tom & whitney

Caribbean Cruise Highlights

2012-01-18T10:53:00.001-08:00

another highlight of 2011 . . . the clarke family cruise. video by me :)

Caribbean Cruise 2011 Highlights from Whitney Sorensen on Vimeo.

2011 Highlights

2012-01-18T10:51:00.000-08:00

What a crazy-cool year 2011 was. I don't really blog that often (but getting better, no?), so I hope you will oblige me with a short year in review/2011 highlights type post.

This last fall Tom told me that he thinks 2011 has been the year of the bike. I'd have to agree . . .

biking in jackson hole

biking up american fork canyon

biking at lambert's in alpine (on my 24th birthday)

biking up millcreek (mom & bobby on pipeline right before a descent in the heart of darkness)

A few other things that come to mind . . .

this pup growing up a lot

climbing with Kell this summer

seeing the tetons & yellowstone (my first time!)

morning swims at alta canyon: perfect

coaching swim team w/some of my best friends

school counselor brought up a taste of the first real snow of the season

continuing some great family traditions: pumpkin carving at dad's

and skiing together.

Giving Thanks

2011-11-14T21:21:00.001-08:00

Today we both feel especially grateful for our families. It's wonderful to have all these incredible people so close to us in our lives. We love them so much!
It was my mom's birthday today and we had a craaaaazy party...... Jenna and Bobby forced her to wear a tiara in honor of the occasion, and we had my Grama Schiess over for dinner and the classic Lindsey family chocolate birthday dessert! My mom is such an amazing person-- so strong and such a great example to me. I love her so much! Happy Birthday Mom!
This is a picture of her on her bike this summer.... cause she would kill me if I put the one of her in the tiara in a public place.....

Giving Thanks

2011-11-13T12:49:00.001-08:00

I don't know if my revival of desire to blog will be long lasting, but recently I have had the feeling that Tom and I have a lot to be thankful for, and also a lot that we can share with others. Meaning: we need to not let our lives be so consumed with work and share the love a little more.

To start, we wanted to share--in the spirit of thanksgiving-- a few things each day that we are grateful for...

W: spending time on the weekends with my husband when I'm awake and not super tired from teaching and meetings.

T: watching Saturday college football games with my wife.

Jackson Hole

2011-07-15T10:23:00.001-07:00

We biked, rodeoed, saw Yellowstone (my first time!), alpine slide, ate lots of food, tipped a raft on the very full, very cold Snake. Then to top it off, saw a bald eagle on the 4th of July. Credit to Tom for taking stellar phone pics (where in the world is my camera?!). Love ya babe.

Yup, still here!

2011-07-14T10:22:00.001-07:00

3 years for us, 1 for the dog

2011-03-20T15:28:00.001-07:00

March 7th was our 3 year anniversary! Woohoo! Tom delivered some flowers to my work, and the sweet ladies in the front office insisted that he deliver them to my classroom himself. All my students thought it was so sweet and cheered when he gave me a kiss! I have the best husband ever, don't I? Oh yeah, I also had 3 pizzas delivered to his work. . . Does that make me a good wife? Ha ha! One pizza for each year!

We were a bit sad that we didn't get the chance to stay at Zermatt up in Midway like we have every year, but this anniversary helped me reflect on how much we have learned and grown together. Tom is the best part of our anniversary anyway, no matter where we are on the actual date- be it at work or wherever. I am so glad that I married this guy- more and more I realize that he's the one for me. He still opens the door for me and still tries his best to make me laugh, still snores like a bear at night, still makes questionable "casseroles", still plays "what if" games, still works hard for our family, still listens to sports radio and Sportscenter at deafening decibels, still can grill with the best of 'em, and still loves me. And gosh, I love him too.

Additionally, and to prove what I said above- Tom recently received a top salesman award from work! And an iPad! Told you he's a rockstar.

Also in the lovely month of March: Rudy had his first birthday on the 10th. We sang happy birthday to him and then gave him a whole chicken breast for dinner (he goes crazy for chicken) and a pig's ear (nasty, but he loves those too). Rudy is still very much a puppy- an 80 pound puppy that loves to play and cuddle sometimes- but mostly play. He's also a great running buddy for me and keeps me safe when Tom has late nights at school or work.

But he almost wasn't going to make it to his second birthday when we came home from church a couple of weeks ago to find our couch torn apart. Ooooooh boy, he got it then. He stays outside now even if we are gone for a few minutes, and even if it's snowing. After all, he is an outside dog. So, if you ever want to know what the inside of a couch tastes like (or a shoe, or a dog bed, or baseboards, or carpet, or blankets, or shampoo bottles, or toilet paper, or. . .) Just ask the Rudy monster.

P.S. updates are rare but treasured, no? Love that blogger phone app!

Teaching blog . . .

2011-01-11T14:17:00.000-08:00

Some of you will laugh, (considering how consistent I am with posting on this blog!) BUT, nonetheless, I have been asked to start writing a little teacher blog.

Check it out at http://schoolorswimminghole.blogspot.com/

The title & the URL for the blog is a reference to Tom Sawyer, who ditched school to go to the swimming hole, then got caught because the thread on his shirt that he wore after swimming was a different color. Yes, I am an English teacher :)

Swimming Hole, by Edward Henry Potthast

middle of the night

2010-12-18T17:53:00.001-08:00

So tom has this leftover habit from football- when he was trying to put on the lbs. He gets up in the middle of the night and eats stuff..... no, not just eats, actually COOKS. His mission companion has told stories of waking up at 3 in the morning to find tom making SPAGHETTI.

Most of the time it's cereal- and I'll wake up and find sugar on the floor like I'm at the beach (the other container of sugar I'm sure went on the Cheerios). But this morning I woke up to a truly wonderful surprise! Tom had gotten up in the middle of the night- probably around 2am or so- and made SUGAR COOKIES! We didn't have any of the ingredients, so I know he went to the store. What a lovely treat to wake up to: Mickey Mouse shaped cookies with sprinkles! I ate 3 of them for breakfast.

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rockstar salesman

2010-11-29T20:50:00.001-08:00

So we all know how talented and wonderful Tom is. Well, look what his company gave him for being sooo good at his job. This thing rides like a roller coaster. You get sucked into the buttery leather seat and get that funny feeling in your stomach like you've gone from 0 to 60 in less than two seconds. Which, in this baby, you have.

We took it cruising for a few weeks before it snowed. To be honest, I don't know if I would ever buy a Porsche Cayman, but it was fun to have one for a while. Thanks for being such a good provider, Tom. Love ya.

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rocket ship

2010-11-21T18:24:00.001-08:00

Tom and I are proud new owners of a GE frontloading washer! It's all digital, and has all sorts of blinking green lights to indicate what settings it's on. I feel like I'm an astronaut getting ready to launch when I'm doing laundry! Seriously though, it's so nice finally being able to do laundry at home! We have been doing laundry at our parents' house for the past few months, but this is just so much more CONVENIENT!

Anyway, here is a cute picture of Rudy being naughty and sitting on our bed (he's not allowed); isn't he just a handsome boy though?

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meanwhile . . .

2010-11-06T13:32:00.000-07:00

It's been a while, huh? We've been BI-ZAY!

Here's an update: since I posted last:

I graduated

We took a nostalgic trip to Burley, ID (and rode the magic time-traveling merry-go-round)

We took a little vay-cay to CA

We moved to Draper

We got a dog (Rudy)

and I got a job!

Middle School Round II

2010-04-18T19:22:00.000-07:00

I just finished up my student teaching at a middle school this April. So I thought I would share a few things that I learned:

Mrs. Sorensen’s Realizations About 7th Graders

1. They don’t know who Charles Darwin is.

2. Not war, not death, not sickness, but a pencil is the thing that causes the most drama and tragedy.

3. I take back #2. The thing that causes the most drama is a broken pencil sharpener.

4. If 7th graders got paid for every note that they passed, they would be filthy rich.

5. They have weird fixations with teacher’s footwear.

6. What is blue, black, green, purple, pink, or orange all over? A 7th grader with exposed skin and some markers.

7. The glitter on their hands, eyelids, cheeks, and in their hair (and just about everywhere else) matches the energy and light of their smiles and personalities.

8. They all have hearing problems—why else do I have to repeat myself and raise my voice so much?

9. 7th graders slowly turn into 8th graders.

10. Nothing is impossible for them—they could be rocket scientists or Pulitzer prize winners or MLB stars, but the one impossible thing for some is learning how to not say out loud what they are thinking!

11. They are like dominoes—or maybe more like the grand finale of the 4th of July fireworks—once one is set off (or starts talking) all of the others explode in one noisy jubilation.

12. Writing a full sentence is often like climbing Mt. Everest.

13. Silence can escalate into deafening decibels in less time than it take for my uncle’s Mercedes to go from 0 to 60.

14. According to 7th graders, 1st period always starts too early.

15. Many of them are paralyzed from the neck to the waist: their mouths and legs work just fine, but they can’t raise their hands to save their life.

16. Never, ever, EVER let them drink a Monster before class.

17. They can be surprisingly sweet and draw pictures for you and make PB&J’s for the whole class.

18. I’m going to miss them!

nashville

2009-12-29T07:38:00.000-08:00

caution: this post is picture intensive due to my lack of posting the past couple months . . .

Tom and I went to Nashville for Halloween! Tom has special ties to Nashville, because he played football for the Vanderbilt Commodores his freshman year. The campus and the city have a special place in his heart, and he's always wanted to take me back there and show me around . . . so that's what we did!

Tom: "I walked over that bridge every day on my way to class!"

The squirrel picture has a story: not only are there a million squirrels all over Vandy's campus, but one day when Tom was walking to class from football practice, he was attacked by one. He survived, the size ratio nonwithstanding. And isn't the architecture of all the buildings incredible? I love it.

Vandy's campus is also an arbortoreum. Which means: SO MANY TREES! Beautiful, mature trees. This was a trend I found all over Tennessee. Very different from Utah- a much more lush, green look, and we were there in the fall to see all the beautiful colors!

I also got the special tour of the Vanderbilt athletic facilities! Tom showed me around the locker room & the weight room, and it was a special moment when he showed me the Commodore Creed and told me more about the quality of people and friends that are part of the Vanderbilt program. Classy, genuine people- and so friendly. We felt right at home.

There's no pictures, because of course my camera ran out of batteries, but we also went to the Vanderbilt vs. Georgia Tech game. Vandy was doing great until the last quarter, and I enjoyed watching a live football game with Tom, who hasn't sat in the stands for probably 10 years.

You can't go to Nashville without going to Jack's BBQ, right? Well, we went multiple times. Seriously, bbq back home has nothing on the bbq in the South. SO. GOOD.

I feel like I'm taking y'all on the grand tour of Tom & Whit's trip, but here you go. We also went to the Hermitage, President Andrew Jackson's homestead. It was gorgeous. Here is Tom walking on the path to the slave quarters (you can barely see the sky through the trees!) and here we are wearing the goofy headphones that with the press of a button, tell you all you would ever hope to know about the Hermitage and life at the time of Andrew Jackson. and more.

Tom at Andrew Jackson's tomb and on the back porch of the mansion.

The Hermitage is a very large place, and we walked around all of it, which requires a good amount of resting on the benches, as you can see.

trees, trees, trees! & clover wherever you walk . .

Waiting in line at the Pancake Pantry! Tom also thought that the store across the street reminded him of someone he knows . . .

We also stopped at the Battle of Nashville monument. For those of you who know me and my bookshelves, I have a thing for Civil War books- and this monument was just so cool. I love the inscriptions- particularly the last line of the one in the picture above.

Didn't I marry such a handsome man? Anyway, while in Nashville we also saw a show at the Grand Ole Oprey- my first country music show! Keith Urban was one of the performers, along with Vince Gill and a bunch of other really talented people (whose names I don't remember). Alas, I would show more pictures, but lack of juice in the camera batteries prevented it.

And a special thanks to the Piennettes for letting us stay with you in Brentwood, use your truck, your GPS, taking us to the airport, etc. You guys are the best! Go Notre Dame!

Ok, these last two pictures might seem kinda random, but they are the last of my fall pictures: Tom in the Field of Dreams assuaging my middle school teaching woes, and my cute sis Kelley going to Homecoming!

bachelor of science: global studies: geography

2009-10-05T15:45:00.000-07:00

not too much going on . . . . . .

but the big guy graduated!! way to go TOM!

ok, so i know this might be old news for some of you (he graduated back in august), but we just barely got the for real diploma in the mail. so official.

congrats grad!

p.s. sorry i'm so behind: school- you know. but i found out that i am student teaching with seventh graders, and before anyone says "i feel sorry for you"- save it! because i'm loving teaching these guys! (seriously the kings and queens of randomness).

p.p.s. if you have a second, check out my reading blog, enjoyabook.blogspot.com. i update it more often than this (sadly) . . . .

silver lake and summer update

2009-08-12T16:35:00.000-07:00

so what have we been up to? lots of hikes this summer! our favorite is the silver lake hike up american fork canyon. we've been doing this one religiously this summer- every friday morning!

and we went to the 24th of july pioneer day salt lake bees game. my favorite part was when we got to go down on the field after the game and watch the fireworks!!

and coaching! love my little swimmers- they have been one of the highlights of my summer, and the reason that i've withstood triple digit temperatures day after day, and not so sexy navy blue coaches polo shirts (i'm the tall one 2nd from the right). thank goodness for sarah- my co-coach- she was great this summer!

coming up . . . i'm doing the jordanelle triathlon, so we'll hopefully get some pics of that- in case you haven't noticed i'm not mrs. wifey-photographer, so the photos are scanty, but when we take them, boy are they good!

striking resemblences

2009-07-29T20:33:00.000-07:00

ya, i know it's been a really long time since i posted. such goes the busy married life huh? and we have been busy! I just wanted to record for any and all future generations the wonderful husband that i wake up to in the morning . . .

this is his morning 'do. forgive me, but doesn't it vaguely remind you of someone . . .?

. . . perhaps former President Martin VanBuren, or (i think) Wolverine?

hmm. anyway, he's the most handsome guy ever. and i'm so so grateful that i'm the one that gets to enjoy him in the morning.

more to come later on what we've been doing (besides work) . . . i promise . . . patience . . .

one happy year

2009-04-27T08:22:00.000-07:00

i realize that the time is a little past for posting on our (one year!!) anniversary (march 7), but it was absolutely wonderful (up at zermatt resort in midway, also where we spent our honeymoon). but here are some pictures of our wedding- the first time they have been seen by anyone other than family . . .

I love this view of the temple- it's a different angle than all of the others- and even though it was march- there is a little green in here!

i think these ones are so fun- dad couldn't keep a straight face though!!

and the reception . . .

yes, we all wore the same shoes . . .and wanted to shoot ourselves after the reception. but they were cute . . .

the groomsman . . . jeff?!

cheers to one happy year!

photography by simple photography (mysimplephotographer.com)

late at night . . .

2009-03-17T12:34:00.000-07:00

i say the weirdest things. tom just laughs at me.
for example: "don't touch me meanly!"
" i can feel myself getting grumpier"
and more than once late at night i've called tom
"sweetie-heart"
(a combination of sweetheart and sweetie).
maybe this makes up for getting steamrolled while i'm asleep :)

i love this guy so much!

wednesday

2009-02-11T12:24:00.000-08:00

is it really only wednesday? wow. this week so far . . . .

monday: school, work, homework. tuesday: school, work, school, homework, test, swim lessons, homework. today: school, homework, work, homework. Is there anyone else besides me who thinks that i just used the word "work" too many times? oh well, at least i have a loving husband who writes me thank you notes even though i have been consistently grumpy, crying, and too-tired-for-tears over the past few days. he makes up for everything. i consider myself very blessed to have him love me and encourage me, even when i'm sad. i love the big bear hugs every time i come home. i love you tom!

Something to look forward to though: valentines day! no work of any kind!

Something else to look forward to/enjoy: the snow! i love it! imagine what kind of skiing we'll have this weekend! i don't even care that it's so slippery that i maybe did the splits yesterday while walking on a particularly dangerous part of the sidewalk on campus!

this picture just reminds me of how much i love my husband and how wonderful he is. happy wednesday!!

p.s. has anyone seen my laundry basket? it used to be in the closet near where the huge pile of clothes is . . .

you come too

2009-02-04T11:51:00.000-08:00

"the pasture"

I'm going out to clean the pasture spring

I'll only stop to rake the leaves away

(And wait to watch the water clear, I may):

I shan't be gone long.--You come too.

I'm going to fetch the little calf

That's standing by the mother. It's so young

It totters when she licks it with her tongue.

I shan't be gone long.--You come too.

-robert frost

latest

2009-01-21T12:10:00.000-08:00

lately i've been drinking a lot of this

and tom and i have been watching this (and loving it!)

working a lot here

and dreaming, hoping, trying, to go up here

. . . . soon!!

frames

2009-01-13T12:09:00.000-08:00

i absolutely love these pottery barn frames . . . so classy and beautiful. they would go perfect on that empty wall space above the fireplace . . . . i almost think that if heaven was decorated like pottery barn, it wouldn't be too bad . . . (jk- i'm sure heaven is much better, but i still love these frames!)

the break

2009-01-12T12:41:00.000-08:00

now that school has started up again, i can't help but reflect on the wonderful, peaceful, relaxing, and much appreciated christmas break. it was so much fun! here are some of our favorite things:

one of the the best christmas presents ever! tom wrote a cute story to go along with my present- which included dinner at the snake creek grill in heber (absolutely amazing- my favorite place to eat), a stay in park city, rocky mountain chocolate factory, and a hot air balloon ride!! what a great husband . . .
a sexy green christmas nightgown from santa's elves . . . (and my new rocks from tom!!)
christmas socks!
cute girls and their black jackets from santa . . . i love this picture--it's so christmas morning . . .

tom opening his stocking--and wearing the stockings too . . . .

and some more favorites . . . .

going sledding with tom (his first time since 3rd grade)

my nice new work apparel (thanks chris & jen!)

playing wii fit & rock band with marissa every chance we get

very late bedtimes

our new digital picture frame (thanks dad & mary!)

seeing the curious case of benjamin button with john & bonnie on new years-- it was good but very, very long!

seeing 3 movies in 4 days and crying at all of them (my favorite one: Marley & Me)

tom's new education opportunities (master's program!)

getting excited for skiing, our one year anniversary (coming up soon!) and the new semester of school . . . .

vegas, baby

2009-01-12T11:37:00.000-08:00

the pioneer las vegas bowl game. so much fun! tom and i loved spending time with each other, with friends, and experiencing some of the best and better parts of las vegas.

I caught Tom about to wink at me while at the Fremont Street/Outback Experience. Free steak and chicken? we're there.

really probably my favorite part of las vegas: the bellagio fountains.

fun walking around the casinos.

I'm so glad that jenna and my dad came down to watch the game with me! we had fun getting some humongous yummy crepes and making fun of the cougar fight song. rah rah rah!

post-game. we were getting a little cold by then.

with my sweetie in all his sexy football stuff. he's the best looking one out there! this was the last football game with tom being on the team. so many memories . . . way to go babe!

#53

2008-11-13T13:19:00.000-08:00

To many people this came as a surprise, but for Tom and I this is the end of something that has been fun, challenging, frustrating, and great. Tom is gradutating after this season, and so it is his final season of football. It was really exciting to have him honored at senior day at his last home game in Lavell Edwards Stadium.

Tom is part of a senior class that has never lost a game at home. Way to go Cougars!

Tom has come a long way, and I am very proud of him. From being a nationally ranked center in high school, to a freshman All-American and All-SEC Freshman Team Selection his freshman year at Vanderbilt, to playing here in Provo for the BYU Cougars, Tom has worked very hard. Although these past couple of years have been challenging, with knee injuries to overcome as well as shoulder injuries, it has been a special time in Tom's life that I have been grateful to share. Tom has grown and learned so much, made a lot of friends, and has been an example for not just me, but for so many people. He is so talented, and I am so proud of him.

We are now excited to continue on and explore some of our other talents, off the football field. We are both very happy and excited for what the future holds, and are very grateful for this wonderful experience. We are also grateful for the coaches and supporters along the way that helped Tom to become the great player and person that he is. Thank you for all of your kindness and support.
I know there are others of you who will be missing this cute butt out there on the field in those sexy stretchy pants . . . .

Tag

2008-11-03T14:27:00.000-08:00

My first tag that I've actually done. Thanks Courtney!

8 TV Shows I like to watch:
1. Emeril Live
2. What Not To Wear
3. America's Next Top Model
4. Grizzly Man Diaries
5. 30 Minute Meals
6. The Office
7. Iron Chef America
8. Jon and Kate + Eight

8 Things that happened yesterday:
1. Finished reading The Book Thief by Markus Zusack, Hamlet, and the book of Alma in the B.O.M.
2. Ate waaaay too many 3 Musketeers (they're not even really my favorite)
3. Went on a bike ride up my favorite Big Springs trail up South Fork in Provo Canyon with my mom
4. Ripped another hole in my favorite Paige's
5. Went to Macaroni Grill for old times sake with my lover (Tom)

6. Looked at everyone's fun Halloween costumes on their blogs and facebook and lamented that I wasn't more creative this year

7. Decided that the only thing that will keep me warm this year is more scarves

8. Was smushed by Tom while we were taking a nap (the unconcious steamroller)

8 Favorite Places to Eat:

1. Macaroni Grill

2. Benihanas

3. Cafe Rio

4. Tucanos

5. Biaggi's

6. CPK

7. Kneaders

8. Magleby's

8 Things I am looking forward to:

1. The Holidays!

2. Getting my hair done

3. the end of the football season (not that it hasn't been fun)

4. Skiing

5. Tom getting home from practice

6. Nordy's half-yearly sale

7. making yummy Thanksgiving and Christmas treats!

8. Tom getting home!!

8 Things I am passionate about:

1. My family

2. teaching/school/english

3. reading

4. being outdoors

5. the gospel

6. helping others

7. traveling

8. getting 8 hours of sleep

8 people I tag:

1. Bonnie

2. Carly (Miss Smith)

3. Zach

4. Kendall

5, 6, 7, 8- anyone who wants to!

Neglect . . .

2008-10-21T22:17:00.000-07:00

Signs that I haven't been riding my bikes enough:

The water in my water bottle and camelback is stale.

The Thunderbolt has two flat tires.

My visiting teachers think that my roadie is part of my home decor.

I will be the first person to admit that I am not the best at decorating, but really, I need to take advantage of the weather right now, before it starts getting cold . . .

Books, books, books

2008-09-30T16:21:00.000-07:00

Check out my reading blog! It's starting out as a project for a class, but I have a feeling that I'll want to keep going with it . . . . enjoyabook.blogspot.com

Discovered in AF

2008-09-29T20:27:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday Mom, Jen, & I were in American Fork- and found this sweet stop right off of Main Street! Flour Girls & Dough Boys Bakery. They have all sorts of yummy stuff!!

Absolutely darling! I loved the smell and feeling of the place.

Not to mention all of their yummy food . . . which includes all sorts of breads, sandwiches, soups, and pastries. I would recommend the raspberry bars and the shortbread cookies. So good!! You will absolutely fall in love with this place if you go there, as I did! It also has free wi-fi- pretty good for little ol' AF!

Flour Girls & Dough Boys
35 North Barrett Avenue
American Fork, UT

State Fair & the Knights

2008-09-29T20:05:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago Tom and I went to the state fair! It was lots of fun! We especially liked looking (and sometimes petting) all the animals. If you ever go to the state fair- see the worlds largest alligator. It costs a dollar, but it's so worth it! The thing looks like a dinosaur!! We also had fun eating fried food (hey, it's the fair) which doesn't really sit too well with me- at all. But the funnel cakes were a hit, as were the TIGERS!

Me petting a goose. I think he liked it.

So this is the largest steer I have ever seen. Just to give you an idea of how big it is- Tom is 6'5" and the steer was pretty much as tall as him. And weighed more too! about 2000 pounds if I remember correctly.

But he was gentle!!

Dad & Jen at Kelley's soccer game. Kelley's a junior at Lone Peak High School and has been having a great season despite getting bronchitis. Way to go Kell!!

The Knights after a hard won victory last Thursday. Kelley plays defense- she's number 4. It's kinda funny because every time she gets the ball and kicks it we shout out "FOUR!" like you would in golf. Just to let Kell know that we love her and support her. Go Knights!!

Finally . . . FALL!!

2008-09-12T14:07:00.000-07:00

I can't even describe how excited I am that fall is here! Honestly, it's one of my favorite seasons! Better than summer, when you sweat all day and get sunburns, that's for sure! I'm ready for the change of weather- bring it on! Of course this change of weather means all sorts of wonderful things happen- such as going back to school (I'm not being sarcastic-I'm really enjoying it!). Tom is doing well in school right now also. Way to go on all those biology quizzes babe- 100%- woohoo! I'm especially loving my Literature for Adolescents class- where we are required to read 30 young adult novels- finally, an excuse for being a book worm! Love it! I discovered a sweet new site that helps me keep track of everything I've read, and also allows me to share books and book reviews with people- amazing! Check it out at goodreads.com

Fall also means bike rides and changing scenery- what a beautiful place we live in!!

. . . and also Swiss Days- with yummy scones bigger than your face!

. . . and our late summer favorite- peaches. Yum! Thank's to Tom's mom for giving us some! They're delicious! I think I just might make a peach cobbler tonight . . . :)

Getting Excited

2008-08-16T11:17:00.001-07:00

The summer is wrapping up and we're getting ready for school and the football season!

At the Cougar Kickoff

Tom & Chris

And a happy 98th birthday to Grampa Lindsey!! "I'm still alive!!" Love you!

#53

2008-08-10T13:23:00.000-07:00

Hey!! In case anyone has any questions about what's been happening with Tom lately- he's doing just fine. I've gotten a lot of phone calls about Tom lately- just family and friends concerned about how he's doing. Tom's been getting a lot of press lately about his shoulder and football. He has been having problems with his shoulder, specifically his AC joint, and possibly a bone hook somewhere in there! Eventually he will need surgery, but for now the trainers and doctors have turned to other solutions.

Early this week Tom got two cortizone (sp?) shots, which work as anti-inflammatories and also help to numb it somewhat. His shoulder has been really sore, but he's pushing through, and hoping to get back into the swing of things as soon as possible. In the meantime, he comes home from practice really sore and tired from riding the bike and running on the treadmill all day. Hey if you can't do regular practice, than they're going to kick your butt in shape!!

Thanks to everyone who has expressed concern for Tom, he has been doing much better, and we love you all and will see you later in the season!

As late I rambled in the happy fields

2008-08-08T17:19:00.000-07:00

It's about time! First, I have to make a disclaimer: there are a lot of pictures in this post! Now you can't say that I didn't warn you!!

There has been a desperate battle going on between facebook and the blog. I'm sorry to say that facebook has been winning- I haven't updated the blog for a long time!! This summer has been full of sun and fun-we've been on a lot of adventures this summer- as you will probably tell by the length of this post :)

This is Tom getting ready to go wakesurfing for the first time! Oh baby . . . .

Woohoo! Here's Tom wakesurfing- he's pretty much a pro by now. . . .

Tom was asked by his uncle Spence to speak at a youth conference at Zion Ponderosa Resort in Zion's National Park. We spend a few lovely days inspiring youth and enjoying some of the Southern Utah scenery.

Tom and I on the Cable Mountain hike. Lots of blisters and sweaty backs, but it was lots of fun!!

Tom looking down the canyon from the top of Cable Mountain (they used to cut down trees and lower the lumber down the canyon on cables). 3,000 feet to the bottom! A little scary when you look over the edge, but it's not like we were scared or anything . . . ;)

The next week we were lucky enough to go back to Zion's with my cousins from Vegas and hike the Narrows! This is the crew with our hiking sticks- (they were essential!!)

Here is a sweet picture of the canyon. It was so much fun hiking through the river, the rocks, and the sand, with the canyon walls towering over you.

Jenna, Tom, and I taking a break.

Going to a rodeo was one of the things on our list to do this summer, so here we are at the Oakley rodeo! It was so much cooler than I thought! It reminded Tom of how he is aspiring to be a steer wrestler, and it reminded me of when I was obsessed with horses when I was 5 years old. Suffice it to say, we really got back in touch with our inner cowboy/cowgirl.

Tom, Chris, and Marissa took a little trip up to Burley, ID to see our land up there, and came back with high hopes for it. I don't know about you guys, but I would probably want to jump in that canal and cool off . . . .

Another fun adventure was floating down the Provo river. Don't let this picture fool you, we were freezing! That river is so cold! Plus Tom and I capsized in one of the rapids, fully immersed in the freezing water, and had a fun time chasing our tube down a half mile or so of the river. Seriously though, it was a lot of fun!!

If anyone was to float down the river, I would recommend air mattresses as the preferred method of transportation. Although our misshapen tubes were lots of fun! :)

We were also lucky enough to take a trip down to Calilfornia with my sisters and my mom. We went to a bunch of beaches: Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, Carlsbad, and Doheny. LOVED Huntington- (beach, great shopping, and Mexican food- what else could you ask for?).

Here is the lizard Tom killed on the beach- he threw a rock at it from 30 or so feet away. He felt bad for killing it, but also was proud to show his woman how if they were stuck in the wilderness, they would be able to survive with his honed and perfected hunting skills.

Jenna and I trying to look cool with our ten foot foam longboards. You think that if we could surf behind the boat, we could surf in the ocean. Well, almost! It's a little different and a lot more salty, that's for sure.

We got the chance to hang out with Tom's mission president, Pres. Middleton after Cherie and Eli Rhoads' wedding, while we were waiting for them to come out. Pres. Middleton is absolutely one of the cutest and most talented people I've ever known!!

Just waiting outside the temple- I love the flowers!!!! I can't wait until I can have my own yard and garden to landscape!

Here's Eli and Tom- so cute you guys!

Another really special time this summer was when we got to go up to Montana to Hairpin Ranch to hang out with the family. It really is big sky (or big guy?) country- the landscape is beautiful- lots of stars at night, grassy fields, four-wheeling, fishing, and LOTS of cows!! Here's Caroline-my little buddy- hanging out by the lake.

Hey Chris! Just hanging out on the patio enjoying the early afternoon . . .

Tom and Savannah looking at cows through the binoculars . . .

I wanted this picture to come last because I think it is so peaceful and relaxing! We had so much fun playing with the cousins; Montana is one of our favorite places!

So if you were wondering about the title of this post, I took it from John Keats' poem To a friend who sent me some Roses:

As late I rambled in the happy fields,

What time the skylark shakes the tremulous dew

From his lush clover covert;- when anew

Adventurous knights take up their dinted sheilds

I saw the sweet flower wild nature yields,

A fresh-blown musk-rose: 'twas the first that threw

Its sweets upon the summer: graceful it grew

As is the wand that queen Titania wields.

And, as I feasted on its fragrancy,

I thought the garden-rose it far excell'd;

But when, O Wells! Thy roses came to me,

My sense with their deliciousness was spell'd:

Soft voices had they, that with tender plea

Whisper'd of peace, and truth, and friendliness

unquell'd

I felt like this poem relates a lot to the kind of summer that we had. To me, the memories that we made this summer are like the roses, beautiful and sweet- this is really a golden time to make memories- with each other, of the beautiful places we've seen and the things we have experienced, and all made sweeter by the people that have shared it with us. Memories that we will be able to feast on and treasure, that will whisper peace and friendliness and good times.

(Sorry- there's more where that came from, but I won't push any more of my English poet obsession on you!! :)

This summer truly has been wonderful- and if you asked me, I would briefly and truthfully say that this has been one of the best summers EVER!!!!

The List

2008-06-26T19:53:00.000-07:00

So one evening early this spring Tom and I sat down one evening at home as a family, and wrote on a poster all the things we want to do this summer. This is a pretty big list . . . and includes everything from boating to triathlons, reading books, rodeos, road trips, and feeding the ducks.

Going to a baseball game was on our list- and it was lots of fun! SL vs. Tacoma on a lovely summer evening . . .

Yes, we got hot dogs . . . Tom's was huge!!

Another thing on our list was the Manti Pageant. Such a neat experience!! On the way there we were stopped on the road by some sheep herders. It was definitely a nice change of scenery from Provo . . . .

This summer has already gotten off to a good start . . . and there is more to come! If you know me, you know it takes a while for me to catch up on the blog, but there's more good stuff coming!!

Bike Rides and Birthdays

2008-06-08T14:51:00.000-07:00

May 29th was Tom's birthday! Happy birthday Tom! We had a great time at Tucanos for dinner, then went home for some dessert! (The Robert Redford, which turned out interesting, but still tasted yummy!)

We have gone on a lot of bike rides lately, when the weather is good. This crazy spring weather sometimes makes me sad because we can't always do things outside as much as we want. But sometimes the rainstorms are fun, and a nice break from the heat.

Bike ride up the Provo River Park Trail- and a stop at the park!!

I love these mountains!

I went on a bike ride with my mom too- and the trail was so muddy! No wonder- after all the rain we've been having. So at the end of the ride, we ended up a little muddy, to say the least.

The rear and front view- just covered!!

My bike (So muddy I almost couldn't clip in!)

Mom and I- didn't quite get the mud off our faces.

Tom and I are loving the sunshine and our bikes, and all the fun that we have. This weekend was our three month anniversary- woohoo! Married for 3 months!!!

Party on the Lake!!!!

2008-05-20T09:34:00.000-07:00

There was a big party on Utah Lake on Saturday- so much fun! Although the water was pretty rough, we got some surfing in! And wow, can we talk about long line at the boat ramp?!?!? All in all it was a great kick-off to a summer of sun and fun on the lake!!

Sunshine, Sand, & Fiesta

2008-05-07T11:22:00.000-07:00

The semester was over, it was time for a break and some sun! So Tom and I drove down to San Diego to spend a few days being beach bums. The drive there was almost as fun as being there! We met up with John and Bonnie in Vegas for a questionable In-n-out experience before driving to reach our final destination of sand and ocean. We decided to camp on the beach at the campground in Carlsbad, which was so fun! The view from our campsite atop the beach cliff to the waves below was beautiful!

We fell asleep and woke up to the sounds of the ocean right below us. We went for a morning walk on the beach- I love the beach! (not quite as much as I love the mountains though!)

One of the many reasons that I love the Carlsbad and Encinitas area- probably just California in general- is for all the cute boutiques! So we shopped a little bit- in some darling boutique stores and at the street bazaar. We were looking at some hats at the street bazaar, and the lady who was trying to sell me a hat told me that "this hat will go great with your beautiful pale skin!" Sad! I didn't think I was that pale! The winters in Utah are long, ok?! That made our next destination all the more important: the beach.

We went to Moonlight beach to get some sun and play in the waves! But I know you're going to ask the question like everyone else has- no, we did not see any sharks. We really didn't get in the water very far because it was so cold! Tom is so fun to play at the beach with- our favorite game is "What if I didn't have any legs?" It was so nice being able to relax, get some sun, read a book, and be with my husband. It was so good that we stayed for most of the day! However, we didn't stop to think for a second that we might need some more sunscreen. We put on some SPF when we got there, but were there for so long we should have reapplied. But we didn't, so you know what that means! SUNBURN!!!! and burn we did!

It wasn't very comfortable for the ride home, and I'm always worried that the sunburns that we get know will end up giving us melanoma later, but we did end up being tan! Of course, after we went through a nasty couple of days when we were peeling like snakes, and Tom's back was constantly itchy and needing to be scratched. But now I do feel like I can say see you later to pale winter skin- and hello beautiful summer tan!!

Tom built a majestic sand castle, and then buried my leg. He did such a good job, I seriously looked like an amputee! After some fun and a little too much sun at the beach we went to the store real quick to buy some hot dogs and marshmallows, and lighter fluid, of course- for the bonfire and sunset by the ocean.

The sunset by our campsite was beautiful! The last rays of sunlight were shining through the low clouds and onto the water. We were starving, so we built a fire and roasted some weiners! I can't even describe how much fun it was to watch the sunset on the beach, sit next to a campfire, and eat some juicy and slightly burnt hot dogs! We forgot to bring camp chairs, and the cooler caved in a bit when both Tom and I sat on it, but it worked out!

Definitely a fire to be proud of, Tom. Perfect for roasting marshmallows later for yummy s'mores. After a good meal, a beautiful sunset, and the long day at the beach we were ready for bed. The next morning when we woke up (with uncomfortable sunburns) we decided to go for a last walk on the beach before heading out.

We hiked a little bit down some old surfers' paths on the cliffs in Carlsbad. There was one tough spot with a little loose rock and sand, and Tom took a little tumble. He tried to catch himself, but ended up getting a couple of cactus stuck in his hand!! Cactus aren't as fun when you experience them this way. We picked the cactus spines out of Tom's hand- it seemed pretty painful! My camera just ran out of batteries otherwise we would have documented the two cactus stuck on Tom's hand!

The whole time we were at a campsite, Tom tried to catch the lizards and feed the squirrels. I'm not a big fan of rabid squirrel friends, so I wouldn't let Tom feed the squirrels until right before we left. We also saw a cute little cottontail rabbit on our way out! After the cactus adventure and feeding the squirrels, we played at the beach a little and got our pants wet. Tom and I both have strong feelings about driving home in wet, stinky, salt water beach pants, so we changed, got some sweet discounted gas at Costco, and then stopped at the Flower Fields in Carlsbad. So beautiful! It really makes me want to plant a garden and grow flowers. Too bad we don't have any garden space in our apartment- I'll have to settle for indoor plants. Tom also couldn't resist a little ride on the tractor.

So it's been a little while since we were on the beach in Carlsbad! After we got back we celebrated Cinco de Mayo up at the Sorensen's house. I drew a mustache on Tom- very mexican. I think that Cinco de Mayo is one of my favorite holidays! After Christmas and the Fourth of July and Halloween of course.

Harrison & Tom:

Hola Senor!

Blue, White, & red (sunburns)

2008-04-20T21:12:00.000-07:00

These past few weeks have been so fun, we've been enjoying the sunshine and also the snow. We first were sunburnt at the Blue & White game- which was pleasantly sunny! It was funny because at church the next day you could tell who the football players and their wives were, because we were all sunburnt!

Then I went spring skiing with Dad, Jenna, and Kelley and came away with a lovely goggle burn. It almost seemed like Christmas, cause I'm pretty sure I looked like Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer. Now my nose is peeling and it's even more wonderful! It was a lot of fun to go skiing with dad, and as usual, I earned my name of "grama" on the slopes. I say, it's all relative.

Then we got some sun on our hike on Saturday- and came away with sunburns! We hiked up the Big Springs trail up South Fork, and encountered a lot of snow. It was kinda fun- because it was warm, but we were hiking through snow! It'll take a little while for the snow to melt and the trail to clear off so we can bike it. It was so much fun! We are definitely looking forward to more sunshine, and we are investing in some suncreen.

Panda Bear

2008-04-05T21:14:00.000-07:00

I wouldn't normally consider my husband a panda bear, but I guess you could. It was interesting that he was called one in the Deseret News earlier this week. I'm so proud of Tom! He works so hard, and comes home so sore from practice that he walks a little funny, and he was in the newspaper 4 days this week! The Daily Herald, Desert News, Salt Lake Tribune, and the Daily Universe. So panda bear or not, my husband is wonderful! PLUS he takes out the trash . . . :)

This week has been full of fun and not so fun accomplishments- including a 16 page paper that I wrote in one day! And also Kelley's dominating soccer team, and Marissa's volleyball team winning first in Cedar City. It's always rewarding to see your hard work paying off- whether it's in the newspaper, your grades, or just being a winner :)

Laundry

2008-04-02T13:18:00.000-07:00

Our apartment is wonderful! Our first home together- it can't get better than this. Only one complaint: the dryer takes a century to dry anything. Consequentially, there is always more laundry to do than the poor dryer has the ability to dry.

Tom and I had a most wonderful 3 weeks anniversary last Friday. Almost a month now, and going strong! We are both going to school spring semester (thank you Al) and are looking forward not only to the end of the semester, but to the end of spring ball. Just counting down the days!

So as our laundry pile seems to get bigger and bigger all the time- so does the love and fun that we share- getting bigger and better all the time!