Pop Quiz to the Driver Behind Me Last Night

1. Why couldn't I see your headlights in my rearview mirror?

A. I was basically driving a sled on wheels, or my car is so low to the ground that
your Ford Taurus was so far above me my headlights don't even register in your rearview mirror.

B. I needed you to reach back and scratch my nose, so I decided to drive really close so you could reach. The nose of my car was probably underneath your car.

C. My friend and I think we are really cool. We wanted to show you how cool we are. How could you see if we were too far back?

D. All of the Above.



(Correct Answer: D)

Good Christmas...Bad Cold

Hello readers...I'm not sure I have a whole lot of readers, but oh well...I do this more as a journal anyways.

Our first Christmas married was GREAT! We went to my sister's house on the Mexico border (I won't mention the town name for safety reasons).

We had an amazing time! Here's the timeline:

-I had Christmas Eve off. Jereld did not, but he got to leave work early. We left our house at 1:40ish. SO EXCITED!

-The puppies did really well on the road trip. We stopped about 2 times to let them go to the bathroom, but they were so well behaved I almost forgot they were in their little carrier in the back seat.

-We arrived at my sister's house. It was COLD (compared to our home anyways!). The kids were excited to see us.

-We ate dinner (yummy ham, potatoes, Asian salad, cookies).

-We had the traditional Christmas story (the kids acted out the nativity...I guess I did too...I was the angel--very fitting don't you think).

-We drank egg nog milkshakes (mix 7-Up, egg nog, and vanilla ice cream...YUMMY...and thanks to Breyer's lactose free ice cream and Lactaid egg nog, I can enjoy it again!)

-We each opened one Christmas Eve gift. (Jereld and I were surprised that my sister's family had gotten us small gifts).
*Jereld got funny glasses and a funny clown nose (pictures to
come...hopefully).
*I got a puzzle.
*Our puppies even got gifts--little doggie rain coats.

-The kids went to bed.

-Santa came. And, he was really noisy with a hammer! Geez! Jereld and Jason...I mean Santa!

-We went to bed. Jereld and I slept on the double bed portion of a bunk bed set. Mike, my brother, slept on the single bed above us and told us Christmas stories from his mission.

-Zzzzzzzzzz....Zzzzzzzzz

-I woke up at about 4:30am (I didn't have a clock, so this is more of a guess). I tossed and turned until 5:00am.

-I climbed over Jereld and took the puppies out on a short potty walk. Jason and my parents were awake, too.

-When I came back inside, my niece had woken up. Others were waking up, too.

-Finally, everyone was awake (it didn't take long).

-The kids ripped into their toys from Santa and their stockings.

-I looked in my stocking. Santa brought me broadheads for my arrows, so I can kill some animals. He usually brings me an orange in the toe of my stocking. I told Jereld this. I told Jereld how funny it is when Santa gives you an orange and you have a whole box of oranges in the kitchen. So this year, Santa brought me a chocolate orange. Very yummy. Oh, and lots of candy.

-Jereld gave me a car stereo (YES! I can use my iPod now!), and a hummingbird feeder (I've been wanting one since we have hummingbirds at our house).

-I bought Jereld a camoflauge watch/digital compass. A bird dog training video. A shirt from Aeropostale. Oh, and in his stocking, Santa gave him a Maglite key chain, finger bowling, Uno, a tie...and lots of candy.

-Cam and Jason bought us cookbooks.

-Mike gave us a gift card to iTunes.

-Mom and Dad wrote us a check, gave us some church DVDs and a book...and continually help us throughout the year. Thanks guys!

-After opening gifts, we ate breakfast. MONKEY BREAD! Family tradition. Basically the yummiest treat ever. AKA Carmel Rolls. Biscuits and gravy (jam for me) and hashbrowns.

-We set up gifts (the men set up a swing set) and played with gifts for a long time.

-Jason and Jereld, and Mike and Dad, played with the bows.

-Jereld could have shot a deer, but didn't have his bow with him on that 4wheeler ride.

-4wheeler rides for everyone .

-Time to go home :(

Today is Christmas Adam

I said Happy Christmas Adam to my husband this morning. I got a weird look and a "What!?!?!?!" Then I had to explain myself. Then it didn't seem like it was all that fun of a thing to say. Oh well.

I wish you all a Happy Christmas Adam.

I am sitting at work. My phone is not beeping (when my phone beeps it means I have a call...and I'm live on that call right after the beep). So, here I sit typing this post.

I found out today that I get a RAISE! YAY! It makes me like Vanguard more and more!

Tomorrow around 2-ish, we will be leaving for my sister's house. I can't wait to see my new nephew (born December 15th). He looks so cute in his pictures. We were supposed to leave around 12-ish, but my husband's employer decided that the employees can't leave until 2...bummer. My response? HA! You can't ruin Christmas!

I can't wait for Christmas! Jereld got me something good...I'm sure of it and I'm excited...but that's not why I'm SO excited! I'm SO excited because I can't WAIT for Jereld to open his gifts from me. I think he's going to like them (I hope...crossing my fingers...scratch that...he'll love them I know he'll like them). I have this feeling that he got me something better than I got him, but I haven't had so much fun buying presents for someone in a long time.

I should tell you what I got him! But, I'm not going to! Are you serious?! He might read this. You'll just have to wait until after Christmas...just like everyone else.

Merry Christmas!

Looking back

Do you remember those girls in junior high? You know...the ones that everyone followed around like lemmings? The ones that could do no wrong in the eyes of their following? The ones that could be absolutely vicious and mean to a girl and that girl would feel like she was the one that needed to apologize?

Well, I know those girls. Or, maybe I should say that I KNEW those girls. But, as time has passed, today is the first day that they have crossed my mind in a long, long time.

I don't know why I just thought of it, but a particular situation from junior high came to mind just now and I had the sudden urge to use facebook to look up the two girls who made my life a living....well...let's just say it wasn't anything close to heaven--a sort of "where are they now" check-up.

One particular day, a group of us were playing "Wall Ball." I will try to explain the rules as best as I can remember. In the game, you can have as many players as you would like. Each player takes a turn bouncing a ball (we played with a tennis ball) against a wall (we played against the wall of the elementary gym at Duncan Elementary) in order. The next player had to catch the bounce back from the previous player, otherwise they were subjected to standing against the wall (face to the wall). While they were standing against the wall, all of the other players took a turn throwing the ball at them attempting to hit them with the ball.

(I in no way recommend this game to anyone...it's a dumb game.)

Back to my story. So, on this particular day as we were playing, I noticed that when the two "popular" girls (I will call them BB & BD) were subjected to the pegging ritual that the rest of the girls would miss them on purpose. I also noticed that when an "unpopular" girl was sent to the wall to meet her fate that BB & BD would hurl the ball as fast as their 7th grade arms would let them and show no mercy with their aim. They would also encourage the rest of the girls in the group to hit the other girls for missing. Let's be honest, tennis balls hurt!

I figured that since they were showing no mercy to anyone else, I would give them a taste of their own medicine. Why I didn't stop playing, I don't know! I tend to have this "save the world" attitude where I want to help others get out of bad situations even if they are content in said situation.

So, when BB didn't catch the ball and went up to the wall for her punishment. I decided to let her have it. Sadly, I missed by about 1 inch when it was my turn to attempt to peg her. After seeing my throw, BD exclaimed, "She TRIED to hit you!" The whole group eyed me.

"Well, isn't that what you're supposed to do?" I stammered.

"I can't believe you tried to hit her!" BD continued the tongue lashing. "You threw that really hard! Why don't you take a turn! When it's your turn, we will hit you hard and see how you feel."

I mustered up all my courage and said, "I need to use the restroom before recess is over."

"Yeah right!" BD shot back.

"I do! I've been holding it this whole time!" I said defensively.

So much for my courage I suppose.

Point is: I thought my life was over. I thought BD & BB would pound me for sure. BUT...drum roll please...I am still alive. BD & BB both had less than desirable home lives which I didn't take into consideration at the time.

I hope they are both doing well these days. And, I hope that if we ever play Wall Ball again, it will be a bit friendlier.

Hope you enjoyed a look into my junior high days. If you don't already know...there is life after junior high...and if the BB & BD don't beat you to a bloody pulp you'll see that it's much better when it's all over!

I didn't tell you...(sorry you're so out of the loop)

1) I didn't tell you that Jereld and I got our main Christmas gifts early...

2) I also didn't tell you that Jereld and I have been mopping and cleaning my floors a lot lately...

3) I failed to mention that #1 is causing #2.

Aren't they cute?





The Jack Russell is my puppy (it's the little one in case you don't know breeds). Her name is Rally.

The German Shorthaired Pointer is Jereld's puppy. Her name is Seek. She told me she wants to be a bird hunting dog when she grows up!

UGH! He deserves coal in his stocking!

This conversation has been paraphrased (because I can't remember word for word...but it's close):

Scene 1-Jereld has just finished studying for his MRI class in the office. He is getting ready for bed in the bathroom with the door open. Allison has already finished getting ready for bed and is waiting for Jereld to finish.

Jereld (matter-of-factly): So, you really need to be more careful when you're wrapping presents that you throw away the tags and the store bags.

Allison (surprised): Why?!?!? Were you snooping?

Jereld (annoyed): NO! I was cleaning up the wrapping paper mess you left in the office, and I noticed that you left some price tags and bags.

Allison (annoyed): I told you I wasn't done with the wrapping paper and to just leave it down!

Jereld: Sorry! I didn't know you weren't finished.

Allison: What did you see? Did you ruin your surprise? I'm going to be so mad if you ruined your surprise!

Jereld: I know that you bought something at Kohl's because you left the bag, and I know you bought something camoflauge because you left a tag that says "APG Camo."

Allison: First of all, the tag is from your stocking. Remember the camo stockings we bought?!?!?!? I took the tag off yours. So, no surprise there! Second, the Kohl's bag is from the tie I bought your brother. Ana and I went to Kohl's on our lunch break and while she looked around I got ties.

Jereld: Ooooooohhhhhhh...you got tieS. I thought you just bought one tie for Austin.

Allison: I did!

Jereld: But you said tieS...not tie. Plural.

Allison (jokingly...but kind of serious): UGH! I hate you!

CHEERS!

Here we are on our first time in OUR house. We had a little sparkling cider and replacing the doorknobs party. Also, buying lots and lots of paint party (which is a very expensive type of party that I would highly recommend if there are weird colors of paint on the walls of the house you buy). The house is currently being repainted (by a company...thank heavens...and not me!). Enjoy the pictures below. Oh, and Jereld cried when they repainted the princess room. :) We'll see if he ever reads this.

WARNING: Picture Overload Below!!!!!!!!!!!!

Homeowners!!!!!!!!

Slacker...I guess

An elderly lady in my old ward in Duncan found my cell phone number (still trying to figure this out)...and called me this morning. I ran to my phone when I heard it ringing, noticed it was a Duncan number, flipped it open, but I WAS TOO LATE! At first, I was disappointed! I was sure it was an old friend calling to chat or something. Then my phone let me know that the person left a voicemail. WooHoo! So I listened....to hear this (edited for names and gift to protect her identity):

"Allison this is____________ in Duncan. I am wondering did you guys ever get that package I mailed you of those _____? I'd sure like to hear whether you go it or not. My phone number is ___________ and you have my address. I'd sure like for you to let me know...ACKNOWLEDGE...whether you got it or not. Thank you. Goodbye."

What is it with people expecting a Thank You card after giving someone a gift? I think it's a generational thing. I sure do not expect or even want a thank you card from anyone when I give them a wedding gift. I know you're grateful! Enjoy the gift in peace!

I need to finish up my thank yous and get them out, I know! I have been very busy getting paperwork together to buy a house, so I guess I've been slacking in the Thank you note area. So sue me.

I guess I should be writing Thank Yous instead of being on here typing out this post. But what is really on my list are more important things, like laundry and dishes and cleaning...the things that get neglected because I work full-time and in my spare time I get stuff together for the house...or spend a little quality time with my husband.

Oh well...her thank you will go out in the mail today. If you are reading this and didn't get a thank you card yet...well I apologize. THANK YOU for the gift, we love it. I'll be sending out cards soon (I hope).

Ha Ha

30 Point Buck

My husband will love this!!!!!!

Move Over Elk

I was super bored yesterday and somewhat bummed about that fact. Jereld's mom and brothers left to go to a wedding, leaving Jereld, his dad, and me. However, Jereld and his dad were out hunting until noon. Leaving me to watch TV shows that don't even slightly amuse me (nothing good is on that time of day!).

When Jereld came back, all he could talk about was hunting...until he realized that I was so bored and bummed about being alone all morning. So...being the sweet man that he is. Invited me to go on a date:

1) Scouting for elk




(YES THAT'S ME!! DID YOU THINK IT WASN'T!?!?!?)

2) Driving to Snowflake to order




This made me feel:



(Of course this is me! I just changed my hair for this picture!)

Man's Search for Happiness

I'm sitting here in Clay Springs at my in-laws typing away as my husband snoozes (I just napped too, so I can't really pretend he's being lazy...ha ha). I'm so happy to be here. Work hasn't been very fun lately for me. Being away from my husband was AWFUL! I'm glad I lived through it!

What's up with the title? Why was I away from Jereld?



A MAN CAN DREAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

He got drawn for the archery elk hunt in 3C this year (which includes his hometown). AND...he got off work for 2 weeks. I did not get off that many days. Which means: I have to be without my Favorite for a few days here and there. Currently, I'm here with him, so I'm happy.

On another note: Last week we put an offer in a short sale house. We haven't heard anything yet, but we're hoping. Here's some pictures:

Living For the Night

There's a new George Strait song called "Living For the Night," I like that phrase of the song. When you get right down to it, the song is about a woman that leaves this man, and then he lives to go drinking at night...or something like that. BUT, I just like the words "living for the night." I get that phrase stuck in my head all the time these days. That's what I do! LIVE FOR THE NIGHT! When I get to go home from work and see Jereld. George Strait needs to rewrite his song. It would fit my life so much better if he did!

New developments in our life? We are HOUSE HUNTING! YAY! Or...starting the very beginnings of house hunting. We are going to go look at houses this Saturday! YAY!

Something to look forward to other than house hunting? DIAMONDBACKS GAME with AKIVA AND KELSEY! After the game there is a Montgomery Gentry concert. Yay for country songs!

Enjoy this Karaoke version of George's song...found on YouTube.

We're Married!

Jereld and I have been married for 11 days now. Verdict: I COULDN'T BE HAPPIER!

Friday, August 7th: Our sealing was beautiful!I am so fortunate to be able to spend my life with this man! I actually started calling him "Favorite" quite some time ago (that and "Nayna" which is somewhat similar in meaning to poor baby). And, the name fits. He is definitely my favorite. I can't think of anyone or anything else on earth that I love more.

Saturday, August 8th: We headed to Clay Springs for our first reception. The road trip was really fun...tiring...but fun. The reception was beautiful. It was outside at the house Jereld grew up in. His family did such a great job of decorating. His Aunt Deb did an AMAZING job on the cake (I'll try to remember to post pictures when we get them). Let's just say it was every hunter's dream wedding cake, and Jereld LOVED IT! And, I loved it because it was SO JERELD! After the reception, we stayed at Best Western Sawmill Inn in Heber. They "upgraded" us because it was our honeymoon. I think our room was slightly larger than what we paid for. Which was nice of the hotel manager.

Sunday, August 9th: We drove back home to Mesa and attended Sacrament meeting in our new ward. Came home and packed, took brief naps, and then headed to the airport (thanks Jeff Smith for taking us) to fly to Miami, Florida for our HONEYMOON! We had a red eye flight (I don't like flying...is makes me feel air sick). We had a layover in Atlanta, GA and then arrived in Miami around 9:30am EST (6:30am AZ time...Good Morning?!?!?!??). I guess we are technically into Monday...woops!

Monday, August 10th: We boarded the MAJESTY of the SEAS for our Cruise...here are some pics:

Friday, August 14th: We flew home from our amazing cruise :(...Jereld got air sick really bad on the way home. We had a layover in Dallas, TX. We got home and slept like crazy.

Saturday, August 15th: We had our reception in Duncan (my hometown). It was really fun, except that it was really hot in my dress (everyone else seemed to be fine)...and I started feeling sick. That night we stayed in the Days Inn in Safford, and I started feeling worse.

Sunday, August 16th: We traveled back to Mesa, but I was getting sicker...so we took long naps. Then, I got even worse and was sick to my stomach and running a fever. Jereld was the sweetest husband ever and waited on me hand and foot (and living room...and unpacking...and a lot more...I told him to quit but when you get that man going he gets going).

Monday, August 17th: Jereld went back to work, and luckily, I didn't have to (I'll go back to work on Wednesday). I was still pretty sick, but I went to the eye doctor, got my name changed with the Social Security Administration (that's right folks! I'm legally Allison Brewer), did some shopping, and got some cleaning done. I overdid it a bit, but Jereld made up for it when he got home. Such an amazing husband!

Today: I started the long process of looking over our bills and trying to decide the best direction for consolidation. I still don't think I'm well. I feel really gross. Work starts back up tomorrow morning for me...woohoo????? The money will be nice though. Jereld works at Bass Pro tonight, so I won't see much of him today :(. Tomorrow though....I'll hold out for tomorrow.

Enjoy!

Welcome to the beginnings of our new life!

I hope from time to time to write on here and use this blog as a sort of journal for my new family.

On August 7, 2009, I will marry Jereld for time and all eternity in the Mesa Arizona Temple. We are so excited! We wish is was sooner....only 39 days left though!

I have a long list of things I still need to do for the wedding. Anyone feeling like being a substitute bride?

I need to get my announcements out (which entails getting a lot of addresses), finish our wedding video, go suit shopping with Jereld, go for my final dress fitting in two weeks, help Marsha plan my bridal shower, DIET like mad (I've lost 10 lbs so far...not bad for a month), get my emotions in check (not easy!!!!), go to Ribbons and Lace to buy stuff for my bouquet (I hope Marsha and I can figure out how to make the bouquet look good), and most of all....RELAX and STAY SANE (of course this is the hardest thing to do at this point).

Through all of this, I have Jereld. Thank heavens! I think I would already be in the Looney Bin if it weren't for him. He's amazing!

My first 2 tasks to tackle...announcements and wedding video. Jereld and I are doing our wedding video interviews tonight. Hopefully, we will be able to find a quiet location to record this evening. We didn't have very much luck last night.