steve and jessie

christmas break

2012-01-21T11:37:00.000-05:00

Better late than never, right?

Our Christmas this year was perfect. Too perfect that it was really hard to come home after 10 days of no work and quality time with family and friends. Between gaining the most-amazing sister-in-law ever, late night Mario Kart tournaments, 3-day road trip with the two of the cutest kids ever, dying and cutting my sister's hair, eating, eating and eating, the annual Pollei Family bowling night, meeting up with some of my best high school friends, and quality time with family, I think it's safe to say it was a much-needed break.

Christmas Eve nativity & pinata, so funny to see Kiki dive for the candy

I don't know who loved who more... Kiki didn't leave Steve's side all break,

then again, neither did Steve.

Trip to Temple Square to see the lights. Always incredible.

The kids loved tracking Santa on Google Maps on Christmas Eve!

Until next year!

The month of December in Washington, D.C.

2012-01-04T23:03:00.000-05:00

We have had a lot of fun lately.

Nothing out of the ordinary.

But this place is really starting to feel like home.

We feel so blessed to have the jobs we do,

for Steve's opportunity to go to the school that he does,

and to live in such a beautiful city.

This doesn't mean it wasn't terribly hard to leave Salt Lake last weekend,

but it means we are really starting to feel settled.

Spending our first holiday season in the District was very fun.

Although Steve's 1st semester of finals kept us from enjoying the first half of the month,

we certainly did a lot the week before we went to Utah for the holiday.

We went to the DC temple to see the lights and festivities,

window shopping around Georgetown,

visited the Botanical Gardens (absolutely AMAZING - so many poinsettias!),

checked out the White House tree and walked historic neighborhoods,

enjoyed festive baking, eating out, listening to Christmas music,

and celebrating our Christmas on December 21st before heading to Utah.

the car wash

2011-12-06T16:40:00.003-05:00

Friday, May 6, 2011 - After traveling for 3+ days across the country Steve and I arrived in Washington, D.C. With bugs, birds and who knows what else on our car we decided to familiarize ourselves with our new home and find a nearby self-serve car wash to clean our car. Easy right? Wrong.

After nearly 3 hours of searching for a car wash there wasn't a single one to be found. We were so confused and thought this was the most bizarre thing. After scouring the web for the answer to this bizarre question we read that car washes don't exist in Northern VA. Something about harming the Potomac..? Who knew. Anyway, this has become quite the joke with Steve & I due to my impatience with a dirty car (inside or out).

So guess what was at the top of our "to-do over Thanksgiving in Nashville list"?

Visit a self-serve car wash of course.

This Thanksgiving we were thankful for the simple things...

Saturday in Philadelphia

2011-11-15T21:23:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago we went up to Philadelphia to see some of my best friends from high school. Rachel Brubaker was the best host and tour guide, and it was so good to catch up with Cameron who was in town for work.

Of course we started the day with cheesesteaks, ended the day with a walk along the Schuylkill River to the Rocky statue and steps. Yes Brubaker was played the rocky theme on her phone as she dared Steve to run up and down the steps, like Rocky.

It was comical.

We also stopped by Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, Rachel's amazing work (Anthropologie), drove around the city and admired the amazing architecture.

There's something about the industrial feel to Philly that is incredible.

We can't wait to visit again! It's so great to have close friends just 2 hours away!

The real cheesesteak test - Pats vs. Geno's

Cameron & Steve had to try half of each.

Rachel gave us a tour of the incredible Urban campus.

This photo is of the apparel part of Anthropologie.

I have to say the Anthro home area was amazing!

The Urban campus is on an old navy yard...

Steve was in love with all the old aircraft carriers.

This whole idea of east coast in the fall is really gaining a special place in my heart :)

In the past 7 days....

2011-11-11T11:07:00.001-05:00

As Steve & I continue to make more of an effort to be grateful for the simple things,

I can't help but reflect back over the past week and think about 10 simple acts that I am thankful for:

1. Our walk with one of my closest friends along the Schuylkill River last Saturday afternoon before we left Philadelphia to head home. Oh how beautiful the east coast is in the fall.

2. The incredible people I get to work with.

Including my newest professor - who survived Auschwitz as a child.

So incredible.

3. A cute husband answering the question,

"If you went into a store and tried to shop for me, what is 5 items you would buy?"

His answer was hysterical. He is very observant.

4. Our super cute nursery kids and the hilarious things they say.

5. Almost buying an English Bulldog yesterday then deciding it's not quite our time yet.

6. Still being able to eat on the patio at restaurants - would not be possible in Utah.

7. Walking through Old Town Alexandria and peeking into all the beautiful homes windows.

8. Listening to Christmas music - not it isn't too early.

9. No traffic to and from work on Veteran's Day

(because no one else in DC works on holidays).

10. Waking up in the morning to find a sleeping husband with his laptop still on top of him.

Does he ever take a break? No.

He is such a hard worker.

Photo from our trip to PA last weekend.

Jay & Kanye

2011-11-07T17:09:00.002-05:00

Last week Steve & I went to the Jay-Z and Kanye West concert here in DC.

Although I was slightly skeptical before we went
(not a big Jay fan, but definitely a Kanye fan),

I ended up loving the show.

It's always a good time seeing two incredible musicians perform together.

Steve was in heaven the whole time - a huge fan of both acts.

Now only if Beyonce had been there..... I. Would. Have. Died.

my newly engaged brother

2011-10-19T21:14:00.000-04:00

I haven't stopped smiling since I heard the news last night about Mckay & Brooke's engagement.

After 5 years of on and off dating they are getting married December 27th in Denver, Colorado.

I couldn't be more excited for them and for our family,

Brookie is the missing piece to the puzzle of our family & we can't wait to celebrate!

I could go on for hours about how perfect they are together...

but, I will refrain - they already know how much I love them.

scenes from our week

2011-10-14T16:56:00.003-04:00

I don't think it's possible for our weeks to fly by any quicker. Between 40+ hour work weeks, Steve's grad school classes on Monday and Tuesday nights, projects around the house, the usual errands, Wednesday night basketball and trying to live up our weekends - time seems to fly by.

Reason #57894 to love Washington, DC - amazing food at the food trucks.

Exhibit A:

It's been so rainy this week - well it's always rainy.

That is one thing I didn't know about DC before moving here -

when it's not super humid and hot it is humid and raining.

Lesson learned: it is always humid - I'm still getting used to it.

Which leads to Exhibit B:

It's only natural to listen to Ryan Adams on vinyl on a rainy evening.

Friday night has become soup & breadsticks night.

AKA: call my parents for one of their many soup recipes I should have mastered before moving across country night.

I love that Steve & I love to cook together.

The one thing we don't make together are fajitas.

Steve prefers to make those alone.
He's a master.

Tuesday night was chaotic.

Not for us. But for the city of DC.

It was bizarre.

I left work at 5:30 and usually pick up dinner for us then meet up with Steve when he gets to Foggy Bottom at 6:30 for a quick dinner/half hour before his classes start at 7. Well, Tuesday night the city was pandemonium. Various streets were blocked with cop cars and fire trucks, sirens going off everywhere. And on top of that someone was hit by a metro car earlier that day as well so the metro was running slow. It was crazy. Well, even with all the craziness I happend to find a parking spot right on Penn (busiest street for anyone that knows DC during rush hour) to run in and pick up dinner AND the best part of it all.... this was my first try pulling into the parking spot. I was so proud - I had to prove this miracle by taking a picture for Steve.

Why I Love Skype...

2011-10-13T18:44:00.002-04:00

So I can watch T make hilarious glasses out of pipe cleaners

So I can see little Kiki's newest teeth

Why are Southern California & Washington, DC so far apart?

Utah weekend

2011-09-22T23:09:00.000-04:00

This past weekend we made a quick trip to Utah to spend time with family and friends.

Although we will be going back in a few short months for Christmas,

we couldn't pass up the beautiful DRY weather in Utah this time of year.

The weekend was full of eating, eating & eating, haircuts, running errands, shopping,

morning walks with my parents, BYU football (we love it, even though they got killed),

Olympus High School football, spending time with my sweet grandparents

and meeting up with incredible friends from high school & college.

Although I wish there were a few less states between Utah & Washington, D.C.,

the long flight is certainly worth the visit!

Sunday dinner at my parents house - It was so good to see McKay & Brookie

One of my best friends from high school is having her baby in less than a month -

AND just bought the house (behind us) - so excited for Mia & Devin.

It was so good to see my grandpa while we were in town.

My grandma passed away since we moved, but grandpa is still as feisty as ever!

It was so good to see our Provo friends this weekend,

on Friday night they joined us in Salt Lake for high school football &

on Saturday we went to our favorite, Mountain West Burrito, before the BYU game.

Terrible game - but still good to be back at Cougar Stadium

We had such a fun weekend & can't wait to visit soon!

Thank you mom & dad for a fun weekend!

Who would have guessed?

2011-09-21T10:25:00.005-04:00

Six years ago today Steve & I started dating during our freshman year at BYU.

Every year when August/September roll around we always say,

"who would have guessed ____ years ago that we would still be together?"

If you had told me the night we met - August 26, 2005,
or the first time we kissed, September 21, 2005

that we would be where we are today I would have thought you were crazy.

It just goes to show what a college, years apart during a mission and life experiences do to you.

We love reflecting back to the beginning of our relationship this time of year,

and although we aren't in Provo anymore - we both still remember it like it was yesterday.

It is incredible that no matter how many times we retell our side of our story,

it's always like it is the first time the story is being told.

I am grateful for such a hardworking, compassionate, and admirable best friend & husband.

He makes me incredibly proud everyday.

And you better believe Steve makes sure we celebrate 9/21 each year -
that just goes to show the romantic he is :)

First photo we took together -
After our intramural soccer game Fall 2005.

Ground Zero - Ten Years Later

2011-09-21T09:41:00.001-04:00

The weekend of 9/11 Steve was in Queens for his NY-09 election

so I joined some girlfriends in NYC as well for the weekend.

We ate at some great restaurants, made new friends, went to Jersey Boys (amazing!),

saw famous people on the streets and had the best time.

After working 12-16 hour days all week Steve was able to meet up with us late Saturday night!

Since Sunday was the 10 year anniversary we found it only fitting to stop by Ground Zero

and reflect on what happened 10 years ago.
We reminisced where we were when we first heard the news
and how our country has dramatically changed in the last ten years.

It was incredible to see so many people willing to fight the crowds and visit the site

to remember those that lost their lives that day.

It was an amazing experience I will always remember.

"...Looking forward to the weekend"

2011-09-09T12:47:00.002-04:00

Because we are so busy during the week, especially Steve, with long work days and classes at night we have really started to cherish our weekends.

Here's what we've been up to the past few weekends!

Sunday evening walks around the memorials -

last weekend we went to the new MLK one and to the FDR memorial for the first time.

Pictures above with FDR and Eleanor

Hot breakfasts on Saturday and Sunday since it ~~rarely~~ never happens during the work week.

We love spending time with our Nursery kids on Sunday!

Day trips to different cities within driving distance - last weekend was to Annapolis, MD to see the Naval Academy & the charming shops and houses in Annapolis.

Trips to Costco - but never without getting a churro too.

Nationals baseball games.

Eating out at some of our favorite places, as well as cooking together at home!

Visiting other local attractions whenever possible - like the National Cathedral.

This weekend I am off to New York City with some girlfriends while Steve works around the clock helping with the ground game for his special election on Tuesday (I say his because he has worked so incredibly hard for this one) in New York as well! Although we won't be more than 15 miles away from each other we are hoping we can meet up at least for a little bit of the weekend and spend time together!

Where did August go?

2011-09-01T16:05:00.002-04:00

We are still trying to figure out where August went at the Pierce House,

oh yeah...

We survived an earthquake AND hurricane in the same week. Pure chaos.

We finally found a rug for our living room that we love! (Thank you again Caryn)

We enjoyed the end of summer with evening walks to the memorials around the district.

We are already making plans with friends to attend the best high school football games in our area. Yes, the girls are hoping there is a Riggins on one of the teams.

We are being reminded of what election season is like (long hours). I don't think I will ever get used to elections.

We endured a rain delay Nationals v. Phillies game to see the Nats win in the bottom of the 9th, tie game, bases loaded, full count at bat, HOME RUN!..... you know, just like in the movies... did I mention it was 1am when this happened because of the rain delay?

We He fixed the Play Station and is now offering to fix anything around the house.

We watch way to many U.S. Open matches considering it is only the first round.

We have adjusted to a graduate student in the house. Books purchased and tuition is paid.

We are anticipating the BYU season opener this weekend!

We have been growing out our hair - Jessie on her head, Steve on his face.

We bought airfare to Utah for Christmas, we are extremely excited for this holiday season.

We are preparing for an even busier month of September...

Steve will be spending a lot of time in Queens for the NY-09 special election. Remember that one time when Anthony Weiner resigned...

I am making the trek to NY the weekend before the election. We are already planning to go to the U.S. Open and will be there over September 11th which should be pretty crazy. Sad I can't be there for the actual election night. Election parties are the best part of the election.

We can't wait to visit Utah and spend time with family & friends, eat at our favorite restaurants and go to the BYU/Utah game.

We feel so blessed everyday to live where we do, to have the jobs we do and love the stage of life we are in right now!

Danny's DC visit

2011-08-11T17:18:00.003-04:00

Our good friend from Freshman year at BYU came to visit us a few weekends ago. He was our first visitor so I wanted to make sure he had a fun time doing all the touristy things DC has to offer. We actually spent a majority of our time at sporting events so by the time we got home at night we didn't feel like turning around and going out again to see the memorials or anything else. In a little over 2 days we managed to go to a pro tennis tournament, Nationals baseball game, Manchester United/Barcelona soccer game (the main reason for the visit), eat at some really great restaurants, do a few touristy things around the city, watch a lot of X-games at night and catch up about everything going on in Utah since we left!

You know it's a good weekend when you are still tired on Monday morning!

On Friday night the boys met at my work and we walked four blocks to see the White House.

I love working so close to the National Mall.

At the first round of the Legg Mason Tennis tournament.

It was the first time any of us had seen a pro tennis match.

At the United/Barca game at Fed Ex Field (where the Redskins play). The crowd was wild.

At the Nationals game.

Somehow with the 100F+ temperatures all weekend we managed to sit in the shade at every game and survived the humidity. I think we almost have Danny convinced he needs to move here!

You are the best thing that's ever been mine

2011-08-03T12:59:00.004-04:00

For my birthday in April Steve got us tickets to Taylor Swift for the Washington, DC show of her Speak Now Tour. I have been super excited and the months of waiting were worth it!
Last night was the show and I loved every minute of it. I think Steve did too :) She was a much better performer than I thought she'd be. Although being 5'11" made her look incredibly lanky at certain points and I wish she had played a few more songs off her first album, she exceeded all expectations. The stage fireworks, costume changes and aerial acrobats were pretty awesome. The shrill screaming 15 year old girls were pretty comical too. I think they might have topped the screaming we heard at the Jonas Brothers a few years ago.

Thank you Steve for the incredible tickets and fun night:)

The last bucket list concert I on my list: Justin Bieber.

Instagram Update

2011-07-29T17:10:00.003-04:00

Although it has been incredibly hot over the last week or so, we are still alive and doing well. We don't go out much, and certainly feel bad for the tourists that are traipsing around the District. Even though the humidity is less-than-pleasant, it hasn't been completely horrible. This is only because when I was in Utah I would sweat (I have always been a more-than-normal sweaty person.. TMI...) and I was the only one that did, BUT on the east coast everyone is always sweating so I fit right in. I have spent most of my free-time doing laundry and ironing because everything has to be washed between every wear.

Here is an Instagram update of our DC life:

I went and visited Steve at work for the first time.

It looks just like Ryan Reynolds office in Definitely, Maybe.

I was sure it was filmed in his office, until Steve reminded me that every campaign office looks the same.

So cramped and unorganized. Oh the life of political campaigns.

Steve loves his job and we are so blessed to have gotten this job out of college.

It is always fun to hear about his workday,

how his colleagues make fun of him for brown-bagging a lunch,

think he's too young to be married,

and about his districts in the Northeast up for re-election next November.

Sometimes at dinner he just starts in about a congressman in New Hampshire-2 or New York-9 and I have to ask him specifically what cities are in those districts so I can maybe-kind of-possibly make sense of what he is talking about.

I have officially mastered the Metro to the point where I know what most stops are by.

Last week I was on the train alone and a lady asked me where a certain museum was located along the route. I was so surprised that I could actually answer her questions.

We are loving our time in Nursery every other Sunday.

Steve loves plucking Primary songs out on the kids piano.

I think we might even take his guitar next week so he can play some songs for the kids.

We just love how cute they are and the things they say.

I realized that Steve's graduate program is located right across the street from my work.

I'm sure I will be extremely grateful for this convenience come fall semester when the only time I will see him during the work week will be from 6-7pm each night (after we both get off work and he has class at 7).

What happens when a bunch of BYU kids realize they all live in DC together?

Drive 45 minutes to the nearest Cafe Rio!

It was so fun to meet new people who we have a million mutual friends with,

and see other friends we hadn't seen very much since moving out here.

That is one great thing about this area - there are a million members of the church & BYU graduates.

I think this is going to become a monthly tradition.

Grateful that the heat index this weekend is only 105F instead of 120F because our good friend from Salt Lake is in town and it's going to be a busy weekend of great food and lots of sporting events. Between the United/Barcelona game, Nationals baseball game, a professional tennis tournament and the usual touristy stops at the National Mall, Georgetown and Smithsonian Museums we are going to be outside a lot this weekend.

Top Ten

2011-07-20T22:15:00.001-04:00

This week's Top Ten -

10. Finding a mouse in our apartment (gross),
but now moving to a bigger (2 bedroom!) and better apartment!

9. Eastern Market every Saturday - I can't get enough of that place.

8. Starting Friday Night Lights over again. Seriously love that show.
If you haven't seen it... huge mistake.
Clear eyes. Full hearts. Can't lose.

7. Visitors! Danny Duke is coming to visit next weekend.
Nationals game & United/Barca game

6. Having our favorite missionary over for dinner before he was transferred
(he is now a Zone Leader!)
We love finally having missionaries in our ward!
(that doesn't happen in Provo)

5. My handsome husband in his new work clothes
(A shirt/tie 6 days a week is rough!)

4. Chinese food & shopping for cowboy boots for FHE.

3. Long phone calls with my sister.
How is it that sister's always know exactly what to say?

2. Harry Potter with new friends!
We LOVED the movie.

1. Praying the debt ceiling is raised before August 2nd
so Steve can go to Taylor Swift that night with me!

tickets booked!

2011-07-12T17:11:00.000-04:00

Steve & I bought our tickets yesterday for our trip to Utah in September!

We are excited to see our family and friends in Salt Lake and Provo

AND go to the BYU vs. Utah game!

The agenda is already filling up between Steve's favorite "spag napa" at my old work,

hosting my best friend's baby shower with my mom,

Friday night football at Olympus High,

snocones at my brother's shack,

and (hopefully) a visit from my California sister and her little girls.

If there is one thing I love about Utah, it is the fall weather,

hopefully the leaves in the mountains will be changing by the time we get there.

(taken last fall up Provo Canyon)

4th of July & a visit from the Johnson's

2011-07-10T12:47:00.001-04:00

The best part of the 4th of July was spending time with Preston & Lindsay (and Preston's family)

When we moved here and realized we knew nothing and no one I learned the value of a familiar face,

and to see two familiar faces this weekend was extremely exciting.

Now only if I could convince them to move to the east coast already my life would be complete.

When we weren't with the Johnson crew eating at We the Pizza and watching fireworks,

we had fun celebrating our first Independence Day in the nations capitol.

I was shocked by the amount of people in the district, more specifically at the National Mall on the 4th.

400,000 people in that 2.5 mile area is alot of people, no matter how you slice it.

Battling the crowds and the heat was worth it for the experience!

We also melted at a Nationals game this weekend.

Steve recently learned that I am a happy girl at a baseball game

when I have sunflower seeds (or peanuts) and a soda.

I thoroughly enjoy myself, and Steve just thinks this is hilarious.

There is just something about Major League Baseball that I love.

It's so relaxing, entertaining and always fun when you go with good company!

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

2011-07-01T15:58:00.003-04:00

The 4th of July has always been my favorite holiday.
Even more than Christmas, Thanksgiving and (just barely) Easter.

Although we can't continue on with the tradition of Stadium of Fire in Provo this year

like last year, and the year before.

I'm sure fireworks over the nations capitol won't disappoint!

Our weekend agenda consists of:

Friday evening walk to the Jefferson Memorial

Saturday morning at Eastern Market

eating lots of burgers and fries

Nationals double header on Saturday (fireworks after the night game!)

meeting up with our best friends from Provo who are in town for the weekend

pool time, lots of pool time:)

trying out a few new restaurants in the area

tennis at the nearby park (inspired by Wimbledon)

fireworks at the National Mall

celebrating and remembering how blessed we are to live in this country.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend,

& don't forget to take a moment to reflect on what a blessing it is to live in this country.

first day on the job

2011-06-27T09:48:00.002-04:00

Of course I had to take a photo outside his new office when I picked him up on the first day!
(He was less-than-jazzed as you can tell by the look on his face)

Although the hours are already long and it's not even campaign season,

he really likes his job and it's great experience so I can't complain.

...Now I'm just looking for someone to keep me company during the late nights come fall!

our new apartment

2011-06-23T09:57:00.002-04:00

Although we still have a few more things to do before our apartment is finished,

(find a living room rug, more artwork for the bedroom, and buy a few new lamp shades)

we are excited that we finally are feeling settled here in Washington, DC.

This area is starting to feel like home!

I never thought I'd make the adjustment but it is so beautiful here and

it's hard to not fall in love with a city with the history and action that is here.

I am starting even using GPS less and less each day.

And I took the Metro yesterday! (yes Mom, it is safe)

The only thing I can't get over is the parking,

we have to pay for it wherever we go, including work.

I just cannot get over it. Ridiculous.

(below: yes, those are Steve's legs, he didn't want to move for the photos)

Even though our apartment is small, and a little farther away from a Metro stop than we would like, this will be a great place to live for the next year!

weekend in NYC

2011-06-21T14:18:00.002-04:00

This past week Steve & I left DC on Wednesday evening and went up to the Katy Perry Concert in Maryland. I couldn't take my camera in because it has a detachable lense so I had to leave it in the car:(

From the concert we left Maryland at 11:30pm and arrived in New York City around 3:00am. The only good thing about driving at these hours was there was no traffic at the Lincoln Tunnel with never happens! We quickly went to bed when we got there and had a fun 3 days with the Pierce Family in NYC! Thank you again for such a fun trip!

At the Yankees vs Rangers baseball game.

Rick Bearden and I were the two Yankees fans:)

We went to Wicked, which is always amazing!

Erica saw Spidey in Times Square.

Too bad it wasn't the newest Spiderman Andrew Garfield, extremely good-looking.

Story behind this photo: seconds after I was taking the Korean approach (squatting) while waiting in line for an hour Broadway tickets it started to rain. It wasn't just a light storm, but a downpour for 45 minutes! Just imagine not a single person in Times Square EXCEPT the people waiting in line for tickets! Steve was such a good sport to endure all the rain for the tickets for everyone!

Our last night there we went and saw Phantom of the Opera. So incredible!

The morning we left we went to the Ann Taylor Loft in Times Square, which is where their corporate offices are located. And of course I had to get a picture by them (even if they are under renovation on the outside)

We are excited that part of living on the east coast means New York is only 4 hours away!

We can't wait to go back soon!

his and hers jobs

2011-06-20T12:44:00.001-04:00

Remember last week when I posted about good and bad news?

Well the day I posted that a lot of good news came our way!

Steve got a call from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee!

He started today as a Research Analyst on the Rapid Response Northeast Region Team.

This is the perfect job for him and will certainly open a lot of doors in years to come!

He is so excited to finally be doing what he loves,

and with his office just a block from the Capitol he is right in the action of D.C.

I am starting at the George Washington Law School this week!

I will be an Executive Assistant to 6 deans in the Law School.

I love the school and loved the people I interviewed with so I'm looking forward to it.

This is exciting because it will also save huge on Steve's grad school tuition.

We have been so blessed to find these jobs!

anniversary number two

2011-06-20T11:17:00.000-04:00

Yesterday Steve & I celebrated our second wedding anniversary.

Steve is such a blessing in my life.

Always so patient and loving,

with a testimony and strong faith that always amazes me.

The past two years have been the best years of my life (so far),

and I am so excited to see what the future years bring.

I love you, Steve!

Nothing says "I love you"like a Sunday afternoon picnic at the national mall.

It was a simple day spent together,

and that it just how it should be.

I love my Dad

2011-06-19T13:10:00.002-04:00

I couldn't let Father's Day come and go without posting about my amazing Dad.

He is the most selfless man I know.

He is the hardest working man I know.

He is the most caring man I know.

He is the handiest handy-man I know.

He is the smartest man I know.

He is the most generous man I know.

Happy Father's Day, Dad - Thank you for always looking out for me!

I love you!

good news/bad news

2011-06-15T10:37:00.005-04:00

Steve & I are trying to remain positive around here! Although ~~we are~~ I am starting to wonder when we are going to find jobs and why nothing has come along after 6 weeks of searching. Don't worry I've certainly had a few "what are we doing here?" moments in the past week or so. Although it's been tough, probably the toughest thing Steve & I have ever had to do together and sometimes seems unbearable, I know that everything will work out as it's supposed to. Steve has been so positive through it all, he as demonstrated amounts of faith and confidence that have helped me pull through!

Thank goodness for husbands!

Steve by one of the many George Washington busts located in Foggy Bottom on GWU campus!
His new school in August!

GOOD NEWS:

Steve & I went on a super fun date to Georgetown last Saturday night. It was so much fun walking the adorable streets, window shopping and just talking. It was a beautiful night and so relaxing.

Steve had 2 second interviews this week! Plus should hear from 2 jobs by Friday!

We played tennis with our new friends last night! Michael & Jessica just moved here from Provo too and we had so much fun with them. Certainly won't be replacing any Provo friends. But it's been fun to make friends here and laugh about the job search together!

We went to the WWII Memorial and walked the mall. Granted we were both so sweaty by the time we were done but it was fun. We've learned the only free activity in this city is walking. Not even parking is free ($4/hour street parking with garages around $10-12/hr), but walking is free. I think we are going to be doing a lot of walking this summer.

Our 2 year anniversary is on Sunday-

We are celebrating by going to the DC temple, Cafe Rio & the Katy Perry concert today in Maryland!

We will be in NYC all weekend with the Pierce Family!

Gas prices went down! 10 cents, but still went down.

BAD NEWS:

George Washington ended up not having a position open up for me in the Law School, or at least not yet.
So I'm back to square one in the job search...

Steve didn't get the DSCC job, but still waiting for DCCC and APCO

(good news) we were called to be nursery teachers, (bad news) Steve wants to volunteer to teach early morning seminary to get out of the calling (and leave me in there alone!)

Steve's allergies are STILL acting up, they are so bad out here!

We are trying to keep the good news list longer than the bad news!
Hopefully the good news list gets longer this weekend when Steve hears from other jobs!

photos from the WWII Memorial

it's friday, friday! ...lookin' forward to the weekend, weekend

2011-06-11T08:32:00.003-04:00

I can't help but sing Rebecca Black's Friday every Friday. So addicting. I love singing it all day, and normally by 6 in the evening I'm dancing around our apartment singing that catchy tune and convincing Steve sing along with me :)

I've been itching to shop the last few days. Although I am always itching to shop, certainly more lately than normal. Maybe it is because I haven't been to Ann Taylor LOFT in 67 days. Or maybe it's because I've been dying to check out some of the great DC shops and flea markets. Or maybe it's because Steve & I both have a couple amazing job possibilities on the horizon (hopefully we will have really great news next week). If this is the case we can finally spend a little bit on clothes and entertainment in the city!
Compared to our current rule - can only pay our monthly bills and buy food at the grocery store & gas.

I have filled this void of in-store shopping with online shopping. Online shopping is always safe for me because I will never buy anything online, unless of course I've already tried it on in the store multiple times.

Here's what I've been eying on the world wide web the last few days....

Of course I've also been looking at interiors blogs because Steve and I have decided to change a few things up to our decor from Provo. Here's a few photos I'd LOVE in incorporate into our new apartment.

First up is definitely a chevron rug in tan and green or brown. Since most chevron rugs are extremely pricey I think I am going to have to dye on myself - wish me luck!

steve's favorite republican

2011-06-06T11:07:00.034-04:00

Saturday night Steve and I took our evening walk around the Lincoln Memorial.
It is always mesmerizing, no matter how many times you visit,
it's so incredible how this memorial looks at night.

My favorite part of the evening was sitting on the front steps
over looking the Washington Monument.

While Steve preferred to discuss whether Teddy or Abe is his favorite republican.
I was trying to brainstorm a list of how many TV/movie scenes are filmed on those steps.

There were middle school tour groups, tourists from across the world

and even high school prom groups at the memorial.
This made people watching extremely entertaining.

Watching people take photos on the stairs while "holding" the Washington Monument in the distance, like people do with the Eiffel Tower & Leaning Tower of Pisa never gets old.

I'm excited for many summer nights at those steps.

Quilt for Lindsay

2011-06-05T10:26:00.012-04:00

Preston and Lindsay have been the absolute best friends the last few years!

Well, Ben and Jake as well but they are our single friends so it's a little different-

The Johnsons define what best friends should be.

They are two of the nicest, funniest, and most caring people I've ever met.

Whether it be watching NBA games, the Bachelor watching parties,

workouts at 24 Hour Fitness, BYU sporting events, eating out at great restaurants,

Preston's guacamole, bowling league, Spades and Dr. Mario, talking about PLL and American Idol, commiserating about our long commutes to work each day, and simply having great conversation,

that is what true friendship is all about.

When I realized Lindsay's birthday was only days before we would be leaving Utah

I had realized how perfect it would be to make her a quilt for their apartment

to show them how much we have appreciated and truly cherish their friendship.

The night before Lindsay's birthday was another example
of how amazing the Johnson's are.

Lindsay was so appreciative when she opened the quilt,
and even Preston seemed excited too.

I'm telling you, they are the two nicest people.

Then Preston made smoothies (as always) and we talked in their kitchen till 1:30am.

Telling crazy stories and laughing — just like any true friends would.

This is the night I realized how much we were going to miss them when we left Provo,

and for the first time realized the importance of keeping in touch with true friends,

no matter the miles that keep you apart.

Although they are going to end up in Southern California and us in DC,

I know we will keep in touch over the years.

Steve has adopted a policy from a family friend and lives by it:

at the end of your life, you'll be able to count your true friends on one hand.

I think that night at the Johnsons I truly realized I've added two friends to my count.

Please excuse the quality of photos — they were taken at night, in our terribly lit apartment

AND in a hurry because I was anxious to deliver the quilt :)

Weekend Anticipation

2011-06-03T09:33:00.003-04:00

I'm excited for this weekend!

The to-do list includes: going to the new X-Men movie, trip to the pool, grocery shopping, having the missionaries over for dinner, evening walk to the Lincoln Memorial, first attempt at making homemade wheat bread, going to the National Archives (hopefully we have better luck this weekend), and shopping at Pottery Barn (thanks to my mother-in-law sending us an entirely too generous gift card!), and as always exploring new areas.

Last night Steve & I stumbled across an area in Arlington called Clarendon.

It was incredibly charming.

Beautiful shops, architecture and landscaping.

The restaurants were adorable with the cutest patio dining.

And there were so many people out, especially for 10pm on a Thursday!

Although parking is a joke (and never free), I love the bustle of people everywhere we go.

This city is beginning to feel like home -

The Potomac is beautiful (at night) and sunsets here rival most I've ever seen.

The Capitol, monuments and memorials are stunning when lit up in the evenings,

and the character of the restaurants and town homes is incredible.

And it helps that the people here are very friendly and courteous.

Sounds cheesy, but I realize how proud to be an American I am

as I pass the Pentagon and Arlington Cemetery on my way to work every day,

or as we walk Constitution and Independence Ave in the district,

or think about the history behind the universities and buildings in the area.

I can't think of a better second home.

We are so excited for the visitors already planning to come this summer,

and hope more will make plans to come as well!

Rachel came to visit!

2011-06-01T15:02:00.001-04:00

This was one of the chairs at the Dairy Godmother -

a cute ice cream shop in our neighborhood.
President Obama took his girls to this ice cream shop on Father's Day 2009.

Memorial Day weekend was amazing!

Friday night Steve and I finally finished putting our apartment together

then it was off to pick up Rachel Brubaker from the district!

She rode the bus down from Philadelphia to spend a few days with us.

We went swimming,

and to the Museum of Natural History
and attempted to go to the National Archives
(but the line was too long)
and ate burgers and fries,
played entirely too much Doctor Mario,
and watched movies,
talked about her single life, my married life and her amazing job here,
and reminsced about our high school days.

Rachel was exactly what I needed for the weekend,

after moving to Philadelphia all by herself nearly two years ago,
having lived on the east coast for 2 years now,
she's practically an expert on city living,
and she knows exactly what I have been going through over the last month.

She's so sweet, hilarious, has adorable style,
and is the most loyal friend anyone could ask for.

It was great to have a familiar face around for the weekend.
This is something I never knew I'd be grateful for until we left Utah.
I've come to realized that one of the hardest parts about moving cross country,
(with our closest family member still 700 miles away)
has been not knowing anyone.
Not just family, but friends as well.
During the first few weeks here, I told Steve I simply missed seeing familiar faces.
So take advantage of the familiar faces around you,

and hopefully I'll soon discover a few new ones here:)

iPhone photos

2011-05-22T11:33:00.002-04:00

Why is it that the best moments aren't captured with a "real" camera,

but rather a cell phone?
Like....

so many amazing breakfasts and dinners that were consumed at Communal in Provo

run ins with Tyler of Neon Trees at the Smith's in Provo. (terrible photo)
slow nights at Lugano Restaurant, with bartenders who kept it entertaining
my Grandpas tool room. maybe too organized...?
bowling with the Johnsons when O'Houlihan careers it.
winning ginormous playing cards.
laser-tagging with friends
planning every move of the last few weeks in Provo before our move
bowling with my Lugano family
attending the book exhibit at BYU -
now that is how you stack books.
documenting Steve's roadkill in Kentucky

seeing my brother's orthodontic practice for the first time
learning that this is what people in DC consider a "car wash"
my sweet husband making Sunday dinner our first week in our new apartment
viewing the famous Hope poster in the National Portrait Gallery

Ode to Kevin Durant.

2011-05-20T12:14:00.001-04:00

Confession: I like to mother athletes.

Example #1 — At the beginning of the BYU basketball season when Steve told me all about the boys on the team this year, where they were from, their backgrounds, etc., he mentioned that Jimmer was from New York. As the season started, I felt bad for him that his family didn't get to come see him play much, that he had no family around to support him and certainly no family Sunday dinners. It was heartbreaking to see other players filling the family section of the stands with extended family and spouses while some players didn't have family in attendance

(or not that I knew of).

Example #2 — When rumors began circulating last year that the reason why O'Neill Chambers was kicked off the BYU football team was for hazing freshman quarterback Jake Heaps, I felt so bad for Jake Heaps. Poor kid, a freshman in college, away from home for the first time, eating in the Cannon Center. That poor kid. I was sure he needed someone to take care of him.

Example #3 — Kevin Durant's super skinny legs always have me worried he's going to collapse one of these days after a hard foul or jumpshot. He has acne that could use a little help, and he's just so young I seem to be worried about him anytime he plays.

I feel like he needs someone to stand up for him.

I never realized I mother athletes until Steve pointed it out recently.

I don't find my interest in sports to be about teams' records and successes,

but more about the players' lives, accomplishments and families.

Then I form an emotional connection with the teams.

This article certainly made my emotional connection to Kevin Durant and the Thunder even stronger.

Such a good article, definitely worth the read.

Steve loved the article too.

And actually when he first came across the article and read it out loud to me,

he even began to tear up.

Subsequently, the Pierce Family takes their Oklahoma City Thunder basketball very seriously these days. Steve has been a fan since they were the Seattle SuperSonics and, with the great players on the team now, it's impossible not to be a fan!

I seriously don't see how anyone can cheer against Kevin Durant.

He is such an incredible person,

still lives at home with his mom,

hangs out with the little kids in his neighborhood.

We could all learn a thing or two from him.

(except Lindsay, she's the only person who is allowed to cheer for the Mavs!)

Goodbye Utah

2011-05-15T11:44:00.000-04:00

It has been a month like no other.

I will spare you the details because I'm still in the
tear-up-every-time-I-think-about-Utah-or-my-friends-or-family phase.
But since we finally got wireless internet
(Dad, THANK YOU for your help!)
I can now update the blog with what the Pierce Family
has been up to over the last month.

I'm slowly adjusting to our new place.
It's slowly starting feeling like home.
Steve had the area figured out the first day we were here
but it's taken me a little longer.
I did successfully drive to and from Capitol Hill alone
not just twice but three times this weekend
to pick up Steve from events going on up there.
Granted it's only 4.8 miles from our house
(that's pretty cool if you ask me)
but I did successfully take the freeway
which goes through underground tunnels to get there.
And I didn't even get lost!

The district in and of its self is a little confusing.
I haven't branched out that far yet,
but I can get in and out if necessary,
which I consider a success.

I will post updates about our new area,
but I have so many photos to post of our last few weeks in Utah first!

My birthday was two weeks before we moved!
Of course Steve out did himself again this year!
We had a wonderful morning,
went to the driving range in the afternoon
and made the perfect dinner at home.
My favorite kind of day :)

Steve surprised me with an "S" charm for my necklace,
new spring clothes and shoes and
TAYLOR SWIFT TICKETS for her show in D.C. later this summer.
I was in shock....
#1 because those tickets are impossible to get and
#2 he bought them in February and kept it a secret the whole time!
That night we went to "Keys on Main" a piano dueling bar in Salt Lake!

GRADUATION WEEKEND at BYU!
Our parents and Brookie & Mckay
came and supported us at graduation.
Such a great feeling to be done with school at BYU,
but we are certainly going to miss that place!

We sold both of our cars and bought a new car
with the help of Steve's parents while they were in town.
I haven't taken a photo of the new car yet,
but we had to get a photo with our car salesman.

Next up -
the Second Annual Egg Roll Tournament.
1st place: Steve
Winner of the losers bracket: Jessie
Rumors of shady actions to gain a home court advantage circulated, none of which are true.
First you decorate your egg and give it a name or theme
Steve's egg was #ThunderUp (OKC Thunder anyone?)
My egg was Kung-Fu Panda

Danny's egg was pretty violent.
Nearly killed Jake's egg here,
but really did kill Ben's egg next
(below)
Lindsay & Steve competing in the finals....
Everyone post tournament.
Danny was so proud of his egg.

MOVING DAY!
So many friends were so helpful as they came
and helped us pack our (small) pod.
We had to ditch the couch,
but at least we got everything else to fit!
Sushi with our friends one last time before some move to other cities
and some stay in Provo for a little while longer.

One last picture at Timpanogos Apartments -
this complex will always hold a special place in our heart,
it's where we spent the first 2 years of our marriage,
we are certainly missing it already!
Farewell Provo, you were good to us.
We will miss you but will be back soon!

On the Road

2011-05-04T23:20:00.001-04:00

It's been a rough week or so...
packing, cleaning, moving, selling furniture, working, saying goodbyes
and driving across the country has been harder than I anticipated.

We drove from SLC to Lincoln, NE on Monday. NE to Nashville on Tuesday.
Spent today with my brother and his adorable family.
And leaving in the morning for our new home state of Virginia
(even though we don't get our keys until Saturday)

Only a few more days on the road until we will be in our new home.
Although I still can't look at a my Google maps on my phone
or I tear up realizing how far away I am from Utah,
I am certainly hoping the move gets better once we get to our new apartment.

(Photo update coming soon with all our adventures!)

I'm gonna miss this place...

2011-04-19T22:24:00.000-04:00

I'm getting a little nostalgic

as I'm closing out my time working at Lugano Restaurant.

I've worked here full/part-time since April 2006.

That's a long time if you ask me.

As excited as I am to be moving on to (hopefully) bigger and better things,

this quaint Italian restaurant will always hold a special place in my heart.

I don't think I'll ever work in another restaurant,

and although I say my excuse is because working nights
and every weekend isn't much fun,

but it is really because no other restaurant could compare to this one.

I'm beginning to realize what I'm going to miss about this place.

The service staff, who have become some of my best friends.

The kitchen staff and all the amazing food they always make me.

My beyond-crazy boss and his hilarious antics.

The regular customers that tip me every time they come in.

(I'm not just going to miss the tips, but the generous people they are.)

The wine dinners and special events hosted at the restaurant.

The spaghetti with Napa cabbage and pancetta.
Over the past five years I've learned more about
food (that I love) and wine (that I don't drink)
then I ever thought possible.
The one thing Steve is going to miss
is me coming home from work every night
smelling like Italian food!

one month from today....

2011-04-07T21:10:00.000-04:00

(Photo taken on a family trip to D.C. in 2007)

One month from today

Steve & I will be getting the keys to our apartment in Alexandria, VA.
(The apartment that I still haven't seen...)

We are super excited to start the next chapter of our lives,
but I'd be lying if I said we aren't nervous.

We are nervous to drive across country.
We are nervous to pay a rent that is over twice what we pay now.
(and that's one of the cheapest places we found!)
We are nervous to learn our way around a much bigger city.
We are nervous to find jobs — not only jobs, but good jobs.

It's all we have been talking about lately...
We've been talking about what's going to change when we move,
what's going to stay the same,
trying to predict what life is going to be like in this next chapter of our marriage.

Although we have no idea what is going to happen when we move,
we do know one thing,
and that is that no matter what happens we have each other,
and we have a Heavenly Father that loves us and is looking out for us.

And on days like today,
we have to keep reminding each other of that.

Favorite photo taken on the trip -
I hope these taxi drivers will help me jump my car when
I leave my headlights on. Because I always do.

photo overload

2011-04-03T13:44:00.000-04:00

Steve & I have the slowest internet connection at our apartment,

something we are both very excited to say farewell to when we move on April 29th.
So when I'm at my parents house I always want to update my blog
because with faster internet it doesn't take 5 years to download each picture.

This week started out as a rough one, but ended as an absolutely perfect one...
Rough = I've been sick for the last 7 days,
from sinuses to sore throats and neck pains.
Steve had a lot of homework at the beginning of this week.

Perfect = we found an apartment in D.C!
We move in May 7th and couldn't be more excited!
We finalized the pod we are renting for the move.
General Conference is always amazing.
The weather was perfect all weekend
(until we woke up to 5 inches of snow today!)
We have narrowed down the search on a new car.
My niece, Tienna, ate a Twinkie for the first time.
Steve watched a royal wedding special on TLC about William and Kate with me.
The Butler Bulldogs are going to the National Championship again -
Brad Stevens is still Steve's hero

Here's a photo update of the last month,
so many photos I've been lazy about uploading...

Sunday night at the Pollei house with Grandpa Moffat AND Abbie came to town!

Tienna with her "Astrid hair" from How to Train Your Dragon and Brookie doing a puzzle.

We went to the Jazz vs. OKC Thunder basketball game a few weeks ago with Lindsay & Preston

Birthday Dinner for Steve & McKay at my parents house.
McKay got new car mats (practicality runs in the family)
and Steve got a framed Declaration of Independence.
I think in this picture Steve is asking my parents if it's the original &
if they got it from Nicolas Cage,
while McKay fights Grandpa Moffat off his new mats.

Grandpa Moffat is the cutest old man ever. Still feisty in his old age.

Trip to Vegas! Dinner at BJ's Pizza. Most. Amazing. Pizza. Ever.
Eating $2 gelato at our hotel -
This was the best trip with the best friends!
The Price Is Right wheel of slot machines. SOOO big!

After a week of celebrating leading up to his birthday,
it was FINALLY time to celebrate the real day of Steve turning 24!
Steve's favorite dinner,: spaghetti with Napa cabbage, pancetta and cauliflower.

making chris harrison so proud

2011-03-29T00:42:00.000-04:00

(Draft board, pre-draft)

If you were to ask me on a Monday night like tonight what I'm going to miss most when we move to D.C., I would have to say our Bachelor/Bachelorette/Bachelor Pad festivities. Monday nights when Chris Harrison takes the screen are nights not to miss with our friends. The group has slowly grown over the seasons, but once members join the draft, you certainly do not want to miss a week!

Although it started with the girls making their husbands come, I think the tables have now turned and the boys look forward to Monday nights more than the girls do. We can accredit this to the fantasy draft the boys of the PB&J Report created. Being avid sports fans, it only made sense they would find a way to turn the sappy ABC shows of finding true love into another fantasy league.
(I dare say this fantasy league is now more exciting than their basketball, football, and baseball leagues combined.)

It's easy, the rules are laid out before the season begins based on a point system. Points for getting the one-on-one date, getting a rose on that date, going on a group date, more points for getting the rose on a group date, points for kissing, hot tub kissing, fantasy suite, advancing to the next round, you get the idea. It isn't all plus points though — negative points are a necessity as well. Players lose points for crying, awkward moments, strategic blunders (Gia, you will always be the one who pioneered the strategic blunder when you gave Wes the rose instead of Craig M. on the Bach Pad... I still don't think the boys have forgiven her for causing Craig M. a.k.a. Canadian Sean Penn to go home far too early in the season)...
You get the idea.

This season's draft didn't disappoint — although Chantal was the first pick overall, Emily did go as the second pick. (Good choice, Ben and Nikki.) It only made sense that Steve and I would pick crazy Michelle as our first pick (we had the 4th pick), and she wasn't a shabby pick because she got a lot of screen time which meant more time for us to earn more points.

The draft board, post-draft.

Jake & Danny —
Team A.J. Feeleys going over draft notes before their second round pick.
As you can tell, we take our draft very seriously.

Don't worry, you know we've all started planning our strategies for
the Bachelor Pad draft —
we are all anxiously awaiting the list of contestants to be released!

24 years old!

2011-03-22T01:35:00.000-04:00

Today is my sweet husband's birthday!

We had a wonderful pre-birthday weekend in Las Vegas
with our very best friends!
While the boys lived every man's dream of watching
nearly all 48 NCAA tournament
games in a sports book with a lot of very large TVs,
I know they felt so manly all weekend,
Lindsay & I enjoyed massages, shopping, and much needed girl time.
(more on the Vegas trip to come when I get the photos to my computer)

We returned yesterday afternoon and tried to gear up for another week,
but Steve didn't feel well all night,
chills/sweats, aches & pains.
I wrapped Steve up in comfy pajamas and warm socks and we went to sleep,
hoping he'd feel better this morning for his big day!
3am rolled around and I felt terrible to find Steve in the bathroom throwing up.
This morning wasn't much better,
but luckily by this afternoon he felt a little better.

Tonight we enjoyed a night at home with Steve's favorite dinner, presents,
and Girl Scout Cookies with strawberries for dessert.
(Still trying to recover from a unhealthy weekend of eating out.)

No matter how each birthday will be spent, whether sick or healthy,
I can't wait to spend a lifetime of birthdays with Steve!
He is the best friend I could ever imagine!
So patient, loving, compassionate, thoughtful & funny.
The perfect husband who deserves the perfect birthday!

Happy birthday my love :)
A birthday is always a good reason to reminisce on wedding photos :)
A lot more photos of my cute birthday boy to come.

I'm not sure where this week went...

2011-03-05T13:17:00.000-05:00

This week has been a busier-than-normal week-

1. We officially started the moving process! Had our first fight over which moving company to use, then we apologized and decided to start over, so we did the next day:)

2. Went to my brother's soccer game then went to dinner and ice cream with my parents, Mckay & Brooke and talked all night. (sure am going to miss them when we leave)

3. Started car shopping - this is stressing me out more than anything.

4. Steve did homework. I can count the amount of times on two hands I've ever seen Steve do homework. This week was one of them.

5. I started my next piece quilt

6. Steve's dad came to town, which is always fun!

7. Went to the depressing BYU game on Wednesday night. I helped Steve recover from depression.

8. Birthdays! It was our friend Preston's birthday on Thursday so we went out to dinner with Lindsay & Preston to celebrate, then to our weekly bowling league. Birthday shopping for Steve's birthday (and mine:)...) has begun!

9. Our apartment had a little mishap last Sunday when our neighbors upstairs turned on their washer and dryer and it flooded through our ceiling - we got it fixed this week though!

10. And most importantly, an answer to my prayers! We found out the general neighborhood area we want to live in when we move. I've been worried about the best area to live in and after randomly talking to a customer at work we feel really good about the advice he gave! We are now looking for a place to rent in Alexandria, VA (more specifically the Del Ray neighborhood) - if you have any insides to this area, let me know! Isn't it great how the Lord answers your prayers:)

(Picture shown above: Steve burning our BYU game tickets Wednesday night after we got home, he was genuinely grieving their loss, like I said, he has since recovered)

We hope you are having a wonderful week!

Valentines 2011

2011-02-28T01:10:00.000-05:00

As I seem to mention every year, Valentines day is one of my least favorite holidays. Mainly because restaurants are absolutely no fun during the holiday. The phone constantly ringing with desperate men dying to get a dinner reservation on February 14th, confirming the reservations we do have on the books to make sure they are coming, all while still trying to maintain my regular duties around the restaurant.

Steve, being the absolutely amazing husband that he is, has made this sometimes-stressful holiday much more bearable over the past few years. During our first few Valentines Days together he started my favorite tradition of ours:) I shared his 2009 & 2010 stories and reviews here, and I will add 2011 certainly did not disappoint! The Valentine Review has become the most anticipated gift from Steve each year! This year was about our upcoming move across the country to Washington, D.C. and how excited he is to take this leap of faith together as we begin the next chapter in our life.
Needless to say, Valentines Day 2011 was yet another success, a few nights after the holiday we enjoyed dinner at our favorite Provo restaurant, Pizzeria 712, frozen yogurt at Golden Spoon and each others company all night long. I was especially loved that Steve included this coat I've been eyeing for a while with the Valentine Review, I can't complain:)

My seester

2011-02-17T15:41:00.000-05:00

I know, I know, I posted about how amazing my sister is last week on her birthday, but while she was in town a few weeks ago we went and got some photos taken with my mom! The white specks on it are because this is just a scan of the original.
What's the best perk of having an amazing sister that's an even more amazing cook? She has the best super simple recipes - like the carbonara recipe I'm making tonight for dinner!

Another reason why we love when the little ones come to town...

2011-02-15T22:33:00.000-05:00

Isn't this just adorable?...

quilt #1: complete

2011-02-14T01:01:00.000-05:00

I finished my first piece quilt! Thanks to my wonderful mother for her help teaching me how to do it all! I'm already planning my next one!

happy birthday shout out

2011-02-03T11:38:00.000-05:00

Today is my sister's birthday, I posted on her birthday last year (here) and everything I said then is even more true now! If you knew her you'd agree that she is the most thoughtful, caring, patient, all-around-amazing person ever :) I'm so lucky to have such a great older (and only sister).

Happy 28th birthday, Abbie!
You deserve a wonderful day!

Growing Up

2011-02-02T12:10:00.000-05:00

Steve did a very grown up thing yesterday...

He applied for his first real job in Washington, D.C. with the Democratic National Committee. It would be the perfect place to network and meet so many people....

And I couldn't be more proud of him :)

Monday Getaway?

2011-01-31T15:20:00.000-05:00

For the last week I've been DYING to go to San Francisco. Steve & I went there on our honeymoon and I think it's time we make a return trip to the amazing city. Shopping at Union Square, breakfast at Boudin's is a must, so many great restaurants to eat at, of course a trip to the mecca of record stores, just relaxing and walking around the city is perfect!.... I can't stop thinking about the place!

What are your SF favorites?

"Jimmered"

2011-01-28T02:26:00.001-05:00

Last night was the BYU vs. SDSU basketball game. It was unreal! It's all we've been talking about for the last 24 hours. After the game we went to In-and-Out where the whole basketball team (except Jimmer, who was making press calls) was eating. As each player showed up everyone in the place (which was packed)would cheer and go crazy. We are so excited for BYU basketball this March! Can't wait to see how they do in the tournament.

So if you are wondering what the topic of conversation is in the Pierce household these days, it's Jimmer Fredette and the rest of the BYU basketball team.

"Baby when the lights go out, every single word cannot express the love and tenderness..." -name that 90's band

2011-01-24T03:17:00.000-05:00

My husband is a trooper, he didn't complain once during our 7-hour excursion to Salt Lake so I could learn how to bind my quilt with my mom today. He watched a lot of football with my dad and downloaded lots of awesome music from the 90's to reminisce our younger years. He also redesigned this blog. Isn't he just the best? I told him I'd make it up to him by taking him on a fun date tomorrow night...
Any great ideas?

Recap/New Years Resolution

2011-01-16T17:02:00.001-05:00

I haven't blogged in a very long while.

Here's a little recap (no particular order):
1. Steve finished the campaign. Did an awesome job. We still feel so blessed to have that opportunity.
2. I finished my first piece quilt thanks to my mom's help (one day I hope to be 1/2 the quilter she is). I'm sure I'll blog about it soon. It's beautiful, far from perfect, but I'm learning.
3. Steve took the GRE and killed it! So happy for him and I know he was relieved to get scores that far surpass what he needed to get into George Washington.
4. We went to Sara Bareille's concert. She's my favorite artist. Check her out here and here.
5. We spend most nights at the gym. Now that intramural basketball has started up the boys are taking their pick up games at 24 hour fitness much more serious.
6. I am loving a much more relaxed work schedule. Only one more hurdle (Valentines Day) to jump before I'm done at the end of April!
7. I went/am currently on a decorating streak, re-organizing and re-decorating parts of our apartment. I keep telling Steve I want a bigger place, just so I have more space to decorate :)
8. Steve applied for graduation! It's official, we are both walking on April 22nd.
9. We cherish our nights with our closest friends in here Provo. I'm already dreading moving away from Lindsay, I don't know what I'm going to do in D.C. without her.
10. We spent Christmas in Texas!
11. Steve is tolerating his last 4 classes at BYU. I think he's ready to move on to a school where he will actually enjoy more of his classes.
12. We are stressing out about moving, selling/buying a new car, future jobs, etc. so we prefer not to think about it more than we have to.
13. We anticipate Friday Night Lights, Conan and the Bachelor each week.
14. I have discovered a new love for cooking and baking now that our schedules have calmed down and we actually eat dinner at home most nights.
15. We recognize the Lord's hand and blessings in our lives each day, and couldn't be more grateful!
________________________________________

Each year I set a new years resolution, some years are more short-term and others are character changes I hope to make over the year. I normally start thinking about and developing my resolution after Christmas, and it usually takes a few weeks to come full circle and decide specifically what I want to do. This year I had various ideas, but one that has seemed extremely necessary and constantly relevant is the idea of loving more.

Loving more involves loving Steve more, it involves loving those I work with more, loving family more, including my boss who can be a little crazy sometimes, loving the friends I have now more, and the friends we are going to make in a few short months more, loving the people driving on the road the same time I do to work each day, loving the girls I teach in Relief Society more, loving the strangers on the street more, loving the regulars that come into my restaurant more. It's all encompassing. It's a lofty goal, but so far, I think I've been successful, certainly not perfect, but I've notice the change in my attitude and outlook by constantly trying to remember to look beyond myself and show love for others. I know Steve would agree.

I thought of this idea a day or two before New Year's Eve then didn't think about it much more until we had a lesson in Relief Society that referenced Elder Wirthlin's talk entitled The Great Commandment. Although the entire talk is remarkable and worth a frequent read, there is one line that can't be repeated enough. Elder Wirthlin states, "sometimes the greatest love is not found in the dramatic scenes that poets and writers immortalize. Often, the greatest manifestations of love are the simple acts of kindness and caring we extend to those we meet along the path of life."

It is my resolution to love more in 2011. Although that sounds simple and too generic I think it's all-encompassing and will keep me busy all year long :)

She/He learned that...

2010-11-09T23:17:00.000-05:00

The election has been over for a week now. It has been amazing! We have slept in, cooked meals at home, gone to the gym, watched movies and spent time together at home! Although it was a long road starting over a year ago, the last five months have been especially busy. As crazy as it was we both have learned so much about ourselves, each other and our relationship. It was definitely a good experience to prepare us both for our move to washington d.c. in the spring!

1. She learned that media never sleeps.... literally.
2. She learned that her husband is extremely talented and skilled in his career choice.
3. She learned that her husband is very ambitious and after this experience, will go to washington d.c. with a resume line unlike anything else.
4. She learned that she will survive being the wife of a politico.
5. She learned that traveling to and from Salt Lake with someone is much more fun.
6. She learned that she is very good at taking care of a perma-stressed husband, even on those days that he says, "I don't want to talk about my day."
7. She learned that ironing 3-5 dress shirts a week isn't all that bad.
8. She learned that her husband does not like to lose, especially in politics.
9. She learned that her husband, no matter how busy he is, always puts her first.
10. She learned that her husband is the hardest worker in the world:)

1. He learned that sometimes campaign offices aren't the most luxurious spaces.
2. He learned that politics and stress make you gain weight.
3. He learned that freshly painted lawn signs smell like a baby's dirty diaper.
4. He learned that it is possible for man and laptop to fuse into one sentient being.
5. He learned that there are more adverbs than any single person could ever possibly use to describe anything.
6. He learned that sleep is for suckers.
7. He learned the value of copying and pasting when answering constituent emails.
8. He learned that most people do not know how to write very well.
9. He learned that being a professional isn't that bad after all.
10. He learned that he has a very patient and loving wife.

Steve & I in the elevator on our way to the election party!

Most of the Granato for U.S. Senate Staff.

love taylor swift's new album.

2010-10-28T22:10:00.000-04:00

Two posts in one day?!? I guess that's what happens when you have layovers and want to take advantage of the free airport WiFi. My time in California with my sister was so fun. Love her, can't get enough of her (photos of that to come). But thought I'd post some photos that I finally downloaded to my computer.
(For anyone who cares, Granato gained 6 more points in polls today, which is huge, really huge... just 124 hours left. But who's counting?)
I just want a husband that has time to take me to Secretariat & dinner next week :)

We took a drive up through Gardsman's Pass a few weeks ago with Mckay & Brooke on our way to Sunday dinner in Salt Lake. This is what I am going to miss most when we move...
I love fall in Utah!

Mia's wedding a few weeks ago!

clear eyes, full hearts

2010-10-28T12:09:00.000-04:00

IT'S BACK!
I watched the season premiere last night... think this season is going to be a good one... (too bad it's the last)

This show reminds me of the summer Steve & I got married. We watched the first three seasons in one month. We both fell in love with the show, and especially the theme song. You should see the way Steve dances around when this song comes on...

It was time for a Blog Facelift.

2010-10-20T13:16:00.000-04:00

It has been a crazy month for Steve & I! Lately we've been up to:

My two best friends weddings
Sam Granato for US Senate campaign. Delivering signs, attending debates.
BYU football games.
Trying new fall recipes, loving ginger snaps right now!
Waaaay too many car troubles.
Trips to the movie theather. We saw The Social Network and Wall Street. Both amazing.
Bowling league with Preston & Lindsay.
Utilizing my friend Brett's connections at the Apple Store as our iPhones both broke!
Quilting.
Trips to the gym.
Teaching Sunday School & Relief Society.
Enjoying the beautiful fall weather in Provo, sad to think this is our last fall in Utah!

Saturdays

2010-10-09T11:18:00.000-04:00

Somtimes Saturdays are the only day Steve and I spend more than 2 waking hours at our apartment (one hour in the morning, one hour at night, not kidding). So Saturday mornings are what I look forward to all week. I decided to take tonight off of work so we have ALL DAY TOGETHER! Started early with grocery shopping this morning, and will continue with cleaning, laundry, lunch with friends, quilting, the BYU homecoming football game this afternoon. I'm making a very fall and festive dinner for some friends tonight then either a movie or corn maze this evening.

I'm just so excited, I had to share my day with the blogging world...

September update so far

2010-09-12T17:17:00.000-04:00

My favorite month of the year is September. Love. Love Love everything about it!
Lance and all the other "old men" came to town over Labor Day weekend for the first BYU home game of the year!
It was a fun time, as always!

We also took a spur-of-the-moment trip to Wendover with some friends at 11pm one night, returning back to Provo the next morning at 8am. It was hilarious! We are definitely going to miss our friends here in Provo when we move in the spring!
Here we are at McDonalds at 4:30am.

This past Thursday my best friend from high school got married! I'm so happy for Margaret & Jordan! The sealing was amazing and it was fun to see all my high school friends at the reception! Isn't her dress so amazing?

who's your favorite dealer???? MICHAEL

2010-09-08T19:39:00.000-04:00

A few weeks ago some friends went to Vegas. We met the best black jack dealer in Vegas. After a spontaneous trip to Wendover this weekend we decided that Michael really is the nicest dealer ever... I thought I'd post this picture for all our friends. They will appreciate it!

I realize this is a terrible picture, but give me a break, I secretly took it in a casino. Don't send me to jail.

baby blessing, tickling steve & lady gaga

2010-08-25T11:45:00.001-04:00

Steve and I went to North Carolina a few weeks ago for baby Kimball's baby blessing. It was fun to spend time with the little girls and Jason and Heather! We went out to eat, went to the children's museum, made lots of crafts, and tickled uncle steve! The girls LOVED the last one :)

We went to Cabo Fish Tacos for Steve. He saw this place on the food network 5 months ago and has been dying to go there ever since. He loved the tacos! I'm sure it's a place we will frequent when we live in Washington DC and go down to Charlotte to see the family often :)

A few weeks later we went to Las Vegas with some friends! Steve & I went to Lady Gaga on Friday night, then met up with friends after! Saturday was spent swimming, shopping, eating out, going to a Cirque Soleil show and playing black jack! We had so much fun with all of our friends!! We can't wait to go on another trip with friends!

Lady Gaga was awesome! Quite the performer. The 11 costume changes were amazing too!

This was taken on Fremont street, near our hotel (and the ghetto casino we played black jack at)
All the girls thought it was hilarious the boys were coordinating on Saturday! I think they planned it...

Family Photos

2010-08-05T13:07:00.000-04:00

Steve & I got some photos taken last month because
a] all we have are engagements and and wedding photos from over a year ago
b] i'm hoping to send out christmas cards this year and what's a christmas card without a photo!

I absolutely love how they turned out! We used Jordi (our wedding photographer) and it was so much fun to see her again

Hope you are all having a great week! We just got back from North Carolina, and gearing up for a crazy two weeks of work before going to Las Vegas with some friends soon!

summer fun

2010-07-28T02:24:00.000-04:00

An photo update of what we've been up to lately....

Stadium of Fire on the 4th - Carrie Underwood was amazing, but still no JoBros like last year :)

Ben Folds with the Utah Symphony up at Deer Valley

We happened to run into these two at the show, who were celebrating their 1st anniversary...

Pioneer Day REAL Salt Lake game with these friends, always a fun time :) Ben was distracted.

In the meantime, I'm still trying to convince Steve that Ryan Seacrest is not gay, and actually back together with his old girlfriend.
This is a daily debate in our house...
(man, that guy knows how to wear a suit).

Steve is still working so hard. I could not be more proud of him! His latest accomplishment, the campaign prospectus! (This needed to be documented, one of many prospectus packets he will write for future candidates, I'm sure). Just this morning I called Steve at at 8:30am making sure he made it to work in Salt Lake OK and he said he was already tired, the poor guy! I guess he is right when he says that "media never sleeps" ;(
Although we are both always working, we still find time to go to have fun this summer!!
(even if it is at campaign BBQs...)

making me happy monday

2010-07-19T00:53:00.001-04:00

I read a blog where every monday they do a "making me happy monday" post. I love the idea so have decided to start it myself. I always find Monday's to be the most reflective day of my week as it is the start of a new one. Nothing can brighten up the beginning to another [long] week by being thankful for what I've been blessed with!

I have the most amazing older sister ever. I've mentioned her on here before, but seriously I can not say enough about her. Abbie is always the most thoughtful person. Even though her husband is in his first year of residency for medical school and works more than I ever thought humanly possible, and she has two little girls at home, yet she is so positive, uplifting, and has the best perspective about life. I call her almost everyday because I always find myself in a better mood, and my day to go a little better after I talk to her about anything and everything. Now, I just wish I lived closer to her so I could visit more often!

(excuse my hair, this was earlier this summer during my anti-doing-my-hair stage!
Glad I got over that one really quick!)

Also, due to the fact I go through shoes so dang fast at work I am always on the look out for cute, closed toed flats. I found these this past week and already know they were a perfect summer purchase! Another thing to add to my "making me happy monday" list.

my friend named cameron...

2010-07-17T02:11:00.000-04:00

A few weeks ago I happened to be on gchat while one of my best friends from high school was on. Cameron & I haven't been super close since he got home from his mission two years ago. But you would have never known. We picked up right where we left off, and even though he's spending his summer in Nepal our conversation turned into an insightful one that reminded me as to why I always loved our friendship. He's got a humble heart and one of the best friends I've had over the years.

These are some of Cameron's pictures from his adventures so far...

date: september 9th

2010-07-06T11:32:00.000-04:00

This girl is engaged! I am so excited! Her fiance is the greatest guy & she is one of the most amazing girls I know! I haven't stopped smiling for the last 12 hours:)

And being a graphic designer, I am very excited to see her invitations.

and update as of late

2010-07-01T12:11:00.000-04:00

The pierce household has been crazy lately. Between Steve starting more than full-time at the campaign (it's pretty much around the clock), still working at BYU, me still working a whole lot at Lugano Restaurant and our church callings we have definitely had to adjust our schedules and I've learned to appreciate the few hours of time we have together each day.

I still have photos to blog about from our trips to Arizona, Idaho and Las Vegas during the month of June but for now I thought I'd upload the most recent random photos from my iPhone.

When I was playing with with my sister's little girls a few weeks ago my sister laughed and said if I flash forward 10 years this is what it'll be like....

Uncle Mckay & Tienna at a baseball game in Arizona. It was a late night! :(

Tienna loves to wrestle. Hilarious.

One night in Arizona Steve, Mckay & I babysat the girls. We took Tienna to the park and put together this puzzle. I was very impressed with how well she knows her numbers!

While we were in Las Vegas a few weeks ago Steve was so fascinated with the water show!

Hope you all have fun plans for this holiday weekend! I think Steve is going to be pretty busy with the campaign so I decided to take time off work and join him for the festivities! I am certainly excited to spend a lot of time with him this weekend!

One Year

2010-06-21T02:13:00.001-04:00

Steve & I celebrated our one year anniversary on Saturday! Looking back over the past year I've learned so much about being married, as well as myself. Although we don't have a perfect relationship by any means, we would certainly agree that we are heading in the right direction and find ourselves falling more in love everyday! All weekend we were talking about how it's crazy that is has already been a year since we got married! This past year has certainly flown by! I feel like just yesterday was June 19, 2009. We both remember so many details from the week we got married like it was yesterday, and luckily Steve (being much better at this than I am) has written a lot of those memories down over the past year. It was fun to reflect back on this past year together this weekend, and a definite plus to spend more than an hour together each day all weekend long!:)

Here's to many years and adventures to come! I'm excited to see where life takes us!

quote to live by

2010-06-17T11:16:00.001-04:00

i've noticed this quote all over the blogging world this week so i thought i'd pass it along! a simple remind for everyone, no matter what stage in life we are at! it especially speaks to me as steve & i are going on one year of marriage now :) and making our plans for the future. it's not a matter of what i want to do, but a matter of what is best for us as a family! i wish i could find this in print somewhere so i could hang it in our house!

the best friends.

2010-06-07T00:52:00.000-04:00

Steve & I are so blessed to have the best friends here in Provo. Steve and his close friends from Texas all came to BYU together freshman year. That fall we immediately all became best friends. Times have since changed, and although I'm the only girl still around from the freshman "JARRR/Texas" group luckily all the boys have met and married amazing girls! It has been fun over the past few years to watch most (Ben, Jake...still waiting:)...) of these boys meet girls, date them, and then be in attendance at their weddings, all since ours last June! With a few additions along the way we now have such a great group of friends that we love to spend time with!

A few months ago a few of us girls thought a "wives club" was needed, just so we could have excuses such as craft nights, nights out for dinner, and other girls nights to get together and chat. Every once in a while we bring our husbands along for frozen yogurt runs, game nights, dinner up the canyon, BBQs, etc. but no matter what it always ends up all the girls talking together, and the guys off doing something else! I have loved getting to know these girls better, and I'm already dreading the move to Washington, D.C. next spring knowing that we're going to be leaving all our best friends behind!

Memorial Day weekend Grant & Callie hosted a BBQ at their house!

We missed Holly & Justin because they were in Idaho!

always a good laugh

2010-05-31T02:50:00.000-04:00

Unfortunately Steve & I don't live close to any of our nieces and nephews so of course we take advantage of the time we do get to spend together when it comes along! (More myself than Steve, I think so many little girls intimidate him, he sticks to the little boys). Anyway, my sister Abbie, and soon-to-be-medical-school-graduate brother-in-law, Josh (an early congratulations to him!) came up to Utah for a few weeks after he finished his rotations and before graduation to spend time with the families.

Highlight of the trip (besides spending time with you Josh, of course) was Tienna.
She's at that hilariously funny age where everything that comes out of her mouth has a "what did she just say?" response.

A few examples.

Steve & I decided to take Tienna on a movie date one night while they were here. We picked her up, goodie bag in hand, and went to see "How to Train Your Dragon" and get ice cream. One the way out of the house while we were putting our shoes on she said,
"I totally like your shoes Aunt Jessie." We all laughed.

The next best was every time she'd get close and see my necklace Steve gave me for my birthday she'd say
"Oooh Aunt Jessie, that's such a beautiful necklace! Who gave that to you?"

On the third bathroom trip of the evening during the movie night we walked into the handicap stall to go potty and she looked around,
seemed very disoriented and said, "Wow! This stall is ginormous!"

To hear her very advanced vocabulary and frequent corrections on "Uncle Steve is handsome, not beautiful, boys are handsome, girls are beautiful", etc. is always so hysterical!

Until Steve & I have kids of our own (might be a while) I am going to continually dote over Madelin, Halle, Meagan, Tienna, Zoe & Kiara,
Dane & the other little boy coming this summer because kids are so hilarious and adorable!

Pictures of Kiara - 3 weeks old

Tienna decided she needed a turn too :)

"I am with Sam!"

2010-05-23T03:13:00.000-04:00

May 8th was a much anticipated day for the Pierce Family referred to as "convention" for many weeks and months leading up to it. When May 8th came and it was finally time for the Utah State Democratic Convention at the Salt Palace! Steve put in countless hours leading up to the day, not just organizing all the volunteers & fulfilling role of Communications Director (press releases, website design, issues content, responsible for basically how the candidate is perceived by the people) but also spending most Saturdays traveling across the state with United States Senate candidate Sam Granato to get the delegates' votes.

It all came down to the convention and I could NOT have been more proud of Steve! He has now officially won his first (of many to come) political races! Thanks to all the friends who helped out all day at the event! As excited as I am for the general election in November, I'm sure it is going to entail a very busy husband between now and then:)

Some of Sam's grandkids came for the event! So cute in their oversized "I am with Sam" shirts!

Natalie, Nicole & I with Sam

Jake, Daniel, Natalie & Nicole showing of their sweet new Granato for Senate t-shirts

Picture Overload

2010-04-25T03:39:00.000-04:00

The past month has been exciting! I had so many photos on my computer...

Steve competed in the Annihilation Cup, which was a debate between the president of the college republicans and college democrats.
Steve won (of course) and therefor received this Stanley Cup-like trophy.

We watched the first BYU game of the NCAA tournament at the terrace in the Wilk.
I think class should be canceled at times like this.

Steve's dad came to town and we went to the third/fourth round of the NCAA tournament in Salt Lake.
It would have been a million times better had BYU made it this far!

We celebrated Steve's birthday.... over the course of a week.

We went to In-and-Out and Mckay & I gave Steve one of his birthday presents: goalie gloves.

We went to the Vampire Weekend concert with a group of friends in Salt Lake during the "birthday week" which also included the Jazz game, dinner at Tucanos where we ate enough meat to last 4 months, various outings and dessert nights with friends.

We celebrated Mckay & Steve's birthdays together in Salt Lake with my parents because they are only three days apart (Steve requested pie!)

We hosted the first-annual Easter egg bracket challenge. Steve officiated the intense event.

My "birthday week" was up next. First stop: Passion Pit concert. Same venue, we even stood in the same spot.

Terrible photo, but Steve surprised me with tickets to see Lady Gaga in Vegas later this summer!
He also got me some of the cutest things. Definite A in my book for "most thoughtful husband"

We went to Brick Oven with my brother and Mom to celebrate

Dinner at PF Changs.

Spencer/Isaac Russell concert at Velour - listen to Lighthouse. Amazing.

Sunday dinner in Salt Lake with family. Every year we have strawberry shortcake on my birthday

Birthday lunch with my girlfriends. Of course when Mia spills she pulls out her Tide pen and takes care of it. We thought it was hilarious! Love her.

BYU Baseball games with these friends. We are going to miss Jake when he leaves to NYC this summer!
AND we are super excited for Justin & Holly's wedding in June!

Callie & Grant got married this past weekend! The sealing was amazing!
Another addition to the wives club is always exciting!

The traditional boy band photo (and Natalie)

We are looking forward to a fun (and relaxing) summer to include Seven Peaks, playing Spades with Natalie & Daniel, craft projects with the wives club and many pick-up basketball games at 24 Hour Fitness! (oh, and maybe a little work & school)

monday's thoughts

2010-04-12T19:48:00.000-04:00

i spend a lot of time thinking as i drive to and from work 45 minutes each way five times a week.

today's thoughts...
i was ECSTATIC when i checked the weather and it said 70 degrees and sunny on friday for my birthday! (excited for the tulip festival with my mom, then all afternoon/night with steve!)

i officially applied for graduation today. i feel so old. and am excited to be DONE with college on wednesday morning after my final internship interviews. hallelujah

was sure my sister had her baby between yesterday and today... then i called her to find out, and still no baby! :( BUT she is having it on Wednesday morning!

still thinking about how amazing the passion pit concert was last thursday night.

thinking about when steve and i are going to go shopping for dress clothes for him. it's extremely hard to get the kid to shop with me.

how excited i am for gossip girl tonight. hopefully watching it with brookie.
but not as excited as i get about the bachelor/bachelorette.

how much i love my haircut i got last week. ellen at dexterity salon is a miracle worker

what to make for dinner. answer: grilled chicken with chili pepper pasta and roasted tomato sauce, garlic bread.

wishing i had bought more that 6 boxes of somoas (girl scout cookies)

trying to figure out a way to take sewing lessons this summer. i would love something like this to learn on (....i know, i'm dreaming...)

there are only a few things i asked for my birthday. something like this being one of them. i have a sneaking suspicion steve got something like it :) i'm excited

i found myself thinking about the west wing. steve & i are now in season 7, and i finally find it fascinating. i'm really happy president santos won.

laughed about the fact that the governor of utah was going to be eating at my restaurant tonight, received calls all day about the security of lugano tonight. it was a little annoying.

trying to decide if i should work or go to the isaac russell show on saturday night. i should probably do the first, but will end up doing the later.

(steve & i at the NCAA tournament in salt lake city, march madness 2010)

Weekend Review

2010-04-04T13:36:00.001-04:00

Easter & Conference has been a fun weekend! Yesterday Steve & I were busy with work, his soccer game, basketball games, and the highlight of the day: I learned to make home-made cinnamon rolls by my mom! So good! I decided to take last night off because I knew work would be slow so my mom and I went to dinner and shoe shopping while the boys were at Priesthood. The boys came home to freshly baked cinnamon rolls and we watched the end of the Duke vs. VW game. The night ended with Mckay, Steve & I making a late night trip to the amazing Molca Salsa!

Today has been more relaxing.

We hope you are having a Happy Easter wherever you are!

Three girls and a little boy :)

2010-03-28T18:17:00.000-04:00

My oldest brother and his adorable wife Heather recently found out they are expecting a little boy... this new is exciting, but definitely more exciting because they have three girls already so it's the FIRST boy! I am so excited for them! Madelin, Halle and Meagan will love their little brother so much!
(Probably so much that dress-ups and nail polish will be experimented on this little boy...)

We are so excited for you guys! We really are hoping to come visit this summer!

This picture was taken the Sunday before we got married, soon after Jason & Heather arrived for the wedding.
I think this was the first time Madelin, Halle and Meagan met their Uncle Steve:)

23rd Birthday!

2010-03-22T00:58:00.001-04:00

Nothing is better than having the best husband and best friend ever.
I love waking up next to him every morning and falling asleep next to him every night!
Nothing puts a bigger smile on my face then to see him smile :)

Happy 23rd birthday, Steve! I'm excited to spend many more birthdays together!

We celebrated last night at the Jazz game, then a hilarious dinner at Tucanos.
Today, after Steve spent the morning feeling sick, we spent time in Salt Lake with family then back to Provo to celebrate with friends!

happy birthday brother!

2010-03-18T13:00:00.000-04:00

Today is my brother's birthday. Mckay has always been the best older brother. He has always been one of my best friends, and we have definitely shared some good times over the past 23 years. I think rather than ramble on about how great he is, I'll share some pictures....

This is Mckay... and me... circa 1993

Mckay is an amazing biker.... check out those leg muscles.

This is Mckay and I when he was a senior and I was a sophomore in high school.

HAPPY 25th BIRTHDAY MCKAY!!
Steve & I hope you have a wonderful day, we love you!

Sunday Night

2010-03-15T03:20:00.000-04:00

Last night, after I was done cleaning and organizing this room

I walked out and saw this..

Isn't he cute...?

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend!

"Valentine Review"

2010-03-09T21:56:00.000-05:00

Once you work in a restaurant, Valentine's Day loses its appeal. The constant ringing of the phone at work, taking reservations, and dealing with the special "Festa di San Valentino" menu we do each year at Lugano Restaurant has made the entire week of Valentines Day become a week I actually dread.

Luckily, I have an amazing husband who makes the holiday special every year, and the holiday actually includes my favorite tradition Steve and I have.

Steve, being the hopeless romantic he is :) started a Valentine's Tradition freshman year. For Valentine's Day, Steve wrote a song for me about when we first met, first impressions, when we started dating, etc. The last line of the song says, "here's your Valentine Review, here's my heart, here's to you." Let's be real honest, when he wrote this song freshman year I thought it was cute and romantic -- I listened to the song every so often and that was that. BUT little did I know it would get better.

During my sophomore year (the first Valentine's Day he was on his mission), I received a letter in the mail a few days before Valentine's Day from him. Thinking it was a typical letter I was, of course, excited but when I opened it and found Valentine Review - Volume 1, I was brought to tears. The letter was his view of the first few weeks of how our relationship started freshman year. So sweet and thoughtful. Then the next year I was excited to receive that letter in the mail around Valentines Day. Valentine Review - Volume 2 was just as amazing. Anyone who knows Steve knows of his talent when it comes to writing. He is so talented when putting emotions into words. I don't know anyone who can do it better than Steve...

This year I was excited to see what the Valentine Review was going to encompass. When I got home from work late Saturday night, February 13th, not only did he get me the dresser I had my eye on for awhile for our bedroom, but he wrote a Valentine Review that topped all years in the past. His perception of the morning of our wedding day when he was getting ready and driving to Salt Lake to pick me up was something he had never shared with me before, and to now have his feelings in writing is something I will always cherish.

I think he has his Valentine's Days planned out for the rest of forever -- nothing makes me happier then flowers and the annual Valentine Review.

currently listening to: Miley Cyrus "Party in the USA"

2010-03-03T19:04:00.001-05:00

Don't judge my song choice. There's a story.

I work with troubled youth in the Utah Juvenile Justice System every Monday and Tuesday. I normally call them "delinquents" whenever I'm talking to Steve. They are funny kids, but some days are definitely better than others. Yesterday was a good day. While driving in a 15-passenger van with my adviser and 13 teenage boys from bowling with a group of handicap adults in Provo to the substance abuse class at the county building, the boys wanted to listen to music (although this is against the rules, they always ask)... but one of the boys out of no where started singing "Party in the USA," AND he knew all the words. It was funny to see a 17-year-old boy who got in trouble for trafficking A LOT of drugs in the first place, singing Miley's song -- then when the other 12 joined in, my day was made:)

Needless to say, I've been listening to the song ever since.

eight months.

2010-02-20T02:28:00.000-05:00

I'm typically not one for anniversaries. Steve is the hopeless romantic who remembers every date semi-crucial in our relationship over the past 4 1/2 years :) But this whole 'we've been married for eight months thing' has been very exciting for me! We both agree it has been the best eight months yet this far!

a fun month ahead!

2010-02-16T12:23:00.000-05:00

Steve & I are excited....

Elton John & Billy Joel are finally coming back THIS FRIDAY night! We were totally bummed after they canceled their show last November (here) due to the Swine Flu.
But we are even more excited to see them now!

Vampire Weekend is coming to Salt Lake on my brothers birthday, March 18th, which is only a few days before Steve's birthday so we saw it fitting to buy tickets for the three of us! I'm sure Steve and Mckay are more excited than I am, but I do love this song. Check it out!

A few days later to celebrate Steve's birthday we will be watching these guys play.
Neither of us are huge fans, but we thought it would be fun to go to a game!
And thanks to a friend at work we have court side tickets!

And I'm most excited for Passion Pit, coming to town on April 10th! Yes, another East-Coast indie band.
Steve & I saw them last October and they were amazing!
Check out my favorite song here.

reliving the 90's

2010-02-08T22:56:00.000-05:00

Funny conversation continually reoccurring in the Pierce household the past few weeks, I thought I'd share...

It all started on New Year's Eve Day when I was leaving for work. The traditional "Steve, how do I look?" was asked followed by a first-time comment.... "You look like you just walked straight out of the 1990's" Steve replied. Since I was wearing brand new Christmas clothes, head-to-toe I didn't know whether to take this as a compliment, or to quickly change.

Since then we have joked about the 20 year cycle that is now bringing back the flannel shirts, frizzy hair, over sized sweaters, other 90's accessories, and best of all, 90's music.

I love my over sized sweaters.

Steve wrote an article on his online magazine about it, read here.

And I continually listen to this song on repeat.
A recent local cover of one of my all-time favorite 1990's songs by Lisa Loeb (another reason to love the Provo music scene).

I think we should all revive the 90's. Who's with me?

christmas break - (a few months late)...

2010-02-08T02:59:00.000-05:00

A little late, I know. Here's a recap of our holiday

We spent Christmas in Salt Lake with my family, including this little one :) which is always a fun time!

Then we headed off to Texas New Year's Day to spend the weekend with these people...

And spent a night in downtown Forth Worth with these friends...

abigail's birthday

2010-02-03T12:26:00.000-05:00

Today is my sister's birthday! Abbie is uh-mazing! She's an example to me: a really really good cook, very patient, always willing to chat and help out in any way she can, super involved with the Relief Society in her ward, a very loving mom and wife, always organized and on top of everything (even when she is sick from pregnancy!) and so selfless! I love that I can call Abbie anytime for recipe help, questions about life and anything else for that matter (which happens...uh.. everyday) and she can always help!
She is also the best sister/friend/advice-giver/life coach:)

I love you Abbie! Happy Birthday and have a wonderful day with Josh & Tienna!

dream vacation(s)....

2010-02-01T01:15:00.000-05:00

In the midst of the terrible month of January, we are itching to get away from Provo.

I like to dream of going here....

Steve, on the other hand, dreams of camping out at a 3-day long event with 120+ live bands....
that's alot of live music if you ask me....

we will see where we end up first! :)

Reason #879...

2010-01-26T02:19:00.000-05:00

Reason #879 why I love Steve Pierce.

A few weeks back Steve and I decided to make various ranch, queso & guacamole dips and watch a movie. This was fun, but more than watching No Reservations I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation that evening. Steve sincerely came to me in the kitchen asking if it is bad to have really specific goals and aspirations in life. Definitely caught off guard, I had to ask what he meant. He asked if having the goal of being the Communications Director in the White House was a bad idea because it might be too specific and unrealistic. I had no idea where all this was coming from, so I continued to ask what he meant. I was again reminded of Steve's sincere desire to serve his country, to try to make this country better for future generations, and his dedication to help others and make a difference. His big heart and continual selfless acts always remind me that he really does think that everyone is inherently good -- a quality I think we all can work on a little more.

I am so proud of Steve and the hard worker he is. As if school and work were not enough, he decides to start an online magazine and take on a primary position with a U.S. Senate Campaign. He is the most motivated and ambitious person I know. I am excited to see where life takes us as we head to Washington D.C. in about a year from now. The only thing I am sure of is what Steve reminds me often, someday he will play The West Wing theme song every morning when he gets to work.

Steve with yet another political t-shirt from his collection... the Teddy Roosevelt quote was fitting :)

Steve & Dane

2009-12-27T01:15:00.001-05:00

It is always fun to see how Little Dane loves being held by Steve, or maybe Steve loves holding him? I think Steve held Dane 80% of the time on Thanksgiving Day when we were down in Arizona. Steve & I still joke about the nose kisses Dane gives.
So cute!
We love you Dane!

freezing during finals

2009-12-09T12:03:00.001-05:00

My frozen face couldn't help but laugh when I checked the weather on my phone while walking to campus today.

It said 0 degrees.

I laughed all the way to class, and cursed the frigid weather while I was at it.

On a lighter note, Steve and I are hoping to survive finals this semester. It's going to be a close call though. Steve has been writing, and writing and writing and writing and I've been working and working and working and working. I forgot how crazy December is at Lugano Restaurant!

Hope all is well wherever you are! And everyone is enjoying this holiday season for us :)

These photos are from the BYU vs. Utah game a few weeks back, great game if you missed it, and don't let that sun fool you - it was freezing, but worth it to watch BYU win!

thanksgiving '09

2009-11-26T20:05:00.001-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving to you wherever you are! We are spending the holiday in Arizona with my family. Yesterday and today have been filled with time with the nieces and nephews, brothers and sisters, and in the perfect 78 degree whether. Steve and I have enjoyed the relaxing break with shopping, swimming, eating and too many football games today.

I am thankful for many things in my life: for Steve, our families, good friends, and this holiday season that is about to begin

snail mail

2009-11-13T00:29:00.000-05:00

I need to get back on the blog bus. There have been so many moments lately I've thought "Oh, I should blog about that," but I just haven't had the time, so maybe if I just focus on one day at a time I'll finally get caught up!

Big news here at the Pierce household happened on Tuesday between when I left for work at 11 a.m. and when I came home from work at 6 p.m. I was driving to work and Benny and the Jets came on my iPod. My question is, who doesn't love Elton John? It's nearly impossible to not LOVE that man. I was reminded that he and Billy Joel are coming to Salt Lake next Friday, the 20th. Steve is a huge fan and we've talked many times about going, but it's hard to rationalize $100 per ticket, right? Well, that day I had no problem rationalizing the expense, because we will probably never see them again. The first thing I did when I got to work was go on ksl.com and see if there were any tickets. Of course there were, but at what price!? Next I texted Steve and asked him if I could "borrow" $200 from our savings account we have been diligently working on. He said yes, and asked what for. I told him not to worry. He was very confused by this, but knew a surprise was coming. I found some pretty alright seats for $100 each from a guy in Salt Lake. In a matter of minutes I went to the bank, and met the man downtown at his work and made the purchase. I could not WAIT for the end of work to come so I could get back to Provo and surprise Steve. Needless to say he was very surprised, and excited for the concert next weekend! Lesson learned: maybe a 45-minute drive each way to work isn't the best idea -- it often gets my mind wandering and that is when impulse purchases happen...

BIGGER NEWS here at the Pierce household was that Steve and I received the most adorable, cutest, funniest, darling picture from our little niece Halle this week in the mail. She is in kindergarten in North Carolina, and is clearly an aspiring artist! She is the cutest little curly-haired girl (well, all our nieces are the cutest). The best was Heather said to notice the phonetic spelling next to the red person (which was me). Don't worry, it is now on our refrigerator right next to a similar drawing we got from Madelin, Halle and Meagan on our wedding day! We got a good laugh, and love when we get surprises like this from all the little girls!

gameday in provo, utah!

2009-10-27T00:43:00.000-04:00

Saturday morning Steve was up at 6am putting up a 25-foot dinosaur on top of the paleontology museum in the stadium parking lot (long story), a few hours later he was busy with a few other people he works with getting a parade float of two dinosaur skeletons onto ESPN's College Gameday! It didn't really happen, but he did get backstage passes out of the deal. I got over to the stadium just after 8 a.m., just in time for the show! It was interesting to be "backstage," even though it was really the front side of the show! The best part of the show was when, out of no where, Cosmo jumped up on-stage, stole one of the analysts stat sheets, wrote a big "TCU" on it and ripped it up, then jumped off-stage! All the analyst could say was "Uh, I think I needed that!" It was hilarious for everyone but the director, who looked like he was going to start chasing Cosmo off stage if he didn't get off himself! Another highlight of the show was the last few minutes, check it out here.

My mom, dad and Jason came down for the game that evening! I wish it had been a better game considering that Jason stayed in town just for the game (I still wish he had packed Heather and the girls in his bag)! It was still fun, and I'm sure it was fun for Steve to have someone to talk about any and every sport.

The cheering crowds behind the set! People slept out the night before to get good standing spot.

Steve & I with his skeleton parade float

he was born october 23, 1919

2009-10-27T00:24:00.000-04:00

This past Friday night, Steve & I joined the Moffat side of the family in Salt Lake for Grandpa Moffat's 90th (SURPRISE) birthday party! You know it is going to be an event when you gather most of the 42 cousins and their spouses, as well as the aunts and uncles together! The past few months have been hard on grandpa due to everything that has been going on with my grandma, so it was fun to surprise him and show him how much he means to the family. I just love my grandpa, and feel fortunate to have the fun memories that I do of him. He has a great memory and an even better sense of humor, so it always makes for interesting stories. Whether it be his stories about how he won all the gold medals at the first summer Olympics ever (in both the men's and women's events) then later during his years as a dentist he melted all the gold medals down to make fillings for his patients, or him telling me that the number of nose hairs you have shows how wise you are (yes, he has a lot of nose hairs). Even though Steve still thinks he doesn't know his name (hence, he always calls him "son"), we enjoy the time we have to spend with him in his old age!

Grandma didn't want to look at the camera.

We missed you, Heather!!

It is always fun to go to family events to see Rachel!

coon skin hats and feather boas

2009-10-19T13:28:00.000-04:00

Last week Abbie and Josh came to town for a few days. Highlight: Monday night Family Night at the top of the stairs with Steve & Mckay in coon skins hats, Brookie & I in pink feather boas, and all of us dancing to "Single Ladies" by Beyonce. And the umbrella? Tienna said it was "raining" and we all had to be protected so insisted on keeping it open. I can not think of a better Family Night activity. I'm sure my dad thought we were all crazy.

It was fun to see Josh and Abbie and hear their exciting news :) Thank you for making the trip to Utah!

our most recent study break

2009-10-16T01:47:00.000-04:00

Last week Steve & I headed up to Salt Lake with a few friends to the Passion Pit concert. As many of you know Steve is a huge concert-goer and I'm not so much, but I'm glad Steve made me go this time:) Despite the fact that they didn't take the stage till close to midnight (and yes, I did have 8am class the next morning), it was well worth the wait! We were standing in the very front, literally, the very front, so we even got to dance a bit with the lead singer, Michael Angelakos, when he made his way into the crowd during a few songs. I would encourage a listen here, here or here for a few of Steve and I's favorite songs of this nerdy East Coast band.

weekend update.

2009-09-29T22:27:00.001-04:00

The past few weeks Lugano Restaurant has been slow so I haven't felt bad taking a few weekend nights off.

A few weeks ago we went to the Isaac Russell, formerly known as RuRu, Columbia Records signing party here in Provo at Velour. Yes that is right, the real Columbia Records, the same Columbia that Jason, Taylor and Abbie used to do those scheming CD club memberships with. Isaac is now 17 years old, and would be starting his senior year at Timpanogos High school except for now he has private tutors to keep him up-to-date while traveling all over the place as he finalizes the finishing touches on his newly recorded album, and is preparing to begin touring with John Mayer in February. I guess you get your own private tutors when you sign a 6-album contract with Columbia, or when it is very possible you will become the next Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen or Leonard Cohen. I hope he does well, #1: because he is amazing (listen to him here) and #2: because then I will know a famous person before he is famous. Oh and #3: he is going to be touring with John Mayer, I still can't get over that. (If you don't already follow John Mayer on twitter you might want to start immediately...)

In other news, Steve & I ventured up Provo Canyon last weekend, more specifically up by Sundance to check out the amazingly beautiful fall leaves (before the dreaded snow comes... tomorrow I hear). The highlight of the adventure was when Steve blazed his own trail into the woods. When it was all said and done, it was a fun time :) except for that my camera battery died too early!

september 21st 2005 - 2009

2009-09-22T00:25:00.000-04:00

Steve & I celebrate two anniversaries: June 19th (our wedding day, of course) and September 21st. September 21st, 2005, that is. We have both decided that's when we started dating; we were not officially "boyfriend/girlfriend" as of September 21, 2005, but that was the night of our first kiss.

There is a little thing Steve does for me each Valentine's Day. The first year he did this (he was on his mission) I thought it was not only the most adorable thing ever, but I also thought he was genius, mostly because he had his Valentine's Day's set for the rest of forever:) I know I've told this story before, but Freshman Year he wrote me a song for Valentine's Day and the last line of the song was something like "here is my Valentine Review, here's my heart, here's to you." The next year I was so excited when I received Valentine Review Volume I in the mail the day before Valentine's Day. Anyway, I'm telling this story because part of Volume I was Steve's side of the first kiss on September 21st. Since I told my side of the first night we met, I thought I'd share his side of this story, which is always more exciting anyway:)

It was a Wednesday night, which meant semi-weekly visiting hours in Helaman Halls. It was also the season premiere of "Lost", which I was pretty excited about. Anyway, on that wonderful Wednesday, Audrey decided to come over and see Justin, Daniel and I. Not that I noticed. My eyes were glued to the television. Soon thereafter, somewhere in the middle of the episode, Moffat, Brubaker and yourself came over. Of course, the television was still on, so I was not very social, but we all sat in Justin's room, while you, Justin, Daniel and the girls talked, I yelled at everyone to shut up so I could hear what was going on. Well, the chaos ended with Audrey going home and you and the girls heading back to Heritage Halls. However, as fate would have it, Brubaker left her book (some strange medieval times book) in Justin's room! Obviously, that would mean that somebody would have to come and get it. Hence, an hour or so later, who should show back up in the May Hall lobby, but Rachel Moffat and Jessie Pollei, looking for some queer book about knights. Anyway, you and I ended up on the couch next to each other (the love seat size, not the big one), with me on the left of course (in your good ear) and we hung out with an array of people -- just whoever happened to walk by and decide to sit down. We were having fun and you and I were flirting like 12-year-olds as usual. After about an hour, Moffat decided to leave. You tried to go with her, but she refused. After several minutes of hushed and hurried conversation outside, you returned and announced that Rachel would walk home alone and you returned to your spot next to me on the couch. We talked some more and flirted a lot. Different friends came in and out, but we remained constant. The majority of my floor knew that I liked you and that I was debating how to make the first move, so they were more than happy to "help" by not-so-sneakily walking by while brandishing a bottle of Martinelli's sparkling cider. (For those who don't know: on Steve's hall freshman year, if a boy kissed a girl they would celebrate once he came back to the hall by drinking Martinelli's and hearing the story.) I was slightly embarrassed, but I (wrongly) assumed you didn't know what it meant. Anyway, after some time and much internal struggle, I finally plucked up the courage to do something I had wanted to do for eleven days: I reached over and (stealthily and smoothly, of course) grabbed your hand. You looked at me and smiled and I don't remember what I said and don't know what kind of look I gave you, but I can only hope I didn't look or sound like a complete doofus, because I was nervous! I had a circus of butterflies in my stomach and I was in completely uncharted waters. Sure, I'd had high school girlfriends, but this was different: those were strictly physical attractions, this was something more. Despite my nervousness and probable awkwardness, you didn't reject me. Your smile was a welcome sign of approval and sent my spirits soaring (as it still does to this day). We sat there for quite awhile longer, talking to friends and holding hands. I was on Cloud Nine. My friends took note of our newfound public display of affection, and the Martinelli's brandishing became more frequent: the pressure was on. Of course, I wanted to kiss you, but I didn't want to risk pushing it too far and going too fast; I didn't want to damage anything that we potentially had going for us. And hence, the battle in my head began. As we left May Hall and I walked you home, the war was raging: should I kiss her, or should I wait? By the time we reached F. Smith Hall, I was still torn. I wanted to kiss you, but naturally, I was nervous and did not want to move too fast. As we sat down on the steps to talk, I still had no earthly idea what I was going to do. As we were talking (I have no recollection of what we talked about -- I was so nervous!), I kept trying to strike up the courage to just do it: to follow my heart instead of my head. I kept looking for an opportunity, for the perfect juncture where you would look at me and I would look back at you and then it would just happen. I waited. And we kept talking. And I waited some more. Then, all at once, it happened: the moment I had been looking for! I don't know what we were talking about, but somewhere past midnight, the conversation hit a lull and you looked over at me and I was staring right back at you. Our eyes met and, just as I had hoped and (to be quite honest) dreamed, I leaned over and, ignoring the butterfly circus doing cartwheels in my stomach, kissed you. ... I don't remember what was said, just like I don't remember much of what was said the rest of the night; maybe you do. However, while I may not remember the exact words I uttered on that momentous occasion, I do recall exactly how I felt: happy. Pure ecstasy. There have been few times in my life where I have been as happy as I was in the early hours of September 21st ... As we parted with one last kiss for the evening and I left to return home, I literally skipped all the way back to May Hall. If I was on Cloud Nine before, I was actually on Cloud Ten or Eleven. I had kissed Jessie Pollei. I had actually found the courage to follow my heart and it had led me straight to you. And in that moment, everything in the world was right. Sure, there was the unabashed male chauvinism of the Martinell's ceremony back at the dorm, but that night was special and I knew it as soon soon as my lips touched yours. My entire world changed in that one moment on September 21st 2005...

Tonight when I got home from work around 6 p.m., Steve surprised me with flowers and was making dinner! We ate then decided to go to Park City for the evening. We went to the outlets and came across a few good finds. Then we came home, and now I'm blogging while Steve is playing his PS3 College Football game (his anniversary gift). It has been a wonderful day together!! Here's to year five...:)

the beginning of a new year!

2009-09-13T17:28:00.000-04:00

The beginning of a new school year is always exciting:) We are finally getting used to the semester now that we're a couple of weeks in. It's going to be a crazy one! I always feel like I never know how I'm going to survive a semester, but then somehow it always comes to an end and didn't seem so bad after all.

First day of school - of course we took a picture Mom!

The first weekend of school was Labor Day weekend. Steve and I decided to visit Josh & Abbie and Taylor & Amber over the long weekend -- we hadn't seen Tienna, Zoe or Dane in too long! The highlight of the weekend was the BYU-OU game! Go Cougars! The second best part of the weekend was Tienna repeatedly saying "Go Dawgs!" during the Washington-LSU game. Steve is training her to cheer for his teams. :)

Another favorite was Tienna pretending to drive the car while Steve and I were in "buckled in our car seats in the backseat." Made for some laughs just before we got ready to head back!

Thank you again Abbie and Josh for letting us crash at your place for the weekend, and we love your new place Taylor and Amber! (Also, thanks for the meds.) We hope to see you all soon!

I and Love and You

2009-08-30T22:11:00.000-04:00

This time of year is a special time for Steve and I. Besides the fact that fall in Provo has really grown on me over the past four years, it was this weekend four years ago we met at Freshman Orientation and began to spend time together. On September 21st it will be four years since we officially started dating:) This time of year is always a fun time of full reminiscing and laughs for us, whether that be during the two years apart of a mission or the times we have been together.

August 26, 2009 - Freshman Orientation weekend. We had successfully avoid our group leaders all weekend, which had been quite a chore might I add. My roommates (high school friends) and I weren't too wild about all the different activities that weekend, but just wanted to spend time together celebrating our newly found freedom at Heritage Halls. Like I said we had been successful. That success ended on this particular Saturday night (the 26th). As I remember, all us girls were hanging out in our apartment and we heard a knock on the door, just before the night's festivities of field games at Helaman Field were supposed to begin. We turned off our music, got quiet real quick to hear the two group leaders outside the door. All panicked they would find us, we stood huddled in the hallway for some reason. The next thing we know we hear one of the counselors say "I see your feet, girls!!" They told us they'd be back in another half hour to escort us to the field games. Begrudgingly, we went. Then during the field games a kid won a date with some girl because he drove a mini-van in high school (later to find out, that was Daniel Anderson.)

At the end of the night we were done with the Freshman Orientation event, we were gathering to leave and this weird kid with a weird accent walked up to Rachel Steffensen and Allison Hatch asking them if they wanted any water bottles. (They already had some in their hands). They said no, but for some reason kept talking to this kid (Justin Fillmore). Before we knew it we were all gathered, 6 of us, and about 12 of them... standing on boy and girl sides respectively of the circle, talking about whatever freshmen talk about. We soon learned they were all from Texas, with a few exceptions, and there was a kid who was from Texas but claimed "Colorado" as his hometown (Steve).

Being the trusting, naive, innocent and young BYU Freshman we were, we decided to invite them back to our apartment where we were going to make brownies and watch my John Mayer live in concert DVD. The night continued on, we learned more about them, like their last names, where they lived at BYU, etc, etc. And I distinctly remember learning that this one kid had been to 5 *NSYNC Concerts... his name was Steve Pierce:)

That night was a fun one, one of the most fun nights I've had since I've been at BYU. I remember being in awe that we had just met these kids, felt comfortable enough to invite them over and were all of a sudden best friends. We were blind to the fact that this was the beginning to a year-long friendship, entitled JARRR & Texas.

A few days passed and Allison Hatch (my roommate) came home from Healthy Living class to inform me that that Steve kid was in her class, and she was going to sit by him but she was scared to. By this point I was secretly interested in him so what did I do next? I added the same Healthy Living section, of course!

A few more days passed, we tried to call the boys to hang out again, but they failed to return our calls, but granted we only had Justin's phone number. After a few more tries we all but gave up, thinking these boys were jerks.

Then came the first weekend of the school year, the Fall Fest Dance. Everyone was there, especially any freshmen that didn't have cars. Allison and I went into the restroom inside the WILK, and as we were walking back out to the dance at Brigham Square, who did we run into? Steve & Daniel. We talked to them for a bit, it was mildly awkward because they had avoided our calls for a few days. The next few moments is a whirl-wind, but all of a sudden Steve & I were out dancing to "Collide" by Howie Day. The dance ended, the boys had plans with other people, and we went our own ways. Then later than same evening we all surprisingly ended up at the same party in Heritage Halls (they had friends who lived in the area). I knew that evening wasn't going to end without Brubaker or Allison making me get Steve's number, or them making Steve get my number. The night ended, we exchanged numbers, and went on our way.

That week we sat next to each other in Healthy Living, hung out after class each day, and seemingly began to be more comfortable with each other.

September 10, 2009 - It was a Saturday night. We were trying to find something fun to do, we sat around at our apartment in Heritage Halls for a while, then made our way down to Helaman hoping to find something more fun. It was getting late and nothing was going on. For some reason I was the only girl, I think all my girlfriends ditched out and left me at Helaman Halls in their attempts to get Steve & I to spend some time alone. Well it worked:) That night everyone was calling it a night and going home. Steve, being the gentleman he was, asked if he could walk me back up to my apartment (about a 10 minute walk). We started making way up to my apartment, just talking and talking. The night ended about five hours later (4 am), when he finally walked me back to my apartment. We had spent the night walking around all of BYU campus at least three times over, talking about our families, our friends, hometowns, etc. etc. That night I came home, couldn't go to sleep because a) Facebook was just starting the photo album capabilities and b) I knew there was something special about Steve. I knew there was something special between us.

A few weeks passed, and we officially started dating September 21, 2006 :)
A few pictures of Freshman Year...
The first picture we took together. After a night of intramural games.

For anyone still reading...
Hope all is well wherever you are!!