FoShaw AdventShaws

The New Update

2011-12-23T19:21:00.000-08:00

This post represents from Sept to Dec of this year. We've been a little distracted with applications, work, and just plain old stuff. But, those of you who know us the best know that nothing can keep us from going out and having a good time. So, the photos are the stories. There isn't many as a result of a misplaced camera, but here are a few.

Nana joining Anson and Mike on a mountain biking trip at Sundance

Mike and Anson trying to look epic on the way up the ski lift to the top of the mountain

Mike is to excited too look epic, but Anson stayed looking a little nervous the entire way

Beauty shot, of my bike

Yaya looking epically epic across the corn box

Anson playing in a sandbox made of corn

Dodging in and out of Alis view

These sheep smell...metallic?

Walking on hay bails. . . balls of steel

Picking the last of the garden tomatoes

Pink and blue, almost looks like we planned it.

She's a gift alright

Enjoying decorating a gingerbread house, or just enjoying ourselves

Anson climbed this rock by himself (with dad spotting of course)

This was the night we worked on the gingerbread house. You can watch the sugar running through Anson's veins.

June 2011 memories

2011-09-21T21:53:00.000-07:00

cousin Ethan's b-day

Eliza (Yaya) for short

Yaya's cousins

My sisters and our babies

family hiking

Diamond Fork Springs

Yaya at 6 weeks

Two Good Weekends and a Lost Wife

2011-05-31T14:17:00.000-07:00

Before you begin reading this blog I would recommend turning the music on at the bottom. For some reason the player lost the auto start feature, and seeing that I am particularly proud of this updates playlist I am suggesting you press play, for several of them are quite fun.

Last weekend was great fun. The Syphers, Hagges, and Browns came over to visit. We went camping on Friday night and enjoyed biking in the rain and crashing into streams. The kids had a blast and so did we, as Kay so brilliantly portrays in her photo below.

For James and Stacy this was a stoic trip (smile)

James just getting into biking. I am fat.

Saturday we went out to the back yard and built a few jumps for the bikes and had a blast. The kids played in the dirt, the husbands jumped over the dirt, and the Moms put band aids on all our scratched knees. Here are a few of the pictures of the kids.

Sweet pic of Ryan on the drop in

The kids using the drop in of the jump as a slide, there all there having a great time, even Nelson (the dog) was taking turns

These guys know how to have fun

Anson and Daxton, two peas in a pod

Kegan sitting at the frontier of his life

Me looking pretty legit

Observe my great parenting skills
Ryan throwing it down for the first time on the gap

The drop in for the step up that we built

I look good flying through the air

It's the landings that I have trouble with

This week end was really fun as well. The Syphers came down again. Friday night we played around on the jump till 8 then watched Nacho Libre, which is one of the funniest movies of all time, then Ben and I went on a bike ride. We left around 11 pm and started on the trail at 11:30. Our destination was Firth springs up Spanish Fork canyon.

About 2 minutes on the trail, which is usually an hour hike, the petal breaks off my bike. Fortunately, with a little finesse we were still able to bike most of the way there, with little hiking along the way, taking about 40 minutes to arrive. The springs were occupied by a very spirited, undressed, and occupied couple whom we shared the spring with for about 2.5 hours. There was no moon or clouds the stars were consuming and the entertainment was great. The ride back took about 15 min (downhill). Got back home, washed the sulfer off and were in bed by 6:30 am.

The next morning we went out and played on the jumps some more, building it up to get about 6ft of air, which we decide was to much, and broke it back down. I went to work, when I came back we watched another movie. I must now mention that all of this was done without Ali.

Last Sunday Ali left to Pocatello to go to a birthday party. On her way back, just outside of Poky the car broke down. She had it towed back to Poky and has been there waiting for its repair ever since. We're hoping that she'll be back by Tues or Wed.

Needless to say, without Ali and the chillins, I am just a lonely man with a bike.

Difficulty with the Easter Egg

2011-04-25T10:10:00.000-07:00

This was our entertainment Easter Sunday after dying eggs. Be sure to watch it to the end, he's a thinker.

Getting to Know Eliza

2011-04-21T19:05:00.000-07:00

Now that Eliza's here we're going through the whole "get to know you" phase of a relationship. The pictures tell it all.

At first she was bashful, not really knowing us and all she didn't want to draw much attention to herself.
She finally let us take a picture of her face and we realized how beautiful she is.

She next became very formal realizing that we were her parents and she needed to respect us and all. She shared with us her expectations of us and told us what she wants out of life.

After us listening to her, she listened to us intently as we described to her our parenting style and explained that if she doesn't like us then tough luck.

After all formalities were over she finally relaxed and fell asleep. It was the first time she slept well for about 15 minutes.

It's nice to have that over with and now that we know all about her and she knows all about us. This whole parent child thing is going to be a much better experience. She's great.

The Newest Shaw

2011-04-19T09:07:00.000-07:00

Well Ali did it! Monday April 18th at 7:18pm Eliza Myalee Shaw was born weighing 6lbs 2oz and 18in long. She is healthy and strong. Ali was in labor 5 hours with the last hour being the most difficult. I must say she handled it like a champ and got that baby out as quick as she could. After a night of partial sleep Ali ate a hearty breakfast of french toast, took a nap, ran a 5K, and we introduced Eliza to Anson...dum, dum, dum. At first Anson was mad at us for not being home all day yesterday. After warming up to us again we brought her in. As seen in the photos below he was curious, but stand off-ish. Only after Eliza gave him a gift of a Power Wheel did he finally warm up to her and gave her a kiss. Some family came over and now here we are.

Miss Eliza Myalee Shaw politely shaking hands

Eliza's first attempt of being dramatic

Ali looking like a champ with her new baby girl

She's finally getting used to being human.

I officially have a little princess

Anson not quite knowing how to react.

Anson discovering that baby sisters have faces just like his!

This is the official update, we'll keep you all posted as time goes on. Don't forget to leave nice comments about how cute she is and how wonderfully brave Ali is. They will both be flattered by them and my job will get a little easier. Of course other than Ali and Eliza's roll in this whole ordeal mine was the hardest. I had to stand there and watch Eliza come out like ketchup from a squeeze bottle while Ali threatened to kill me. No, it's not easy being the husband, but somebody's got to do it. And it might as well be me.

Change of Seasons

2011-03-31T22:10:00.000-07:00

Headed down Spanish Fork Canyon looking for hot springs and found this mini-Zions in the middle of nowhere. Pretty cool though. Anson had a great time leading us on a hike, rolling in and eating dirt and climbing rocks. He's so cool, must be the hat.

Ali and Anson enjoying a bench

Anson just climbed this steep rock, I'm so proud.

The struggle to get a good family photo by setting the camera on a rock.

We all went to a tumbling gym with some friends, Ali didn't get in much playing, but Anson and I had a blast jumping into the foam pits and doing the climbing wall where we landed in the foam pit when we fell. Anson didn't want to leave.

Ansons first time on an Olympic tramp.

Having a great time playing in the foam pit, but where's Dad?

The Unknown

2011-03-25T12:47:00.000-07:00

I am really on a roll, updating our blog for the second time in two weeks.

Mike has been placed on the waiting list at Pacific North West. He won't know what number on the waiting list until the end of April. We still have hope that he'll get in this fall but we have to plan for him not getting in as well. Mike has just started an MCAT prep course to apply again for med school next year. Our family is currently unsure of the future. However we are putting our faith in the Lord that he will direct us to where we need to be.

Ali: I'm still pregnant at 36 1/2 weeks. This is a blessing because I had Anson at 36 weeks weighing 4lbs 11oz and he was in the NICU about 2 weeks. I am just hoping I stay pregnant a few more weeks because the baby is measuring small.

Anson is talking so so much. He likes to copy all the words we say. He is starting to fold his arms during prayers and he thinks pictures of men with beards are Jesus. He is all boy and would rather watch a truck or a tractor than do anything else.

Before
7 weeks worth

After

The fam on our scooter. The Greers came to visit from Rexburg and brought it for us. So nice of them and so good to see friends.

Anson playing at the park

Mike and Anson on the scooter

Rock climbing at Rock Canyon

Anson is a natural rock climber

Hair cuts for daddy and Anson. Like father like son

It's about time

2011-03-10T21:21:00.000-08:00

It has almost been a year from the last time we updated our blog. We will try to do better. The highlights over the last little while include:
Me being pregnant with baby #2, a girl, due April 19th
Mike graduating from BYUI
Us moving to Mapleton with Mike's parents
Mike applying to med school with an interview in Washington
Anson turning a year and a half, going to nursery and saying new words every day

Anson's 1st b-day

Anson in church clothes

Anson helping mom make apple sauce

family pic at BYUI

No time for words

2010-05-19T15:26:00.000-07:00

Anson's first crack climb!

Loving it on the rock.

Hiking in Zions.

Beautiful Zion (and Ali)

I don't know what he's doing.

Camron feeding Anson.

First time on a canoe!

Anson enjoying his first canoe trip on the Henry's Fork.

Anson decided he wanted to steer this time on the Big Springs River.

Loving the outdoors.

Ahh

Aren't you cute.

Road to Recovery

2010-05-07T15:04:00.000-07:00

"What do you call these things again?"

I'm now out of the hospital and back in school. We moved back into our apartment after waiting for two weeks at Marth and Dave's house on the living room floor. It's good to have our own place again. Ali's been busy unpacking, my mom came up to help which has been nice. Anson's getting fatter by the day, I need to put up some pictures. I'm still getting over the head trauma which has been making me extremely dizzy. That's been the most frustrating part of the whole deal (until we get the hospital bills).

He's happy, it's pretty cool.

"Where do babies come from?!"

Not much else, we're trying to pick up some new hobbies to keep us busy through the summer. I'm learning how to do "manly" things like BBQ, fix cars, garden, and maintain a gun; Ali's being very patient with me. She's awesome. That's the update for now. Over and Out.

Up date

2010-04-11T21:47:00.000-07:00

Mike was back in the hospital for a few days this past week. He had a temperature of 102 and had really severe chest pain. We were worried his spleen had ruptured so we immediately took him to the hospital. Luckily it wasn't his spleen. He had a few infections and his shallow breathing caused him to get the temperature. He stayed in the hospital for two days for preventative measures. We took him home on Friday and the entire weekend his throat hurt. He ended up getting thrush, causing little white bumps on the back of his throat and tongue. His throat hurt so badly that he didn't want to eat or drink. This evening his throat has started to feel better and his spleen pain is subsiding. We are hoping he will continue to get better quickly so that Mike can start up school in a week.

Thanks for praying, fasting, and helping our family in this time of need. We know the Lord has heard and answered those prayers.

Accident

2010-04-05T20:10:00.000-07:00

My sick boys both being pushed on wheels around the hospital

Family fun at the hospital

These are pictures of Mike doing the jump the first time before he crashed.

Mike was in a bad bike accident on Tuesday March 30 in St. George. He was going off a jump and wanted to do it again. The second time he didn't land correctly. His back tire landed first, his front tire immediately smashed down, throwing Mike off really hard and fast. He ended up with a broken bike helmet, a concussion, bruised ribs and lung, a fractured spleen, and his left testicle removed. The last one was a joke.

Our good friend Ben was there and immediately gave Mike a blessing and took him to the hospital. Ben spent the night at the hospital and took care of Mike until Wednesday when Mary and I arrived. We are so grateful for all of Ben's help and kindness!!!

He spent six days in the hospital recovering and for preventative measures, making sure his spleen didn't rupture. He was not allowed to eat or drink for 48 hours in case his spleen did rupture. A ruptured spleen would result in immediate surgery. His spleen didn't rupture and he was able to start with drinks and work his way up to solid foods.

While we were there Anson got sick with a temperature of 102. It was a very stressful time having both of my boys sick at the same time. Mary helped out so much and by Sunday morning Anson's temperature went away and that night Mike was discharged from the hospital!!!

We are now in Mapleton, staying with Mike's parents and Mike is taking it easy. He is pretty stressed because he is taking the MCAT in a week and a half.

We want to thank everyone for your prayers, fasting, and concern on Mike's behalf. We know that your prayers helped immensely. The Lord has watched over, protected, and sent us peace during our time of trial. We were blessed to watch general conference this Easter weekend. It was a great reminder to me that the Lord is in control and I need to put my trust in him. It also helped me come to a better understanding of the Savior's atonement and the suffering he went through. I know he understands every pain and heartache I will ever go through and I am so grateful for him.

March

2010-03-13T11:37:00.000-08:00

This past month Anson, Mike and I have been sick with pretty bad colds. I think we are finally recovering. Anson has had it the worst and the longest. It's sad to see him suffer, especially when I couldn't do a whole lot for him. Last week Mike got a really bad flu or food poisoning, we still don't know which, but we are so happy its gone. I guess the positive side to all of this is having family around to help out with the sickness. That has made it much easier to endure.

Mike has been very diligent in preparing for the MCAT. He has about one more month till he takes it. He studies every morning and night and takes a practice test every Saturday. He has sacrificed climbing and most of his hobbies to prepare for the MCAT. I am proud of his diligence and hard work and pray it pays off.

When Mike gets a break from the lab and studying we have started running together up City Creek, a trail right next to my parents house. It has been really nice to run with Mike again because we haven't run together in a long time. We have been taking Anson with us in my new stroller. Running with the family is like a dream come true for me. I love it!!!

Another update from us

2010-02-21T19:55:00.000-08:00

This update tells the story after Ali's birthday where we went to a love dance and took a stunning photo. Then I went ice climbing for the first time this year in Bozeman. It was great fun and a little humbling. Good to be back with my friends and back on the ice. This update concludes with a stunning photo of our family (especially Ali and Anson).
Thursday the 18th Anson turned 6 months old. Wow, he is getting big! He weighs 13 pounds and is 23 inches tall. He isn't very big compared to other six month olds, but compared to his birth size, 4lbs 11oz and 17 in, he is growing like a weed! Our family has been sick with colds for the past few weeks, especially Anson.

A lead on w/i 3 in Hylite Canyon

A stunning photo of Ali in a poka dot dress, way to represent the Call kids.

Just looking swave coming home from church.

My 25th birthday

2010-02-11T22:02:00.000-08:00

My favorite b-day present.

Trying out the new stroller

My b-day brownies

Yesterday was my 25th birthday! It was also the 3 year anniversary of me and Mike getting engaged!
My birthday was full of surprises from Mike. First he gave me breakfast in bed, then he took me to lunch, next he took me to the Black Swan Inn so I could see the room we'd be staying at that night, the Romeo and Juliet Room. He is so thoughtful and so romantic. Then the biggest surprise of all...he got me a Phil and Ted's jogging stroller. It was such a surprise and it is my dream stroller. I am so excited to start using it. It is a single stroller that can also be changed into a double stroller by adding a seat in the back. The stroller can have an infant and a toddler in it together. It is pretty much amazing. I love running and this is such an awesome stroller. He really made my b-day special. I couldn't ask for a better husband!
Some family and friends came over for dinner that night and then we all went roller skating. Mike surprised me with the stroller at the skating rink. I was able to try out the stroller with Anson around the skating rink. Anson really loves it and so do I! Thanks for making my b-day so special Mike!!!

X-Country Ski Overnighter

2010-02-06T14:58:00.000-08:00

We decided to cross country ski up to a cabin in the Scout Mountain area last night where we spent the night. It was about 3 miles to the cabin and due to a storm and starting after sunset, it took us 2 hours to ski in. Anson enjoyed the trip bundled up in our baby backpack (which has a storm hood that is not shown in any of the pictures below). To keep him warm we stuck hand warmers in the feet of his snow suit and he slept warm and compfortably the entire way there. It was a blast.

The cabin had propane lighting and no plumbing, the only heat was from the fire place so we had to wake up in the night to keep warm. It was a small and primitive cabin, but that just made the experience more fun. It's nice to be able to go out and enjoy recreating as a family. And really fun to see Anson enjoying being with us for the adventure.

Anson enjoying the ski trip back to the car.
Just enjoying our time as a family.

All of us are happy, except James, he's crazy.

The cabin.

Happy New Year

2010-02-04T13:37:00.000-08:00

I am really frustrated because yesterday I spent a long time writing a new post and then the computer froze and I lost everything. I'll see if I can be quick this time.

Here is an update of what we have been doing the last few months

Before Christmas Mike went rock climbing in St. George and had a close call. We are very grateful he is still alive.
Christmas week we were in Mapleton with Mike's family. Anson loved all the attention being their only grandkid! I also loved getting more sleep!
New Years weekend we spent in Island Park at Papa's cabin. It snowed about a foot.
January we moved to Pocatello in with my parents so that Mike could start his internship with the pharmacy program at ISU doing cancer research. He is also busy studying for the MCAT 4 hours or more a day.
MLK weekend we went to Bear Lake with my family to stay at the condo.
Jan. 18th was Anson's 5 month b-day! We started him on solids like rice cereal, yogurt and bananas. He loves it!
Jan. 22nd we went to to OR show in SLC at the Salt Palace and met up with Mike's parents.
Jan. 25th I got mastitis and had a temperature of 103!
Feb 10th next Wed. is my 25th b-day and everyone is invited to go skating at Deleta at 6pm!

December

2009-12-12T18:38:00.000-08:00

Anson's outfit to our Christmas ward party

November

2009-12-12T18:08:00.000-08:00

November 1st Mike blessed Anson in our ward. We had most of our family there from both sides. If was so fun to see everyone. Thanks everyone who came!
Our little family

Shaw family photo

Anson's blessing tux. Aunt Martha let us borrow it.

We spent Thanks Giving in California and visited family in Mapleton

Anson and Grandpa Shaw

Anson wearing the adorable hat Aunt Natalie made for him

October Highights

2009-12-12T15:17:00.000-08:00

These events are out of order because I can't figure out how to change them.

Mike and Ali's clogging performance in battle of the dance

Anson's Halloween costume that says Future little climber

Halloween fun

Anson and daddy sleeping

Lots of the cousins during conference weekend

Anson's baby shower with my cousins in Utah

Mike's 25th b-day on Oct. 23rd

Anson now

2009-10-12T18:20:00.000-07:00

We apologize for not updating our blog like we should. We know everyone wants to see lots of pictures of Anson. That is why I did three posts today.
Here are some pictures of Anson within the last week.

Our little eskimo

Monkey Rock

2009-10-12T18:06:00.000-07:00

It is lots of fun to take Anson with us. A few weeks ago before it got really cold we went swimming to Monkey Rock. Anson really didn't like the cold water so we let him stay in his carseat and watch.

This past weekend we went rock climbing to Midget Widget with Anson

Don't be fooled. It looks like Mike hasn't lost the baby weight yet but really...

he is keeping Anson warm in his jacket!

Lots of fun

Fun with Anson

2009-10-12T17:34:00.000-07:00

Mike and I are really enjoying being parents. I can't believe Anson is almost two months old. He is getting bigger, about 7 pounds now. These are pictures at about one month old.

Anson loves getting his picture taken

He is so photogenic!After so many pictures he gets warn out

Anson is Home

2009-09-01T16:48:00.000-07:00

Anson came home on Sunday morning. With the lack of sleep I got mastitis, but luckily it is gone now.

Anson update

2009-08-24T11:56:00.000-07:00

My how time flies! Anson is a week old tomorrow. He is definitely the cutest baby in the world and keeps getting cuter every day! He is in NICU but he is doing really well. He currently has a feeding tube to help him get enough food. Once he starts eating enough by mouth we will be able to take him home! The dr. is saying about one more week till he can come home. We'll just wait and see what happens.

We feel very blessed by the Lord to have such a wonderful new addition to our family. We know heavenly father has answered our prayers, helping Anson get bigger and stronger. We also want to thank our family and friends for their love, support, and prayers in our behalf.

I think being a mom is one of the hardest but most rewarding things I've ever done. I wouldn't trade being a mom for anything, even my sleep.

The Little Baby is Born!!

2009-08-19T22:28:00.000-07:00

Its Aug 17th, 11:52 pm, we just walk in the door from a fun afternoon of rock climbing and dinner with friends and without warning WHAM...Ali's water breaks. Confused at the mysteriousness of the scene we, quite befuddled, go to the hospital. It's confirmed the baby is on his way. So, as traumatic as Ali knew this experience would be, she decided to put off the rest of the contractions and painful stuff till the next mooring and got a solid sleep. At 8:00 am she decided to start the contraction process (you think I'm kidding, I'm not.) Details aren't necessary about the contraction process, if you have any questions about what was said just visit your local sailor. (just kidding) Ali did fantastic and delivered 100% natural. (she's a trooper)

Anson was born Aug 18th at 2:56 pm weighing 4 lb 11 oz and 17 in long. He was put on oxygen then taken off 2 hours later due to good behavior. Though, there were thought to be complications there were not. The Dr's say he's stronger and more vibrant than normal pre-mature baby's of his age and size. He is going to stay in the hospital till he learns to eat a little better. Ali was up and walking around that night and is continuing to recover with the strength of a marathon runner.

I was out of town through this whole event. Fortunately the neighbors husband took Ali to the hospital and gave me all these great details. No that's not true, really I passed out when her water broke, as I fell my head hit the toilet seat cracking my mandibular. I was in surgery next to Ali as she delivered, saw the whole thing. We now share a recovery room together and my jaw is wired close. Life's good.

Ali and I just getting into the contraction process.

Rambo Ali taunting the contractions with a wet rag on her head and a smile on her face.

Ali holding Anson for the first time.

Anson before he was even cleaned off.

Anson carrying on the family name.

Anson the newest and cutest member of our family.

The Newest News

2009-07-17T08:40:00.000-07:00

So, its been awhile since we've updated our blog. Well...Ali's still pregnant, she's handling it very well, hasn't really gotten sick all that much. Mostly now adays she's just hot all the time, sleeps a lot and pee's uncontrollably, I'm just glad we don't have to pay the water bill. Though she's been feeling well, its has been a time in our marriage that we're gaining new insights about each other. Its been a time for us to grow closer and find our who we really are. Some times these times in our lives are difficult, this is especially one of those times for me. Ali finally shared with me one of her deepest kept secrets, knowing this secret helped me come to understand Ali so much more, and has given me so much insight that I wanted to share it with all of you, so you too can understand what it is about Ali that makes her so uniquely special, wonderful, and...Ali.

At first she didn't want to share it with me, so when she did it really brought us closer together and allowed me to relate with her on so many more levels. I love her so much more knowing what I know now, and here it is: Ali's the Terminators sister. I KNOW!! Crazy hu?! We'll all I can say is that it all now makes sense. I've always wondered how somebody could be so wonderful all the time, I guess she's just programed that way. Oh, well I must be back to studying for finals, I wish Ali could take them for me...she'd blow them away (hahaha!). Anyhow, she really doesn't like any jokes about it, it's obviously a sensitive topic so please be supportive (or you might die).

Ali caught unsuspectingly while giving me "the eye."

Climbing the White Line

2009-05-18T07:52:00.000-07:00

This last weekend Justin and I went out to the Lost River Range and climbed the White Line Couloir on Peak 11,308. It was a great climb and we made great time leaving the truck at 6 am being on the route by 7:45, summiting the route by 11:15 and being back to the truck by 12:45. It was my first mixed climb (mixed meaning rock and ice at the same time) and I led the first crux of the route, which wasn't by any means a graceful lead, but it was a great experience. Justins a great climber and I learned a lot from climbing with him. Overall a great experience, I can't wait to improve my skills and get back to the mountains.

Me half way up the first ice formation of the first crux.

Accending the second pitch behind Justin.

Justin taking the lead at the second belay.

Justin at belay of 3rd pitch, view from top of route.

View from top of route.

Mike traversing to exit couloir.

Justin (opposite direction from the above picture)

Big News!!!

2009-03-20T14:24:00.000-07:00

We are excited to announce that Mike is not sterile, and we are having a baby! We went in for the first doctor appointment yesterday and I am 14 weeks along. The baby is due September 15! The doctor said it looks like a boy but it is too soon to tell. Mike and I have a feeling it's a girl. We'll find out for sure in about six weeks. Here are a few pictures of Baby Shaw.

Body Profile

Body Profile II

Profile and Face

Island Park

2009-03-10T14:42:00.000-07:00

We have not updated our blog in a long time, probably because Mike and I forget to take our camera with us. If I don't have any pictures I don't like writing. But I guess I'll make an exception this time.
This semester has been really rough on Mike and I. He studies all the time and we never see each other. He is taking some difficult classes right now that determine his acceptance for medical school. The pressure is on and we want to thank everyone for the prayers in our behalf.
On Friday Mike and I were able to get away to Island Park and meet up with our friend, Tosha Hill, at her grandpa's cabin. This is the second year she's invited us to the cabin for her spring break and we feel really lucky to have such a good friend. We had such a great time snowmobiling, hanging out with her and her 35 friends from Utah State, and playing games. I cannot believe how amazing this cabin is. It has three floors, eight bedrooms and bathrooms, three kitchens, a huge entertainment center with a trampoline, pool table, air hockey table, ping pong table, and my favorite a fuseball table. The cabin is just incredible. It was even more incredible that the cabin was jam packed with people. Thanks for letting us come Tosha.
Mike and I went snowmobiling for two hours straight that morning and it was beautiful. The snow was falling and everything was covered in soft white powder. Of course Mike spent the rest of the snowmobiling because he doesn't get out much anymore. I spent the rest of the day relaxing, just the way I like a vacation.
Sunday morning we had to drive back home early because Mike volunteers at the hospital doing physical therapy and I had to visit sister's in the ward. We had stake conference later on and Mike and I sang in the choir. It was a very uplifting conference.

My how time flies

2009-01-22T14:55:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it is 2009! It seems like last year flew by. Mike and I had a wonderful Christmas traveling to see family and friends. We stayed with my family for a few days before Christmas, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with Mike's family, and the week after Christmas we drove to Oakland and spent time with the Riberas and the Lynchs. We are so grateful for all of you who let us stay in your homes. We had so much fun with everyone as well. We would thank you so much! We were also blessed to see two marriages over the break: our awesome friend, Christy Peterson in the Oakland temple and our lovely cousin Sara Call in the Idaho Falls temple. Congrats to both of you!

Now that school is in session Mike and I have been insanely busy. Mike is taking some of his hardest classes thus far, however he still finds time for me and is an awesome husband. I have been busy with my job and I'm trying to keep up my running as often as possible.

Today I had a really scary experience. I was trying to roll a 150-200 pound TV around in my classroom and it fell and hit my leg. It left a huge gash in my upper thigh and hurt so bad. Luckily there were no student around or they would have been squished. I was really blessed that I didn't get squished. I think the Lord was watching out for me.

No kisses for Ali: A trial of Faith

2008-12-12T09:55:00.000-08:00

We'll we didn't skip a beat coming back to Idaho. Last weekend I took advantage of the great weather and went ice climbing up in Bozeman, MT for 3 days. The Bozeman Ice Festival is held there every year and this was my first attendance. I was able to meet incredible climbers from all over the world. During a slide show I sat right next to Pat... (brain fart) anyways, he was one of the founders of ice climbing in America, he looked like he was around 90 and that day he was climbing ice that I could only dream about climbing at this point. I was able to push myself again and lead my second route, a WI 3 called Silken Falls. There were a few tough sections that I surprised myself on how well I did (pat on the back). There will be more stories like this through this winter, so get ready for some sweet shots.

Trying to get just the right placement with my ice tool.

In the process of raising my feet for better placement, then will start swinging again.

While I was in Bozeman Ali went to Poky to see our niece, Kyrra, get baptized. She had a grand old time seeing family, running with Ben, and making ginger bread houses. We were reunited on Sunday at 5:13 pm, it was wonderful. Although I was sick at this point so Ali was rather upset at me because I wouldn't let her kiss me (you all know how she is about kissing, just imagine trying to take away a honey comb from a beehive while the bee's are still living there). Yea, needless to say, I got down on my knees right then and started praying that she wouldn't leave me. I didn't get up until Wednesday, when I was better. She had pitty on me, I'm healing now and so is our relationship.

This is finals week; exciting and scary at the same time. We're just looking forward to next week and hoping for the best. Speaking of finals, I've got to go take one. Tune in next time for " All hell breaks loose when Ali finds out we ran out of ice cream!"

Cancun

2008-12-03T14:55:00.000-08:00

Our trip was so much fun. We wish it could have lasted longer. We were able to go with Stacey and my parents for one week. Our first day we went to a time share because it's tradition. My parents didn't buy it which is impressive. They did end up with a free car rental for listening to the presentation. We stayed at a really beautiful all inclusive resort. We ate way too much, played on the beach, saw a different show every night at the hotel, snorkeled at Cozmel and a few other beaches, and had a blast! On Thanks Giving Day we went to a water park called XCaret. We snorkeled for most of day and saw a Mayan show that night. We also ate a traditional Mexican dinner, buffet style. One day Mike and Stacey both won the mechanical bull riding competition and received bottles of Tequila! The last day in Mexico Stacey, Mike and I went to downtown Cancun and paid to have our hair braided. The trip was amazing!

2008-11-18T09:02:00.000-08:00

We'll, this weekends retreat went well. Lots of great trainings and even more fun. Ali came again, it's much more fun going away on the weekends with her around then when it's just me and the boys. Ali always seems to add a little "sompinsompin" to the trip. On Sunday we went to Poky to have thanksgiving dinner with her family. The food was great and the neices and nephews where savages. It was a blast.

This week Ali can hardly keep in her skin with excitement to go to Cancun next week. She keeps trying to leave the house in her swim suit only to be shutdown by the inch of frost built up on the outside of the door. Although it is nice seeing Ali in a swimsuit, she really needs to start wearing a coat. (she's so cute)

Looking forward to the Weekends!

2008-11-13T15:15:00.000-08:00

Last weekend Mike was in charge of an outdoor activities retreat in Victor. Luckily Mike let me come along. We had so much fun staying the night in a big cabin the school provided. We learned how to make many different kinds of dutch oven cobbler. We also learned how to make camp stoves out of pop cans. Mike taught us how to navigate with a compass. Saturday we went to Jackson Hole and did some sight seeing. Mike took the group around town while I went running around Snow King Mountain. I used to live in Jackson and I was able to run on my favorite trail. It brought back lots of fond memories. The group was going to swim at the rec center but there was a swim meet going on. We ended up eating lunch at Bubba's Barbecue and going home early.
Saturday night Mike's sister Natalie came to visit us. We had lots of fun spending time with her, Shannon and Nate.

This upcoming weekend Mike and I are going back to the same cabin in Victor for another leadership retreat.

I am really proud of Mike because he was chosen to be the area director of the outdoor activities and will be awarded a full scholarship. Mike is my little over achiever!

Don't forget to vote today

2008-11-04T15:52:00.000-08:00

Here is an update of what we've been up to. Two weeks ago on October 23, Mike celebrated his 24th birthday. My how times flies! He is getting to be such a big boy! We were able to celebrate by climbing at South Park and Latin Dancing.

Mike has also been climbing at a new place that Dean Lords found called Miget Wiget. Mike was so excited because it is all crack climbing, something Mike has never done before.

Well tody is election day so I better go vote before it is too late.

About Us

2008-11-04T15:18:00.000-08:00

Mike and I were married on June 9, 2007. We love being outdoors and have had many adventures. Our most recent was in Yosemite National Park in August of this year. It was amazing and we can't wait to go back next summer with Mike's dad!!! Cancun is our next trip that we are looking forward to. We are leaving with my parents and little sister Stacey over Thanks Giving Break.

Happy Halloween

2008-10-31T21:54:00.000-07:00

Well, its halloween! Ali, is spending the night in Pocatello with the family. Apparently Papa's party was a big hit. There was the usual doughnuts and smiles, thanks Papa! I wasn't able to go due to a microbiology lab test and a presentation that I had to give. I hung out and made cookies with Aubrey.

Earlier this week Ali was busy with parent teacher conference and found out that she didn't pass her test to become certified as a Special Ed Teacher, it's ok, we all know how "special" Ali really is. (wink). While climbing with friends on Monday and with tons of support, I lead my first trad climb. It was AWESOME! We'll get some pictures up shortly. Well thats it for this week, until next, ta ta!

Our New Blog!

2008-10-26T19:28:00.001-07:00

Welcome to our new blog! We hope you enjoy seeing all of our new adventures!