Lately - according to my phone

I'm chevron obsessed. It's bad. But these slip covers turned out pretty cute!

Jaren's new favorite thing is to walk by and turn the pillows so the stripes are vertical instead of horizontal - drives me nutso.

First day it broke 55 degrees - my hubby took me on a surprise afternoon date to Baskin Robbins. He knows the way to my heart. How do we have such different tastes in ice cream!?! I picked cookie dough and he picked play dough.....I also got to go to SaraJoy's baby shower! I made her that cute fabric bunting. And I tried cinnamon rolls! But they aren't as good as Jaren's. 

At work, I'm a representative for the Student College Council. It's really fun working with the student leaders of the college auxillaries. Last month, I helped with an event called the "I heart the Honor Code Because..." and we made this wall for students to post why they loved the honor code. 

I thought this reason was pretty funny seeing that we are huge "Office" fans :)

And finally... my Bday! I turned a quarter of a century. Big 25 - That's OLD! Spent the evening in SLC and the Nelson's decorated!!! I loved it. They made yummy nachos supreme for dinner. They know me so well.. an ice cream cake! Pretty sure 25 candles is a fire hazard. I thought we might set off the smoke alarm.

Chels and alli gave me a cute "N" and Jaren gave me flowers. Aww. I love birthdays. I never thought I'd turn 25! That seemed so far away. But I'm just so happy! I have the best family and friends a girl could ask for. Life is good.

Spoiled

 My husband really outdid himself this year. He just proved, once again, to be the sweetest, most thoughtful man alive. V-day came early for me - February 1st! And didn't stop till February 14th. 

I was in Idaho for the weekend, and he stayed home, but took the time to collaborate with my sister to make sure I saw my gifts for the first few days of the month. He is tooo much... but I'm not complainin :) Here are pics of my 14 Days of Valentines from my hunky man. Who could ask for anything more?! I saved all his cheesy loves notes :) and had to censor a few ;)

On the the 14th day, Jaren hid a cute card in my office and sent me flowers. AWW! They made my day! 

We always have a ton of fun in our work staff meetings, and on v-day, we decorated sugar cookies! 

Jaren's was supposed to be his dream woman, but ended up looking like Betty White.

After work, we spent V-day in SLC and watched Alvin and the other Lady Eagles take on the SLCC. Alli did awesome and we love watching her! Dave Rose (BYU boys bball coach) was sitting right behind us! He was probably there to recruit. Cool, huh?

Then Jaren's parents bought us dinner at Spaghetti Factory and I was in heaven with pasta comin out my ears! And who doesn't loves Saponi. Spamoni. Whatever it's called :) It's ICE CREAM so I was content. I was sad when Feb 15th came.. I woke up and said, "Where's my Valentine today!?" But my real valentine was right there :) I love that guy and I'm so happy he loves me! 

Well Over 24

Jaren is now WELL OVER 24 years old! And now, we are the same age :D

I cherish these 3 weeks. I'm free from all cougar jokes! Until MY bday comes rolling around in March, and then I become the old lady again :) Oh the joys of marrying a 'youngin' ;)
We decided to go to Idaho on Friday for Jaren's bday to see the fam, help jeni with the baby's room, help my parents move, ect. Janna and Jeff graciously allowed us to ride along. We sat in the back with lots of luggage and a very full truck bed. We were taking some furniture back for Jeni, and then we planned on bringing back couches for us! I told the nelsons that they need to just start their own U-Haul company. We looked like the Clampetts driving down the road...
We were all exhausted from a long week and just wanted to get to the gem state as quickly as possible. Jeff was doing an excellent job driving, when suddenly, a thick patch of fog showed up. No biggie, we drove right through it and that was that.
About an hour later, Jeff said something (sorta like, "What!?") that made us all jump and look out the windows. He looked so confused so we asked him what was wrong. He didn't respond right away and just kept searching the road as if looking for a sign... Finally, he said, "I think I missed the exit!"
For those of you familar with the drive from UT to ID, you know that you have to take the pocatello exit, or you'll end up the complete opposite way out in the middle of nowhere. That's where we were. On our way to Burley, Idaho.

Jeff didn't think it was funny, but Jaren, Janna, and I thought it was HILarious. Until the gas light came on...There aren't too many signs of civilization down that highway, let alone gas stations! We almost had to turn around!!! Luckily we located a gas station and called to make sure they'd be open. PHEW! hahahaha. So embarrassing... ;)

This little detour added about an 1.5 hours onto our trip home, but it sure a good laugh!
It was sooo good to be home! On Saturday, we went to lunch with the whole fam at Coasta Vida! Then hung out at Fat Cats with the Apontes.
That night we went to New Fong's with the Nelson crew for the Birthday boy! He ordered hot and sour soup. Ick! He has loved it since he was a toddler. Jaren got a new jersey from cam and jeni! And then on Sunday we went to the Aponte's for Dr. Pepper cake and ice cream. Happy B-day, Jar-bear!

That time I let his dog spend the night.

It all started with a friendly game of Hand and Foot at Jaren's parents' house in SLC. Not to be confused with Hand and Foot disease... this is just a card game :) Jaren thinks I show everyone my cards, and now he has proof... woops! Sweet hand, huh? See all those wilds!?

After a few rounds and a victory from the girls (I'm not chortling - Jeff Nelson has a problem with that sometimes), it was getting late and we decided to head back to Provo. Jaren bent down on both knees to say his doggie goodbyes. This is a usual ritual, even though we would be right back in about 12 hours for Sunday dinner...

 I don't know how it happened, but all of a sudden, the idea of bringing Oscar home for a sleepover was jokingly tossed around. I thought about it. It WOULD only be for a quick night... And it might even be a chance for me to see what a having a dog would really be like. We all know that it's gonna happen someday (see other post). And I need to vacuum anyway, so...

Oscar's sibling, Jaren, was practically grinning from ear to ear when I told him that we could take the dog home for a night. I'm such a cool wife. What could an old family dog like Oscar do in one night, anyway? 

We packed his treats and some doggie bags (just in case) and pulled out his leash from the closet. Oscar loves going "bye-bye" and knows we think it's cute when Janna tells him to pick up his leash. He is such a crowd pleaser, that little ham... This dog doesn't stay in the backseat, he likes to be up where the action is.

I'm not even sure if Jaren looks at ME like that... he is so in love with this little hound.
All he needs is a few fluffy blankets - no PJs required! He sleeps naked (AKA without a collar).

Later that night, I wandered in to our room to find Jaren warming up my side of the bed! That is true love, folks. I think he felt indebted to me for letting his BFF spend the night. I dubbed us even - until after what happened the very next day......

The next morning, Jaren got up early to go to a sunday school meeting. When he got home, he took Oscar out to go to the bathroom. Just #1. While I got ready in our bedroom, they were playing in the living room when I heard Jaren yell, "NOOOO no no no no, OSCAR NO!!!!!"

Both dog and husband were running around, obviously in a panic. Oscar had done it: #2'd in my in house. 

Jaren RAN Oscar outside. I sniffed the hallway - It stunk. And the stuff was pretty much trailed throughout the entire living room. Little droplets all over our pet-prohibited apartment.. Jaren and Oscar KNEW they were in trouble. So. Much. Trouble. 

Jaren confessed that it was his fault - he should have waited patiently for Oscar to finish his business when he took him out the first time, because I guess he could tell that Oscar needed to go (??? must be a dog owner thing). So when they came back inside, Oscar just couldn't hold it and tried to get to the door, but it was too late. I actually felt bad for the pooch when he hopped on his bed and and cowered in shame, laying his head down. I peeked around the corner at him while Jaren was scrubbing the carpet, and Oscar gave me the sappiest "SOOO SORRRRYY!" eyes I've ever seen. 

I immediately imagined my mother-in-law doing one of her voice impressions of Oscar, "Kassie, I'm so sorry! Please just forgive me! I hope I can come sleepover again!!!" hahahahaha. Can't stay mad at the little thing forever! He really is such a good dog, and if my husband could love another living thing that much, he must be worth it. 

Then I decided; if I ever own a dog, I would be delighted if he/she were just like little Oscar. I think I can handle one little accident. I'm told I just need to get passed the puppy years. Bring on the carpet wipes.

Post-cruise/Christmas!

Christmas morning was spent with our little family of two. I'm used to opening presents bright and early  with the whole fam dam, but it's fun to start new traditions for our family, too!

I even woke myself up with my excitement. I couldn't wait to see his face when he opened his gifts. Since when did it become more fun to give than to get? :)

Then the Nelson clan came over to skype with our favorite missionary all the way from Chile! It was so fun, and jentry seemed almost... refined. We sure miss that guy and we are so proud of him. 

Jentch even watched his pooches open a few presents. 

We learned that our old temple-prep teacher has passed away on the 21st. He was the nicest old man you could ever meet. After one of our lessons over a year ago, we took a few pictures, and he even pulled our his TEETH for the goofy one! He will be missed. His funeral was the happiest I think I've ever attended. He left such a legacy and I loved how each of his children spoke of his love for the gospel. I think I'd like to leave this world a little like he did.
We left for Idaho right after the funeral to spend New Years with the Furniss bunch

When Jaren was little, he used to call helicoptors "helidotcors." Cute, huh? Jill got him one for christmas, and he has been in love. I got a sweet nail kit from Janna, and a Bosch from my parents! So spoiled! Goodbye, holidays. You've been good to us, and we can't wait to see what's in store for this year!