Elvis is pretty and Hali sings!

How about a little trip for some quality Reed's Ice Cream and catch-up time? Sounds simple right? Adding that this little trip included Hali and a fantastic, life size cardboard cut-out of Elvis doesn't make it ridiculously illegal does it? Well, it should! We started out with some creamed cold (or frozen Play Dough in Hal's case - Superman, sicky) and it all went uphill from there. Hali, Erin, and The King having a night on the town!

First stop the light park. Elvis is a l-u-c-k-y man!!

Elvis at THE stop light. This would be were Hali let me jump in the snow while she hid in her car because it was "cold" and mostly because she was scared of the cops. Sheesh! (First the fireworks now the street corner.)


No, it is not completely against the law to be in the city park after dark if you don't get caught! And so we didn't. We may have walked through at least 2' of snow but Elvis got to swing and slide just like old times!!


Next stop, our old stomping grounds. "Neath the majestic guard of Nebo and blending with the clear blue sky stands the master of our valley, behold our dear Juab High with Elvis!!"

The tour would not be complete without a stop at the Nephi Dental Clinic! Many a night spend at this place but never one so royal. (P.S. The latex, bubblegum, disinfectant of NDC is one of those things like riding a bike. . . it instantly comes back)

Finally, Elvis visited la bibliotecha or at least the bookdrop. In honor of the times and joys of the Sherratt Library!

Now, I would never bring a guy home without properally introducing him to the family. . . by placing him on the porch and doorbell ditching of course!

Oh what a magical evening full of folded cardboard, frozen fingers, and CRAZY fun! And we thought Nephi would be boring! ;)


(P.S. I was 15 degrees and yes, Hali does sing. She also texts, drives, and talks simaltaneously - impressive)

The Year 2008

The year 2008

JANUARY
1 Who kissed you on new years?
I think I was asleep. . . lame, I know!

2 Did you have a New Year's Resolution this year?
Indeed.

3 Does it snow where you live?
YES!! I spent the whole day in it!

4 Do you like hot chocolate?
Especially the with carmel and cream!

5 Have you ever been to Times Square to watch the ball drop?
Nope.

FEBRUARY
1 Who was your Valentine?
I went old school and gave animal valentines with suckers :)

2 When you were little, did you buy Valentine's for the whole class?
Of course. . and we made Valentine boxes! It was the best.

3 Do you care if the groundhog sees its shadow or not?
Either way I'm just glad my day doesn't keep repeating.

MARCH

1 Are you Irish?
My name is Irish!!

2 Do you like corned beef and cabbage?
Ewe. . . just cabbage!

3 What did you do for St Patrick's Day?
I got to experience a Rachel St. Paddy's Day in Washington and then a post-SPD party! Your life is not complete without that experience.

4 Are you happy when winter is pretty much over?
I love winter. . . I would rather a fall, winter, fall, winter trade-off.

5 Do you get tons of candy for Easter?
The Easter Bunny is almost as good as Santa.

APRIL
1 Do you like the rain?
The best smell in the WORLD!!

2 Did you play an April fool's joke on anyone this year?
HAHAHA - Classic!! And we appreciate keeping our doors.

4 Do you love the month of April?
This year especially :)

5 Your birthday is in April, isn't it?
No. . . six more months.

MAY
1 What is your favorite flower?
Gerber Daisies!! Bright Orange and Red.

2 Finish the phrase "April showers…"
bring May flowers. . . is this a trick question?

4 Is May anything special to you?
I graduate this May . . . last May I moved to Alabama - excitement.

JUNE
1 What year did/will you graduate from high school?
Class of 06 baby!

2 Did you do anything fun during this month?
I'm pretty sure I worked, which in some twisted way could be fun.

3 Have a favorite baseball team?
Red Sox!!!! (Next, the Dodgers)

JULY
1 What did you do on the 4th of July?
Almost got killed by a firework with Hali!

2 Did you watch the fireworks?
Yep! And did I mention we almost died. . . it was close.

3 Did you blast the A/C all day?
I wish the city park had A/C but unfortunately we live in the desert

AUGUST
1 Where did u go?
C- TOWN!

2 Did you have a sunburn?
Between May and September it is inevitable!

3 Did you go to the pool a lot?
No but the lake.

SEPTEMBER
1 Are you attending college/school?
I'm a T-bird through and through. . . whatever a T-bird is?!?

2 Do you like fall better than summer?
Yes, less sun and less heat. Not to mention the leaves. (2nd best sound ever!)

3 What happened this month?
R-achel turned 21!

OCTOBER

2 What is your favorite candy?
Symphony Bar w/toffee

3 What was your favorite thing(s) about this month?
Crunchy leaves and my B-day!

NOVEMBER
1 Whose house do you go to for Thanksgiving?
Evans Residence, Nephi UT

2 What are you thankful for?
I can't even start. So many tender mercies and giant blessings!

3 Do you like stuffing?
Best part of the day!!

4 Anything special in this month?
Turkey Day

DECEMBER
1 Do you celebrate Christmas?
Yes!! Wish it lasted more than a month

2 Have you ever been kissed under the mistletoe?
Yes. . . ;)

3 What do you want this year?
World Peace - hehe

4 What do you love most about December?
The snow, snowboarding, Christmas Lights, Decorating the Tree, Family game-time, Christmas Songs, The True Spirit of Christmas, seeing my mom's Nativity. . . shall I go on!

Meghan, Debbie, Linda, Hali (because you love it) - I tag YOU!!!

In latest news. . .

One day when life slows down, after all the homework and late night parties (or dances) are gone, when all I have to do is eat bon-bons and watch soap operas, then I will be a faithful blogger. Sometimes dreams come true right? Right! Anyway, my latest adventures have been lots and close together. Here is an ever so brief summary of the last two months. With pictures of course! :)

I met "The King". . . or my Elvis loving friend Chad on Halloween! He can even serenade!!

A few friends went to Pioneer Park for a service project and we found this tortoise named Tortoise!



Over Thanksgiving Break we had some serious b-ball action with the family and my friend Davey. MJ has nothin' on my dad!


This is our Christmas Tree! Ahhh. . . special! The tree, not Rach and me.


Elvis sure does clean up good. This was Chad's contribution to the Christmas decorations!


Finally, Zion! My friends Jason, Randy, Meg, Mike, and I decided a pre-finals trip to Zion was in order. We conquered Angel's Landing - all 6,744 ft. It was a fun trip and an amazing view of God's beautiful creations. (Click on the top picture for a fantastic panorama via Jason of the canyon)
So, apparently I think it's fun to fall off a cliff ;)

"Just Push Play"

What do you get when you mix too much homework, not enough sleep, chocolate, smoke inhalation, two college seniors, and flashing toothbrushes? Drum-roll, please....

Forgive the kind of mistakes we all make

This morning I was fortunate to be involved in a truly inspired and spiritual gospel discussion during my institute class. The topic of discussion was Elder Hinckley's 1980 (?) Conference talk entitled "Of You It Is Required to Forgive". The then Elder Hinckley bases his comments on the doctrines found in Doctrine and Covenants 64: 9-11 about the expectation God has that we forgive all men and simply stated that Heavenly Father expects us to "forgive the kind of mistakes we all make." During our class discussion, one classmate shared his experience with true, Christlike forgiveness.

While serving in Romania, Patrick had his scriptures stolen on a public bus. He was distraught at the thought of his scriptures, his Father's words, being taken. After harboring anger at the people who stole his sacred text for a few days, he came to the following realization:

It must have been difficult for Christ to forgive not only those who whipped and crucified Him but it must also be difficult for him to forgive each of His brothers and sisters who cause Him torment and pain with daily sins. If He can forgive every sin of every individual, every sin that I have and will commit, how can I not forgive the large and small instances of offense in my own life?

We will never be more Christlike than in the moment that we truly forgive. As we, latter-day saints, find ourselves constantly persecuted for defending our beliefs and values, we must remember the sacrifice of our Savior. Although it is difficult, it is our responsibility to emulate the greatest of all sacrifices in our own small way. Hate and persecution must be met with love and forgiveness. Just as Christ "in the time of his agony on the cross of Calvary, with vile and hateful accusers before him, they who had brought him to this terrible crucifixion, cried out, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do (Luke 23:34)".

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Dear Stella,

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! I hope you have a fantastic day now that you're the "big 12" ;) On this day to celebrate you, I thought it would be appropriate to remember and say thanks for all the things you have taught me. Of course, since you're only "12" that many lessons would be appropriate, however, I alone know you're true age. So, here are some of the most valuable life lessons in a proportion a little more age appropriate!!

You've taught me to. . . always use water when boiling broccoli, laugh at myself, read the word "is", try to cook, arrange 3 or 5 wall decorations, preserver, be independent, do what's right because it's right, throw like a girl, sing at the top of my lungs, grunt on the serve, never give in, grate cheese, serve others, count change, overachieve, lead, question, follow Him, tie my shoes, love, bottle beans, pears, tomatoes, carrots, jelly, and everything else, go for it, and remember who I am and whose I am.

You've also taught me that. . . sarcasm is mostly ok, having a "sweet spirit" is not so bad, change happens, it's alright to try again, sometimes it just doesn't happen, life isn't roses but they sure smell good, a smile helps, 2 cups = 1 pint, the glass is half full, growing up is optional, everyone is uniquely wonderful, and loving yourself is what really matters.

So, Stella, what it really boils down to (like broccoli in water) is that through you're example and love, patience and kindness I've learned who I am and what really matters in this life. Thank you for your example and the lessons you've shared. On you're big day, don't do anything I wouldn't do or if you do take pictures! I love you!!

Hearts,

Erin

21

For almost exactly 72 hours I have been 21. That's right. I have officially entered the awkward not a "youth" but not a menace to society period of my life. Oh the joy. I have been reminded multiple times that I am indeed legal for everything. Whatever everything means! One thing I do know is I've had 21 fantastic years. As I look back I'm amazed at everything I've been blessed to see, to do, and to experience. Even in my little sheltered world, life has been great. In keeping with tradition (Ok, so it's been a year!) here are 21 things I've had the opportunity to do:

1. Laugh
2. Love and be loved
3. Learn (no, this is not one huge alliteration)
4. Succeed
5. Dance
6. Serve
7. Be served
8. Fail
9. Succeed
10.Hear music
11. Count my blessings
12. Be taught
13. See true joy
14. Score
15. Eat way too much
16. Hug
17. Cry
18. Travel
19. Pray and get an answer
20. Hope
21. Smile

Yep, looks pretty good to me. Can't wait for the next 21! :)

Way to go Grace

As I was loading the Malibu for the return trip to C-town from a fantastic weekend with my family, I did something absolutely cool. It was one of those moments that upon reporting family members often reply, "Way to go Grace." The only problem I see with this apparent term of endearment is that my name is not Grace. I had a great-grandmother named Grace but we disagreed on fundamental truths such as the fact that all dogs DO NOT go to heaven and lace should never, under any circumstances, be sewn on t-shirts and subsequently I did not receive her ever-popular epithet. Anyway, as I balanced a box of winter gear and a bag of storage room groceries while attempting to heave open my trunk a precious bottle of pears slipped from it's cushioned position atop my wool coat and crashed onto the driveway. One would think that gravity could have shown a little mercy and chosen to disengage it's magic pull. However, as I looked at the shattered mess of glass and mushed pink party pears I realized that gravity could really care less.Ah-ha, a metaphor. This unseen, and mostly unexplained, phenomenon of gravity is a little bit like the unseen and mostly unexplained workings of the adversary. Even when we think that we are bundled in a protective coat of righteousness, safe from the hard and shattering surface of this fallen world we find ourselves tried and tested. The popular axiom, "Bad things happen to good people" can at times seem especially evident in the lives of the righteous. Children and elderly stricken with cancer, untimely deaths, failing businesses, natural disasters, injuries, discrimination, and the all times favorite, neighbors seem to afflict those who are trying their hardest to follow the path and hold to the rod. Our lives then become a little like the smashed bottle of pears. Shards of glass and squished pears cover our feet every time we try to get the mail, walk the dog or pull out the car. However, what we do with the mess on our driveways is the most important.

After shaking my head at gravity, I went into the house to retrieve some cleaning supplies prepared to hear the inevitable, "Way to go Grace". However, after admitting my coolness to my mom, she quickly jumped up to help. We gathered most of the glass and pears in plastic bags and then my brilliant mother suggested the shop-vac. Thank you Hoover. After vacuuming up the remainder of the mess, mom covered the affected area with water in an attempt to wash away the remaining shards. Of course some minute class shards will remain in the sticky mess on our cobblestone, but for the most part my graceful move is mostly cleaned up. The emotional damage my mom suffered after seeing one of her precious pear bottles smashed will eventually be overcome. . with time.When dealing with the sticky messes on life's driveways it takes something a little more than our own ingenuity and cleaning supplies. In fact it takes a little grace; the Lord's grace. The bible dictionary describes grace as a "divine means of help or strength, given through the bounteous mercy and love of Jesus Christ." It is through His grace that Christ sends us earthly angels with plastic bags and vacuuming to help us pick up the glass and mush, and if this is not enough, we can use His redeeming sacrifice to wash away any shards that remain. His mercy and love supercede any trial or test. Only through the grace of our Savior can we rid our driveways, and our hearts, of any mess left behind by the adversary. So, next time you find yourself doing something really cool while loading the car with an armful of stuff just remind yourself, "Way to go Grace".

Crazy Eights!

8 TV SHOWS I LOVE TO WATCH... Love might be too strong of a word for this but here are some I watch sometimes.

1. ESPN
2. Baseball Tonight
3. NCIS
4. The Office
5. Extreme Home Makeover
6. Everybody Loves Raymond
7. College Football
8. Homework. . not a show but obviously

8 FAVORITE RESTAURANTS...

1. Zupas
2. Cafe Rio
3. Costa Vida
4. Arbys
5. Panda
6. Brick Oven
7. Chilis
8. Olive Garden

8 THINGS THAT HAPPENED YESTERDAY...

1. Played Racquetball
2. Took a test
3. Shelved some books
4. Laughed hysterically
6. Interpreted
7. Went to Walmart with Mike, Talon, and Rach
8. Drew a picture

8 THINGS I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO...

1. April 30, 2009 - Brian comes home!!!
2. Midnight - ask Rachel
3. Turning 21 and cupcakes
4. Graduation
5. Thriller - 7 days!
6. Friday
7. Racquetball
8. Sledding!!

8 THINGS ON MY WISH LIST...

1. Get my paper written (wishes can be "to dos")
2. Health for Grandpa
3. A chance to serve
4. A watch
5. Success
6. An early bedtime
7. Get married (thanks Kurt!)
8. Political rest

I tag. . . . Rach and Hali because she loves these things!!

She Never Missed A Day

Yesterday at work, I was talking with my manager about her friend's, who happens to be my dad's cousin, love and courage. Marie died four or five years ago from breast cancer leaving a three sons, a daughter, one and one-half grandchildren, a husband, parents, and friends. From what little I remember of Marie and from what my parent's and grandparent's have told me she was a perfect example of sharing the pure love of Christ. Always giving, never expecting in return. My manager Susan suffered with leukemia several years ago and when she was sick, Marie was by her side every step of the way. Susan eventually won her battle with cancer and is doing very well today. When it was Marie's turn to fight, Susan became her constant companion. One day during the course of Marie's illness, Susan decided to give her a gratitude journal where she could write down three things she was grateful for everyday; just three simple sentences of thanks. After struggling for several months, Marie was called home to a Heavenly Father who needed her unmatched love and compassion on the other side. Her husband, mother, and children read the journal that Marie had kept documenting all that she was grateful for. She never missed a day. No matter the pain, sickness, or despair, Marie did not miss one single day of remembering her blessings. It was not always something big because, as Susan recalls, when you're facing a battle with something as terrifying and unknown as cancer every small blessing means so much. Every day means so much!

Marie's gratitude journal has been a great source of comfort and peace for her family and friends, including Susan. Each found something in that journal something meant, I think, especially for them from their beloved mother, daughter, sister, wife, or friend. I'm sure in Marie's journal each was mentioned by name and each small act of kindness was recorded. Even the story of Marie's constant remembrance of her blessings has served to extend the Lord's love. So, as a small tribute to Marie and all those who, during difficult times, never forget from whom their blessings come, today I am grateful for. . .

The couple who gave the last study room to another group.

My jacket.

Spaghetti O's.

I Love Your Blog Award

1. Where is your cell phone? Hip
2.Where is your significant other? Far away (I know, two words)
3. Your hair color? Blonde
4. Your mother? Lifesaver
5. Your father? Kind
6. Your favorite thing? Baseball
7. Your dream last night? Ankle
8. Your dream/goal? Graduate
9. The room you're in? Living room
10. Your hobby? Racquetball
11. Your fear? Choking
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Home
13. Where were you last night? Kurt's
14. What you're not? Quiet
15. One of your wish-list items? Watch
16. Where you grew up? Nephi
17. The last thing you ate? Cereal
18. What are you wearing? Shorts
19. Your TV? Small (apparently)
20.Your pet? Nope
21. Your computer? Fantastic
22. Your mood? Anxious
23. Missing someone? Bestfriend
24. Your car? Malibu
25. Something you're not wearing? Sweatshirt
26. Favorite store? Maurices
27. Your summer? Crazy
28. Love someone? Yes
29. Your favorite color? Orange
30. When is the last time you laughed? Today
31. Last time you cried? Friday (sad movie)

I award the following people with the "I love your blog award" and in so doing tag them to complete the above questions with one word answers.
Rachel, Meg, Hali, Linda, Trecia (I think that's everyone that reads my blog-haha)

Monday Night Memory: Gauze Baby Gauze

So, for the first time in many weeks I have no homework! WOO-HOO! So, as the wild college student that I am I have decided to sit at home, on my couch, with my computer, and a nice bowl of cereal to blog. I know, I know, I'm wild!! So, here goes the Monday Night Memory!

Date: Fall 2007
Place: Apt. 6 Windsor
Victim: Myself
Culprit: Meghan "BSI" Holmes


For weeks the chant of "I have my BSI on, the scene appears safe, my patient is a blah, blah, blah, blah" resounded off the walls of apartment 6. We were all very happy that Meg was training to become an EMT basic but, seriously, "PaTieNT AsSessMeNT TiME" (in a cute little Meghan voice) haunted dreams and caused otherwise unlocked doors to be bolted. On fine day, October 23 the international holiday celebrating my birth - mark your calenders - Meggi decided that it would be "fun" to practice bandaging heat wounds. Who needs birthday spankins from Grandpa when you can have gauze wrapped around your cranium in a Muslim meets Princess Leigh up-do?!? As you can tell by my obviously impressed yet red eyes it was an experience everyone should have. Notice also, that my rescuer - rush me to the hospital at high speeds -"my patient has a pulse" , EMT looks like her own head has been wrapped one to many times. Truly, it was an unforgettable experience. As were the 59 million times I died on the apartment floor from a broken ankle and stomach ache while Meg laughed! All joking aside, Meg is a great EMT who now works at an undisclosed St. George hospital!! I witnessed as she saved one life and I would definitely what her around if I was need. Thanks Meg!!

I Cooked Ham

All I did was cook some ham. The scouts set up tables. My dad and younger brother poured juice and milk, 2%. There were cookies, brownies, and popcorn for sale; along with donated shoes, furniture, lamps, crafts, and clothes for a price. A few neighbors, true friends, organized the whole thing and the turnout was amazing. Last Saturday, community, neighbor, and friend were exemplified in the selfless acts of people who did it just because they care.

Two weeks ago, a family in my neighborhood unexpectedly lost their husband and father. On top of the emotional stress, the financial burden for this family was, I'm sure, unbearable. In response to this heart wrenching tragedy, a few people in my neighborhood organized a benefit with all proceeds going to the family. We started at 7:30 am with breakfast and the sales. For three solid hours, people from all over town came to show their support. Families sat down to eat breakfast, kids traded pennies for rice crispy treats, grandmother's bought Christmas presents, and complete strangers just donated money.

All I did was cook ham but for that I was rewarded with witnessing something amazing. I saw a community come together to support those in need. In a world lacking in love and kindness, I am grateful that I was able to witness true, selfless love.

Research, The Zoo, In-N-Out, Football, and ROZ

Just chalk another month of no blogging up to my "crazy, late-night, strange adventures, too much homework college life". I know, you all feel so terrible. Right. It has been a crazy four (I think) weeks since I started school but I've loved every minute of it!

Research
So. . . this semester I thought I would be cool and do an extracurricular research paper with the hope of getting published. I know, I'm a chronic overachiever. ( I should read Hali's book!) It's unavoidable. So, in addition to my 17 credits I'm working on establishing a correlation between mass media and post traumatic stress disorder in veterans. Hopefully the paper will be completed and submitted (then published) by December. Keep your fingers crossed.

ROZ
Think Monsters, Inc. everyday in a Persuasion class. Do you think you'd be persuaded to vote Democrat by a professor who simulates the Wicked Witch melting and looks like a fictional slug. I don't think so!!

This is not an exaggeration!!

Football
After 19 straight games, almost my entire collegiate career, SUU finally won a football game. WOO-HOO! It was super exciting to shut out the worst DII school in the NCAA but I have to say that barely losing to a much higher ranked team on Homecoming was almost as good. Maybe it was the fact that we took more pictures than really watched the game!!

The girls at the game. We wanted to get good seats - haha.

This is by far the best picture we've ever taken. Sugar, me and Alex.

Jennifer and me at homecoming! Yep, we watched the game ;)
PS BYU is still undefeated! Rise and shout!!

The Zoo
A few weekends ago - I'm losing track - Rach and I took a little trip to SLC to visit some friends and see her new niece. It was fantastic. Abby is adorable. We decided we need a baby in our apartment, but don't worry dad!! In addition to holding/feeding that perfect girl we also met some friends from Logan. Jimmy had never been to the zoo so on Saturday we completed his life with a trip to the zoo followed by the temple and Cabellas. (Yep, the boys got to pick that one!
Jimmy, Me, Rach, and Dayton at the Zoo!! We're so cool!!

In-N-Out
Friday, my friend Alex and I decided to take a mini road trip to St. George to get some burgers! Ahhh - it was heavenly! We almost just went on to Vegas (for burgers dad don't worry) but decided we'll save a complete round of the In-N-Out chain for a long weekend!

Roommates

Oh man, how could I forget about my girls! Here we are - apt 6 baby!

Rach, Ashli Beatty, Jade Lee, and me

Note to Self and other non-scientists

Last week, my brother promptly delivered my vehicle to me at 10:00 pm (that is prompt and early for him) complete with a no new scraps, all four tires, a missing hubcap and a fresh can of Sprite. Sprite from the motherland - what a treat. Unfortunately I'm not a real big soda drinker and left the can carbonating in my cup holder over the weekend. Sorry mom!

Yesterday morning I stopped at the Malibu before heading to school to gather my registration and proof of insurance in order to obtain the annoying but necessary campus parking pass. (Subnote: a parking ticket has an equivalent price to a parking pass. Buy the pass. Trust me.) Anyway, as I stuck my head in to retrieve the needed documents I noticed my undrunk Sprite cans resting in the cup holder and thought that maybe I'd pick the drink up after class and actually partake of the aspartame filled liquid. By now I'm sure some of you know what happens. . .don't judge me.

Five hours later in the blistering heat of a Southern Utah afternoon I opened my car door, sat down in the drivers seat, attached the aforementioned parking pass, and placed my hand on the steering wheel. Now the interior of my car is not exactly "high class" but I was sure the wheel was not naturally that sticky nor does the interior usually smell like crystallized rock candy. Then I noticed it, my Sprite Can had exploded. Dried sugar, artifical flavoring, MSG, and water covered the entire front seat of my car. I even sat in the mess.

Here I must apologize to my Dad who so kindly shampooed the entire interior of my car before Scott drove it down. Thank you so much for your help and I'm so sorry that it is now a little sticky! At least it wasn't Dr. Pepper or Orange Soda.

The moral of the story is. . . no required science class like Chemistry or Biology or Meteorology or Earth Science will ever prepare some of us for the harsh realities of real life. Heat causes soda cans to explode. It's as simple as that. I only with that Dr. Samha or Mr. Craig or Bill Nye had ever informed me of this awful reality!! At least I know that Chromium has 25 electrons. Thanks Bill!

GET BETTER SOON MEGGIE!

LOVE YOU!

Vine Procedures

Call me crazy or perhaps just agriculturally inept, but I was unaware of the rules and regulations regarding green bean harvesting. According to my dad, there are certain steps one must take in order to successfully pick and, eventually, bottle beans. Because I don't want you to be caught in a harvest situation naive of these vital, life-altering vine procedures, what follows are four steps to successful green bean picking.



1. Straddle the bean plant. This stance can prove a little awkward if more than one picker is harvesting a row but ultimately the straddle makes locating hidden beans easier.

2. Grasp and pull. When removing the bean from the plant always, ALWAYS hold onto the plant as to not pull it from the soil.

3. The Pencil Rule. Only harvest beans the circumference of a pencil. However, if a bean will grown beyond this size in a week (refer to your commonly held knowledge of bean growth patterns) grasp the plant and firmly pick the bean.

4. Review, Review, Review. Comb the same bean plants a minimum of three times to ensure all vegetables have been harvested.



After all of your green beans have been gathered, proceed to bottling where there are only about 500 rules to getting a nice jar of homegrown beans that can be enjoyed all year long with ketchup, potatoes or just on their own.

ROAD TRIP

As the bros and I rolled out of Nephi last Friday, we were dreaming of a weekend of sun, sand, and America's favorite pastime and we got this. . .


But, no worries, the Golden Coast treated us well. After collecting Andy at MaCaren Airport we responsibly sped toward an afternoon showdown between the Yankees and Angels.


After several homers, one blown call, delicious frozen lemonade, and some crazy shot calling, the Angles defeated the super-star courting, enhancer using 2008 version of the Bronx Bombers. No, I am not rubbing this is Andy's face. Victory 11-4!

An extended post-church nap was followed with an evening on the beach where Scott was saved by the above lifeguard after being the "worst swimmer" who can touch the bottom, this Bay Watch want-to-be has even seen. Kudos to the white-haired life saver who gave Scott a free ride to shore.

On Monday, we had a truly cultural experience in the Los Angeles County Science Museum. building bridges and learning about mammals has never been so exciting.

Monday night brought the most excitement - a Dodger's game! "Take me out to the ball game. . . " Needless to say there were no Cracker Jacks but the popcorn wasn't bad! We watched a great game . . . and two great fan fights. Torre's Blue Men beat the Phillies making it complete baseball bliss!! (Note: Andy is wearing the shirt of MY team!)

Dropping a few hundred on our road trip was definitely worth it. Not only did we satisfy our baseball fix, we discovered a lost city in NV where you only have to be 18 at 3:00 am to get a hotel room, we utilized our excellent Boy Scout/Girls Camp navigation skills, and had some quality bonding time! It really was a weekend of sand, sun, sports, and memories.

Do not fear, amid our memory filled, baseball watching, culturally enriching road trip we did not forget the signature Evans shot. Behold, our rears at the Coliseum.

THE END! Literally.

The Price of Eggs

His wheelchair rolled up to my register and I knew he was down on his luck. Gingerly, he placed his single purchase on the belt. $1.96 for twelve eggs that would probably serve as his next dozen meals. He could only scrounge up $1.88, mostly in pennies, and I recounted just to be sure. Hesitantly, he held out his last, precious quarter but before it hit my hand the next gentleman in line interrupted, insisting that he would cover the bill. No problem. As I returned the man's coins and handed him the eggs, he expressed gratitude to his benefactor. "You're welcome, have a good day buddy." With eggs carefully resting on his lap, the man rolled away with a transformed countenance and change in his pocket. The samaritan handed me two dollars - keep the change - finished his own purchase, and followed his fellow out the door. Watching him walk away, I realizd that for $1.96, the price of eggs, the man in an Air Force ballcap had given the most priceless, eternal gift to one of the least of my brethern: love.

A Near Death Experience 'Neath the Magestic Guard of Nebo

'Neath the majestic Guard of Nebo and a super bright security light, Hali and I patiently waited for the night sky to erupt into beautiful, fiery colors. . . . and we waited. . . and waited, momentarily debating what pyro invented fireworks. Finally, to Hal's epic rendition of Indiana Jones, the fireworks started. Surreal willow trees and star fish blossomed before our eyes. At one fascinating blast, a simultaneous "WOW" escaped our lips. Suddenly, a rouge firework erupted directly in front of an unsuspecting family a mere 50 feet in front of us. As I clutched Hali's arm, my super hero, we both screamed and lamented the thought of death by firework. Fortunately, there were no injuries or further brushes with fiery ashes. After an amazing finale, play-by-play commentary and too many pictures for comfort, we tried to forget out death defying ordeal and started reliving some memories - with Blaine's permission of course! After a quick stop at the last late night
frozen drink establishment until Vegas
Hali and I took a main. The fact that we were rollin' in a snazzy, new car with a little over 108 miles on it made us feel so much more grown-up then when we took a couple laps in high school! By the end of the night we were both high on life or soda. . . our night couldn't have been better in Payson or "normal clothes". Love ya Hal!