i'm sick.

And when I get sick, bad things start to happen.

       1. I get very emotional/irrational

                    a) I was up on campus feeling so miserable and tired and sick, and all I wanted was a bag of pretzels. A small, mini bag of Rold's Gold pretzels to munch on. I about broke down into tears when I realized they only had a large bag of pretzels or smaller bags of the non-original kind. I finally bought chocolate covered pretzels. That oughta make me feel better.

                    b) Last night we ran out of chicken. I made what I was planning for dinner anyway. Kolton was very confused as to what exactly I was doing. Instead of trying to argue with me, he ran to the store and bought more chicken. {what a guy!}

       2. I can't handle anything {not even my normal capacity work} this could be the result of:

                    a) The meds I took this morning. {I just really want to lay down and take a nap}

                    b) The natural shut-down at the end of the semester.

Whatever is happening with me has really got to stop. This is about the busiest week of the semester and I just really can't handle not being my normal self right now. So I'm off to guzzle some Nyquil. and buy some Puffs Plus {those are my favorite cures.}

sew, what do ya think?

please come summertime!

i've got a few little projects up my sleeve that have been needling their way into my summer plans. and i'm needing that sweet summer sun to give me the ambition (and time) to get them done. i've got big plans for things like:

this beautiful pillow.

a girl brought hers to relief society yesterday and i fell hard and fast for this pretty little thing.

i couldn't focus during the rest of the lesson because i was making big plans to head to my nearest fabric store.

and this:

found it on the same website as the pillow above. right here and again fell head over heels. 

i've also got big plans for this...

 to become this....(yes baylee, i stole your idea. i just couldn't resist!)

as you can see, i've got mucho big plans.

we'll see how much of them get done.

but since i've posted them, i have a little more ambition because i'll be held accountable for it.

now i'm off to call my mama to see how much she knows about sewing.

the humiliation chronicles: playground safety

So up here at BYU-I, we like to do a lot of group projects.

Let me rephrase that...the administration  likes for us to do a lot of group projects. But that's a rant for another day.

Anyway....so yesterday I got together with my groupies. We had an assignment to make a movie about playground safety. So we headed over to our local Porter Park and got started.

We demonstrated the right and wrong ways to use the swings, monkey bars, and the slides.

You know all those things that were illegal during recess that pretty much made it so you didn't have fun at recess?

That kind of stuff.

I had volunteered to demonstrate the right and wrong way to go down the slide.

And just so you know, it was awfully rainy/snowy/windy/typical Rexburg weather yesterday.

I brought a towel and mopped up the slide before I sat down on it.

Then proceeded to go down headfirst, on my stomach.

I got to the end of the slide and tried to situate around to get my legs underneath me so I could hop off the slide, but something went horribly wrong.

I don't really think those slides were made for college-age girls or even anyone that has even a semblance of hips.

I was wiggling around trying not to get stuck in the slide and I just wiggled right off!

But it wasn't as graceful as that makes it sound.

Somehow I crashed headfirst into that nasty bark crap that all playgrounds have nowadays.

My legs were flailing out behind me, I was yelping as I went down, and there was an audible 'thud' once I hit the ground.

The worst part?

They got it all on film.

My groupies were all chuckling kind of awkwardly as I lay laughing on the ground.

I don't even know these people! I didn't know how to react, and they sure as heck didn't know how to react.

Oh my...

It was one of the most embarrassing moments I've had in a while. And we got to replay in in slow motion-several times, I might add.

So moral of the story.

There's a reason they don't let you slide down headfirst! 

it has come to my attention...

That I never gave an update on poor Kolton's condition. a.k.a. when he got surgery he had about two weeks ago. Remember?

So. For the update.

After two weeks he only cries about four times a day. That's a big improvement.

{Not really. I've only ever seen Kolton cry once. And that was when he realized he was stuck with me

for.ev.er.}

But he got over that pretty quick. I made a couple batches of cookies, and he was good. I think he even kinda likes having me around now. He's taking me on a date tonight. {hooray!}

Oh...back to the arm.

No, he's doin pretty good. He's been bending it and stretching it and trying to make it heal faster-but that's just what he does. They took the stitches out about a week ago and it's looking much better.

I always beg him to just keep the wrap on it, but he just looks at me like I'm crazy.

Other than that, things are pretty good here.

We're just wrapping up school and preparing to be exiled to Monteview, so we're seeking all the social interaction that we can.

The last couple weeks have been busy, busy and it'll be nice to be done.

Then it's home sweet home in Monteview.

behind the scenes info

So since it's our three month anniversary, I have been inspired to share a little bit more about how we became...."we"

So I already told all about our first date, but I feel inspired to share a little more background information.

I can't tell you exactly when the story started, but my earliest memories of Kolton are when we would drive past the Hansen's house and my mom would tell me and my sister to wave out the window at the Hansen boys. We always squirmed down low in our seats out of embarrassment. 

That, and whenever Hansen vehicle would pass our house my mom would say "Hey girls! Look! A Hansen boy just drove by!"

When I was in about seventh grade, I saw him at church or at high school events and thought to myself how cute he was.
Somehow I was always aware of who he was dating. Not in a weird kind of way, just general information about the neighbor boy. I actually remember commenting on one of his current girlfriends and saying, "They are such a cute couple...of course not as cute as WE would be together." Isn't that hilarious! 

I remember listening to him when he gave his mission farewell. 

We went to his grandparents house that day to eat lunch. 

When we went to leave, I'm pretty sure I shook his hand and said 'good luck' or something along those lines. That was probably the first time I spoke to him.

I remember listening to him when he came home from his mission. I was singing with the Young Women so I was sitting on the stand behind him. But I can still remember a story he told in his talk and how silent/spirit-filled that sacrament meeting was. 

Our first almost-real incident was at a wedding reception the summer I graduated. He was there with his dad and I was there with my parents. We were standing around talking (well, not me and Kolton, we were just listening and avoiding any eye contact) When his dad says "Hey! Kolton! You oughta take Jayci out sometime!" 

Pretty sure I was a deep, dark, shade of red.

But alas, right then Kolton's phone decided to ring (saved by the bell!) and he got outta there real quick. Needless to say, that date didn't happen, or rather, it just was postponed for about six months .

Honestly though, I'm kind of glad that date didn't work out. I'm pretty sure that if that date had happened, "we" wouldn't have happened.
So I guess both of us were "saved by the bell."

sometimes we argue...

about...

1. Who gets to do the dishes.

This usually results in Kolton boxing me out so I can't reach the sink.

2. Which brand of toothpaste is better.

 I say Colgate because it has a flip lid.

He's a Crest man.

3. Along with that, the quintessential squeeze-from-the-bottom argument.

Kolton is a little crazy about this. He insists that our toothpaste be squeezed paper thin before we even think about throwing it away.

Toothpaste is not something that I lose sleep over at night.

4. Whether or not I'm a good driver.

My opinion on this matter varies from day to day. When he comments on my awful driving skills I look at him in astonishment and indignation. However, when we are going somewhere and he hints that I should drive, I insist that it's too dangerous for me to do so.

5. Who should eat the leftovers. 

I have a deep and abiding aversion to leftovers. Kolton says that I just haven't ever gone hungry. (which is true) I just can't stand the smell of the food the next day or the condensation on the lid.  

The last time we had this conversation we made a deal that we each had to eat half of the leftover Hamburger Helper (which wasn't actually that appetizing when it was fresh) and then could make whatever else we wanted. Sure enough, when I made it home for lunch the contents of the container were split right down the middle.

6. Whether or not pepperoni pizza is delicious or disgusting.

Kolton has an aversion to pepperoni pizza. He says it's too greasy or something like that. I myself, have never had a problem with it.

and... 

7.Why in the heck I would buy shoes I can't walk in.

I don't actually know the answer to that one.

As you can see...

Life is pretty good.

it's meant to be baby.

So get this.

 I got out of my last class a titch early (like half an hour to be exact) but I hung around for a minute and chatted with my friend about an assignment.

Then, I was leaving the library (where my class is located) and debated about going down the stairs and out the doors.

One look at the blustery wind outside changed my mind.

So instead I decided to walk across the skybridge, through the Manwaring, and then brave the nasty weather (seriously, what is with this awful wind lately!?)

As I'm walking across the skybridge (which is pretty neat, just so you know) I was fiddling with my umbrella when I look up see none other than this handsome man

Yeah, the guy I'm married to.

And then this happened.

Okay.

Not really.

But wouldn't that have been neat?

What actually happened is he got quite a kick out of my shocked expression and then we talked for a minute before he had to run to class.

When we got home that night I started talking about how funny it was that I ran into him (first time that's ever happened) and how random it was that he had finished eating lunch at exactly the same time I decided to leave my class.

And that if either of us had decided to stay a minute longer or stop by the drinking fountain, we wouldn't have seen each other.

My only response to the incident was...

"It's meant to be, baby."

the week before the day before yesterday

A really, really awesome thing happened.

This cute lil couple

got sealed for forever and ever and ever and ever.

and I got to be there.

What a sweet experience it was to be in the temple with them as they knelt across the altar and were sealed for time and all eternity.

I am so happy for them and just love them both a whole lot.

It was so wonderful to see them and be a part of their special day.

the day before yesterday

See this pretty girl?

She's my sister.

and I love her.

A lot.

I just have to brag about her a little bit.

Ty is about the most determined person I have ever met. When she decides she's going to do something, she does it.

And she always does her very best.

nothing less.

Even though I tease her a little bit (okay, so a lot) about her insane running habits, I have to admit, I admire her for it.

Rain or shine, snow or below zero degree weather, she laces up her running shoes and off she goes.

She's got some serious mileage on those babies.

Along with her determination, is her desire for perfection.

This wasn't always fun back in the day when we played Barbies. she would spend more time dressing the Barbies, doing their hair, or setting up than actually playing. 

But now this need for perfection shines through in her schoolwork. She gets A's in all her classes, and more importantly, A's on her pre-cal tests.

(Something I didn't even know what possible)

She's got a strong will. Ain't nobody gonna tell her what to do. She's not exactly the subservient little sister I always hoped for. But that's okay...I guess.

She's also tough. incredibly tough. She's dealt with things no 17 year old girl should have to. but she's made it. And she's still going strong.

Because that's just the kind of person she is.

This weekend I got to see her shine on stage as she participated in Jr. Miss. She did so well! All her hard work, her fun personality, her good qualities, and accomplishments shone through and she was just lovely.

Good job little Ty/Tylee Toad!

Love you lots!!

yesterday: part 2 of 2

Just so you know, the rest of the day went about a billion times better. I mean, really-could it have gotten any worse?

We invited a big group of friends over to play games and it was so much fun!

Two of the couples were Kolton's old roommates and their wives.

Zach and Sara, Mckay and Ashley

and the other two couples were our friends from Terreton

Andra and Marshall, Steve and Joanna

Yes, that is a total of 10 people in our small living room, but everyone seemed to fit okay...I think.

We played Scum (one of our favorite games) and Catch Phrase (one of my favorite games)

I dominated in Scum like I never have before, and the girls dominated in Catch Phrase as per usual.

When everyone left, and the door closed behind them I was a little bit sad. I was sad to see everyone leave and the evening end. (isn't that kind of silly?)

I just wanted to call out the door for everyone to come back.

But I didn't of course. It was getting late and our neighbors were probably bothered by our rowdy-ness. (Catch Phrase always gets a little intense)

I just felt like everyone had gotten along so well and that it was SO much fun. (did I already say that?)

We're probably gonna have to do that again soon.

yesterday: part 1 of 2

Yesterday was a good day. So good that it deserves a two part post. Just so you know.

So the very first Sunday we attended our married ward, we waltzed into Sunday School and the first thing I noticed was that a couple was team teaching the lesson.

From that moment on I just knew that Kolton and I were going to have that job.

Call it revelation or what you will- but sure enough, we spent last week preparing our own Sunday School lesson.

And I was nervous as all get-out.

But we talked about it and prepared and shared together so I felt like it was going to be okay.So we show up to church and when Sunday School rolls around we're busy getting the room ready and everyone is filing in.

So we start the lesson, Kolton was in charge of giving the first part, but I introduced us.

"Hey, we're the Hansen's. we've been married since December. We're from Monteview. And we live in apartment #1702."

Not quite sure where that last bit came from, but it was the only thing I could think of! Kolton snickered a little bit beside me, so I wrapped up the rest of the intro real quick.

So Kolton starts the lesson, and I sit reverently and quietly behind him.

Pretty soon I realize that the room is getting a titch warm. So my palms start getting sweaty-or should I say sweaty-er than they already were-and before long the front of my skirt is about soaked from my palms attempting to dry themselves.

Then it's my turn.

I get up there and pretty soon my knees and toes are fidgety and my hands are shaky, but I tried to keep my voice intact, and avoided picking up the manual for fear that it would be fluttering uncontrollably.

And it gets worse.

By then, the room is nearing sauna-like temperatures, and the faucets turn on.

I'm referring, of course, to the faucets located underneath my arms.

I'm so nervous that I don't dare ask someone to crack a window, so I continue talking as if nothing out of the ordinary is occuring in my body.

While, in fact, very un-ordinary things are occuring in my body. I was just telling Kolton the other day how i never sweat. I had to gobble up those words.

so I glue my arms to the sides and thank the heavens and all my guardian angels that I wore a dark, patterned blouse to church that day. (a blouse that is soon going to be shipped to the dry cleaners). I'm also semi-grateful that I chose to wear nylons, because even though they are horribly uncomfortable and sticky, at least I don't have sweat running down my legs (which is a very uncomfortable feeling, as anyone else that has ever experienced that will tell you)

But amid all these troubles, I somehow was able to muddle through the rest of the lesson. After it was over, I collapsed in my chair to give my shaky legs a break.

Then I scurried to the ladies room to assess the damage.

It wasn't noticeably too terribly bad. But I was pretty excited to get home. Especially to remove the hot, sticky nylons.

Ive got two weeks to recover before I have to do that again.
Oh dear.

and he didn't even cry

Kolton was a big, brave boy yesterday.

He got surgery.

On his arm.

About a year ago (November 2009) right before he took me out for the first time he went on a blind date  fourwheeling. As he was cruising up a hill he hit a gully or something (this is me retelling the story from his words, it gets a little technical so I have to edit) and basically it jarred him and hurt his elbow. He didn't really notice that it hurt at all until the next morning when he couldn't bend his elbow more than 90 degrees.

But did he go to the doctor?

Of course not.

Long story short-after about a year of me nagging him about his grind-y elbow that he could finally bend but it sounded like there was a bunch of sand in there, he went to the doctor.

This incident is proof to me that miracles do happen.

Turns out, he broke his radial head.

Let me repeat that-

He broke his radial head a year ago-

and did not go to the doctor.

Yes-he's crazy. (and tough and rugged I must also add)

So they set the date and yesterday he got surgery on his arm.

I sat in the waiting room while he was getting ready, but they brought me in while they gave him an IV and stuff.

Just so you know, I hate blood.

and hospitals.

and doctors.

and needles

And the medical-hates list goes on and on (to expound on this is a story for another day)

But I tried to be brave for him, I really did.

However, when they gave him the IV I had to duck my head and look away for fear that I may pass out right on the spot. (How embarrassing would that have been?) But seriously, my throat was all constricted and nervous and my head felt funny.

Yes. I am weak sauce.

I fear for my future children. Doctors visits with their mother are sure to be a ball.

Kolton, on the other hand, was just fine.

anyway...

They gave him some stuff in his IV to relax him and we talked for a bit longer before they rolled him outta there.

We said our goodbyes and then I went back to the waiting room to catch up on my celebrity gossip. (I love reading tabloids in doctor's offices. and dentist's offices, and in the grocery store line, and my hairdresser's, and basically anywhere)

About an hour later they called me in to see my invalid husband.

He was chowing down on some chocolate pudding.

Sadly, the anesthesia didn't affect him too much (i.e. he didn't say anything funny or crazy-which I was a little bummed about)

However, the man behind the curtain provided enough entertainment for the both of us. and the nurses in the room to whom his questions were directed.

 "Was it ugly?" ("I don't know, I wasn't in there with you...")

"Did they take pictures" ("No")

"Dang, I wanted to see what it looked like."

"So....was it ugly"

"Did they take pictures?" (these questions were repeated at least five times, always with the same answer)

Finally the nurse told him that the doctor was talking to his wife and telling her all about the surgery

"Oh great. now I'm gonna have to hear it from her."

Oh my...we were dyin. He just had the croakiest voice and was hilarious.

Finally they decided that Kolton was good to go so we jetted outta there. We picked up a movie and spent the rest of the evening being lazy.

In conclusion:
I think he'll survive.

 And plus, he had a really good excuse for not taking his chemistry test this weekend. So we're pretty happy.

a little scatterbrained

That's what we've been lately.

The scatterbrained-ness used to only affect me, but it must be some kind of contagious because Kolton has caught it too!

Last week he woke up super early (5:30, yeah. he's crazy) to work on some homework. When he finally went up to campus I got a little phone call from him....

"Hey Jayc....I left my worksheet I did this morning at home. Would you mind delivering it to me?"

I said yes of course. Since I love him and all...

My only problem with the whole ordeal was how in the heck do you wake up at 5:30 to work on some homework and then forget to take it to class to actually turn it in? Seriously.

Then today after Kolton left for class I noticed the little red light was bleeping on my phone. There was a weird number, but I listened to the voicemail. 

In a desperate voice my husband was calling to ask if I would deliver to him his wallet and phone.

(He was calling from a phone in the Physics Department)

I did it of course. Since I love him and all.

But he got a little more teasing this time. Only because he used to tease me so much about my own little scattered brain. (which was a true fact, by the way)

For instance...

Last semester I went to pay my apartment rent at the office. While there, I started questioning the nice man helping me about what steps I needed to take in order to sell my contract.

After receiving the said information I skipped out of the office and went on my way.

Four days later there was a notice on our front door.

For me.

It was a note that said my rent was overdue and plus I owed them 25 dolla bills ya'll.

I was flabbergasted.

I went to the office.

I wrote out the check

I chatted with the nice man.

I totally paid my rent!

Come to find out

The check that i wrote out.....was still in my checkbook.

I totally did not pay my rent.

Oh my...

So I moseyed on over to the office, talked to the not-so-pleasant lady and basically the conversation ended with me handing over my check and the 25 dolla bills ya'll.

bummer.

Now that's only one incident. There's plenty more where that came from, but of course I can't remember them right now.

But in conclusion....

It's time for summer/no school.

Oh and p.s. when I noticed his phone on the kitchen table I thought to myself, "Hey, I'd better call Kolton and let him know he left his phone at home..."
Uhhhh....DOH!



yesterday's haiku

Yester was his day of birth

We ate cake, I sang

He is old now

I surprised him every hour (not quite)

With a new round of useful gifts

None of which were wrapped.

He opened boots, socks, shorts,

Straight from the shopping bag

I am a lazy wife

(in my defense we don't actually have wrapping paper in our closet. just so you know)

The last surprise was ruined

My pesky cousin spilled the beans

I'll never trust him again

The previous verse may be misleading

No, we are not "expecting"

The last surprise was a movie

(my cousin had helped me pick it out)

To continue the celebration

We spent some time with family

At Ethan's Mr. West Jeff

We learned little Ethan is funny

As he strutted upon the stage

He took second place

A gift from my fam was

A navigation system for his truck

Now we won't get lost

The "day of birth" celebration

Continues through the weekend

We have a date tonight