Micah's Wedding

Micah and Chelsea were married on Saturday, December 13, 2008. What a day to get married! The snow was pounding and the drive was a bit sketchy. Needless to say, a wedding never waits on the weather and by the time they came out of the temple, the snow and wind had stopped just in time for pictures. That was a gift from my mom I think--what bride does not stress about the photo opps? The day was amazing and everything was so exquisitely planned. What a beautiful couple. We are so lucky as a family to welcome and have Chelsea as a part of it. She is such a fun person to be with and she makes my little brother so happy. Here are a few pictures that my Aunt Veronica took--without her and Julie I would be pictureless.


Micah and Chelsea. Don't you love her shawl? And, YES (if your wondering) I did PET the shawl!



Us. I have chopped my hair and have again chopped it shorter since this picture. You only live once. Why not try something new?



Richie and Rubes. Look at her beautiful red curls.



The family outside the Salt Lake Temple



Richie and Julie live in New York. Man do we miss them already!



This is Steven and I with my cute cousin Laurel. She is ready to give birth but only looks about 4 months prego. Good luck Laurel!



This is my Mom's brother Bart (who looks like he could be my Granddad's twin) and my Aunt Judy. I always love to visit with these two and wish we could see each other more often.

The day was simply special. Good luck to the newlyweds. As I look out the window at snow today they are on a beach somewhere in the Bahamas. Just a frigid thought.

Quick Thanksgiving Thoughts

Sorry, late thanksgiving post this year. Though it was filled with family, love and laughter, there were also many tears to be shed; however, for the most part, Thanksgiving went off without a hitch. We all pitched in together to make a superb Thanksgiving feast. I even did my research and googled some great recipes for heart-healthy Thanksgiving dishes (just for you, dad). My favorite thing was the cauliflower mashed potatoes--absolutely heavenly!!! Steven was really worried that since I do not cook (and never have) I should not make the first meal I ever cooked be on the largest and most important day of feast. Eat your heart out, honey--SUCCESS!

I am most thankful for my mom and her wonderful example. I am thankful for the fun memories I have with her. She was the person I would call if I needed to go someplace--she was up for anything. Though quiet as a mouse in public, my mom never held back when she was around me. We would laugh and talk as if we were teenagers. I would see her daily and talk to her more than that. She was truly one of my best friends. I am thankful for the wonderful person she was and the wonderful family she helped my dad create. I AM THANKFUL FOR HER LIFE.

It is no secret that I have been very upset, bitter, angry, hateful, neglectful, quiet (yes, me being quiet is not ordinary), etc., etc., etc. My feelings have been selfishly based and probably have no merit. Thanksgiving was a time to spend with the people I love and reflect on how lucky we are as a family. I hope that as I start a new year and celebrate the ending of 2008 I will be fortunate enough to understand the ultimate plan for all of us and focus on the important things still present in my life.

I am thankful to have had the chance to spend the Thanksgiving holiday with Steven and his WONDERFUL family; Richie, Jules and Ruby from New York; and, Micah and Chelsea who came from down south. I am especially thankful to have had the opportunity to spend the holiday in the comfort of my father who is an amazing rock of faith for all of us. Love you all!

A Tree of Life

My dad and I had the opportunity to go to Midway Elementary today, where a tree was planted and dedicated in loving memory of my mother, Susan Wolthuis Williams. I have yet to post a proper tribute to my momma as I am still feeling very raw and emotional. Nothing I could write would tribute my mother the way she deserves. I have page after page of thoughts, memories, descriptions and otherwise that I hold as a treasure inside my own soul. Someday I will share my mother and her memory with the world; until then, I will share with my brothers, family and friends the daily life I am trying to get used to.



The tree planted for my mother

The staff of Midway Elementary, with much help and many donations, planted a Canadian Chokecherry tree in memory of my mother and the legacy she left behind. She was a gifted woman with a talent for teaching children speech therapy. She worked at Midway Elementary for many years. I especially like this picture because of the morning sun that is burning so brightly.



The Children She Left Behind

The morning was more difficult than I anticipated. I thought I would go see a tree and go to work. The most touching part of the morning was when the preschool stood by the tree and sang "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star." Tears ran down my cheeks and soaked my coat. To hear the sweet voices that my mother once taught made me feel her in everything around me. My mom was lucky to have the opportunity to teach these children; these children are very lucky to have had the opportunity to be taught by my mother. It was very hard to grasp that concept.






My Daddy and Me

My dad has been such a strong example to me through all of this. It is hard for me to take my thoughts off of myself and realize that I am not the only one who is broken--my whole family is. He has been someone I can talk to about my mom whenever I want to.



The Rock

Some of the speech students painted this rock that sits at the base of the tree.



The Perfect Spot

I must say that my mom now stakes claim to two beautiful places all her own. I think her grave site is in a perfect location with wonderful scenery (mountains and fields) all around her. This is her very own tree with her very own view of Timpanogos. I love this picture.

We, as a family, were so blessed to be touched by such a wonderful person. She consumes my thoughts and my actions everyday. I hope to someday be the kind of person she always was. Today's tribute by her "school family" was absolutely touching and beautiful in a way I could never describe. She loved what she did and she loved her students. Today, we were able to see that love returned to her. Love you, Momma.

"What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us. What we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal."--Albert Pike

Micah

I have this little brother, Micah, who is pretty much one of the luckiest guys in the world. Lucky meaning he wins stuff. This kid can call into any random radio station on any given day and win tickets to the latest concert or a chance to win a car--too bad his luck ran out on the car thing but all the concert tickets have sure helped with date ideas! Well, once again, Micah is a pretty lucky guy. He has proposed to Chelsea and she said yes! Yep, my little brother is getting married! It's kind of a trip to think about him getting married. Micah is five years younger than me, so we never grew up going to school together or knowing many of the same kids. I loved to pick on Micah when we were growing up--let's face it, I was mean. Turns out we discovered how to get along and he has been one of my best friends for a really long time. Congratulations Micah and Chelsea and welcome to the fam, Chelsea (not like you haven't been a part of it since we met you)!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY STEVEN

Ten years ago (to the date) I went on a date with a guy who would profoundly change my life FOREVER. Today is Steven's 27th birthday--man is he getting old! Since that first date on September 5, 1998, we have become the people we are now and have helped each other grow in so many ways. Never did I think that on that first date we would hold a connection so strong it would see us through college years spent apart and an ultimate happily ever after on our wedding day. Steven is a part of me; so much so that I cannot imagine life before he came into it and I shudder to think of a life without him in it. Happy Birthday Steven! You have accomplished so much and it is exciting to see you keep working toward everything you want to achieve in life. There is never a day you don't make me laugh, make me ponder and make me want to be a better person. I've loved you for a very long time but that still doesn't match the love I gain for you every single day. Happy Birthday. I will say this forever, but for approximately 9 months and 28 days you can be as old and as rich in wisdom as your wife! Love you. . .

I'm a terrible sister--Happy Birthday Richie!

I need to wish my brother a very belated birthday. His birthday was on August 31. I guess this mistake illustrates a lack of blogger luster on my part; I'm really good at checking blogs but not so good at keeping my blog up-to-date. So, Happy Birthday old man! Don't let the number three get you down. With age comes wisdom--some (meaning you) have too much. Happy Birthday, Richie.

Sweet Ruby Jane

This is a tutu I just had to give to Ruby so she can start dancing! Needless to say, I overestimated how big she was--it has been 8 months since I've seen her. Mindy and Amber (Sew Sweet) made this tutu and it's a good thing it ties in back! I guess Ruby can wear this for years to come!






We took Ruby on her first trip to Mirror Lake. She loved it. The day was quite overcast and we got a few sprinkles on our heads, but we had tons of fun. Richie and Steven were unable to come. Richie is a busy doctor who had to stay in New York and Steven took a year of Physics in one summer and had a killer final last week. We missed you guys!

Ruby loved the rocking horse that Papa made before I was even born. She gets a little rambunctious and had to be told to be careful or the horse will buck her off.

Much to Julie's horror, Ruby loved Addi. I think Addi just may be Ruby's favorite cousin.

Ruby loved to play the piano with Grandma--she kept saying "my song".

Feeding the ducks in Midway.

Aunt Witty and Uncle Micah with our little jewel, Ruby.

Two long weeks after the last post and we're still alive. Bear Lake was fun--thank you Lenny and Bonnie! We had a family of owls sharing the same camp site as us--it was really neat to watch them. Here's a funny story. Addi got sick the second night we were there. I am terrified of the dark, so I kept making Steven get up with me when she had to go out to throw up. Steven didn't have any problem falling back to sleep, but I just sat up all night holding Addi, who was shaking so hard because she was so sick. Between trips outside during the night, I heard a loud bang on the top of the camper. Then I heard loud squawking and shrieking. I felt like we were under attack. Turns out the owls had decided to fight that night and it so happens they felt like fighting on top of our camper. Their huge claws were so loud walking up and down the camper that I thought one of them would certainly fall through the roof. Addi was sick again and wanted to go out but I was not going out in the wilderness again with those wild beasts fighting right above my head. I assumed I was the only one who heard the fight because nobody else moved during the fight (which lasted at least 15 minutes). The next morning I was glad to find out that Bonnie also heard the whole thing and was just as scared as I was; the men slept through the entire debacle. Needless to say, the owls I once thought were so cute turned out to be pretty creepy.

The "Hoot's":






Addi's sick (too much "people food"):



Just having fun:








Between mini-vacations, work, school (for Steven), visitors and holding down Susan and Richard's "fort" during their extended visit to New York, it has been a busy summer already! The Fourth of July is one of my favorite holidays--HAPPY 4th OF JULY!!


Don't forget to catch So You Think You Can Dance. When I am reincarnated, I will take my dancing much further than I did in this life--I will be on this show in my next life!

Well, I guess this will be a brief post. Steven and I are headed to camp in Bear Lake tomorrow--guess I should pack tonight (maybe). Micah and Chelsea will be heading out to camp in Vernal this weekend. Mom and Dad are heading to Milwaukee and then to New York to move my brother's family. We will all be going in different directions this weekend. Everyone pray for good weather and safety.

On another note, I finished the Twilight series. Really good. I am a little disappointed with the quality of editing--especially in book three. Where was Ms. Meyer's editor? So many typos that I would have loved to fix (that stuff bugs me). I was also disappointed with the indecisiveness of Bella between Jacob and Edward. HELLO??? Who wouldn't love to end up with Edward? Anyhow, now when I see someone strange and wonder what they are doing I mentally tag them as "could be vampires". Weird I know, but wouldn't it be fun to be a vampire?

So, to my family--so long, farewell and see you when I see you. Micah--dinner at my house for a couple of weeks (because mom will be neglecting you while she is gone). Mom and Dad happy anniversary while you are away; and, a very happy father's day to the best papa in the world!!

I'm Here

So, is it me, or is blogging a lot like journal writing? I've been busy. I love, Love, LOVE summer and I'm getting in the mood for bright colorful flowers and the smell of fresh cut grass. Needless to say, the weather has been a roller coaster and it's hard to tell if I can plant flowers without them freezing to death. My mom and dad have gotten into the spirit of fitness so we try to work out a few times a week at the Fit Stop. Chelsea (Micah's special friend) has been here and we've kept her busy as well. Steven, Micah, Chelsea and myself went to dinner and to see What Happens In Vegas on Friday. The four of us also went to the softball field this weekend to see how well we could hit. Micah and Steven know they can hit a softball. Chelsea is good enough to play on Steven's co-ed softball team! I am too, but I can't catch a ball to save my life (or my face for that matter). I am disappointed to say that I have become engrossed in the Twilight series (see my side bar) and am reading New Moon right now, but not fast enough! Right now my life consists of many things including my husband, dog, family, playing outside and reading. I will try to do better at the blog thing, but for every one's peace of mind, I'm still alive!!!

Tagged

Sorry it took so long to post--I've been tagged for like a week! This is me (Whitney) asking Steven the questions. . .

Names:
Steven and Whitney Whitney and Addi

How long have you been together/how long did you date?
8 years--the first two years we dated in high school; we broke up for two years in college; dated again for two years; and, finally, married for almost four.

How old are you?
Right now we are both 26. Whitney is 2 months and 2 days older so she is an "older woman" for that amount of time. I give her a hard time about that!

Who eats more?
Look at Whitney and tell me who eats more--I do.

Who said I love you first?
We both admitted that at the same time during a conversation we were having.

Who's taller?
I am 6'3; Whitney is 5'8

Who's smarter?
We are both very smart in different things. Whitney can express her thoughts on paper write like a pro--she has an excellent portfolio; I know quite a bit about the body and how it's supposed to work.

Who does laundry?
Whitney--she won't let me touch the laundry.

Who cooks?
I do. Whitney can't cook (trust me).

Who pays bills?
Whitney

Who mows the lawn?
The small amount we actually have is mowed once in awhile by both of us.

Who does the dishes?
I do the majority of the dishes, sometimes Whitney will get her hands wet.

Who drives when your together?
Steven--we took drivers ed together but Whitney didn't learn how to drive in that class. I think she needs to retake the class.

Who's more stubborn?
Whitney--spoiled by her father and gets EVERYTHING she thinks she needs or wants.

Who kissed who first?
It took a long time. Whitney figured we were just friends at that point, but I finally landed one on her. Needless to say, it wasn't a first date kiss or even a second date kiss for that matter--we're talking probably a month.

Who asked who out first?
I asked Whitney out first on my 17th birthday. I don't think she wanted to go because her dad kept lying for her and saying she wasn't home. I caught her and we ended up having a really fun time.

Who proposed?
I did.

Who has more siblings?
Whitney has two brothers, I have one sister.

Who wears the pants in the family?
We both do. Shouldn't that be how it is?

This is Whitney again ...I double tag Julie (you were tagged by Veronica too). I know she has been gone and thus absent from blogging for a while, but I am very interested in finding some things out about my brother and sister-in-law.

Back To The Task . . .

We are back from our vacation and are seriously wondering if we shouldn't have just disappeared forever. We talked about taking off to South America, but we couldn't survive. . .so we are back to the task at hand--making a living.

We had a ton of adventures which I choose not to bore all those reading with because, let's face it, sometimes other's vacations mean nothing to anyone else. We played golf in Cedar City with Micah and Chelsea (and a few thousand groundhogs--think Caddy Shack). We hiked a total of 23 miles in the beautiful Snow Canyon and walked several more around town. We ate at wonderful places, shopped and got tons of sun. But the best part of the whole vacation was that I got to spend all my time with my husband and our best friend, Addi. I wish everyday could be a vacation!

Steven, Addi and I are leaving for St. George tomorrow after work. We can hardly wait! Steven only has a small window of opportunity to go on vacation this year, so we are taking advantage and going someplace warm to defrost from the long, cold winter. I will miss Jackson Hole this year. That has been our default vacation my entire life. The snow in Yellowstone hasn't melted yet and the park isn't open, so I'm not sure it would totally be worth going anyway. This will be one cheap vacation filled with hiking and sitting outside in the sun. We'll have a good time hiking with our pooch in St. George--she loves going. Sorry, Mom and Dad for not letting her have a slumber party at your house for the week (we know you were hoping we would change our minds)! Micah and Chelsea: be prepared to get your butts kicked in our golf game! I'm really not good at all--I like to talk a big game. Fun in the sun, here we come!

Officially FREAKED OUT!

So, last night we redboxed it (wonderful concept). "I Am Legend" is the most disturbing movie I have watched in a long time. I am afraid of the end of the world and I am afraid of natural disasters hurting my loved ones. After watching this movie I was very disturbed. Here is my conclusion:
FIRST: I think mankind could ultimately destroy itself because we have become so advanced and educated that it would be hard not to destroy ourselves with some sort of outbreak or virus.
SECOND: I sat and watched thinking, "oh my gosh, I am so not prepared for a major disaster (much less the end of the world)!" I have zero food storage because I have no gumption to do it or space to store it; and, let's face it, we're poor right now.
THIRD: The most disturbing part of the entire movie (and for those of you who have seen it will know exactly what I am talking about) is the dog attack. Could it be any more graphic to watch the faithful pal and best friend of one of the last men on earth get mauled by a pack of rabid dogs and get infected as well? I'll be blunt, I sobbed--for like 10 minutes (not kidding).

It's a scary thought that someday this could be us. I will never watch that movie again, much less buy it. I do know one thing though, I am definitely going to start preparing now for what might come some day.

Bowling Night

Micah came home this weekend and brought a special friend named Chelsea with him. Because our choices of Saturday night activities are limited in a small town, we strapped on our bowling shoes and made a night of it at Holiday Lanes!

Steven won both games (because he is the competitive type) but my dad and Micah gave him a run for the title of champion! I can't believe how good my dad is--he took classes in college.

Chelsea did really good after a few pointers from Richard. She lost the first game and I lost the second. In my book though, losers the winner!





We all had a really great time. The bowling was good, the company was great and the competition wasn't too ruthless. Chelsea is a really fun girl and it was great to finally meet her. Micah towers over her because he is a gentle giant, but good things must come in small packages! Come again, Chelsea--maybe you can work on the power behind your bowling ball. As for me, I just love the time we can all spend together being dorks and laughing about it the WHOLE time!