Happy (late) Birthday Brad!!

Brad's 25th birthday was 3 days ago! We had a ton of fun (minus tests and papers that had to be completed on that day, but what can you do). 

Brad was awaken to a wonderful breakfast in bed

 

(orange juice, banana, French toast, eggs, and a bran muffin)

Later that night, Brittney, Blake, Sara, Steve, and Emily came over for dinner (chili and cornbread). We played A LOT of Mario Kart and ate A LOT of food. Here's the birthday boy cutting his Funfetti cake:

 

He got some pretty awesome presents. This is loot from Blake:

 

And the hug from Steve:

 

And the e-somethings (a delicious Spanish dessert) from Brittney:

And a shoe horn from me:

Thanks to everyone who made Brad's birthday so fun for him! It wouldn't have been the same without you!!

I'm so grateful for Brad. He treats me like a queen even when I probably don't deserve it. He is patient, loving, and kind and supports me in whatever ridiculous dream I want to pursue. Tuesday night I was super stressed out for a midterm I had to take on Wednesday. Instead of going to his soccer game I stayed home and studied. He came back with 7-11 slurpees.

If it was me I would have been thinking about what wonderful things he had planned for my birthday the next day, but he selflessly thought about me and how worried I was about my test. I love you wonderful husband of mine! Happy (late) Birthday!!

Thanks Blake!

Blake and Curt went to visit Jenna this past weekend in Hong Kong (that's Brad's extended family for those who don't know). Since Malinka is a flight attendant they can go pretty much anywhere for FREE! Lucky, I know! Most of you know I'm not a big chocolate fan, but I do like Twix, and Blake always kindly surprises me with a Twix (or another of my favorite candies - Sour Patch Kids/Watermelon) at work when he comes to visit me. While he was enjoying his free flying and touring China, he thought about me!

 

Yes, that's a Chinese Twix! Here's some proof:

 

the search is over

For probably about the last year or so I've been on the hunt for a pair of green tennis shoes. Once I found a pair at Journey's that I absolutely loved, only to discover they were being discontinued (i.e. no longer being made) and no store in the entire state had any left in my size. Every time Brad and I pass a shoe store, no matter where we are, I always have to go in and look for green shoes. I had all but lost hope when my dear friend Sara texted me this morning with the following picture:

 

 

I rushed to the store to find only one pair left in my size! I quickly snatched them up and came home the proud owner of a new pair of green tennis shoes. The search is now over! I will probably have these on my feet almost everyday until I completely wear them out.

 

For any of you also on the hunt for green tennis shoes I got these lovelies at Old Navy for 20 bucks, yes $20 for an awesome pair of shoes. They also have other colors as well. You should definitely check them out!

finally using my Christmas present

With the help of Sara, Steve, and Brad I made my first skirt!! (yes, it took 4 of us to figure it out.) Sara is seamstress extraordinaire and helped the most, but it definitely wouldn't have gotten done without Steve and Brad. So, finally, one month later, I actually got to use my sewing machine that Brad got me for Christmas! I'm so excited to be learning such an invaluable skill like sewing (and especially using patterns), and I'm so grateful for my fabulous friends who are so willing to help me pursue my goals!

 

After the skirt-making extravaganza we celebrated its completedness by going to see Avatar.

 

We saw it in 3D which was definitely a new experience for all of us. I would recommend saving the extra 2 bucks and just seeing it the normal way. There were parts that were really cool in 3D, but it took a long time for our eyes to adjust and it wasn't what we expected it to be (we thought it would be like 3D movies at amusement parks when things jump out of the screen at you ... it wasn't like that). But overall, it was awesome! I would definitely go see it again. Just this past weekend it officially became the highest grossing movie EVER, surpassing Titanic's 9 year winning streak. And I'm proud to say that I contributed to that, even if it was only 22 dollars.

Happy Birthday Neil!!

Happy birthday to my wonderful brother-in-law Neil!!

 

 

 

We definitely wish we were there to help you celebrate! We meant to get you a card in the mail this past week but completely forgot, so hopefully this blog post will make up for it!

Happy Birthday!!

My Media Blog

Last semester my absolute favorite class was SFL 333: Adolescent Development with Dr. Sarah M. Coyne, who studies the media. This was also by far one of the hardest classes I've ever taken at BYU, but with lots of dedication and a never ending amount of time studying I came out with a 98% overall! So...this semester I decided to take Dr. Coyne's media class (which I'm so much looking forward to since that's what she researches; she's so passionate about it, which always makes a class more enjoyable). One of the assignments for this class is to keep a media blog. At least two times a week I'll be writing my thoughts and feelings about something in the media. I also have to comment on at least two other blogs. I've only written one post so far, but I've gotten some really good feedback from some of my class members (comments always make you feel good, especially if they agree with what you say). So, if any of you ever get bored and would like a good laugh or to know my very opinionated opinions check out justanothermediablog.blogspot.com!

Remembering 2009

Looking back on a great year - some of my favorite memories from 2009:

And last, but not least:

Merry Christmas!

Brad and I have known each other for three Christmases, and before going home each year we have always gone to the same spot to take pictures with Christmas lights. This has been such a fun tradition!

December 2007

December 2008 (the night before Brad proposed)

 

December 2009

Before flying 2000 miles across the country for our very southern Christmas, we had our own little Christmas a couple days before we left.

Here's some of my goodies:

The second book in my new favorite trilogy - The Hunger Games. I had to read an adolescent book that was on the New York Times best selling list last semester for my adolescent development class. I picked The Hunger Games, and Brad and I have been hooked ever since. We actually already finished the second book (it's been a matter of a week and a few days) and are anxiously awaiting the release of the third and final book.

My last present was a sewing machine! I've been wanting one for so so long!! Brad was afraid that if he put it under the tree I'd know what it was, so instead I was sent on a scavenger hunt through the house to find it!

Here's some of Brad's goodies:

Oh, how this boy loves fruit snacks!

 

Next on our Christmas-to-do list was seeing family. 

First stop: Atlanta to see Brad's family (well mom, dad, grandma, and grandpa at least). We got lots of goodies there, including a new camera, which was desperately needed! Thanks mom and dad Giesler! Also, on a side note, Susie Giesler cooked up some fantastic homemade dinners while we were there.

Second stop: Knoxville to see my family. My siblings definitely made Brad feel welcome giving presents that fit his personality. 

Third stop: North Carolina to see my extended family. My grandparents live on a very rural farm. We saw a brand new baby calf (it couldn't even walk yet);

we played with goats, donkeys, and dogs; 

 

 

we watched the sunset; 

 

we went on hikes;

 

we ate a lot of good food;

 and participated in some excellent family traditions ...

What an excellent Christmas!

Elf Dance

Last year and this one Ali and Ryan have posted such funny videos of themselves doing elf dances. I thought I may as join in on the fun too! (Don't forget to pause the playlist.)

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Yes, it' true ... finally

You all always want to know about my dear friend Sara. Whenever her name happens to come up, the first question is, "Is she engaged yet?" Well, my friends, Sara IS ENGAGED. And yes, she's marrying a boy from Utah (the kind of person she said she would never even date); I guess it's Steve's wonderful charm that finally got her! So, come the end of April, beginning of May, Brad and I will be in San Jose, California celebrating the beautiful wedding of Sara and Steve Fisher.

 

Perhaps I should include a picture of Sara and Steve. She's not marrying me after all.

 

Congratulations Sara and Steve. We couldn't be happier. You two are perfect for each other!

An Anniversary

Today was a day full of reminiscing for me since it has been exactly one year since my wonderful husband completely surprised me on a snowshoeing trip by asking me to marry him. One year ago today I decided to marry the most fantastic man in the world (no offense other ladies). I will never forget that day. Even now I can remember every detail as though it happened just yesterday. I had never experienced such absolute joy. One year ago today I made the best decision of my life.