Just One of Those Days

This past weekend we enjoyed a quick trip to St. George with some of our friends. I had to go down and hold a moving sale for my boss since she was selling her vacation home. We ended up selling a lot more than we thought we would, and having 4 friends to help at the sale was seriously awesome. We couldn't have done it without them. And, I don’t think any of us were complaining about warmer weather, free gas and a place to stay! We only brought home 2 couches, 2 large chairs, and some bar stools to sell. Yesterday, I was trying to get those sold, and take back the U haul, etc. It was a non-stop weekend, so it was nice to relax a little while working at home.

I had plans with one of her friends to help me unload the furniture in the afternoon, but had to wait for his call when he became available. So, I basically spent all day posting ad after ad on Craigslist and KSL, and every yard sale Facebook group in Utah County you could imagine. I had a few interests, but no one followed through. Tanner came home at lunch and we were able to spend a few short minutes together before I took him back to school. I had to go home real quick (to put on shoes rather than slippers), and once I got back in the car, I realized every.set.of.keys we had was inside on the key rack, and the spare key was in Tanner’s jacket inside. I started to freak out, because I now had no way of getting inside of our house. I quickly ran to Tanner’s scooter to see if his keys happened to be in there, but no such luck. I tried using a credit card to unlock the knob, but I knew better, because that didn't work last time we were locked out...
I ran downstairs to our tenants, and asked them to see if our laundry door was unlocked, even though I was sure that I had locked it after doing laundry. I always lock it. Well, what do you know, I received a very tender mercy when I was able to sneak into our house through the laundry door, because it was in fact, unlocked. I cried in the car for a second (once I grabbed my keys!) and thanked my Heavenly Father for that mini blessing.

Then I was off to take the furniture to my boss’ house. When I arrived at the house, I received two texts from people interested in the chairs and bar stools. Awesome. We unloaded everything, and then reloaded what we needed back into the truck so that I could finally drop off the U-haul. I had to rush back to BYU to drop Tanner off at an interview, and I was driving the truck with chairs in the back, I couldn't see out the windows, AND I was hauling a U-Haul. Tanner told me to pick him up at the WILK, and because I was having a teeny anxiety attack, I couldn't think for the life of me where to go. I was going to be late, I couldn't see driving, and I couldn't think of any dang buildings at BYU. I called him crying, and he didn't even make fun of me! I turned into the left lane to Chik Fil A at Bulldog, but noticed, after the U-Haul was already veering to the left lane, that that in fact, wasn't the left lane at the intersection. It took me 5 minutes of very fast breathing and shaky hands, to get in the right lane after a car finally let me back over.

Ok, I was now on my way to get Tanner, when the security guard almost didn't let me through. Then he noticed my red eyes, and the fact that I was pulling a freaking U-Haul, and he let me through. I was struggling in that tiny parking lot, if you can only imagine. I dropped off Tanner a minute late, but luckily, the Dr. was running late.

I was finally on my way to drop off the dang trailer, when I went to the U-Haul store, and not the drop off place. Who knew there was a separate U-haul store in Provo? Now you know.  I now had to learn how to back up a trailer in a tiny parking lot, because after my begging and pleading, the worker wouldn't just do it for me. I didn't care about policies, I just needed someone to do it for me! I got through it, and was off to the drop off. Everything went well, and I got to D.I. to drop everything off, and realized it was now 5:15, and we had dinner plans at 6, with me in charge of cooking. I rushed to Smith’s, marinated the chicken for maybe 30 minutes, stuck in the potatoes, and somehow, the Chicken came out amazing on the grill. I had a couple pick up the chairs, and finally I felt like I could relax and eat my dinner.

Why do some days switch so quickly into one of the craziest days of your life!? Even through the anxiety attacks, tears, and laughing hysterically at my stupid self, I can now say I feel confident backing up a trailer, and driving a trailer with no visuals! I’m thankful I was given mini reminders that my Heavenly Father cares for me, and doesn't want me to be stressed! It’s funny how some of the most ridiculous situations can be the biggest answers to your prayers.

Tomorrow, I will have some breathtaking pictures of St. George!

My Story

Last weekend when we headed to AZ, I decided to read Elizabeth Smart's book: My Story. It took a lot in me to finally decide to read her book, because I was so "involved" in her kidnapping.

Being kidnapped has been my number one fear, ever since I was a child, and I'm sure it's more everyone's. In fact, I would sleep with a sports bra, and a hair tie on my wrist every night, because I figured I would want my hair up, and if I wore a bra, I would never be revealed. After Elizabeth got kidnapped, it was all over the news, and I was someone who thought I was next. I just figured he, or someone would find me. I get VERY scared, very easily, so still to this day, I have trouble sleeping when I watch a scary movie, or hear a noise in our creaky house. Well, after reading her book, I figured out that no sports bra would ever save a little girl. I still sleep with a hair tie on my wrist though...

I thought Elizabeth wrote her book very well. I was never deeply scared, but just frightened for her in the moment, if that makes sense. I don't know what word to use, because I enjoyed reading the book, and understanding her situation, but I certainly didn't enjoy the circumstance. I think this is a read every one should partake in, because she talks about the many miracles that she received while being kidnapped. I don't know if I could have been nearly as strong as she was. A part of me thinks that you would just want to give up, but she held strong, and did everything she needed to do to get back to her family. I really enjoyed this read, and am happy that she's home safe, married, and enjoying her life. I would recommend it to everyone.

Crock Pot French Dip Sandwiches

Tanner and I have been wanting to make, or Tanner has been wanting me to make, French Dip Sandwiches. I have searched for some recipes, but none of them really excited me. I decided to snag a few ideas from a couple different recipes, and then kinda make it up as I go. It ended up being super flavorful, and I absolutely loved it!

I honestly don't really like French Dip Sandwiches, because I don't like eating soggy bread-but who does? I got a thick wheat hoagie in the bakery, and then toasted them. Since they were a little dry on the edges, I really wanted to soak up some of that sauce/dip . It was fantastic, and I was SO happy with the result!

RECIPE:
Chuck Roast- I actually can't remember how many pounds I used? I usually just get whatever is cheapest!
A can of Beef Broth
A can of French Onion Soup
1 teaspoon Rosemary (dried)
1 teaspoon Thyme (dried)
1 teaspoon Bay Leaves (dried)
1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
1 teaspoon Pepper
^^ Those may not all be a full teaspoon, I really just threw it in.
Hoagie Subs
Green Bell Pepper
Cheese of your choice-we used Pepperjack

DIRECTIONS:

Before placing the roast in the warm crock pot, cut off any excess fat that you see. Then, place roast in Crock Pot and pour the cans of Beef Broth and French Onion Soup on top. Add seasonings, cover lid, and set on low until you get home from work! :) Get home, and have your house smell like a divine onion paradise (but seriously, it smelled so good).

Cut & saute' your bell pepper in just a little bit of coconut oil. While those are cookin, cut the cheese...hah no really... cut the cheese for the subs. And you can arrange them all pretty, because you're going to put them on the bread in .5 seconds. So, might as well.

Next, take the roast out of the Crock Pot, and start shreddin. You shouldn't have to do much work, because it'll pull off like butta. You'll see some fatty and slimy pieces that you didn't see before you cooked it (that's just the lovely part of cooking roast), so trash the yucky stuff.

{Can you see how the seasonings formed a little "crust"? MMMM!}

Next, place the cheese slices on your subs, and put in the oven with your Broiler on. But, remember it's on Broil, and don't let them burn like I did. Well, they sure burned all right! That seriously always happens to me...I don't know why I forget every single time? I ended up just taking them out, and placing them in a cooler oven so the cheese could get a lil more melty.

While your cheese is melting, scoop some of that AUS JUS (I wish you could all hear my dad say that phrase, you'd die!) into cute little ramekins. Take out your buns, and place bell peppers on one side, and the meat on the cheese side. Add a lil sauce to that meat, because it's been sitting out for a few minutes, and Voila! You're done! 

Get back in my mouth, please.

Nightmare in the Air

This is the short(er)-version story about why I will never be flying with US Airways, ever again:

Sunday night, we were supposed to fly out of PHX on US Airways, at 8:10pm. We got to the airport by 7:10, and were told the line was a 40 minute wait. After asking everyone for some help with cutting in line, Tanner was able to cut in the first class line. We had 42 minutes until our flight, but you need 45 minutes to be able to check your bag. So, as we showed up to check our bag (we were already previously checked in that morning), we were told we couldn't fly, because the bag has to fly with the customer. I made Tanner get his boarding pass, and run to security, because the airport was seriously insane, I knew it would be a long wait. I kept talking to the guy asking if there was another flight my bag could hop on (considering they do that if you lose your bag), I asked if we could give me a wheelchair and give me an excuse, I then told him I was just going to run with my bag to my flight and they would have to take my bag (the guy was stalling, I just know it. He was “typing” for like 10 minutes not answering me, so there really wasn't anything I could do after that.) He wouldn't let me... so I was stuck. He said there was a 1pm flight on Monday that stopped in HOUSTON, that he could put me on STANDBY. I was seriously baffled that he suggested standby, because I expect you to figure out any way to get me to my destination. The reason it was so frustrating, was because it was Spring Break, and flights were so.dang.expensive, especially on Sunday. But, we both missed on Friday, so we had no other choice but to be back for Monday.

After being close to tears because no one was helping me, I rushed over to Southwest. They had a 9:55 flight, but it was completely sold out, they wouldn't even bother putting me on standby for my sake. They had a flight at 6am Monday morning, but they told me to book it at home because it would be a lot cheaper. See? They’re nice and care about their customers!!! I didn't know what to do, because Tanner was still in security, and it was now 7:50, and he wasn't to the plane. Our friends happened to be on the plane, and she tried to do everything to stall the plane, and they laughed in her face! She kept texting me that she didn't see him, so I started panicking. Finally at 8:05, I received a text from both her, and Tanner that he made it, and I was so relieved. Except, our “goodbye” was so quick, that it kinda sucked I was just alone at the airport now!

My mom was back at the airport waiting for me, but I had to go back to US Air, and have a little chat with customer service. I just wanted to see if there was a better way than wasting another $300 for a new Southwest flight. After waiting in line for 15 minutes, because so many people had missed their flight, I was welcomed to a sweet little lady. Haha, not. She asked me what I needed, slammed my ID down when I told her it was frustrating that I was in a 40 minute line, and the other employee was letting people through the ropes with carry-ons. She WAVED my ID in my face stating that the line that morning was 55 minutes, and so I was very very wrong about it being 40 minutes. I was seriously so done with dealing with rude people; it was taking everything in me not to BALL! (I saved that for later) She told me about the same 1pm flight that stopped in Houston, and that I could be on standby. I informed her I would be missing yet another full day of work, and so that wasn't going to fly. (haha fly..what a pun) I then asked for a refund or some sort of voucher, because I was going to have to book with another airline, and everyone was being a terror. She laughed in my face and asked why the he*# would she ever give me a voucher. I just stood there stunned, and let her know I would never be flying with US Air again, and she told me it was probably a good thing. I then ran to the car shaking and crying because I was so frustrated. I had no idea how I was now going to get to work and back home the next day. I usually need my car during the day, so I was a ball of stress!

We booked the Southwest flight, and my 4 hour sleep that night just wasn't enough. We got to the airport with a little more than an hour this time, and as soon as we pulled up, I knew that I was once again screwed. The outside baggage had a line of about 15 people, which never happens, unless the inside is a nightmare. And, what do you know? It was. I was now stuck, yet again, asking the crew to help me. Because the outside baggage always takes longer, I didn't know if I should risk leaving my spot in line and going outside. I could NOT miss my flight! I then, asked a kind Hispanic man in the aisle in front of me if I could stand in line with him, and because he didn't understand English, I did it anyways. J People around me were yelling at me, but after I explained the situation, they were a little more understanding, but I wasn't moving. I checked my bag, grabbed my boarding pass, and ran to security. Well, silly me who was in a panic, looked at my boarding number, which said B-10, and I assumed that was my gate. I got to the B gate, and they told me I had to go to the Southwest terminal. Luckily that was across the way, so I booked it, once again. Once I got up to security, with 20 minutes to spare, He told me my gate was D-4, and I started to freak out. I’m in C, where is D? He told me I was going to be ok, because I was close. I finally started to calm down, until I asked my actual security person where terminal D was, and he said “Oh sweetie, you’re gonna have to run, and run fast”. Greeeeaat. After him telling me gate D4 was at the complete opposite end, I really didn't know if I was going to make it! I ran on the conveyor belt, and almost tripped getting off, because of the..um…momentum. Ya, that’s what I’m telling myself. Luckily the security man was wrong, and D4 was a lot closer than I thought. My then top-knot was now a crazy thing at the bottom of my neck. I barely made it before they shut the door, and I had so much adrenaline, I had a hard time sleeping. And thennnn we were hit with awesome turbulence, over the snowy mountains, and I was seriously praying to not let me die right then!

I got off the plane to a lost bag (luckily SW still checks your bag even if you're late, and graciously puts in on the next flight), had a family friend drop me off at work, borrowed my boss’ car to then go back to the airport and get my bag that afternoon, had my friend drop me off at the FrontRunner to get home, and I made it on the dot, and then I finally got home. For being St. Patrick’s day, I wasn't having much luck.

That afternoon, I received an email saying: Tanner Zylstra, don't forget about your flight today! It was scheduled for 2pm, and was scheduled for Tanner, so it was so completely confusing, and kinda stupid. I had to call and cancel that, and they said "Are you sure ma'am? That's our courtesy flight for you". Well, I was already in SLC, and they were anything but courteous. J

I sent a wonderful complaint to US Air, and am hoping for something more than a response. They say “their home” is in PHX, but I onlyyyy have problems with them in PHX. I just didn't feel like I was treated like an actual customer, so I hope you don’t have to fly with them either. SO, let’s protest!!!!!!

And that picture of my house didn't really make us late, but Tanner and I joked that if we wouldn't have taken it, we both would have made it home Sunday night.

Orange Blossoms are my Fav.

What do you get when you do the Irish jig at McDonalds?
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A SHAMROCK SHAKE! (I don't know why I just made you wait that long...)

Happy St. Patricks Day to you, I hope you felt the luck o the irish, and that you saw lots of rainbows. I'm Irish, and my luck wasn't too great today...you'll learn about that shortly, don't you worry.

This past weekend was spent in good ole' Mesa town. We ate, relaxed, spent time with family, ate some more, and smelled the amazing orange blossoms-there really is nothing like that smell, I love it! It was the most perfect, beautiful weather, and I loved spending the weekend in AZ during my favorite time of the year! We were supposed to go down for a big Rogers reunion in lovely Parker, AZ, and camp in trailers by the river. BUT somehow the dates got mixed up with the rentals, so we had to reschedule. Our flights were already booked, and I would get to sleep in my comfy bed, and be able to shower when I wanted, so I really didn't have a complaint.

We got in late Thursday night, and immediately went to Nielsen's for some Grinders, and frozen Custard. It satisfied our cravings, very much so!

Friday morning we headed to the new LDS Gilbert temple (like I talked about back here) and I can't even describe how beautiful it was. Inside and out, my jaw just kept dropping! It was so fun to experience that with my parents also, because there is nothing than brings you closer, than going to the temple.

The architecture, and glass was seriously just beautiful. And the flowers on the grounds were so perfect, they just make you smile! The water feature they have around back makes for the perfect side noise, and it just made me SO happy to be there!

It was realllllly bright too.

Before we left, I was thinking of some things we could do, considering our original plans got cancelled. I feel like every time we go down, it's for an occasion, and for a quick weekend. So, I wanted to have a fun activity to do with Tanner. I instantly thought of Spring Training games, so I looked them up, and whadoyaknow, the Cubs were playing the Dodgers on Friday! So I searched every where for tickets to surprise him, but it was saying even lawn seats were sold out. As I disappointedly told my mom, she found tickets online, purchased them, and my parents surprised us with a fun afternoon date, lunch and treats included! It was SO fun. The new Cubs Spring Training stadium is a "remake" of the one in Chicago, so it was such a fun atmosphere. There were TONS of fans for both teams, and it really made it fun. (please don't count how many times I just used the word fun, because I'm not re-writing it.)

I know it probably seems like Tanner and I are constantly together, but we're not. I only get to see him for a couple hours a day, and most of the time, we are sitting in silence while he studies and does homework. So for him to miss classes on Friday, and spend the entire day with ME was seriously a dream. And, I love seeing him in his element. It was seriously an afternoon to remember with my sweetie.

 Of course we had to get some Chicago Dogs! We got a Chicago, and a Wrigley Field Dog. The Wrigley Field one was SO much better, and had pulled pork on it! I actually hated the Chicago one! :/
And, I was expecting them to be like HUGE dogs or something, but they were kinda baby-ish!

My mom was worried about the seats, because they were pretty cheap, and last minute, but they were PERFECT. We didn't have too many people on our row, and we were in shade the whole time, which is a good thing for my little Dutch boy. 

(We actually asked a lady for some of her sunscreen as we were walking in!)

I've had a problem with spilling on myself lately (I get it from Grams Shirley). This time, it was on my newly washed sneaks. Of course.

We put a dollar in on the 50/50 raffle, that had around $12,000 in it! We lost.

^^I used my paper to cover a very "hairy spot" on my leg Tanner kept pointing out. We don't shave in Utah, ok?

We then ended off the afternoon with some nachos and a delicious lemonade, because come on, those hot dogs were small!

I also fell asleep for a quick second during the game...embarrassing.

We loved our afternoon at the ballpark! Thanks momsie and popsicle!

Later in the evening we had dinner with my sister Brooke's family, and grams and gramps. We went to Venezias pizza, and it was delicious as always, but I was pretty dang stuffed from the afternoon!

We then headed to Rob and Brooke's new house! YAY! We are so excited for them. It's right on the golf course, so my mom took this awesome picture of us, with the huge moon. It was crazy huge!

After, Tanner and I went with them and the kids to Nielsens, (we eat a lot when we are home, ok?) then back to their house for a movie, and chatted until 2am. Neither one of us could keep our eyes open! It sure was a blast though.

My parents are currently building a house, and should move in very shortly. So, as my mom goes through the garage and storage, she brings in some treasures. She brought in all of my posters from when I was a Dillard's baby, and this one was always my favorite! I miss that hair!

The next morning we went to Crackers for breakfast (hah! I'm seriously embarrassed for admitting we are heffers) and enjoyed eating outside in the sunshine. Tanner then worked on homework while I laid by the pool, and then my sweet mother and I headed to go shop, or just "out" like we like to tell Daddio.

I guess I've been exhausted lately? This was at 9pm! But then we watched Gravity after, and that sure woke me up!

Sunday we went to my old ward, the Groves Ward (my parents go to Singles Wards every week, because my dad is in the Stake Presidency). I haven't been to that ward since Marissa's farewell, but really, since I graduated. I rarely went the whole time in High School, because I would go to Young Womens, and then go to Singles Ward Relief Society, so I could be with my mom. It was odd, but my dad is great at it! It was great to see old faces, and then realize how much the ward has changed, and how we actually have like, babies and toddlers! 

We had a great Sunday dinner with the fam, and then we had to catch our flight with US Airways, who I hate, and I have talked about them before. But, I'll post about them later.

This picture is dark, but it's the last I have in front of the only house I've ever known. It was great to come home "one last time", because it's going to be SO different in a new house, with new surroundings. But, this new house is going to be GREAT for my parents, and they have done such a great job with it. It's much more modern and fresh, and I think it's going to be a good change for them. I'm just PRAYING that a good family gets that house and takes good care of it, because it will always be MY home, forever and ever.

 I didn't think I would get emotional writing that!

Coming soon...why that picture ^^^ made me late to work this morning. 

XO