Three Most Important People

Today I had a very tender experience that I will never forget. I went out to Grantsville for Stake Conference. I always like going to support my dad, because he is the Stake President. He puts so much time, effort, and prayer into Stake Conference and it's always a pleasant experience. But, today was very special, because my mom was sustained as the 1st Counselor in the Stake RS. Afterwards, she and the other members of the RS presidency were set apart. It was very special because my dad set her apart and right before he started he asked if my husband, Brady would join them in setting her apart. So there they were- the three most important people in my life- My father setting apart my mother, with my husband in the circle. At that moment I couldn't stop my tears, feeling so grateful for my righteous parents and for their love and examples. And for my sweet husband that is worthy to participate in Priesthood responsibilities. My father set her apart and gave her the sweetest blessing, that was truly inspired. This was small evidence of how blessed I am to be born of goodly parents and to have a great husband. This moment was certainly a tender mercy of the Lord.

Ancient Chinese Torture

So, yesterday I went to the dentist to get some cavities filled. Now I haven't had a cavity since I was just little, so I kinda forgot what it was like to get them filled. But, apparently dentistry has changed a bit since 1990, because it was completely different from what I remember. After the dentist gave me about 10 shots of novocaine, he said, "Put the rubber dam on her." Rubber dam? What the heck is a rubber dam?!... I had no idea what I was in for. Apparently a rubber dam is a little contraption they put on to isolate the tooth, so they can work on it easier. And it looks like this, when it's on....

My mouth was as wide open as possible, I was numb on the one side of my face, it was completely awkward, and the little piece of rubber was obstructing my nostrils. So there I am in this completely uncomfortable and foreign situation, and then here comes the dentist drill! RRRRRrrrrrrreeeeer! RRrrrrrrrreeeerrrr! I swear this was some strange form of ancient Chinese torture.

After it was all done, I went back to work. I couldn't feel the whole right side of my face- from my eyelid all the way down my neck. I talked with a lisp, I couldn't swallow, it was lunch time and I could eat. It was pure torture, I tell you!

The numbness didn't go away for 4 or 5 hours after the appointment! But, once it was gone, the pain hit. Every spot he had given me a shot killed, and I apparently had bitten my tongue and didn't feel it.

So what's the moral of the story? Don't eat candy and brush your teeth!

Peru or Bust... or should I say Barf?

Incase you haven't heard, Brady and I are going to PERU!!! I'm so excited I can't even stand it!It's been over two years since I've been home and I'm so excited to go back and visit. So I thought it would be a good idea to give Brady a little taste of Peruvian food, so he knew what to expect. So last night we went to eat at a Peruvian restaurant. Brady ordered Tallerines Saltado- which is sauteed chicken, tomatoes, and onions over pasta- pretty normal. And he liked it. When we were ordering he jokingly said, "I'm going to get this one" and pointed to something that looked like this.....

But, he had no idea that I was going to order that dish. It's called aji de gallina- and is one of my favorite Peruvian dishes. It's shredded chicken in a creamy garlic and peanut sauce. It's really not as bad as it looks.

Brady really liked his meal, but the more he watched me eating my meal, the more he got grossed out. I talked him into trying it, hoping that he would see that it's really not as bad as it looks. Boy, what a mistake! He was totally sicked out once he tasted it, he said it just looked so much like puke, that it didn't matter what it tasted like. The more he talked about puke, the more I wanted to puke. So we both got sicked out. We both really enjoyed our meals, but we left completely discusted and grossed out. And the two gay guys that sat across from us and were checking out Brady the whole time didn't help settle our stomaches either!But, at least Brady knows what he's in for when we go to Peru.

Lost

MISSING

DUSTPAN

Oxo brand

Red w/ black trim

Okay so... I was swept my kitchen floor tonight and I went to grab the dustpan, and it was gone. So, I looked in a couple of places... nothing. I looked EVERYWHERE, there is no sign of my dustpan. How the heck do you loose a dustpan? You use it, and you put it back in it's spot. It's not like you just leave it laying around the house. I've looked everywhere... under the sink, in the laundry room, under the couch, even outside. It has disappeared. And yes, there is still a pile of crumbs and junk in the middle of my kitchen floor. I will keep you posted on where I find it.... IF I find it.

Love is in the Air

This past week, Brady had to go to Las Vegas for 4 days for a convention. That's the longest we've been apart since we've been married. It was soooo hard! He was suppose to get home on Wednesday night. But, because of the horrible storm he didn't get home until Thursday- Valentine's Day. I came home from work that day to find two dozen red roses, an adorable homemade card, and a beautiful necklace waiting for me. Although I was thrilled to get all those fun things- I was even more happy just to have BRADY home!!!! I don't think I've ever hugged and kissed him so much. I had been so worried about him and so excited to have him with me! So I wanted to let you guys know why I love Brady soooo much!

1. He is a worthy Priesthood holder - Brady has always been active, served an honorable mission to Georgia, and knows the Gospel in and out. I love this about him because I know that he that he will always be steadfast. This is important to me, to have someone by my side who shares the same values and will set a good example for our future family.

2. He is ambitious - Brady has always had big dreams and has gone after them. When he was young he wanted to be a ball boy for the Utah Jazz, so he became one. When he got home from his mission he wanted to work for the Audio Visual Department at the Church, now he works there. He had a desire to become a real estate agent, now he is one! He wanted to be my husband, now he is! Whatever he wants- he makes it happen!

3. He is a hard worker - No matter what Brady sets out to do, he does it well. He works hard with all that he is involved with and is very dependable. Whethere it's work, school, or a calling- he will work hard.

4. He is so much fun- Brady and I have found that we just love being together. We are best friends and have so much fun and laugh all the time. I love being married to my best friend!

5. He is ADORABLE - I just about melt everytime I look into Brady's blue eyes. I remember our first date, when I first answered the door, my jaw dropped and I don't think I could keep my eyes off of him the whole night.

Style of Rach

So... I was going through some pictures and I began to notice that I'm always wearing funky things, so I thought I'd share. Rachel as an Oompa Loompa... the resemblence is frightening.
Rachel wearing gigantic boxing gloves- obviously they didn't do me much good.


This is a picture of "Pre-Mission" Rachel, dreaming of Peru and sporting a missionary tag and leading my demon llama. (Watch out, he'll get you!)

Duh, doesn't everybody have a Mexican Wrestling mask?

I am wearing my 4 year old niece's jacket. And she took this picture. Don't ask me why it looks like I have no neck and my head looks like it doesn't belong to my body.

4 year-old Rach sportin' the hottest Woody Wood Pecker sunglasses at Lake Powell. Hot stuff!

Sticking with a bird theme- here I am in a pink flamingo hat.

Staying in the animal kindgom- I'm a deer in the headlights. (Halloween, 2006)

Last, but certainly not least- This is me and my old roommate Kendra at our radical 80's party. Love the mullet Kendra.

Alta Butler Wanlass

Nov. 3, 1913 - Feb. 2, 1994

Most people think of Groundhog Day as a day for Punxsutawney Phil and antisipate his weather prediction.But, for me Groundhog Day marks the day that my Grandma Wanlass passed away 14 years ago.

My Grandma Wanlass was a sweet, classy lady that had a spark about her that drew people in. I don't think she had any enemies because she was so lovable and she loved everyone.

I remember when I was very young- probably my first memory of my Grandma Wanlass- she was reading me stories of Brier Fox and Brier Rabbit and sang to me:
"Baby, baby Bunting,
Daddy’s gone a-hunting,
Gone to get a rabbit skin
To wrap the baby Bunting in."

She always had a treat for us kids- whether it was ice cream cones, striped-short bread cookies in the cookie jar, freshly made pink lemonade, or -our favorite- she would throw us candy from her bedroom balcony down to us on the back lawn.

She was quite the green thumb. She and my Grandpa worked tirelessly on their amazing yard. You've never seen such petunias and roses as my Grandma Wanlass'.

I only knew her for 10 years of my life, but in those short years she impacted me forever. She loved her family more than anything. She treated us Grandkids with so much respect and love.

I hope and pray that I can carry on the legacy that my Grandma left for me- and that is to love unconditionally and to always wear a smile.