Classroom funnies

Today one of my students did the cutest thing I've ever seen. And I've seen a lot of cute things that kids do. We were waiting in the hall way to go to the gym at the end of the day. My newest student is a small little boy who has a lot of food allergies. He brings his own snack from home. Every time it's snack time and I give the other kids their treat, he always asks in his cute squeaky voice "Does that have sthoy in it?" (with a lisp :) ). Anyways, like I said, we were waiting in line, and he says to me:


"Mrs. Madsen, watch this(th)!"


He then winks at me.
With the open mouth smooth-smile and everything.
And then goes back to his usually cute little smile.


"My dad taught me that," he says.


I couldn't help but laugh. So. dang. cute. Maybe you just had to be there, but it was the cutest thing ever.


Other funny quotes from my students lately:


"Jesus is coming to my birthday party." (states in a very matter-of-fact way)


"My Dad's name is Brian, and my Mom's name is...Elmo." (Her name is NOT Elmo)


"This graham cracker bear is REALLY tiny for a bear".


"Mrs. Madsen, are you my mom?"


Good times teaching 4 year olds. Great times. :)

If the first year's the hardest, we're in good shape!

Hello world! I hope all is well. We've had a crazy week here. I can't believe Thanksgiving break was just two days ago! This morning my car was having trouble starting in the cold (not our new car thank goodness), so I had to call a sub for my class. I just realized that I don't often blog about my pre-school class. I need to devote a post or two about those cute kids. I have picture, but feel weird about posting them on a public blog. Long story short, I was sad that I couldn't go to work this morning, and I think when you're genuinely sad to miss work that means you're in the right line of work. :) I'm so very blessed to have that job.

This past weekend was so fun. As the title of this post may suggest, we had our first anniversary (and I bet the first year with a baby is the hardest. Just sayin.)! It was a fun, relaxed day. We promised each other ahead of time that we wouldn't do any homework, and we were true to our word. :) I let Alex sleep in, but I was too excited for the day. I woke up and made these (Whitney would be so proud! ), and yes I snitched. Nothing like sugar for breakfast.
 
Then we drove up to the Mt. Timp temple to kind of relive the day. As we were walking up there was a wedding taking picture. It seemed colder this year than last year. We went and did some sealings. I can not adequately describe the Spirit I feel when I'm in the temple, and especially when I'm in the temple with Alex. We were in a sealing room just next door to where we were sealed exactly a year from that moment. Vivid memories came back to me, including the tears. I remember the way that Alex looked at the me, the way my Mom and Dad smiled, Grandpa sealing us, all of those hugs afterwards from so many people that I love. And, of course, the Spirit I felt. What an amazing ordinance we have been given. What a gift from Heavenly Father! I understand more and more why the sealing ordinance is the New and Everlasting Covenant, it is the greatest gift that we can be given in this life. I am so incredibly blessed to be able to enter into it, and I will never take it for granted.
 
We went and watched the BYU game with the Madsens, which was fun and a little disappointing. But, our boys sure put up a fight! Then, we went out to dinner and for a walk around the Riverwoods. They remodeled and put fun little fires along the sidewalk and Christmas lights everywhere. If you're in UT, I suggest going there and taking an night time walk. It was a magical day!
 
I apologize that I seem to only update on our last weekend and then give a spiritual thought, but oh well. I guess that's just how I role. The other day, I was reading this:
 
Acts 1:10-11
And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into aheaven?
 
I love this image, for some reason. Lately I feel as if I've been really focused on my relationship with myself and Heavenly Father. I've been trying to pray and read more, been trying to talk with Him more often. But I still haven't felt as spiritually "on" as I have in the past. I was trying to figure it out, and I read this verse. The Apostles have just witnessed this miracle, have seen Christ be brought up into heaven, and two messengers ask why they continue to look to heaven. It is time for them to do work on this Earth.
 
I think I often look right to Heavenly Father to fix my problems. While I know that He can, that He is in everything, but He has given us something wonderful. Agency. He is relying on us to chose to help others, to be aware of what is going on around us, not just sit idly by until Christ comes again. This is our chance to work, to serve, and to help others. We need to be more aware of what is happening around us. I think of how well I can mask a bad day, and I'm an open book to most of my friends. Who else do I know who is having a hard time? Probably nearly everyone. During this holiday season, I hope that I can keep my eyes on those needs around me, but my heart still in heaven with my Savior.
 
I'm about to hit a "change" part of my life. I'm nervous. Actually, really nervous. This means doing new things that I'm not used to. It seems like as I've gotten older new things stop being as excited and start being more scary. I need to feel close to the Savior if I'm going to make it through a happier person. I need to focus more on others around me, and the work that I have been sent here to do.
 
Hope you're all doing well!
 
Nat

Happy Thanksgiving!

I love Thanksgiving. I always feel bad for it, though. It seems to always get plowed over by Christmas. Don't get me wrong, I'm a big fan of Christmas too, but now that I have a wedding anniverary around Thanksgiving, I feel like I need to stand up for it. I absolutely love this holiday: family, friends, food, and football. What else can you ask for? :)

Now, to play a little catch up. Last week was SO fun, but tiring. It seems as though my entire social life was crammed into one week this semester. But, I'm not complaining! :)

Last Wednesday I had a last minute chance to join Al and Kittye, two of my old roomates, to go see Sarah Bareilles. My sister Heather came too. :) I saw her in Provo my freshmen year, so it was fun to see her again! WOW - such a talented performer. She is so much better live than recorded. I strongly suggest checking out her live videos and youtube.

Sorry about my awkward body position, but we were in a crammed concert. :)

Then, Thursday night we went to the midnight showing of HP. Duh. Overall, I thought it was a pretty good movie, the best so far, but Alex wasn't that big of a fan. Oh well. Read the books, they are loads better.

Alex was Dean Thomas (hence the sweatband) and I was Ginny. We were from book 6. :)

The whole crew!

Then, Saturday we went to BYU's Romeo and Juliet. That was fun. Alex actually stayed awake for the whole thing! I love my cultured husband. :)

Then, we picked up some funky bug. All day Sunday we were both sick. Which isn't as fun as it sounds, no one else if there to make soup for you. We've still been feeling a little funky this week, but we can't really miss work or school. We got feeling better just in time for the BLIZZARD OF 2010!

Oh wait. Let down. but, I'm not complaining! I got to leave work at 3 on Tuesday and didn't have to go in at all today (Wednesday) so I'm a happy camper. :)

We're excited for Thanksgiving tomorrow and being able to see so much family. Erica and Andrew are in town, it's been fun seeing them!

Last November, 2009 :)

After Thanksgiving is our first anniversary (what?!) and then back into the swing of things. Next week is show week for my last show in Divine Comedy. Mixed emotions, and I'm sure I'll write a touchy emotional blog post about it is to come. My mom and brother are coming into town and staying with us, so we're whippin' the house into shape. Just need to fix up the guest room a little. I'll worry about that after I get some turkey. :)

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving. I'm grateful for each of you for reading this blog, and for being a part of our lives. I will always be grateful for an anniversary around Thanksgiving, because it will always remind me to be grateful for my best friend Alex.
But, who couldn't be gratedul for someone like him?

Watch this video. I can't get the embed to work :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wi0tqhedHIU&feature=&p=4E784EC0770935C0&index=0&playnext=1

Happy Thanksgiving! Travel safe! :)

Love,

Nat

Update

Look how cute Alex is in his new blog. Alex is a missionary all the way. I love how mindful he is of the gospel all of the time. It's pretty obvious why I love him :)


Before I get started, here's a really great zucchini bread recipe I used the other day. Yum.

Zucchini Bread

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup grated unpeeled zucchini ( I just chopped some up and put it in the blender)
• 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips ( if you want. By why wouldn't you want?)
• 
  
• In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Combine the flour,  salt, baking soda, baking powder and cinnamon; gradually add to creamed mixture. Stir in the zucchini and chocolate chips.
• 
  
• Spoon into a greased 8-in. x 4-in. x 2-in. loaf pan. Bake at 350 degrees F for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes.

Enjoy!

• 
  

Things have been getting busy around here. I'll start from recently, and make my way backwards :)


Last night was opening night for Tuesday's with Morrie. Matt from DC is in it and is FANTASTIC. I've been assigned to work as a Stage Hang/Assistant Stage Manager for the show, so I've been going to rehearsals for a while now. Opening night went well, and now I have shows for the next little while. See ya in a month, honey :(.

My dad came is for a short visit this past weekend, to help move my grandparents move back to SLC. He flew in Friday night. We saw him Saturday for lunch - the morning was filled with Alpine Days festivities. Of course, I left my camera, but Alex and Tim ran in the 5k, and then we went to the Fireman's breakfast as per tradition. I'll get pics from Jodie later. I saw Julie B. Beck and got totally star struck. (Alex's) Mom offered to introduce me, but I was too nervous! I just love her! :)


Anywho, my dad came into town to help my grandparents move back to SLC. They are back where the used to live -- in the prophet's ward right by Temple Square! Alex was such a trooper and helped lift heavy things, while I put things away. Cousin Cody was with the men, too, and it was so fun to see him. When we weren't moving boxes and hanging up artwork, we got to spend some time with Dad. He even stayed with us one night, which was so fun. :) I am so grateful for the Dad that I have. He is such an amazing man, and I love getting to see him when he visits! We also visited Trissy and Sam, two of my favorite people. It was a great weekend! I only took one picture while Dad was here. He left all too soon, catching a flight back Sunday so he could be at work on Monday. Seriously, what an amazing man!

When Dad was here, we walked around temple square, went to 

Music and the Spoken Word, and explored around 

downtown for a while. It was so fun!

Brigham Young's grave in downtown SLC.

Speaking of Trissy and Sam, here's an old video on my camera of Neve/Nora playing ring around the rosy. Too cute!

I've been gearing up for my new job! We had teacher training all last week. I will still be working as a secretary on campus, and taking a full load of classes, and doing Divine Comedy one more semester. It will be so fun, and so exhausting. :) But, I feel very blessed to be able to do everything.


 TOMORROW if meet the teacher day! I must say, I'm a little nervous! I'll let you know how it goes. I'm so excited to meet these little one that I'll be able to teach. I'll have 12 3 year olds. Keep me in your prayers! ;)


Alex starts school next week too, and he's already getting into the zone. Because I've had rehearsals/performances so often lately, he's been going to the library and reading his textbooks he'll be using this Fall. What a guy. :) He really is the best.


Two weekend ago was the DC Alumni Show. Man, was that fun! TONS of my dearest friends from my first year in DC came back, and we did a bunch of my favorites. As always, it was crazy preparing for it. Some cast members didn't get there until about 12 on Saturday, and we had two shows at 7 and 9. We totally sold out -- we had to turn people away! Whit did an amazing, amazing job of putting the whole thing together. Since it sold out, it got HOT in that auditorium. August show + 400 people per show + us dancing around in hot costumes = gross. It really was such a fun show, though. We got to spend some quality time with everyone the next day on Sunday, and that was wonderful.

Marriott School Musical. I bet it's really hard to tell who is what character. ;) 

High School Musical finale dance! :)

 I think we cracked everytime. Someday, Brian, someday...

...and then the camera died. So we didn't get any Latter-day Miserable pictures. I'll get the group picture from Jodie soon, too! :)




And of course, I've still been working at the good ol' Math Department. We're gearing up for Fall to start, so it's been really busy. I've been writing this blog post here and there for a while whenever I've had some free time at work. 


Alex is still working at the Dental Lab and still loves it. We're both excited for school to start, but sad to see the summer end. It's been such a fun, relaxed summer just enjoying each other. Highlights for me have been evening bike rides followed by popsicles. And, of course, NC. Only two more years until the next one...


Now you're updated! Hope all is well -- and good luck with the start of school, everyone!


Love you all,


Natalex

Call me Mrs. Madsen...

I got a job. As a TEACHER. 

HERE! Notice how it says Dance, Theatre AND Preschool, all on the same building. Heaven.

I can't believe how incredibly blessed I am. I'll be teaching part-time, teaching once class, as I finish up my degree at BYU, and I'll start working as a full-time teacher once I graduate.


Seriously, who gets so lucky?!


Here's a picture of what my classroom will look like:

Blurry, but it's the actual classroom!

I am very grateful today! :)

One year ago...

One year ago today, I woke up in a dorm in Helaman Halls. I was working as a Sports and Dance camp counselor, and all I had to do that morning was make sure my girls were awake and getting to their various activities, and I was off work until 4 that afternoon. I was going to see Alex *butterfly flutter in stomach * soon, and the only thing we had planned to do was to go look at rings again. I remember thinking, “I’m seriously looking at rings?! Can this be happening?!”, but also being so, so happy at the same time. I woke up to a sweet text message, as I often did, that said “Happy Anniversary! There’s a surprise in the scooter…” and then some mushy lovey dovey stuff. I think it was our 6 month anniversary from our first date? Maybe it was 7 months. I know, I know, only 6 months, but we were almost constantly together for about a month before that even happened, and knew each other 6 months before that date. So, I didn’t feel rushed into it.

I had the best summer job – I worked from 4 pm until 9 am the next morning, hanging out with kids, and eating all of my meals at the new Cannon Center. Oh, and spending 9 am to 4 pm falling in love with Alex.

So, I quickly got dressed, made sure my girls were awake, and then started to get ready to go home. I found a daisy (my favorite) and a note that said “There’s another surprise for you at our spot”. Now, this may require some back story. Alex and I would go on drives a lot when we were dating to talk and get away from roommates. We love to drive up by the Y and admire the view. There’s a house (scroll down and slick Street View), the last house on the hill before you get to the Y parking lot, that we absolutely love. At the time it was for sale, and we always joked about retiring in Provo and buying that house some day. I would still love that. :) So, there’s a spot kind of right by the house, where you can park and look at the view. We used to ride the scooter up there and talk for hours. I love that spot.

I stopped by Gold’s Gym because I saw Erica and Andrew and told them what was happening. I think Andrew thought Alex was proposing, but I said “Oh, no, he does stuff like this all the time. And we’re looking at more rings this afternoon.” Which was true by the way – he does really romantic things for me all the time. And we were going to look at rings that afternoon. Or so I thought. :)

I finally got there, and there was Alex! :) Now, at the time he was working as a Dental Assistant, and worked a few mornings a week. He got this morning off! I was so excited to see him! The first thing I told him was “Your flower fell out when I was driving!”. He parked the car so that I couldn’t see behind it, and led me around. He had set up a Kneader’s breakfast picnic. YUM. If you haven’t had their French toast, you need to. In fact, we went this morning before I had to work to celebrate our little anniversary today. :)

So, we sit, we have breakfast, we talk, it was so wonderful. Then Alex gets kind of….nervous. I’ve never seen him nervous, not even before speaking in church. He says, “I’ve got one more thing for you. Close your eyes really quick.” What a guy. At this point, I thought -- man, he's really being romantic today! I honestly had no clue, because we were looking at rings today! So, I close my eyes, and I can hear plastic rustling. He told me I could open my eyes, and right in front of my face was a dozen red roses. I took them from him, and looked at them and said “Oh, honey they’re beautiful!” or something like unto it. I saw in the corner of my eye Alex kneel down for something. 

Then I looked at him, and he was on one knee. With a ring box in his hand! He said some very sweet things about me then told me that he loved me and wanted to spend the rest of his life with me. He said THE question, and I said “Ohmygosh, ohmygosh, ohmygosh” for about two minutes. I’m pretty sure I said ohmygosh before he even asked the question. Or maybe even spoke. I could NOT believe that he was proposing to me right now! He laughed at me and hugged me. In my mind, I had already said yes, but poor Alex was just waiting for an answer. He said “Babe, you haven’t said yes yet”, and I shouted “Yes, yes of course!” He put the ring on my finger. It is such a beautiful ring. I had picked out the setting a couple weeks before that, but didn’t really think much of it. I just said “Oh, I really like that one.” And I do! I wish I had a good picture with me now. I’ll have to post one once I’m back on my computer. :) It’s simple and elegant and classic. Anyways, at this point you know I was crying. I started crying during the ohmygosh ohmygosh time. It was such a wonderful moment. It was actually a really spiritual experience for me.

THEN, we went home to Alpine to show the family the ring, which of course they had all seen. We made a million phone calls. Alex told me about calling my Dad the night before, and how nervous he was. We went and saw the new HARRY POTTER, and that night for work, we ate in the Sky Room, this really delicious and nice restaurant on campus at BYU. It really was the perfect day. :)

I loved Alex so much then, and I love him so much more now. I never planned to get married when I did, but I’m so grateful that I did get married when I did. I could never imagine life without Alex, and I am so grateful for him, and that he asked me to marry him a year ago. And that we’re married now. :)

To celebrate (okay, not really) we’re takin’ a red eye to NYC tonight, and then an early morning flight to North Carolina and relaxing for a week at the beach with the MONK FAMILY! We’re so, so excited.

Happy Friday! :)

Love you guys,

Nat

Cilantro Lime Quesadillas

I'm sorry that I blog so much. I'm not even too sure that anybody really reads this, but it's what I do when things get slow at work. Like right now. :)


I have exciting news. I took an extended lunch break and interviewed at a Pre-school up in Lehi that's a Theatre Pre-school. Yes, you read correctly, a THEATRE PRE-SCHOOL. It's totally my dream job. The exciting part is that they seemed to think I was qualified, the interview went well, and now they want me back next Tuesday morning to team teach a class and see if I'm good at it. Hooray! That part doesn't make me nervous at all, that's the fun part. :) So, we'll see how it goes. The job would be to teach my own class from mid-August to May, so during my senior year. If I don't get it it's okay, I've got plenty on my plate for next year. :) If I do get it, hooray! I will have gotten my dream job before I even graduate college.


I am one incredibly blessed and lucky girl. :)


So I like to cook. Last night I did my first attempt at Guru's Cilantro Lime Quesadillas -- it's my favorite. It's Alex's favorite. I should probably learn to make this at home right? Well, I basically guessed on it, like most things, and tweak as I go until I get the perfect recipe. I think I got this down...now onto the sweet potato fries. :)


Last night Alex said, as I was telling myself things I could tweak, "Don't change anything. This is better than Guru's. You need to write this down and make it exactly like this every time." No joke. I guess he liked it.


So here it is! I'm always a little vague with recipes, but hopefully this gives you the idea. 

Cilantro Lime Quesadillas

Cilantro Pesto Sauce


Combine in a bowl and whisk together:


about 4 or 5 Tablespoons of pesto ( I love recipes with pesto! )
1/2 to 3/4 of a bundle of fresh cilantro chopped
some chopped red onion ( put in as much as you like)
A dash or two of garlic powder
A few generous squirts of lime juice ( fresh is you have it)
throw in some lime zest if you want too
1/3 cup or less of chicken broth until it gets the consistancy you want


Taste and make any adjustments according to what flavors you like best.


Corn salsa

Boil/heat up/ cook a couple handfuls of sweet corn and onions ( green onions, red, white, whatever you have) and chopped cilantro for inside the Quesadilla and set aside in a bow.


Chicken
For the chicken, I just crock-potted some chicken with a can of cream of chicken and taco seasoning. It would also be yummy with plain old grilled chicken marinaded in something like :


1 cup water
1/8 cup or less of olive oil
4 or 5 tablespoons of taco seasoning
a few dashes of onion powder


and then grilled up! Crock pots make a VERY tender chicken, which I like the best.


Tortillas
I used store bought, but homemade would be yummy too, I just didn't have much time. I brushed each side of the tortilla with a little olive oil and sprinkled it with taco seasoning/garlic powder mixture. Any kind of yummy Mexican spices will do. I toasted them on the stove over medium heat on each side until they were slightly crispy.


Put 'em all together! :)


Now, I used a Quesadilla maker we got for our wedding to melt it all together, but you can also just throw everything on the skillet on the stove top and flip it over. I layered it on as follows:


Cilantro Lime Pesto mixture ( I strained it a little with a fork and then put it on the tortilla)
Taco Chicken
Corn/onion mixture
Shredded mexican blend cheese


..be sure not to put too much for the first few tries, it could be too juicy! But you'll get the hang of it after the first one.


Let it cool for a minute, slice it, and enjoy!

I like to serve it with some fresh salsa and sour cream. YUM!


Happy cooking :) Hopefully sweet potato fries and other Guru's yummies to come!

June :)

Happy July everyone! Man, I can't wait for the prolonged 4th of July festivities. I have a feeling this whole weekend will be filled with fireworks, yummy food, and family. :)


Here's my favorite dessert recipe that I'm sure I'll make this weekend:

Strawberry pie


1 pie crust ( I either buy an already made chocolate one, or make it with chocolate graham crackers...yum!)
A bunch of strawberries ( enough to fill the pie crust generously) with stems cut off
1 pkt of Sugar-free raspberry Jell-O mix
1/2 cup of sugar ( you can play around with that amount, if you really want to just taste the berries you don't need it)
3 T cornstarch (sometime it needs 4)
1 3/4 cup of H20
Whipped cream ( if you want :) )


1. Mix cornstarch, Jell-O mix, and sugar together well and add to water. Gradually mix in cornstarch mixture. Reduce the heat and simmer until thickened. Stir pretty constantly


2. Place strawberries throughout the crust. Poor mixture over berries.


3. Stick it in the fridge for a few hours, and you're done! :) Put some whipped cream and blueberries on top if you want to be patriotic. :)


June has been a very busy but very fun month. Alex and I both are just working now, but we ended our Spring term each getting As in our classes (yipee!). We both are loving this time in our lives to just be with each other, and enjoy being married without a ton of stress!

We have a new beautiful, darling niece, Kira, and VERY recently a new nephew, Conner. They are absolutely perfect. It's so fun holding a newborn!:) Makes me excited for a little one someday.

Erica and Andrew moved back to the Midwest, waiting for Andrew's Master's program to start, and living with my parents. Jealous? Yes. I'm the only kid not at home right now. Oh well, it'll make everyone loves us that much more when we do see them ;)


The DAY OF Alex's final, like two hours after he finished, we drove down to AZ to visit Midwestern University. Keri, the coolest sister ever, came with us, and we drove her totally awesome car. (Insert picture here) It was really fun spending the 11 hr drive with Keri and Alex, hearing funny stories about when they were growing up. I really do love Keri a lot, she's become one of my really good friends. :)

The trip to AZ was fun. And hot. Alex took a simulation course at Midwestern University -- he got to learn more about the dental school, meet and talk with dental students and professors, etc. It made Alex VERY excited for dental school! It still seems like a while away, but I'm glad that it will be something Alex really enjoys.

Keri worked on her grad school paper while I finished up Catching Fire. I read Hunger Games and Catching Fire within a week, I couldn't put them down! I can't wait for the next one to come out August 24th! It will be just enough time to read it before school starts in the fall. :)

We went driving around Mesa, saw the temple, and got a REALLY yummy snow-cone-with-ice-cream thing. If you haven't tried one-- you need too. Drive up to Alpine and go to Snowasis and get it Glacier style- it's totally worth the trip. I actually had one last night after playing at the park with some nieces and nephews. I love summer time :)

Anyways, we also went out to each and met a bunch of Keri's friends from when she lived there. We had some really, really good BBQ, and then Alex and I walked down the street to get a Pizookie. A pizza- sized cookie with ice cream on top. (Pizza and cookies are probably my two favorite things. I promise I'm a healthy person, despite the food I talk about on this blog. Maybe I'll put up some healthy recipes to redeem myself... ) Anyways, it was incredible. I wish I had taken a picture of the street too -- it was very fun walking along all the little shops. Here's a pizookie picture I found online -- looks just like the one we got. Yum.


We drove back on Sunday, and to a new nephew Connor! Since the trip, things have began to settle down. We went and saw How to Train Your Dragon in the dollar theatre. It was really fun! 


I totally love movie popcorn, but I haven't gotten any in a long time because of how expensive it is. I had a few bucks in my wallet from a card I got from my generous Momma, but I couldn't bring myself to spend 4 dollars on a bag of popcorn. Alex, I'm sure, noticed how sad it made me I guess, because he "went to the bathroom" and brought me some popcorn. What a husband :)


We're looking forward to July - work, going to the pool, spending time with family, being outside, picnics, cook outs, and of course the BEACH for a whole week. 

Life is good. :)

My week off!

So this week I didn't work an EFY camp OR a Sports camp. Therefore, we did wedding things! Well, mostly. I also have a show coming up this next weekend, so I've been putting up posters and such to advertise. We looked at different reception places and the decision is........THE ALPINE ART CENTER! We're excited, it's a beautiful place, and even better, they do all the set up and take down themselves!

Also, I got a job this past week! :) As a student secretary for the Math Department. I start work tomorrow, as well as another Sports Camp in the evenings. It'll be a busy week! :)

My week was Great!! I got to spend it all with Nat! I am doing an internship at a dental office in the mornings, and working at an ortho lab in the afternoons. I love doing both! I got to assist for a endodontist, then do root canals, and really really enjoyed it! I am thinking that it the specialty for me. Doing all this wedding stuff makes me more and more excited to marry Natalie!

Hey everybody!

Hey everybody!
Welcome to our blog. Alex and I (Natalie) are engaged! To be married! So, in true BYU fashion, we decided to start a blog.
Today was my first day of being an EFY counselor. For those of you who don’t know, EFY stands for Especially for Youth. It’s like a big LDS summer camp. It goes Monday through Saturday morning, filled with dances, Big Booty, bad cafeteria food, awkward flirting, and awesome church classes throughout the day. This is my first experience with EFY, I never went in my 14-18 year old days. I’ve been a counselor all summer for BYU Sports and Dance Camps, so I decided to do an EFY session to spice things up. It’s definitely been a learning experience already. EFY this session I’m working is having all of its major meetings in a tent! We are dwelling in a tent! How awesome is that! So, today in my khaki pants and obnoxiously green polo, I walked all over campus, dwelt in a tent, and taught an awesome group of 10 15 years old devotionals throughout the day. I love that EFY is more spiritual, and that I’ll hopefully be able to help the youth come unto Christ.

Last night I was really nervous, but today went well. I’m just taking it one hour at a time. It’s been nice to not think about wedding/Divine Comedy stuff, as much as I love both of those things, and just focus on “What scripture could I use to answer that question?” etc. EFY is crazy busy, each activity is blocked out in ten minute parts. It’s very, very structured, and I tend to do better with a little more freedom, but I’m excited to get better at more structure.
Thanks for visiting our blog, sorry we don’t know what we’re doing. We’re not really bloggers, so be patient with us. Love you guys!
-Natalie