Misjudged

As much as I whine all semester about Professors and their belief that "THEIRS is the ONLY class we have," I think I might have been proved wrong today...

I decided to take the time to talk with one of my Professors today about one of my grades. She listened patiently, raised her eyebrow, questioned my motives, and folded her arms in skepticism. HOWEVER, she ended up letting me take a quiz over again, and is letting me turn in some late homework. SWEET MERCY, I say!!
Unfortunately, I have referred to this woman in my head as the Math Nazi all semester; when in all reality, this lady has some soft spots in her armor.

Let's hear it for the Professors who actually believe you have a life and 7 other
classes to attend to!

WOOT!


TONS better grade? absolutely. kissing up? maybe. Would Ryan ever do this? Heck no.
I don't think he's ever been to a study session, review session, study group, TA help, in his entire life. Glad he's the one going to law school... eh?

Snow, stars, and fondant.

I can't believe it FINALLY SNOWED!!!!!

Even though I'm still completely paranoid about sliding on the ice in the car (as Ryan witnessed on our pilgrimage to the church house this morning), I still think the snow is absolutely peaceful and beautiful. I guess it's the calm before the storm in our case --- we are at our last week of this semester, with finals week following.

Also, one of my close friends is leaving this month for her mission in Orlando, Florida. We had a surprise party for her on Saturday. I LOVED catching up with my friends. Man, it's good to get some girl time! I'm sure gonna miss this funny girl!

Also, as stated in a previous post, I'm teaching myself how to make fondant cakes! I thought that my Mom's 50th Birthday Party would be the perfect time to try this whole thing out.

After only a couple of breakdowns... (Again, world's most patient husband) I was able to squeeze this all together. The candles on the top are in the shape of "50". The inside is pineapple cake with applesauce filling, covered with vanilla butter cream frosting, and it's all covered with marshmallow fondant. I hope I can find random holidays and reasons to make and practice cake decorating.

At our Primary activity, we made these star ornaments! Man... can these little kids GLOOP every color of paint all over ornaments. It was nasty face - but strangely cute.

AND we finally put up our Christmas tree. We decided that if we didn't put the tree up now... it'd have to wait 'till the 20th. Tomorrow night I'm putting up my little village (LOVE it :). We listened to Christmas music (first time ever this year) and set out the nativity and stockings and AHHH!! LOVE IT!

MOMMIO'S B-DAY

Well, everyone. This lady right here is pretty darned special to me.
She's gotta be the best and most hilarious Mom of all time! And guess what??? She's turnin' 50 today! She looks amazing too, let me tell ya!!!

Thanks Mom for everything. You have never let me down. not once. You've stood by me my entire life. I can't count the times you've made me feel special when I felt down and hopeless. You have absolute kindness and an innate sense around those you love. Thank you for always being there for me and for being the perfect example of so many wonderful aspects of the Gospel. Mom - there's a TON of people around you who love you. I love you. Never change, Bob. You're the best.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

BYU WINS!!!

Yes, everyone. The Holy War was here in our home stadium this weekend. We BEAT DOWN THE University of Utah's football team and won the game. It was pretty intense there at the end when we were tied 20-20. But in overtime, we pulled through!

and yes, victory is sweeter than ever.

What a break!!

This week has been a blast! Ry and I have loooooved not having to be piled up with hours and hours of homework. November has been really wonderful. Here are some of the highlights:

• Ry got $150 dollars, again, this semester from the BYU Athletic Department to specifically spend on clothes! I was soooooooo excited to go shopping with Ryan! Really, shopping for clothes with Ry is pretty rare. Nonetheless, I was able to slip some shirts in the dressing room for Ry to try on. AND he liked them :) I'm so proud of my trendy little husband! Here are our spoils:

• We still LOVE Glee. And yes, that was a WE. Except if it's the final quarter last 7 minutes of a tied Magic and Heat NBA game.... then the crap certainly hits the fan. The honeymoon was over, folks. jk.
• I have secret elves. or just a secret elf. She left fresh bread and clam chowder in my home one evening... Somehow my house was totally spotless when she left... THANK YOU THANK YOU! It made my night, Mom. Love you.
• Speaking of Mom, WE TOTALLY had to do an In-n-Out run last week. The wait was only 20 minutes, too! I almost died when I saw them building one in Provo. It was the most beautiful sight, my friends.
• This month, as posted before, was Ry's birthday! 25! He's getting so old! jk. I noticed that Ruth was always cute and put posters up for her son's birthdays. My poster is pretty lame... and was made pretty early in the morning... haha, but I wanted Ry to have a bit of home. Ry is OBSESSED with CDs. That's usually all he asks for for his B-day from me. This year we added to his collection with the latest Collective Soul and Third Eye Blind CDs. I asked Ry to choose where we would go to dinner as well - he chose this complete dive! The food was so so... but dang it! The man wanted a burger :) - so he should have one, right?
• From my parents for Ry's birthday, they paid for us to go out to dinner - we chose Chili's. It was TASTY! I couldn't believe all the food we got for only $20... with a little extra. It was perfect. From Ry's parents, they bought us a new set of tires for our New Yorker! They definitely saved the day for us with this one. We are very grateful!! THANK YOU THANK YOU both of our parents for everything. You all sure watch over us.

• Also, years later hopefully I'll look back on this cake and laugh... oh geez. Oh how do you make a cake for a man when all the training you've had is flowers and frills? Well, I decided to make his cake my first attempt at a second tear. You can't really see it from this view, but theres a 2 inch high second layer. Also, there are runners around the bottom tear. Ugh. I probably should have practiced my cursive piping before this one, eh? Haha! Well, the next cake I post is going to be a lot better. I can already guarantee that one. I've been practicing fondant... mwahaha.

• YES. that was the word FONDANT. I found a delicious marshmallow cream recipe that kicks filth!!! I felt like I was on Ace of Cakes and Cake Boss all afternoon making it and shaping it. Ry approved of the mixture, too. He HATES fondant.. but likes this stuff! :) Success!
• It was that darned time of the year, I guess. I decided one afternoon to take on the fridge. Underneath was N-A-S-T-Y!!! Hey, don't judge... go look under your fridge. Then we'll talk. Let's just say I don't take the short cut and sweep those little extra crumbs underneath anymore. Eventually it looks like this:

• Thanksgiving was wonderful! We spent it this year with Ry's parents and his brother Kevin. Man, it was a DELICIOUS FEAST! It was fun to spend time with his family (even though the turkey knocked me out for a bit... dang turkey :) We've been LOVING the leftovers, too. The Jazz winning their game against the Bulls sure was a treat, too.
• NO SNOW YET!! And MAN am I happy about this. No snow, no ice, no fear!
• I got the best phone call of my life this week: MY BIG SISTER IS GOING TO HAVE A BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am SOOO excited for her! I know this sounds cliche... but man, she's gonna be a top-shelf mother. She's got the sweetest heart, but oh man... if that little one gets out of line... all it takes is a look and that kid will be right back in line!! SOOOO EXCITED FOR HER!!

• Ry thinks I have narcolepsy.
• I still love little finches.
• Ry LOVED Blind Side.
• Ry bobs his head now to my punked-out hood music. He wont smile. He wont sing. He wont dance. But he'll bob his head ever so slightly - yes!! success!!
• Ry's brother Kyle is OFFICIALLY out of the MTC and in Honduras! He's basically in the jungle, hiking around and showering out of a bucket! Yay Kyle! We missed you this year at thanksgiving.
• Speakin' of missionaries. My little Brother Ryan only has 400 days left!!! :)
• I've decided we can't set up the Christmas stuff until it's #1 December and #2 until it actually snows. Not sure if this is more laziness though...

All in all folks, this month has been pretty great. We can't wait to have the next 2 weeks over, though. B-U-S-Y isn't even beginning to explain all the crudd we have to go through to get to the next break for Christmas. I hope everyone's doing well!

NCAA Cross Country Nationals

Well, after the BYU men's XC team completely dominated Regionals last week, there was some hope for a smashing Nationals race. Unfortunately, our team had way too many sickness issues and injuries to pull another top-team-finish. We all sure had a fun time watching the race on Versus and ncaa.com! It looked like it was a pretty nice day - last year when I went it was frrrreezing! All in all, they ran the best they all could with what they had at that moment. Heck, I'm still proud of Ry! Running at Nationals? That in itself is WAY cool! :) Good job! love ya!

just a litte note...

Dear Immune System,

I tried to pamper you with Airbourne, orange juice, vitamins, decent amounts of sleep, and taking great caution while disinfecting/washing my hands. I figured you would love the hospitality, and decide to stay up and running for the remainder of the semester.

But no, you failed me. Thanks for allowing me to get sick. Just in time for the only break I get this semester. Not to mention my competition, finals, juries, and other various projects and papers coming up soon.

You really suck at your only job.

~Me

Ryan's turnin' 25!!

Well, I'm flat out crazy about this guy. Marrying him has brought me more happiness than I've ever known! I've known him for only 3 years - but I honestly can't recall what life must have been like without him right here by my side.

Ry's pastime had A BUNCH of "Top 15" lists for his high school newspaper. Now, I'm certainly not as clever as he is... but here's my "Top 25" favorite things about my favorite person Ry... in no particular order of course. Yes, it's long. whatever.

25. In April, Ry will be getting his Bachelor's degree's in Political Science and Economics. Next year this time we will be at whatever Law School falls at our feet (well, and that he's accepted into...). It's wonderful to be married to a man who knows and values the importance of getting a solid education and a good job to support our little family. I've never had to kick him in the butt to work his tail off.

24. I am very obsessive compulsive and freak out about a lot of really dumb things. On the other hand, Ry is EXTREMELY PATIENT (I mean, he should definitely win the husband award for this one, folks) and EXTREMELY laid back when it comes to all the things I (unfortunately) "over-the-top" freak out about.

23. He eats whatever food I put in front of him. Even if I tell him how bad it tastes, looks, etc. he still slicks his plate, thanks me, and tells me how wonderful and delicious it was.

22. Ryan sings and sings and sings little "Mandy Songs" to me. They're either to the tune of the last song heard, or he spontaneously composes them - he's singing one to me right now in fact! He's beat boxing it and slapping his hands on his knees.

21. Ry LOVES books. Economic books, history books, textbooks, church books, all of it. I'm pretty sure it was because of his parents. Ry just told me how Ruth used to be on a TV show where she would read to little kids every week - she used to be a children's librarian in San Diego. Ry also recalls the first book his Dad read to all the boys: The Hobbit. Whenever we get a short break from school - he's got a book out.

20. Ry should be everyone's "go-to" man for politics. Really. Except if you're on with the Far Left. Then you should just downright be ashamed of yourself.

19. He's one heck of a dedicated runner. Anyone who can pump 92 miles in a week definitely has my vote. He's improved so much throughout his running pastime. AND who else looks as good as he does in those short short short shorts, eh? :)

18. He likes a clean toothbrush and clean toothpaste with the CAP ON, MANDY!

17. Such a good "garbage-taker-outer"... good sport about it, too.

16. "I am a MAN" says he (while pulling down his collar to show me his abundant chest hair). For example: When I washed his white running *gasp* underwear with a red item of clothing... he insisted that I throw it away. Pink is NOT a Ryan color. Another few examples: musicals of any kind are torture to him, nail polish will NOT touch his nails, make-up will NOT be around his face at all, female clothing will NOT be worn by him, and preppy boy clothing will NOT be hung in his closet, "my boys will NOT be femme flaming dancers," "I don't want to watch America's Next Top Model," "don't try to see how your earrings look on me." If you listen to this song: CLICK HERE, it'll pretty much sum everything up.

15. He's dedicated to his calling.

14. As the Little Rascals would say: "He's SO ROMANTICAL!"

13. Loves the History Channel.

12. Can make me smile anytime, anywhere; no matter how completely hopeless things get.

11. He takes me out for ice-cream during the weekdays. -He's usually finished with his XXL triple wide fudged topped swirled frosted sprinkled mountain of a dessert before I can finish my small one.

10. He doesn't complain. EVER. I'm one to go on and on and on about things. He NEVER does this. It's incredible. I work a city away everyday and have to take our car - he rides his bike and never complains... oh... the snow :(

9. Holds and honors his Priesthood. Takes me to the temple, holds my hand tenderly in the Celestial Room.

8. Loves Collective Soul, John Mayer, Third Eye Blind, Three Doors Down, etc.

7. He's always got a way to make me laugh.

6. Speaking of laughing, he's yet to make it through a Coach Hines SNL clip without it.

5. gotta love those "Bright Blue's" of his. :)

4. Slaps my bum and says, "good game" with a cute grin.

3. Has a smile that just melts your heart.

2. He's got a HEART OF GOLD. He has always been completely invested in things that are good, wholesome, and beneficial to our family.

1. He loves. And OH does he love. Ry is the biggest sweetheart to me. Never has he said anything to hurt me - he's my best friend!

Happy 25th Birthday, love! See you 'round the 'partment.

Veterans Day

"But fame is theirs - and future days
On pillar'd brass shall tell their praise;
Shall tell - when cold neglect is dead -
'These for their country fought and bled."
-Philip Freneau

To Veteran's everywhere:

thank you.

candles not only smell good...

Today was pretty interesting.

I'm in the primary presidency at my ward. (perks for being in a family ward vs. a lame-o married student ward. I'm just sayin')... lol.

It's pretty fun... uh... maybe amusing is a better word. I'm the only one in our little presidency who doesn't have kids (a total of 9 between the other three ladies.) So, as you can see, our meetings are usually at some one's house; children running and screaming around the house, raising havoc, etc. Well, today a candle was left in a bathroom without closing the door (to avoid invasion). Naturally, the kid goes in to wash his hands, catches his coat on fire. Kid screams, Dad goes in (where was he?) throws some water on it... etc. No burns, no harm, no foul, the coat was destroyed through. Not sure if parenthood is supposed to go like that - but I'm sure on some days it just might.
All in all, I can't say I've ever been to a more exciting primary meeting in my life!

On a safer note...
On other touches in life. Ry and I are doing swell. Another Sunday evening ending with House, folded the giant laundry monster pile together, finished up a little homework, etc.
Car works, bills are paid, husband is adorable, both healthy, life is good! (knockin' on wood... )

I think that this all must be the quiet before the BIG storm called "last of November and December."