Life's "ups"

While Jenny usually updates our blog (for which I am very grateful), I felt a need to add an entry of my own. Everyone has their "ups" and "downs" in life. We've had ours and you've had yours. Let me just say that I'm grateful for the "ups". This was particularly true of this past weekend, and if you'll indulge me a bit, I'd like to explain. I have a wonderful wife who adds vibrant color to my sometimes grayscale life. I have a darling little girl who loves her Daddy and helps me understand how blessed I really am. We are healthy, have good friend and a fantastic family. However, things got just a little better over the weekend.

This weekend, Karma seemed to align with fate, and for a time, all was perfect in this world. In addition to my wonderful family, the BYU basketball team upset the #6 Louisville Cardinals on Friday night, propelling them into the national spotlight. On Saturday, the BYU football team used a little of last year's magic to complete a 4th and 18 pass to keep a game winning touchdown drive alive, lifting them above a good and formidable Utah team. For those few twinkling hours after the football game on Saturday and before some of the more mundane realities of life once again took hold, there was nothing wrong in this world.

Looking back, it seems a little immature of me to place a couple of games in the same category as my perfect family, but I have to admit, I still smile a little bit when I think about them.

Thank You BYU Cougars

A big Thank You to our football team for helping me maintain a happy marriage with my husband by winning the game tonight! During the 4th quarter, I was getting a little nervous, gave a few screams myself - startling Samantha, but alas, you pulled through. Thank You once again, for Marcus came home with a large grin and has been floating ever since. What a perfect home game with which to end. Thank you, gracias, and koszonom from the bottom of these loyal fans' hearts.

True Love

Tonight as Samantha sleeps in bed and I wait for Marcus to get home, I decided to watch an episode of Oprah. (I love Tivo.) And, though I always seem to be making some reference to something I saw on a recent show, or even one from years past, I argue that it is always good information I pass along. Tonight, I watched about couples in love, hearing their love stories and how they have managed to stay so deeply in love while a majority of the world only dreams of that, but doesn't quite believe it's possible, and I of course thought of Marcus.

Grant Hill and his wife Tamia shared how it was the little things that they love about each other...and I thought, about Marcus's "little things" like:

washing the dishes * giving me a hug * wrestling with Samantha * washing the clothes * taking out the trash * picking up Samantha's toys * smiling * making a ridiculous joke that only he laughs at * folding clothes * scratching my back * calling during the day * wiping off the stove * letting me take a nap or sleep in * waking up extra early so I can shower before he leaves for work * complimenting my hair * letting me cry * cheering me up * talking late in night in bed * calling me pretty * loving me * etc * etc * etc *

There are 1,000,000 little things that make up who he is. And over the course of our marriage, I have fallen more and more in love. The past 2 years has certainly had its ups and downs, but Marcus is one of my constants. With an attempt to try not to be too cheesy, I can simply say that I love him so much and feel blessed to be his wife.

Good Reads

While visiting family this summer, I was able to do some recreational reading -- something that I haven't been able to do for quite a while. I began reading Band of Brothers which I was really enjoying. Marcus really enjoys WWII history, and so this was a book that I agreed to read. Though I got tangled up in some of the war-time lingo, the story was captivating. I was intrigued with the courage of these men and the brotherhood they created. However, that reading took a brief break because while in California, Peggy introduced me to Twilight. This was definitely her kind of book with the cute vampire, etc. I wasn't sure about it, quite honestly, because that normally doesn't really interest me. To my dismay, when I started reading, I couldn't put it down. Twilight is a little too high school with the girl completely obsessed with the mysterious boy. And as annoying as it was, I found myself passing Samantha off to everyone in the house so I could finish the book. She was content playing with Grammy, Bumpa, her aunts and uncles, and I didn't put the book down until I finished it that night. When we got to Michigan, continued to put Band of Brothers on hold; I found it completely necessary to go out and buy New Moon, which is the 2nd book in the Twilight series. I finished this book equally as fast. The house wasn't as full of people to watch Samantha, so I found myself staying up extra late at night, but it was worth it. I have my problems with the protagonist. There seems to be some inconsistencies. And I have found that you are either an Edward or Jacob fan -- there is no in between. I'm all Edward. I can give my explanations why upon request. I look forward to reading Eclipse in December when I have more time again. So, what ever happened to Band of Brothers? A couple months after getting back to Utah, I finished the book. It only took so long because I could only read it 15 minutes at a time. I really really liked it. It was a truly inspiring book (for me at least). For those of you familiar with the History Channel, they periodically run the mini-series Band of Brothers which was directed by Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg. I found that the series was close to the book. I have a few more books that I want to read, but I can't reveal those yet, as they are a part of Marcus's Christmas present. Anyway, it's always nice to have a good read.

Happy Halloween

Tinkerbell, Wendy, and Captain Hook. What a trio! Halloween party anyone?

A Tribute to Scott D. Green on his Birthday

A few weeks ago, after watching The Office, I was laying in bed thinking about how Michael wanted to buy Ryan Oh the Places You'll Go. I then started to think about a recent conversation I had with the said birthday boy. The creative juices began to flow and at midnight, I began writing until I was finished. This tribute was inspired by The Office, Scotty, and of course, Dr. Seuss.

Oh The Places You've Gone

by Jenny Green

Sometimes when you feel like you've been beat,
I suggest you take a look at your feet.
Mr. Right and Mr. Left have taken you far
Whether by walking, running, or driving your car.

In 26 years you've done a whole lot
You've laughed
You've loved
You've watched iRobot.

You've danced
You've pranced
You've flipped in the air
You've let many people know just how much you care.

You haven't died!
Now that's a big deal.
When others have cried,
You've helped them with zeal!

You're a smart clever man
You know your ABC's.
You do all you can
To avoid infectious disease.

You've lived in Honduras
Only few can say that.
You've taken care of your health
So you haven't gotten too fat.


You lived with Marcus, Spencer, Bart, Matt, Zach, and Bryn
In a house where no rent was collected,
Wow! What a win!


You've written songs
Read lots of books
Critiqued movies galore
No argument could possibly prove
your life's been a bore.


You're a son, a brother, an uncle, a friend,
You're life is just getting started,
This is nowhere near the end.


Oh Scotty, the places you've gone.


From Cali to Utah to Washington DC
You've even crossed over a big mighty sea....


To Taiwan of all places
My stars that is grand!
Really, can anyone say your life is bland?


And boy have you learned,
I'll assume quite a lot,
From reading to driving
and connecting the dots.


And what about Scouts?
Oh man, what a pain,
but just think of all the fortitude you gained.

Many a girl I'm sure have changed your life,
But only one near perfect girl will be your wife.
I say "near perfect" because no one can be
As kind, generous, and perfect as me!
But she will come, I 110% guarantee.

Of course there are places
You don't want to go again.
'Cause it'd feel like you're stabbing yourself
with a sharp fountain pen!
But that is A-OK because this is your show,
If you need a reminder, just look at your toe.
Mr. Right and Mr. Left have taken you far,
Whether by walking, running, or driving a car.

Oh the places you've gone
And you'll only continue to go
"Forward," "onward," "sally forth" you'll scream!
Because your heart deep inside
Still wants all your dreams!

Happy Birthday Scotty!

Brrrrr! Go Cougs!

BYU vs. Eastern Washington. We were pretty much expected to win, and I wanted to go to the game. Our neighbor had an extra ticket. How convienent. It was a little chilly, but I thought, "Samantha hasn't grown that much. I'm sure she'll fit into her snow clothes from last year." About 15 minutes before we left, I tried to fit her small 16 month frame into a 0-3 month snowsuit. It was a definite no go. I was really disappointed, but it was too cold for Samantha to go without being bundled up. This was to be Samantha's first live BYU game. Marcus and Colin left without us, and Samantha and I headed straight to Shopko. They were having a sale, and I got Samantha a winter coat for $10 and snow pants for $8. I got her some shoes to wear, which actually are slippers (but she's not standing or walking yet anyway. I just needed something to keep her feet warm.) and some mittens. At half time, we headed up to the stadium. I know she's only 14 pounds, but 14 pounds is heavy when you are running to the stadium while carrying her in the Baby Bjorn! So, we get to the stadium and my shoulders are killing me and I'm sweating. Marcus, is shivering, literally shivering all over because he is freezing and Uncle Colin took Samantha off my shoulders for a rest.

3rd quarter. BYU's looking good and things are great. Samantha's all bundled, warm, and smiling. Then, the snow hits. A lot of people start leaving, but Samantha and I just got there, and I'm still recovering. But this snow has no mercy. It's really coming down. At the end of the 3rd quarter, I decide Samantha and I should probably head back. I was worried about her getting cold, even though she seemed warm enough. On the way back, there was so much snow, at times it was hard to see. I had Samantha facing me to help keep her warmer and dry, and it seemed to work. By the time we got home, though, my jeans were completely wet, my shoes were soaked, and Samantha's cheeks were bright red. Was it worth it to see one quarter of a football game? I'd have to say...Samantha was ok, I was ok...most definitely worth it!