P.S.....

Did I mention we get to go to this place as a graduation gift?

And we are going to see this and this and do lots of other fun things!

We cannot wait!!!

*Please stop snowing so we can take a few days off and go to this busy, fun and magical place*

Thanks Mom and Dad!!!

Graduation.... CHECK!

A week ago today I graduated from Utah State University and I am now officially (well, almost officially when my teaching license is sent to me) a LICENSED TEACHER! I never thought the day would actually come. I am so happy and proud of myself for completing the long journey. Even if there were times where I wanted to quit or throw in the towel, I am glad I endured and now have a diploma. It is all worth it in the end. Here are some pictures from the graduation ceremony.

Graduation was held in Logan, Utah in the Spectrum. As Jeff and I were leaving Salt Lake, he got a call from his boss saying he needed to come in to work (aka it was snowing and he needed to go plow). It was kind of sad seeing my husband sulky and depressed cause he had to go plow when he wanted to come support me in my graduation. I thought it was sweet, but it broke my heart because I know how much he wanted to come. He even attempted the suicidal drive to Logan, but had to turn around at Brigham City because his little 2-wheel truck wasn't going to get him through Sardine Canyon alive. I would much rather have an alive husband than a frozen sardine husband.

My parents have been incredibly supportive of me always, but especially in my college career. I remember calling my mom for pep talks when I didn't know if I would be able to do everything and she never turned away from me. She was so optimistic and helped me through my college experience. My dad was the same way. Whenever I struggled or needed a push, he was right there for me. I remember one specific time that I was really struggling and needed some guidance. I do not necessarily remember what the problem was, probably something to do with my back or stress of finals or something, but my dad immediately came up to Logan and gave me a father's blessing. It helped me tremendously and really strengthened me. I love my mom and dad more than words could explain.

Susan was so nice to meet me on such short notice and drive up to Logan with me so that I would not have to drive in the snow alone. I think it was more for moral support than anything, but we made it safe! It really was a great experience to sit with a sweet friend throughout the ceremony and think about all the classes we endured. I continued to think about the people I met, the knowledge I gained, the classes I loved (and hated), the professors who believed in me, the professors I did not especially like nor appreciate, the many activities I participated in, and mostly the realization that my college volleyball career really is over. I miss that part a lot. However, I look forward to those new experiences I get to have with classrooms of kids who have a desire to learn (along with those who really don't) and the many great people I will meet and learn from.

I have had so much support and guidance through this college ride and I am thankful for many people. My parents, In-laws, my brothers and friends, my coaches who were very supportive and gave me great advice and help along the way, but most importantly... my husband. There were many nights when I called him in tears stressed from lack of sleep, physical exhaustion from volleyball, and crazy projects in my classes, and he was always encouraging me. I love him so much and am so blessed to be married to the most wonderful man in the world!

HOORAY FOR GRADUATION!

{A Candy Cane Tradition}

The Brewer's have a tradition of making candy canes every year at Christmas time. From when Jeff and I were dating, I have a new found love of traditions and the holidays are when most of our family's traditions come about. I had never made candy canes before I met Jeff and it is now one of my very favorite traditions.

Here are some pictures of the main event! Everyone hanging out before the making of these fun holiday treats! Scoot was doing some tricks for us.

Tom, Josie B, and Heidi preparing and flavoring the candy...

Once it is flavored, you have to turn it over and over to mix in the flavor and to cool down the candy, which is where the granite comes in handy. The Granite is covered in butter so the candy won't stick to it and it cools down the candy so that it is able to be pulled.

Some of the observers...

Josie B. getting some good pulls started before the boys took over.

Jeff was convinced that the longer the pull, the better. haha, so here is his loooooong pull!

We really enjoyed this picture of Jeff getting into the spirit of the pulling of the candy. He looks very... what's the word.... consti... I guess it isn't appropriate for the blog, but everyone got a good laugh from the pic!

Susan, pulling and cutting the candy into pieces for the candy canes

Everyone working on their masterpieces! Rolling out the candy cane and shaping them is the hardest part. We discovered that the secret to getting a good roll is by using cloth. However, stay away from colored cloths as they leave little fibers of color on your candy! haha, it does work though!

Jeff and I relaxing before the next batch of candy was ready. It is hard work being an elf!

Jake and Ashlie

Cute Tom and Whit

The Second Batch: Heidi is injecting the candy with delicious flavoring! I think this is peppermint! Delicious!

Tom pulling the candy/laughing... Not sure what was so funny, but he sure looks like he is having a great time! Good work, Tom!

Here is Heidi doing a great job of pulling the candy. She is so strong!

Tom was the designated candy turner/cooler offer. I dont know what the technical term is, but he would flip the candy to different parts of the granite so it would cool off enough that we could begin to pull it.

Heidi and the Donald working on some candy canes!

Some of the treats!

Our sweet Candy Canes! Jeff said that I made the best one, but I really think he was just trying to make me feel special. It was pretty good lookin! They tasted good too! YUM!

Loving the Holidays!

Oh Christmas Tree!

Well, it is nothing glorious or fantastic, but a friend made a wonderful donation to the needy (me) and brought huge smiles and the best Christmas spirit into our lives. This is our little Christmas tree (donated by a lovely friend who I thank sincerely) and I added a touch of lights to it myself so Santa would be able to see it at night. ;)

I felt pretty bad that I hadn't decorated for Christmas yet, but I feel like it wasn't really my fault. First of all, we are newly weds. I don't really have any Christmas decorations and I was not about to go into the Spider infested storage room that my grandparents open up once a year (see previous post). So, I just really hadn't done much decorating (if any) and it was depressing. Second of all, we don't really have a home to call our own. I feel a little weird decorating someone else's home and when they come home having them look at it and me saying "Surprise!" like I am some crazy person who decorates other people's homes. That didn't really make sense, but I just don't feel comfortable decorating a home that isn't mine. soooooo, I was talking with my friend and she had, in her car at that very moment, a Christmas tree that she wanted to get rid of. Of course I took it off her hands like any good friend would do, and this is now the lovely, most beautiful and simple Christmas tree that stands on our desk in our little room lighting up the lives of all those who see her. (Not sure why my tree is a girl, maybe it is because she has a bow?).

I am more excited to be able to decorate the home that we will call our own.... one day. For now, this Charlie Brown Christmas Tree will have to do and I am OK with that!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Congratulations Emilee and Zann!

Last week we had a baby shower for Emilee and Zann Call. They are having a baby girl, Lola, and we had a great time celebrating their new arrival. Congratulations Em and Zann!

Lola was so anxious to come to this world that she decided to come early! Her due date was supposed to be the last week of December, but she was born December4! We cannot wait to see this little angel and are so excited for the new parents!

Thanksgiving Day!

This year for Thanksgiving, Jeff and I took a short vacation to St. George with my family. We got to St. George Wednesday night and woke up early for a 5 mile run! Jeff and I are training (well, sort of) for a half-marathon in January. We have actually really wanted to go running more, but we have been relatively busy. After graduation I think we will have more time to run together.

Thanksgiving day was incredibly fun! We played Turkey Bowl football with my brothers (Craig, Brenda, Mari, and Kumi joined us later) and our team got demolished. I am not the best football player, actually I am really bad, so I feel a little bad for the boys who were on my team (sorry Jeff and ryan), but it was still fun even if we weren't good at all! With every Turkey Bowl there are injuries that are likely to be sustained.. and I was the lucky one to get bruised up!

After almost a week and a half, the color and swelling are finally starting to go down, but talk about a dead leg!! I don't understand why boys like getting bruises and hitting each other. Definitely is not my thing. I will just stick with the volleyball. I like having that separation with the other team.

I am thankful for healing!

I am so grateful for my family and for a husband who loves me and takes care of me.

I am thankful for my life and a cosy bed to sleep in. We could definitely be in a different situation, but we have family who love us and want what is best for us, and that is the greatest love in the world. I love my family so much. We are so blessed.