the thanksgiving of 2014

i'm completely aware i've taken a blogging hiatus. just like i took a grading papers hiatus, and school, and social life, and running hiatus.

now, we're back to the rolodex of life.

short version of my thanksgiving break : absolutely fantastic even despite the 33 hour car ride!

long version of my thanksgiving break: but lets back up alittle bit, shall we?

there was this one day in September, my first Saturday in provo to be exact. I decided to go play volleyball with the ward. i'm glad i did. as a few of us walked home, I happened to remember Bronson was from Oregon. So I said, "hey are you going home to Oregon for thanksgiving?" luckily, he said yes. Being curious, he asked, "Why do you ask?" I shrugged my shoulders nonchanelantely, and said, "oh, i'm just always looking for rides back to Oregon, thats all." I basically skipped back to my apt. completely content. What Bronson didn't tell me then, was that when I asked that question, he thought to himself, "I wonder if it'll be more than just a ride home to Oregon."

Well, he was right.

All smiles because it was beginning of the trip!

We arrived in Gresham on Monday afternoon, just an hour before a flock of family arrived for a great family dinner. Bronson was probably interegated with question after question, we had a nice FHE program, and games. Tuesday, we shopped. Because, who doesn't love their mom's credit card, but with your name on it.

Our wisest decision: My mom told us to treat ourselves to lunch, so we went to Del Taco, for their Taco Tuesday deal. Who knew you could feed 2 adults for just $2.58. #nosalestax

Does that just scream : COMFY. 

Then, partly my doing, I insisted we do the Christmas decorations. Then we ate a gourmet dinner with mom & dad, and because we don't believe in honoring child labor laws in the Lewis household, we set up an organizer/shelf downstairs. I told him to call me "Handy Mandy," because thats what I was.

We finally got to treat ourselves to ice-cream, a movie, and the hot tub. #livingthedream

Wednesday, we packed up, as I tearfully said goodbye to home, and we went to the most beautiful place, a place I didn't know really existed! Astoria. The Gardner's are experienced at showing the finest parts of Astoria, we saw the Astoria Column, and walked along the Columbia River, walking out to piers, and listening to the wailing sea lions.

Well, Isaac, that cute little boy thats sitting on my lap, he requested the picture with Bronson... 

                             I'm ready to go into the tree decorating business. . . okay, yeah right!

Before ....

and after...

On Thanksgiving, we played lots of Tennis Wii (I was officially sore for the following 3 days), Boggle -- thanks to Logan, 14 year old brother, kept me humble, and always tripled my score each round, ate A+ food, walked around the neighborhood with Michelle -- I wish you could just see their neighboorhood, whenever there is a break of trees or houses you get a beautiful view of the Columbia River in full glory. We played basketball, went to the beach so Daymon and Jim could go crabbing, and then to watch Interstellar--a movie that I am still confused about.

The rest of the weekends festivities included : picking out a Christmas tree -- in the rain of course. It just must be part of the Oregonian protocol inside of us. More Wii. More movies, and more good food. I loved being around their Gardner's because they are so relaxed, and still can get so much in to one day. I was impressed.

On top of the Astoria Column

Saturday afternoon, we drove to Gresham, where I got to say goodbye to my mom one more time, and see my two greatest friends Julie and Allie. Even though it was for 5 minutes, it made me extremely happy. Even though I am pretty sure they wanted to see Bronson more than me. We made it to Hermiston before the roads were to icy. What a tender mercy, because as Bronson was driving he was determined to make it to Pendleton, get gas, and then check the weather. I know it was the Spirit and maybe impulse, but he decided to pull over in Hermiston to get gas and food--unknowning that his grandparents were back in town in Hermiston. Luckily, because of that, the roads through the blues were shut down, and so we stayed with his Gardner grandparents that night. (side note: he's got the funniest grandma. I really like her).

Reunited! Julie and Allie are the truest friends!

Cyraus, Oregon 

Now we are back in Provo, and I feel like time is running through my hands like sand. I can't keep caught up! Gulp, I need to cleaning checks before I go teach my last review session as a TA--i got a job change for next semester, so, well....to be continued.

thanksgiving part I

i've been putting blogging off, and avoiding it like the plague, but...all the nieces and nephews are in bed...so what else are you suppose to do!?

Words of Wisdom for the Ride Board:
          probably don't use it, if you can avoid it at all costs. the guy i went with figured it'd be a good idea to drive 95-100mph the entire way. (mind you Oregon speed limit is 65mph). oh...did i mention texting this entire time too. Yeah, good one man. I wanted to say, "i don't know about you, but i'd kind of really like to make it home alive. you know, just sayin." I think i forgot to breathe for the last hour as we were hydroplaning in the rain...and dark. overall we made a 13 hr drive in 8.5 hours. Thats not a good sign. Moral of the Story: reconsider putting yourself on deaths line when using the ride board. just sayin.

How to Have the best Thanksgiving Ever:
         come to OREGON.
i'm in BABY HEAVEN here.
here is the low down:
2 Parentals
6 Sisters
3 Brother in laws
12 Nieces and Nephews (# of kids beats the # of adults)

mom and i baked apple pies all day today. finishing a whopping 6 of them.

okay, and humor me for my most favorite pie i've made yet....

a Mac APPLE pie. get it?  cute, eh? yeah, steve jobs should love me or something.

and i maid a braided interlace (what are they even called!?) apple pie. it was pretty gourmet. i knew elementary school was good for something.

the highlights:

baking with miss kenna.
thanksgiving began with....
the Macy's parade on our 3 inch black and white tv--that you cross your fingers for it to work.
and lots of baking.

each person was in charge of making a certain food...but julia decided to ditch gresham and sleep over with the vances and williams in washington, so i had to take double duty and do the mashed potatoes and sweet potato pies. lets just say those are not minor technicalities of the thanksgiving feast. so i was under pressure for this to be the best yet. lets just say, i made a few mistakes that ended up making it the best overall potatoes i've ever had. i am probably a bit bias though.

 and we were eating like kings and queens as we used only the finest of china we had.

Thanksgiving is the best. 

God has been so good to my family this year, i just wanted to document a few things:

I'm so grateful  for my family; the Gospel that keeps me grounded on the strait path; trials that help us to grow and improve; being accepted to BYU; a solid hard work ethic; my talents; safety; the scriptures; books, books, and more books; the little things in life that make it so comfortable--toothbrushes, hot water, plumbing, electricity; technology--okay, i'm little obsessed with apple products, food glorious food, a job--even when i don't enjoy it, transportation that allows me to see my family. 

We have seen miracles this year as 3 babies were born, and 1 child will be married, and 2 grandchildren baptized. My parents also are also reaping benefits of their hard work in their business, that has allowed them to travel to various parts of the world. 

Forgive me for getting alittle personal, but...

Most of all, I am so grateful for my Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ. I cannot begin to comprehend the love that He has for each individual, but I will be forever grateful for the perfect and matchless life He lived, so that He could atone and die for our sins, trials, tribulations, sorrows, pains, sickness, and all that we will experience in this life. I am so grateful for the Restoration of the Gospel in the fullness of times, I am grateful to know what I know and to have the Holy Ghost with me always. What a blessing and gift that is....I love this gospel, I love my family, and I love my life. 

God has blessed us so well. 

Part II to be continued. 

merry magical christmas

christmas is over. the idea of that still hasn't quite settled in. and quite honestly, i don't want it to. i love the feeling of the magical christmas's each year. they are so perfect. i just wish i could take one picture of it and freeze in time. but thats not possible. 

big news: oregon snowed. it was so lovely for the five hours it lasted. 

christmas isn't christmas in the lewis household without some of that coveted caramel popcorn.

mmmh....my mouth just watered alittle looking at that bowl of heavenly goodness.

and we finished making about 10 batches of caramel popcorn before Christmas Eve. So the morning was spent, having a breakfast feast. {compliments to the tradition starter: alice-anne}

{hot chocolate, buttermilk french toast, and eggs were on the menu}

{the rest of the morning I made gifts for about 4 hours and delivered them for 4 hours...}

{the glorious christmas eve feast with vivienne's family followed by a brawling game of wii}

{what mormon family doesn't act out the nativity? so we did. and we had to cute handsome Shepherd}

{and...now Julia and I have matching scriptures! Except my name is in lower case--specific orders!}

one hour til' go time

if you're reading this, it probably means you are shaking your head, rolling your eyes...uh huh. If only you would understand the predicament I'm in. I haven't wrapped any of my presents.(read: I haven't exactly figured out what I'm even giving to everyone in the fam.) When I was younger I would beg to wrap presents, oh and believe me, my mother loved it, but now, i'm almost to the point where I'm willing to pay someone to wrap my presents. And with the money i have....it would mean a low qaulity product.
I wouldn't feel any pressure to give each member a gift, but see how theres about aprox. 12 presents under the christmas tree for 5 people....well you do the math, it'll be obvious who didn't give to who.
So here I go, I have about 10 hours before we will actually wake up and open presents. Lets cross my fingers for at least 5 hours of sleep!

{each year I ask myself, why I even put everything off until the end...I never have seem to find the answer, but luckily, some Lewis instinct kicks in and I have the 'lewis-production-deadline-cursing' blood pump through me, and I'm good as new.}

Merry Christmas!!!

post Halloween

Don't you carve a pumpkin 3 hours before Halloween? Yes, I was lucky enough to even get one because there was only 10 left at the store.
So this is how I spent my Halloween weekend.

FALL FESTIVITES at the Church. (major disappiontment...NO SCONES. And this year they actually did a "trunk or treat" instead of games and activities. I went in the most comfortable things possible. Scrubs. (Above: Emma Jensen.)

No that is no robot, or TV, that would be a poisinous box jelly fish. 

And the harry potter, even with the glasses.

Miss Lily went as Hermonie. I told her to marry my nephew Jackson becuase both of them have been obsessed with Harry Potter (ie they've both read up the 6 book in about 3 months.) Even better, Jackson went as Ron for Halloween...so i think its meant to be!

 And this how you do homework and get ready for work in a matter of 20 minutes. 

Yay for World War 1. 

MLIA

I would like to think MLIA (My life is Average). But to say that, would be considered a lie. Despite it not being average, I believe I have had some events lately that believe it would be MLIA worthy.

Side note MLIA website, it one of my websites lately, however, warning: sometimes they can be lame, gross, and absurd, and some can be quite and utterly histarical.

MLIA moment:
I was in WinCo, like mentioned earlier, on the eve before Christmas eve, only to find myself stranded in the dairy section--ultimately the worst place to be stuck...its freezing--and debating on wether to buy Pillsbury cinnamon rolls or cresent rolls. This was a delicate decision that i put much thought into. Anyways, when I made my choice, I went to place the cans of heaven in my basket, only to find it GONE! For the Second time this month, my grocery cart was stolen. Honestly, the first time it only had epsom salt and matches--who would want that! Now this time, after an hours worth of food gathering, i wasn't going to let this go. I soon found the man with my cart and demanded it back.

Number of times stolen this month: 2
The gender both times: Male
Emotion: Shocker.

Merry Christmas 12.25.09
So when I was having a spray paint massacre, I could be found looking like this.


Merry Christmas 12.25.09
most awkward family Christmas photo.


the flower and necklace i made :)
and our Christmas Feast

The End.

December 24, 2009

Sharing caramel popcorn is a very delicate matter. You only give when necessary (ie people who have already given to you...its kind of an obligation). However, when you want something from someone else, you are mindful to give them your caramel corn first, in hopes they will return the kindness.

We did some shopping. Of course. If a Lewis family member doesn't shop on Christmas eve, something is seriously wrong. Dad went at 2pm and saw a family friend when they shockingly said "I'm surprised to see you here so late!" Dad quickly said, "LATE! This is early...its only 2 pm!"

After attempting to clean every nook and cranny, the Caudles came over and we ate and stuffed ourselves like it was Thanksgiving again. Sadly, my pumpkin turtle peacan pie was an epic fail. The remains spilling and shedding all over the refridgator.

When dinner was done, we played many rounds of duck duck goose and then had push-up and plank contests. My idea, but i don't remember why. :)

We bundled up and went to make the caroling rounds, only to get stuck in one persons house (ou know who im talking about) forcing us to drink bottles and bottles of sparkling cider. Yuck!

We came home to read the Christmas Nativity story, and let me emphasis READING, we don't act it out anymore, or Julia and I would have played every part.

Julia and I watched the end of Its a Wonderful life and then Garfields Christmas "Its a good old fashioned Christmas down on the farm"....sorry I got alittle carried away.

I only stayed up till 1:30! Since the night before it was till 2:30. But i got alot of "stuff" (presents, shop stuff) made.

Merry Christmas and all a good night.

December 23, 2009

Wednesday was alot like Tuesday.

I have never been in a more crowded grocery store, where it took me 2 hours to get everything. At that point i felt like just buying the whole store so I wouldn't have to fight people through the aisles.

I ordered take out for the first time ever. Of course it was at Chinese Happiness. I wouldn't waste 2,000 (non needed) calories on anything, but Chinese Happiness.

And finally, the day ended with caramel popcorn. We made 27 bags- a record for one day. I'm surprised our popcorn popper didn't blow, since it had been working from noon till 9pm. We used 1 box of margarine. 3 cans of carol syrup. Refilled our supply of brown and white sugar. And completely stuffed ourself with popcorn.

Drafty Old House

We live in one, and we all complain about it, but do we do anything about it...NO! And we never will, even if it snows so hard the snow piles in our house, our father will never raise the thermometer over 50 degrees.

We needed some warmth. This was not a want, it was a necessity. So we hoovered over the computer to watch....

OUR VIRTUAL FIREPLACE
(watch for the sake of all of us, please)

My 17th

Since I really didn't have a "sweet sixteen" birthday party, I had to make up for it with my

1st Annual UGLY SWEATER CHRISTMAS PARTY

Here are some of the highlights...
I should probably explain the cup! Well when I got my first piece of Oreo Dessert, someone shoved my head/face into the cake and my fork sitting next to it, hit my gum and made me bleed! I found the blood on the cup, fork, and parts of my oreo dessert!

You Know when its December when....

A) When you start dressing like this to do your homework

B) When you walk outside and see your breath every time you breathe

C) The grass feels like concrete

D) A waterbottle sitting in the garage went from liquid to pure ice

E) When the high tempeture has risen from 20 to 24 degrees, you can feel the difference

F) And everyone is more and more merry and bliss.