandma Nelson:

Making coconut cream pie and bread pudding (she can make anything and it will be delicious)

Crocheting stocking caps

Looking over hundreds of pictures of her, my grandpa, my parents and pictures of my family I had never seen before

Asking her about her experiences in the 89 years of her life, my grandpa, and advice about marriage (communication and if you are good to your husband, he will be good to you)

She is the sweetest, most humble, thoughtful woman in the world and everyone I met who knows her reminded me of that.

Highlights of my time with Matt, Adrianne and the kiddoes:

Watching Luke and Maddie's soccer games

Hearing Luke voluntarily apologize to Adrianne about being upset at her because of his snack

Swimming with Maddie, Abbie and Luke

Watching Abbie terrorize their very patient English Bulldog

Learning about the color blue, the letter F, the shape square and and the number six as Adrianne taught 5 three year old boys during Luke's joy school

Helping Maddie with her homework

Reading bedtime stories

Watching the great examples Matt and Adrianne are to their kids

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL!!!!

 Coolest kid ever.

I should've taken more pictures, but I will see them again at Thanksgiving!



call me a cragswoman

With no more excuses left and Mickelle's encouragement, we hiked the 7 miles to the tip top of Timp. I

 have always wanted to do it and I shrieked in relief and excitement when we got to the little, white, metal shack at the top. The hike was a rude reminder that in long hikes, the way down can be a lot harder on the legs than going up. There were tons of kids and adults of all ages on the hike, so I can't complain too much.

just read

My mom brought this book to me when she came out and like Dale Carnegie's other book, How to Stop Worrying and Start Living, I read each chapter twice. I thought it was good, it didn't have as strong of an impact on me like his other book, but there was alot of good points to practice and incorporate while developing relationships and interacting with others. 

Rach got the Hunger Games trilogy for her birthday and lent me the first book. I have never been so absorbed in a young adult fictional book like this before. It's an easy read and I had a hard time putting it down (I may have spent 7 hours reading it today and I want reread it). I can't wait to read the next two.