I'm back. Kind of.

Well, a lot has happend since that last post...

Please join me at OUR new site: http://alwaysalexander.wordpress.com/

It's still in its beginning stages, but it IS, nonetheless.

What will they think of next?

Phi Kappa Phi

Last night, Brock was inducted into the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi. We attended a special dinner that inducted all of the new members of the Brigham Young University chapter for this school year.

The speakers were inspiring, particularly, Carole Mikita. She is the current KSL News Reporter for religion. She shared her experiences that have added to her love for learning. She stated that many of her early teachers in elementary and secondary school "Colored My World." I think what she meant by this, is that they influenced her outlook on life and helped her to become the dynamic, capable, and good person that she is today.

I was touched by her stories about they way individuals have come into her life at critical times in her life, even just for a moment, to help her receive the assurances that gave her strength just when she needed it. She has learned to see the Lord's hand in her life, and she chooses to see these so-called coincidences as much more than that. She chooses to see the hand of the Lord painting and guiding her life in small and large ways. These experiences have been as small as having a conversation where she felt encouraged by simple kind words of gratitude from a woman just when she was feeling like she was inadequate for the circumstances in which she had found herself.

I feel the same way as Carole, though my experience in life is much more limited than hers. I cannot be grateful enough for how frequently the Lord has sent people, whom I like to see as ministering angels, into my life in my times of need and times of joy.

It was sweet to be there with Brock last night. He is extremely talented, both academically and practically, not to mention his talent in working with people. The motto of Phi Kappa Phi is "Let the Love of Learning Rule Humanity," and Brock certainly has a love for learning. It's evident in his diligence to seek ways to serve others and build them up by sharing the skills and talents that he has. We look forward to seeing what roads these next few years take us down as this love for learning continues to shape our future!

Rex Lee Run

Saturday was the big race! Brock made his big debut at his first 5K race, the Rex Lee Run. It's a race put on each year to support cancer research and honor those who have been effected by the disease. We had a great time running the 5K with Ross, Brock's brother, and crossing paths with many friends.

Canyons

I love skiing with Brock. We went as a family at least once or twice each winter growing up in W. Washington, but the resorts are not anywhere near what Canyons has to offer. It was quite a treat.

Brock is a much better skier than I, but we have a great time together trying to find little paths to venture off on. We found a few favorite stretches where we could go off little jumps and fly through a little powder. For the second half of the day, we discovered some routes that we would spend more time on if we go again in the future.

It's a huge resort covering possibly 4 mountain peaks with lifts that connect to one another to take you across the resort.

One of the highlights was riding the new Orange Bubble chairlifts. They have heated seats, a rubberized bar to rest your skis on, and a sweet neon orange bubble that pulled over top to block the wind. Toasty warm! We only rode it once since we found other routes that were not connected to the orange bubble.

Recreating the Pink Door

At Christmas time, during our visit to Seattle, Brock and I had an incredible meal at "The Pink Door," an Italian Restaurant on Post Alley of Pike's Place Market. Our favorite dish was their handmade spinach pasta topped with Creamy Mushroom Sauce and basil. So, we picked up some homemade pasta at Trader Joe's that we thought might help get the job done when we returned home.

Using a recipe I'd found online (FoodNetwork), we put our skills to the test. It was DELICIOUS... next time we made it with our leftovers, we decreased the amount of mushrooms, as it was a little more heavy on the shrooms than what we'd had at the Pink Door.

Asparagus and shrimp were perfect on the side for added fiber, iron, vitamin A & C and protein. Yummy!!!!

McDonalds in the House!

We had loved the few times that we have taken time to spend time with Jenna and Wes! Jenna is a dear friend from home, practically a sister in many ways. We love the McDonald family.

We enjoyed gourmet Costco pizza together followed by Jenna's cookies and a few rounds of Mil Bourn. It was a lot of fun, as it always is with them.

We were then pleasantly surprised by a quick visit from the Marielle and John family! They had come in town for family stuff and happened to be heading to the Jen's place, which meant they had a "necessary" stop to visit us! It was so fun to spend some time with John, Marielle and their two darling kiddos. The kids grow up so quick, even since we last saw them in the summer.

What a treat! Can't wait to see them all again in April (and Jenna and Wes hopefully sooner)!

St. George Half

Road trip down to St. George!

Nothing like a Half Marathon in January!

Julie and Conz (above) have been such great friends to run with. Let me introduce you...

Conz and I started running together nearly 10 years ago, our freshman year at BYU. She's been an inspiration and faithful friend and steady running buddy since. We are neighbors again for a little while, and we have loved the convenience of it!

Julie and I began training for a marathon together in 2009 out in the DC area. She and I have been great friends since... there's something magic about making friendships through running! She is also an inspiration to me in many ways, and she most often comes up to meet Conz and I for morning runs.

There's nothing like a long run with these gals. I love running with them not only for the good workout but for the great company. They are both superb ladies. They are examples of loyalty, honesty and excellence in all they do.

This trip was also a team effort with my co-workers at the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL). Jeff, Cary and Tonya often run on their lunch breaks. Last semester I had the pleasure of doing this occasionally with them. Unfortunately my schedule is quite different now so I don't see them as much anymore. They are such a joy to associate with, though. We did a race together in the Fall, and I hope I can join them in more of their team adventures in the future!

Brock and Brandon (Connie's husband) cheered us on just past the 8 mile marker. It was so nice to be supported by them. Brock is such a pro-cheerleader, in the most manly sense.

Meet Brock, my fiance, our cheerleader, and our team photographer!!! The best cheer came as I was running down the shoot, and he screams at the top of his lungs, "Go Jenni!!!! I want to marry you!!!" and the lady beside him (whose ear drums were swelling), asks, "Are you really going to marry her?" to which Brock informed her that we are engaged. Haha. I love Brock! I am one lucky girl.

Perfect Date

Saturday, January 8th

In a skirt, with snow boots in hand, Brock took me on an adventure date up Provo Canyon to South Fork Park. We did dutch oven cooking at this park on our first date exactly 4 months ago.

This time of year, the park was covered in at least 2 feet of snow, so the snow boots were necessary. Trudging through the snow, we made our way to the bridge that crosses over the river. Brock stopped so we could enjoy the beautiful snowy river and picturesque setting. This particular spot is between two of our favorite memories: dutch-oven cooking on one side of the river and star-gazing together on the other side of the river. Brock read me a really thoughtful letter, which made me think this was a celebration of our 4 months dating anniversary.

He soon pulled a wood box from his pocket, encasing a beautifully elegant ring and proceeded to get on one knee in the snow (yes, in the snow. What a man!), and he asked if I would marry him to which my response was an unquestionable YES. We are so happy to be engaged.

Next, Brock took me to a really neat restaurant up Mill Creek Canyon. Log Haven is the name (not a great name, we decided). Picture a huge fireplace in the lobby of the log cabin with dim lantern lit table settings. We both enjoyed Steak and Lobster with gourmet potatoes and asparagus, followed by an incredible Chocolate Lava Cake with hazelnut ice cream and kumquat sauce. The setting and food was a perfect celebration for the special day.

Our last stop of the night was back in Provo to another park at which we have had many special and fun times together. Snow on the ground has changed our memorable places, but they are just as special with more memories from today.

It was a perfect evening with Brock.

We are both a better person with the other, and we look forward to our journey together as we prepare to be sealed in the Draper, Utah Temple in April. Endless adventures are ahead of us.

For Brock

Brock is an awesome teacher. He has a way of motivating students by helping what possibilities there are with the tools they have.

Here's a sneak preview of a clip that he plans to share with his High School students when he teaches them how to create short films:

Christmas!

Christmas was a lot of fun. Brock and I first went to Denver to meet up with his family, then we made our way to Seattle be with the Skeens.

On Christmas Eve, Cliff treated us and Brock's brothers, Ross and Devin, to some excellent downhill skiing at Loveland ski resort. It lived up to its name, because the snow there was SO LOVEable!

The conditions were just right: sun shining, enough powder to play on along the sides, smooth, little to no lines, and very few people in relation to the size of the mountain. Great day! Speaking of great day, Brock's hair had a great day.

It was so much fun to all ski together. We all stayed about the same pace, though Devin, Brock and Cliff were more daring than I. Thanks to Cliff for such a great memory. It was a real treat.

Our first night in Seattle, Mom and the family held off our Christmas dinner tradition so we could enjoy it with them.... a Seafood and vegies FEAST. We had more crab, shrimp, sourdough bread, asparagus and potatoes than our tummies could handle! This was Brock's first true seafood feast experience, so it was fun to share it with him!

A tour of Seattle for Brock would not be complete without a bike ride over I-90 bridge to Mercer Island. It was a beautiful sunny day, but it was BITTER COLD. If we were to do it again, we would definitely dress differently! Nonetheless, we had a great time together. I love Lake Washington and all the surrounding beauty from the trail by it. I am happy Brock was up for yet another adventure!

We also enjoyed a day in downtown Seattle where we spent time wandering Pikes Place Market and more. We had lunch at the Pink Door... the more delicious Italian ever (homemade noodles and mushroom sauce). We also indulged in a few delicious French bakery treats (saved for later enjoyment) and gourmet chocolates.

We spent some time in the "Ye Ol' Curiosity Shop" as well... a trip into downtown Seattle with a Skeen would not be complete without it!

Other elements to complete the trip: a trip to the mountains for sledding with Mariah, time playing with Hayden and Joey, take-out Tai Ginger meal with Mom and Dad, and a trip to Coulon Beach Park and Ivar's for their delicious Clam Chowder and unbeatable Fish-n-Chips!

We miss Seattle and Mom and Dad (and Joey) already! Thanks for such a great visit!

Some fun with friends and family

I am getting further behind, so these are not in order, but they will have to do for now. It was a really nice November with holidays and great start to December!

In December, Conz treated us all with tickets to the First Presidency Christmas Devotional on Temple Square. It was a foggy and cold evening, so we didn't stick around long, but we did stay long enough in the parking garage to eat chili and rolls! It was fun to meet up with Rebs there and to spend time with Brock, Conz, Brandon, and John.

We went on a date with the Skeens to a local rec center. We loved the kid pool with Kai, and even took a trip down the dark water slide and let the bucket-o-water dump on us. And... the hot tub was REALLY nice. We will seek to find more hot tub time this winter! After swimming, we grabbed frozen yogurt together. It was cold out, but the yogurt was still oh-so-good!
In November, before Thanksgiving, Joseanne invited Brock and I join her and Conz in making pies! I am an apply pie, and Brock made lemon cream pie. They both ended up tasting delicious. We still have some experimenting ahead to perfect our favorites... stay tuned!

This is my apple pie (Lion House pie filling recipe with a Betty Crocker recipe for the crust)
Here is Joseanne's (I love the way she did the leaves on hers- so pretty!)
Here we all are (thanks Brandon for taking the picture!)
Joseanne was dubbed "Martha Stewart" for the night... she is really good at this!

In December we had a "Stairwell Jingle" with our neighbors. There was no singing, but there was music. It was nice to visit with a few neighbors who we did not know. We had a special visit from the fire department and got to treat them to some hot cocoa as well.

I made my first attempt at creating a cheese ball and was not disappointed.