Later Christmas

I thought I would save a little Christmas cheer and share our adventures nearly three weeks late. No, I did procrastinate! :)

Celebrating our first Christmas together was so much fun and amazingly relaxing! We started Christmas Eve day off with the traditional Heuett Family movie; after several votes and much lobbying the whole family settled on seeing 'Armored'. (For all you action movie buffs this is a must see!) After the movie we headed to the parent's house for food - delicious wonderful food- and games. To fully understand the level of excitement that accompanies game-playing with the Heuetts you need to know one thing:

Games are seriously ridiculous with these people. We never settle for boring games like Phase 10 (sorry mom). Nope, you must be able to act, yell, compete, draw, dance, and laugh at yourself when playing games. It is serious!! :) Knowing every quote from every movie you have ever seen is also helpful.

So, I was not surprised when Lonna whipped out some serious Christmas quizzes. I did ok on the Christmas Carol matching but when it came to Christmas trivia I was a gonna. Should I honestly have to know Marv's middle name on 'Home Alone 2'? Apparently I do. Hahaha. After trivia we played Celebrity which includes, but is not limited to, acting out any famous person you can think of. We saved the dancing/drawing/yelling game for Christmas Day, but the Eve was so so so much fun!

Once we could laugh no longer Bryce and I went home to our very own first Christmas Tree minus a star. Isn't it precious?

After reading the story of our Savior's birth, watching Home Alone 2 AGAIN, and opening the traditional Christmas Eve gift, we finally fell asleep under the tree to dreams of sugar plums or maybe it was Papa B acting like Michael Jackson from the night before. ;) Regardless of our dreams we woke up really early (because I love Christmas!) and started ripping that paper.

Bryce opened a gift from me first. Oh look, a new jacket he may or may not have picked out himself! (He is such a great actor) I was really surprised by 'Candy Land' - only one of the best childhood games ever! Needless to say Bryce made me finish opening my gifts before we could play but it was worth it.

My husband is the best! Hands down. Now, let me explain. When we started dating last January I mentioned a book I had heard about in institute. I searched all over for a copy of 'The Parables of James E. Talmage' but the book has been out of print for about twenty years and I gave up on owning a copy. Well, Bryce did not give up. Since my graduation he has been searching for the book for a gift. Right before Thanksgiving he finally found one and to my surprise and overwhelming excitement I opened my very own copy on Christmas morning! It is one of the greatest books I have ever read and by far the best Christmas gift I have ever received! Isn't Bryce amazing!!! I hope to share some of Elder Talmage's snippets of wisdom with you soon but back to Christmas.

After finishing our own Christmas morning and changing out of our Christmas pjs (Bryce's are fantastic but I wasn't allowed to take a picture) we headed back to the parent's Heuet's were we ate a delicious breakfast, were showered with more gifts, and talked to Elder James P. Heuett on the phone! Needless to say we were spoiled like four-year-old only children by our two AMAZING families. The gift highlights include cheese graters, a rolling pin, basketball shorts, pictures, The Office Clue, a hilarious British Comedy, and a Grill! (Sorry I don't have pics of the grill but if I don't post now it will never happen :) ) It was truly an amazing Christmas and we are so blessed.

Besides my new book, my favorite part of the holidays was just being with family. I cannot even fathom how incomplete my life would be without my wonderful husband, our parents, siblings, and grandparents. The Lord has really blessed us this year - with both trials and tender mercies - for which I am so grateful and through it all we have each other and dear family and friends. Even amid the stress and excitement of the season I often felt the encompassing love of our Heavenly Father and Elder Brother. As we continue down the crazy path of life I am eternally grateful of our Father's individual plan for each of us that started with the birth of His son so many Christmases ago.

Even though we are a little late we hope you all had a Merry Christmas. Oh, and come on over anytime for a thrilling game of Candy Land! :)

{Luv, Erin}

Happy Julienuary

True to our exceptionally chic and sophisticated form, my family started our pre-Christmas Weekend with a treasured Christmas tradition. . . .

laughing our heads off at Dad laughing his head off at the hilarious adventures of Alex, Melman, Gloria, Marty, and - the never to be forgotten patriarch of the 'Naughty List' -King Julien as they attempt to save Christmas. Seriously people, it's a good thing we were not in public! (You should definitely check this movie out.) After wrapping Friday up WAY TOO LATE with bellies full of caramel, popcorn, date balls, chocolate pretzels, fudge and ever other Christmas treat imaginable, we peacefully slumbered until morning when the real fun began.

Disclaimer: We may have a little, tiny, smidgen of OCD. . maybe!

The following are the steps to making a successful gingerbread house village. Rulers mandatory.

After cutting the gingerbread according to all OSHA guidelines, laying color coordinated tile roofing and gluing down new fallen snow we created the Evans/Heuett village. Notice that may parents reside in the most symmetrical house, while the boys obviously hate their neighbors, and Bryce and I just have the most rockin' pad on the block baby!

After house building we played several amazingly fun games including 'SANTA Bingo' which inspired Bryce's hit single entitled S-A-N-T-A. Look for it's release Christmas day and 'Right before Christmas Left' which much to our pleasure produced hours of endless fun, in the pitch black stake center gym.

WE ARE BRUCE'S ANGELS

Thanks to mom's ingenious Christmas gift we will definitely be shooting each other with darts for many Christmases to come!

Casualties aside, this Christmas part was FABULOUS! We got absolutely no sleep, laughed way to hard, ate more than our body weights in treats and shared a little Christmas spirit. I love my family so so so much and am so glad Bryce and I were able to spend the weekend with them!

Only 4 days until C-day. And in the words of the movin' king of the Lemur's:

"Happy Julienuary!"

Ode to Orem

Farewell to this city in the 801,
to its smog, red lights, and chaos

Farewell to a 5 mile commute
that takes 25 minutes, no matter the time

Farewell to the traffic and Bryce's loud voice
as he yelled at every passing car (they deserve it)

Farewell to the basement with it's odd temperature
of hot in the day when no one is home and cold every night

Farewell to our crazy landlady
and her cable, "storage", peaches, and phone calls

Farewell to our crazy landlady's dog
who will forever bark uncontrollably

Farewell to never having enough time
to drive the 2 miles (or 90 minutes) to anywhere

Farewell to Orem Wal-Mart
with it's overpopulated cookie section

Farewell Orem, it is with light hearts and large smiles that we leave, Farewell.

Homeless Hunter

As told by my co-worker:

So, I was driving out of the parking lot this morning and I saw this homeless guy curled up in the weeds by the side of the road sleeping. He had short sleeves on and it was freezing outside! So I pulled over and looked in my backseat for something warm. I found a stocking cap, gloves and a coat. I grabbed all three and started walking towards this guy. As I walking I looked at the coat and wondered if I really wanted to give it away because it was pretty expensive and my favorite hunting coat. Anyway, I finally got to the guy and handed him the hat and the gloves and then I handed over my coat. He put on the hat and said thanks for the gloves and then he took the coat, held it front of him, inspected it a little and said, "Ah, no thanks I'm not really into hunting stuff!" Not into hunting stuff? So what, he's into freezing!?!?

Who Dun It

That is the question Watson. . . . Well, while the Director was was questioning the rich Flapper about her IRS connections and the Roman college-student was hitting on the spoiled Princess who was blackmailing the Explorer, her father's best friend, who was harassing the Southern Belle about her latest movie as she was reprimanding the Egyptian wrestler for his antics as he ignored the Geisha who spread rumors to the Mermaid about the Vampire who loves to suck his client's blood. . . the lights went out, people scrambled around, and the Egyptian was stabbed. DEAD! So, whose grudge was strong enough to kill at the dinner party of the century?

Well. . . . it wasn't the Director because he was too busy arguing with the flapper who was avoiding the Geisha who is best friends with the Southern Belle who hated the Princess who was in love with the Roman who was checked out by the Vampire who got their hair done by the Mermaid who never even talked to the Egyptian. So naturally, the Explorer was the killer. Oh, Papa B!

(P.S. This was Halloween. We don't normally dress up like this :))

1st Grade Wisdom

I found this old email and thought it would be good laugh. . . Enjoy :)

A 1st grade school teacher had twenty-six students in her class. She presented each child in her classroom with the first half of a well-known proverb and asked them to come up with the remainder of the proverb. It's hard to believe these were actually done be first graders. Their insight may surprise you. While reading, keep in mind that these are first-graders, 6-year-olds!

Don't change horses. . . .until they stop running.
Strike while the. . . . bug is close.
It's always darkest before. . . Daylight Saving Time.
Never underestimate the power of . . . termites.
You can lead a horse to water but. . . how?
Don't bite the hand that. . . looks dirty.
No news is. . . impossible.
A miss is as good as a . . . Mr.
You can't teach an old dog new. . . Math.
If you lie down with dogs, you'll. . . stink in the morning.
Love all, trust. . . Me.
An idle mind is. . . the best way to relax.
Where there's smoke there's. . . pollution.
Happy the bride who. . . gets all the presents.
A penny saved is. . . not much.
Two's company, three's. . . the Musketeers.
Don't put off till tomorrow what. . . you put on to go to bed.
Laugh and the whole world laughs with you, cry and. . . you have to blow your nose.
There are none so blind as. . . Stevie Wonder.
Children should be seen and not. . . spanked or grounded.
If at first you don't succeed. . . get new batteries.
You get out of something only what you. . . see in the picture on the box.
When the blind lead the blind. . . get out of the way.
A bird in hand. . . is going to poop on you.
Better late than. . . pregnant.

When one door closes. . . .

. . . it is sometimes true that another door opens but more often than not you try to kick, ram, and force your way back through the closing entry before finally turning to another door, sticking your arm out to test the temperature, following with an anxious glance around and finally proceeding into the unknown armed only with the knowledge that you would rather explore a new, sometimes scary, room than be stuck glaring that the closed door forever.

And so, I find myself back in Cedar City exploring my new room! It will be interesting getting used to a new job, a new home, no husband (for a month and a half), and the overwhelming feeling to spend all of my time playing racquetball but I would truly go stir crazy staring at my last closed door.

Since losing my job in Orem (blame the economy because the people there were GREAT) and solidifying our plans to move back to Cedar in December, Bryce and I decided that it was in our best interests for me to move to Cedar and begin work ASAP while he finishes school in Orem. Thankfully we have the Lord on our side. I found a new job the week after leaving my old one, we have been able to sell our housing contract in Orem, and Bryce received an all-tuition paid scholarship to SUU! Life is crazy but it couldn't be better! For all you fretting romantics we will still get the 'newly-wed bliss' EVERY weekend, not to mention unlimited calls every night after 7:00. My wonderful in-laws have taken me in and after a month of solitary confinement in Orem, Bryce will live with my parents until he finishes school. We are so blessed to have family helping us find our way through this new door!

The moral of the story: when one door closes another will open whether by force, sheer luck, or blessings from Heaven!

Our two-day-everything-was-perfect-couldn't-have-asked-for-more-remember-it-forever-FAIRYTALE

Once Upon a Saturday my prince and I . . . .

put on a little show,

felt the BLESSING of Family and Friends,

took some pictures,

took some more pictures,

ok, we took a lot of pictures,

wore snazzy shoes,DANCED,
had the Best Bridesmaidsand most Manly Groomsmen EVER,

rocked the handshakes with the wedding party ALL NIGHT LONG,

played a little baseball, (which I lost)

had a little fun,
were married for TIME and ALL ETERNITY,

did it all again the next day,

AND

LIVED HAPPILY EVER AFTER!!

We Will, We Will Rock You

Today marked my first week as the new Primary Pianist. Now I've had other accompaniment callings before but, as I was warned, this was a whole new experience; an experience that I loved! I'm sure we've all heard it before but there really is a special spirit about children, especially those who are noisily attempting to learn about Jesus. :) So, here are 5 Things I Learned in Primary:

(Yeah, like this really happens!)

1. The prophets are still prophets even if they are referred to as 'Jeffery R. Halland', 'Henry B. Isring', or 'Neil A. Enderstington'

2. We should follow what the prophets tell us they want us to do because Heavenly Father tells them what they should do and what they should tell us that we should do. In one word. . . Obedience.

3. It's ok to just turn in last year's Conference packet for a treat this year right?

4. While I was in my early years, I prepared most carefully to marry in God's temple for eternity! :)

5. The hymn "How Firm a Foundation" apparently has the same tune as Queen's "We Will, We Will Rock You". Rock on little Sunbeam girl, ROCK ON!

I can't wait for the next few weeks in Primary with these adorable kids! It really is blessing in disguise to have this calling. (I'm just hoping Bryce will feel the same way about the Deacons!) And as a closing thought: Because our foundations are firm, our families are forever, and our Heavenly Father sent His son - WE WILL, WE WILL ROCK YOU!

(No, these are not the kids after Singing Time. . . this is Queen!)

Note: For those of you wising for a wedding post, it's coming. I've been having some techincal difficulties getting pics and since no one really wants to read about it I figured I'll wait. :)

Happy, Happy Birthday

Today my WONDERFUL husband is the big 21!! So here's to you my love. You are the best thing that has ever happened to me and I love you.

Picture Preview

Here are just a few bridal pictures. It's completely illegal so DO NOT copy and past. Many thanks to Lon Wickel for the wonderful shots.




There were so many great pictures to choose from and these are just a few.

A hem. . .

Your attention please. . . . . .

only 14 DAYS!!!!

I can hardly contain myself!!!

I Like the Drama

As if the "only daughter first wedding dotted on finance lame roommate" doesn't get enough attention, I thought I would spice things up. Explanation: I secretly enjoy drama. Haha, right. The wedding plans are going REALLY well. We only have a few more things to wrap up, my endowments are scheduled, and bridal pictures have been taken so naturally I needed more excitement, thus I became allergic to the world!

That's right sun, oxygen, cheese, cotton, Bryce, laundry detergent, staples, light bulbs, flowers you name it it gives me hives. This may be a bit of an overexageration. The truth is I have been battling some crazy allergies for about a week and I am seriously considering purchasing a bubble house! The reaction was so bad that my "almost" brother-in-laws are convinced that my future children will be nerdy, asthmatic, allergic, anemic children and my own brothers called me Smeegle. (Yes, the creepy, fish eating creature from middle earth) Luckily, I am feeling better and don't mean to rant about the drama. I am really greatful for modern medicine, wholistic medicine (Highly Recommed This!), loving "almost" in-laws, the BEST family EVER, priesthood blessings, and a fiance that loves the spotted me!

In other dramatic news. . . EVERYTHING is great! The binder is still coming in handy. I had a fantastic weekend in C-town. I had a great catch-up session with my best, silk-sister Rach. And I should definitely by doing something constructive right now. But, life is good! I am so blessed and so excited for my future. Life with a little drama is awesome. . . even if it is itchy!!!

The More. . . .

Since I have received some subtle hints from a certain roommate, this post is dedicated to Library Linda:

19 days, one date change, 10,000 wedding dresses, and Jillian Michaels the more of this crazy, exciting story is here. I will start at the best part. . . the beginning:

I met Bryce Heuett through his father, my communication professor, (keep your comments to yourself Hali) two years ago at school. He asked me on a date the first time I met him and according to urban legend I shut him down, hard. He hung out with my roommate on and off and eventually went back on his mission to Seattle, Washington. (His first mission to Portugal was interupted by illness) We didn't really hit it off until we started playing the question game this past Christmas break. I was totaly caught off guard but he was fun to talk to so converse we did. School started in January and I had my heart set on graduation, grad school, and a certain missionary, however Bryce just really liked my red shoes! He asked me on another first date where we went mini-golfing and to the temple. Since that adventurous trip, we have been inseperable!

On May 16th I was completely suprised as the "marriage talk" and ring shopping culminated in the proposal. That morning Bryce and I set off on a shopping trip to St. George. I should have realized something was up because his dad hugged him goodbye and his mom wanted a secret word with me out on the deck. Devious indeed! Anyway, after the shopping was done and I was convinced Bryce was either really sad or really sick due to his silence, we headed to black-light mini-golf. We went through a couple holes and needless to say mini-golf is serious business so I was really getting into the game until we made it to hole 8. . The Maze! I putted first and started through the maze. Bryce wasn't following so I turned around and went back to find him. As I walked around a corner he was standing there in a glowing white t-shirt that read "Will you marry me?", the ring was in his hand, a smile on his face, and I was in shock! Good thing no one had a camera because my response would have instantly hit the airwaves.

Now, I consider myself a resonably intelligent person. . I mean, I did pass Matt Barton's class. . . however my demand of the English language dissipated as I uttered "Seriously?". Good thing he loves me! He patiently answered "Yes" and then I got all shakey excited as he put the ring on my finger and I gave him the only good one word answer in the world! I'm pretty sure I golfed a 900 over par the rest of the game, but let's face it, my bling was worth it.

I instantly called my mom who was "so suprised" and announced the news. (Side note: according to my stake president, dad has one year to despise, hate, critque, and loath my husband-to-be but after that it better be all love and manly bonding!!) Since that fateful moment the wedding planning has not slowed done. As of now we have officially set the date, twice. It was originally August 7th but has changed to July 31st because (you didn't honestly think that Trecia?) Bryce's younger bro got his mission call for August 5th. I am not complaining!!! We have also, picked the cake and the decorations and my DRESS :) and taken engagments and wanted to burn the wedding binder. Warning: do not touch Kayleen's wedding binder!! Our colors are Rust Orange and Bright Sea Blue. The receptions will be held July 31st in Nephi and August 1st in Cedar City.

Most importantly we will be sealed for time and all eternity in the Manti temple July 31st! It's impossible that I'm saying that right? But it is so so right. Bryce is the best person I have ever met. He honors his priesthood, has an incredible testimony, loves me, makes me want to be a better person, laughs a lot, has incredible faith, and is only one of two people who ALWAYS outwit me! :) I am so grateful that I can spend the rest of eternity learning and growing with him. It sound cliche but hey the cat probably died of curiosity!

Oh. . . that was mushy!! Meanwhile, we are in love from a distance as I work in Orem and he works in Cedar. I am living with Hali (insert evil laughter) and we have yet to burn anything down, injure ourselves, or travel to distant lands. YET! Life really is good right now and I can't wait for my near future. (Even if it involves sleeping bags and garden gnomes on the corner in poverty) Haha. I'm excited for lunch tomorrow with Rachel and a weekend with my family.. . . . most of all I am grateful for Bryce. He just makes my heart happy!

Post proposal: I have some black-light pics but they haven't been uploaded yet!

MORE TO COME!!!

Graduation

Remember Kindergarten graduation? I do. After receiving our paper diploma's Tyson Welsh and I posed with balloons for at least 10 million pictures. My enthusiastic smile represented all of the world's accomplishments. Seriously, that paper represented my ability to read full sentences, play nice with the other kids, sing songs about Utah, and differentiate between triangles and rectangles! Fifteen year later I feel the same way.

Unfortunately there weren't any balloons last weekend but after donning a cap and gown, moving my tassel, and receiving a paper diploma I am a college graduate! The commencement ceremony was great. Complete with pomp and circumstance, we heard from President Thomas S. Monson and a centurion with so much knowledge to share.

Along with Mom Wilson, my mom planned a celebration for Rachel and I which the whole family attended. I am so grateful for the support my family and friends have been throughout my entire university career. Words can hardly explain how lucky I am to have them all!!

Today I can still differentiate between triangles and rectangles, get along with others, and read full, really complicated sentences! I guess I really did learn everything in Kindergarten - haha. Farewell to term papers, final exams, backpacks, and cram sessions; hello to a 9-5, responsible decisions, and "work clothes". I can still differentiate between triangles and rectangles, get along with others, and read full sentences - bring on the "real world"!


Farewell to term papers, final exams, backpacks, and crazy professors; hello to the real world!

March Madness

The legendary disease that typically plagues high school seniors and Spring breakin' college freshmen has unfortunately mutated and is running rampant at SUU. Unfortunately two events have led to my infection. First, the shortage of vacinations. (You would think this is the flu!) Second, the inability of constant snow in March to kill the bug. The following are side effects of this horrid disease:

1. I now feel no desire to attend classes and would much rather attempt at becoming the next Betty Crocker. Betty, let me warn you, Bryce should never be allowed to use the chicken hot pads to retrieve a hot cookiesheet! Yes, that is perfectly placed cookie dough on my floor. No, I did not eat it.

2. An increased need to spend time with HAL! (Insert imaginary picture of us) More quality bonding time means more quality summer ideas which now include us living together. We pledge to at least attempt at acting our age but should not be held accountable for uncontrolable laughter, late night ice cream, and too much singing! It's almost the white-picket-fence scene huh?

3. Several unfortunate attempts at striking a Blue Steel Pose with Meggi and Aubs. America's next top model here we come!!

4. A ridiculous obsession with LOST. I blame this 100% on B-ryce. The intriguing plot twists, great character development, and excellent cinematography make this fifth-season drama a must see. . . if you want and uncontrollable addiction to the TV every Wednesday night at 8:00. (psst. . . it's on ABC)

5. I frequently spend time at the temple with boys. It's almost like driving in cars but with a completely different plot line. . . Rach and Chancen are the inspiration behind several trips to St. George. The Spirit of Elijah is alive and it feels great to participate in such a redemptive work.

6. Fleeing to warmer climates does not work to escape unmotivation. Especially when the warmer weather (Las Vegas) only means trading a parka for a sweater during the opening baseball game.

7. Eccessive watching of any and all college basketball games. Needless to say my bracket was an all around failure but that has yet to stop me from tuning in every Thursday - Sunday in March and half of April. Much to my mom's excitment the championship is this weekend. She can hear the angels sing!!

As it stands, this disease has not adversly affected too many "important" things like my term paper, graduation status, or unscathed police record. Dad, I promise I will try my hardest to keep things in order, but seriously sometimes being sick is just way too fun!!