...moving...

Not physically, just cyberly. Which might be worse.

clayandstacie.blogspot.com

Come get it.

Jensens do Yellowstone

It's been a few years too many since we all took a fam vacay together. Like, I'm thinking circa 2008 when we headed to the East Coast for a church history/ national monument trip. You know, the one where Mama J had us storming up and down the national mall in order to see everything... ev er y thang... in approximately 6 hours. You know, the one where my sister wore uncomfortable shoes, so Mama J gave Ashley her shoes, and proceeded to explore barefoot. You know, the one where we got the best deep dish pizza in Chicago and ate it on top of our big, comfy hotel beds. Ya, that's the one.

We decided we needed a fun, low key, outdoorsie trip. Yellowstone was the place. The place is incredible. Not once in my mind did I doubt, even for a second, that Heavenly Father created this world perfectly. He knew exactly what He was doing.

Can't believe we hadn't gotten there sooner. Can't wait to get back.
The most beautiful place. The most relaxing days. And the best kinds of people.

Yellowstone National Park, May 18th- 25th, 2013

pretending

I'm just gonna throw this out there...
I like to pretend I can model. Tyra would be so proud of my runway walk.
But Clay? Clay can REAL model. It's like he just dug down deep and pulled out his inner Derek Zoolander.
And that is a dynamic of which I am absolutely on board.

It's a shame we have no fun together. Ugh. Bore city.

all credit to the one and only http://www.tavisjohnson.blogspot.com/

here's the story, morning glory

Better late than never? I seem to be saying that a lot in my life lately. And I hate being late.

Once upon a time I got engaged to a heck of a guy. And I was asked to tell the story, and I told it over, and over, and over again. And loved it every single time. So, I am writing it one more time (per request, and per my heart craving a sappy love story this Friday afternoon.)

Clay and I met long, long ago in a land not too far away when we were 17 years old. He went to University of Washington and I went to what was Utah Valley State College at the time. When we were 18, he came to visit me over his spring break. He took me to a gorgeous lookout spot above his Grandpa's house, and I was convinced he would make a move then. Only to find out, no, no he would not be making a move. So feeling a bit disappointed, I walked off that hill, determined to kiss him that night. We went back to his sisters house and before I left that night, we had our first kiss... in the kitchen. I love food, and I love him. So really, we're winning all around.

Fast forward 8 years. We are 25.

July 2012, we start dating again.
September 2012, we become bf/ gf. (ohhhh my gosh you guys!!!)
April 9, 2013, we break up.
April 11, 2013, I flee to CA for the weekend for a much needed hug from Mom and Dad.
April 17, 2013, Clay tells me he needs to see me.

So naturally, when he shows up- I am probably not the nicest person in the world. I know, I know, you are wondering if that is even possible. In my mind, I thought I was being a real jerk by not hugging him as tightly as usual. (Burn. That got him, for sure.) My roomies were home and after a cordial head nod between the 3 of them, Clay asked if I wanted to "go somewhere." Really, I didn't think much of it. I assumed he wanted privacy and since my roommates were home, that wasn't exactly conducive to a chat. We started driving toward his Grandpa's house. I didn't even let myself think anything of it, until he pulled up that street. And my first thought was "This is the ONLY sentimental place for me in this whole state. If he is taking me up here to break up with me more, I am going to be ticked."

He parks the car at the base of the hill and prompts me to get out of the car.

So with sweaty hands intertwined, we take the stroll to the best view of the city.

I ask him what he wants to talk about, and he says nothing.

I ask him how the week was being apart, annnnnd, he says nothing.

Then- he says something!!! He says... "I guess I don't have that much to say." (Ya think??) I was so irritated. And just when I was going Jack and Jill him down the hill, he pulls a box out of his pocket. I freeeeaked out. He is saying cute nice things and I am making a fool of myself jumping around with eyes covered, repeatedly saying "What are you doing? What are you doing? Are you being serious? Oh my gosh, no. This isn't real." And when I chilled for .2 seconds to open my eyes, he was down on one knee.

When I remembered I had to answer him, I said yes (duh.) He stood up, and we kissed. On the cheek. And the hand. We don't kiss on the mouth. Gross. And he said "Crap! I had something else I wanted to say!" And I so graciously told him he could have a redo... And he said the best thing I have ever heard in my whole life.

"I missed an opportunity on this hill with you before, and I don't want to miss an opportunity with you ever again."

He wins. He always does.

if you think this was taken when we were 17 the week that we met, you'd be oh so right.

a 2005 signature kissy face. no resisting that.

hustle and bustle

This morning I sat inside the airport for 10 minutes while I waited for my sister and Afton to meet me in baggage claim. As I waited for them, I caught myself doing one of my ultimate favorite things to do: people watch. I started questioning why I don't just come to the airport and sit more often. There was so much going and so many people speedily walking, grumpily talking, and frantically trying to get through security. It gave my stressed week a sense of calm... and made me feel like, for even just a few minutes, my life was calm in comparison.

And yet, while I was sitting there and small talking with the lady reading some book next to me, and pretending to give me time of day-- I noticed one main thing. No matter what, every single time, each person standing in the baggage claim area was elated to see the person for whom they were waiting. They stood there and eagerly waited for them to walk, skip, or run through the fancy little tunnel between travel and home.

The 17 year old teenage girl practically jumped into the arms of a boy I assume (and hope) was her boyfriend. (Maybe it was neither, but they were so giddy to see each other, and that's all that mattered to me.) The business man on the phone with starbucks coffee in hand hung up quickly when he needed to chest bump and sweet bro shake the music artist upon arrival. The nice lady next to me finally put down her book when a 3 year old Batman and 5 year old Superman ran toward her with open arms.

I got emotional! So sue me.

There are good people in the world. And people who love each other. And that feels really nice to see.

getting marriaged.

I suppose it would be appropriate for me to blog about this sooner rather than later... seeing as how my darling roomie already beat me to it! Don't want people thinking I'm not completely gushing over the fact that there is some bling bling accompanying my left ring finger these days. I get to marry the best guy in the whole world... and soon! June 15th might as well be a national holiday now. Everyone, take it off and come party with us. I'll write you a pretend sick note. I have plenty of practice with those.

Clay and I have known each other since we were 17. We met in Provo, like a lot of you. We met at BYU, like a lot of you. However, we win- because we fell in love at EFY. I have a journal entry that goes a lot like this... "Clay and I did the 3 song challenge at the dance tonight (you know, where you jump for 3 straight songs) and we were so sweaty and gross but, it's okay because he still asked me to slow dance after."

Folks. If your man won't dance with you when you're sweaty... then it IS NOT true love. Reassess pronto!


But in all honesty- I do have a pretty big concern.

The whole basis for this blog has been "blogging without a husband isn't a crime."
And now I'll have one. A husband. I will have one of those.
And a blog.
A husband and a blog.

Looks like I've got to majorly sort out my priorities.

(I'll choose him every time. Look at that face.)

Easters

I didn't get a chance to say how much I love Easter. Here it is: I love Easter. I love my Savior. And I certainly know that He lives. He freely gave His life that we might live. And I am so incredibly grateful every single day.

"One of the greatest consolations of this Easter season is that because Jesus walked such a long, lonely path utterly alone, we do not have to do so." - Elder Holland

Moab

Apparently the only things I consider blog worthy these days are adventures that involve going south for the winter. And I'm okay with that.

I took the day off on Friday and enjoyed a lovely lunch with my Mama. It was such a shame to only have her in SLC for 4 hours. We picked up Clay and headed down to Moab to meet up with Ashley, Tom, and my favorite Afton. Rumor has it someone was supposed to run the half marathon. But that didn't happen. So we just hiked and explored instead. It was all kinds of perfect. All too quick, but perfect nonetheless.

President's Day 2013

Spent the weekend down yonder in the George. We weren't planning to leave until Saturday morning, but when Friday rolled around and we were plan free, we booked it down there so we could wake up in the sunshine. Probably one of the better decisions I have made. And when I say we "booked it down there," I mean, we went the speed limit the whole entire time, listened to mix tapes from 2005, and greased our fingers up with that delicious smartpop white cheddar popcorn. Have you had that stuff? Get it now. Side note: On our drive back, we were filling up for gas and found an empty bag of it in the garbage when adding ours to the can. I wanted to know who that person was that put it there! I am sure I would like them and we could be BFFs. I should've asked the gas station for some security footage. Next time.

Saturday: Clay went for a run, and I sat in the sun. Obviously. Having a boyfriend that is training for the Ironman is exhausting. Headed to Snow Canyon and hiked all around until we met up with our friends, and then promptly hiked some more. Replenished our carbs with burgers at 5 guys, and decided it would be smart to put swimsuits on 30 mins later and soak in zeeee hot tuuub.

Sunday: I was majorly impressed that we got 15 of us up and to church by 9am. What a feat. I was also majorly impressed that we managed to get ourselves to a Spanish branch, and majorly impressed that my friends sing beautifully in a foreign language. I picked up on a lot of "luz" and "padre celestial" comments. After church, we ran home, changed, made butt loads of PB & J sandwiches (it was like a factory) and headed to Zion's. I was a first timer and certainly won't be a last timer. Angel's Landing? More like "congrats on not falling to your death landing." Yikes. Good thing I didn't tell my mom we were doing that hike until we were already back home. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, and also makes your legs sore and your breathing reaaaally deep.

learning from the pros: 1

I am practicing how to get a boys attention, just like they do in the Bachelor.

This week's challenge... get soooop emotional like Tierra.
SUCCESS!!
Boyfriend didn't even think I was crazy when he said "what do you want to do?" And I said "I don't know, I need to take a nap or something because I'm feeling extra cray cray emotional." Didn't even phase him. He said "Do you need a real nap, or can you fall asleep while we watch a documentary or something?" And then we snuggled and I wasn't emotional anymore. He probably would've given me the rose, too, had it been awkwardly sitting in a dish on our coffee table.
Guys. I am thinking she is onto something.

Can't wait to see what the girls have to offer me for dating advice tonight!

i like this.

a fiesta of sorts

I thought it would be appropriate to kick off 2013 right by going to... drum roll please...
DENVER!!!!
(I know, you never would've guessed.)

After a minor bump in with a Jaguar in the Little Caesar's parking lot on the way to the airport, the weekend was lovely. (take note: that's what happens when you eat LC's I guess... lesson learned) (also, unfortunately, I do mean the car, not the animal) (also: i intend to eat at Little C's again. many times. so lesson not learned.)

Got to check out Garden of the Gods with a true outdoors man, be toted in a bicycle buggy with all 680 pounds of us (homeboy was a machine!), and shake my maracas with my favorite 1 year old. BUENO!

MLKjr

Wise man, wise words. 

“Now there is a final reason I think that Jesus says, "Love your enemies." It is this: that love has within it a redemptive power. And there is a power there that eventually transforms individuals. Just keep being friendly to that person. Just keep loving them, and they can’t stand it too long. Oh, they react in many ways in the beginning. They react with guilt feelings, and sometimes they’ll hate you a little more at that transition period, but just keep loving them. And by the power of your love they will break down under the load. That’s love, you see. It is redemptive, and this is why Jesus says love. There’s something about love that builds up and is creative. There is something about hate that tears down and is destructive. So love your enemies."

blue skies, smiling at me

nothing but blue skies, do I seeeeeeeee.

Thank goodness the inversion is blowing out and the sun is doing it's shining thing again.
After 5 days of no sun I was ready to pack up my belongings and head south for the winter. And by "belongings", I mean my bathing suit. Maybe I will even take 2 bathing suits to switch it up every other day. Gotta keep the locals guessing.
Also, I suppose this means my dreams of living in Seattle are slowly fading. Unless you give me a tanning bed... And I will live in that tanning bed. And run all my errands, with tanning bed in hand. And I will be happy and sunshiney and really, exceptionally awkward.

the best of the best

2012! I liked you.
You guys wanna talk about it? Ya, me too.

January
Had a cute little visitor for a week... Yay for little brothers
Won tickets on the radio for Night Ranger in Wendover. Partied with some 40 year old drunkards. Obvi the most fun.

February

Sundance Film Festival

Paid sister and Afty a visit in the Denver. (Be ready for a lot of repeats of this)

Valentined my heart out

March

Friend time in Vegas

Mama/ Sister/ Afton came to my rescue during ACL surgery time (side note: they were the best nurses ever and provided lots of laughs and lots of diet coke. it's all a girl needs.)

April
San Diego work trip (yes please!) plus friend and beach time!
(Yuck, this month was booooorrring. Snoozicle the Musical)

May
Afty's blessing in CO
Trip home
Special Temple day!
Dylan's farewell. Tear. Let's not talk about it.

June
Sang in an awesome production of Lamb of God
One of my best friends got marriaged
St. George trip wif da roomies.
Yes, my Ashley came to visit me. So sue us.

July
Home again, home again- Road trip for the 4th of July!
(Photo shoot in) San Francisco

August

Oh, you know, just went to Denver again

Surprise visit from Mama!

September
My 25th Birthday- combined the crap out of that party with Case face.
Trip to Moab
And yes, my sister and Afton came to visit. Duh.
Salt Lake fair- of course it is in my birthday month! Thank you!
Sang in the Relief Society General meeting- such a rad experience.

October
Checked out the Logan temple
Harry Potter Murder Mystery party
Halloweiner

November
BYU Football game- pretty sure it was the coldest game of the year.
Arizona for Thanksgiving
Purchased our Christmas tree!

December
Temple Square lights
Back to Denver (naturally)
Home for Christmas
Afty's first birthday!
Little brother's wedding
The happiest New Year

 

Needless to say, 2012 was the cream of the crop, the sultan of swat, the macaroni to my cheese, the diet to my coke.
I am excited to see what 2013 has to hold... and more importantly, who I will hold in 2013.

Life is great.
xoxo.