Red Rock Land

There is one special advantage for dating Bronson--he has family everywhere, and so it just makes traveling 100x easier.

His grandpa and his wife Judy live in St. George, so we took advantage of the Memorial Day weekend to go, and visit them. That was my first time in St. George--and so I've made these two conclusions. First, St. George made me so excited for retirement, but secondly, it also made me fear getting old.

We left Friday afternoon after work, and it went something like this. I met Bronson at the car with all my stuff, and promptly asked, "Did you bring this...?" I replied, "no." So i ran to my apartment, grabbed the necessities, and returned. He asked if I had something else, I said no, and went back again. I did this a total of five times. Oh poor Bronson! I'm more like a child than a mother! He just slapped his hand over his face, uttering, "How did you mom live with you!?" I explained she had a very detailed list of exactly how many pairs of socks and underwear was to be packed, and how many shirts and pants. I don't have my mom or that list with me, but I am beginning to think I should.

We arrived late Friday night, said hello and went to bed. I slept in the guest house, seperate of the home (how cool!). We got up early that morning to run, and Grandpa Moss made delicious pop-up pancakes. I love when other families love that breakfast as much as I do, it makes me feel at home.

Grandpa Moss and Judy have become expert tour guides of St. George, they showed us all the really new expensive houses (can you blame me that i'm excited for retirement!? ;), then we went to Snow Canyon--a beautiful drive of lots of red rock! Bronson and I jumped out of the car to do a hike, it wasn't super streneous, because after all, I was wearing gold-studded sandals. We found these lava caves you can climb through, oh how i wish we had more time and better clothing, we've already made trips to go back. The view was spectacular, hiking in southern utah has a beautiful but much different scenery than the pacific northwest, but both are equally beautiful.



After Snow Canyon, we ate delicious pizza, and they couldn't pass by getting ice-cream at the red barn across the street. We went home where we receieved a concert by Judy & Grandpa Moss. Judy played the accordian and Grandpa Moss played the drums. They are talented, and it was SO fun to watch and listen. Judy left to serve in the temple, and we went swimming at their community pool. Grandpa Moss took us to the St. George temple and visitor center, it was beautiful! I was instantly flooded with memories from my Idaho Falls Visitor Center mission. Grandpa Moss shared story after story of his ancestors and what they had done to build the St. George temple. Apparently, at the time they were building it, they ordered paint, and when it arrived, it was this light mint green instead of white, so they sold it to the paint store nearby (and they had plenty of it), so everyone bought the green paint, because it was so cheap, and painted their houses. If you drive around the neighborhoods of the temple, you'll see one house left that is the original green paint.

After a nice beautiful drive through St. George, we came home for dinner. We sat around and talked for the next few hours with them, he showed us a scrapbook Grandma Moss made before she passed away--it was beautiful, and had everything you could want to have to represent your life. Even a few drawings from when you were three years old. I should probably mention, Grandpa Moss is a painter, and is wonderful. Many of his paintings have hung in churches in Provo, and he's been commissioned quite a bit. He is very skilled and talented.



It just so happens that my aunt dantzelle and uncle brad live in the same ward as Grandpa Moss and Judy. So, we went to visit them--although they had just arrived 1 hour earlier from their trip to Georgia. Bless their hearts for letting us come and visit--they were jet lagged and exhausted, but you wouldn't have known, they are just so positive and energetic.

We finished the night by watching Apollo 13--its interesting to go back and watch the movies you did when you were younger--but you didn't understand everything like you do now.

St. George was a sweet trip for us, especially driving in the car and talking. Its always fun to be with Bronson!

back to April

Lets rewind until pre-engagement! Bronson and I have plenty to talk about before then.

[Finished Winter Semester -- Trip to Oregon]  

Be prepared for a bunch of selfies...after all its just the two of us. 

This semester we took New Testament together, from Professor Griffin--who i actually work for. We made sure we didn't sit by each other, but we finished together. We won't say who did better ;)

When we made it to Oregon, the next day we went to Seaside. I've actually never been to seaside before, it was too rainy, cold, and windy to actually play on the beach, but later that week we went to Sunset Beach with Logan and got our fill of beach play. We went to pig-n-pancakes (a first time as well), and spent too many hours shopping. One thing I've learned about becoming a Gardner is the need to love Eddie Bauer. Needless to say, I always walk out with some thing bought. 

Best Older Brother! He'll play scrabble with him, take him to Taco Bell, and play on the beach with him. Just a side note: Logan is alittle more than half our age, but kicks our butt at Scrabble, and this throwing game. For real though. 

[Being with Friends in Portland] 

The cool thing is when I go home I still have friends that want to see me. [Julie and Allie.] This is about a every 6 month occurance. But these two are the most solid individuals I still know in Gresham. I love everything about them. They are eager to listen (definitely not my forte), and so freely give advice.
They teach me about everything : pop culture, relationships, love of God, and where to find really yummy places to eat in portland. they also will be my bridesmaids which just makes me so thrilled.

This was probably 1,000 calorie piece of cake, but SO beyond worth it. 

flash update

LDS General Conference 

there are two weekends of the year I love most and neither are my birthday or Christmas. 

I love that for the past several years I've been able to attend two sessions each year, this is how I will always remember general conference. One day Bronson and I walked to school and shared with each other our favorite Conference memories we have. I remember when I was 10, my parents made an exception to take me instead of when I was 12, and I remember where we were sitting, what I was wearing, and the most defining feeling, when President Hinckley walked through those wooden doors. I instantly knew that He was a prophet of God. And I feel that overtime about President Monson. I love it more each time I go. This year, I got to sit with the Gardner Family and spend Saturday with them! They fed me so well, let me intrude on family time, and shop with Michelle and Jessica. Sunday, Bronson and I enjoyed an Easter dinner by the Johns Family (how do they always make the best food?) and an Easter program. Weekends like these, shouldn't ever end. 

Mom's 63rd Birthday! 

Another great part of April Conferences, is we always get to celebrate mom's birthday, and it is a day to be celebrated. Mom would never selfishly seek attention of her own--but she is a stalwart lady. 

Despite her several physical/health challenges, she serves dad faithfully as a Stake presidents wife, a weekly Temple worker, and weekly temple patron, mother of 9, grandmother to 23, and sister to everyone. One of the cool things about my mom is that she makes being a "mom" her full-time job. Theres a lot of things my mom can't do, and couldn't do growing up, but that never hindered us from having a strong relationship. It was dad we played basketball with, but it was mom who read to us, cuddled with us, and made dinner for us (oh and so much more). 

I'm still working on my mom's birthday card, but I would tell her : thank you for every single day. Every email she wrote me on my mission. Every breakfast, sack lunch, and dinner. For attending every violin lesson, and orchestra rehearsal, for driving me to every piano lesson. For ignoring my messy room, and unmade bed, and still doing my laundry. Its impossible not to love my mother for all she's done. "I love her, because she first loved us." 

I am more excited for the Resurrection for my mother, than I am for myself. I can't wait for my mother to experience one day without pain. For this reason and more, I am grateful for God's perfect plan for His children. 

Other Really Unimportant Events: 

 Someone's boyfriend (clarification: not mine), decided to put dish soap in the dishwater instead of detergent. #icleaneditup #men

Secondly, one day, Bronson and I matched, unintentionally of course. Obviously, need to work on my sefie skills.

There was the one time where I spent more time with my roommates in one week than I had all semester, and it was so fun. I realized I need to spend more time with them, not for them, but for me! They made me feel so much happier this week. #reallygoodfriends

And then way back in February, Bronson and I attended the "Second Chance Dance." Luckily, we got to go together instead of find each other there. Costa Vida was catered, and I ate to my hearts-but-not-stomachs-content. (imagine: I felt so full, as if i was pregnant, that Bronson and I had to walk around the building a few times, I couldn't handle it!) Luckily, Jessica was there to help us with our rusty dance moves--considering it was my first dance post-mission.

thats it folks.
I have 2 days left of classes. And only my 3 hardest finals are scheduled within a 24 hour period, on the FIRST days of finals. whoever did final scheduling really failed in that category.

daily dose

I 've had every intention of writing.
I sit down, and then immediately remember something else i should do.
Well, its that case again, but instead i'm ignoring it.

tonight, bronson and i went to the last BYU basketball home game. i'm quite a different fan. Freshman year, I went to the occasional football game, but never stepped foot in the marriot center for basketball, i was too shy. Now, i can say i went to every football, basketball, and volleyball, or the except of one for each sport. #boyfriends

i'll shut up, because pictures are more fun to look at anyways. (warning: lots of love alert)

Feb - 19 - 2015 : Last home basketball game. We held the tinder sign. If you are older than 30 you "tinder" means nothing to you, but basically its some nifty app for you to find singles in your area, and go on dates with them. Luckily, BYU sports helped us fall in love, rather than tinder. 

Feb - 18 - 2015

Jessica's (Bronson's sister) ward had a tubbing activity at Soliders Hallow. We obviously didn't pass it up. Even if it does mean we are running on a substantial less amount of sleep.

I should probably also mention, we got a second refridgerator, and a fair-weather-roommate moved out, got one of the highest test scores in the class, got new shoes. whats not to be happy about?

Feb - 14 - 2015 

Valentines Day with Bronson. 

He has a pure heart. 

He painted my nails--with new polish he bought, a white rose, and chocolates (He really knows me)

Not to mention, he ate crepes with me before his test, allowed sporadic visits for talking, took his sister out for fro-yo, took me to the basketball game, firehouse subs, AND Big Hero 6. 

We could've done everything or nothing, its just spending time with HIM. 

Okay, i'm off the sap train. 

Mission companions, are also life companions. Hermana Murray surprised me 

with DELICIOUS cookies. 

Feb - 7 - 2015 

Date with Jessica, Cecily, and Clayton to eat yummmmmmy nachos and watch Divine Comedy.

Feb - 8 - 2015

And of course, the picture that made us famous and win : BYUs cutest couple. 

Thanks for being a champion and voting for us. 

#luckycouple 

completely fine by me

i'm sliding off my revolving chair in the library because i can't stay awake so i'll pause mid-work and write something just to wake me up.

to be quick, Bronson and I have done so many fun things lately, i just a) stop taking pictures b) forget what day everything happens because it all mushed together.

sigh, its hard guys, to be the world's coolest couple, *hair flip*.

 + we went to a basketball game, and I almost won an instagram contest, but DID win a free t-shirts. it was like one of the right times, right place, kinda moments. I guess my ripping bouquets out of peoples hands at weddings skills really paid off ;). it was kinda like that.

+ we went to Cafe Rio (its always a good date when we go to the cafe), and we ran into Scott and Cathy Hansen and Elise (my sister in law, Janelle's family), Elise is my childhood best friend, so it was so cool to see all of them, and the Hansen's before they entered the MTC. We are really good about having this tender mercy restaurant moments. i'm not complaining. See here for other.
then we made a quick run later that night to Cold Stone, because our double date fell through.

+ Saturday we were finally able to do a session. it was beautiful, and i was reminded of all the reasons why I love God and the temple. Bronson humored me and took me to the Provo Bakery--i had heard too many reviews about it, I was itching to try it. We almost went into cardiac arrest but--totally worth it.

Later that day we had a Ward Sports Day - super fun - until Bronson gave me a black eye - sorta. That night we got pizza with my roommates and I stayed home and did homework and he had a bro-sista-date with Jessica at the game. We went apt hunting for the a usable hot-tub. We were trespassers, but it was fun anyways.

+ Fast Sunday : besides Break the Fast, we honed the indexing skills and watched segments of the Super Bowl here and there (okay, the last 3 minutes), and made some delicious 88 cent pumpkin bars. Its been Bronson's best purchase thus far.

+ After the weekend, everything becomes a little more routine. School. Studying. Grocery shopping. Dinners. More studying. Finding free food at sporting events. We even made it to a mid-week date to the Nickel Arcade that our ward put on. Even though I was dying for this test I had this morning, we couldn't pass up free admission and nickels. Can you blame us? My justification was that I wasn't going to be on my death bed wishing I got a better grade on this test.

+ Okay, I think I'm awake now, and fully content that I've updated my life for the past week. Just so I don't forget in 5 years  next week. 

a cup of em

if you highly sensitive to sappy things, you might want to click out of your browser now.

i really don't have a major reason to write this, no birthday, valentines day, special anniversary, nope, and thats okay, I don't have to.

its just a necessary blog post about someone special.

i just want to remember how fun life has been as a 21-22 year old with my best buddy, Bronson.
 See what i mean?

and believe me this is not idol worshipping here, I just feel the need to do some public appreciation for this guy, something i've failed to do. and besides, he is the only one that reads this blog anyways...

1. Bronson's making me a better person. In a lot of ways. He encouraged me this week to start working more hours, and then has asked me about my accountability every single day. He's helped me do it! He stayed late with me on campus on wednesday and made me dinner on thursday after he worked knowing I needed more time to get things done. He's also been my knuckle-cracking patrol officer, he stops me immediately--I need to break this habit! He's helped me to exercise. Every time we run, I can tell he is itching to go faster and farther, and I tell him to, but he won't. He's a pretty good coach. And... he's being my role model for doing hw and getting good grades. I do so much better studying with him, because otherwise I have tendency to just talk to my roommates. Doesn't he rock or what?

2. Something Bronson is really good at it listening and talking. I lack on the listening and make up for in the talking...well...which isn't always a good thing. If I had to choose activities to do with bronson, I would choose talking over all of them. He talks to me a lot and about a lot of things. One thing in particular is, whenever we've had some disagreements or issues, he never (wait, emphasis on never) raises his voice, or becomes irritable, he is super (emphasis on super), logical about everything. Everything always makes sense afterwards. 

3. I'm learning to appreciate one of Bronson's greater attributes. Doing things slowly, but correctly. 

And that goes for everything. Every homework assignment, test, decision, products he's buying on line, and even how much air he pumps in the tires. I generally like to do something quickly and be done, he's teaching me about patience and doing things right--even if it takes longer. 

3. Lastly, he is just a cute fun goofy guy. He loves to have fun--i think thats his big life motto, and he wants others to have fun too. I remember seeing him teach Sunday School and think, "dang it, i have to get to know him," but felt there was no way he would even bat an eye at me. He loves sports and knows more facts about them and athletes then....maybe 7 brains put together. He loves music, technology, and food. And did I mention he's a better cook than me? 

Bronson really isn't the average guy. First and foremost, because he's stayed with me for this long! (applause). He really is consistent in all he does. And he works so hard at doing all that is right. He likes to be right, but is quick to apologize when necessary. He loves the gospel and is so good about always have a dedicated scripture study before school each day. So, whats not to love about Bronson?

Not much.  I sure like this guy. a lot. Muah. 

as of lately

 On MLK day, Bronson and I were able to participate in a Community Outreach Day, where BYU teamed up with UVU and helped tons of service projects on and off campus. I signed up for making coloring books for kids, but then we found the booth for making dog toys, so you can probably guess what we ended up doing. It was so much more fun than I expected (isn't that how service always is), and we both felt we should carve out more time in our lives to participate in service organizations, especially because of the influence of his cousin, Ashleigh, and my grandma Lewis, both who have passed away, but who's live were filled with constant service.

I have no idea why we looked so air-brush, thats weird. But mini-golfing was super fun, because, it was so cold that some of the tubes and passage ways for the balls were frozen so the golf balls got stuck to often and Bronson was a gent to get them out (oh wait that was me). 

It was a fun way to celebrate "dating" for 4 months! When we went to the desk to redeem my Pass of all Passes, so we could golf and do other activities for free, they offered to give us the married discount...until we told them that wasn't the case. 

Oh...and Bronson is on this Cake-kick. He averages 2 per week. I still don't know why...but okay. 

 I've had too many funny conversations with Bronson lately, and I am ashamed I haven't written them down. But after 120ish days together, we still laugh. a lot.

B: "I was going to make a turkey sandwich but I realized my mayonnaise expired."
E: "when did it expire?"
B: "two days ago."
E: Put hands in face, "haha, its still fine to eat."
B: "Yeah, i'll have to ask my mom."

twenty fourteen part dos

August 2014

i learned to do civilized things again with my two best friends, Julie and Allie. We biked to 

Boring, Oregon and back. And funny enough, it wasn't even boring ;)

September 2014 

--On the third day of school, I felt prompted to walk home a different way, and so i did as such, and ran into my piano teacher, Sister Alice Lyle and her husband, who were waiting for their granddaughter outside the JSB. 

--then... I met Bronson. But you already knew that. And I've just had only fun since then. 

case in point . 

October 2014 

-- General Conference

-- Smith Family Halloween Party (that one time that Bronson met my entire 

moms side of the family at once). 

-- Hiking the Y at night

-- Loving living with Hayley Lowder! 

November 2014

--Attending the final home BYU football games in negative degree weather, or at least thats what it felt like. Then eating Cafe rio afterwards was a worthy reward. We celebrated cheesily "2 months" that same day and went to the dollar theatre to watch "The Giver." ( I loved it!)

--That one time we were quoted in the daily universe. I've waited three years for that. 

--Driving to Oregon for thanksgiving! 

--Going to Time Out for Women with Alice-Anne

December 2014

--Finished another semester of college (and didn't do half bad either!)

--and all I had to look forward to was cute kids to play with! This is what "christmas break" looks like to people on Facebook: 

And then this was reality: waking me up at 7 am to play. . . 

mwwuah! bye twenty fourteen

on the 11th day of Christmas, my boyfriend gave to me...

its christmas eve.

my sister great with child is at the ER, my mother has been glued to the bed all day, i'm letting the kids watch the Lion King, for the second time, and i'm trying to not break a molar as I chomp away through stale croutons in my salad.

because of all the chaos, I've been asked to be the pseudo mom. Take care of Evelyn, Christian, and Hudson, and do all the casseroles for the Christmas feast tomorrow night, and part of tonights.
I'm already failing.

I started a load of wash, and dryer, but left the dryer door opened, and forget to add the towels to the wash. sigh. I checked my phone for a matter of seconds, and Hudson, decided to be Picasso and draw on the window with pen. I race back and forth from reading the recipes to the food, convinced it should be less difficult. And then after attempting to put the baby down three times for his nap, I've realized I have forgotten all the primary children's songs in English and Spanish.  and clearly, i'm the slowest diaper changer in this families history. frankly, i'm in trouble.

now, i sit as commander in chief of this guess who game. to make sure there is no cheating between a a five and three year old. you know.

but... alot of this turned around, when i was in the kitchen, doing something, and the doorbell rings. of course, another package not for me. i didn't even bother to look up. and then my dad says its for "Emily Lewis." I became pretty suspicious, because there is only 1 thing that comes in box like that. Factly, I turned a few shades of red, and quickly unearthed what was beneath the lid. It wasn't just one rose, it was 12, beautiful long stemmed red roses. With a short but sweet note, and a box of delicious chocolates. Can you believe it. I couldn't. I think i was mesmerized for a good while. I always thought I wasn't going to be one of those girls that didn't roses or chocolates, but I was completely wrong. I was and am absolutely thrilled.

this has just been such a happy christmas. a christmas at home. a christmas with family. a christmas to remember Him--Jesus Christ, who has made all happiness, change, growth, goodness, and love, possible.

a list maker -- twenty-nine

i love lists.
its how i can say alot, but without saying much at all.

and since these things are important. . . i'm making a list.

alittle bit about the boy (i like most) and myself : just because its good to take inventories.

1. He is a sucker for a good deal
2. She likes ice cream for breakfast
3. He will schedule everything in life around sporting events
4. She slept in a sleeping bag for 18 months and still prefers it
5. He likes fish eggs on his fro-yo (gag me)
6. She only likes the Jane Austen classics & such movies
7. He cooks better than she does.
8. And she is completely okay with that.
9. He can eat twice as more than her.
10. But she can beat him at basketball.
11. He speaks Portuguese and lived in Brazil.
12. She speaks Spanish and lived in Argentina.
13. They did #11 & 12 at the same time.
14. His mistress is ESPN sports
15. Her's is blogging.
16. He loves music, legos, and building things.
17. She can't wait to hold an 8 course dinner of all cereals.
18. He'll only wear Oakley sunglasses even though she despises it.
19. She basks in playing the violin alone.
20. They are both LDS.
21. She noticed him first when he taught a class in church.
22. He sat by her in church and looked her up on FB immediately after church.
23. When she was little she loved reading books on the trampoline.
24. And he loved trains.
25. He has his hunting license.
26. And she's never shot a gun.
27. He loves dogs--especially Max.
28. She hates them, but is acquiring herself to like them.
29. They are both proud Oregonians that like to have fun.

to be continued....

^^^ Astoria, Oregon : Thanksgiving 2014 ^^^