Update

Well, Dani delegated the blog update to me this week. Tuesday was the last day for my EMT course, and we did patient assessments in preparation for our upcoming state test on Friday. We also got to practice delivery/neonate skills with a slightly disturbing OB/GYN dummy. Yep, complete with male and female dolls, umbilical cord, and placenta. The lower torso of the mother is on the table to the right of me. Weird.

On Friday we all traveled down to SLC for our state practical exams. We were told from the state Bureau of EMS that it was going to be at 8am so we left Logan bright and early to get down there in time. When we got to the campus there was nobody there and the people we asked had no idea what we were talking about. So we called the Bureau and they told us it had been rescheduled for 5:30 that evening. There was no way all of us were going to drive back to Logan and then drive back down that evening, so my buddy/classmate Payton and I spent the day visiting outdoor retail stores, Naomi at the Olive Garden, the Masonic lodge, and touring the State Capitol in SLC. It was a good time, despite being tired and frustrated that no one had told us about the time change. 

For the state test that evening we were tested individually -- we had two patient assessments to do. One trauma (fall, motor vehicle accident, etc) and one medical (allergic reaction, heart attack, difficulty breathing, etc) with nine minutes to complete each of them. I finished each of mine with confidence. I should hear back this week with my final grade, but I think I did pretty well.

Dani has been busy with work, she's worked almost every day this week with it being USU's spring break and every college student is out of town. She's feeling pretty burnt out and looking forward to a couple days off starting tomorrow. Next week I have the last written part of my EMT exams, I start my CNA class (certified nursing assistant, we do all the dirty work), and continue with my regular USU classes after spring break.

This morning for breakfast I made candied bacon. It's incredible. If you haven't tried it, you've got to.

1lb thick-cut bacon
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
4 tbs rice vinegar
4 tbs maple syrup
Crushed black pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix brown sugar, vinegar, syrup, and pepper in a small bowl. Place bacon slices on a metal cooling rack over a cookie sheet (you can put tin foil over cookie sheet to make clean-up easier).

Bake for 10 minutes, then flip over and bake for another 5 min. Remove bacon, brush with mixture, and bake for 5 minutes. Pull them out, flip them, brush with more mixture, and bake for another 5 min. Repeat until brown and crisp, about 30 minutes.

And the Productive Streak Continues!

Sorry we missed getting our update out on Sunday...again. We have been crazy busy as of late and sometimes it feels like it takes all we have just to keep each other updated! We were looking at a calendar this week and decided that once we hit the second week of April things will start to settle down and we will be able to breathe again and do fun things. Until then, I guess we have to pretend to be the adults we are expected to be for a while and get things done.

Chris is continuing to do awesome in all his classes. This week was especially exciting for him because he spent all day Friday with the EMT's from Roy, UT and rode along in the ambulance for emergency calls. His most exciting call was for an elderly woman with a femur fracture, and his least exciting calls were dialysis transfers for elderly, immobile tracheostomy patients from a nursing home to the dialysis center. He loved being a part of the action and was even asked to be the one to take vitals for the patients. He really loves what he is studying and the opportunities that it brings, so we are definitely looking forward to his future in medicine.

Learning how to remove helmets

Chris's seat in the back of the ambulance

Pediatric day in class

I worked nearly every shift at the restaurant this week and we were both a little surprised this weekend when we counted up the tips from this week and realized how much we had actually made! Being a server definitely isn't a long-term goal for either of us, but it is giving us all that we need right now and we are grateful for the jobs that we both have.

On Sunday we had the pleasure of being able to be the speakers in sacrament meeting. There was one other speaker that day who was a missionary giving his homecoming talk. He was the first speaker which we were happy about because we figured he would want to take up a lot of the time. He got up there with no notes, and we started to doubt the longevity of his thoughts. He only spoke for four minutes!!! That made me super nervous because I then realized that Chris and I had a lot of time to fill. Normally, I probably would have just given my talk without a thought to the time and had a selfish instinct that went, "sorry, buddy, but you're the last speaker" to the guy going after me, but I like Chris more than that so I felt the responsibility to take up half of the remaining time. I did alright but the real star of the show was Christopher. He had the whole congregation laughing at his jokes, and I swear even less babies were chattering when that man got behind the pulpit. After we spoke people came and shook our hands, though the majority of the compliments were directed at Chris. He had one woman tell him that he "spoke just like Elder Bednar", and how impressed she was by him. The elders quorum president came up to us and told Chris he gave "the best talk on families he can remember hearing in a long time", and then asked for a copy so he could read it again and share with his family at FHE. I left church that day in awe that I somehow tricked a man of God like Chris to marry me. I sure am the lucky one.

Remember to pray and remember to play,

Mr. & Mrs. Andrew

A Productive Week

After last week's shenanigans of being sick and down we kicked it up this week by having a super productive week.

We were both able to return to work, and I especially got a lot of hours in. It was fun when we would work at the same time and then come home and make bets on who made more money that day.

Chris went to all his classes and studied super hard. Last week it was rough to get a lot of studying in, so he really took to the books and made sure he was back where he needed to be for all his classes. I'm so grateful that he understands the importance of education and really puts all he has into it so he can get a good job in the future to provide for our family.

Another big part of our week was researching nursing schools. Though Chris loves Utah State they don't have their own nursing program. Rather than just apply to schools in Logan we've decided to research different nursing schools throughout Utah and prepare to apply to a few different schools. We aren't yet sure what the future holds for us, but we are trying to prepare for it. We now know the requirements for getting in, and Chris is really applying himself to get into the best program for our family. We wouldn't mind a few extra prayers headed our direction as we continue this process of trying to get into the right program for us.

Now you're probably all wondering what I did with all my spare time why Chris was studying his brains out. And, as any good wife would reply, the answer is I got all homemaker-y. I deep cleaned our house (you know how it is after being sick - you feel like everything is dirty so you just tackle it all with full force), went grocery shopping, and started restocking some of our "food staples". Chris and I try to eat mostly healthy (or as healthy as we can on a student budget), and a big part of that for us is making food from scratch instead of buying processed, sugary food with labels full of words I don't know.

I made a batch of hummus, a staple for our fridge, but unfortunately there's no picture.

I made more granola: Chris's favorite and a must have for our pantry at all times.

I used Mom Andrew's awesome bread recipe! (And even remembered to cut it down since there's only two of us!)

And made a homemade spinach quiche. This is a Brading family recipe, but I had fun making adjustments to make it even healthier. Every week I try to make at least one good meal, and then we munch on those leftovers throughout the week since our schedules don't lend to nightly family dinners.

Luckily this weekend we were able to sneak some fun into our productive week.  Chris's good friend Clint Young came up from Morgan, UT with his new lady Sadie and we all drove up Logan Canyon and had a fire. We roasted hot dogs for dinner and had a great time laughing with each other and getting to know Sadie. Chris and I gave our stamp of approval and are excited to see where things go for our friend!

On Sunday we had a beautiful sabbath day. We went to church early and had a great meeting with the bishopric. It was fun to have some time to get to know them on a more personal level and was just another reminder of what a wonderful ward we are a part of. Sunday evening we went over to our friend Andrew's house and had a chance to catch up with him. Have we told you yet that we are doing a no sugar month? Well we told Andrew and he was still making cookies when we showed up! That sure tested us, but we held strong and just nibbled on the chips and hummus we had brought.

Oh! And Sunday marked six months since Christopher asked me to marry him!!! So here's just a little reminder of how perfect that day was:

                       

Remember to pray and remember to play,
Mr. & Mrs. Andrew

A Boring Week

Well this week was quite boring - there's really not much in terms of stories, adventures, or pictures, so unless you want to hear the mundane you can quit reading (we won't be offended). Chris and I were both sick most of the week, but towards the end were able to get back to school and work. However, school and work were more than enough to drain our tired and healing bodies so we really didn't do much else.

But, some FUN news:
My drivers license came in the mail which means I am officially an Andrew now on my SS card, my drivers license, and bank cards - woohoo!

Other than that, well, let's see, we went to the temple and did sealings for the first time on Saturday. We've really been looking forward to this for a while. It was really neat...........and then I fainted. Then we left early. Then Chris worried a lot. Then I had the night off work so luckily I could rest. (Let us know if you want more details on this story - Chris is quite dramatic in his telling. Now he just laughs about it - the worry didn't last long.)

And I really can't think of anything else to say.

Except that Christ bought me flowers. Just because he loves me. Wow I love him. And these are the prettiest flowers that he's gotten yet (I've taught him well).

We promise to make next week's blogpost a little more exciting.

Remember to pray and remember to play,

Mr. & Mrs. Andrew

Valentine's Week

Well our post is very late this week - sorry. Shortly after all our fun valentine celebrations we both got hit with the plague and have been pretty useless for a while. Don't worry, it's not the measles. We're finally bouncing back though! Yee-haw!

Valentine's Week, yes it's a whole week not just one day, was spectacular. We had a lot of time to spend together and the weather outside was beautiful.

On Thursday we spent the whole day climbing up in Logan Canyon. Whenever we climb Chris has always "led" and I have always "followed." When he "lead climbs" he is placing protection in the wall as he goes (there are bolts in the rock every 6-10 feet to clip your rope into with carabiners), so when he climbs above his last bolt before he clips the next one, there is potential to fall 10-15 feet before the rope catches him. When I "follow" (also called "top-roping") the climb, the rope is already attached to the anchors at the top of the climb (hence the name top-roping), so if I fall I only drop a foot or two before the rope catches me.

Sum-up: lead climbing = scary. Top roping = not that scary.

Anyways...... that's all just a round about way to get you all really impressed with my bravery when I tell you that I lead climbed for the first time!

The route that I led wasn't as hard as the ones that Chris normally has us climb, but it was a really good one to lead for my first time considering how petrified I was at the thought of a real fall. All in all we were both thrilled with how it went and it was an awesome day climbing! (Primarily because I didn't actually end up falling). Oh! And Chris gave me my valentines gift that day - a chalk bag and new carabiner - for climbing of course. You know, sometimes I wonder if his "gifts" to me are really gifts to himself.....

Friday we decided to celebrate Valentine's Day because Chris had class all day Saturday morning and I had to work Saturday night, plus, if we want to get romantic Friday also happened to be our 2 month anniversary (or as Chris keeps track, two months since he's shaved). We started the morning off with a run in the canyon and then scarfed down some waffles covered in strawberries, whip cream, and bacon. What a perfect morning.

That evening we went out for Sushi.

We went to the Banff Mountain film fest - it made even us feel like we weren't at all outdoorsy.

And we went to Zeppes to get frozen gelata - it's frozen Italian soda and custard. Yum.

On Saturday Chris surprised me between class and work with some cupcakes from Temptation Cupcake. Honesty moment - I'm obsessed with cupcakes. They might be one of my favorite indulgences. They're even better than flowers because not only do they smell good and look pretty but they taste delicious! That's a whole lot of win in one little package! Second honesty moment - I'm pretty sure the real reason Chris got me cupcakes was to prove that he could surprise me because I guessed all his other surprises before he could give them to me (down to the color of the chalk bag and what we were ordering for dinner). He even told me he got the cupcakes because I was expecting flowers (which he originally had planned), so surprise, no flowers! I also gave him his valentines gift - two new carabiners for climbing and a total of 8 beard oil samples from 2 different suppliers. He's been trying them all out to figure out which one is his favorite.

Wow, writing out what we gave each other as gifts makes me realize how we're a really strange couple. Good thing we found each other: not that many people would get as excited as we do over things like carabiners, chalk bags, cupcakes, and beard oils.

Saturday night was when the plague hit Chris, I lasted until Monday morning. But there's not much to write about since then....

Remember to pray and remember to play,

Mr. and Mrs. Andrew

Exciting News

Well guys, we've sure enjoyed the first couple months of marital bliss. It's been really great being just the two of us and having time to grow as husband and wife. And, as we all know, life loves to throw twists and turns at you and our newlywed just-the-two-of-us-here-in-Logan lifestyle is about to change. This blogpost is dedicated to the exciting news that we wanted to share with our family and loved ones. We are proud to announce to you all that coming this summer......

well, rather than tell you here's a picture,

after all a picture is worth a thousand words, 

(and so is an ultrasound):

We're moving to Alaska!!!

Chris and I have the opportunity to spend the full summer working in Juneau side-by-side. We will be running the front desk and small restaurant at Grandma's Featherbed - the cutest little bed and breakfast - between all our hiking adventures and camping trips. After much prayer and deliberation, as well as a much needed conversation with the all-knowing Aunt Julie, we have decided that this is the best decision for us. We are so excited for this once in a lifetime opportunity to live in a beautiful place and work together for 4 months. We will be back in Logan for Chris to be in school fall semester, and are sure that the Lord has great plans for my future employment upon our return as well. We will keep you updated with the details as we continue to iron them out and as it gets closer to our summer time adventure. 

Remember to pray and remember to play,

Mr. & Mrs. Andrew

Chris's Birthday

This update is from me this week... sorry 'bout it.

Tuesday was my birthday and Dani made sure it was the best one yet. Monday night after her training shift at Texas Roadhouse and my evening class, we headed down to Grandpa and Grandma Hall's to stay the night. We were able to pick up our vacuum and bedsheets (the last wedding gift stragglers), grab a bookshelf for Naomi, and then we headed to SLC to go to the climbing gym. After last week's freeze-out while attempting to climb outside, Dani decided to get us day passes at Momentum so we could climb to our heart's content. How did I get such an awesome wife?

We drove back to Logan that night so I could get to my EMT class, but after class Dani surprised me with my favorite Texas sheet cake (and all 23 candles!), some climbing gear, and the best: a coupon book of massages. Did I mention how awesome Dani is?

Anyways, other than that we've been busy with work and school. Classes for me are going great, and Dani just finished her training at Texas Roadhouse! She's loving it so far and is looking forward to having a consistent schedule and making some good friends.

- Chris

A Wrap to Our First Full Month as Newlyweds

Can you believe it?! January is already over! It seems as though life is flying by, and we are just loving every second of this newlywed journey.

The good news for this week is that I got a new job! Subbing just wasn't working out as far as getting the hours and the money that we need, so I started looking for something else. This week I had my second interview at Texas Roadhouse, got hired, and went to orientation. I'm really looking forward to training this coming week. Chris and I really believe this is the best job for me and our family right now. All of his classes are in the evening as well as on Saturday, and as a server he also works nights and weekends. With the new schedule at Texas Roadhouse we will have similar schedules, and similar time off. Which means we can see each other more than to say goodnight and goodmorning!

Chris is still loving his classes and has been getting excellent scores on all his quizzes and exams so far. Having labeled posters of skeletons above our kitchen table and a bathroom mirror covered in post-notes full of EMT acronyms and definitions is really paying off. Just beware, if we see you anytime in the near future there's a good chance he'll have his stethoscope and blood pressure cuff and he will be ready to take your vitals.

On Friday we were able to have an AWESOME date day:

we went to get two doughnuts to celebrate the opening of Dunkin Doughnuts and ended up enjoying a full dozen (whoops...),

we braved the cold and tried to go climbing up at Betagraph in Logan Canyon,

I got to wear my new climbing shoes Chris got me for my birthday for the first time (LOVE them!),

but it was a little too cold for my hands so we spent a lot more time hiking around then actually climbing,

we went and explored the Hobbit Caves - also in Logan Canyon,

and we found a sweet mini-waterfall!

We had a great Sabbath day and are both loving our new ward. I am especially touched by the kindness of the Relief Society sisters. I am so grateful to be in a ward with women who are so strong, and I love hearing about their life experiences as well as their testimonies.

After church we had dinner with our friends Todd and Jame. It was great to be able to catch up and we were also way excited to break out our new grill to make some burgers! After dinner we came back home and had our friends Saren and Dallin over. They just got engaged this weekend, and we were glad to have an opportunity to celebrate with them. It was kind of fun pretending like we knew what we were talking about when giving them advice on being engaged, planning a wedding, and the whole married life. We had a lot of fun comparing stories and just laughing about how exciting and new this time of life is for both them and us.

Remember to pray and remember to play,

Mr. & Mrs. Andrew

Dani's Birthday!

Well, this week was a whole lot of the same old same old with going to school, working, and the ever lingering process of trying to legally change my name (apparently it gets to be extra hard for me to switch over all my I.D.'s because I'm from Wisconsin and married that Utah boy IN Utah - the horror!). So if anybody has an extra copy of a drivers study guide from their 15 year old learning how to drive let me know, because luckily I get to take that test! How fun! I mean, I've been driving for 8 years now, 5 1/2 of those years I've lived in Utah, how much should I prioritize studying before going back to the DMV? I guess I just have a fear of those trick questions, purposely designed to trick anyone who didn't take drivers ed from that state. Maybe I'm overreacting....

Anyways, alongside our usual everyday activities the day that stood out this week was my birthday on Friday. First off, thanks to all who called, texted, emailed, snail mailed, snapchatted, wrote on facebook, or otherwise wished me a happy birthday (my family is the greatest between all the parents, siblings, cousins, grandparents and aunts I think I was wished a happy birthday in every possible way shy of morse code and carrier pigeon)! I love you all!

And secondly, let's just all take a moment to remember how wonderful Chris is. Now, I try not to get all mushy and gushy all the time and brag about how I have the most wonderful and perfect husband ever, but the truth is simply that I get all mushy and gushy and want to brag about how I have the most wonderful and perfect husband ever. And he made sure I knew that on my birthday. Not only was I spoiled silly the whole day - I didn't have to do anything myself - but he had planned out an epic surprise date. He had to work in the afternoon but as soon as he was off our adventure started with a delicious Olive Garden dinner. Chris drove us to Idaho - yup, we left the state for my birthday - and we went to Lava Hot Springs. These are the coolest natural hot springs turned swimming pools either of us have ever been to.

Needless to say it was a perfect day and a magical night! I am continually reminded how blessed I am and how loved I am. I really couldn't ask for more.

Remember to pray and remember to play,

Mr. & Mrs. Andrew

Our Humble Abode

There's been a few friends and family who've inquired about getting a peek into our humble abode. We sure love where we live, so we decided to just gather up a few candid shots of us at home and put them on here for you. It's nothing fancy, but will give you that wanted glimpse into our daily life in our sweet little place.

Mr. Andrew reads the morning paper, while Mrs. Andrew scrubs the carpet she hasn't cleaned in 4 days.

 Mrs. Andrew spends her afternoon cooking a scrumptious meal for her adoring husband. 

 Mr. Andrew comes home from work and finishes off his morning paper.

Mrs. Andrew sweeps the shiny floors as Mr. Andrew, well, uh, he.....you know what he's doing. 

Mr. Andrew reads his evening paper while Mrs. Andrew hangs up his shirts that she just finished pressing.

Remember to read and remember to clean,

Mr. & Mrs. Andrew