I love this time of life. So much is always going on! I am almost done with my internship at Tanner LLC as an auditor. I have to admit, the first month was HARD! I really had to focus on the commitment I had made in order to finish the job. But about half way through the internship, I hit a turning point. I really do enjoy it now! I am sad it ends next Friday. Right now I am looking into other employment options for summer and the next year when I go back to school to get a masters degree! I have always wanted a masters degree. I am so glad Lauren always set an awesome example of setting goals and achieving them. Her example has a huge impact on how I have made decisions with school. I am excited that this goal of mine is so close! But first things first, I graduate with my undergraduate degree in less than three weeks!!! Another goal; check!
On a less bright and shiny note, I was in a car accident on Tuesday. I was turning left off of Harrison onto 46th street and I was T-boned by a Pontiac. I completely assumed the car was going to stop. The light was very, very yellow. Lesson learned there! Never assume. Cause you know what happens when you assume? You get your car totaled! I am glad it wasn't worse, and that i am ok, and I am glad I have insurance. But that's another story... I am definitely changing insurance plans when this is over. I have been very under impressed by their services. I will find out on Monday, six days after the accident, what the real damage to my car is.
Finally, this bad week is wrapping up well; it's conference weekend! The first session was great. Two new temples announced, one in Cedar City! Conference is like a renewal. Listen, learn, and keep trying to improve for 6 months, then try again. Chase is almost through with school too! One more year!
Chloe and Chase Reynolds
4.06.2013
1.15.2013
Sundays
All things considered, I am writing this blog so I don't forget the little things that are important to me. Some entries may seem a little more journal-like than blog-like. That said, I love Sunday this year! All two weeks. The first Sunday, our ward changed from 12-3 to 9-12. I love it! Miraculously, we do better at the whole being-on-time thing when church is earlier.
Relief Society was interesting. I am recommitting to contributing to the lessons and following along better. Sunday school (Chase and I teach the 16-17 year olds) was awesome. Chase is the teacher, and I contribute comments. I am amazed how much he knows about the scriptures. This lesson, we ended up accidentally teaching the wrong one, but it was perfect. Chase introduced D&C. He always finds a way to talk about his mission during his lessons, which is perfect considering we have a bunch of boys who are within two years of serving. Finally, sacrament meeting. Fast and testimony meetings can bring a number of emotions. But never in my life have I ever loved a testimony meeting so much. Every person that stood talked about how blessed we are to have children. Our prego neighbor, Bonnie, who had just been released as primary chorister, spoke. A few kids got up. And so did Chase. The last time I bore my testimony in church, without a talk assignment, was probably 5 years ago (For records sake, I can remember baring my testimony four times; When my dad broke his back, once when I was in high school, and at the Ogden High Senior Seminary night, and in my ward in Boulder). And I have heard Chase speak in church a handful of times, but this was the first fast and testimony meeting that I have seen him stand. He talked about how his wife loves to listen to general conference on her new iPhone (and just the way he said "My wife"... it will never get old). It's true, I love the LDS app. He said that one night I had fallen asleep listening to "Help Them Aim High" by President Henry B. Eyring at the last priesthood session. He talked about how grateful he is that he had a dad who helped him aim high, and how one day he wants to do the same for his kids. For now, though, he said he is honored to have the opportunity to help the kids in our class aim high. I melted. I love him. I left that meeting filled with the spirit and in love with all the little kids in our ward, and proud of the man I married. He will be a great dad one day.
The following week was Stake Conference. Elder L. Tom Perry was the visiting authority. Chase and I have inconveniently been out of town, or otherwise missed stake conference since we moved into our ward nearly a year and a half ago. I am so glad we were able to attend this conference. The overwhelming theme was temple work. The challenge is not longer to attend the temple regularly. The new challenge is to find and do the work for your own dead. I have yet to do any family history work for my family. I am excited to get started! One of my favorite things about general and stake conference, is the overwhelming feeling of, "You're doing great". I never leave the meetings discouraged, which sometimes surprises me because I have a lot of room to grow! I used to take tons of notes and try to make crazy goals during conferences. But, since I have been to the temple, I have changed my mind. It's not about remembering the words, it's about remembering the feeling, and acting on that feeling. A new word I have been using to describe this thought is "marinate". If I hear the words and feel the spirit, the words and thoughts will marinate and stick with me so I can build and grow from them. All the time, I am more and more grateful for my membership in the church and my knowledge of Christ. Chase and I were talking on our way home from the Sunday session about what my dad calls "The Dart Board Theory". There is a figurative dart board, and each hole represents a walk of life. From the Kate Middleton, to the slave mother in the south, to the settlers of Utah, to the slums of South America; everyone throughout time has a dot on the board. Now consider your dot: how blessed are you to have "thrown your dart" and have it land where you are? The probability of getting my dot is slim; a great family, born into the gospel, living in this day in age, attending school, finding my husband. Every dot that surrounds mine is someone through time that has lived in poverty and sickness. The majority of dots have no knowledge of the gospel. The fact that I got my dot is something to be grateful for. I think it's pretty thought provoking.
Finally, I am here at Lauren and Seans's place in Murray. Lauren work's today so I get to play with Huddy all day! It's nap time, so it's blog time. He is the sweetest baby. He is so good, so cute, so perfect. He plays and giggles and spits up and it's all perfect. I have said this before; there is good reason Lauren was first. I totally believe in birth order. I can't imagine our family without Lauren first. I am so glad I can learn from her in all aspects of life, especially how to be the perfect new mama. On another Fowler note, Lauren and Sean are moving to Bountiful soon, yay! Twenty minutes closer to my favorite people. I haven't seen the house yet, but it will be perfect for the three of them, I am sure.
I have known Chase for just over six years now, and I honestly learn something new about him all the time. I love that boy, more than I ever thought I could.
Relief Society was interesting. I am recommitting to contributing to the lessons and following along better. Sunday school (Chase and I teach the 16-17 year olds) was awesome. Chase is the teacher, and I contribute comments. I am amazed how much he knows about the scriptures. This lesson, we ended up accidentally teaching the wrong one, but it was perfect. Chase introduced D&C. He always finds a way to talk about his mission during his lessons, which is perfect considering we have a bunch of boys who are within two years of serving. Finally, sacrament meeting. Fast and testimony meetings can bring a number of emotions. But never in my life have I ever loved a testimony meeting so much. Every person that stood talked about how blessed we are to have children. Our prego neighbor, Bonnie, who had just been released as primary chorister, spoke. A few kids got up. And so did Chase. The last time I bore my testimony in church, without a talk assignment, was probably 5 years ago (For records sake, I can remember baring my testimony four times; When my dad broke his back, once when I was in high school, and at the Ogden High Senior Seminary night, and in my ward in Boulder). And I have heard Chase speak in church a handful of times, but this was the first fast and testimony meeting that I have seen him stand. He talked about how his wife loves to listen to general conference on her new iPhone (and just the way he said "My wife"... it will never get old). It's true, I love the LDS app. He said that one night I had fallen asleep listening to "Help Them Aim High" by President Henry B. Eyring at the last priesthood session. He talked about how grateful he is that he had a dad who helped him aim high, and how one day he wants to do the same for his kids. For now, though, he said he is honored to have the opportunity to help the kids in our class aim high. I melted. I love him. I left that meeting filled with the spirit and in love with all the little kids in our ward, and proud of the man I married. He will be a great dad one day.
The following week was Stake Conference. Elder L. Tom Perry was the visiting authority. Chase and I have inconveniently been out of town, or otherwise missed stake conference since we moved into our ward nearly a year and a half ago. I am so glad we were able to attend this conference. The overwhelming theme was temple work. The challenge is not longer to attend the temple regularly. The new challenge is to find and do the work for your own dead. I have yet to do any family history work for my family. I am excited to get started! One of my favorite things about general and stake conference, is the overwhelming feeling of, "You're doing great". I never leave the meetings discouraged, which sometimes surprises me because I have a lot of room to grow! I used to take tons of notes and try to make crazy goals during conferences. But, since I have been to the temple, I have changed my mind. It's not about remembering the words, it's about remembering the feeling, and acting on that feeling. A new word I have been using to describe this thought is "marinate". If I hear the words and feel the spirit, the words and thoughts will marinate and stick with me so I can build and grow from them. All the time, I am more and more grateful for my membership in the church and my knowledge of Christ. Chase and I were talking on our way home from the Sunday session about what my dad calls "The Dart Board Theory". There is a figurative dart board, and each hole represents a walk of life. From the Kate Middleton, to the slave mother in the south, to the settlers of Utah, to the slums of South America; everyone throughout time has a dot on the board. Now consider your dot: how blessed are you to have "thrown your dart" and have it land where you are? The probability of getting my dot is slim; a great family, born into the gospel, living in this day in age, attending school, finding my husband. Every dot that surrounds mine is someone through time that has lived in poverty and sickness. The majority of dots have no knowledge of the gospel. The fact that I got my dot is something to be grateful for. I think it's pretty thought provoking.
Finally, I am here at Lauren and Seans's place in Murray. Lauren work's today so I get to play with Huddy all day! It's nap time, so it's blog time. He is the sweetest baby. He is so good, so cute, so perfect. He plays and giggles and spits up and it's all perfect. I have said this before; there is good reason Lauren was first. I totally believe in birth order. I can't imagine our family without Lauren first. I am so glad I can learn from her in all aspects of life, especially how to be the perfect new mama. On another Fowler note, Lauren and Sean are moving to Bountiful soon, yay! Twenty minutes closer to my favorite people. I haven't seen the house yet, but it will be perfect for the three of them, I am sure.
I have known Chase for just over six years now, and I honestly learn something new about him all the time. I love that boy, more than I ever thought I could.
1.04.2013
Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year!
Ok. Let's get a few things straight. Everyone knows that Christmas changes as you get older and older. But no one really emphasizes how much Christmas changes when you get hitched. It get's a little bit harder and requires more planning ahead. Here is how it get's planned: Spend Christmas Eve with her family, spend Christmas Morning with his family, have two breakfasts, four dinners, spend 2 hours skiing, and manage to spend 5 minutes alone with your hub. Ya that could happen... said no one ever. EVER. So, here is reality.
Ski a run with dad on Christmas Eve. Eat lunch with Mom, Zach and Ave in the lodge. Spend Christmas Eve dinner with mom and sibs and Grandma Jan. Sleep at home (yay!) and have Christmas morning with Chase. Then go to mom's for second Christmas morning and breakfast with Grandpa Bean and Joanie. Then hurry up to Snowbasin for 4 runs, and meet up with dad for one. Hurry home. get ready and go to Reynolds house for third Christmas morning. Have Christmas dinner with entire Reynolds family. Then go home and hang with the hubby. It is always fun, fast and flies by.
We also did Christmas with the Calton's a few days earlier. The whole clan came to Dad's house for dinner. After, Dad gave us his gift. He gave us girls beautiful bracelets that match and an outfit from Athleta. I love how simple he does Christmas. We gave dad a cooking lesson that all seven of us can go to, and of course a couple of books!
We gave mom something pretty special-- a drafting table. It's gorgeous. She bawled. It's one of the few times we have been able to figure out something that she wants AND she needs. I really cannot wait for her to finish up school and be able to show the world how talented of a designer she is. I will never forget the expression on her face when she opened her eyes and saw it. She couldn't stop talking about it all day. I know Christmas isn't about gifts, but this moment made Christmas really special this year. Mama has been through a lot, and to give her something that only brings her happiness felt really good. We also got to go to the Nutcracker with mom this year!
Chase got his first road bike this year! It's gorgeous. It's a Specialized Allez, and it's gorgeous. We got it about a month early because he found a steal of a deal. I got an iPhone 4s, finally. For some reason having the latest and greatest has never been a big deal for me, as far as phones go. So I didn't get the 5, but I must say I looooove it. No joke, my favorite feature is the LDS Library. I have listened to three sessions of the last conference since I got the phone (how awesome was the last Priesthood session???). I miss my blackberry that I had for four years, but mostly I don't at all! In fact I just downloaded my blogger app to my phone! Can you say BLOG time?? I love writing and preserving thoughts. I am not into keeping "stuff"but remembering people and events and reading my own words years later... I just love it.
Back to Christmas; we did indeed decorate for Christmas this year, even if it was only up for a few weeks. I found our Christmas tree at 90th South in Salt Lake four days before Christmas. We were so busy with finals and Megan's wedding, we thought we wouldn't find one. So when Riverdale Road failed us, I had no choice but to stuff a three foot tall tree in the back of Lauren's car and bring it home! Chase and Sean were in Arizona the weekend before Christmas to see the Cubs v. Cardinals game. My boy's first NFL game! And probably not the last. Next time, I get to go! Chase brought me home some of my favorite shirts for Christmas and (get ready) some olive oils and vinegars for cooking! Hello, classy man husband! They are so yummy!
I must add, having Christmas with a nephew around is just the bees knees. I just love Huddy. I have said it before and I will say it again; I really did not accurately predict how much love I would feel for my sister's child. I tear up if I think too hard about it. If this is an aunt's love, I can't imagine the love of a mother to her child.
These are the newest additions to the Bean side of the family at the Bean family Christmas party. The left most baby is Hudson (3.5 months), then Zandria (2 months), then Roman (4.5 months). On December 12th, Jake married Taylor, Zandria's mom! Congrats!
The week after Christmas we went to St. George for Dad's 50th birthday. He's old, yes, but he does not act old. He looks 40 and skies like he's 25. We stopped in Beaver (the new hot spot) and skied at Eagle Point, an old resort that reopened a few seasons ago. It's small, but really steep and zero crowd! We then headed to St. George where we cooked a fabulous birthday dinner and the old man blew out the candles. Then next day, Chase got to try out his road bike! There were a few issues to be addressed considering it was the maiden voyage, so my dad is getting the bike all tuned up for Chase!
For New Years Eve, Chase and I both worked (and holy cow it was worth it). We then watched the ball drop (PS I still never get a kick out of that... it really drops at 10 our time!) with Connie and Tony, and still had time to visit the Bennion's and their cutest little house party. So here it is, 2013.
Last year was a great year. We got closer to some of our goals and had a ton a fun. I am so excited for this coming year! A few things, among others, that will happen; I will graduate with my BS in Accounting from Weber State University. I am happy that I will graduate on time, considering I did a little transferring. I will start grad school too! I am going to do a Master of Taxation from Weber State. Chase and I want to take a trip, and larger trip than we have in a while, so we will see if that one pans out. Chase will continue with his undergraduate degree in Spanish, and pre-dental. We have a few things we want to improve on in our house, and even a couple things that we are determined to be perfect at! We have already started a new finance plan for the year, and it is going really well! I have a personal goal to listen to all of general and stake conferences, more than once (on my favorite app!) And little things; get to church on time (9am comes earlier and earlier every week!), read the lessons before hand, and get to know our ward better. I want to run more (vague, but true). I want to learn to love my husband better in the little ways. So many things to be better at, and gratefully, so much time to improve. Happy New Year.
Ski a run with dad on Christmas Eve. Eat lunch with Mom, Zach and Ave in the lodge. Spend Christmas Eve dinner with mom and sibs and Grandma Jan. Sleep at home (yay!) and have Christmas morning with Chase. Then go to mom's for second Christmas morning and breakfast with Grandpa Bean and Joanie. Then hurry up to Snowbasin for 4 runs, and meet up with dad for one. Hurry home. get ready and go to Reynolds house for third Christmas morning. Have Christmas dinner with entire Reynolds family. Then go home and hang with the hubby. It is always fun, fast and flies by.
We also did Christmas with the Calton's a few days earlier. The whole clan came to Dad's house for dinner. After, Dad gave us his gift. He gave us girls beautiful bracelets that match and an outfit from Athleta. I love how simple he does Christmas. We gave dad a cooking lesson that all seven of us can go to, and of course a couple of books!
We gave mom something pretty special-- a drafting table. It's gorgeous. She bawled. It's one of the few times we have been able to figure out something that she wants AND she needs. I really cannot wait for her to finish up school and be able to show the world how talented of a designer she is. I will never forget the expression on her face when she opened her eyes and saw it. She couldn't stop talking about it all day. I know Christmas isn't about gifts, but this moment made Christmas really special this year. Mama has been through a lot, and to give her something that only brings her happiness felt really good. We also got to go to the Nutcracker with mom this year!
Chase got his first road bike this year! It's gorgeous. It's a Specialized Allez, and it's gorgeous. We got it about a month early because he found a steal of a deal. I got an iPhone 4s, finally. For some reason having the latest and greatest has never been a big deal for me, as far as phones go. So I didn't get the 5, but I must say I looooove it. No joke, my favorite feature is the LDS Library. I have listened to three sessions of the last conference since I got the phone (how awesome was the last Priesthood session???). I miss my blackberry that I had for four years, but mostly I don't at all! In fact I just downloaded my blogger app to my phone! Can you say BLOG time?? I love writing and preserving thoughts. I am not into keeping "stuff"but remembering people and events and reading my own words years later... I just love it.
Back to Christmas; we did indeed decorate for Christmas this year, even if it was only up for a few weeks. I found our Christmas tree at 90th South in Salt Lake four days before Christmas. We were so busy with finals and Megan's wedding, we thought we wouldn't find one. So when Riverdale Road failed us, I had no choice but to stuff a three foot tall tree in the back of Lauren's car and bring it home! Chase and Sean were in Arizona the weekend before Christmas to see the Cubs v. Cardinals game. My boy's first NFL game! And probably not the last. Next time, I get to go! Chase brought me home some of my favorite shirts for Christmas and (get ready) some olive oils and vinegars for cooking! Hello, classy man husband! They are so yummy!
I must add, having Christmas with a nephew around is just the bees knees. I just love Huddy. I have said it before and I will say it again; I really did not accurately predict how much love I would feel for my sister's child. I tear up if I think too hard about it. If this is an aunt's love, I can't imagine the love of a mother to her child.
These are the newest additions to the Bean side of the family at the Bean family Christmas party. The left most baby is Hudson (3.5 months), then Zandria (2 months), then Roman (4.5 months). On December 12th, Jake married Taylor, Zandria's mom! Congrats!
The week after Christmas we went to St. George for Dad's 50th birthday. He's old, yes, but he does not act old. He looks 40 and skies like he's 25. We stopped in Beaver (the new hot spot) and skied at Eagle Point, an old resort that reopened a few seasons ago. It's small, but really steep and zero crowd! We then headed to St. George where we cooked a fabulous birthday dinner and the old man blew out the candles. Then next day, Chase got to try out his road bike! There were a few issues to be addressed considering it was the maiden voyage, so my dad is getting the bike all tuned up for Chase!
Last year was a great year. We got closer to some of our goals and had a ton a fun. I am so excited for this coming year! A few things, among others, that will happen; I will graduate with my BS in Accounting from Weber State University. I am happy that I will graduate on time, considering I did a little transferring. I will start grad school too! I am going to do a Master of Taxation from Weber State. Chase and I want to take a trip, and larger trip than we have in a while, so we will see if that one pans out. Chase will continue with his undergraduate degree in Spanish, and pre-dental. We have a few things we want to improve on in our house, and even a couple things that we are determined to be perfect at! We have already started a new finance plan for the year, and it is going really well! I have a personal goal to listen to all of general and stake conferences, more than once (on my favorite app!) And little things; get to church on time (9am comes earlier and earlier every week!), read the lessons before hand, and get to know our ward better. I want to run more (vague, but true). I want to learn to love my husband better in the little ways. So many things to be better at, and gratefully, so much time to improve. Happy New Year.
12.25.2012
The Speechley Wedding
Megan is married.
Megan is married to Jeff.
Megan is married to Jeff Speechley.
Megan is married to Jeff Speechley, SAY WHAT??
I love Megan, and I love Jeff. More importantly, I love them together. Tuesday, December 18th, 2012 was the day, marriage was the game, and they were #winners all day!
Really, the day was perfect. We set up the church for the luncheon all day Monday. Megan and Jeff both looked happy as can be, nothing could stress them out. And wow, what a team that came together to make the church that megan has spent her life growing up in, a perfect arena for her dream wedding reception.
Tuesday morning, Chase and I woke up early to get to the Salt Lake temple in plenty of time. (Sad story: the previous Friday night, Megan recieved her endowment. That's the very happy part. The sad part is that Chase and I ended up stuck on 89 in a broken car, stupid alternator. We missed her session, but we went through anyway and I thought about Megs the whole time, and of course I cried when I found her in the dressing room after. Hence, we were NOT going to be late for the ceremony.) We picked up Clark and raced to Salt Lake. I hurridly found the brides room, only to find that Meg had already gone up the the celetial room to meet her groom. As the wedding party made their way to the sealing room, I couldn't help but tear up. Megan and Jeffy are getting married. That day that they have waited for for four months, or rather their whole lives, is here. Today, is the day.
The sealing was perfect. It is a beautiful thing to be able to return to the temple and witness sealings, and remember the covenants I made with God and Chase a year and a half ago. I couldn't look at Meg for longer than about two seconds at a time before welling up like a wet sponge. The looks on their faces were calm, happy and ready. Their exit from the temple was very sweet. Surrounded by family and friends, they basked in their married glory. I love weddings, but I LOVE sealings, especially those of whom I care so much about.
The lunch was at one at the church, although I had to keep reminding myself we were in a cultural hall. The place was packed with Megan and Jeff's closest friends and family, as well as good food and beautiful decor. The sweet words said by the parents of the newly weds and the bride and groom could not have been more perfect. I personally cried like a baby the whole time. Jeff really is Megan's perfect person. I am so glad they found each other. Of course, I can't say that 13 years ago, when Jeff and I were in primary together, I could see it coming that, one day, J Speech would be my brother-in-law. However, in this family, we don't do "in laws". Jeffy is my brother!
The reception later that evening, was a dream. Something that I think has to be somewhat unique to weddings in the mormon church is the sheer volume of support that comes out of the wood work to be there to create the perfect day. The cake cutting was darling, the boquet toss was precious, the garter toss was scandelous, the last dances were tender, and the first dance was short. But let us not forget what might have been one of the highlights of the entire affair; The Five (Jeff's four best friends; Ethan, Ben, Israel and Mason) planned a dance to "Jesse's Girl" (Jeffy's girl) and sang to Meg and Jeff. Adorbs. Jeff has some of the best friends a guy could ask for. Finally, the couple ran through a tunnel of sparklers. The perfect ending to a perfect day.
In preparation for the marriage, I was able to attend all of Megan's bridal showers. How fun! A series of parties just for the bride as she prepares to make THE most important decision in her life. Megs was then focusing on the kind of bride she would be, the kind of wife she would be. And she did so beautifully. The first shower, a neighborhood shower at Jody's, I gave her a Willow Tree. My older sister did that for me, and I won't ever forget the feeling; the feeling you get when you know you have the support of your sister. At her friend shower, I gave Meg an "S" and a couple ornaments to remind them of their winter wedding. At her in-laws shower, I gave her a plaque that said, "And I thought I loved you then..." Jeff and Megan's song. And we will just let the gifts of the bachelorette party be left to the imagination! I think Megan and Jeff enjoyed being engaged, which I love. The engagement is part of the fun!
And after the couple returned from a honeymoon in Park City, they moved into "The Cabin". A precious little one bedroom literal cabin in Ogden. It's perfect for the two of them. Off street parking and everything! I am so happy for them. I caught myself a few times in the last 5 months remembering how fun it was to be engaged and newly wed, and I hope I never forget! Congrats Mr. and Mrs. Speechley!
Megan is married to Jeff.
Megan is married to Jeff Speechley.
Megan is married to Jeff Speechley, SAY WHAT??
I love Megan, and I love Jeff. More importantly, I love them together. Tuesday, December 18th, 2012 was the day, marriage was the game, and they were #winners all day!
Really, the day was perfect. We set up the church for the luncheon all day Monday. Megan and Jeff both looked happy as can be, nothing could stress them out. And wow, what a team that came together to make the church that megan has spent her life growing up in, a perfect arena for her dream wedding reception.
Tuesday morning, Chase and I woke up early to get to the Salt Lake temple in plenty of time. (Sad story: the previous Friday night, Megan recieved her endowment. That's the very happy part. The sad part is that Chase and I ended up stuck on 89 in a broken car, stupid alternator. We missed her session, but we went through anyway and I thought about Megs the whole time, and of course I cried when I found her in the dressing room after. Hence, we were NOT going to be late for the ceremony.) We picked up Clark and raced to Salt Lake. I hurridly found the brides room, only to find that Meg had already gone up the the celetial room to meet her groom. As the wedding party made their way to the sealing room, I couldn't help but tear up. Megan and Jeffy are getting married. That day that they have waited for for four months, or rather their whole lives, is here. Today, is the day.
The sealing was perfect. It is a beautiful thing to be able to return to the temple and witness sealings, and remember the covenants I made with God and Chase a year and a half ago. I couldn't look at Meg for longer than about two seconds at a time before welling up like a wet sponge. The looks on their faces were calm, happy and ready. Their exit from the temple was very sweet. Surrounded by family and friends, they basked in their married glory. I love weddings, but I LOVE sealings, especially those of whom I care so much about.
The lunch was at one at the church, although I had to keep reminding myself we were in a cultural hall. The place was packed with Megan and Jeff's closest friends and family, as well as good food and beautiful decor. The sweet words said by the parents of the newly weds and the bride and groom could not have been more perfect. I personally cried like a baby the whole time. Jeff really is Megan's perfect person. I am so glad they found each other. Of course, I can't say that 13 years ago, when Jeff and I were in primary together, I could see it coming that, one day, J Speech would be my brother-in-law. However, in this family, we don't do "in laws". Jeffy is my brother!
The reception later that evening, was a dream. Something that I think has to be somewhat unique to weddings in the mormon church is the sheer volume of support that comes out of the wood work to be there to create the perfect day. The cake cutting was darling, the boquet toss was precious, the garter toss was scandelous, the last dances were tender, and the first dance was short. But let us not forget what might have been one of the highlights of the entire affair; The Five (Jeff's four best friends; Ethan, Ben, Israel and Mason) planned a dance to "Jesse's Girl" (Jeffy's girl) and sang to Meg and Jeff. Adorbs. Jeff has some of the best friends a guy could ask for. Finally, the couple ran through a tunnel of sparklers. The perfect ending to a perfect day.
In preparation for the marriage, I was able to attend all of Megan's bridal showers. How fun! A series of parties just for the bride as she prepares to make THE most important decision in her life. Megs was then focusing on the kind of bride she would be, the kind of wife she would be. And she did so beautifully. The first shower, a neighborhood shower at Jody's, I gave her a Willow Tree. My older sister did that for me, and I won't ever forget the feeling; the feeling you get when you know you have the support of your sister. At her friend shower, I gave Meg an "S" and a couple ornaments to remind them of their winter wedding. At her in-laws shower, I gave her a plaque that said, "And I thought I loved you then..." Jeff and Megan's song. And we will just let the gifts of the bachelorette party be left to the imagination! I think Megan and Jeff enjoyed being engaged, which I love. The engagement is part of the fun!
And after the couple returned from a honeymoon in Park City, they moved into "The Cabin". A precious little one bedroom literal cabin in Ogden. It's perfect for the two of them. Off street parking and everything! I am so happy for them. I caught myself a few times in the last 5 months remembering how fun it was to be engaged and newly wed, and I hope I never forget! Congrats Mr. and Mrs. Speechley!
12.13.2012
I love today!!!
Today was killer.
I seriously love today. It started out drab; Chase and I got to the library only to realize I had forgotten my textbook at home. After a solid paper writing and some studying, and an ace-ace-in-your-face by Chase on his last final, we headed home. After we were primmed and prepped we headed to Salt Lake in time for a quick swing by to Victoria's Secret to find out how much my rewards card was worth... $500!!!! Holy cow, can you believe it?? Well don't, because it was actually worth $10! Anyway, we then headed to Little America for the Tanner Co. Christmas party. It was beautiful of course. And there was a little pre-gaming with the BEST hot chocolate ever, and some "domestic cheeses" and crackers. As the group assembled and headed into the dining room, we met more of my future co-workers, what a fun group! I met my mentor/coach, Todd, and my audit buddy, Katie! Dinner was delightful, and the after party was hysterical! So... picture in your mind... a parter from the firm dressed in a tuxedo. He draws the attention of the room to himself just as Gangum Style starts to play over the Christmas music in the background. It's fine, it just turned into a flash mob. Who ever said CPAs are boring? I haven't laughed that hard in a loooong time. I had tears welling up in my eyes. The DJ then arranged a line of guys from the firm that did YMCA in goofy hats to get the dance party started. I did indeed get pulled into it for a minute, before I died inside and had to sit down again. Then the unthinkable happened; Chase pulled me onto the dance floor! What? Oh ya, that is not his norm, but it was 45 seconds of fun! We then walked out with a little gift, the coooolest speaker ever in the world that I am in love with. Let's just say I am so happy I have the opportunity to get to know these people better.
Chase and I then headed over to the Conference Center to meet his parents and grandparents who were attending the MoTab concert. Back track: we haven't seen Grandma and Grandpa Darrell for 11 months! They have been serving a mission in Sweden. The are home for Megan and Jeff's wedding! Back on track... so Chase and I go sit in a little corner of the conference center to get warm and wait for the last 30 minutes of the show.
I love my husband.
He sang to me, and challenged my whistling skills, and looked just perfect. It was one of those nights when it feels like we are 17 and 18 again. As we waited, we could hear the program. Alfie Boe, Chase's most favorite tenor, was one of the guests. And when he sang, Chase and I just looked at each other. I almost cried, I was so happy that Chase got to hear him sing. We danced to the last song, then went looking for the family. Of course I cried when I saw grandpa and grandma. They are just the cutest.
Tomorrow, Meg receives her endowment. I am so excited for her. If anyone is ready, she is.
A few things we have missed... Hudder's was blessed on December 4th! It was so sweet, Sean did an amazing job, and Hudson was perfect. I cheated and peeked to look at Lauren during the blessing. What a sweet moment for a new mama, and what a perfect mama she is. Oh! And Huddy laughs now! I haven't seen it in person, just on a video! I can't wait to see him giggle!
Finals week: it ends Saturday. Chase is done, but I have a couple things left to do. One test, one project. Normally I finish early, but this semester is killing me.
Coming up: the wedding, Christmas, and dad's 50th birthday!!! Life is so so good :)
I seriously love today. It started out drab; Chase and I got to the library only to realize I had forgotten my textbook at home. After a solid paper writing and some studying, and an ace-ace-in-your-face by Chase on his last final, we headed home. After we were primmed and prepped we headed to Salt Lake in time for a quick swing by to Victoria's Secret to find out how much my rewards card was worth... $500!!!! Holy cow, can you believe it?? Well don't, because it was actually worth $10! Anyway, we then headed to Little America for the Tanner Co. Christmas party. It was beautiful of course. And there was a little pre-gaming with the BEST hot chocolate ever, and some "domestic cheeses" and crackers. As the group assembled and headed into the dining room, we met more of my future co-workers, what a fun group! I met my mentor/coach, Todd, and my audit buddy, Katie! Dinner was delightful, and the after party was hysterical! So... picture in your mind... a parter from the firm dressed in a tuxedo. He draws the attention of the room to himself just as Gangum Style starts to play over the Christmas music in the background. It's fine, it just turned into a flash mob. Who ever said CPAs are boring? I haven't laughed that hard in a loooong time. I had tears welling up in my eyes. The DJ then arranged a line of guys from the firm that did YMCA in goofy hats to get the dance party started. I did indeed get pulled into it for a minute, before I died inside and had to sit down again. Then the unthinkable happened; Chase pulled me onto the dance floor! What? Oh ya, that is not his norm, but it was 45 seconds of fun! We then walked out with a little gift, the coooolest speaker ever in the world that I am in love with. Let's just say I am so happy I have the opportunity to get to know these people better.
Chase and I then headed over to the Conference Center to meet his parents and grandparents who were attending the MoTab concert. Back track: we haven't seen Grandma and Grandpa Darrell for 11 months! They have been serving a mission in Sweden. The are home for Megan and Jeff's wedding! Back on track... so Chase and I go sit in a little corner of the conference center to get warm and wait for the last 30 minutes of the show.
I love my husband.
He sang to me, and challenged my whistling skills, and looked just perfect. It was one of those nights when it feels like we are 17 and 18 again. As we waited, we could hear the program. Alfie Boe, Chase's most favorite tenor, was one of the guests. And when he sang, Chase and I just looked at each other. I almost cried, I was so happy that Chase got to hear him sing. We danced to the last song, then went looking for the family. Of course I cried when I saw grandpa and grandma. They are just the cutest.
Tomorrow, Meg receives her endowment. I am so excited for her. If anyone is ready, she is.
A few things we have missed... Hudder's was blessed on December 4th! It was so sweet, Sean did an amazing job, and Hudson was perfect. I cheated and peeked to look at Lauren during the blessing. What a sweet moment for a new mama, and what a perfect mama she is. Oh! And Huddy laughs now! I haven't seen it in person, just on a video! I can't wait to see him giggle!
Finals week: it ends Saturday. Chase is done, but I have a couple things left to do. One test, one project. Normally I finish early, but this semester is killing me.
Coming up: the wedding, Christmas, and dad's 50th birthday!!! Life is so so good :)
11.26.2012
Thanksgiving and a Road Trip! Boulder, CO
Thanksgiving this year had a slightly different flavor than usual. Chase and I were in town to go skiing on opening day at Snowbasin! I haven't spent Thanksgiving in Ogden at home for a loooong time. My family generally goes to Grand Cayman in years past, California to watch Avery play soccer, Las Vegas to visit Lauren and Sean, Park City or St. George. But this year, we were able to participate in the novelty ritual of opening day at the ski resort! We got up to Snowbasin just after it opened, confused as all get out about how on earth we would be skiing on dirt and rocks and weeds. We rode up the gondola and headed down the mountain on surprisingly soft-ish snow. We were only able to ski down to the Middle Bowl lift where the line was not short or fast. After taking two half runs, the lift broke down and mobs of people went under the ropes and skied all the way down to the grass runway at the base. It was a blast! Zach, a true die hard, slept in line all night in the cold in order to be in the first lift up. He was interviewed by Park City TV and the newspaper!
After skiing we headed home to Dad's house to eat breakfast and play darts. We then hurried to get cleaned up and make corn pudding to take to Aunt Susan's house. Dinner was fabulous! Classic turkey, yams, potatoes and pie! Unfortunately Chase and I had to leave a little early to meet Lauren and Sean to take off on our ROAD TRIP to BOULDER, COLORADO!!! We met at park n' ride and started off on the nine hour drive. Baby Hudson was a champ! Most of our stops were for us old folks. Sean drove and got us their safely at about 1:30 am. We stayed at the Millennium Hotel right by the University of Colorado. We wanted to go to breakfast at Crepes a la Carte, but it wasn't open for breakfast. We went to a little bakery on Pearl Street instead. We walked Pearl Street and head to the CU v. Utah football game. It was so fun! I ate a nasty cheese burger and loved it! It was so fun to be back on the campus. It really is the most amazing setting. The game started with a touchdown by Utah on the second down. We thought it was going to be a blow out, but it turned out to be a great game! There were back to back kick off returns in the forth quarter and it was tied until the very end. Utah scored one more time for the win. So fun! That night we at the Boulder Chop house and went back to the hotel to watch The Grinch!
The next morning we ate at The Walnut Cafe. Our waitress asked if she could hold Hudson and just walked around the restaurant showing him off. It was hilarious! Then we went to campus and played frisbee on Ferrand Field. The campus is so beautiful! Then we went to Buffalo Wild Wings. I think it is the original, not sure. It was fun! That night we had dinner at The Med and walked pearl street (this trip centered partially on eating lots and lots of good food). It was sooooo good! We got a caramel apple and went to World Market before calling it a night. I got to give Hudders a bath! He is the sweetest little thing in the world. The next morning Stacie and Johnny met us at The Buff for breakfast. It was so good to see old friends!
The drive home us looooong. Hudson only had one moment when he needed to get out of his seat and he let us know! We stopped at Little America for dinner and made it home in about 8 hours. This is the first trip Chase and I have gotten to take with Lauren and Sean. I hope we make it a tradition. I feel like I know little Hudson so much more after the trip. We all had toooo much fun together, and I loved seeing Boulder with some of my favorite people. Life is about seeing and doing and experiencing, and we did all of that!!
After skiing we headed home to Dad's house to eat breakfast and play darts. We then hurried to get cleaned up and make corn pudding to take to Aunt Susan's house. Dinner was fabulous! Classic turkey, yams, potatoes and pie! Unfortunately Chase and I had to leave a little early to meet Lauren and Sean to take off on our ROAD TRIP to BOULDER, COLORADO!!! We met at park n' ride and started off on the nine hour drive. Baby Hudson was a champ! Most of our stops were for us old folks. Sean drove and got us their safely at about 1:30 am. We stayed at the Millennium Hotel right by the University of Colorado. We wanted to go to breakfast at Crepes a la Carte, but it wasn't open for breakfast. We went to a little bakery on Pearl Street instead. We walked Pearl Street and head to the CU v. Utah football game. It was so fun! I ate a nasty cheese burger and loved it! It was so fun to be back on the campus. It really is the most amazing setting. The game started with a touchdown by Utah on the second down. We thought it was going to be a blow out, but it turned out to be a great game! There were back to back kick off returns in the forth quarter and it was tied until the very end. Utah scored one more time for the win. So fun! That night we at the Boulder Chop house and went back to the hotel to watch The Grinch!
The next morning we ate at The Walnut Cafe. Our waitress asked if she could hold Hudson and just walked around the restaurant showing him off. It was hilarious! Then we went to campus and played frisbee on Ferrand Field. The campus is so beautiful! Then we went to Buffalo Wild Wings. I think it is the original, not sure. It was fun! That night we had dinner at The Med and walked pearl street (this trip centered partially on eating lots and lots of good food). It was sooooo good! We got a caramel apple and went to World Market before calling it a night. I got to give Hudders a bath! He is the sweetest little thing in the world. The next morning Stacie and Johnny met us at The Buff for breakfast. It was so good to see old friends!
The drive home us looooong. Hudson only had one moment when he needed to get out of his seat and he let us know! We stopped at Little America for dinner and made it home in about 8 hours. This is the first trip Chase and I have gotten to take with Lauren and Sean. I hope we make it a tradition. I feel like I know little Hudson so much more after the trip. We all had toooo much fun together, and I loved seeing Boulder with some of my favorite people. Life is about seeing and doing and experiencing, and we did all of that!!
11.13.2012
The Presidential Election
So, as the semester winds down, it is getting harder and harder to focus. So, blog time. I am going to see how consistent I can be (knock on wood). A big topic that I have yet to discuss is the presidential election that took place last week.
Leading up the to the election, Chase was in charge of an initiative on campus; Voter Registration. He organized people and marketing in order to get as many people on campus registered in time to vote as possible. I am so proud! He did a great job. Little Weber State was kicking but the whole time, up until the very end. SLCC ending up beating us by a hair. Chase and I attended all of the debates and tried to stay informed. We watched 2016 (yes, biased information) and bought Romney shirts. We were 100% Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan supporters. Without too much detail, I am impressed with the past accomplishments of Romney. He is a businessman, not a career politician. It's like my history teacher in high school; Hunna (Mr. Brown) had LIVED the history he was teaching. He had traveled to see and touch and talk and learn, then he came to teach. Mitt has been around the block when it comes to handling lots of money and turning crisis into success (Salt Lake Olympics). Obama, who I respect as the President, did not do a number of things he said he would do in his first term. The deficit went from 4 trillion to 16 trillion. TRILLION. How many is 1 trillion? One trillion seconds is over 31,000 YEARS. Ok, so a lot. A trillion is a lot. Also, I can't stand the ever increasing expectations about how the government is supposed to 'take care' of it's citizens. Handouts are bad. End of story. Though controversial, this is hilarious "Give a man a fish and he eats for a day. Give a man a welfare check, and he will vote democrat for the rest of his life." Also, I don't agree with Obama's Healthcare Act. I have a huge problem with the healthcare industry being so regulated by government. Take an economics class if you haven't; in a free market economy businesses are allowed success or failure. Supply and demand drives capitalism. Some industries like military and public lands cannot be run by the private sector. But healthcare should be, in my humble opinion, the most perfectly run industry in the world. By allowing doctors to set and advertise prices and success rates, shopping for a physician would be much more possible. Then, crappy doctors would go out of business. The quality of healthcare would improve. That is only the first snippet of why socialized health care is the pits. Side note; my dad wants to expand his business and Obama's administration has made the impossible. Also, forcing people to buy health insurance? Ya, that will work. *sarcasm*
Anyway, I am sad that Mitt Romney is not going to be president. I felt personally defeated on election night. I shed a tear or two. But am I hunkering down for all hell to break loose? No. I am grateful for my beliefs that make it so easy to look forward with faith and hope. God is our king, and he guides the happenings of this great nation, even now.
A lot has been said as far as opinions go concerning the results of the election. My favorite summary is this; my seminary teacher from high school posted it on his Facebook after the election...
"I may not agree with the choices made by others, but my allegiance is to God and America, and I will support both. I will support the President in anything good and right that is initiated...and I will pray for him. I will pray for both sides of the aisle to work together for the betterment of the land I love and the protection of the freedoms we all enjoy. Bickering and complaining does not change things, it just festers within oneself and annoys others. I pledge to be a better citizen, neighbor, father, husband, and saint so that I can be a blessing to all I come in contact with. God bless the USA." - Mike Woodbury
Leading up the to the election, Chase was in charge of an initiative on campus; Voter Registration. He organized people and marketing in order to get as many people on campus registered in time to vote as possible. I am so proud! He did a great job. Little Weber State was kicking but the whole time, up until the very end. SLCC ending up beating us by a hair. Chase and I attended all of the debates and tried to stay informed. We watched 2016 (yes, biased information) and bought Romney shirts. We were 100% Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan supporters. Without too much detail, I am impressed with the past accomplishments of Romney. He is a businessman, not a career politician. It's like my history teacher in high school; Hunna (Mr. Brown) had LIVED the history he was teaching. He had traveled to see and touch and talk and learn, then he came to teach. Mitt has been around the block when it comes to handling lots of money and turning crisis into success (Salt Lake Olympics). Obama, who I respect as the President, did not do a number of things he said he would do in his first term. The deficit went from 4 trillion to 16 trillion. TRILLION. How many is 1 trillion? One trillion seconds is over 31,000 YEARS. Ok, so a lot. A trillion is a lot. Also, I can't stand the ever increasing expectations about how the government is supposed to 'take care' of it's citizens. Handouts are bad. End of story. Though controversial, this is hilarious "Give a man a fish and he eats for a day. Give a man a welfare check, and he will vote democrat for the rest of his life." Also, I don't agree with Obama's Healthcare Act. I have a huge problem with the healthcare industry being so regulated by government. Take an economics class if you haven't; in a free market economy businesses are allowed success or failure. Supply and demand drives capitalism. Some industries like military and public lands cannot be run by the private sector. But healthcare should be, in my humble opinion, the most perfectly run industry in the world. By allowing doctors to set and advertise prices and success rates, shopping for a physician would be much more possible. Then, crappy doctors would go out of business. The quality of healthcare would improve. That is only the first snippet of why socialized health care is the pits. Side note; my dad wants to expand his business and Obama's administration has made the impossible. Also, forcing people to buy health insurance? Ya, that will work. *sarcasm*
Anyway, I am sad that Mitt Romney is not going to be president. I felt personally defeated on election night. I shed a tear or two. But am I hunkering down for all hell to break loose? No. I am grateful for my beliefs that make it so easy to look forward with faith and hope. God is our king, and he guides the happenings of this great nation, even now.
A lot has been said as far as opinions go concerning the results of the election. My favorite summary is this; my seminary teacher from high school posted it on his Facebook after the election...
"I may not agree with the choices made by others, but my allegiance is to God and America, and I will support both. I will support the President in anything good and right that is initiated...and I will pray for him. I will pray for both sides of the aisle to work together for the betterment of the land I love and the protection of the freedoms we all enjoy. Bickering and complaining does not change things, it just festers within oneself and annoys others. I pledge to be a better citizen, neighbor, father, husband, and saint so that I can be a blessing to all I come in contact with. God bless the USA." - Mike Woodbury
The church came out with an official statement here--http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/statement-on-election-result
And finally, I had a talk with my boss Devin at work. He told me about a talk given at church by Matt Godfrey, the last Mayor of Ogden. Matt's talk sited a talk given by President Hinckley in October 2001 conference called "The Times in Which we live". Towards the end, President Hinckley mentions Pharaoh's dream about the seven fat and seven lean kine (seven years of plenty and seven years of famine). EXACTLY seven years later, almost to the day, the stock market crashed and the recession began. So, here we are four years after. Maybe in three more years, something will change for the better. That, my friends, is cool. My hat is off to Matt for doing his duty in researching the words of the prophets to spread hope and faith in God's plan. Life goes on.
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