A Shower for Kaylyn

Kaylyn is getting married!!! I love this girl. We first met one day when we fatefully became roommates at Crystal Towers. She walked into the door and I thought: "Oh she is so skinny" and "I hope that we will be friends." Friends we have become. We have seen each other through many life events. I appreciate her love, concern, and faith in the Lord.

I was there on her first date with her fiance Ryan. It was Valentines Day 2007. She, Ryan, me and Matt all went on a fun group date were we ate dinner, drove to the temple singing cheesy love songs, and then ice skated on the temple visitors center parking lot. It was so much fun. However, at this time she stated that she would not date him and I agreed that she should not. Well, a lot has happened between then and now. He was patient yet firm and she came to realize how much she loved him.

The shower was a beautiful celebration of this wonderful friend and her new life with her sweetheart Ryan. We ate some delicious food prepared by Kayleen, who grew up with Kaylyn. Seriously, that artichoke dip was amazing. Then we had Kaylyn tell us her and Ryan's story thus far. I asked Kaylyn to give us some dating advice she stated "Don't write someone off just because you do not think you have some differences." Then Kaylyn opened up gifts. I had made a professionally bound book of some of her closest friends and families recipes with their pictures attached. It was so enjoyable to see her open a gift that showed her how much people loved her.

Elizabeth and Kim are enjoying the food
Kayleen and Kaylyn

Well wishers: Jenell, Jane, Maggie, and I
Kaylyn opens presents

Public Service Announcement # 60: To know more about getting married click here http://www.ehow.com/how_2078490_get-married-mormon-temple.html

Chimney Rock Park

On top of Chimney Rock overlooking Lake Lure and the beautiful mountains

Asheville is home to Chimney Rock Park which has beautiful vistas and enjoyable hiking trails. It was even used in the movie Last of the Mohicans. I must say that I am used to more rugged trails in Idaho. However, I enjoyed these trails more since they were well maintained and not too difficult. There was dissension in the group since some did not want to pay the fee to get into the park. However, I had been wanting to do this for a month so I jumped at my chance. I am so glad I did. It was just what I needed to clear my head and give my body some needed exercise after Thanksgiving dinner. A few of my favorite areas of the park were the needles eye (it was scary but I loved it), inspiration point, and singing out of the opera box (everyone on Chimney Rock could hear me....poor people).

Jay, me, Brian on top of the falls * Which is the devil's head?

Dan, Mary, and Kyle did not go on the hike but made up their own difficult looking hike * Scaling the mountain

This is Chimney Rock

Climbing the needles eye * Getting inspiration---you'll have to ask me about it!!!

Warning: sheer drop ahead

That night we had an enjoyable evening at home. We watched BYU beat Utah --- Rise and Shout the Cougars are out!!! Then we watched the Mizzou vs. Kansas game, ate a yummy dinner, gave and received massages, and just kicked our feet up and relaxed. Thanks to my good friends for making a weekend full of laughter and good conversations!!!

Public Service Announcement #59: If you'd like to visit Lake Lure click here http://www.ehow.com/how_2064710_plan-trip-lake-lure-north.html

The Biltmore Estate

Welcome to the Biltmore Estate

The Biltmore was the very reason that Asheville was chosen as my Thanksgiving destination spot. The Biltmore was built by the Vanderbilt family and is currently the largest home in the United States. It is still managed by the descendants of George Vanderbilt the Cecil family. It used to sit on 125,000 acres of land but now boasts only 8,000 acres. It is massive with 250 rooms, 34 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms, 65 fireplaces, a bowling ally, indoor swimming pool, a whole quarter for servants, a two-story library, hidden passage doors, and even a pastry kitchen. We were able to experience Christmas at the Biltmore. Every room was decorated for Christmas. It was magical!!!

Christmas at the Biltmore

There is also a working farm and winery on the estate. We visited the farm and drank hot cider, learned to churn butter, listened to some mountain music, visited with Santa, and played with ol' time toys. At the winery, we learned how wine is produced and fermented and how to choose the right kind. We waited in line for a wine tasting. When the employee learned that we did not drink alcohol, she opened the red rope and let us go ahead of the group. We made our toasts using concentrated grape juice.

Mary and I made family heirloom brooches....they were fantastic

Churnin' butter * Dan and Jay play with ol' time toys * I hope Santa brings me what I want...I have been a good girl

Toast to the Biltmore * Mary and I in the wine cellar * Brian fits right in with the Vanderbilts

We were all impressed by the amazing craftsmanship and classic beauty of the Biltmore. We also had a lot of fun learning about the estate and the Vanderbilt/ Cecil families. We met a friendly tour guide that gave us the ins and outs of what to look for. Mary tried to claim she was a member of the Cecil family but said the name wrong. The tour guide laughed. Later that day she saw us and called out for Mary as Ms. Cecil. Many people around us took notice and whispered amongst each other. As we left, Mary and Kyle told the lady at the front door that she would take it. The front door lady told Kyle to meet him in front of the house with the money. I have been impressed with the people of Asheville. They are very friendly, helpful, laid back, and laughed easily. Asheville and the Biltmore was such a treat!!!

Jay, Brian, Kyle, Mary, Dan, and I all dressed the part of preppy, rich socialites

Public Service Announcement #58: If you'd like to visit the Biltmore Estate click here http://www.ehow.com/how_2064709_plan-trip-biltmore-estate.html

Thanksgiving in Asheville

Our farm house in the middle of nowhere * Brian, Jay, me, Kyle, Mary, Dan

This Thanksgiving I traveled to Asheville, NC. It was a beautiful eight hour drive that ended at the farm house that we rented for the holiday. The farm house was perfect for our very traditional Thanksgiving. It boasted a barn, cattle, a stray cat, a hot tub, a backyard, and a kitchen equipped with all we needed to make our Thanksgiving feast. In this home, I almost felt that I was at home in Moore since it was so far into the country. It made for such a relaxing experience. The Thanksgiving dinner preparation began on Wednesday when I baked four pies. My mother would be so proud!!!

Apple, blueberry and two pumpkin * An apple a day keeps the doctor away

On Thanksgiving morning we each had our own tasks. Kyle was in charge of the turkey, Jay baked delicious rolls, and Dan set a lovely table. As the turkey baked, we held our Thanksgiving bowl game. My football lessons came in handy as we constantly used the play (we called it the candy cane play) that I learned the week earlier. We went into overtime and my team came out the victor. I had such a great time playing football. It might be one of my favorite sporting activities to do with men.

Then we ate. I was very proud that we prepared it all on our own. We had the traditional turkey dinner by going in a circle and stating for what we were thankful. I shared that I was thankful for a loving Heavenly Father that knew what was right for us and at the right time. I was especially grateful for my father and mother attending the temple with me. Everyone stated they were grateful for their families. We had many, many toasts with sparkling cider (as you can see bellow.)

Jay makes a toast * Brian is very excited about his Thanksgiving meal

Kyle pours some cider like a pro * Dan and I go a little overboard

That night we drove into Asheville and watched the movie August Rush. I was overjoyed by this movie. I could hardly contain my excitement. Later that night we sat in the hot tub and discussed the beauty of music, Mary's flute playing abilities, how to express oneself, and shared many other ideas on life.

What a fine day.

Backyard football

Public Service Announcement # 57: To celebrate Thanksgiving click here http://www.wikihow.com/Celebrate-Thanksgiving

Football Lessons and the Turkey Bowl

Mike Robbins

This Saturday, our ward hosted an enrichment that taught the basics of football. I love cheering for football players, trash talking, and playing outdoors. However, I am not proficient when it comes to football since I have not played that often. But this year we will be having a football game on Thanksgiving and I needed to brush up on my skills so I can dominate the field (yeah right.) I learned to catch with my hands close together, throw a spiral, and run a few key plays thanks to my coach.

Our football coach, Kyle Tew, giving an inspirational pep talk

Then it was time for the main event. My ward held their own turkey bowl. There were three different games going on at the same time. My job: a scout for the teams. As people would arrive I would place them on a team. I saw many good players. I was most impressed with Mike Robbins. He asked not to be mentioned in this blog posting.....due to his praiseworthy humility. However, his football skills are dynamite. He throws a beautiful spiral, is strong on defense, and a good sport. However, the best part about this young man is that he cheers for all. What a great football player, what a great person!!! Mary's job was to act as a football team owner. She did a great job building morale. All in all it was a fun time. I feel somewhat prepped for my own Thanksgiving bowl and believe that I will win. However, if I do not win, I have an example of good sportsmanship in Mr. Mike Robbins.

The men of 3076 show off their football skills * My roommate Kim and I



I gave relief to Melanie, my Relief Society Pres. * Eating donuts: an administrative task

Public Service Announcement # 56: If you'd like to be more like Mike Robbins click here http://www.ehow.com/how_2112395_become-football-legend.html