I DID IT!

For those of you who have seen the movie "My Fair Lady" will hopefully remember the scene after Professor Higgins takes Liza to the party at they end.  He, Colonel Pickering and Liza have just returned home and Professor Higgins begins to sing a song where he expresses how proud of himself he is in regards to Liza's transformation.  He exclaims, "We did it!  We did it! ..."  I'm feeling a little like Professor Higgins today, because I was able to create a maxi skirt/dress without an official pattern AND the lack of a sewing machine.  That's right friends and lovelies.  I stitched mine with my own two manos.  (That means hands for you non-Spanish speakers.  Haha.)   Huzzah for me! 

Picture property of Elle Apparel.

I suppose I should disclaimer that while I make it on my own.  It wasn't totally my idea and inspiration.  Thank you pinterest. :)   As I'm uhh... not at home, pictures of my skirt/dress will come later... as I'm sure will a whole slew of these in a million different colors.  You may never see me in pants again this summer! 

In the mean time.  Enjoy dreaming of your next summer comfy project.  I highly recommend it.

Brittish Knees

It's Been a While...

I looked at my blog today and realized it'd been months since I'd last written.  Oops...  To make up for my extended absence, I thought it'd be appropriate to share a semi-funny/happy-ending experience from earlier this week.

Monday night I got ready and went to bed like normal.  Pjs on, check.  Teeth brushed, check.  Contacts out, double check (one for each eye). Prayers said, scriptures read, check, check.  It wasn't until about two o'clock the following morning I realized something was wrong.

It's weird.  I rarely sleep through the whole night.  I often wake up having to use the bathroom or get a drink or something. (I really hope that is normal...)  During one of these "wake-up-sessions" I found myself adjusting my wedding ring, which I sleep with on. (Side note:  I know that you shouldn't sleep with jewelry on, but I've been doing it for years.  Cut me some slack.  Maybe someday when it doesn't fit my finger any more because of water retention or something I'll change my ways, but until then....  it comes with me to bed.)  It was then that I realized it wasn't there.  I was in silent, in-the-dark panic.  It was horrifying to think that it was gone.

I tried to be so quite and not move around so much, as I knew the Hubs had to wake up long before I did.  Let's be honest though, that never works.  I searched my side of the bed, trying to feel for it with no avail.  So I climbed out of bed thinking maybe I'd thrown it during a bad dream.  I used my phone light to look on the floor and this is when he woke up.  Very gingerly he told me to turn on the light and he'd help me look for it.  We moved the bed away from the wall, checked the floor and bed again.  I considered going through the dirty laundry when I remembered something!  The night before I'd been sectioning meat off into smaller portions to put into the freezer to make it more cooking friendly. :)  As I typically do, I took my ring off and .... du-du-du-duh!  I checked my shorts pocket and it was there!  It was a Christma-kuh miracle!!

My ring got put right back where it belonged, on my finger, we turned off the light and climbed back into bed.  As I laid there trying to calm myself down enough to doze back into slumber, the Hubs snuggled up and said, "it's just a thing."  I was touched and so happy he wouldn't have been eternally upset with me had I truly lost it.  What a comfort to be married to someone so wonderful. :)

Life update:  Life is blissful, even though each moment isn't.  We're happy and aside of a couple of colds were in the process of kicking to the curb, we're healthy.  Our families are loving and supportive.  We have the Gospel of Jesus Christ in our lives and are eternally grateful for that.  School is going well for Brain and I'm venturing into the world of looking for teaching jobs again.  This summer is going to be a busy one, despite our thinking it would be low key.  Brian has school and an internship this semester and his internship next.  I'm working nearly full time, have girls camp and possible youth conference.  We've got family reunions, a handful of hopeful weekend excursions, Hawaii and more to come.  It's going to be exciting and stressful.  Stay posted for more updates and ridiculous things that I do. :)

Yours truly,
Brittish Knees

Flash back

Earlier this week I found myself reading through one of my blogs (... so I have more than one.  What of it?) and ended up reading (out loud to Brian) all of the blogs I wrote during Brian and my dating, engagement and up to now.  I talked wrote about my apprehensions, excitement, utter joy as I anticipated his official proposal.  It was also fun for him to see how I write.  Not how I write a paper or even really in my handwritten journals.  But that I write and think the way I'd speak.  He was cute to laugh at the funny things and get sentimental about other things.  It was a fun couple bonding activity.  :) 

On a completely different note, it must be February... and my psyche knows it.  It knows that it's time for me to be tired and restless of being in the same place for so long.  It knows that like Brian, I'm tired of this semester and we're both ready for a break.  It knows that I'm aching to visit somewhere else and today that location of choice is Alaska.  It makes total sense since the in-laws will be moving this summer and we'll likely never venture that far north again. (*sniffle*) 

Today I reminisced on the fun we had last summer.  Everything from me freezing (for not really dressing appropriately for the weather), to buying a bathing suit at the end of the season to camping just outside Denali National Park, to endless car rides.  I tried to think of something hilarious that happened there (as I've not blogged about something funny for quite some time) but it was with no avail.  Sorry.

Well, wow... that's it.  Until next time.

Happy Holidays for the Rest of Forever!

I feel like with it being almost Christmas now (which happens to be on of my very favorite times of the year) that I should write a little something about our wedding and my thoughts on the season.

Our wedding day was nothing short of beautiful.  The weather was great, but more importantly we were surrounded by family and close friends as we promised our lives and love to each other and for eternity.  The ceremony was beautiful and I'm so grateful to be married to my best friend.

As I was looking for a new blog background today I thought again about Christmas cards and how I wish I'd have thought to get one together sooner.  Alas.... I got swept up in the setting up of a livable apartment and taking care of a sick husband the week before finals.  (Not to worry, the Hubs is doing waaay better and is just about cleared of the nasty whatever it was.)  I suppose this post will just have to do.

This year has been one of great blessings for us.  Everything from the perfect circumstances and time of our meeting to and unexpected but welcomed invitation to Alaska to a beautiful proposal and a blissful wedding ceremony.  Ultimately our greatest blessing comes from our Savior.  It was centuries ago, in a humble manger that the Savior of the world was laid that humble Christmas night.  Through his life long example of service, love and ultimate sacrifice of the Atonement that we find the way to return to our Heavenly Father. 

Brian and I hope that this post finds you well.  We wish you the merriest of holidays and a wonderful new year. 

With love,
The Olsens

Snow

It snowed today before I left for work.  Normally (and as the season progresses) I have a more negative outlook on the white stuff that impedes traffic, makes me wear shoes that cover my whole foot, and a heavy coat & scarf.  However today it was different...  Today the snow felt magical, romantic and even dare I say welcomed?  While the white wet flakes heavily and quickly gallivanted from the sky to the ground at my parent's home it wasn't after driving for 5 or so minutes that it stopped.

As I've sat at my desk today I've been enjoying the softness of instrumental holiday tunes on my Pandora station.  For some reason it's so soothing.  It makes me want to snuggle up with a fuzzy blanket, a cup of hot apple cider and a good book by the fire as I watch the snow dance to the ground.  Since I can't do any snuggling up to anything but my computer screen it caused me to peaked out a window here in my office, hoping that I'd be able to at least watch the snowfall.  Alas, the clouds are parting and the sky is becoming ever more blue.  I suppose in it's own way, this too is romantic and wonderful.

In a way, I guess I'm anticipating winter this year.  Brian and I will mix and match the traditions we grew up with and create new ones of our own.  This seems like a very blissful and romantic time of the year... more so than normal.  What a new and exciting chapter lies before us.

What are some of your favorite traditions?

While the weather is still fickle about what it wants to be, I suppose my advice would be to find something about it that you love.  Whether it's the smell after it rains, the frigidness of the first snowfall, the warmth of a sunny day or the briskness that comes with the bit of a fall wind.  Happy fall/winter! 

Brittish Knees!

Waaa-ddings!!!

Wow!  I looked at my calendar today and realized that Brian and I have 23 days until our big day is here!!  I almost can't believe it!!!  I'm amazed to see how everything just seems to be coming together and how supportive and helpful so many people are.  A special shout out to all of you. (You know who you are!!)

Well, the dress and tux are arranged for, honeymoon confirmed, invitations are out (if you didn't get one, consider the one posted yours), housing is set, and now we're just finishing up the little details to make our reception beautiful.... okay my mom and sisters have really been heading that up.  (When it comes to small details, I'm totally the wrong person to talk to.  Creativity is NOT one of my gifts.)

Shortly after we got engaged a friend of mine gave me a list of many of the things that are typically done prior to getting married.  As I initially looked at it I was so overwhelmed, even though it was broken down into smaller time tables (four months, three months, two, one, two weeks, one week, day of... you get the point).  I looked at this list again recently as was so relieved to see that we are right on schedule, even a bit a head.  What a blessing it has been to have so many talented people in our lives who are willing to help with the little (yet important) things.

 It's been fun to countdown to our big day and anticipate being with current and meeting new family and spending time with them.  I can hardly believe how quickly it's all coming now - although sometimes it still feels like forever away!  Well, thanks for all of your love support and help, and maybe I'll more pictures and other cool stuff to share in the future. :)  Until then, thanks ya'll and I can hardly wait to see ya at the wedding!

Announcements. Announcements! Annou-n-cements!!!

Since the cat is out of the bag that I'm engaged, and all over facebook I guess I can now share our story:

Brian and I met April of 2011 at a mutual friend's birthday party.  While neither of us paid much attention to the other - beyond recognizing the other to be good looking, we knew we wanted to meet again.  It wasn't until about a month later when I moved into a new apartment with our common friend that as a result of an unreal backache and an intramural soccer game for my roommate that we were able to reconnect.  She's told him weeks prior that I'd been sleeping weird and had a super tight back and one of his shoulder rubs might help.  He agreed and after we chatted through the game I was more than okay with it.

The game ended and Brian and I met up again at my apartment.  We talked for hours that night, then when BYU curfew rolled around (at midnight) he left.  He didn't ask for my number so I thought he wasn't really interested and that we'd just be friends.

That weekend my older brother and his wife were blessing their second son out of state, so I left with my family to spend the weekend with them and celebrate their new little boy.  While I was gone Brian got my number from our friend and called to see if I would be interested in making dinner with him.  I told him I'd love to, but wasn't home.  (I don't remember working out the details then, but I guess we did eventually cause we're now engaged!)  Sometime between then and the following Monday we decided to go out.  We had a good time that night; went to dinner at at Mexican/Salvadorian restaurant and watched a movie (who knows what it was...) and sat on his front porch swing chatting.  We were enjoying what was left of the evening and he put his arm around me.  I wasn't sure if he was just resting him arm on the swing back or if it was really around me... so I down played it and didn't lean into him.  Oh well...

The next day we went out again.  I'm not really sure what we did, because it wasn't near as eventful as what happened as we were heading back to my apartment to say good night.  As he was walking me home he held my hand and I was ecstatic!  Shortly after he kissed me goodnight and from that day on we've seen each other everyday.  It's now been a wonderful three months full of bliss.

After we'd been dating about a month and a half-ish Brian said he'd been talking to him mom and she asked about him bringing me home (to Alaska) in August (after summer semester ended).  After some some personal deliberation he suggested the idea to me... very nervously, mind you.  I could see how nervous he was, so I asked him to give me some time to think about it and not to stress about it too much now.  As the week progressed our relationship continued to grow.  It was then that I knew I wanted to accompany him to see where he'd grown up and meet his parents.

The following weeks were just as wonderful as the weeks prior.  We checked out flights and booked a week long trip for me to meet him up in AK.  The anticipation grew and so did our feelings for each other.  By the time the semester ended and I was driving Brian and on of his roommates (also from Alaska) to the airport, I realized I really did not want to say good-bye.  While I didn't cry as I dropped him off or until we met up again, the days until I would meet him there were nearly torture. 

Finally the day of my departure had arrived and we were both beyond ready to be together again.  I climbed onto my flight calm and collected - and just in time for boarding.  (Phew!)  I had a layover in Spokane and another in Seattle and after missing one of my flights (not my fault!) I finally arrived at the airport in Fairbanks.  I called Brian when we touched down and I was so excited to see him that it didn't dawn on me how tired I really was.  We met curbside and I really can't describe how good it felt to physically be with him again.  Hellos are always wonderful after an absence. :)

Before going back to his folks house we drove up to a lookout point and saw the city at night.  It was incredible.  You could see all of Fairbanks, the University, the military base and some of North Pole (or at least the direction it was headed in).  We didn't stay long as both of us were tired and ready for bed.  Everyone was asleep when we got in, so I grabbed the things I needed to get ready for bed and was quick about it.  I slept sooooo good that night.

The week was absolute bliss.  We went our to North Pole (which is south of Fairbanks... funny huh?), the knotty shop, got ice cream, met loads of people (well, I did), saw a major hub for the bird migration path (Cramer's Field) - which is where Brian did his Eagle project, went to the farmers market, went camping just outside of Denali National Parked and did a few day hikes inside, attended church, played games, went to Chena Hot Springs and the botanical gardens at UAF.  It was a pretty busy week - but so great!

It was Sunday night that Brian and I talked about getting married.  It was totally unplanned for both of us.  While getting married is what both of us wanted I needed some more time to make sure it was right for me.  Brian told me to take my time and that he was in no rush.  (Much appreciated.)  By the next morning I was sure - actually before I ever closed my eyes to fall asleep I was sure.  It was as if someone was saying, "Brittney you already know - you've done your homework, but thanks for asking anyway."

That was really the only day I didn't sleep in (that and the day I left... sorta).  Not because I didn't want to, but because I could not sleep!  I finally decided to not fight it anymore, poked my head out my door to see if his was still shut.  I don't think it was, but didn't really register to me.  Shortly after I made my way downstairs and found him watching a movie and playing on his laptop.  I sat down and snuggled up next to him.  We talked about how we slept and had a bit of small talk.  I couldn't wait any longer, so without any other preface I looked right at him and said, "yes."  He checked for confirmation and I was pleased to provide it.  We decided to not tell anyone else yet, so for the day it was our secret.  When we were alone (which wasn't much because we'd gone to Chena Hot Springs with his parents) we started making wedding plans and continued making them that night while I was packing to come home after we told his folk our good news.

We're getting married November 23, 2011 in the LDS Mount Timpanogos temple.  Our reception will be the day prior, November 22.  Please check our facebook group to ensue we get your address.  We couldn't be more excited to start this new chapter of life together!

Just because pictures make everything more enjoyable.  Here's a few of us... enjoying the others company.