Mama Bear

My lovely mother came down to visit us this last weekend. I love love love visits  from the parentals. For 24 hours before she came I had "Santa Clause is coming to town" stuck in my head.

She left last night and there was much weeping and waling from yours truly. The weekend was packed with fun- but Saturday was especially dreamy.

First of all it was stinkin warm. Like its mid-July in Canada warm. It has always been odd to me how much the weather controls my emotions. Matt and I went to go pick up Nicole to start the festivities. Matt did some cartwheels and other acrobatics while I bask in the sun and giggled like a school girl.

Once we had the child we went to Bamboo Hut to meet mom and Aunt Tonya. And then Bamboo Hut became one of my favorite places to eat. Its Hawaiian food... and I think better than L&L. 

I have been seriously craving a BYU rugby game in nice warm weather since we got back from Christmas. To have it with these 3 lovleys and tasty eats was a serious cherry on top.

In Heaven.

So Nicole is in an organ class this semester. And we have been wanting to see her play and haven't had a chance to. Until last Saturday. And O what an adventure it was. Here we are about to go into the Harris building. Nicoles nervous/awkward feelings are starting to kick in.

Nicole told us to "wait here" so she could go investigate the organ room... make sure none of her peers were there I guess. We did not wait. Matt is packing around her Organ Shoes... he was dubbed the organ assistant. This was serious.

Who knew BYU had a whole dirty little room full of organs?

The audience was impressed by the octopus-like moves of the little one. Poor girl in the red shirt right...

After the concert we headed to Costco. And the exact swimsuit I had pinned on Pinterest a few days earlier was there! O happy day.

That night we went and got Shamrock Shakes.... Nicely done McDonalds.

It was such a good weekend full of a lot of laughs and story tellings and family and it went by WAY too fast.

A Package!!

Last night Nicole took Matt and I out. To one of our favorite places. The Cannon Center.
Where the freshman flock and the BYU chefs keep the food flowin'.
It rivals an airport as my favorite people watching locations.
Then sister says- come up to my dorm, I have a package for you.
Whaaat?

Remember how I love surprises. I extra love surprises that come in the mail. And from my parents- covered in lovey stickers! This had to be good.

 Cute right?!?

So much candy and decorations and bouncy ball-ness (which I feel like our little basement is perfect for) and Valentine Day happiness. 

What sweet parents I have.

The Weekenders

Every Monday I drag myself into work and Bossman asks how my weekend was. I say "Really good" and he says "Of course it was, its just the two of you and your newly-weds"... in kind of a sad envious tone.

I am still trying to figure out how to respond to that one.

Its not something that has gone unnoticed. We live for weekends. Because even the silliest little chores are funner when its the weekend.

Friday was a fairly crappy day at work. Probably because I was fighting Matts crazy cold/flu and I was super tired. Matt was at school when I got home from work, I flopped on the couch to indulge in some mind-numbing pinteresting. But my computer was dead. And I was too tired to get the charger. So I fell asleep.

Can you imagine a Friday jam packed with more fun?!

Just Joking.

Matt came home at 7:30ish...this is when the fun starts. And now I was properly powered up for the night ahead. 

The weekend before we had gone on a double date with my cousin Jan and her husband Nate (Which was a blast). We had tried to make it to a BYU Planetarium Show. We didnt make it... because apparently this is an event that sells out weekly. 

This week- we were determined to make it with all of the other BYU nerds

We did. With only seconds to spare. Like we got the last seats under that little dome.

It was interesting... but kind of hurt my neck, and most of the jokes had had to do with Star Wars- thus were far from understood by yours truly. I think Matt liked it though. Next time, better seats are a must. 

We were walking back to the car and came across the International Cinema. (Another repeat from the week before with Jan and Nate). But this time we stayed the entire time and watched a 100% pointless film in Spanish/German/Italian about a guy who looked like Willy Wonka who sailed up the Amazon and tried to have the Aboriginals drag his steamboat over a mountain. 

It was pointless.  But somehow entertaining. And we felt cultured.

Then we came home and watched our "shows". Its a tradition to lay in bed Friday night and watch Modern Family, The Office, Parks and Recreation, and The Middle. We hadn't had dinner yet. AND for some reason last week we thought it was a good idea to buy a 2.5lb bag of spinach. So we watched our shows and ate spinach until we couldn't stay awake any longer.

Sat morning we went to the Temple. Probably the best way to start a day... ever.

Then we came home and cleaned like crazy. To a younger (even slightly) self this would be the crap part of the day. BUT when you put it off all week, and it needs it so bad, and it goes twice as fast as pre-marriage Tiffany is used to... its kind of a good feeling. Then we talked to Matts mom, my Parents, and Jesse.

Then came.... COSTCO.

I think we deserve to be their poster couple.

We average twice a week at that place. Why it makes my heart sing so... I cannot tell.

Then we came home and made some tasty homemade Pizza. Daaaaang it was good.

Sunday afternoon we went to visit Aunt Sharel in Sandy with Nicole. She is my dads sister, and one of my favorite people to spend an afternoon with. It doesn't happen very often- but when it does its always a gem. Such a gem-- the Superbowl was not watched. From me not the biggest deal maybe- but for my football loving husband and sister, that means something.

She told us stories of young pops, her job as as lawyer at the Federal Prison, and of her many world adventures her and her husband have been on. Complete with pictures books. I left wanting to travel and go on adventures and.... not go back to my little office the next day. I am still waiting for this feeling to die down.

Ok so Monday morning I remember feeling like every weekend is an absolute blast these days.

And truthfully, after reading this im not sure why.

We went to some nerdy BYU activities, did chores, and missed the Superbowl.

I think its because planted in with all of those things are a husband who knows how to make me laugh (deep hardy laugh style) in ANY situation and turns grocery shopping into a wild adventure, some great heart to hearts with my fabulous sister, and a few great chats with some of our sweet family.

Oprahs Ah-Ha  moment? Maybe.

Life is good. Work is sub-par (especially today... I had the urge to throw a rock at a window for the first time ever as I was leaving). Matt spends most of his spare hours working his butt off in school. We dont have any tropical trips/adventures planned anytime soon (BUT... we are going to Boston for Melissas Dental school Grad and honestly we couldn't be more excited- this is big!).  But I have been blessed to be surrounded by the best of the best... and it makes all the crappy boring parts so much more than worth it.

Que cheesy Lifetime music.....

Our First Christmas

Sometimes I suck at blogging. I have a lot of really mediocre reasons for it. Many of the same reasons apply to why have haven't wrote in my Journal since Aug. 8. That one makes me really sad.

But on we go.

Christmas is by far my favorite time of year. We had our Christmas tree bought before Halloween and I made sure we attended every Christmasy festivity we could.

This is our super cute Fisher-Price Nativity. I am in love with it. Every Christmas my parents give me and Nicole a nativity. We have gathered quite the collection. At thanksgiving I picked this one to bring home- I told Matt it was because it was the only one I could trust him around, but really its because I think its the cutest thing ever. (Rude wife point). We also have a Fisher-Price Drummer Boy set that I proudly set up under our tree.

Our tree. The colors are teal, red, and gold. I kind of loved it.

It was so fun to have all of these new- ultra-grown- Christmas experiences with Mattski. But it was also very different from what I am used to. We all know how well I handle change. I missed my family so bad- probably the most I have missed them since the dark days of Fall 2006 spent in the basement of A. Richards. Ok that was dramatic, they werent dark, actually looking back they were quite fun. But thats how this silly homesickness stuff goes.

We took Nicole up to the airport Dec 17. And I was uber-grump for the rest of the day. Matt tried to cheer me up with a breakfast burrito (that has NEVER failed) and I ended up crying in Carls Jr. I know, I know. Work that week went by pretty fast- but for some reason I felt the need to explain to my boss that this was the first Christmas I had ever not been home at least by Dec 21. Again, looking back embarrassing and highly unnecessary. I dont want to tell all of the ridiculous things I did that week anymore. I was sad. I wanted to be home. Nuff said.

We did get home and buckled in for a week of fun and excitement.

Christmas eve at the Smith home is usually spent wrapping the presents that dad got for mom. Because mom was done here wrapping weeks ago, and dad says "we do such a nice job". Code for: I dont want to. And we love it. Matt fell right into this tradition. We also had all of our gifts to wrap because of the whole border crossing thing.

Then we went to "Arthurs Christmas" with Pat Kinney... who insisted that we sit on the back row because it had a place for her walker. It was a good one- but mostly I just love Movie Mill popcorn <3 Then we went home and began the chopping for the fondue feast! It was greasy and delicious as ever. Another tradition Matt seemed to become accustom to very quickly. Then we walked (to get the grease out of our system.. ya right) to the church to watch the live nativity. So cold... so worth it. When we got home Nicole graced us with some Christmas songs... and then... her piano duets magically became a production. Matt sang, Nicole played, and I recited the story of Good King Wenceslas. We opened some presents- and all of a sudden found the entire family dressed in matching pajamas. O how it warmed my heart. And then the suggestion comes for a picture of Pops and Matt in their identical PJs in front of the Christmas tree. It is a classic... if I ever get a copy it will be posted on here. After some ridiculous pictures and lots of giggles Matt and I slipped out to our next Christmas celebration. 

 Its 9 pm and my eyes are burning- but there is no time to devote to sleep during such an occasion. 

 We get to Matts house, and Ben meets us at the door. He takes the bag of presents from Matts hand and says "Run to the back door and surprise everyone". Brilliant idea. We run around to the back- I am getting more gitty as the moments pass. We look in the back window and see Matts family busily preparing all sorts of Chinese treats. Ben is right in there... pretending he never saw us. Matt lightly knocks. nothing... a little harder... still nothing. Its windy and cold and this plan was not well thought out. So we walked in- but it was through the back door and not the front so it was still a bit of an adventure. Lots of hugs and happiness, and of course amazing smells coming from the kitchen. Melissa already has her camera out capturing every moment, which I love her for. As the newby I was Joshs head assistant of the pineapple sauce for the won tons. That stuff takes a lot of attention- and young Josh is a master! Before learning Matts Christmas eve tradition I honestly did now know Chinese food could be made in ones kitchen. But let me tell you thats where it belongs because it was SOOO delish. Even on my grease belly. 

 We sat in the living room and all talked for a while. We opened a few presents and everyone said what they were grateful for. (Matts parents had given us each the task of writing 100 things we are thankful for before Christmas eve- and we all got to share one). For some reason, still unknown, this gave my husband the giggles. I think its because he loves Christmas just as much as I do and he had been holding it in for months- it had to come out some how. We chatted late into the night- and I saw for the first time how Sanata does his thing. 

 Christmas morning came early. Very early. We needed to finish Christmas at my house by 10 so we could all make it to the assisted living sacrament where my parents have their calling. We were spoiled! It was a different thing to have 3 people on the couch while opening stalkings rather than just Nicole and I. But Mr. Lowry fit there quite nicely. I love the feeling of everyone there just sharing the love. After we finally make our way through the mountain of gifts...present opening at my house always ends in tears... because we open cards... and the love is just flowin. Matt said our Christmas has a lot more "feelings". And then we begin to devour a stack of pull-aparts. This year with extra carmely sauce. 

 To church we went... where some how Nicole and Matt became part of the program and were at the pulpit singing a duet without one moment of practice. For some reason this gave me the giggles and I couldnt watch.  

Back over to the west side Matt and I went. When we got there everyone was in the living room opening presents. And the happiness begins again! Melissa got Matt and I a Polaroid camera! How cool is that right? Again, this girl is the best present giver ever! Again- we were spoiled. And then Matts mom gets us all set up in front of the fluffiest waffles my eyes have ever seen. Yum. So I might have gained 10 pounds in a week... so what. We spent the afternoon lounging, watching home videos, and I got to see hubs as a young blonde tot- causing chaos. And I may have fallen asleep a bit- whats better than a good ol Christmas nap. I wake up... and its time to eat again.

All of my favorites. Funeral potatoes, ham, YUM. AFter dinner we decided that we would watch some of our family videos too. Grannys feisty trend setting ways are not a new thing. We spent the night watching and playing games and reminiscing... and of course eating.

Overall, a huge success. No wonder why I cry and act a fool when I cant be home with these people having this kind of fun right?! Ok... there is no reason for that. But I have the best 2 families in the world. Who love us and spoil us and who we have so much fun with. To stay in Utah I have to remind myself that if we lived there it wouldnt be Christmas party day in and day out.

Turns out the next day we were exhausted, we didnt step out of the house, and I didnt get dressed. 

Christmas hangover maybe?

Exactly 1 year ago

I dont have problems falling asleep.
Im usually out like a..... light? (I dont love that saying)
Last night it look a minute to fall asleep because my mind was running all over the place.
Usually by the time I get to bed its mushy and just flops in my head waiting for my eyes to close.

So many things have changed in the last year. That sounds cliche and doesn't even do it justice.

Last year at the time I was preparing to make daily treks to Vauxhall Alberta, I was going to be a teacher, I was wondering if my secret high school crush was actually liking me or if it was all in my head (dont worry 1 year ago self- you will officially be his girlfriend tonight), all I wanted was to go to Fiji- or some sort of adventure (Again- dont worry self you will get an adventure much bigger than Fiji), and I was painfully sick of Deathbridge.

This was last year at this time. It was Matts answer to the Preference dance. He wrote a poem- cut in pieces- duct taped it to lilies- wrapped it in tinfoil- and threw it in the snow behind my house. Kind of adorable- kind of exactly what a boy would do. It honestly blows my mind this was a year ago. In some ways I feel like it should be 5 years, and it sometimes feels like it was all just happening.


Its amazing to look back... even a little... and see where your windie, all over the place path actually takes you.

Im as happy as a clam these days.

I am trying to hard to soak it all in- how can things actually get better than this?

Were headed home this weekend for Thanksgiving and Matts uncles wedding. So excited... sad its not for longer... and a little scared. I feel like if we had the weekend with each of our families it wouldn't be enough- but splitting it between both! That's not even fair. I guess it will leave us wanting more at Christmas.

This is a scattered little assortment of thoughts.. I think the brain is turning to mush again.

Positivnessess

So work for the last week has sucked. And will probably most likely suck until the end of the month. And I think to myself... "this is so not fair, why do I spend the majority of my life working for some men whos main focus in life seems to be to intimidate me. I want to be with Matt, going on adventures and having fun being married." And then I thought... "no self. This is real life. And you have to learn how to be happy all through the stages of real life or you will be a grumpy old woman." And so.. a list of happy things that have happened this week. Mostly for myself.

1. Friday night camp out- Matty and I built a fort out of blankets and furniture, watched shows, and ate an incredible amount of candy and muddy buddies.

13. Nicole. Who spent a whole precious "visiting hour" on letting me and husband into her dorm. That girl is truly a hoot.

2. 2 girls nights! Kind of the first time I have left Mr Lowrys side since marriage happened. I have some amazing girls in my life. So fun.

3. My red slip cover that FINALLY got here- After fighting with the Target elves for like a month it finally arrived. The living room is SLOWLY getting cuter.

4. A personal domestic success. I made an apple ring recipe that is my great grandmas. And they were good. Dang good. And I entered the world of bylund-ladiness

5. Our Sunday school class told us that we are funner than their last teachers... I feel bad even putting that. Funner is not the point right? and sunday school is not a place for such competition. I even pretended not to hear it. But inside I smiled. And Matt and I highfived it later.

6. I discovered a "Scents Sational" Factory outlet 2 min from work. You know where I am at lunch. Our ghetto basement is smellin like a fancy bakery these days.

7. Matty made dinner tonight. Dang good dinner. Chicken Enchilada Soup? Ya, yum. Today was his slow day with classes, he made dinner, cleaned, did laundry... he says hes a "very domesticated man". I say I am a lucky lucky girl.

8. Wedding pictures got here!!! Brittany is amazing, they were so fun to look at! And will be in 50 years too!

9. Mountain West Burrito. O MY GOOD HEAVENS. So tasty. If you live in Provo- GO! If you dont live in Provo- COME visit me and we will GO!

10. Matt and I got our "Pass of all Passes" Hello Seven Peaks... ALL. SUMMER. LONG.

11. Sonic Pumpkin Pie Milk Shakes (again... not a food post)I have eaten an unhealthy amount of pumpkin shakes in my day. These might win. Maybe tied with Sammys Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake shake.

12.In Matts Spanish class they sing a spanish song every class. He comes home and sings them while he does homework... cooks... melts my heart.

14. I had to spell out my last name like 3 times for people this week. A life long goal. "Is that L-O-W-R-E-Y?" NO FOO

13. Pintrest.

I feel better. Life is happy. And I can not wait until November....

SURPRISE

I love a surprise. It doesn't even have to be a good one. Any surprise.
And this week was full of some GREAT ones.

I was surprised when....

* I went to work Tuesday morning and found out the Payroll I was in charge of didn't ACTUALLY get paid.

* Boss man surprised me with some super ghetto speakers for my computer so I can "watch some sweet 80s Tiffany music videos"

* I came home from work on Tuesday and Matt is sweating up a storm in the garage trying to fix a bike for me.

AND has flowers for me. Yay for being married for one month.

* The guy that is supposed to be training me came into my office and stole all of my grapes. I loved those grapes.

* I realize that Matt and I can figure out a way to get a Costco cookityourself tortilla into every meal

* I see PUMPKIN SPICE MARSHMALLOWS. I love all things pumpkin. This was a special surprise.

* I get THIS in the mail.

How did Melissa know its been a life long dream of mine to receive a telegram... I am not sure. She knows about all of the cool hidden things you wish you knew about. It was not only super cool to get one.... it had some really sweet words in it too. This was a super great surprise.

* Matt and I search for Tomatillos at 3 grocery stores. Who sells out of those things? I don't know what they are used for other than Cafe Rio salad dressing....

*When Matt and I received a calling at church. That was a big surprise.

*That I have had to have spell check remind me how to spell surprise every time I have tried to type it on this post.... not a huge surprise.


Also.. Im a little embarrassed that I blogged about a melon. Sorry about that one.