Peep My Crew: Casi

So I've decided to do a little spotlight on some of my nearest and dearest, my Crew. I've asked each of them to tell a little about how they met me, some funny experiences, and I'll give a little insight on them as well. I've been really blessed in my life to be surrounded by great people who have helped me more than I could ever express, and they make it amazing to be me! So they deserve a shout out. Peep my Crew!

*****

World, this is Casi, a.k.a. "Smalls," a.k.a. "Pespi," a.k.a. "The Cake Magician."  And she's one of the greatest people I've ever met. She's the perfect example of what "Peep My Crew" was started for, and I kinda tear up just thinking about everything she's done for me. When I moved to Utah, I was working in the mall at Mervyn's, as it was only thing I could find. That's where I met Casi, in the shoe department, in Mervyn's, and my life changed forever that day. After helping her find some shoes for an upcoming vacation, she came back about half an hour later offering me a job working for her at Famous Footwear. I went up the next day and the rest is history. I'm really struggling to put into words what she means to me because so many times, words weren't needed between us: we just understand each other. She was the best boss I ever had. She never said anything about it, but she never made me work on Sundays before I became her assistant manager, even though she told me  upfront I'd have to and every other employee did. I could have my wings clipped right in front of her and she'd still make me think I could fly because she always believed in me. She always has given me great advice and told me exactly what I needed to hear, but only when I asked for it because she's never been overbearing. And one of the coolest things she ever did was coming to see us in the hospital after we had Jeremy. She was the first one there and stayed longer than anyone... She's been through more than her fair share of storms, but somehow is always left singing and dancing in the rain. I look up to her so much!!! She's like the mom, older sister, best buddy, and cool aunt all rolled into one. And she made the greatest softball catch I've ever seen!

How long have you known me?
I have known you since the beginning of time... 5 years.

How did we meet?
I picked you up while you were working in Mervyn's. You helped me purchase a pair of shoes for a Vegas trip I was taking... It was luff at first fitting.

What's something funny that has happened between us?
There are too many experiences to even know where to begin... Working together, babies, softball, accidentally driving next to each other on the road... I loved each and every one of them!

What's your favorite memory we share?
I remember coming to see you and Amber when Jeremy was born. You were so happy, and I couldn't have been happier for you or prouder of you!

Any words of wisdom?
Words of wisdom... Where to begin? All my words are wise... If I could advise one thing, it would be: "You should never ever doubt what no one is sure about."

Primary Acting

Several months ago, Jason, Derrick, Kimball, and I were asked to help out in Primary by acting out some Bible stories for the kids. I'd completely forgotten about posting this until Jason reminded me today! Yeah, it was hilarious. Hopefully the kids got something out of it... Here's Act 1: David and Goliath:

Here's Act 2 of the show. The first performance was good, but I really think we brought down the house in second performance. Enjoy!



The King/Goliath, David, The Angel, and Daniel. Give us our Oscars!

Disneyland 2011

We had an awesome trip to Disneyland with Amber's mom a couple of weeks ago. I'd never been to Disneyland until our honeymoon, and this is my second time back since then! Needless to say, I'm a huge fan. And even though some of the rides were, in his words, "a little too scary," Jeremy loved it too! His favorite ride was Winnie the Pooh, and I'm pretty sure we went on it at least 10 times! And after about ride number 4, he found this awesome Tigger hat that didn't leave his head the rest of the trip. It was tight. We had a great 4 days in the park and I don't think we waited more than 15 minutes for any ride there. I was able to walk on to just about everything since I was either a single rider or got a pass for waiting with Jeremy. I still can't figure out for the life of me why Peter Pan is like the most popular ride there! It seriously had a 45 minute wait every time we walked past! To each their own I suppose... Here's some pics from the trip:

Yep, he's a carry-on!

He's in a great mood for 6:00 a.m.!

A happy pregnant momma.

Toy Story Mania is legit!

Jeremy just nose-honked Mickey Mouse!

The World of Color show was INCREDIBLE! Absolutely amazing. Made the Bellagio look like a mall fountain.

We had such a blast! The best part: the weather! While it was raining and snowing here in Utah, we were enjoying 75 degree sunshine. It was so rad! And honestly, it felt amazing to get away from everything for a few days and not have to deal with work calls or anything. Since Amber is pregnant, we figured this will be our last chance to go for a while with the new baby and all. I do enjoy my backpacking and hunting trips, but nothing beats being with Amber and Jeremy. I'm so glad we could have a great vacation together!

I think this picture pretty much summed up the trip...

Pow Day

I was able to get up to Canyons, formally known as "The Canyons", one more time and it was E-P-I-C! Perfect pow day! For those of you who don't know what a pow day is, it's basically just riding through knee-deep pillows of fresh gnar. If that still doesn't make sense, watch the videos:

Yeah, it was prime. This is most likely the last shred sesh of the year up there for me, but it was fantastic. Thanks again, Tyson, for the amazing hook-up and for sharing the ride!

Aerielle's Birthday

We went out to celebrate Aerielle's birthday and she decided upon a Mexican place up in Ogden called Bella's. When we got there, we were on our way to the table and passed a stack of sombreros reserved for people celebrating their birthdays. As we passed, Aerielle made it very clear that nobody was to mention that it was her birthday and there was no way she was wearing a sombrero. So that only left me one thing to: get her into a sombrero before dinner was over. Annnnnnnnnnd... that's exactly what I did!

Yes, that would be me screaming out the occasional "Ay ay ay ay ay!" throughout the video. Haha. Happy freaking birthday, sis!

Peep My Crew: Jason

So I've decided to do a little spotlight on some of my nearest and dearest, my Crew. I've asked each of them to tell a little about how they met me, some funny experiences, and I'll give a little insight on them as well. I've been really blessed in my life to be surrounded by great people who have helped me more than I could ever express, and they make it amazing to be me! So they deserve a shout out. Peep my Crew!

*****

This would be my secretary in the Elders Quorum presidency, Jason Condie, a.k.a. The Big Combo, a.k.a. Edward Cullen, a.k.a. "Don't scare me like that!". You probably have read about him several times before in my golB, his most well known success was in the Prank Wars and being the victim of the infamous goose prank. Jason and I have been through a lot together, and Elders Quorum stuff is just the beginning. We've been involved in deep debates about who could take down Jason Bourne (answer: NOBODY), had ghost hunts in the basement of the church late at night, and planned multiple golfing trips and man night activities, most of which have never happened-- yet! And I'm still not sure what the REAL story is about how he lost his vision in his right eye... (No, it was NOT in a gang fight getting stabbed by a screwdriver!) The real reason I love Jason, though, is he was the first person who ever thanked me for the work and service I'd given as the Elders Quorum president. He also always brings up scripture questions and makes me think I actually know the answers when I respond. He's gone out with me early in the morning and late at night for blessings, service, and to rescue those in need. He fills my email inbox and text message screens with uplifting thoughts, scriptures, and messages. And he has one of most powerful testimonies of the Atonement I've ever heard. He's a great example to me in so many ways and I'm so blessed to have him a my secretary. But even more than that, I'm blessed to have him as my friend.

How long have you known me?
About 2 years.

How did we meet?
We met at Church. The real first time was cleaning the Church.

What's something funny that has happened between us?
The goose. Need I say more?

What's your favorite memory we share?
Again I refer to the goose.

Any words of wisdom?
Give me your iPhone and do as Jesus would do.

It's a Boy!! (Again)

For any of you who don't know yet, Amber's pregnant. Haha. And for any of you who didn't read the title of this post, it's a BOY! Wow. It still feels so good to say that... We've known for almost two weeks now, and I still am having a hard time putting my feelings into words. We were pretty surprised that it was a boy, as we'd had some pretty strong feelings and inclinations that we were going to have a girl this time. Even Amber's pregnancy has been a lot different this time around. That being said, this just feels right.

As we were having the ultrasound, I was absolutely blown away at what we could see through this wonderful technology! To be able to see each chamber of his heart pumping, to be able to count his ribs and vertebrae, to see Doppler map out his blood flow... Absolutely astounding. So much has change in just 3 years... and 50 years ago. Wow. What a blessing it is to have this wonderful technology. Then the nurse, after all of my oohhs and aahhs, said, "Let's try and get in between baby's legs here..." and there was no doubt! Hahaha.

What a surprise! What a wonderful, happy, and marvelous surprise. I'm not a perfect parent by any means, but we know a thing or two about raising boys in my family. And it just feels so good to talk about "the boys" now instead of just Jeremy. The greatest news of all, however, was the baby looked "perfect." Anytime I can hear those words at the doctor's office I can leave a happy man.

So here we go on the next adventure of life, with two little boys. Jeremy has already dubbed him as his little brother "Squirrel." I'm "pretty sure" we'll have a more proper name for him, but for now, we have a little monkey and a little squirrel. Again, I'm just so happy to have a healthy baby and a beautiful little boy to call my son already, and a wonderfully incredible and amazing wife to share them with. Nothing else compares to this...

I know that not everyone has a perfect family, or perfect health, or can even conceive and have children. And that humbles me even more to have all three. My heart goes out to those who may have those kinds of trials. I'm so thankful for a revealed Plan of Salvation and the knowledge of a loving Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ who provide that opportunity for all of us, in this life or the next, and that we can have our families perfect, healthy, and eternal forever.

Paul and His Ponderings...: The Hunger

(I'm reblogging this from Paul's blog)

Paul and His Ponderings...: The Hunger:

So on my first brigade trip, Jake brought along a little treat for the hike, which I'm now addicted to...

Thanks Jake, there goes that whole "Lets lay off the sugar because I don't ever want diabetes" kick I was on! Seriously though, these things are delicious, and I've since discovered the strawberry apple flavor as well. Looks like I know what you'll find in my candy drawer from now on.

Editor's note: Paul was never on a "Lets lay off the sugar because I don't ever want diabetes" campaign, It was more like a "Lets save the world from diabetes by consuming all the sugar" project. Hey, sometimes you've gotta take one for the team...

The Jimmer

Yeah, yeah, I know. You don't have to say anything. Look, it's no secret that I have a strong, healthy dislike and loathing the "Team Down South," a.k.a. BYU. That being said, I have to be honest: I've been captivated by "The Jimmer." Now that the NCAA tournament is over, I can't help but give him a shout out. The kid is freaking BEAST on the court. Just watching a couple of games, I kept thinking "Wow!" over and over again. The real reason that I'm on the bandwagon, though: his humility. Even after making a 30+ foot shot, there's no popping his jersey, staring someone down, cocky swagger back up the court... He rarely even does a fist pump! Just 100% class. And that's the biggest reason why you can't help but pull for the kid. Yeah, his story is pretty unique, his skill is incredible, but it's his humility and sportsmanship, two things lacking from sports and society nowadays, that make me love to follow Jimmer Fredette. Pretty amazing to see someone like that transcend the Utah-BYU rivalry and captivate the country like he did for several months. Not only that, but he lived up to the hype and stayed true the whole time. As for the rest of the team, they could lose every game for all I care, as long as Jimmer threw up 30 points or so. Haha. Anyway, I couldn't help giving credit where credit is due. BYU still sucks, but Jimmer is pretty steezy. Besides, I really liked this photo and had to find a way to post it somehow...

Peep My Crew: Tyson

So I've decided to do a little spotlight on some of my nearest and dearest, my Crew. I've asked each of them to tell a little about how they met me, some funny experiences, and I'll give a little insight on them as well. I've been really blessed in my life to be surrounded by great people who have helped me more than I could ever express, and they make it amazing to be me! So they deserve a shout out. Peep my Crew!

*****

I might have to change the title of this installment of "Peep My Crew" to "The Man Behind the Beard" or something like that! You probably recognize Tyson, a.k.a. Pink Balloon, from our bearded adventures of frivolity on the mountain or as my partner in pranking and all-around good guy. I met Tyson one night as I went Home Teaching with our friend Jason in the ward. We became really good friends, especially after "Twilighting" Jason's car. Tyson and his wife are the type of friends that would drop anything to come help you out, and I'm happy to say I've been able to do the same for him too. Tyson even hooked me up with a pass to Canyons, formally known as The Canyons, this winter and it's been a blast getting out and shredding pow and gnar together. Sure I caught him squatting down in the back of my truck writing on my window in the middle of the night, but hey, what are friends for?

How long have you known me?
About 2.5 years. (And I might add the best 2.5 years of my life!)

How did we meet?
You and Jason Condie came over to my apartment to meet Dannie and me and see how we were doing. Jason was trying to get his Home Teaching done at the last minute like normal!

What's something funny that has happened between us?
Pranking Jason's car with all the Twilight stuff. Best night ever!

What's your favorite memory we share?
Too many to list. But I have really enjoyed snowboarding with you. As well as all the talks we have had on the way snowboarding. You have helped me out more than you know.

Any words of wisdom?
The next phase will transpire the way it's suppose to transpire. Basically, just live your life the way you feel like you should be living and the Lord will take care of the rest.

Colby's "Coons"

My buddy Colby was convinced he had raccoons living in his attic. It had been like that for months. He kept complaining about relentless scratching and rustling above their bedroom and was sure there was some furry mambo going down up there. He doesn't have soffit around his house under the overhang of the roof and he was sure that some coons moved in for the winter and snuggled down in the insulation. When he first brought up the idea, it was more of a gag that we were going to go up there and smoke them out or trap them or something. But last week, he reached the breaking point and I got the call...

iPhone: *digital ring tone*
Me: "What's up, dude?"
Colby: "Do you have any .22 shells?"
Me: "WHAT?!"
Colby: "We are gonna shoot the coons!"

Yeah. Let me just say that whenever Colby and his brother Jordan are together, and asking for .22 shells, I get nervous! I didn't have any, so he said it was no big deal, they'd just go buy some! Shortly thereafter, his wife Des called and asked me to come over because she didn't trust those two with a weapon and figured I'd be a source of reason and a better shot.

By the time I got there, the action had already begun! Des was screaming on the phone and I could hear Colby and Jordan yelling in the background. I walked in the front door and the .22 was lying on the floor with scattered bullets around it and I thought maybe there'd been a murder or something! I went into the hall where the ladder was set up to the attic access, which was open. Colby and Jordan were in the back room, cursing at the "coon." Turns out it wasn't a raccoon at all, but a black bird. And it was perched on the shelf in the closet while the Western brothers, each with a tennis racket in their hands and a headlamp on their heads danced around it... It was quite the spectacle!

So there we were, staring up at the trapped bird. Jordan tried to shoo it out with the racket when the thing "attacked" again! It was pure hilarity. So we decided to strobe it with the light on my iPhone and while it was in a daze, we threw a towel over it. I reached up and had it in my hand and then I tried to adjust my grip to pull it town when the thing got loose again and "attacked" Jordan, knocking him to the ground in a flury of cuss words. (Actually, the thing flew in his general direction and he fell backward).

Strobe the Bird

We chased it into the living room where it perched on the curtain rod. Jordan tried to grab the gun for a shot, but Des thankfully stepped in to save her house from what was sure to be a bad ending. We got the bird into flight again with Jordan guarding the hall, me opening the doors in the living room and kitchen, and Colby giving chase. A few more circles of the house and some poorly placed tennis racket swings later, the bird flew out the kitchen door and into the night. My side was in stitches from laughing so hard! So awesome. Nothing like strobing a helpless bird-coon to get the blood pumping! I should develop an app for this...