Almost Twin Birthdays

Almost... because they're roughly 24 years apart in age.

Almost... because their birthdays are six months (and three days) apart.

Almost... because their names are the same (minus two letters).

Who on earth am I talking about you ask? 

Adriel holding Baby Adrielle February 16, 2010 

These Two. 

Happy Birthday to my bestie, Adriel. She's gorgeous,

smart, funny, and oh wait, a recent MBA! 

Want more proof? See for yourself. 

You Shouldn't Assume

Last night, I texted my bestie, Adriel.

 I asked her where she would be Christmas day and if I could her parent's address.

Then, all of the sudden she said I didn't have to send anything...

What on earth was she talking about?!?

I of course respond with "Who said I was sending anything? (How long are you going to be there?)"

Her response, "Hahahaha. Good call. My assumption. ;)"

I'm not quite sure what this winking thing is all about. It's not like I just went to the post office and guaranteed something arrives at her parent's house by Christmas... that would be crazy.

Love you Adi.

Good Friendships

... are sometimes hard to come by. Yet that's what makes friendships so meaningful.

As Ryan and I have been gathering addresses for Christmas cards, we've talked a lot about connections and how grateful we are for good friends. We have developed relationships, individually and as a couple, over the past 25 years through church, work, and school that have resulted in some incredible experiences with friends from all over the nation and around globe.

Today as I write out these addresses, I am reminded of how small the world really is, and how grateful I am for a myriad of friends that stem from our own neighborhoods, to Arizona, California, Washington DC, Virginia, and Florida, as well as Peru, Chile, Russia, Singapore, and France. These incredible men and women have offered some of the most wonderful memories and service that life has to offer, and I feel lucky to count them as friends.

I hope this Christmas season give us each a moment to pause and remember wonderful friendships that fill our lives

Let there be joy this Christmas!

Holiday Cocktail Party

Someday, when Ryan is a doctor and we live in a spacer bigger than a two-bedroom apartment, I will host an incredible annual holiday cocktail party...

But for now, I'm going to stick to intimate imitations.

A couple of months ago I started making meticulous plans to break out my tasting party ware.

But, naturally, planning a party can be difficult. There are always the questions: who to invite, what to serve, etc.

But, naturally I was excited!

So excited in fact that I printed hard-copy invitations and mailed them! They were pretty fabulous if I don't say so myself.

Anyway... Friday was the big day.

And of course, so many things went wrong.

First, Thursday I was feeling under the weather and wasn't able to do as much as I would have liked to prepare.

Second, Ryan had a final Friday so I had to manage Adi and the preparations.

Third, my parents couldn't help like I'd been planning on.

Fourth, Ryan had the car, so I couldn't get last-minute needs at the store.

Finally, tasting the punch and realizing it was completely bitter. (:

Luckily, it turned out so well despite the things that went wrong. Ash helped pick up plates, and the few people I had asked to help pulled through with some amazing hors d'oeuvres.

The best part of the night? Adi gagging on what she was eating and throwing up in my hands, in front of everyone. (: Classic moment.

I only took a few pictures, but it was so much fun.

Chantico! So delicious!

Some of the delicacies...

A few of the girls and Adi shirtless after the incident.

A huge thanks to Ash who made amazing mini cupcakes, brought european crackers from her own food storage, and who picked up plates on her way--all after taking a lengthy law final only hours before.

Dear world.

Dear world. 

You are lucky. Roughly a quarter of a century ago, you were introduced to a beautiful, intelligent, fabulous girl. It was a glorious day. Today is another glorious day, her birthday. You should celebrate. 

To pay tribute to this fabulous girl, let's highlight some good times, memories, and photographs. 

Exhibit A: Gorgeous

Exhibit B: Adventuresome, fun traveler

Exhibit C: She kind of reminds me of Einstein (she's getting her MBA you know)

Exhibit D: She keeps this city in check

Exhibit E: She comes to visit for early-morning breakfasts

Exhibit F: She doesn't take herself too seriously

Exhibit G: She is totally chill

Happy Birthday Adriel! We love you and think you're the best! 

We hope you have a fabulous birthday and get to a little relaxin' this weekend!

(By the way, she's single and fabulous. Just sayin'.)

Two Crazy 1L's

In February I noted that this gorgeous ginger was engaged.

Well, yesterday they tied the knot.


Ashley and Andrew had a beautiful afternoon sealing and a delicious dinner at Hotel Park City. It was wonderful being able to attend Ashley's wedding and dinner. It's nuts though that she's married!

The bride and groom looked gorgeous and I'm so happy for them. 

Congratulations Doughertys!

My Favorite Redhead Is...

Engaged!

(isn't her ring gorgeous! it wasn't sized to her finger yet...)

Congrats to the Bride-to-Be!

So stinkin' excited for you Ash!

Kenz, Adi, and Ash

Do you remember these incredible girls? Well, you should. If not, read more here!

Anyway, I completely forgot to post about our most recent reunion. 

In early January, Adriel flew all the way from London to visit us. Well, I won't lie, she was visiting her family, but we benefitted from her trip and we were so happy about it! We had a yummy breakfast at Magleby's Fresh...

...and then got to spend some fun time with Adi at home. It was so wonderful! 

Kenz, Adi, and Ash - January 2011

What I'm Reading: The Help

A couple of weeks ago, one of my besties, Adi, invited me to join her book club. So, in preparation, I read the book of choice...

It was a fabulous read, a 'page-turner' if you will.

The book is about Jackson, Mississippi during the 1960's and the interplay between the wealthy white southerners and their poor black maids. Thought provoking.

Racial relations have always fascinated me. In one of my classes during my master's program I was disturbed when we had a "diversity" lecture that turned out to be an in-your-face, blatant, yelling at the other person, racism documentary filmed during the 1980's. Maybe I was naive, but within my circle of influence racism was non-existent or at least that is what I perceived, and I was shocked by the need for such overt violent exposure to the world more than a quarter of a century ago.

So I was happy to pick up this book and have a different, calm view of how racial relations were in the 1960's. I found (and find) it appalling that within our society one race feels superior over another race. Can't they look themselves in the mirror and realize that character is the only way in which one individual is truly different than another. I found "The Help" did an excellent job of showing how a person is a person regardless of the color of their skin. It was provocative view at the (in my opinion) despicable behavior of one culture against another, and I am grateful to be informed and educated enough to realize that men and women should not be judged by the color of their skin, but rather the content of their character.

Tuesday night was book club, and I had never been to one before. It was so much fun. I thoroughly enjoyed speaking about racial tensions in a group--a subject that is often avoided within our society. I enjoyed the intellectual stimulation that I felt as we delved into the theme and symbolism. I don't want to say anymore, I highly recommend this book!

The other highlight of the evening was Paula Dean's delicious Three-layered, Hummingbird Cake. It was moist, and light; yet strikingly rich. I am going to have to try this recipe (although that may not be a good idea).

One word to describe the dessert: heavenly.

A huge thank you Sarah for your incredibly gracious hospitality and decadent dessert.

My First Day!

(*Blog post started on April 20th, completed on May 8th)

Yesterday I became an adult.

Yes, I am quite aware that I have a bachelor's degree (and 99.9% of a master's), have been married for almost two years, and have a child... but, yesterday I entered the workforce.

It was quite the experience. I planned out my wardrobe, got my papers together, woke up early, and even commuted via the bus!

But, the best part was that Adriel acted as my 'mom' as I hopped on the bus headed to my 'first day'...

So I am killing two birds with one stone by showing the before and after snapshots...

Before (Easter Weekend 2010)

Caption: Burnt-out graduate student, in desperate need of post-pregnancy change

After (First Day of Work; Waiting at the Bus Stop)

Caption: Here We Go! With a new-job cut and color (from my amazing sister-in-law)

*Tribute to Adriel for making me look fabulous on my first day of work, getting me onto the bus, and running back for my suit jacket when I forgot it! (Thanks mom! ;)

Welcome Home Zuster Ashley Erickson!

On Thursday, March 4th, one of my best friends, Ashley, returned from her mission (Belgium Brussels/Netherlands, Dutch speaking).
I was so impressed at the spirit she brought with her, and knew that for the past 18 months she had been teaching the people of Europe about Jesus Chris and the Plan of Salvation with everything she possibly could.
Her parents, Jim and Valerie, were kind enough to let Ryan, Adi, our friend Brad, and me be there at the airport to welcome her home. :)

Love you Ash! Welcome home!

Adi Squared :)

For those of you who don't know the story of Baby Adi's name...

This past summer, Ryan and I were spending some time with one of my best friends, Adriel, when she said in jest, "You should name your baby Adriel." We didn't say anything at the time, but both Ryan and I made note of it, and decided that if our baby were a girl, we would name her Adriel. It just fit.

Well, over the pursuing months, we changed the spelling to Adrielle and added Renee as her middle name (my other best friend's middle name).

Serendipitously, Adriel was in town over the long President's Day Weekend, and she came to the hospital to meet Baby Adi! Then, she visited us at home. :)

February 14, 2010 - Adriel meeting Baby Adrielle

February 16, 2010 - Adrielle at home with her friend Adriel :)

Update...

So, this is McKenzie. It is 11 hours into labor and 6.5 hours after arriving at the hospital...God bless the man/woman who invented the epidural. I've finally been able to sleep and get some rest.

As of now, it will be a while, but with an epidural, labor doesn't seem so bad--at least not yet. The first six hours were hard, but I feel a great deal of satisfaction that I was able to go that long, andI can imagine that the last part is the hardest. (All I know is that this stinkin' IV is by far the worst pain.)

At this point, the doctor said that the baby is engaged to a 0, so she has to get to a +3 and then it really is baby time! Sometime this afternoon we'll be holding our darling, beautiful, little girl! Oh I can't wait.

And, to top it off... Adriel is coming from Washington tonight--what a serendipitous occasion that she'll be here to meet her namesake.

More updates to come...

Gifts from Afar - The Netherlands

One of my besties...

Ashley

Is currently in the Netherlands under the alias of...

Zuster Erickson

However, she gets back in exactly 6 weeks!

Needless to say, I am so very excited!

Anyway, for Christmas, she sent the most darling gift for Baby Adi...

A darling intricate Dutch sweater and a bonnet with Dutch lace.

(PS. Notice the other side of the polka dot blanket... I'm only slightly obsessed.)

Babi Adi is so lucky! Can't wait for her to wear these for her blessing!

Adriel's Visit to Provo

Right around my birthday, Adriel and I were chatting on the phone. She wished me a glorious 23 and mentioned that my birthday would arrive around November 14th.

I didn't think anything of it until November 13th. Ryan and I were driving in the car and his phone started vibrating. He thought it was ringing, so he handed it to me to answer. However, it was only a text from a random number within our area code and read "Do you have a time for breakfast tomorrow?"

Ryan had asked me on a 'date' for breakfast at Kneaders for Saturday morning, so I asked if he'd invited anyone else. He said no, but kind of shirked the question. Then I looked at the number again, checked my phone and about DIED when it said "Adriel".

I started squealing and jumping around in the car chanting "I knew it! I knew it! I knew it!". Subconsciously I had known that giving a date for something to arrive in the distant future meant that it wasn't coming via the mailbox, it was coming via airplane...

Adi and Kenz - BYU - November 14th, 2009

Adi was in town for about 48 hours and had made it a point to stop and see me. We had a delicious breakfast at Kneaders, visited with my parents, dropped Ryan off at school, and sipped Jamba Juice on campus as we perused the Bookstore. It was absolutely FABULOUS to see this girl, and I wish her luck on Rocking the GMAT tomorrow! Love you Adi!

Baby Girl's Name - Scavenger Hunt

For those of you who are interested in a little bit of a scavenger hunt... Our little girl will be named after a wonderful friend. You'll have to find it... baby girl's name is in a previous August post referencing a notable advice column. Her name will be...

Guesses? Guesses?

Dear Abby...

Did I say Abby? Whoops. I meant to say Adi. Dear Adi.

For those of you who don't know one my best friends Adriel...


BOY are you missing out! She is gorgeous, smart, funny, fun, kind, and basically amazing in every way (can't you tell from the tea cups picture?). I've essentially always known this, but I needed to put pen to paper--so to speak. And shout it from the mountain tops... well, you get what I mean.

I met Adriel in April 2007 at a Romney Campaign Fundraiser in P-town. We were going to be roommates in Washington, DC for the summer, so I had seen her name, but had never met her. So, while I was at a table writing down my name, I see a girl next to me wrote down Adriel, I couldn't help but ask if she was the one! Turns out she was, and apparently I saved her from the worst date of her life. She still owes me for that. ;)

Anyway, summer 2007 was an adventure in Georgetown. Activities included: lunch in the Senate cafeteria, trips to the monuments, reading Harry Potter, late-night boy chats, a trip to Rehoboth Beach, DE, metro rides on the very of tears, spilled waters at Johnny Rockets, and so much more! Not to be mentioned would be McKenzie's sleeping in, annoying morning cell phone alarm, or boy drama.

After our internships ended, Adi stayed in Washington. She was now a full-fledged grown up with a real job on "The Hill". She worked on the House side for a while, during which she made a trip to Utah. In October 2007, Adi came to Utah for forgettable reasons, but lucky for me, we created some unforgettable memories at Brick Oven for my 21st Birthday...



Jessica, Me, Adi, and Ash at Brick Oven - October 2007

One of the best parts of that night was that I got to introduce Adi to Ryan for the first time. Ryan and I had been friends over the summer while I was in Washington, so Adi had heard all about him... in fact, she had gone as far as to call me 'forward' when I mentioned I had taken him cookies for finals. (True, but I denied it at the time.) Although Ryan and I weren't a 'couple' at the time, it was nice to get friend's approval, and nice that she finally got to meet him.

Fast forward through the dating and engagement to May 2008... Adriel again makes the 2,000 mile trek West. This time to be a bridesmaid at my wedding. She and Ash were such amazing supports to me! Oh my gosh. The day before the wedding I had a TERRIBLE crisis. I was having the worst hair day of my life and the two of them stepped in and made everything absolutely perfect. On the day of the wedding they picked up my rings and bouquet and were there for us as we walked out of the temple! I'll always remember one of the nicest compliments that anyone had ever given me... Adi said something along the lines of the fact that I was gorgeous and glowing when I walked out of the temple with Ryan. That to me is a great memory--celebrating the best day of my life with the most important people in my life. I have to admit though that she was pretty gorgeous too that day...



Well, considering it was more than my turn to make the trek East, Ryan and I visited Adriel in January. Ha, more like crashed at her house. Adi was soooo generous. She let us stay in her room, borrow her car, she even fed us at times. We owe her--yes, current tense, still do. It was an adventuresome week in Washington, and the best part was Adi driving us around to the monuments in one night when it was absolutely freezing outside. She would drop us off and circle as we took pictures. That is true friendship.

The trip in January resulted in a summer here in Washington, and it's hard to believe that it's practically over. Adriel has been such a great friend through it all. Whether it be afternoon phone chats about boredom, memorable Sunday School lessons, dinners out, night drives around the monuments, or more boy drama, it has been such a blessing being around her while we've been here. I am grateful that we were paired as roommates two years ago, she is an example of faith, charity, dedication, and optimism. She's always smiling, and I absolutely admire her generosity and friendship. In fact, I am secretly--or not-so-secretly--trying to marry her off to my brother (he's just a little younger) so I can be around her forever...

Anyway, here's to a great roommate, one of my best friends, and basically the sister I never had...

For Adriel on Earth Day...

Dear Adriel,

I'm terribly sorry. We were trying to conserve. Then, this happened.


(Ryan didn't know that there wasn't a little perforated lid and wasted the spices... he threw them away!!)

So much for conserving, and not killing plants. I'm sorry Oregano! I'm sorry Basil! I'm sorry Tarragon! Please forgive us!

In memorial we will plant these:

My Opinion: The Bachelor

I am glad to say that I did not waste hours of my life watching some scum-bag mac on 12 ladies and have them all think that he was really interested in just one of them. What I do not understand is why anyone would put up with that. No self worth.

If I had ever dated a girl who was out making out with 10 other guys I would say, in the famous words of Bro. Vernon, "Hit the road, woman!" And no, she would never get a second chance. People are just stupid sometimes. And, I think that what's-her-face, the blonde one who took him back or whatever, should really see a movie that's out in theaters, "He's Just Not That Into You." Because really, he was just engaged, why would he treat her any differently?

Bottom line: The Bachelor is stupid. (Always has been, always will be.)

Addictions – Lessons Learned

I made a huge mistake. I got sucked into the Bachelor whirlwind, and I wasted 8 hours of my life that I can never I get back!

Most of you watched (or heard on the news) the “historic” Bachelor ending. I had to wait until Tuesday to see the event, but was thrilled that he chose Melissa. I had been rooting for her from the beginning of my short-lived addiction, and thought she was such a darling girl!

However, my joy was cut short. I was absolutely floored that he had the nerve to treat Melissa as some kind of object at his beck and call, especially in front of 14 million people! He claims it was some part of his contract, but I came across a news clip quoting Trista Sutter, and it is a lie.

He was engaged to her for crying out loud! She had a ring on her finger! And then, five minutes later he’s making out with Molly.

Then, to add insult to injury, Chris Harrison said this on Wednesday's Ellen DeGeneres Show, "Melissa wasn't completely blind-sided. She knew something ... she knew something was going on. And she had a hint -- a woman's intuitions, whatever -- it might have been about Molly. They came on the show because we felt we needed to show this. We need to show the country what's happened."

Speaking of Molly, she’s a whole different story. The papers should read:

“Dumb Blonde Acts Like Teenage Groupie”

Honestly, I have nothing against Molly. She seems bright and cute, but she had a serious lack of judgment by taking Jason back.

And, to top it off… Jason’s poor son, Ty. What kind of message does it send to your son to be holding hands and kissing two girls in two days, propose to one and celebrate your new family by jumping overboard (pun intended), and then dumping her for the other chick?

Jason is a jerk. And sadly, yesterday before I watched it I defended him because a friend said in real life he is a nice guy. Lame.

I wasted the best 8 hours of my life on that show, and I hope ABC knows that they just lost a lot of ratings. I will never watch the Bachelor again.