Why I Like Winter

This post was originally going to be "Why I Don't Like Winter."  But, man oh man, who has time to write a post that long.  So, I decided to go with the much shorter version (I will be lucky to be able to come up with five)
The Reason's I like Winter:

• Boots- Yes, I really, really like boots.  I wish it was possible to go straight from sandal season to boot season.  Who needs those inbetween shoes?
• Fireplaces-Just flip the switch and within minutes you are warm and snugly.
• Coats- I like coats.  I don't if this really fits in "winter" category, because I often wear a coat in the summer (or at least have one with me-just in case.) Oh well, it's going on my list.
• Layers and Long sleeves-What up with those people wearing tank tops?!! It's winter, for heaven's sake!
• Soda-I love when you can leave your soda in the car for four hours and when you come back it is still cold.  Can't get much better than that. 
• Christmas Lights-Don't confuse this with Christmas decorations.  I like to see festive Christmas lights. I don't like putting them up, taking them down, or any of that other Christmas "fun."  I just like the lights.

I think that is pretty much everything that is good about winter!!

Hugging is Awkward

The past few months I have attended several weddings, mission farewells and a funeral or two.  These events (and others like them) provide the opportunity to hug, reaffirming my belief that hugging is AWKWARD.  Come on, we all know it is. But we just keep on doing it.  After Casey died, I hugged about 1.27 million people, which qualifies me as an expert hugger. (Pretty impressive for a non-hugger.) 
If hugging makes you uncomfortable and even a little stressed out, I suggest finding a hug style that works within your comfort zone.

HUG STYLES:

• The Straight up Embrace:  This hug is commonly used by huggers.  It is the "I'm in your personal space, I am bursting you bubble, I am touching your body with as much of my body as I possibly can." type of hug.  I reserve this type of hug for family members only and usually just to annoy them.
• The Lean In:  This hug is performed by bending at the waist and leaning your head and shoulders towards the person you are hugging.  This hug style allows you to avoid any unnecessary contact below the shoulders.
• The Baby Burp:  Can be used in combination with The Lean In.  During the embrace you gently pat the hug recipient on the back and say "Ohhhhhhhhhh."
• The Shoulder/Handshake:  This hug is done by grabbing shoulders while shaking hands.  Men frequently use this hug style because it is more intimate than a plain handshake, but they are still able to avoid any man on man contact.
• The Heimlich Hug:  This is just a regular hug with a quick, tight squeeze added.  I like this style because it lets people know the hug is over now.  My niece, Morgan, likes this hug and she doesn't even have personal space issues.  I think she just likes to shock people.
• The Side Hug: This is my personal favorite.  You just put your arm around the other persons waist and touch shoulders and hips.  If you want even less contact, you can just put your hand on their back.  I like this style because it allows you to keep all your carefully built walls in tact, you do not need to breathe the same air and you can even avoid eye contact if necessary.
• The High School Dance Picture:  I almost forgot this one.  It is usually by accident that you end up with this hug.  It happens when one hugger goes for the Side Hug and the other goes for the Shoulder/Handshake. You end up with your arms around each other, holding hands in front.  Way awkward!

If you are aware of any other hug styles...please share.  I am always looking for a better way to avoid any awkward contact.

***This post is dedicated to Morgan McCaleb...because she is a "bad hugger."

Classic

Last night at the Jazz game a very scantily dressed Mrs. Kirilenko walked by. The 11ish year old boy sitting behind us says, "Was that really Mrs. Kirilenko? Wow! She needs a bigger shirt." Classic.

The NBA All Attractive Team

In honor of the NBA All Star Weekend (which has nothing to do with all stars and everything to do with who sells the most jerseys) I have created my own all star team. The only qualification needed to be picked for my team is to possess an above average level of attractiveness. In other words, you need to be good lookin'!!

The number one vote getter for 2010 (yes, I am the only one voting) is ... RAJA BELL-just look at that smile
The remaining members on my team, not listed in any particular order, are:

Dwight Howard-He gets extra points for that body

Joel Pryzbella-Attractive and come on, his name is Pryzbella

Steve Nash-Maybe it's the hair, maybe it's his Canadian heritage

Tony Parker-Prettier than Eva Longoria

Marc Gasol- Pau may have got the talent, but Marc definitely got the looks

Jason Williams-How can I not pick him? He is a blond headed Casey

Robin Lopez-Definitely the hair and possibly the long socks

And the lifetime achievement award goes to...Brian Grant. Seriously, can you get any cuter than this?!!

The Lord Works In Mysterious Ways

Colton has been working diligently on accomplishing his pre-mission goals. But with one slip of the hand, his dream was shattered. A few days ago, while shaving and trimming his redman beard, his hand slipped. He had no choice but to shave it off. My only regret is that I did not get a better picture before it was gone. He had about 10 days more growth after this pic was taken.

A Day With Deklin

Yesterday, while Melanie attended an adoption conference, I got to play with Deklin for the day. We had such a good time. His mom never leaves him, so I wasn't sure if it would be stressful for him. I am happy to report, it was not. Deklin may have been a hard baby, but he is the easiest toddler ever. Deklin loved the "horhee."

Deklin did NOT love the swing.


Deklin suffers from "Species Identity Disorder." Am I a puppy... Am I a boy? I guess that's what happens when you have three brothers and they're dogs.

What a cute kid, I can't wait until we can play again.

Before and After

Before

After

And A Few Days In Between

So You Think You Can Dance

One of the most anticipated events at Springville High School is the D'Males performance. Each year the D'Velles (The Springville Drill Team) choreograph and teach the senior boys a dance to perform at the last home basketball game. Check out the one in the lime green, he's almost as good as his sister!

Sound Of Madness

I saw this on Brooke's blog and it sounded fun. I didn't intend on putting this on my blog, but it ended up being kind of funny and I have NOTHING happening to blog about.

RULES:

1. Put your ITunes, Windows Media Player on shuffle (I used my Ipod.)
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer
3. Write down song name, no matter how silly it sounds
4. Have fun

• IF SOMEONE SAYS "ARE YOU OK" YOU SAY ...?
  Come out and Play - The Offspring
• HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF?
  Hollywood Wh**e - Papa Roach
• WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN A GUY/GIRL?
• Sin with a Grin - Shinedown
• HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?
• Defy You - The Offspring
• WHAT IS YOUR LIFES PURPOSE?
• Rise Above This - Seether
• WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?
• Afterlife - Avenged Sevenfold
• WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
• Somebody to Love - Queen
• WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
• Can't Repeat - The Offspring
• WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?
• When I Come Around - Green Day
• WHAT DID YOU THINK OF YOUR FIRST KISS?
• Gives You Hell - All American Rejects
• WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?
• Shake Ya Tailfeathers - Nelly
• WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
• If the Savior Stood Beside Me - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
• WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
• Route 66 - Sam Cook
• WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
• The Rockafeller Skank - Fatboy Slim
• WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
• Tainted Love - Soft Cell
• WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
• What's New Pussycat - Tom Jones
• WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
• Jailhouse Rock - Elvis
• WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST FEAR?
• Seize the Day - Avenged Sevenfold
• WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
• Alot Like Me - Three Days Grace
• WHAT DO YOU WANT RIGHT NOW?
• AM Radio - Everclear
• WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
• Need You Tonight - INXS
• WHAT WILL YOU NAME THIS POST?
• Sound of Madness - Shinedown