Lando, Bec & Jax

A Happy, Simple, Life

2012-01-09T12:35:00.000-08:00

I am loving my simple simple life right now! Sometimes not having a computer can be challenging and sometimes I would enjoy just watching something on T.V. (Like Jimmer--even though he is not playing very well). BUT... Mostly I love these special moments everyday that I get to spend with Jax! I've said it a million and 1 times, but I've truly, truly never been happier.

On a lighter note. I'm reading. Lots and lots of different books. I read a breast feeding book. I read a book about the first year in a babies life and all the milestones that happen. I read a book about the development of a baby's brain through adolescent years. I'm reading a book about sleep right now. Also... Daughters in My Kingdom, 2 Tennis Shoes Among the Nephites, and currently Landon and I are listening to the Da Vinci Code. I'm enjoying this burst of reading and hope it stays, because I think it is a great way to spend your free time. I've always thought that, i've just never actually done it. BA :).

Anyway, since i'm using my moms computer, I will post the pictures she's taken of us. Hope you all have a good Monday? Its Monday right? I can never keep track of that anymore.

Look at his blue eyes. (Thanks to Daddy). I love him

Happy New Baby

2011-12-14T09:33:00.000-08:00

It’s been the best 7 weeks, 6 days, 7 hours, and 56 minutes of my entire life. Simply because...

I love watching Jaxson sleep
I love watching him wake up
I love watching him do just about anything. Cry, move, smile, laugh, blink, sneeze, squint, cough, flail, etc.
I love waking up to feed him in the middle of the night
I love his baby smell
I love giving him baths
I love feeding him (he always laughs when he is finished eating. SO cute. and its the only time he laughs, so i’m the only one whose seen it.)
I love holding him
I love changing him (he use to cry, but now he smiles)
I love that I know him more then anyone
I love that Landon calms him down better then me
I love that Landon loves him
I love that I love Landon more because of him
I love his cute face
I love his fat tummy
I love his cubby cheek
I love his cooing
I love that our families love him
I love watching him learn and explore with his eyes
I love watching him grow (12 pounds 7 oz)
I love that he can sleep from 6:45pm-5:00am straight (emphasis on can. he has only done that once :)
I love that he hates a dirty diaper
I love that he loves walks
I love that every day when I read him the scriptures... he falls asleep. Baha
I love that one day he will be the oldest instead of the youngest and he will be a leader
I love that he is pure
I love that he is without sin
I love that I learn from him everyday
I love that I will be able to watch him grow for the rest of his life
I love that I’m a mother, and I’m his mother... for the rest of eternity!!!!!
I love that Jaxson is HERE and that Heavenly Father is allowing me to raise His son!!! I’ve truly never been happier. Ever. Ever. Ever. :)!!!!!!!

Merry Christmas and Happy New BABY!!!!

Happy About Snow

2011-11-19T13:27:00.000-08:00

The first snow means to me...

Hot Chocolate and Cider. Blankets and Comfy Sweats. Fire Places and Heaters. Patterned Scarfs and Cute Jackets. Boots and Coats. Everything Warm!!!

Nutmeg and Cinnamon. Homemade Rolls and Desserts. Candles and Decorations. Laughter and Smiles. Baking and Cooking and Food!!!

Family and Friends! Caroling. Evergreen. Stories. Lightness. Christmas Lights. Countdowns. Secret Friends.

Moments
Calm
Peace
Joy
Love
Christ

This could be my last first snow for a while and I plan to cherish EVERY. SINGLE. MINUTE. of it with Landon & Jaxson! Oh how happy & LUCKY I am!

Our Dreams Came True...

2011-10-29T18:00:00.000-07:00

and within 72 hours from each other!!!

If you read the "About Us" tab to the right you will read that Landon wants to be a DR. and I want to be a MOM. On October 18th, Landon was accepted into 3 different medical schools. We are still waiting to hear from many more, but his dream to become a Dr. (basically) came true. The next morning I went into labor and... 17 hours, 8lbs 7oz, 21 inches later... he came:

THE HOSPITAL:

THE NEXT FEW DAYS:

Jaxson is perfect! We feel so blessed! I'm a Mom, Dad's a Dr. (well not technically, but he will be :)), Baby is a baby!

Let the games begin!!!!

Happy Because...

2011-09-28T08:06:00.000-07:00

Today I had an ice cream cone
Friday is the BYU/Utah State Game
Saturday & Sunday is General Conference
Landon & I are making these for FHE on Monday
SpiderSpray is coming to spray next Wednesday
Jenelle & I are going to get a pazoki next Wednesday

And after that….

Landon & I plan to have a picnic in the canyon in the fall leaves
I'm decorating our house for the fall season
Landon’s mission reunion is October 14th
A new season of Psych starts
Medical Schools send out official acceptances on October 15^th. AH!!!
AND I have 4 more weeks to enjoy being pregnant & childless and eternity to enjoy being a mom!!

I hope you all have some happy things to look forward to as well

Excited!

2011-09-20T14:56:00.000-07:00

That’s right. I think it’s finally hit me. I’m pregnant and I love that I’m pregnant! Sure the 2am, 3am and 4am charley horses in my calf aren’t fun. The midnight lower back spasm is just one more reason I’m convinced I have to have an epidural. The nausea—makes me even more nauseated. I don’t love feeling like I can’t breathe. I’m embarrassed that I run to the restroom 7 times in 1 hour. I would certainly prefer not to weigh 40 more pounds then I did 8 months ago. But… to me they are all just signs that I’m getting even closer to seeing, and holding and being with our perfect baby boy and I’m so excited! I can literally feel butterflies in my stomach… oh wait… that’s baby!

I’m excited to feel him move for 5 more weeks
I’m excited to feel him get bigger in the next 5 weeks
I’m excited he is constantly growing
I’m excited and hoping he gives me 5 more weeks to get ready for his cute face to come home
I’m excited to continue writing in my journal to him for the next 5 weeks
I’m excited to finish deep cleaning our house… for his arrival
I’m excited to make the nursery
I’m excited to have SpiderSpray come spray for bugs
I’m excited that I was able to rent Rug Doctor to deep clean our carpets
I’m excited for some more awful, sleepless nights
I’m excited for the “I can’t take this anymore, I want him out” feeling
I’m excited to pack my hospital bag
I’m excited to read more about breast feeding
I’m excited to read more about everything baby
I’m excited for that very first contraction
I’m excited for it to be false… meaning he’s not ready to come
I’m excited to have contractions ever 2-4 minutes apart so that we can drive to the hospital
I’m excited for the drive to the hospital
I’m excited to tell our families we’ve been admitted into the hospital
I’m excited for the pain
I’m excited to squeeze Landon’s hand when I can’t handle the pain
I’m excited to yell—because I can (Although, I think I may be the more quite type)
I’m excited for the long laborious labor
I’m excited for my own delivery room
I’m excited for my own post delivery room
I’m excited to finally decide that I can’t handle the pain anymore and get an epidural
I’m excited to be afraid of a big needle going into my back
I’m excited to be numb
I’m excited to be completely uncomfortable
I’m excited to be completely exhausted
I’m excited to feel like I can’t do it
I’m excited to prove that I can
I’m excited to hear him crying
I’m excited for when they put him on my chest
I’m excited to look at him for the first time
I’m excited to cry my eyes out (as I’m doing right now while I think about it)
I’m excited to hold him close
I’m excited to try breast feeding
I’m excited to probably fail the first little while
I’m excited to see my Landon hold our little boy
I’m excited to show baby to the rest of his family
I’m excited to name baby
I’m excited to cloth him and wrap him in a blanket
I’m excited to look completely ugly and exhausted
I’m excited to wake up to feed him
I’m excited to change his diaper
I’m excited to no want to wake up an feed him, but still have to
I’m excited to watch him sleep
I’m excited to sit in the rocking chair my mom bought me, holding him, til he falls back asleep
I’m excited to feel completely overwhelmed
I’m excited to stay home all day with our little boy
I’m excited and know that will be an adjustment and challenge for me
I’m excited to be so tired that I don’t feel like I can make it
I’m excited to not know what I’m doing
I’m excited to learn
I’m excited. I’m so excited and feel so incredibly blessed. I’m so thankful that Heavenly Father is allowing me and Landon to raise one of His sons. I’m excited to make mistakes, but am so grateful for repentance!
I’M EXCITED!!!!! Excited for the whole experience. The change. The new life. The adjustments. The challenges. The tender mercies. The added spirit. Our. Little. Baby. Boy!

Nameless

2011-09-14T12:47:00.000-07:00

He is still nameless. The closer he gets to being here, the less we like any names. We are in need of ideas. Nothing seems right, nothing sounds good.

Here is our criteria:

1. Has to be a boy name. Nothing that could also be a girls name

2. Has to have at least two syllables.

3. Fairly familiar name. No Trytans or Derskees.

4. Can't be a sissy name. I don't know what that means, but Gary said it can't be sissy

5. Not Jimmer.

Thats it. Thats all. So do you have any names or ideas? Please share :)

Happily Ready to Learn

2011-08-29T08:32:00.000-07:00

Time. For the first time, in my life time, I have a lot of extra time. I can’t remember a day in the last five years that I didn’t battle with finding some free time. Now, today, and for probably quite a while, I will have lots of spare time.

Starting Today, not only will I have time, but I will have no time with Landon.

I...

work every day from 8:00am-5:00pm

Landon...

schools everyday then...
works Monday from 5:00-9:00
volunteers Tuesday from 5:00-8:30
works Wednesday from 5:00-9:00
Church stuff on Thursdays from 5:30-9:30
works Fridays from 5:00-9:00
works Saturdays from 7:00-11:00
football games on Saturday Afternoon
church meetings on Sundays

I have to be honest. I’m a little scared about it. I’m scared about not feeling like i’m accomplishing anything. I’m scared that I will waste time. I’m scared that I will miss him too much. I’m scared that I might let him know that. I’m scared about the fact that Landon’s busy-ness isn’t going to get better, but most likely worse. I’m scared I won’t be productive. I’m scared about falling into ruts. I’m scared about thinking I have so much time to serve that I don’t. I’m scared that i’ll disappoint Him. I’m scared.

But, i’m ready to learn. I’m ready to learn how to lead a simpler life. I’m ready to learn how to have projects and complete them. I’m ready to learn how to be productive with no outline in my day. I’m ready to learn how to fill my time the way the Lord would have me fill it. I’m ready to give all my time to Him.

I know that in two months I will have a little one to take care of 24/7. I am so excited about it. However, I know that I will have free time and I know that I will have to make choices of how to spend it. I don’t want to waste it. I know I won’t be perfect, and I know that i’ll have down moments, but I hope that at least my willingness to learn will help me.

Landon & I celebrated our two year anniversary yesterday. It was absolutely perfect! Landon is amazing. He is all the things that I am not and more. He is steady. He is calm. He is patient. He has perspective. He works hard. He always smiles. He is consistent. He loves the Lord. He makes me want to be better. I’m so grateful for him and I’m grateful that he will be patient with me as I kind of create a new me. I am happy, a little scared, but mostly ready and willing to learn.

SO Lucky & SO Happy to Have MY Family

2011-08-17T15:18:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I had a slight melt down on Landon’s lap because my brother Gary was going to miss my graduation. Before you laugh A) I’m Pregnant. B) Gary is one of my best friends ever. C) I’m Pregnant. So…

My cute wonderful husband got a hold of my family and together they threw me a surprise graduation party before Gary had to go back to Med School! And bonus, both Jacqueline and my best friend Cami were able to make it.

First my brothers took on the difficult task of making an AWESOME looking entrance. The balloons had to be color-alternated, in increasing order of height. And the shoes? They're symbolic of me "walking" in my convocation.

My mom decorated the table with cute colorful polka dotted plates and my favorite flowers ever… Gerbera Daises. She also made individual menus for each plate. Oh and take note… these are my favorite foods in the whole wide world.

Then I walked in and Nate played the graduation song as I walked down the balloon aisle.

Yes. Hot Chocolate. Biscuits and Gravy. Macaroni and Cheese. Salad. Potstickers. Best Peach Pie Ever. OH MY GOODNESS there couldn’t be better food. I’m not kidding. I love all food, however I would take this over any perfectly cooked steak and wonderful crème brulee.

And this is a picture of the clan. My face is sad because the food is gone, not because of the party!

As if this wasn’t enough. Papa Woolf flew into town to be at the Graduation. He took Landon & I to Red Lobster. We ordered a drink to share, two salads, and an Ultimate Feast. WE LOVE SEAFOOD!

And as if we didn’t already have enough food. We went to Sam Hawk (my favorite Restaurant—its Korean) for dinner. And the bright yellow flowers at the bottom left corner are from Papa Woolf.

It was the perfect three day celebration!!! I’m so lucky to have my family and my wonderful husband.

Happy Wednesday!!!

Oh and good luck LANDO! (He is the air as I type heading to Texas for his first 2 interviews.)

I love you babe!

My Cheesy Happy Dream Post

2011-08-10T08:37:00.000-07:00

Don’t. Mock.

My favorite movie in the whole wide world is Tangled. It may even be a little extreme how much I love it. I just wish that every movie was That happy. That warm. That light. Ask Landon, I smile the entire movie. Smile to the point that I’m almost crying or I am crying. (One of the two) Don’t. Mock.

One of my favorite things about the movie is Rapunzel’s Dream. It’s so simple. Her dream has nothing to do with money, fame, or finding her prince charming. She just wants to see those lights. In person. And I love it.

Much like Rapunzel, I’ve never had big dreams. I didn’t ever day dream about meeting my prince charming. I never thought about my wedding colors or what my ring would look like. I never wanted to land on the moon or climb to the top of a mountain. I didn’t want to be the star on a sports team or the President of the United States.

I don’t know if it’s because I’ve grown up next to BYU my whole life or what, but my dream, since I was a very little girl was to wear a blue cap and gown and take a picture by the BYU welcome sign, signifying that I had graduated.

On Friday, I get to do just what hundreds of thousands have done before. To some, the ceremony, walking across the aisle, being in a big bulky blue gown, and having an annoying hat on the top of their head is lame. To some, it just another reminder that they don’t have a job or that they still have 10 more years of schooling (sorry baby)! But for me, nah. For me, it’s much much much more. It’s what I’ve been waiting for since I was 5 years old and we drove through BYU and I looked out the window and saw lots of blue gowned graduates and their cute little tassel.

I’m a bit nervous though. There’s a clip in Tangled that is right before Rapunzel see’s the lights:

F: You okay?

R: I’m terrified.

F: Why?

R: I’ve been looking out a window for 18 years, dreaming about what it might feel like when those lights rise in the sky. What if it’s not everything I dreamed it would be?

F: It will be.

R: Hmm. And what if it is? What do I do then?

F: Well, that’s the good part I guess. You get to go find a new dream.

So what if Friday isn’t everything I dreamed it would be? And what if it is… then what?

Then I do what Flynn Rider told Rapunzel to do. Then I find a new dream. Which should be easy, since he will be coming in 2 ½ months and I can be a mommy.

Happy Update!

2011-07-22T08:33:00.000-07:00

I don’t know if you remember my last post titled happy, but I thought I’d give you an update. Maybe one day I’ll include pictures, but not today.

Landon received his score from his MCAT. He always tries to be humble about his score, so I won’t say too much besides…. He ROCKED it. Based off his score, we applied to a few more "dream" schools. As of today, we’ve completely applied to 20 schools (secondary’s and all). We’ve heard back from four of them—all of which would like to see his cute face in person. Flights are booked. Dates are set. First interview starts August 17th.

As for me… well… let’s just say… IM DONE WITH COLLEGE! I finished my last final yesterday at 4:42 pm. My grades should be posted in a few days. I plan on going to the advisement center one last time to make sure everything is in order. My friend is letting me borrow her Cap & Gown. Things are set. All four parents will be here. I’m going to walk across that graduation stage on August 12th so happy. For I really have had two dreams all my life—graduate from Brigham Young University and have a baby. Who would have thought they would happen within months of each other.

Other things that make me happy:

· Baby kicks. Baby kicks all the time and keeps me up most the time

· Belt Family Reunion is on July 30^th. I love my family

· Our two year anniversary is right around the corner

· Our friend Jacqueline is coming out again in August

· We love Love LOVE our ward and we’re glad we have another full year here

· I signed up for an all day prenatal class on September 17^th. YAY!!!! I love baby & mommy things

· I have many a projects I want to do with all my extra time—for the first time in 5 years I am only working 40 hours a week. Deep cleaning, scrapbooking, reading, sleeping, relaxing are all the things I plan on doing for the last three months of childless time.

Hope all is well with everyone out there. Have a Happy Pioneer Day Weekend.

Brother & Baby

2011-06-23T15:26:00.001-07:00

In 4 hours, 34 minutes, and 27ish seconds I see him:

Elder Scotty Michael Elders will be returning home from the Georgia Macon mission Honorably and I'm so excited to see him.

On a different subject. I'm getting bigger & I feel my baby boy move all the time. I'm a very picky/particular pregnant person and I only like things said a certain way and done a certain way.

I don't like profile pictures.

I don't like people/strangers randomly touching my stomach (its mine, not yours). At least ask me if you can.

I don't like being called big.

I don't like really being called anything.

I don't like the belly pictures... at all.

I don't like referring to my baby as "in the oven" or "cooking away", he's a human not a pop tart.

I don't like being told that i'm growing in other places... ahem...as if I didn't know... thanks for the update though.

I don't even like, "Ah... you're starting to pop... cute..." What am I suppose to say to that. Thanks? I've been trying to pop for quite some time now....? No.

These are just a few things that I don't like. I could name a million more.

However, I have come to realize that people have an IMPOSSIBLE task of trying to please a pregnant person. Some want to be called huge, some want to be told they are ready to pot, some want everyone to touch their stomach, and some want to slap whoever comes near them. Some take a profile picture of themselves everyday... some don't. So alas, even though i'm a picky-particular-pregnant-person... I also understand that you really can't win and your just trying to be nice. So... thanks for all your comments! :)

Mostly.... I just LOVE being pregnant!!!!!! I LOVE feeling him kick and I LOVE that i'm going to be a mom so so so soon!!!!!

Its a good day

Happy!

2011-06-10T20:59:00.001-07:00

So I’m sitting here. Sitting here thinking about all the wonderful/exciting/stressful and random things to come in the next couple of weeks and months. We’re in the library at 9:23 PM on a Friday night and basically, I’m thinking… this is what we’ve signed up for… for the rest. of. our. lives.

Dramatic? Yes. Realistic? No. Am I nauseated with a headache? Yes. So let me be dramatic :)

-14 days: since a beautiful, wonderful, beloved girl/Gary’s girlfriend was baptized in Chicago

-3 days: since Landon & I submitted Landon’s Medical School Applications

37 minutes: Until Landon promised we can go home, heat up some popcorn, make his famous orange ice cream Julius and cuddle while we watch something

4: 4 days till I turn in my internship portfolio

12.5 credits: left till I graduate from BYU (and 6.5 of those will be completed in 4 days)

9 days: left till Jacqueline & Gary arrive to P-Town… PARTY! Golf? White collar? Yes?

13 days: till my little brother, my best friend, my pal, our scottY comes home from his mission

19 days: is when we find out Lando’s MCAT score! AH!!!

23 days: till the WOOLFS are in P-TOWN—and yes another party!!!

40ish days: will be when med schools start sending us secondary’s…. Aka: ask us for more money, only to have 95% of them reject us. Basically we are paying a year’s worth of tuition to get ACCEPTED into Med school :). Love it.

61 days: summer term ends! Yes. Two week break? Bahamas? No Money? Ok, Ok… SLEEP=CHEAP!

65 days: till I bask in glory for 5 seconds while walking down graduation isle. I’m. So. Excited!!!!

81 days: will be our 730 day ANNIVERSARY a.k.a 2 years :)

100ish days: lando starts flying away from me to impress some admission interviewer. Impress well babe!

149 days: is when my dream job begins, our whole world changes forever, and I embark on the divinely ordained role of motherhood.

In other words…

OUR BABY BOY IS HERE!!!! (Both statements are how I truly feel, all. the. time. :)!!!!!!!!!!!)

And…

2 minutes: til my Landon turns to me and says, “you ready” and we stroll out of this here library, hand-in-hand, headed to our wonderful little home to fall fast asleep with a smile on our faces because of all the wonderful, wonderful, WONDERFUL things to come :).

Have a great weekend! I know I will.

Our Little Baby Boy

2011-05-18T22:03:00.000-07:00

Well, since Landon's told all his family, friends, facebook & our stake presidency, I figure I should tell someone. We're having a little baby boy! I've never been happier and I can't wait to hold him in my arms. We are 17 1/2 weeks along. WAHOO! I still need to tell work about this--hmmm.... and some people in my ward--yay! And a few friends--sorry if you found out another way :)!

However, I wanted to wait to announce it to everyone until I could say....

IM HAVING A BOY!!!

and yes... I. Am. So. Happy.

Passionate People

2011-05-11T15:31:00.000-07:00

Passionate people are what make the world go round. Like the girl I sat next to at lunch who said, “Since I was a little girl I’ve wanted to be a liaison between the Middle East and American government.” Or one of my roommates who’s had a dream to be a nurse, just like her mom. The presenter who said, “I would index every single day for the rest of my life if I could.” We all know the Jimmer story, “My goal has been to play in the NBA.” The book writers, the politic runners, the doctors, the performers. And then you have those people who aren’t seen, but are most definitely there. Like the lady in New York who has cleaned the same street everyday for the last 40 years just because she enjoys it. The programmer who makes it possible for all of us to use every computer we touch. Bell made the telephone. Edison made light. Fulton made the steamboat. And the Wright brothers…remember them? I love airplanes p.s.

Anyway so I’ve been thinking. What drives me? What has made me keep ‘ticking’? What do I love doing? Yes… a couple of months ago I wrote about my new hobby, but that’s just a small part of my life. I think I’ve come up with 2 things that I’ve thought about since I was a little girl. Two things that make me ‘tick’. I need to keep thinking about it. This is serious stuff. I want to sit at a table during lunch and be able to say something like, “I’ve wanted to be an indexer forever” or “I want to work for the CIA in conjunction with the Middle East. Thats always been my dream”

I’m just thankful for passionate people. And hopeful that the people that don’t have a passion for anything can find something they are passionate about. Like most 9 year old boys who dream of playing in the NBA—they have to change their dream. The point isn’t whether or not you stay on the same track since you were little. The point is that you find your track and make a difference there. Are you on the right track?

Four Seasons of Clothing

2011-05-05T15:12:00.000-07:00

Clothes. Up until two years ago I honestly gave no thought to clothes. I bought something I liked, I wore something that fit, and I left it at that. I’ve learned a lot about clothes lately. I’ve learned about a lot of things lately. Did you know that there are spring clothes and winter clothes? I am assuming there are also summer clothes and fall clothes. The first time I caught wind of this was when I roomed with my near-perfect cousin Melanie. She had a box for each season. What? I had one box, for one reason, clothes.

Well, I must have forgotten all about the four seasons of clothing that summer because I was caught up in my own little world. But today at work, I was reminded again about it. Two employees were talking about how they pulled out their spring clothing and put away the winter clothing. I inquired. “What do you mean? You put away your coats?” Of course not. Of course what they meant was they put away the dark clothes and pulled out the lighter clothes. Put away the long sleeves and pulled out the short sleeves. Can I tell you something, if I put away my darker clothes I would have 8 shirts. If I put away my lighter clothes, I would probably have 8 shirts. So what is a girl suppose to do in this kind of situation. To be honest, I wish I was still ignorant to the whole 4 Season clothing rule—that way I wouldn’t be looking at everyone’s spring clothing while I wear my favorite black shirt.

Well other than the fact that I will never have four seasons of clothing, we are doing great! Landon and I survived winter semester. It was fun (*cough cough*), but I’m never going back—that’s all I have to say about that. Landon takes the MCAT in 21 days. BUT don’t tell him that, because it will just make him nervous. We apply to Medical School June 1^st. CRAZY!!! In a year we will be heading off to some faraway place. Far away=somewhere outside of Utah. Don’t get me wrong, I love it here and we will probably end up back here, but can a women get a break from Utah… just for a little bit… please! My whole world changed August 28^th 2009 and let me tell you….it just keeps getting better.

Have a great weekend.

Oh and PS if you don't follow the Four Season rule, let me know, lets form a club!

Game Day!

2011-01-26T08:56:00.001-08:00

I don't know about the rest of you.....

But I can't wait any longer!!

It's Warm Outside

2011-01-24T15:21:00.001-08:00

I was outside today. The sun was shining, the blue sky sparkled, and Timpanogos Mountain beamed with its pure white snow. My mom said to me, “What a beautiful warm day it is!” I agreed. About 10 minutes later—on my way back to work—I noticed the temperature: 39 degrees. 39 Degrees? What!?!?! Since when was that warm? Oh yeah… since it’s been below freezing for the last month.

It got me thinking though. Everything is different with perspective. My husband and I are a part of the Rape Crisis Team for Utah. Each month we are on-call for 48 hours. We were called in Sunday morning because an 18 year old girl had been raped. It put things in perspective. A Colleague of mine was in a car accident last week. He is paralyzed from the neck down. It put things in perspective. My uncle is dealing with a terrible skin disease. I don’t know all the details, but he wakes up every morning with blood on his sheets because it itches so badly. The doctors don’t know how to treat it. It puts things in perspective.

To some… 39 degrees is warm. To others… it is bitter cold. I guess for me, I just need to remember that my situation is a lot warmer than most. In fact, being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, makes my situation about as warm as it can get.

Stay warm everyone! And if you are not warm enough, let me know, I have a few blankets. :)

Thanks for Waiting

2010-12-17T18:47:00.000-08:00

To My Perfect Husband:

I finished my last final tonight. It was my eighth test this week. Are you proud of me? I thought about you during the test. I don't remember which essay I was on, but I paused for a moment and thought about you. Thought about how you were taking a test too. I thought about how happy you make me and how lucky I am to have you. I then said a prayer that you would do well on your test. Did it help? I want you to know that I'm sorry the house is a disaster and that I haven't been able to make you a decent meal for two weeks. I promise I will start cooking again and I promise I will clean up. Can you help me? Thank you for quizzing me this week. Thank you for being patient with me this week. Thank you for staying up with me this week. Thank you for encouraging me. Thank you for calming me down after I broke down... literally. Thank you for believing in me. Did you know it helped? It always helps. You told me last night that you didn't deserve me, but you were wrong. I'm the one that doesn't deserve you.

Im waiting now. I finished my test at 6:59 pm, but I didn't want to celebrate til you were done with yours. It's 8:09 now. How much longer? I am sitting on the hardest floor I have ever sat on. Waiting. Right now it is the only way I know how to thank you for all you've done for me. You see, I know you are always waiting for me. Every time you pick me up, you wait. Every time we have to go somewhere, you wait. Every time I have a freak out, or get upset, or act immature, you wait. You are always waiting for me. Thank you for waiting. I'll catch up soon. But for tonight, I will wait. I will sit outside the testing center on this incredibly hard floor waiting for you to get out of your last final. Your sixth final. I don't mind waiting. I'd wait forever. I love you Landon Thomas Woolf. Thanks for waiting.

Your imperfect wife.

My Hobby Part Two

2010-12-05T23:14:00.001-08:00

I'm back. I'm sorry. Don't hate me. I promise by the end of this post I will tell you what my hobby is. I didn't think my last post would cause so many questions, but every where I turned people asked... "Becca, whats your hobby?" I've received phone calls, text messages, emails, gchats, voicemails, visits for the sole purpose of figuring out what my hobby was. It has gotten so bad that I have to go out my back door to avoid the paparazzi, journalists, national television news crew. The fact that I don't have a back door made this really difficult. But when theres a will, theres a way--or at least that is what they say? I was really flattered by all the questions, but I started to feel like Brittany Spears in her hit song "Lucky."... AHEM. Ok so maybe i'm over exaggerating a tiny bit. Or a lot more than a tiny bit. Maybe I only had a few questions. Nonetheless, thanks for being interested. It made me feel good.

When Landon and I got married I wanted to be the perfect wife. You know the kind. Perfectly cleaned house--all the time. Perfectly behaved children--all the time. Perfectly shaped smile--all the time. Its almost like I had this vision in my head of what a perfect wife looked like. Well of course the vision lasted about 1 day because life got too busy for perfect. I did, however, start doing the wifee things. Cooking, cleaning, decorating, cleaning, fixing, cleaning, sewing... well not really sewing, but you get the point. I just wanted to make sure I was doing my fair share of things and making Landon happy in the meantime. I loved the first couple of months of our marriage. I was terrible at everything. I had never cooked in my life. I had never had my own home to clean everyday. I had never been married. I had never sewn. I still have never sewn. My husband said that for the first four months of our marriage everything tasted like cream of chicken soup. In my defense, I was working on building a food storage and you could get a can of Campbell's Cream of Chicken for 49 cents. So of course I bought... ahem... 50 cans. ANYWAY. I was just learning lots of new things and loving every second of it and mostly grateful that I had an incredibly patient husband. Am I the only one that felt like this?

On the topic of cooking. I just have to share this quick story. For our 2 day honeymoon we went to this really unique spot. Park City. To save money we stayed in a hotel with a kitchen. The first morning I woke up early, went to the store, bought eggs, bacon, bread, syrup, milk, and some lovely Steven's Hot Chocolate. I got back to the hotel and quietly started making breakfast. It was this very morning where I learned I could be as loud as I wanted for I had just married a deep sleeper. Anyway, I started assembling breakfast. Eggs in bowl, bacon on pan, french toast ready to go. Last but not least the Hot Chocolate. I saw a kettle in front of me so--never using a kettle before--I did what any normal person would do. I put the right amount of water in the kettle, poured the hot choco powder it and let it heat up. Lets just say in a little while the kettle exploded. Hot Chocolate went E.V.E.R.Y.W.H.E.R.E. I learned two more things that morning. Kettles=Water only & Husband won't wake up if house falls down.

Sorry, I am getting side tracked. Onto my hobby. Landon and I went on a date every saturday night. It really didn't matter what we did as long as we had some good food. We loved going out and having something tastey. But, as many couples find out in the first couple of months... going out to eat=lots of money. We started realizing we had to limit our restaurant outings. We made a goal to only eat out once a month. This was really depressing for a while. Not only did it squash our best date nights, it also made it so we hade an everlasting taste of cream of chicken in our mouth. Early in January, I decided I was sick of feeding my husband gross food that he said he loved but I knew he didn't. I had seen the way he reacted when something tasted great. He had never reacted like that with my food. So this started my adventure. We couldn't afford to go out to eat, but that wasn't going to stop us from eating good food. I knew it would be work, I knew it would take time, I knew I would fail--a lot, but I knew I had to do it! (Like the drama addition to my lovely story?)

In January, I decided I would make a new meal every time I cooked. This required a lot research. I have to admit, it was hard at first. I would look at recipes and think, "What the heck is Worchershire sauce?" or "Why would you put a leaf anywhere but on a tree?" But I started to build up my pantry with a variety of things, I started planning out meals weeks in advance, I started going shopping every week, I started cooking and cooking and cooking and cooking. Four weeks ago as I was making a new Chicken Cordon Blu dish, I screamed! "LANDON!!!" As he came running from the office I said, "I finally have a hobby. I. LOVE. TO. COOK!" And that was that. I have truly and honestly, one hundred percently learned to love to cook. To be honest it is what I think about most of my day. I am just excited to go from work so I can make my new planned out recipe. It doesn't matter how busy I am, there is always time to cook. And every once in a while, when I put a plate in front of my perfectly hungry husband and he takes a bite and does his "I love this dish" reaction... I am the happiest person in the world.

If I were to start my college carrer over again, I would go to culinary school. I told Landon that if we still don't have children when we head to Med School I am enrolling in the famous Le Cordon Blu Culinary Arts Program. Don't worry Mama & Papa Woolf, there is one in Arizona... right next to the Medical School.

I hope that one day, people will say, "Oh MY! have you ever eaten Rebecca Woolf's food? It's amazing!" That day is about 50 years away. But don't worry, I only have one hobby. I can spend all my hobby time in the Kitchen and that is just fine. with. me.

P.S. If you want to see some of the things I have cooked this semester. Take a looksie

Homemade Tomato Soup

Blackened Chicken Pasta

Ginger Chicken

Homemade Burritos & Rice

Homemade Spaghetti Sauce (Landon asked for this for his birthday dinner.)

Homemade Oreo Cupcakes
Tomato Basil Pasta
Homemade Lasagna & Homemade Ceasar Dressing
Homemade Fettucini Alfredo

Buttered Chicken

Carmel Cupcakes

Sweat & Sour Meatballs with Yummy Rice

Sesame Chicken

Homemade Crust with Homemade Pizza Sauce & Tomatos

Stuffed Pasta Shells
Chicken Ptarmigan
Mexican Rice

Berries & Fancy Creme

Homemade Biscuits & Homemade Gravy

I forgot the official name.

Red Pepper Pasta with Buttered Zucchini

Orange Chicken with Wantons

My 1st thanksgiving/birthday dinner. I started Saturday @ 8:00am and finished on Sunday @ 5:00pm.

Homemade Greenbean Casserole

Stuffed Mushrooms

Fancy Sweet Potatoes

Homemade Cranberry Sauce

To Die for Baked Carrots

Baked Homemade Mashed Potatoes

Butternut Squash Puree

My First Homemade Rolls

Pecan Pie

My first fully brined, fully cooked Turkey

The meal for Six.

Bon Appetit

My Hobby

2010-11-13T17:20:00.000-08:00

Its official. I have finally declared my first hobby. Is declared the right word? Do you declare hobbies? Most people probably don't because they have had one since they were 6. Lets think back to when I was six. Oh yes, my hobby... nothing. I remember that my next door neighbor had a hobby when she was six. Reading. She loved to read. She was good at it too. I know that she finished the last Harry Potter 6 hours after it was out. 6 hours. Just for your information, i'm still on book three.

I always hated introductions. "Ok everyone, we are going to go around the circle. Please say you name, where you are from and your favorite thing to do." (aka your hobby) Aghh. I also hate those questionnaires you have to fill out about yourself. Whether it be at church, in school, a new job, etc. You can always bet there will be a question like this, "Tell us something you like to do," or "what are your hobbies." Even in my recent round of interviews I was asked this question at least 3 times, "Rebecca tell us something that you like to do." Yep. I had no problem answering questions like how do you handle intense situations? What do you believe teamwork means? Tells about a time where you disagreed with your boss and how your handled that. No problem at all. It was like they asked me what my full name was, but when they said, "Rebecca tell us something that you like to do" sweat dripped from my forehead.

You may think i'm exaggerating. But i'm not. I have never had something that I just love to do. Something that I get excited about on a regular basis. Something that I spend so much time on that I forget about my real responsibilities. I've always wanted something. I have even pushed to find something. I've tried scrapbooking, not crafty enough. I've tried writing, don't know enough words. I've tried reading, I can't sit still for very long. I've tried exercising, it seems like work to me. I've done journal writing my whole life, but I wouldn't say I love doing it or if I had some down time that would be the thing I would do. I've tried knitting, jewelry making, photography, dancing, singing, picking music, wakeboarding, skiing, decorating, etc. But they don't fit. I couldn't spend 5 hours doing any one of those things. I couldn't spend one hour doing any one of those things. Don't get me wrong, I think they are all fun, but they are not my hobby. I want a hobby.

My brother--who by the way is the best present giver in the whole world--said to me once, "Becca you are the hardest person to buy presents for because you don't have a hobby. Not even that, you don't care for a lot of things most girls care for. You don't care for clothes, make-up, jewelry, purses, shoes, etc." Its true. I don't care for those. It's not that I hate them, but I don't ever feel like I need them. I don't know why. I hate shopping. I never have a need to just go out and buy something new. I have clothes and they fit. Works for me!

Another time my brother said, "For your birthday I am just going to buy you a life size person. People are your hobby." Thats probably true too. I love people. For the past 5 years my mom has given me 25-50 thank you cards for both my birthday and for Christmas because I write so many. (P.S. mom I'm out and my birthday is in a few weeks :) ). But writing thank you cards, thats not a hobby. Blah. You may think this is all very dumb. But at times it has caused me some anxiety. I couldn't even think of one thing I like to do in my spare time. Not even one thing. Can you think of something?

Well Wednesday night, I officially declared my hobby. After almost 22 years, I can answer the questions about what my hobby is, what I like to do in my spare time, etc. I can finally be at peace because I have something in my life that I love other than people. Again, that may sound weird, but I mean it. I am so excited. I screamed when I realized it. This is saying something, for the first time in my life I actually asked for something for my birthday. I never ask for something. There was nothing that I needed. But, I finally had something I wanted. This, has never happened to me.

I am so excited.

Two Hundred Thirty Five Dollars

2010-10-11T14:03:00.000-07:00

Well... Landon is officially registered for the MCAT.

May 26th 2011 here we come

Updates of our lives soon... ish... ?

Heaven

2010-08-23T17:47:00.000-07:00

Quick. Hurry. I need to catch up. We are leaving and leaving soon. I have this thing where if I leave on vacation and all of my ducks are not in a row… I flip. Seriously. So here I am. Catching up on my blog. Here is checklist of things that have happened and things to come:

We had EFR 2010 a.k.a Edwards Family Reunion. So amazing!

A quick photo shoot of me and Landon. They are my favorite pictures of us. E.V.E.R

Gary Left. Sad. (A post to come… just about him!)

We hiked timp. Ouch!

Now we are off! We are off to have a real honeymoon. Last year we were married 2 days before school started so we didn’t have a “real honeymoon.” But now we can have one. And now we are glad we waited a year. We get 6 whole days together. SIX! We are going to go to the Salt Lake Temple and to the Oakland temple. We are going to go to fisherman’s wharf. We will go to china town and the golden gate bridge. We will ride bikes and cable cars, buses and airplanes. We will go to a giant’s/diamondbacks game. We will sleep in, eat lots, read a little and have the time of our lives. We are SO excited!

When we get back I will be working 40 hours a week and taking 12 credits. Landon will be taking 17 credits along with researching, shadowing, volunteering and churching. But guess what! Today. Right now. And for the next 6 days, we don’t have to worry about it! We already have our books, our backpacks packed and our outfits picked out for August 30th (first day of school). We have our classes arranged just the way we like. The house is clean. The first week menu is ready. The car is full of gas. We are ready and yet we still have 6 more days!

Heaven!

Mrs. Suit

2010-08-06T13:47:00.001-07:00

Well life just flipped upside down for us. Maybe I should say upside up because it is a wonderful thing. We went from a great situation to a greater situation. We. Are. Stoked. Yep that’s right…

WE’RE PREGNANT!

Isn’t that so exciting? I guess the question should really be, wouldn’t that be so exciting if it were actually true? Ha! Well I know there will be a time for that, but right now we truly do have some good news.

After 4 rounds of interviews, I am the new Staff Assistant at LDS Philanthropies—BYU. Don’t ask how I’m going to finish school yet. I’m not 100% sure how that will work. All I know is it will happen. Also don’t ask how I got the job even though I’m not graduated because I’m not sure of that either. All I know is it did happen. Whether we deserved it or not, the Lord has given us one of the greatest blessings.

Landon is going to be able to quit work for the next 9 months and focus on schooling, shadowing, researching, volunteering, and mcating. P.E.R.F.E.C.T. I get have the opportunity to have a real job for the next couple of years. Something that I have always wanted, but never thought would happen. AHHHH!!! I’m so excited. Next Thursday I will officially be Mrs. Suit!

P.S. We're not really pregnant--just in case you didn't get that! :)

Summer 2010 Top Five

2010-07-30T08:11:00.000-07:00

5: Projects

1: Our bedroom wall

2: Get a food storage
3: Deep clean apartment
4: Take Landon on a date

Appetizer: Sweet Potato Fries from GurusTransportation: Bus
Side: Salad from Olive Garden Main dish: Mini Burgers from Chili's
5: Store 72 Hour Kits
6: Write thank you cards

7a: Keep us cool-failed
7b: Keep us cool-Success

4: Food
Landon and I love to eat. When people ask, "What do you and Landon do for fun..." I always say, "We Eat!" Its the truth!!

Homemade Vanilla Pudding--made with my 2 dollar pure vanilla from Cobo San Lucas

South West Lemon Chicken Wraps (Yeah... still working on the name)
Classic Digiorno's Pizza, 7 layer dip, Orange Juilus with a little Gilmore Girls
Mango Chicken and Wantons--Still working on the Mango Chicken recipe

Chimichangas with Homemade Guacamole and Salsa
Cajun Pepper chicken with Caeser Salad
Scout Burgers
Chimichanga from Mazatlan--Yeah I didn't make this one :)!
Fruit Soup
BBQ Chicken Salad
Honey Salmon with Alfredo Pasta
Mongolian Beef with Mangos
3: Cruise

For those of you that are thinking about going on a cruise--GO ON ONE
For those of you that would like to go on a cruise--GO ON ONE
For those of you that have never thought about going on a cruise--GO ON ONE
For those of you that don't think you like cruises--GO ON ONE
For those of you that refuse--Don't talk to me :)!

Seriously I think I could get a job as a Cruise Sales Person... I would be the best! Landon's parents took us on a cruise this summer. And it was seriously the best vacation I have ever been on. I am a Cruise Convert! 100%

Here is where we ate. Every. Single. Night. We could order as much as we wanted because guess what--it is all inclusive. And 6 pounds later.... Landon=5 Becca=1

Just walking around the cruise ship because for one whole week we have absolutely no responsibilities
Don't worry--they clean your bedroom three times a day along with taking the time to make a towel friend.
Lunch in Puerto VallartaA Sand creature
Logan and I caught a fish... Kind of.

The wonderful beautiful beach at Mazatlan
Oh look they folded another animal. Why? Because they can
Docks at Cobo San Lucas
Yes! Best thing of my life--Boogie Boards
Us at Puerto Vallarta--Yes that is the Last super sand castle
A beaded woolf... I mean wolf.
Op. Another folded towel.
More Sand Art
The Blessed cruise ship!Seriously, it was amazing. The hardest thing we had to do all week was carry our beach towel around the city. That or... remembering to take the towel. It is the definition of vacation! I loved it.

Best. Vacation. Ever.

2: Family
Even though im a cruise convert, the best thing about the cruise is we were with family! I love my family!!!! Landon and I are so blessed!

Woolf Family with Hector the server
Me, Landon and Gary golfing. (Nate took the picture)
Wonderful Bahama Bucks! So amazing 1/2 of us look drunk
I love Tia Rosas
Yankees vs. Diamondbacks Game
Me and Leah at dinner
Art City Trolley
Me and Gary at the Park

1: Each Other
Landon and I have been so busy the first year of marriage. We have hardly spent any time together. But this last month has been an absolute blast because we have been able to spend a lot more time togther!!!

Cobo San Lucas

DocksSwimming in Beautiful AZ

Puerto Vallarta
Yanks & D-Backs Game
The beach!
Jordan River Temple
Mazatlan
Dinner on the shipThe very place where we got engaged. Hole 10 on Cascasde Golf Course
This summer has been incredible! A whole summer with my best friend.. what could be better?

Optimism, Confidence... Happiness

2010-07-13T07:54:00.000-07:00

My Friend showed me this video and im obsessed with it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qR3rK0kZFkg

A very very long post is coming :)!

Engaged... Again?

2010-06-28T22:56:00.000-07:00

One year ago.

One year ago Landon and I were sitting on top of Cascade Golf Course. We were about to leave and I said, "Landon do you think you could speed up your time table a little bit?" I then continued to tell him what I wanted the time table to be. Fast.

Landon did what any good, smart man would do. Ran! Haha, just kidding. He got on his knees and of course there happened to be the perfect ring in his pocket.

In honor of our one year anniversary of being engaged Landon and I went ring shopping. We are going on a cruse in a week, and I don't want to take my perfect ring. We went to Walmart, Claires, Icing, and Target. Every ring was at least 3 sizes to big. Apparently no one carries a size 3 for adults. I was getting very discouraged, but Landon said we could try one more Walmart in Lindon. There was nothing on the ring rack. I asked the lady at the counter if they had any little girl rings. She said, "We have baby ones, but they won't fit."

Well it fit. I found my second perfect ring. No seriously, I'm obsessed with it! Landon proposed to me again. He even had a speech. This time there was no shaking or tears, but a lot more love!

The cute little box

The ring you can't see

and the couple living happily.

31556926 Seconds

2010-06-15T16:25:00.000-07:00

Dear Elder Edwards,

I can't believe you've been gone 1 Year. 1 Year or 52 weeks. 52 Weeks or 365 Days. 365 Days or 8765 Hours. 8765 Hours or 31556926 Seconds. However you put it, its been a while.

Remember when we use to play choo-choo train?

Remember when we would go to the park?

Remember how we graduated Preschool together?

Remember how good we were at raking the leaves... and then jumping in them?

Remember how we played king of the banana boat and Remember how I always won?

Remember Prom?

Remember how I wanted my best friend ever in my senior pictures?

Remember our Arizona trip filled with movies, basketball, movies, food, movies and movies?

Remember Basketball?

Remember your biggest fans?

Remember how you are such a dork?

Remember the day you went through the temple?

Remember how I was the only one in the family that couldn't be there because I wasn't endowed yet?

Remember how I can be there now?

Remember how you couldn't be at the biggest/most wonderful day of my life?

Remember how I tried to include you?

Remember how life has changed so much in the last year?

Remember how we've both grown so much?

Remember how I'm so proud of you?

Remember how I love you?

Remember how I always will?

Remember how you're still my favorite little brother and best friend a girl could have?

Do you Remember?

I do. I remember it all!

Only 1 Year left. 1 Year or 52 weeks. 52 Weeks or 365 Days. 365 Days or 8765 Hours. 8765 Hours or 31556926 Seconds. However you put it, it will still be a while.

I love you Scotty!

How Does He Always Know!?

2010-06-10T15:27:00.001-07:00

Can I be honest with you for a moment? It mean truly honest???

He drives me crazy!!!

How does he always know? I mean he always knows. It drives me crazy! He has an answer to everything. He has faith in everything. He knows everything. How?

I break my Jaw -- everything will be alright
I find out my computer crashes -- everything will be alright
I lose my phone -- everything will be alright
I need a job -- everything will be alright
I get mad -- everything will be alright
We have no place to live -- everything will be alright
I lose 2,000 dollars -- everything will be alright
I don't feel well -- everything will be alright
I forget to save my 20 page paper -- everything will be alright
I can't make it to work -- everything will be alright
I hurt a friend -- everything will be alright
I burn our dinner -- everything will be alright
I forgot about my meeting --everything will be alright
I run out of gas, not at the gas station -- everything will be alright
I can't keep on top of everything -- everything will be alright

After time...

My jaw healed -- and hey, I lost some weight :)
I didn't need a computer -- and I do more meaningful projects now
I found my phone -- and no one needed me
I got my job back -- and better pay
I calmed down -- and learned through the process
We found a home -- the best apartment ever
I found the 2,000 dollars -- and we put it in our savings
I feel better--and healthier
I recovered the 20 page paper for class--and turned it in on time
I missed work-- but they were fine
I mended the friendship--our friendship grew
I ordered pizza -- it was better anyway
I rescheduled --they forgot too
I got gas -- and met a friend
I got caught up--and did even more

He knows. Every time, he knows. Today it happened again. During my lunch break I made the comment, "We are not going to make it!" He then quickly replied with, "Bec, we are fine. Everything will be alright."

I found out... It was.

Oh how blessed I am to have him. I may not always know that everything will be alright, but I know he knows. Thats alright with me.

I love you Landon!

Curve Balls & a Homerun

2010-06-01T21:50:00.000-07:00

I love baseball. It is my favorite sport. I probably went to over 1,000 baseball games when I was little. My brothers all played. Johnny was the amazing catcher. Gary was the trusted hitter. Nate was the speedy reliable outfielder. Scotty was... well scotty was everything--so he played basketball. :) Every single moment that I watched them play, I was proud to say, "Hey... thats my brother." I still am.

From my memory, it seems that the greatest victories always came when a curve ball was thrown.

Life is funny that way isn't it? One moment can be calm, blissful, surreal and then you blink and your world seems upside down. It is not. It just seems that way. All that has happened is your view changed. You took your eye off the ball.

See you have to remember how a curve ball works. It looks like it is coming in straight, but at the last second it curves. Most people swing and miss because they were looking at where they thought the curve ball should have been... instead of where the curve ball was planning to be all from the beginning. Even if it is hard sometimes you can't forget to keep your eye on the ball. In the end it is not how the ball comes over the plate, it is how you connect with it that matters.

I had a lot of curve balls thrown at me today. I swung at all of them... I never connected. About 10 minutes ago a good friend of mine called and said she was really sick and was flying home to see a doctor. All of a sudden I realized something, I had taken my eye off the ball.

Today I forgot that I have a beautiful home to keep us warm, a wonderful family who supports us and loves us, a great job that provides stability in our lives, enough food to always make us happy and full, the gospel which guides and directs us and an amazing husband. A husband who has fallen asleep on top of his flash cards because after 4 hours of class, 5 hours of work, 4 hours of volunteer, 2 hours of presidency meeting, 2 tests and an hour of study he can't keep his eyes open. I am the luckiest girl in the world.

Life is truly wonderful and I am grateful for all of the lessons I am learning.

Tonight I swung. Homerun.

Sometimes.... I forget!

2010-05-20T11:47:00.000-07:00

Starting April 24th 2010 (yes I know that is in the past) through August 20th 2010......

......25 of my friends are getting married.

Some of these friends would be categorized as "old friends." No they are not old in age, and no they did not become "outdated friends." They are the ones that you were best friends with in 4th grade, talk to them about 2 or 3 times a year, but you still completely and entirely want them to be happy.

Some of these friends would be categorized as "new friends." They aren't version 2.0 of the old friends, they are just the friends that I met a little further in my life. I may have only been apart of their life for a year or two, but I still learned so much from each of them. Again, I still completely and entirely want them to be happy. Eternally happy, just like the old friends.

Some of these friends would be categorized as "closest friends." They are the ones that have been there through my happiest moments and my saddest moments. I feel like I have shared those moments in their lives too. And again I still completely and entirely want them to be happy. Eternally. Forever. Always

Here are some pictures of the already or soon to be eternally happy couples;

I love weddings. I love marriage. I love the marriages that include weddings. I love how every wedding is different. Different colors, cakes, dresses, invitations, reception hall, decorations, registries, pictures, flowers, shoes, time frame, personalities. Different families, budget, circumstances, and situations. Talking to people about their wedding is like Thanksgiving to me. (Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.) I love the different smiles, I love the cloud nine walk, I love the stories, I love the proposal, I love the "IM ENGAGED" text, I love the rings--Yes even the guys ring. I love talking about where they are going to live, how much that costs, how much everything costs, when they want kids. I love sensing the nervousness, the unknown, the curiosity, the anticipation, the butterflies, the love. I love seeing the "87 days left" on twitter or facebook, blogs or gchat! I also love how they are pretending to think that 87 days is not that far away when really... deep inside... it seems like eternity.

In short.... I love it all. It is truly so special and really one of the most exciting times in any single persons life. (Pun intended)

With all of this said. Sometimes I forget. I get so wrapped up in talking about where they are going on their honeymoon, what their dress looks like, how they are doing their hair (or his hair for that matter) and what I am going to be eating at their reception (thank you for feeding me). Even when I say, "So... where are you getting married," and I here the answer, I forget.

Why do we forget? Is it bad that we forget? I think so. We sometimes pick where we want to get married based on how pretty our pictures will be, but do we remember whats inside. I'm not pointing fingers. This is based off of myself and my thoughts. I forget. Maybe you don't. But this a good reminder to me.

(Notice how the girl is always on the left. Hehe. Funny!)

Yes the wedding is fun to talk about and the colors are fun to see. The dress is fun to pick out and the eating is quite.... tastey. But those 20 minutes, in the temple are the most important. It doesn't matter what we wear to the temple or the colors of our bridesmaid dresses. It doesn't matter what flavor our cake is or what our invitations look like. It doesn't matter how big our ring is or how many people come to see us on our perfect day. The gifts and the day is nice, but really if it were rainy, and our dress didn't fit right... if no one came to our reception, and the food tasted bad... if it were cold outside and no pictures were taken, it wouldn't matter.

The moment you walk out of the sealing room you become a new family. For a moment you are the newest unit in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Through the atonement you are able to be sealed to your one and only for eternity. If you keep the covenants you make with Heavenly Father, endless blessings will flow upon you and your new families' head. Once you step out of the sealing you are one step closer to returning home to your Father in Heaven. Now that is exciting! That is amazing! That is important!

I am so excited for all those who have or soon will start their own family. I am excited for those who have not found their one and only and will soon embark on that special journey. I am excited for the older married folks who still have eternity to spend with each other and... I am excited to spend the rest of eternity with my one and only. I am so very blessed! He is amazing and I am more in love with him now than I was 9 months ago. I can honestly say that I have never been happier in my life!!!! Life is wonderful. Happy Weddings everyone!

UnrOaNigzEd

2010-05-03T16:17:00.001-07:00

Unorganized!!! Right now, I am unorganized. I HATE being unorganized. Right now, Landon is unorganized. That makes me feel twice unorganized. Is there such a thing as bi-unorganized or how about di-unorganized? I bet the word unorganized isn’t organized enough to even have a prefix with bi or di in front of it. Ok ok… Moving on.

(Right now this is the inside of my brain :). Hehe. It is also a picture of when Landon & I re-arranged the bedroom)

Like I said above I hate, hate, hate being unorganized. The only time I am truly stressed, is when I am unorganized. When I am truly stressed I end up with 4-5 cold sores on my left upper lip. Today... I have 5 cold sores.

Let me give you some examples of my unorganization.

There are 3 full boxes of junk from my office and from Landon's house that our sitting in are office.
Some of our pictures fell off the wall while we were in AZ and I haven't had time to pick them up.
We have food, but only rice & noddles :).
The tape on my calendar is stuck on vertically, not horizontally... and yes that bothers me :)!!!!
Landon and I haven't been to sleep earlier then 12:00PM for about a month and a half now.

(This is just one late night! Landon, Logan and I sleeping under Lacey's tent the night before her wedding day. We were very good watch people if I do say so myself!)

Because of the lack of sleep we have been getting, I have picked sleep over making lunches for me & Landon. Now we are hungry, sleepy, and ornery. Well I guess as ornery as Landon gets :)! Which really is a half frown for about 2 seconds.
I have had 28 projects on my TO-DO list since the beginning of April and I have only finished 2 of them! 2 OF THEM!!!! I keep asking myself, “How can this be?” I feel like I have been working SO hard and I can’t even check off a single item. Yes I am one of those people that finds great relief in a little check mark.

Here are some things on my to-do list

Example 1: “Landon’s Truck (Registered, Cleaned, and Oiled)”
I can’t check that off because though we have completely registered the truck(YAY), half cleaned it, we still have yet to oil it. Sad.

(Yes Landon has truly become a UTAHAN!!! YAY :)

Example 2: “Landon’s Suit (Dry Cleaned) & White shirt (Bleached)”
Yes we did go and get Landon’s suit dry cleaned, but we have not yet bleached his white Sunday shirts.

(Look how good his suit looks! Notice Lacey's darling bridesmaid dresses, as well as Logan's new suit!!! Looking good Logan)

Example 3: “Landon’s Social Security Card”
You would think that since we went to get his card we could check it off, but last time we tried to do that, the card was lost. So I have to wait for our Dear Friend the Mr. Mail Man to hand us that tiny piece of paper to be able to check this one off.

Example 4: “Deep Clean & Re-organize our Home”
Yes I deep cleaned the kitchen and our family room. I re-arranged our bedroom. However, I haven’t had time to clean the baseboards in the kitchen, vacuum the family or finished re-decoration the bedroom. Man! I haven’t even started on the office or the bathroom.

(We LOVE our apartment!!! Love love LOVE it!)

Example 5: “Ask Landon on a Date!”
This is the worst one. For 3 reasons. First I haven’t asked him on a date yet. Second, how pathetic is it that I have to put that on my to-do list. And third, I accidently crossed it off. I CROSSED IT OFF! How could I have done that? Now I have to remember that I still need to do it, plus I don’t even get the satisfaction of crossing if off when I actually did it. I guess I will have to do the good old fashion, “Write it down even though you already did it and then cross it out to get satisfaction” way. Don’t laugh. I know some of you do that too!

Well, I guess the next thing I will put on my To-Do list is “Get Organized!” Sad to think that I won’t be able to cross that one off my to-do list either. Maybe I am doomed to a life a half-organized person. I can see it now…. People will stare. Pointing will happen. Whispers will be heard. “Look mom… there is that half-organized girl!!!” AH!!!!

Well enough for now. Landon and I are home from Lacey and Cory’s perfect day!

(The sealing was incredible as well as Lacey's endowment! Both incredible moments! Cory warned us, but he was right, he really is a cry baby! :)! Landon & I loved being there with them!)

(This is one of the only picture that Landon and I took together. First time wearing heals :)! Ha! It was such a great day!)

Landon is workING, volunteerING, shadowING and schoolING. I am just workING and hopefully doing a little organizING. Life really is wonderful! Just an UnRoGaNiZeD wonderful!

8 Months

2010-04-23T12:06:00.000-07:00

Landon and I have been married now for 8 months! 8 MONTHS!!! Its been the best 8 months of my life. I can't speak for Landon, wait... actually I CAN NOW right? Isn't that how it works? Marriage=speaking for each other? Well if not I will let him know that it has been the best 8 months of his life too :)!

Here is the summary of our life over the past 8 months;

60 credits of school (combined);22 classes:A=17, B=5 and C=0 (Note: 4 of those B's are mine :(. It is really Landon with all the A's)

40 hours of work each week (combined); 6 Different Jobs (Note: 4 of those are because of me. Long, dumb, crazy, stupid, finally, story)

40 hours of Rape Crisis Training (Landon); We are both certified Rape Crisis Advocates for the state of Utah

20 hours of BYUSA each week (Becca)

6 attempts to get our truck registered. Still. Not. Registered. (Together)

3 Church callings (Combined) (Note: Landon has two of the callings. Geez you would think he was doing all the work)

1 Amazing trip to Arizona for Christmas (Together)

0 Broken Jaws (Combined)

As you can see, we have been SO busy! But we have loved it. Landon is taking what is equivalent to 24 credits spring term. He also will be working part time. I will be working full time and catching up on all of the things we haven’t had time to do. Don’t worry I have a list of 30 things already. (Mom you have cursed me :)!!!) First one on our list, Write thank you letters from our wedding. :/

Here are some pictures over the last couple of months. Enjoy

I have loved cooking! A couple of months ago I made Honey Glaze Salmon and Alfredo. We liked it

CONFERENCE WEEKEND

Not our best picture! But its the only one that turned out. Plus it was freezing so we didn't want to keep trying. This is us at the draper temple. It is our favorite so far (are you allowed to have favorites?) Just FYI, they don't rent clothes :). We would know. We love going to the temple, we have gone about every week since we've been married. Its the best!

Landon and I went to his mission reunion on April 2nd. Then we headed up to SLC to stay the night. We watched conference in the hotel for the morning session and then we went to the afternoon session. It was amazing. Of course. Landon stayed with my brothers and dad for the priesthood session. They sat really close. After the priesthood session we went to the cheesecake factory. Busy! Hear are some pictures. Naturally, nate did everything he could to not be in the pictures.

Mmmmm Cheesecake! After we ate, we went outside to the car and... We were locked out. My mom accidentally left the keys in the car. Don't worry, skip came to the rescue. Yes, his name is Skip! Perfect right?

We used a bunch of old school stuff to break in (ex: Hangers, Sticks, Flashlight, Arm pump and more.)! Rest assured that lexus' are hard to break into.

BYUSA

I am done with BYUSA. It has been my life for the past 2 1/2 years so I am kind of sad about it. One of the events that I put on was called unsung heroes. Students nominated other students for small, simple, unsung services. We had a great turn out. 100 people, Dinner, Dessert, and a speaker. At the end I handed out a letter to each unsung hero. The letter had what someone said about them. People were touched. Many tears of joy were shed. It was a really really special night.

When I got home from cleaning up, this was on the table with a note that said, "Thanks for being my hero!" I love my Landon!

Here is the team that helped me with this specific event. I love them. I have to say that this experience was probably the greatest leadership experience I have ever had!

Some other things that I did this year. I helped get rent-able laptops on campus, I designed a pin and a saying for all graduates from now until for ever, I help approve hundreds of events on campus, I helped get free water bottles handed out to students, I supervised a photo contest in the wilk, I had meetings and retreats and much more. The biggest thing I did is gained some of my very best friends in the whole wide world

One of the girls that was in the presidency with us wasn't there that day. Her name was Jessica!
She is one of the greatest girls that I have ever met. Here is a picture of her and her husband

Here are some pictures from our final retreat! It was a blast. Each one of these people have changed my life forever!

This was the room that we hung out in. Cami, Elise and I decorated it! So fun! We also went on a hike before we came here.

Leadership has been my passion since I was a little girl. I have been the president of something almost every year since I was in 6th grade. The last two years as the Executive Director for Clubs and the Executive Secretary in the presidency has been close to some of the greatest experiences of my life. My dream is to be a mom, so naturally I know that this is probably the last time I will be a part of something like this. PTA and Church don't count. But it has been a one of my greatest blessings!

SCHOOL

With that said, lets get back to the school life. For the last month Landon and I have basically been on campus until 11 or 12 every day. I've been cramming, he has been studying. I guess that's why I have 4 of the B's. Here are some of his study sessions

I drew the one below on the board for Landon! Cool huh!

Over the last month we have had some a lot of tender mercies. We thank Heavenly Father each night for them!!!

I will mention just a few. Nate bought us dinner one night and surprised us with it. P.F. Changs!!! It was AMAZING!

We has just enough money on our BYU card to take a break from our studies and get some ice cream

With some quarters in my office I was able to find my true love(Sorry Landon!) Crunch wrap supreme! I had two :)

We have had some great FHE's! One consisted of BBQ and a Movie

Lastly, we have had some beautiful weather to study outside!

This is actually the place I told Landon that I loved him. He said when he was little his dad use to squeeze his hands three times which meant "I love you." Well Landon, Jake and I were talking here and I squeezed his hands three times. This was also the place where I talked to my new Mom and Dad! Mama Woolf and Papa Woolf are some of the greatest people you will ever meet. Heavenly Father didn't just bless me with the perfect husband, but the perfect family to marry into! I love them!!! Here are some more pictures of the place

This is me, on top of the world, after my finals were done! See the globe:) hehe!

NATE

For my brothers Nate's brithday we went out to eat. Here is a picture with me, gary and landon. Also, here are the pictures with nate trying to get out of the pictures.

But we still got one. Don't hate us nate:)

He looks good.

WORK

Work has been crazy! I have switched to 4 different jobs since we've been married. They finally figured out where they wanted me and I love it. I also love love the girls that I work with. The other night we had a cake waffle party. We made Cake waffles and watched Princess and the Frog. So fun!!! SO good!!! I loved the movie too!

LACEY

Lacey and Cory are getting married in one week and one day!!!! I am SO excited for them. They are such a great couple and I love them both. Aren't they such a good looking couple. You would think they could share the wealth!!!!

I went to Lacey's bridal shower and it was so fun. She looked gorgeous. I love her SO much! Here are some pictures of the shower!

Welp! Thats all. I know, I know. Longest post known to man. I am just getting use to taking pictures, so I had a lot in the last couple of months. Landon and I LOVE life! As you can see we are so incredibly blessed. We are getting a great education, we have great jobs, we have the best families in the whole wide world and we have the gospel. Life couldn't get better!

These ones

2009-11-14T10:30:00.001-08:00

I woke up this morning and I started thinking about the people in my life. I couldn’t help but think about the ones who cried with me, the ones who cheered with me, the ones who prayed for me, the ones who are my examples, the ones who are the biggest part of my life. I started wondering what my life would be without ‘these ones’. I stopped. I stopped because without ‘these ones’ I would be a completely different person, I would not have accomplished what I have, I would not have made it through the hard times, I would not be as happy, I would not have the testimony I do, I would not me. So I write to ‘these ones;’

To Dad: Who has always been my best listener, my best advice giver and my biggest example.

To Mom: Who has unfailingly been my best friend for almost 21 years.

To Johnny: Who has shown me how to live life the right way.

To Gary: Who has always been there when I needed someone most.

To Nate: Who has always recognized my biggest needs and then quietly given it to me.

To Scotty: Who has always built me up.

To Landon: Who has truly become a combination of all of the above. Who has been my greatest blessing. Who has become the biggest, best part of my life. Who makes me feel like the most important person in the world. Who loves me unfailingly. Who, I know, I can rely on for the rest of forever.

To ‘these ones,’ thank you for making me the person I am today. I will never know how my life would be without each & everyone of you, but I know it would not be as good. Thank you. I hope one day I can give you what you have so graciously given me. I love you all.

Simplicty.

2009-10-10T22:52:00.000-07:00

In Landon’s last post he talked about our URL. I thought that I would now add to why this is our name. I wish that I could come up with a creative way to show how Landon and Otterpops are similar but, alas… I can’t. To be honest Landon and Otterpops have absolutely nothing in common. Here are the reasons why;

Lets be honest here, Landon does not have much color to his skin. On the other hand Otterpops—as most know—can be an assortment of colors
You can get a lot of ‘juice’ out of an Otterpop as long as you try. In contrast the only way you can get ‘juice’ (aka information) out of Landon is if you ask someone that really knows him. Rarely do you hear Landon talk about himself
Otterpop’s and Landon’s figure are not similar. And thank goodness for that.
The biggest difference between Otterpops and Landon is that Otterpops shrivel and die in the sun and Landon shrivels and dies in the cold.

To understand the URL you have to understand a little bit more about Landon. Landon is simple.

He doesn’t need much to make him happy
There are only 2 ways to go; towards Christ or towards Satan.
The Scriptures always have the answer.
Be happy—why not?
You decide your attitude.
Smile
Life is meant to be fun.
Everything is always going to be ok.

These are things that I have been taught my whole life. What amazes me is Landon truly believes all of these things. Landon has a simple faith. Yes he loves learning the deep doctrine in the gospel but, every answer comes back to faith, repentance, baptism, gift of the Holy Ghost, and endurance. His simplicity amazes me. I learn from it every single day.

In my opinion our URL shows Landon’s simplicity. It is his way of simply saying, “Give me an Otterpop, some love and—of course—the gospel and I’m happy.”

Delicious Similarities

2009-10-06T12:45:00.000-07:00

Seeing as how Becca in her last post was not able to explain the url of our

blog -otterpopsandlove- I will take it upon myself to do just that. Let it be known, however, that this may be the first time I have ever finished anything Becca has begun. Rarely, if ever, does she let a project go uncompleted. She is a finisher, a closer. Dare I say she is the Mariano Rivera of the family (how’s that for a Yankees shout out for all you Edwards out there?).

I am a fan of spontaneity. The name in question is a result of just that. When asked what we should name the blog, it was the first thing out of my mouth. Upon further pondering, however, there are several parallels between love and otter-pops worth noting:

1) I love both things. I love otter-pops and I love love. I love being in love. And I love my wife dearly.

2) Both otter-pops and love have provided needed comfort at different times of my life. During the Arizona summers otter-pops were my main (and sometimes only) source of hydration. As we now near another Utah winter (something that makes me cold just mentioning) I will rely on Rebecca to keep me warm. But more than the physical comfort she can provide with her hugs, she has covered me in a blanket of love, affection and service that will require an eternity to adequately express my gratitude for. She is my everything. I love her.

3) The third parallel is that both Rebecca and otter-pops are skinny, but that isn’t nearly as sentimental.

Hopefully that clears up any questions anyone may have. If you have never had an otter-pop I highly recommend it. But buy the big box from Costco, 500 count. That’ll last you at least a week.

A Norm Rebel

2009-10-06T11:48:00.000-07:00

Yes we are doing it. We are following the norm. Doing what all married couples do—starting a Blog. I am not one to normally follow the norm in fact sometimes I purposely don’t do things because I don’t want to be considered a norm follower. For example, I don’t have a facebook, I have never read Harry Potter, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts are not the stuff and I have yet to see all of High School Musical. I guess I must admit up front, I have always wanted to be a norm rebel.

With that said, I start my first post.

Landon and I have been married for over a month now. 1 month and 8 days to be exact. Last night we realized something. We both love to write. Let me just put it perspective for you.

Just last night;

1. I wrote in our shared journal, “The Lord’s hand in our life today”

2. I then went to my daily journal. Her name is Brooklee. (Yes I name all my journals. They all start with ‘B’)

3. I then finished with writing in my scripture journal.

Meanwhile….

4. Landon was first writing in his prayer Journal

5. He then wrote in our shared Journal

6. He then finished with his daily Journal

Landon mentioned how our kids are going to have so many choices to read from. I then followed with, “Our poor kids.”

I put this because I feel like I am excusing myself from following the norm by sincerely admitting that I love to write. So really I am a norm rebel doing something I love. I cannot and will not be a norm follower.

I started this post wanting to explain our url; otterpopsandlove.blogspot.com. I ended up talking about my longing desire to be a norm rebel. I guess sometimes you plan on things going one way and they end up a completely different way. Oh well. Til next time, The End.

Becca