Thursday, January 7, 2010
New Blog
It's official: I've chosen Better than Lime Jell-O for the title of my new blog. Go ahead and check it out!
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Rethinking the title of my blog
A funny little thing just occurred to me: The title of my blog is "A Day in the Life of Spencer," but I've rarely posted anything. Maybe I should call it "A Year in the Life of Spencer."
What do you think?
Perhaps I'll just call it "Spencer's Bloggy Thingy"? Cast your vote in the poll at the top-left of this page.
Hasta....luego. :)
What do you think?
Perhaps I'll just call it "Spencer's Bloggy Thingy"? Cast your vote in the poll at the top-left of this page.
Hasta....luego. :)
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Blogs are for posting...
I can't tell you how many times I have looked at my blog in the past year and said, "I need to post something."
Well, here's something.
Ok. I guess I should really post something of consequence. How about a list of cool events from the last 12 months?
December 2008: I graduated from Utah Valley University with undergrad in Accounting. Can you say monkey of my back? What a sweet accomplishment!
January 2009: Working for my first employer, Contexo Media, just out of college. Emma turned 12! Wow! We went to the Temple after she obtained her limited-use recommend. :) Kellan turned 7, too. He's already reading Isaiah! Also, got myself a reliable, stylish set of wheels. I am glad that mini-vans are manufactured, particularly by Toyota, but I am sooooo glad that I don't drive one all the time now. :D
February: Scott turned 10...finally in the double digits. :) I was still geeking out about not having to do homework!!!
March: Baptized and confirmed Eliza a member of the Church. What a happy day!!!
April: Went to St. George with Jess, Aidan, Kellan, and Jocey. I swam with the boys in the middle of a rain storm. Jess thought we were crazy. I plead the 5th.
May: Commencement exercises at UVU. I thought this would be an anti-climactic day, but I had tears in my eyes more than I'd care to admit. Jess was majorly instrumental in bringing about this long-awaited day. Thank you, Jessi! (Dang it! I'm crying again!) Also, Jocey turned one! Holy crap she's a cutie! :) Lastly, we moved out of Wymount and into a comfy townhome. We forgot what space was like.
June: This time we went to St. George with the all six kids and Jessica's family. Very good time! We ended up taking a little mini-trip down to the northern rim of the Grand Canyon. At this location, I confirmed my fear of heights quite resoundingly. Yup. We also celebrated Jess's 29th ;-) birthday.
July: Jess and I got away to Park City for a free, romantic overnight stay. It was so much danged fun! We walked Main Street and enjoyed many of the shops and restaurants, plus we had a blast on the alpine slide. We did this two days after I got laid off. What a great way to get our minds off of it. :) (I won't mention my birthday here.)
(I'm listening to Stanton Moore right now. He's a gnarly jazz drummer. [Can I use such a word these days? Yikes!] He's a product of New Orleans and a lot fun to listen to. Try listening to some of his stuff on my playlist toward the bottom of this blog.)
August: Jess and I celebrated our third anniversary! Time has flown by. I can hardly believe we've been married this long. :) Time flies when you're having fun, eh? I feel guilty for not doing a big blog post about how awesome Jess is. She's really good about building me up and making me feel loved. She is so awesome! Couldn't ask for a better wife!!!
September: Jess started her last semester of school. YEEEEEEEHAWWWW!!!! What a sweet thing! Also, we invested in a couple of BYU all-sports passes and haven't regretted it a bit (except for the Florida State and TCU games!). :) Aidan turned 11. One more year and he'll receive the Aaronic Priesthood. Wow!!! I really excited for that!
October: We had the best Halloween costumes this year! Jess and I decided to make this a year to remember. Check it out on Jess's blog! We'll be talking about the good times for years to come. :)
November: Can you say BYU football rocks?!!! The BYU-Utah game was amazing. The score was 13 to 6 at the half, but it felt like we'd cheered BYU to a 90 to nothing lead. I need to get in shape, because I was exhausted after that game. :) Hall to George for the TD.... Oh yeah...I got a new job at VanCrete, but it didn't last long. Read on to find out why.
December: Here we are...the day before I start my new job as a financial analyst for Headwaters Resources, Inc. I had interviewed with them for a senior accountant position, but they changed their minds about what type of position they wanted to hire for. So, I took the VanCrete job since it was the best opportunity available. But about two weeks into my employment, I received a call from Headwaters to interview for the financial analyst position. Things went very well and now I'm heading into what I consider a VERY good career move.
Ok. So how's that for a post? Wait! Are you still reading this? Reward yourself with a quick listen to "Between Something and Nothing" by The Ocean Blue on my playlist below.
Well, here's something.
Ok. I guess I should really post something of consequence. How about a list of cool events from the last 12 months?
December 2008: I graduated from Utah Valley University with undergrad in Accounting. Can you say monkey of my back? What a sweet accomplishment!
January 2009: Working for my first employer, Contexo Media, just out of college. Emma turned 12! Wow! We went to the Temple after she obtained her limited-use recommend. :) Kellan turned 7, too. He's already reading Isaiah! Also, got myself a reliable, stylish set of wheels. I am glad that mini-vans are manufactured, particularly by Toyota, but I am sooooo glad that I don't drive one all the time now. :D
February: Scott turned 10...finally in the double digits. :) I was still geeking out about not having to do homework!!!
March: Baptized and confirmed Eliza a member of the Church. What a happy day!!!
April: Went to St. George with Jess, Aidan, Kellan, and Jocey. I swam with the boys in the middle of a rain storm. Jess thought we were crazy. I plead the 5th.
May: Commencement exercises at UVU. I thought this would be an anti-climactic day, but I had tears in my eyes more than I'd care to admit. Jess was majorly instrumental in bringing about this long-awaited day. Thank you, Jessi! (Dang it! I'm crying again!) Also, Jocey turned one! Holy crap she's a cutie! :) Lastly, we moved out of Wymount and into a comfy townhome. We forgot what space was like.
June: This time we went to St. George with the all six kids and Jessica's family. Very good time! We ended up taking a little mini-trip down to the northern rim of the Grand Canyon. At this location, I confirmed my fear of heights quite resoundingly. Yup. We also celebrated Jess's 29th ;-) birthday.
July: Jess and I got away to Park City for a free, romantic overnight stay. It was so much danged fun! We walked Main Street and enjoyed many of the shops and restaurants, plus we had a blast on the alpine slide. We did this two days after I got laid off. What a great way to get our minds off of it. :) (I won't mention my birthday here.)
(I'm listening to Stanton Moore right now. He's a gnarly jazz drummer. [Can I use such a word these days? Yikes!] He's a product of New Orleans and a lot fun to listen to. Try listening to some of his stuff on my playlist toward the bottom of this blog.)
August: Jess and I celebrated our third anniversary! Time has flown by. I can hardly believe we've been married this long. :) Time flies when you're having fun, eh? I feel guilty for not doing a big blog post about how awesome Jess is. She's really good about building me up and making me feel loved. She is so awesome! Couldn't ask for a better wife!!!
September: Jess started her last semester of school. YEEEEEEEHAWWWW!!!! What a sweet thing! Also, we invested in a couple of BYU all-sports passes and haven't regretted it a bit (except for the Florida State and TCU games!). :) Aidan turned 11. One more year and he'll receive the Aaronic Priesthood. Wow!!! I really excited for that!
October: We had the best Halloween costumes this year! Jess and I decided to make this a year to remember. Check it out on Jess's blog! We'll be talking about the good times for years to come. :)
November: Can you say BYU football rocks?!!! The BYU-Utah game was amazing. The score was 13 to 6 at the half, but it felt like we'd cheered BYU to a 90 to nothing lead. I need to get in shape, because I was exhausted after that game. :) Hall to George for the TD.... Oh yeah...I got a new job at VanCrete, but it didn't last long. Read on to find out why.
December: Here we are...the day before I start my new job as a financial analyst for Headwaters Resources, Inc. I had interviewed with them for a senior accountant position, but they changed their minds about what type of position they wanted to hire for. So, I took the VanCrete job since it was the best opportunity available. But about two weeks into my employment, I received a call from Headwaters to interview for the financial analyst position. Things went very well and now I'm heading into what I consider a VERY good career move.
Ok. So how's that for a post? Wait! Are you still reading this? Reward yourself with a quick listen to "Between Something and Nothing" by The Ocean Blue on my playlist below.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Sledding at Rock Canyon Park
By the time we actually got to Rock Canyon Park to do the much anticipated sledding, I think we had collectively sweat a gallon. Not only was the air thick with the smell of perspiration, but it was also thick with anticipation. We were stoked for the fun that lie ahead, except that we were missing was Mom and Jocey. Jess would've loved it, but Jocey was napping and keeping her warm in the cold weather would've been tricky. If Jocey can't come next year, I'll take my turn at home with her so Jess can let her wild side see the light of day. ;-)
We began our afternoon of blistering fun on the east rim of the Rock Canyon "bowl" and promptly migrated to the south rim. Emma burned up the slopes over there with more than just the sleds. This gorgeous smile was on display for the entire afternoon. She and I enjoyed a lot of trips down the hill together.
Here's Aidan on one of his solo rides. He was frequently trying innovative ways of getting down the hill. My favorite was him getting dragged down the hill behind the sled. One time he made it all the way down the hill but managed to get five pounds of snow down his front.
Scottie was also an innovator: This sled had been broken in a couple of spots but figured out that he could stand on the rudders and steer himself successfully down the hill. Nine times out of ten he was successful, but every now and again he'd manage a painful wipeout.
Eliza is a lot like me in that she's timid at first and reluctantly makes her first solo run down the hill. But then she enjoys the rush of adrenaline so much that she can't get enough...speed and runs. I overheard her talking to Kellan as they were walking up the hill toward the end of the afternoon, and she said this was one of the best days of her life. :-) I think many of us felt that way...except that we missed Mom and Jocey.
Kellan and Scott are kindred spirits: They're daredevils and they love it! I didn't get a shot of him going off his jumps because he was usually taking off before I could catch my breath. He loved flying down the hill and was usually pretty quick about getting back to the top.
Jess is a true sweetheart, because she wanted us to call as we were heading home so she could put some hot chocolate on the stove. When we got home, she was pouring us each a steaming mug that met with icy lips. Thank you, Jess! That hot chocolate made the day!
We began our afternoon of blistering fun on the east rim of the Rock Canyon "bowl" and promptly migrated to the south rim. Emma burned up the slopes over there with more than just the sleds. This gorgeous smile was on display for the entire afternoon. She and I enjoyed a lot of trips down the hill together.
Here's Aidan on one of his solo rides. He was frequently trying innovative ways of getting down the hill. My favorite was him getting dragged down the hill behind the sled. One time he made it all the way down the hill but managed to get five pounds of snow down his front.
Scottie was also an innovator: This sled had been broken in a couple of spots but figured out that he could stand on the rudders and steer himself successfully down the hill. Nine times out of ten he was successful, but every now and again he'd manage a painful wipeout.
Eliza is a lot like me in that she's timid at first and reluctantly makes her first solo run down the hill. But then she enjoys the rush of adrenaline so much that she can't get enough...speed and runs. I overheard her talking to Kellan as they were walking up the hill toward the end of the afternoon, and she said this was one of the best days of her life. :-) I think many of us felt that way...except that we missed Mom and Jocey.
Kellan and Scott are kindred spirits: They're daredevils and they love it! I didn't get a shot of him going off his jumps because he was usually taking off before I could catch my breath. He loved flying down the hill and was usually pretty quick about getting back to the top.
Jess is a true sweetheart, because she wanted us to call as we were heading home so she could put some hot chocolate on the stove. When we got home, she was pouring us each a steaming mug that met with icy lips. Thank you, Jess! That hot chocolate made the day!
Friday, December 5, 2008
One preview of pictures from our sealing day
Check out this photo! This was sent to us by our photographer as a preview of her work. I love this photo!!! More will follow...
Friday, November 28, 2008
Getting Sealed!!!!!!!!
Can I tell you how happy Jessi and I are?!!! We received a letter from the First Presidency last week granting our family's request to get sealed. Immediately we went into full operations mode to get all the details worked out with the Temple, our local Priesthood leaders, our families, a photographer, and the Olive Garden Restaurant. The day of all days is tomorrow, Saturday, November 29, 2008.
The day we received the letter, I had gone out to the mailbox to check for new mail. Over the last month or so, Jess and I have been vigilantly looking for that special envelope from the First Presidency. Well, on this day, I saw it in there and freaked out! I hurried back to the apartment and woke up Jess from her nap without any reservation, because I knew she would be absolutely ecstatic. I was right. :-)
Generally, people's reactions have included, "It's finally happened!" We have been through one heck of a "process" to get to this point. I don't want to go into any details, but we had significant opposition from outside sources (in addition to the adversary and his minions), and we are very grateful that we have overcome everything that's come our way. The Lord has answered our prayers, and our family is more than ready to enjoy the blessings of the Holy Temple.
The day we received the letter, I had gone out to the mailbox to check for new mail. Over the last month or so, Jess and I have been vigilantly looking for that special envelope from the First Presidency. Well, on this day, I saw it in there and freaked out! I hurried back to the apartment and woke up Jess from her nap without any reservation, because I knew she would be absolutely ecstatic. I was right. :-)
Generally, people's reactions have included, "It's finally happened!" We have been through one heck of a "process" to get to this point. I don't want to go into any details, but we had significant opposition from outside sources (in addition to the adversary and his minions), and we are very grateful that we have overcome everything that's come our way. The Lord has answered our prayers, and our family is more than ready to enjoy the blessings of the Holy Temple.
Friday, October 10, 2008
We Miss You, Blondes!!!
Our family spent Conference weekend in the Salt Lake Valley--all eight of us! :) Otherwise, we would've spent a total of six hours driving between Provo & Salt Lake--two hours on Friday, two on Saturday, and two on Sunday. So, to make the stay fun, and to make it palatable for our parents, we stayed in an inexpensive hotel for one night in Draper. The night before that, we sent Aidan, Scott, and Kellan up to Mom & Dad Schone's for a sleepover. (Actually, you could've called it a "stay-up-all-night-over". Those turkeys hardly got a wink of sleep.) While the boys enjoyed their thing, the rest of us went to Mom & Dad Anderson's for the night.
We did a lot of fun things, but after all was said and done, on Sunday evening we still had to take Emma, Scott, and Eliza home. That is NEVER a fun thing. Jess commented to me that that weekend was especially tough to take them back. Since Jess and I got married a couple of years ago, Jess and the Blondes (as we affectionately call them!) have developed a great relationship. I don't think I've ever seen anyone talk Scottie out of being ticked off or sad like Jess has. And Eliza and Jess were buddies before our wedding day. Emma talks with Jess like an adult, and Jess really appreciates Emma's willingness to help with whatever needs to be done. (Thanks, Emma!) Anyway...back to the issue of missing the crap out of the Blondes.
We miss Scotties stories and his prowess in Lego/Bionnicle building. We miss Eliza's sweet disposition that can turn into serious feistiness when her brothers push her buttons. We miss Emma's smile and warm personality. We miss their hugs and the love in their eyes. We miss the utter silliness that erupts into wild (and sometimes annoying) laughter when Emma and Aidan talk and play. We miss their hugs...oh, wait...I already said that...but I don't care, because we REALLY miss their hugs! I miss the silly and serious discussions I have with Emma before she stays up until midnight reading a book. We miss taking walks with Scottie and talking about the bazillions of ideas he has. We miss Eliza's dancing and singing. We miss having them sit at the breakfast table chowing down my awesome pancakes or waffles or Jess's amazing sausage and egg skillet. We miss having Scott and Eliza volunteer to read a verse or two from the Scriptures before bedtime. We miss playing baseball and basketball and riding bikes and scooters. We miss painting rocks with metallic gold spray paint and then selling them to the kids in the quad. We miss paying them to help distribute the stupid monthly Wymount newsletter once a month. (It's not stupid. It just seems like it when you have to put it on 66 doors. :-| ) We miss going up to Squaw Peak and cooking dinner over the fire. I miss telling Emma my stupid jokes and making her laugh until she almost wets her pants. (Thank you for validating my silly/stupid sense of humor, Em! "My name is Ethelinda. What's it to ya?!")
Leaving you guys in Riverton is NEVER a fun thing to do. And so we pray that you remember us with happy thoughts until we scoup you up in our arms again. Family can be a real piece of Heaven, and you Blondes are living proof of that...just like Aidan, Kellan, Jocey, and Jessi! Aidan and Kellan are already counting down the days until you come again, and so are Mom and I. :-) And I think I can speak for Jocey when I say that she can't wait to see you again, too. Until then...
We did a lot of fun things, but after all was said and done, on Sunday evening we still had to take Emma, Scott, and Eliza home. That is NEVER a fun thing. Jess commented to me that that weekend was especially tough to take them back. Since Jess and I got married a couple of years ago, Jess and the Blondes (as we affectionately call them!) have developed a great relationship. I don't think I've ever seen anyone talk Scottie out of being ticked off or sad like Jess has. And Eliza and Jess were buddies before our wedding day. Emma talks with Jess like an adult, and Jess really appreciates Emma's willingness to help with whatever needs to be done. (Thanks, Emma!) Anyway...back to the issue of missing the crap out of the Blondes.
We miss Scotties stories and his prowess in Lego/Bionnicle building. We miss Eliza's sweet disposition that can turn into serious feistiness when her brothers push her buttons. We miss Emma's smile and warm personality. We miss their hugs and the love in their eyes. We miss the utter silliness that erupts into wild (and sometimes annoying) laughter when Emma and Aidan talk and play. We miss their hugs...oh, wait...I already said that...but I don't care, because we REALLY miss their hugs! I miss the silly and serious discussions I have with Emma before she stays up until midnight reading a book. We miss taking walks with Scottie and talking about the bazillions of ideas he has. We miss Eliza's dancing and singing. We miss having them sit at the breakfast table chowing down my awesome pancakes or waffles or Jess's amazing sausage and egg skillet. We miss having Scott and Eliza volunteer to read a verse or two from the Scriptures before bedtime. We miss playing baseball and basketball and riding bikes and scooters. We miss painting rocks with metallic gold spray paint and then selling them to the kids in the quad. We miss paying them to help distribute the stupid monthly Wymount newsletter once a month. (It's not stupid. It just seems like it when you have to put it on 66 doors. :-| ) We miss going up to Squaw Peak and cooking dinner over the fire. I miss telling Emma my stupid jokes and making her laugh until she almost wets her pants. (Thank you for validating my silly/stupid sense of humor, Em! "My name is Ethelinda. What's it to ya?!")
Leaving you guys in Riverton is NEVER a fun thing to do. And so we pray that you remember us with happy thoughts until we scoup you up in our arms again. Family can be a real piece of Heaven, and you Blondes are living proof of that...just like Aidan, Kellan, Jocey, and Jessi! Aidan and Kellan are already counting down the days until you come again, and so are Mom and I. :-) And I think I can speak for Jocey when I say that she can't wait to see you again, too. Until then...
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