how i know it's true love:

Greg put a picture of Ron Swanson as my phone background last night.

As Kerry Jackson once said, "If anything in the world could stop a comet, it would be Ron Swanson's mustache."



Let it be known that I'm not making any promises about posting - we can all see how well that went...

pray for us

For a church that advocates abstaining from the consumption of alcohol, we sure know how to lead a woman to drinking.* That's right, it's "church ball" season once again.

You may recall the excitement of last year. It is with great trepidation that I announce: Greg informed me that tonight's (first game of the season) game might be against that team. He also informed me that if it's true, he will be sitting this one out.

Mom will be proud; we've finally learned to avoid compromising situations. At least when they happen at church(?).....



*You realize this is extreme sarcasm, right?

deef

This post by Meg inspired me to share the following...


We sat side-by-side on a church pew; we being me, he, and he's girlfriend. I don't remember what the man standing at the pulpit was saying. All I remember is that he said, "deef," and as soon as the words escaped his lips, me turned to he and he to me in unison, both wearing a look of utter confusion. I think we may have mouthed "deef" to each other and then, unsuccessfully, tried to contain our laughter. Meanwhile, girlfriend sits clueless outside the connection forming between me and he. He later told me that moment brought a thought, "You should marry a girl like Wendy." Little did he know what the thought really meant, "You will marry Wendy."

I spy...

I spy Greg competing in the Legacy Duathlon 04.17.10

I spy Allie's aunt Sarah...

california dreamin'

A few additional California highlights:

The beach.

Two of my favorite boys all dressed up.

Nephew Ethan and my sweetie.

two years ago

We sat in the room adjacent to the one where we would be sealed for all eternity as our Sealer asked us how we met and what our plans were for the future.

"Do you have any questions about the ceremony?"

Greg and I looked at each other and shrugged.

"Let's do it!" Greg said.

The Sealer and I erupted with laughter (quiet laughter that is - since we were in the temple :)

"Ok then, let's get this done." The Sealer said.

We walked into the room where our family and friends were waiting. I was sooo nervous to see everyone. Not nervous because I was about to make eternal covenants, no, just nervous to see my loved ones waiting to witness the ceremony.

We walked out of the room 15 minutes later (estimation) man and wife for eternity. That's including the chat before the ceremony, the ceremony, and hugging everyone in the room after. I do believe we may have set the record for fastest wedding at the Bountiful Temple.

We had family members who were unable to attend the ceremony who missed the majority of the picture taking on the temple grounds after because the ceremony was so quick.

What can I say? My man knows what he wants and there's no waiting necessary.

Happy two years my Gregory Allan.

today

I'm dreaming of Cozumel today. My turtleneck is choking me. Maybe my throat is clogged. Greg thinks my turtleneck is "sentient" and is trying to kill me. He suggested I just take my shirt off.* He says there are plenty of people that couldn't get away with taking their shirt off at work, but that I could. Thanks for the vote of confidence sweetie, but I probably need this job.

I think I'm ready for spring.

I'm having a weird day. "Better" stuff tomorrow.



*Too much information? We all know I could have said much worse. Did you blush Mom?

karma

Today was the "Ugly Sweater Contest" I planned at work. (For those who don't know, I do marketing at a college.) A trip to the D.I. took place a few weeks ago to find suitable attire for the event. I was pleased with my purchase when Greg's reaction was simply, "Yikes." Jackpot. Greg was officially appalled when he realized I was going to wear said ugly sweater all day at work today, rather than changing into it right before the contest.

Greg: At least I know you won't get hit on today.

Me: What? I could totally get hit on in this outfit. Have you seen the students at the college? (Admittedly not tasteful on my part.)

Greg: Most days I worry you'll get hit on at work; but not today.

Me: (Thinking: Most days?) Gee thanks. Maybe I'll bring home the grand prize.

Fast forward to after the contest...

E-mails:

Me: Well, we didn't have a huge turnout for the sweater contest but it was still really fun. We had a bunch of people say they would participate if we did it again though. I saved two of the votes that were turned in for the people's choice award. I attached them. I wish I knew who "the cute girl" was. Too funny.

The Votes
(I hope you're not offended by the first one...)

Greg: Wow. You totally got hit on. I didn't think that was going to happen with that outfit.

Karma:1 Greg :0

I can't say that "the cute girl" is me (for sure-ha) but I'll pretend it is just to teach Greg a lesson.

approaching fisticuffs

Last Friday was the first CHURCH BALL game of the season. I think that explains the title of this post.

In my experience, church ball is an anxiety-ridden drama inducing ulcer factory. Maybe there's something wrong with me, but I really enjoy it. Do you think growing up with five brothers, two of which played high school hockey, has anything to do with it?

Last week's game was particularly "exciting." Spoiler alert: no punches were thrown, but the wife of the elders quorum president sitting next to me was worried her husband would be the one to start it.

The start of the game was very promising when my good friend Meg announced she had a veggie tray in her purse and her intention was for us to eat it. Um, yes please. I, being impressed with what I thought was brilliant foresight on her part, complimented her on bringing an excellent snack.

Meg: "Oh, I just happened to have it so I thought I'd bring it."

Wendy: "I can't wait for the day when I just happen to have a veggie tray. I can honestly say that has never happened to me."

Things turned south quick when I realized which team "we" were playing. The jerk team. The jerk team, as I apparently call them, was the one we butted heads with last year. The one with the scrawny know-it-all with the 80's haircut and the seven foot 35 year old stuck in the glory days who seems to think this will be the game he finally gets drafted. I admit a bias. They really did cause problems when they tried to steamroll the Tuesday night pick-up games at our church house last year. Sure their gym was under construction and they've had the Tuesday night ritual for years, but this is our turf! Choose another night. Geez.

On with the game. We were getting a lot of fouls called on us but from what I could see both teams were playing rough. It's usually a good thing when one of the refs is from your ward (he plays on the geezer team), but not this time.

Munch, carrots.

We have a Polynesian WSU football player on our team who can appear quite intimidating but is the biggest tease. I look up from the sugar snap peas to see him getting escorted into the hall by a player on the other team. I hear something about him being the stake athletic director so he can make calls on the court if he wants to.* Our team member eventually gets a technical and the job of score-keeping on the sideline.

Munch, munch celery.

At one point the refs stopped the game and both teams huddle to regroup. Two members of our bishopric were there and went on the court to tell our team to cool it.

Munch, munch, munch cherry tomatoes.

The next thing I know, Greg is saying "That's the best call you made all night!" After which he stormed off the court in my direction, grabbed his coat from my lap, and headed for the door. In my confusion I asked, "What's going on?" "We're leaving." That was my cue to get up and get out.

Apparently Greg got kicked out of the game. It looked like he just decided to leave from my seat.

Saturday morning came and Greg started to worry a bit.

Greg: "In my parents' stake you have to talk to the stake president to get permission to play again if you get kicked out of a game."

Wendy: "For real?"

Greg: "I just hope I don't get called into the bishop's office tomorrow."

9:00 a.m. Sunday came with great apprehension.

Much to Greg's relief, he got slaps on the back from all. The first counselor in the bishopric complimented Greg on "the best comment of the game" and a member of the stake presidency had a good laugh about it with us.

I guess we'll be at the game tonight after all.


*This is where I took [biased] paraphrasing license

of late

Been wondering what we've been up to? I thought so.

Greg is killing it at work and school. Here's the latest review of a microsite he created for a marketing campaign at work.

As for me, I've been pouring on the charm with the nursery crowd. Remember the boy who asked his mom to let him wear cologne to church for me? He graduated to Sunbeams two weeks ago but he almost had me in tears when he came running up to me after Sacrament Meeting yesterday. In other news, the Pinewood Derby is this month. Vroom!

And we got new curtains for our living room.* Life's good.



*We're tackling the decorating one room at a time. The living room is coming together nicely. Come check it out!

dear greg,

Thanks for scaring me half to death last night in our dark hallway. I'm sure I would have wet myself if I hadn't just exited the bathroom. I guess seeing you laugh that hard at me screaming and slapping your chest and then crying from laughter was worth it. The story may have been different had I peed my pants. That doesn't change my need for payback, however...

true story

There are moments in life when you feel like you're living in a movie. This was one of those moments and boy do I wish someone had been filming the outcome.

Tuesday August 11th, 2009 found Greg and I sunning and swimming in Cozumel. It was lovely. I mean to say, it was lovely until Greg realized he had lost his wedding ring. While swimming. In the ocean. He raised his left hand out of the water to show his naked finger and the only response I could muster was, "You're kidding." Unfortunately he wasn't kidding in the slightest. We decided to not let the situation ruin our vacation and planned on buying a new one when we returned home. [Note: It's safe to say this wouldn't have been my reaction had the lost ring been mine. Remember this?]

Let it be know that Greg was the ring-wearer in our relationship prior to our engagement. He already wore two rings (one of the CTR variety and another made by a jeweler in his mission to the Philippines) before I placed his wedding band on THE finger. He is also the one that rarely removes said wedding ring. (I'm paranoid about ruining my ring so I take it off when I wash my hands, etc.) SO, he felt pretty awkward without his ring.

Two days later we rented snorkeling equipment from the resort dive shop to explore the water nearby. At some point during our excursion, I commented how crazy it would be if we found the ring. We decided to swim over to the area where we realized the ring was lost figuring we might as well check out more fish. I came upon a rock I knew we had been climbing on two days prior when I saw a really pretty tiny purple fish. I followed the fish as it swam over the rock when what should enter my view but the ring. There it was, sitting a few feet under the water on top of the rock. I think I stopped breathing for a moment as I reached forward fully expecting to grab nothing but a handful of salt water, as the ring I was seeing couldn't be real. Once the ring was safely in my grasp I emerged from the water screaming hysterically. Greg was swimming far enough away he only heard the muffled sound of my celebration. He pulled his head out of the water to the great surprise of my find. Needless to say, he was very happy. And relieved. And didn't even care about the people staring at us from the shore.

X marks the spot of the discovery. ish.

[photo]

leap

Last night marked the beginning of our grand new adventure called Graduate School. As I sent Greg off with a kiss, pb&j, and string cheese for the road, I had a "mom moment." At least I think that's what it was. I'm not a mom so I can't be completely sure, but it felt like other moments I've had...my nursery kids getting excited about going to the bathroom all by themselves or my cub scouts grinning proudly because they've hammered together a lopsided wooden toolbox. I felt like I should have been taking pictures as he drove down our driveway.

I was proud.

He's mine. He's taking the next big leap into his (our) future. I was reminded of the scene in Little Women when Laurie is leaving for college and Jo says, "You'll come back knowing all sorts of things I don't know and then I'll hate you." I certainly won't hate Greg for the things he learns but I don't want to be left behind. I guess you could say...

I'm hoping to leap with him.

I'm formulating my own "Graduate School" of sorts to be completed while Greg does his. I don't want to look back 14 months from now (fingers crossed it will only take that long) at Greg's graduation and wonder what I've been doing. Some of the things I've added to my list are mundane tasks like creating organizational systems for virtually every aspect of my existence, while others are more challenging like finally learning to play the guitar. Greg will walk away with a diploma, experience and opportunity. I'm hoping to walk away with something too.

What would be on your list?

proof

I prepped Greg pretty well for the first time he was to meet my family (December 2007). Love you fam, but you can be a bit intimidating to the outsider. Don't get me wrong, I knew they would love Greg, but with five very unshy brothers and the Dad to match, I wanted to be sure Greg knew what he might experience. No worries, it took all of two minutes for him to be laughing and joking with the crew.

I really love this about my man.

He loves my crazy family just like I do and always looks forward to spending time with them. He is often the one to suggest we make a trip (it's really only 20 minutes away) to visit Mom and Dad. Want proof?

Actual e-mail received by me, from Greg last Thursday at work:

Subject: I need a nap

And I really want to play Xbox with Bob right now too.

Funny eh?

The next night found Greg and Bob playing Xbox until I fell asleep on the couch.

kiesel

I'm at Camp Kiesel with my cubs today. I may not survive the experience. If I don't, I leave my scrapbooking stuff to Allie, my clothes to the needy, and my piggy bank collection to Malan and Jane (I hear they like pigs - see comments). Greg, I leave you all my love and whatever funds you get from hawking my stuff. Kimball, I wish we could have had more time together. I would have changed you from the ugly girl to the hot girl who was actually the ugly girl without her glasses.



Here's hoping no one shoots their eye out!

two

It's going to be a long two days (Greg is at scout camp). I already miss him. Pathetic? We usually e-mail back and forth a bit throughout the day at work and it always makes the day go by faster. I tell him something funny a coworker said, he sends me a link to a ridiculous news story. I send him a quote from Kung Fu Panda, he replies with one from The Office. That's true love for you folks.

How do I console myself under such conditions? I already treated myself to lunch (Mexican, of course, since Greg won't touch it) and I plan on taking a long bubble bath tonight while I continue a re-read of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (refresher before the movie). Maybe this isn't so bad after all...

islands

As I type this my Greg is taking the next step to big boydom. The GMAT. When he's done, I'm taking him to lunch and then it's off the Layton to turn in his application for business school. The big boy business school. The one where they give you an MBA. If you're good. If you're not good I think you get a lollipop. I recently bought a five-pound bag of lollipops so Greg wouldn't be tempted by the offer.

He's been studying his brains big for weeks and (pardon the cheese) I'm really proud of him. I know good and well he's not doing this just for him but rather for what it will do for us and our future (we would like it to be a good one).

This is where you come in. You see, Greg going to school full-time + working full-time will mean we won't get much "free" time together. So we've decided to go on a fun trip before the madness begins. We're thinking of a cruise since neither of us have been and everyone loves all-you-can-eat. I need input from anyone who has been on a cruise. Where should we go? Which cruise line should we go on? ETC.

Thank you in advance for your much appreciated input. (I work in Marketing, remember?)

Atta boy!

My eyes hurt. Why? Because I've been crying for the last two days straight over the losing of my most prized physical possession. My wedding ring.

You lost your wedding ring? What kind of a wife are you? Do you have any idea how much Greg paid for that? And let's not forget the immensity of the sentimental value!

And that's why I've been crying so hard. That's what my "shoulder devil" has been saying.

HOURS of searching. Searching under the bed. Searching through the trash. Searching through the trash again. Flashlights beaming down drains. The retracing of steps. Multiple trips back and forth to work. I even looked in the breaker box AND the peanut butter jar.

MANY prayers were sent to heaven. Prayers of pleading.

Desperation.

So, I sent an e-mail to everyone at work, just in case. I've never felt so loved by co-workers. People I don't even know were asking if I'd found it yet. Sympathy came from everyone who had lost their wedding ring at some point too. (One guy told of going to the store where his wedding ring had been purchased soaking wet after searching through a reservoir for 2 hours for his. He thought he could dupe his wife by buying a new one before going home. Inevitably, they didn't make that ring style anymore.)

Even more HOURS of searching. I was physically ill. I wasn't even hungry, and that is saying something. When I did eat, a beloved cucumber was the only thing that sounded edible. (Note: not uncommon for me)

And then, inspiration.

Greg was just tall enough and standing at just the right angle to see it. There is was, glittering on a shelf in our downstairs bathroom. I rarely use that bathroom but had been in there cleaning in preparation for an overnight visit from our good friend Scott. It blended in with the metal shelf and was too high for my line of sight.

I cried even more.

Greg: "You don't need to cry anymore, we found it!"
Wendy: "But I'm just so happy you found it!"

Celebration!

And I was hungry again! But only for french vanilla ice cream covered in Reese's Pieces.

My boss told me this morning that she couldn't sleep last night because she was worried about me. Another co-worker said that Greg deserves an "Atta boy!" for finding it.

My eyes still hurt. I can't stop looking at the beautiful ring on my finger and the sparkly diamonds are blinding me.

Atta boy Greg. Atta boy.

April 12, 2008

Snowshoes

I've been watching the snow fall today thinking: Oh man, these shoes + that snow aren't going to be much fun come time to go home from work today. My apprehension was confirmed when a co-worker (also needing to make copies) just said, "Oh, you can't wear those shoes today. I hope you brought another pair to go outside in." Actually, no, I didn't bring another pair. Oops! I guess that's what I get for not having a newspaper or tv to tell me there was going to be a blizzard today. Nice.

On the upside, my shoes are super cute. Thanks to my handsome husband for buying them for me last week :)

A long time coming...

I've been meaning to post a picture of this AWESOME mural Greg helped paint for a looooong time now (they finished it in October). It's on the side of a pre-school in South Ogden (40th and Washington for those in the neighborhood). It was really fun to see it come together and people driving by would stop and ask about it when Greg and his friends were working on it. Enjoy!