A Gold Star

We have been so busy lately.

My body is screaming at me to stop and SLEEP. It's so hard to get up in the mornings. I've been sick for 6 weeks now - no, not the pregnancy sick (eyes rolling) - like a cold-turned-into-some-sort-of-disgusting-infection-sick that won't go away. I went to the doctors a month ago and was told, "It's only a cold". I filled the stupid prescriptions with the hope that they'd get rid of it.

Nope. Still sick.

My voice teacher is yelling at me telling me EVERY WEEK, "You've GOT to get over this! Honestly, Adrienne, you have a recital next month! You're not going to be ready for it. You're voice won't be strong enough."

To which I say, "I'M TRYING!!!"

Then I go home and freak out because I can't afford to be unprepared. I simply can't. I've been dreaming of this for months. I want to do this. I want to conquer this mountain. Uhg.

Travis deserves a gold star - more like 10 gold stars - because he's absolutely amazing. I have been a little more edgy because of how tired and gross I feel. I'm constantly applying Neosporin (sp?) to my raw nose because I've been blowing it so much. And ya know what he does? He doesn't care one bit. He still kisses me and tells me I have a cute nose. Ha!

Beyond that he's SUPER busy with his church responsibilities. He has meetings, follow up phone calls, emails to write/respond to, people to serve, interviews to give, service projects and social gatherings to plan, and more. PLUS he's working and doing his beloved art. He's one busy guy.

Travis is amazing.

Tonight Trav and I tag-teamed our annual neighborhood chili-cook off. Let me tell you, I wasn't up for the challenge this go round. Usually I LOVE planning parties. Not this time. I was cranky and...well cranky. at one point, while decorating the center pieces, I told Trav I was going to sock him in the face. My mom was in the kitchen and started laughing when I said that. Then she turned around and saw that I wasn't laughing. Looking back it's sort of funny. In that moment, though, I wanted to hit him. Why? He started saying something about a talk one of our leaders, President Utchdorf, (of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints) gave this last conference. In this talk he spoke of how important it was that we didn't spend our time on crafts and "cute" things to go along with our church lessons. Trav never mentioned which talk it was, but as soon as he said, "You know. Decorating these things makes me think of a talk I heard this past conference..." to which I quickly interrupted and said, "Shut up, Travis, or I'll sock you in the face." (CLICK HERE TO READ THE TALK - IT'S SUPER GOOD!)

Yup, we're so happy and in love. lol.

I told Travis that the next time he's asked to host something like this to SCREAM "NO WAY!" and run for his life.

Despite my bad attitude and my constant complaining, the evening was a hit. We had nearly 100 people attend. We had 12 different types of chili, 11 pre-carved pumpkins entered into our pumpkin contest, and LOTS of people dressed in their Halloween costumes.

I really need to stop complaining so much. I really am blessed in so many ways. But here's my lame-A excuse: I'm burned out. So until my tank is full of gas again, my complaining will continue. Not because I'm TRYING to be pessimistic but because I'm burned out. Truly.

On a side note, I get to conduct my church choir tomorrow. This will be a first for me so I'm really excited! I hope it goes well. If it doesn't, aw well. At least I tried. :)

Good night.

Torreon, Mexico

My little brother, who is significantly bigger than me, flew out to Mexico yesterday morning. He was able to call us before boarding the plane. It was so wonderful to hear his voice. My phone call with him lasted about 3 or 4 minutes max - but I'm grateful for those 3 or 4 minutes!! I told him how proud I was of him. I also told him that Travis and I support him in EVERY way! When I asked how he felt about heading out, his response was, "I'm a little nervous about the language. Kind of scared. And kind of excited." I think I told him I loved him 100 times! Ha!





Torreon, Mexico (apparently it's referred to as "The City of Lights")



I can't help but wonder what he's doing: how his first night in Mexico went, who his companion will be (better not be an idiot), how he'll adjust to the environment and culture, when - because it's not a matter of if - he'll get sick and how he'll overcome it. So many things running through my mind. So many emotions too. It's crazy.

I googled Torreon, Mexico and found some pictures. Click here to view them.

I know Kolton will be an effective missionary because of the person he is. He has so much compassion and a keen sensitivity towards others. Not only that, but he's a hard worker. I know he'll gain many friends during his time there. I love you, Elder Gourley!!

SUCCESS!

Trav and I went to Park City for the weekend, being it was Fall Break and all. It was our anniversary gift to each other. We decided to give each other the gift of time rather than a literal gift to open. I think I prefer the gift of time. :)

We stayed at the GORGEOUS Newpark Resort


(click here to see pictures). we had our own private balcony with our own private hot tub. Our kitchen was stocked with dishes, pots & pans, a full size fridge, stove, etc. So we brought food (thanks, Nic & Ash, for sharing your dream dinners meal with us) and bought food to keep things a little cheaper. It was fantastic.


We watched movies






Strolled Park City's Main Street




Shopped at the enormous outlet mall (ariel view)



Ate lots of junk food









And ended the weekend with a nice walk up Bridal Veil Falls Trail


It was so wonderful being alone, just the two of us. Life is so busy...I think we're going to make the gift of time our new tradition!

Oh, Travis had a little surprise for me: he packed our wedding video. That was CRAZY to watch. Holy crap we've changed!!! It was bitter-sweet, mostly sweet though. As we took our walk this afternoon (Bridal Veil trail) we talked about how we've grown/changed, what we've experienced, and what we need to do to make sure we stay connected as a couple. I'm so blessed to have such a wonderful individual as my husband. So, so, SO blessed.

I love you, Travis!!

HA! So True!!!

Yet teachers will be evaluated based off their students' abilities to "climb a tree". If their students fail repeatedly then surely there must be something wrong with the teacher/school/school district - not the testing.

Someone stated this is the "No Animal Left Behind" act. Ha!!! Puts things in perspective a little, huh?

Does this make sense to anyone else?!?!

tis the season

I don't think Trav and I have carved pumpkins for a couple of years but tonight that all changed!


Megan & Crystal





Me, Megan, Crystal & Auriel




Auriel



Our finished products!!















Bet you can't guess which pumpkin is mine and which pumpkin is Trav's (try to ignore the fact that Trav looks a little tipsy)!!!

I love this man

Bliss

This weekend brings about a special, special day: our 8th anniversary. I know to many that may seem like nothin' but for us it's quite the accomplishment. Not that things have been miserable or anything. No, we have been doing a lot of reflecting recently and we've come to the conclusion that we've done a lot of good things in those eight years. Neither of us feel as if we've wasted any time.

While our anniversary is this Sunday, October 16th, we will not be able to celebrate it until next weekend because we'll both be off from school for fall break. We've already reserved a hotel in Park City and plan on hibernating there for a few days (we'll try to take pictures while up in the mountains next weekend). It will be marvelous. Our hotel room has a balcony with a private hot tub. We plan to take advantage of that little treat!

I LOOOOOVE OCTOBER. It's such a beautiful month. I'm grateful we chose this time of year to be married. The colors, the smells, the food, the anticipation, the hot chocolate...mmm. So wonderful.

I am madly in love with my husband. I am grateful to be able to recognize how blessed I am to have him as a part of my life - an enormous part of my life. I adore him.