Andrewism #34

"Whatever floats your fancy."

Translation: Whatever floats your boat/whatever tickles your fancy

Best Part: This happened because I got the song "Fancy" stuck in his head that morning.

Andrewism #33

I told him about a dream where one of my close friends died.
"Well that's a real barn burner."
Translation: Bummer.
Barn Burner [n.] an event, typically a sports contest, that is very exciting or intense.
Best Part: Right after he said barn burner, he said, "that means really bad news, right?"

Andrewism #32

It's been a while. But Andrew got a jump-start for this one. My friend Katie texted me that her sister said,

"I always get the cold end of the turkey."

Which, in and of itself, is a terrific Andrewism. Love it.

I told Andrew about this one, we had a good laugh, and he said,

"Oh, like the butt end of the deal. Wait, I mean, the crap end of the stick."
Translation: Short end of the stick. Raw deal.
Best part: I already told you the best part.

Walter Mitty and the New Year

I just saw this movie with Katie, and I loved it so much. It had a little of everything, and I left feeling so happy! Definitely one of my new favorite movies. I am probably going to buy the soundtrack today (I own like 3 albums in iTunes, so that's actually a big deal for me).

I'm excited for 2014. I'm ready for a new year.

My song for the year is Sarah Bareilles's "Brave" (I also really love the video!)
I want to be able to handle all the situations I get so nervous about. I feel like during the last half of 2013 I made a lot of progress in this area, and I'd really like to see what I am capable of this year. I like this line from the song:

"Show me how big your brave is!"

My major personal goal for the year is to continue to improve my meal planning so that Andrew and I can eat healthy home-cooked meals.

My spiritual goal for the year is to improve my scripture study. I want to take time every day to read from the scriptures, but also find ways to deepen my study and improve my relationship with my Heavenly Father. I also want to finish reading the Book of Mormon again (I'm in 2nd Nephi so far). My dad is encouraging anyone and everyone to join in, and I'm hoping that my jump start will keep me going!

Here's to finding more things to love and enjoy this year.

Like It's Your Birthday

The data can't lie - I had the best birthday yet this year. It's a good idea to evaluate your self-worth based on people who write "Happy Birthday" on your Facebook wall, right?

Andrew knew that I really just craved time with him, so he planned a bunch of fun activities all weekend long!

Friday we went to the basketball game and then I got a milkshake at Coldstone. I also discovered I really wanted an ice cream cake for my birthday.

Saturday, after my dance class (already a fun day), Andrew took me to Einstein Bagels for breakfast. Then that afternoon, we had people over to watch the football game and eat pizza.

Saturday night we went to Old Towne Grill for dinner (with a coupon from Hayley and Jonathan, THANK YOU), then Andrew took me to a bed and breakfast. We went there last year for my birthday and had the best time, so we decided we should go again. It was so relaxing and charming. And breakfast Sunday was so good that we didn't even need to eat lunch that day.

Had enough yet?

Sunday night, Andrew surprised me with an ice cream cake! And he secretly invited a ton of people over to eat it with us. It was so fun and I felt so loved, so thanks to everyone who came by!

And it's still not my birthDAY.

MONDAY, the big day. Andrew made me breakfast in bed! (So if you're counting, that's three breakfasts!) I love him. He never gets enough sleep and he still woke up early to show me he loves me. (BTW we had bullseye eggs, which is a cute tradition we've had going since we started dating in 2006.)

Then, I went to work. And my lunch crew gave me the cutest present! Popcorn, hot chocolate, crystal light packets, perfect.

Then, Andrew took me to the movies that night (we had leftovers for dinner because hello, we had so much delicious food from the weekend!). We saw Ender's Game and had a great evening together (Andrew sacrificed a lot of study time to celebrate with me all weekend. It was the best present). And I opened my presents (thank you thank you, I feel so spoiled!).

I'm grateful for another great year ahead of us. We have been so blessed. I'm grateful for my husband and for all he does for our family. I'm glad my Heavenly Father cares so much about me that he will send me gentle reminders that I am loved. I know I need that to get through this dark, cold winter.

Here's to being in my late 20s!

Fall Is Not My Favorite Season

True story.

I just got back from a trip to visit my brother and his fam on the East coast. Warm, slightly humid, wonderful. I didn't even have to put lotion on my hands every 5 minutes.

But I love Utah, too. I'm just not quite ready for the cold. And the DARK.

But I'm also excited to announce that we'll be living in DALLAS next summer! Andrew got a job at a firm there. I'm so happy for him and excited for our next adventure. (It's still up in the air on whether I will be there all summer. We have a while to figure it out.)

Andrewism #31

"What would you like to eat? A sleepy hotdog?"
Translation: Pigs in a blanket.
Best part: It's catchy. Come to our next party and try some sleepy hotdogs.

Original image from Pillsbury.com