Thankful for teamwork

Guys. I love my life.

And I especially love my husband.

He is so patient with me.

And so loving.

And so thoughtful.

The list goes on.

But, now that Thanksgiving has come and gone, I still have so much to be thankful for...and I can't hold it in any longer! (yeah sorry this is a mushy post)

I am especially thankful as of late for the situation Kaleb and I are in. I mean, we are newlyweds, I'm a full time student and working at the rink, Kaleb works full time and is enrolled in a class this semester, we have the CUTEST little house, we both have cars, we have Alani - the cutest little kitty! Again...the list goes on. We have SO much to be thankful for! 

But as weird as it sounds, I am most thankful for the hard times we have...with school, car problems, financially, THE SNOW. Ugh the snow...

But, these are the times when Kaleb and I thrive as a team. We work so well together to overcome the various obstacles we face. I have no doubts that we can take on the world together...and win.

He is my rock.

He is the love of my life.

He is my eternal companion.

And I am eternally thankful for him :)

finally, MY ENGAGEMENT STORY!

Remember when I used to blog like . . . all the time?

Me too.

Life got a little crazy.

like getting married.

But there's so much that happened before that.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We got engaged on May 11th

i look crazed. but it's okay. i'm engaged.

and it was MAGICAL. and i was completely surprised. kaleb did really well because i HATE surprises and he HATES keeping surprises from me.

We had been talking about going to the Tulip Festival for months and the week before we went he nonchalantly asked if I wanted to go because "we haven't been on a 'nice' date in a while". 

sure. okay. i won't say no to a "nice" date.

and the week before, i went and got my nails done on a lady date with my old roommate Elise. sly dog.

~i'm going to interrupt for a funny story that will make sense later~

Kaleb and I had been recently reminiscing about the day he finally held my hand. i told him how nervous i was because i thought my hand would be sweaty. ew. (don't worry, it wasn't) and he is proud to say that his hands don't get sweaty. i was way jealous because my hands get sweaty ALL the time. its gross.

~back to engagement story~

So, we go to Thanksgiving Point gardens and I'm stoked out of my mind because I've heard nothing but GREAT things about this tulip festival. We step outside and I already know this is true. It is just GORGEOUS. The colors, the scenery. It's all so perfect. 

We start walking around and look at a map and I point out the various gardens I would like to go check out. He agrees with all my choices and tells me that the "Secret Garden" looks way cool and should head that way. Okay. Cool. Sounds good.

I'm so distracted by all the colors and pretty flowers that I don't notice Kaleb freaking out. (At least that's what he told me.) I kept stopping, wanting to take pictures and go to these other gardens and he is being so amazingly patient with me and even humoring me and jumping into the pictures I wanted to take.

But i didn't mind too much because Kaleb was on his phone almost THE ENTIRE TIME. I was getting annoyed but right when I would say something, he would put his phone away. Sneaky man.

such a good sport.

We finally made it to the secret garden and I noticed that Kaleb's hand was SO sweaty. (remember my story earlier???) I commented on it and he just told me it was hot...which it was. it was REALLY warm that day.

This garden is beautiful! there's an archway for you to enter before you get to the actual garden where there's a fountain and beautiful trees and flowers. There were people in the garden, especially around the fountain. There was a little boy playing with the water so a lot of the bench surrounding the fountain was wet. We sat down at the fountain and took some pictures. We were sitting right in the sun and I was getting too hot, so I suggested that we get up and move to a different corner of the fountain, in the shade. and so we did.

I should have noticed how the garden was filled with people and then suddenly they were gone. but i didn't.

Kaleb rested his head on my shoulder and whispered "I really love you" in a low, shaky voice to which I replied "I love you too!" in a happy, chipper voice. Should have caught on to that. oops.

He then lifted his head up and said "Deanna, I love you. But, sometimes words fail to express how I feel."

cue Kaleb suddenly on one knee in front of me.

"but, Deanna, right now the only words I can say are will you marry me?"

While he was proposing to me, I asked him "ARE YOU PROPOSING TO ME?!?!"  not only once. but twice. i slapped my hand over my mouth in shock and whispered "Yes!"

at that point, Nik, Josh, Joey, and Schuyler all popped out of random places within the garden. They got it all on video! And the people that were in the garden was ushered out by the boys and came back in to applaud and congratulate us. I am a crying wreck and hide my face in Kaleb's chest, trying to figure out if this was all really happening. 

and it was.

PS, Kaleb was on the phone with the boys telling them our location. don't worry, he's not a jerk and on his phone when he's with me ;)

and here's the video of our engagement!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTggoaG4XYM

thanks again, boys!

and i'm now married to the man of my dreams!

my life is magical.

*post about the wedding coming soon!* 

twelvetwelvetwelve

12-12-12.

This is happening right now.

Unfortunately, I'm the loser that didn't screenshot my phone at 12:12pm on 12-12-12.

I'm really broken up about it.

(not really)

But, this is really cool.

And won't happen again until 1-1-2101

Which I will obviously be alive long enough to see.

So, I don't know why people are making such a big deal about today.

Psh.

:)

Happy 12-12-12!!

So much to be thankful for

Thanksgiving has come and gone.

But, I have so much to be thankful for.

Like Pacific Coast Sectionals happening at my rink in Provo. And seeing all my dearest friends compete again. I have missed SWP skating SO much. I love you guys and I'm thankful for the impact you all have had in my life. I'm thankful for skating and the discipline it's taught me. Skating is such a magical sport. I mean, who else can say that they can defy gravity? Not many. I love it. I love it. I love it.

Or the time China flew up to Utah.

Those three days you were here meant more than you know. I love my best friend and I love her visits! Thanks for seeing Breaking Dawn at midnight (ahem, 10pm) with me when no one else would ;) Thanks for making the drive back to California that much more enjoyable. I'm thankful for the friendship you've given me. No one understands me quite like you do and no one laughs at the same stupid things we do ;) I'm thankful for your loving patience when I call you in a panic about dumb things. You've always been there for me and I appreciate that more than you will ever know. You've been such a positive influence in my life and I'm so blessed to have the privilege of calling you my best friend. I love you, dneirf doog <3

I'm thankful for my family. Immediate and extended. And for being able to spend an entire week with them in the best state in the country. They are the best. I'm thankful for all the support they have given me the past 20 years. I'm thankful to have had them when I went through hard times this summer. I'm thankful for their prayers and unconditional love - I definitely feel it, even being 650 miles away :) I have missed my family! I love you guys so much!

I'm thankful for Kaleb, who flew down to California to spend Thanksgiving with me and my family.

 And for making the 9 hour car ride back to Provo with me. That drive is not easy, but he made it bearable and enjoyable. I'm thankful for his continuous patience - we all know I need someone who can be patient with me. ;) I'm thankful for his unconditional love and support in all that I do. I'm thankful for the kindness of his heart and for not putting up with my crap...in a loving way ;) I don't know how I landed such a magnificent guy, but I'm counting my blessings everyday I'm with him. Thank you for loving me! I love you!

I'm also grateful for these girls.

They make my day. Always. I'm grateful I chose to live in freakin' expensive Helaman Halls freshman year. I feel so blessed to call these girls my friends. They've got my back no matter the situation. They bring so much joy to my life. I know I am a better person because I know them and they bring out the absolute best in me. Amy, Caroline, Caitlin, Ali, Elise, Christelle, Heather, Erynn - you girls are THE BEST and I don't think you will ever understand how much you mean to me. Thank you for your friendship and unconditional love! I LOVE YOU SLUS SO MUCH.

Tis the season.
Happy Holidays and Happy Finals!

Wake me up when...October ends?

October is over.

It's November.

Whaaaaaa?

SO MUCH HAS HAPPENED. 

It's funny because I started blog posts for these events that have already happened . . .

But I never finished them.

Ladies and gentlemen, here is a post of all my unfinished blog posts.

Oct. 19 - Halloween parties galore! Or, just two. Went to Scott's place to bake and decorate Halloween cupcakes and then to my coworker Keri's place for a bit. But, the night is not over yet! Kaleb then took me to Nickel City after my crazy Halloween filled night for our first date.

Oct. 20 - BYU v. Notre Dame away game. We bought our Lil Caesars and settled into our living room for this game. Such a good game! Our boys fought a good fight. Went and threw the ol' pig skin around with Caitlin, Elise, Summer, and Kaleb and then Kaleb took me to see "Perks of Being a Wallflower" with some Cocoa Bean at Rock Canyon after the movie. Delish.

Oct. 26 - Corn maze! For the past 2 years, we have gone to a corn maze around Halloween time and this year was going to be no different. We usually go to Corn Belly's but our poor college student wallets couldnt handle it this year. So, Ali, Amy, Summer, Kaleb, Colton, Danny, and I went to a corn maze in Provo. Not nearly as fun but at least we made it to one to keep the tradition alive :)

also Kaleb and I became "official" that night :)

Oct. 27 - The night of the Halloween Show we had been working so hard on! My kids did FANTASTIC. I had a Purple People Eater, Jack Skellington, pirates, and a "wicked" pair of witches. I have never felt so proud! To end the show, my coworkers and I choreographed our own routine to perform. Such a success!! The ward Halloween party was that night so after the show, we quickly made the drive up to Alpine. Success.

Oct. 31 - Halloween this year consisted of watching Newsies, tie dying our Disneyland shirts, and watching Donnie Darko. Not your typical Halloween, but it was nice to stay in and relax this time!

Nov. 1 - finally made it to November! Deadtooth performed at Awful Waffle so Kaleb, Summer, and I went and supported our boys. AND THEN IT WAS OFF TO CALIFORNIA FOR ELISE, CAITLIN, KALEB AND I. We left around 11:30pm and got in around 7:30am -ish.

Nov. 2 - Beach beach beach! Oh, how I have missed the beautiful ocean! And, west coast sushi. Yesss. Bryce's senior night for football was later that evening and they won, 43-41!! I could have cried. So proud of all he has accomplished this season and I know this injury will not keep him down for long.

Nov. 3 - DISNEYLAND!!!! Happiest place on earth just got a little happier because WE HAVE ARRIVED. Pure Disney magic from 9:30am-12am? Yes please.

Nov. 4 - Dad's birthday! Went to sacrament meeting and then had to take off back to Provo. That drive back is always TERRIBLE. My weekend at home was GLORIOUS but way too fast. Good thing I'll be home again 7 days!!

Pacific Coast Sectionals are happening this weekend and I could not be more excited to watch some fantastic skating and see all my favorite skaters from back home. 

Oh, and China flies into Utah in 4 days.

I'm a little excited.

Happy November!

Magical weekends are the best kind of weekends

Why you may ask?
Oh, well let me just tell you.

On Thursday, Elise, Amy, Ali, and I all went to go see Pitch Perfect - a movie we've been dying to see for FOREVER. (not really). It exceeded ALL expectations. I have not laughed so hard in a movie in a loooong time. So so so good.

Friday: Elise and I drove up to SLC to pick up JPotts! (Jacob Potter for the unfortunate few that do not know who he is) We went to The Gateway mall for breakfast at Starbucks and then headed back to Provo. One of my favorite Corner boys was making cider at his home in Alpine so some of the roommates and I went up with another one of our favorite members of Corner house to partake of this liquid gold. Absolutely delicious with our grilled hot dogs and halloween cakes ;) We watched this awful movie called Mars Attack that was funny and unsettling at the same time . . . at least Cait and I laughed throughout the movie at parts that weren't supposed to be funny. (Frahnk?)

Saturday was . . . interesting. The coworkers and I got to the rink early to work on our coaches' routine for the upcoming Halloween show which is going to be AMAZING . . . if I do say so myself. (so, make sure you all come . . . Oct. 27th at 7pm)

BYU V OREGON ST! I was really excited for this game because it was a BLACKOUT! It was so SICK. The stadium looked amazing and the atmosphere was fantastic. Our boys were doing SO WELL up until the last few minutes of the game. :( I was sad, but super proud of our boys. They played their hearts out.

In honor of Christelle and Caroline's birthdays, we went to the Spaghetti Factory for dinner and after, Caitlin, Kaleb, and I went to go see Pitch Perfect . . . again. Not even mad about it.

Sunday was CRAZY busy. Right after church, Elise and I drove to SLC again to pick up JPotts and bring him back to Provo. When we got home, some of our friends came over to watch the Les Mis 25th anniversary concert . . . something that Cox 22 is shamelessly obsessed with. We finally finished off the night with Wall-e at Corner house; a great ending to a fantastic, crazy busy weekend.

Here's to more weekends like this one.

Wake me up when September ends

It's October?!

Where did the time go?

Guess it's time for another update in Indy's life . . .
On September 22, some of the lovely ladies of Cox 22 went on a group date. We carved watermelons and played fugitive. You better believe me and Victor's watermelon looked the best.

 The amazing Brigham City Temple Dedication was Sept. 23rd and we had the privilege of watching the broadcast from the Marriott Center. Amazing.
On September 25th, I found out that my dad and brother were officially coming to Utah for the weekend! You can say I was a little excited . . . I also met up with a friend from my ward last year at Slab Pizza. If you have never gone, go RIGHT now. I have am a Slab believer. Holy cow. SO good. Oh yeah, and it was good to see Andrew, too. Hahaha ;)
SEPTEMBER 27TH - AKA THE DAY MY BOYS FLEW IN. Best. Day. Ever. Took them to Happy Sumo after I picked them up . . . they weren't impressed. They are too spoiled with the FRESH fish living in Southern California . . . haha.
Friday the 28th, we went to the Skyroom with the Dean of students. Delicious. I had to work later that afternoon/evening so I dropped the boys off at the tailgate. They had a terrific time at their first BYU football game! Go Cougs! 47-0 against Hawaii! :) We finished the night off with some Brick Oven with Preston and then headed back to Orem. Successful day, indeed.
Saturday, I had work in the morning but then took the boys to J-Dawg's - their first! They LOVED IT. Another success. But, how can you NOT love it?! Answer - you can't.
After lunch, we headed to the bookstore so they could buy some more BYU apparel and then headed over to Miller Park to watch the BYU alumni baseball game. Dad even got to meet one of my best friends, Des! Didn't get to see him pitch, but it was SO nice to see the kid. Then, we finally made our way to Hokulia . . . dad had been waiting two days for this. And it was so worth it. Now, you have to remember that he grew up in Hawaii with Matsumotos - the best shaved ice. And, he said Hokulia was even BETTER. Like, what?
Yup. He absolutely loved it. He even said they were going back for more after dinner, haha. Dinner rolled around and we ate at Costa Vida where we quickly ate so he could go back to Hokulia, hahaha. They headed back to Orem to rest and watch some football and I stayed in Provo to watch some of my favorite boys perform with their band Deadtooth at a party. SURPRISE - we weren't actually invited to this BIRTHDAY party. Talk about awkward. But, unfortunately, after only 3 songs, they got shut down by the police due to a noise complaint. Watch a band get shut down by the cops? Checked off the bucket list.
Sunday, the sad day. The day I had to take them to the airport. We stopped at Cabelas on our way to SLC to walk around - one of dad's favorite things to do - and then again at Temple Square.
That goodbye was so difficult. This weekend was so amazing and wonderful and way too quick. I cried all the way back to Provo.
I am so thankful for the WONDERFUL men in my family. I got to bond with my little brother again, something I missed terribly and I was able to finally hug my dad. I missed my mama and my Brandon this weekend, but I know they'll make a trip out here, soon :)
Now, enjoy some pictures from my magical weekend.
Happy October!

Skyroom :)

 Football!

 Alumni baseball game

We love Hokulia :)

My Baki

My daddy :)