Oh Bobus!

Going Red for Romney!

2011-10-06T17:55:00.000-06:00

Last Friday I stood at the base of the Maeser Steps at Brigham Young University and had people sign posters for Mitt Romney and sold bumper stickers and buttons. I stayed there from 10:30 to 1:30 and found my feet terribly sunburnt...hopefully we can turn some states red, just like my feet!

...Forgetting

2011-10-02T23:53:00.001-06:00

Forgetting is an interesting part of life. Sometimes we forget keys, wallets, or chap stick, other times we forget dentist appointments, grocery shopping, or doing laundry, and then there are the times we forget birthdays, names, and friends. This last category is what I would like to focus on tonight.

Why do we forget?
I think there is something fundamental in forgetting. I think some things we choose to forget, or choose not to remember. Names are a big area I have been working on lately. It isn't for any social responsibility issue, but more of a selfish one. I feel awkward when I don't remember a name, so I need to be remember names so I don't feel awkward. Is that it? Or do I really care about the person enough to learn what they are called? Why is easier to remember "important" people's names? I would make the argument that, most of the time, we choose not to remember a name because it is not important enough for us to remember. We may never see that person again, we aren't really interested in getting to know that person, or maybe we just don't care what that person's name is.

This week a good friend of mine forgot some simple thing. I made fun of him and told him that he should learn how to remember things better. I told him he purposely forgot that simple thing and that he needed to pay better attention to his friends, because it is a choice not to remember. A couple of days later a friend of mine asked me to remember her when I did fun things because it is hard to see all of her friends having fun and she isn't invited. How did I forget them? How could I forget essential people?Tonight I was reminded by a friend that I had forgotten her. Not just once, but multiple times. I felt my words come back to sting me. Had I purposely forgotten? Had I chosen not to remember? Not only did I forget this person in the instances, but I also "forgot" that it had even happened. I even had some lame excuses for forgetting. Did I really forget if these rationalizations were a fresh offering for my defense? Being reminded that you forgot someone for the second time is awkward, and that's were the selfish in all of this comes out in me again. Am I sad because I felt awkward, or am I sad because I have genuinely forgotten a friend. Can I be called a friend?

Who do I forget?
I think during this first month of school I have forgotten my family. I don't really update them, I don't call, do I even care. I know I do, but am I choosing not to remember to do these things? How busy can life be really? I have friends in Arizona that almost cease to exist when I am in Utah. Is "out of sight, out of mind" really a reason to forget someone? How could I forget? How could I forget a person, a human being, a friend? Why?

In Alma 46:8 it says, "Thus we see how quick the children of men do forget the Lord their God, yea, how quick to do iniquity, and to be led away by the evil one." How do I forget God. Why does it happen?

I think you remember the things that are the desire of your heart. For example, right now I could tell you who the Diamondbacks are playing, I could tell you many birthdays, I could recite scripture, I could give you a rundown of my schedule and what tests and homework I have due this week. I don't know If I could tell you what promises I have made today. What have I told my friends I would remember to do for them. What types of verbal contracts have I been flippant about, and why was I so adamant about them even when I know I won't even remember them?

When is forgetting good?
I would hate it if I remembered every time I had messed up. That would be horrible. Those are good things to forget. But should I forget the pain I had because of messing up in order to prevent me form repeating the mistake? Maybe. There are somethings I wish I could forget. Some things that I would love to be erased from my memory. That would be a good thing to forget. When my family and friends slip up, that is a good thing to forget. Sometimes forgetting is good. We should forget the things in our lives that are bad, hold onto the good, and try to remember the best. I hope my friends will be generous enough to me to give me the gift of, well...forgetting.

Mary Anne

2011-06-23T14:44:00.000-06:00

My sister is putting her papers in to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Isn't her picture great?! I am really excited and nervous for her and I just can't wait to here where she will be serving for 18 months. We've always been pretty close, but I daresay our relationship will most likely become even better while she is away. I've had some time lately to reflect on my mission and what it means to me. I know her mission will mean everything to her and I can't wait to watch as she learns and grows.

Today is also special because today Jimmer Fredette's dreams of playing in the NBA will be realized. I can't wait to see where he will be playing. If I had it my way, it would be the Suns, but I'm sure he'd love to play in Madison Square Garden with his Knicks...we shall see.

Trees

2010-10-12T19:42:00.000-06:00

Today I enjoyed a "Tree Tour" presented by the BYU Geography Club. It was fascinating. I learned that there are a variety of trees on campus worth looking at. I also learned that a Professor from the University of Utah cut down the oldest living tree known in the world on accident.

My favorite tree was this Gingko Tree. I loved the texture of the leaves, the height, and the color. I think it was my favorite tree of the tour. This tree is just outside the Heber J. Grant building, more commonly known as the Testing Center. If you want to plant this tree near your home, be sure to plant the male, because the female produces a fruit that smells really really bad. There are some female Gingko Trees in front of the Maeser Building.

It was really cool to see the trees that are referred to in the Old Testament as the Cedars of Lebanon. These trees are really symbolic in the Middle East and even appear on the Lebanese Flag. This tree is just south of the David O. McKay Building.

I also saw a leaf bug.

After the tour we had hot chocolate and cookies and talked about geography. We had a pretty long conversation before I had to reveal that I am not a geography major at all. They said I could still join their club if I wanted. They do have a pretty cool T-Shirt, and they have some cool activities coming up (ie Camping, Show shoe hike, not to mention this tree tour).

If you want to go on a Tree Tour at BYU, you can buy a guide in the BYU Bookstore for $2.50. I think I'll do it for a date sometime (If I can find a girl nerdy enough to go with me).

A New Semester and New Friends.

2010-09-06T18:21:00.002-06:00

New Roomate

I have a new roommate. His name is Ryan Boyce. He is from St. George, UT. He is majoring in Civil Engineering. He's a cool kid. My other roommate is still Oscar.

New Ward Members

There are a many new people in the BYU 150th Ward. The odds are good. There are two girls to every guy, but I guess that's normal at the Y. There are a bunch of awesome people and I'm excited to get to know them all.

Marathon Update

My brother, Neil, and I tried to run 20 miles on Saturday. That is to say, I tried and Neil succeeded. I didn't hydrate myself properly and had some problems. But I'm ok don't worry. The Marathon is in two weeks in Logan, UT. I am really excited. I'm planning on doing a triathlon in Casa Grande, AZ in early November.

I am extremely jealous of all of the BYU students who get to go to school right now. I miss school so much. However I think it's important to be patient and enjoy the present. As one of my favorite movies, Kung Fu Panda, says, "You are too concerned about what was and what will be. There is a saying: yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the 'present.'" There is a good talk by Elder Neal A. Maxwell that my good friend and former seminary teacher, Murlin Larson, showed to me entitled, "Content with the things allotted to us." It is worth the read.

The Dawn of Operation New Dawn

2010-09-02T09:58:00.000-06:00

I remember when this started in March 2003. I have a pretty exciting journal entry from when I was just 13. I'm so glad we will be out of there in the next year. I thought it was going to be like Japan where we keep a base there forever.

The Great Brain

2010-07-26T19:56:00.001-06:00

The Great Brain by John D. Fitzgerald
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is one of the best books I have ever read. I think it has always influenced the way I think. I can see myself in the youngest brother character, very gullible, and always learning from my best friend, my older brother. I had forgotten how this book ended. The great brain reforms by not taking payment when he teaches "Peg Leg" Andy how to be useful again. This book will be on my kids' bookshelf.

View all my reviews >>

George Washington: The Founding Father

2010-07-24T14:51:00.002-06:00

George Washington: The Founding Father by Paul Johnson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book. It is a good overall look at our first President and Father of our Country. He was a great man who had many talents. His interest in the war came out of his love for farming and land. After the war he denied a crown and rode back to his Mount Vernon, one of the most peaceful places I've ever been.

View all my reviews >>

Presidents and Prophets

2010-07-02T16:10:00.002-06:00

Presidents & Prophets. The Story of America's Presidents and the LDS Church by Michael K. Winder

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a great book. Each Presidential Administration is covered. I really enjoyed reading it.

Some cool things I learned...

When they did President George Washington's Temple Work, the ordained him as a High Priest, where they normally ordain the dead to be Elders.

President Hinckley gave President Clinton a copy of "The Family: A Proclamation to the World" the very same day that Monica Lewinsky began working in the White House and two days before their relationship began. Talk about timely.

I learned that a lot of what I think about the different Presidents comes from how the Church as a whole viewed the President. I found out why I have bias against Presidents such as Fillmore, Jackson, and Van Buren. The relationship between the government and the church has, and will continue to be, fascinating to me.

View all my reviews >>

Cool Video from Bruce

2010-06-21T21:47:00.004-06:00

Click Here

Maren & Hannah!

2010-06-07T22:15:00.004-06:00

Check out this video of Maren & Hannah! Don't worry...It's on private, you can only view this if you have the link.

The Gila Valley Arizona Temple

2010-05-30T22:57:00.002-06:00

I can't believe how quickly it all happened. We now have a Temple in the Gila Valley. I went down about two weeks ago to go through the open house and watched the dedication in Kingman on my way back from California. I am so grateful for this wonderful blessing.

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

2010-04-22T13:27:00.000-06:00

I have decided to support John McCain in the election this Fall. He is a good person and I think he has represented Arizona well. Jon Kyl and Mitt Romney, two political figures who I trust, support Senator McCain. Register to vote, Don't forget to vote, and vote for John McCain.

I still haven't decided who to vote for in the gubernatorial election.

At the Zoo

2010-03-18T10:18:00.000-06:00

Yesterday, Neil, Michelle, Jackson, Haley, My dad, and I went to the Hogle Zoo in Salt Lake City Utah. We had a great day. My favorite was the huge ape from Borneo. I don't have a picture of him.

We don't look excited in this picture, but I think that is because we were all in awe of the huge elephants we were looking at. Haley was pretty attached to her blanket for the whole visit.

I hate snakes. I braved the Reptile and Small Animals attraction. I had to take a picture to prove that I had the guts. Just after I took this picture, Haley grabbed my hand and I jumped and moved my hand away really fast. Her little hand felt like a snake to me. So, I wasn't that brave and I still haven't overcome that fear.

Giraffes are always one of my favorites.

These porcupines were huge.

(Photos courtesy of my Dad's iPhone)

The Great California Road Trip Part 1

2009-08-24T10:53:00.001-06:00

We set off from Provo on Thursday. It took a long time to get out of Utah. We passed through the salt flats. If you looked at a map of the Dwight D. Eisenhower freeway (I-80) you would see that it is completely straight and boring. We passed the time by listening to music and learning Russian. We slept at Lee and Becky Shumway's house in Elko, Nevada. This picture was taken there.

After traveling across the state of Nevada, we stopped at the Reno Nevada Temple. It is one of the smaller temples. The view of Reno from the hill the temple is on is awesome.

Visiting Nevada reminded me of watching Bonanza when I was little we passed Virginia City, Carson City...and we probably drove through the Ponderosa, as well.

I'm trying to get a picture with all 50 state capitols. Here is Nevada's state capitol in Carson City.
There is the awesome Silver dome...for the Silver State.

Goodbye

2009-08-05T11:01:00.000-06:00

This week I have said goodbye to two things in my life. The first was a beehive outside of my roommate's window. He cherished the bee home, watching it grow and mature into something huge. I didn't even know it was there until the man with the shovel came a-knocking on our door. I let him in and he did his job. Goodbye beehive.

The other thing I must say goodbye to are Winifred's (my iPod) ear phones. They died today. Only the right ear bud works. That's ok though because I wont need any for two years. It just saddens me to see my poor Winifred loose her hearing. She has been through a lot. She has even been raised from the dead a couple of times. She is doing well, but her hearing is gone.

In Memory of Winifred's Earphones: 2003-2009.

Summer Update II

2009-07-30T15:26:00.001-06:00

Bryan and I visited the Bountiful Utah Temple.

A beautiful sunset over the Great Salt Lake.

Bryan and I visited the gravesite of our ancestor Lot Smith in Farmington, Utah.

Bethany's yummy Fourth of July Cake.

Ian and I at Stadium of Fire.

Neil and the grandkids.

I got my Mission Call! I have been called to serve in the Ukraine Donetsk Mission, Russian speaking. I report to the MTC on October 7.

My New Blog

2009-06-24T10:40:00.000-06:00

I made a new blog for my Communications 101 class. The topic that our group chose was the future of newspapers. We get extra credit if people visit and comment. Feel free to look at it any time. If it's not interesting to you don't bother. I would love to hear about how we can make the blog better thanks.

http://whataboutnewspapers.blogspot.com

Back To School!

2009-06-22T19:55:00.000-06:00

Last night I almost fell asleep without preforming a ritual I have enjoyed since the night before my first day of Kindergarten, setting out my clothes for a new school year. Do not worry. I remembered. I had such a hard time sleeping last night because I was so excited to get to school. Have you ever had that feeling that you were in the right place, at the right time, doing the right thing. This is how I felt today. My professors are perfect for me and my schedule is exact. I have had this blessing the whole time I have been here at BYU. It ceases to amaze me. I selected a seat in the front row of my communications class and glanced over at the desk next to me to see a girl writing in an Eastern Arizona College planner. Her name is Kerri Lunt and she has been on a date with Bryan and knows Mary Anne. It's a small world.

On the Daily Show with Jon Stewart

2009-06-16T18:11:00.000-06:00

00:47 I'm the second page from the back on the Republican side. (The right side).

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart

Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c

Headlines - Flag Hags

thedailyshow.com

Daily Show
Full Episodes

Political Humor

Jason Jones in Iran

My Five Minutes at the MTC

2009-06-13T09:08:00.001-06:00

Last Wednesday, my friends Liz, Kylie, and I went to the Missionary Training Center in Provo, UT to see my old roommate Elder Jarrod call of on his mission to the Colorado Denver South Mission.

The night before I was able to see my friend and old neighbor, Elder Brandon Langford (Fort Lauderdale Florida Spanish Speaking).

It was a miracle that we were able to see him at all. Because of the recent flu outbreak in the MTC, nobody who is not a missionary, or a member of MTC personnel is allowed inside the gate. Parents are asked to drop their Missionaries off at the curb. We didn't know how we were going to be able to see Elder Call because his Airport Shuttle was going to go in through the gate and drop him off on the curb. We walked up to the MTC and asked where the airport shuttles went. The guy said we could not go in unless we had a Missionary with us. I asked him what the airport shuttles looked like. He pointed to a blue shuttle, and as he did, we saw Elder Call waving to us from his place in the back seat.

We got permission to walk alongside the shuttle to meet Elder Call. On our way we saw a Missionary that lived in my BYU Housing complex last year named Elder Deep (Atlanta Georgia). We talked to Elder Call for about a minute, took pictures, and said goodbye. We began a fast paced walk back to the outside world because people looked at us weird like we were disobeying rules. On our way out I heard a voice yell "VANCE BRYCE!" I jerked my head around to see my old Elders Quorum President, Elder Jon Uland (Las Vegas Nevada South, Spanish speaking). I moved my head again and saw my old roommate Elder McKay Ward (Manila Philippines Mission Tagalog speaking).

Just across the exit I saw Elder Dustin Paris, who has been in the MTC for awhile, running with his district. I yelled out to him, but I don't think he saw me. He will be in the same mission as Elder Ward.

I had an awesome experience at the MTC and I can't wait to go on my mission.

Review: The Impresario

2009-06-11T21:57:00.000-06:00

The second opera, The Impresario, by Mozart, was less impressive. I tried to view the opera, which was a comedy, fairly because I had just watched the serious play below. The issue I had with it was the plot. It was pretty blah, but good for a comedy. I am afraid I cannot be objective because of Suor Angelica. I really enjoyed the music.

Review: Suor Angelica

2009-06-11T21:42:00.000-06:00

I went to an double feature tonight. The first of which was Suor Angelica by Giacomo Puccini. The story is about a nun who was sent to the convent as punishment for having a child out of wedlock. All is well at the convent but there seems to always be a dark theme of death for the mood. They are having a celebration. That night, a elegant carriage drives up to the convent. Sister Angelica's aunt, who is a princess, asks her to sign a paper signing over her dowry and all inheritances to her sister who is getting married. Because she hasn't seen any family for seven years she asks about her son. Her Aunt informs her that her has been dead for two years.

I thought that this was a defining moment of the opera. The lady playing the part, Rachel Willis-Sorensen, gave an amazing emotional performance. Five Stars. The second defining moment happens when she is praying the the Mother Mary because after trying to kill herself with poison and realizing that suicide damns you. She has a vision where the Mother Mary blesses her and her little boy, dressed in white, joins her.

*I also enjoyed the BYUesqueness of the opera. The lady who acted The Monitor, or leader of the nuns, was pregnant. The "bible" she was holding was actually a book of LDS Hymns, and the little boy was wearing baptism clothing. Awesome

The performance does not receive five stars only because the scenery and ambiance was lacking. However Sorensen does get best Actress.

A Tribute to Kellie and Logan

2009-06-05T11:18:00.001-06:00

Logan left on his mission to the Bucharest Romania Mission this last Wednesday. Since the time that I said goodbye for two years, I have thought back on all of the good times we have had.

When we graduated high school everybody told us that high school friendships do not last. They said that you forget those people and move on to other friends. They said we would not be friends for long. They were wrong.

Where did this friendship start? How do people involve themselves enough in people’s lives to become family?

I met Kellie Taylor in 5th Grade. We met in Orchestra, where we both decided that it was not worth our time. We were acquaintances until 7th Grade when we shared the back table in Mrs. Powell’s Live Management Class. We began people watching. This pastime has never stopped and is one of our favorite activities. There are so many weird, cool people in the world; all you have to do is look. Kellie taught me to be tolerant of different people. This tolerance would grow into respect for differences in culture and ideas. From this point on Kellie and I were friends. I do not know how you assign a border between friends, good friends, and best friends, but this all happened in high school. We were weird kids…

We talked about philosophy, politics, religion, history, and food. We worked hard in student council, classes, seminary, spirit line, and the crazy social scene. Between the two of us we were members of every club on campus. We started college classes early. There was only one problem during those early years. The friends we had chosen were not friends at all. Kellie’s group was too cliquey. My group was too shallow. I can mark one moment in high school when I could begin calling Kellie my very best friend. It was Thursday night of homecoming week 2006. We were sitting in her white suburban in the Thatcher High School parking lot. Teenagers usually sit in parking lots, but this was very different. She told me about her parents. They were going to get a divorce. She was angry, emotional, and scared. We both cried over this situation. I can safely say that 2006 was one of the hardest years of my life. My sister Mary Anne and all of her friends graduated, leaving me alone in high school, with no really good friends. Good thing there was Kellie. Our friend Stephanie Udall passed away that Christmas. The woman who Kellie babysat for committed suicide with her toddler. It was a hard time. Then a ray of sunshine…

Logan entered my life the summer before our senior year. It was not a graceful entrance. I was jealous of him because Kellie and him spent so much time together. Kellie was interested in somebody that had lived in Italy for two years, spoke Italian, and had seen the world. Kellie soon asked me to take Logan camping with my guy friends and me. I admit I was hesitant. He seemed like he was kind of a city boy. He brought his Italian friend. I was surprised to see that Logan jumped at every opportunity to have fun while we were camping. When asked if he wanted to go hike Red Knolls, he went, when asked to stay behind with me and look at the stars, he stayed, when asked to help make homemade root beer, he helped, and cleaned the stuff.

This is a pattern that Logan followed and still follows throughout our friendship. When asked to go to a movie, he goes, when asked to build a cardboard death star at 2 in the morning in the high school, or be the voice for the evil emperor, or play Chewbacca at the last second, or confront some friends about their behavior, or build four sheds during spring break for an Eagle project, or go camping in the snow, or change his plans to move to Utah and be my roommate…he does it.

Our Senior year was difficult. I was the Student Body President, Kellie was the FBLA President, and Logan did everything we asked of him. Our social life with other people was lacking. We had too many inside jokes that we displayed in front of too many people. We were tired of the establishment and of high school in general. I can remember one day clearly. Kellie had been accused of writing terrible hate mail to our student body president (me…somehow this is illogical :) ) I was receiving letters that really hurt. I stopped reading them. My principal was on the war path to find out who did it and people got hurt in the process. Including Kellie. Logan and Kellie had ordered Pizza to one of their classes, when the pizza did not come, they decided to go pick it up. Sometime during this drive Kellie’s white suburban got in accident with another vehicle, her brother’s parked truck. Kellie and Logan told me they were so upset and angry that they were laughing…that is what this friendship does…we laugh…at everything…awkward, stupid, dangerous, scandalous, serious…yes…everything. When they returned to the high school, the pizza they had previously ordered was waiting in the front office…so they had twice as much pizza and paid for both. Later that day, it was a Thursday…(interesting that our friendship defining moments both happened on Thursday, Kellie and I’s favorite day of the week)…Logan and I decided to make some cookies for Kellie in our Gourmet Cooking class (I told you we were weird). We made her sugar cookies with black frosting and big frowny faces. (I don’t expect you to get our humor). Somehow we made it through high school to the second most happy day of our lives…graduation.

Look. We are so happy. We all knew that we would have to go our separate ways. Logan went to EAC, Kellie to ASU, and I to BYU. It was difficult but doable. I made new friends and kept in contact with Logan and Kellie.

I convinced Logan to apply to BYU and come to Provo to be my roommate. We had an awesome semester. There was a problem, though; we had left Kellie all alone in Tempe.

We kept in contact, but it was not the same. Kellie made new friends and tried new things. During this period, the happiest day of our lives occurred. Kellie was baptized (by Logan) and confirmed (by me) a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Kellie was able to investigate the Gospel at her own speed, without Logan or I looking over her shoulder. It was such an awesome day.

When Logan and I got back from BYU and Kellie from ASU, we had a long talk at my house…so long that we got to see the sunrise and eat at Denny’s for breakfast. We are good friends and will always remain good friends. Logan is now in the swine flu infested Missionary Training Center, Kellie is working hard in Calculus II at ASU (oooo that rhymes), and I am at BYU awaiting my mission call.

There will be tough times ahead. But I know that through my testimony of my Savior Jesus Christ, my family, and my two best friends, Logan and Kellie, Life will go on, Life will be challenging, Life will be good.

A voice of Reason

2009-06-04T10:12:00.000-06:00

The Salsa Trail Express

2009-05-28T11:35:00.000-06:00

ALLLL ABOAAAAAARD!

2009-05-28T11:30:00.000-06:00

Mary Anne, Mom, Dad, and I went on the "Salsa Trail Express." The train went from Safford to Pima. We had a great time. Dad was the guest conductor.

BYU California Trip (April 24-28)

2009-05-28T11:09:00.000-06:00

Some of my friends from BYU and I went to California after school this year. We Camped at Carlsbad State Beach, visited three temples, and went to Six Flags.

We had a good time!

San Diego California Temple

Newport Beach California Temple (thanks Jarrod)

Tasia, Jarrod, Me, Michaela, Logan,

Logan, Kylie, and Jimmy.

Los Angeles California Temple

Kylie, Logan, Michaela, Jimmy, Jarrod, Me, Tasia, and Brandon

The Los Angeles Temple is HUGE. I couldn't believe it.

Vance

2009-05-09T21:09:00.001-06:00

Braden

2009-04-10T09:55:00.001-06:00

My nephew Braden is the most chill baby around. He can sit through entire funerals and sacrament meetings without making a peep.

I got to hang out with him and my brother Bruce and my sister-in-law Brandi for a little bit on my trip to Arizona.

I was trying to take a picture, but took a movie instead...It was an ok mistake.

Kellie's Baptism

2009-04-10T09:50:00.000-06:00

What a wonderful day in the life of Kellie Marie Taylor. I had such a great time coming to Arizona a couple of weekends ago. Congratulations Kellie!

Vance Bryce: Dancer Extrodinaire

2009-03-26T21:40:00.000-06:00

I danced with my Social Dance teacher today for my medal exams. I received a Bronze Medal for American Dance. I got a 92 on Foxtrot and a 91 on ChaCha. Eleanor Roosevelt said "Do one thing everyday that scares you." When I started my exam, I was terrified and I didn't feel like I did very good...You can see in the movie I look pretty stiff and not very entertaining...but I did really well. The dance classes a BYU are really fun.

Sunday Dinner At Jeff and Jenn's

2009-03-26T21:25:00.001-06:00

Salt Lake City Cemetery and Bountiful

2009-03-26T21:04:00.000-06:00

Last weekend my roommates Jarrod and Logan and my friends Michaela and Kristan went to Salt Lake to see the graves of the prophets. We also went to the Utah State Capitol. We went to Kristan's house after to have dinner and see the Bountiful Utah Temple.

Jarrod is a descendant of Brigham Young

It's sorta kinda turing into spring here....however, today was muy frio.

Thanks to Logan for this picture.

Draper Utah Temple Cornerstone Ceremony

2009-03-23T16:24:00.001-06:00

Three friends from my ward, Tegan, Brandon, Kristan, and I went to the cornerstone ceremony for the Draper Utah Temple last Friday. It was awesome.

MISSION CALL

2009-02-08T11:00:00.000-07:00

McKay Kennard Ward has been called to serve in the Manilla, Philippines Mission. He will speak Tagalog. He leaves in June.

Ebelskiver Party

2009-02-08T10:58:00.000-07:00

My Roommate Jimmy leaned how to make ebelskivers on his mission in wisconsin.

Ice Skating!

2009-01-24T14:33:00.001-07:00

Logan Clonts, Katherine Welch, Tegan Gibelou, and I went ice skating at Peaks Ice Arena in Provo. After that we watched Madagascar 2 and played Clue.

My date, Tegan.

...and Tegan trying to show off for the camera.

WOO HOO! Special Delivery from Kellie

2009-01-22T23:19:00.000-07:00

Yummy chocolates for Logan, Bryan, and Vance.

Logan, eagerly opening the special delivery.

Thanks Kellie Marie!

Salt Lake Trip

2009-01-19T13:10:00.000-07:00

Dallin and I got Jazz tickets from his uncle on the 6th row of the Energy Solutions Arena!

Awesome close!

We went to Body World and stayed for three and a half hours.

DGK All Day!

2008-11-12T21:49:00.000-07:00

Today Dallin and I met Davis at the MTC before he put on the tag. It was really cool to see someone enter the MTC. I can't wait!

The Cookie Kids and the Rotten Lime

2008-10-01T11:00:00.001-06:00

My roommate Jarrod and "Sister," Katelyn humored me by eating some cookies I made. My roommate found a nasty fuzzy lime in his cupboard, yes the same one he tried to fit in.

Cleaning the Kitchen and Trying to fit in the cupboard

2008-10-01T10:34:00.000-06:00

Fall Semester 2008!

2008-10-01T10:29:00.000-06:00

Dallin and I at the first Football Game. BYU is ranked 7th or 8th in the nation depending on who you ask. My apartment follows them pretty close.

That day was so hot... The Laser Sun in Provo baked my skin.

I still keep to tradition...school is going great!

Getting Involved

2008-09-18T17:55:00.000-06:00

I have decided to join a couple of the groups here on Campus. One of them Is BYUSA, which is the student organization. The other one is the BYU service organization known as Y Serve. These activities are helping me keep sane from my classes and I am having a great time!

Masquerade

2008-07-20T21:51:00.001-06:00

I went on a date on Saturday. The BYU Housing association held a semi formal dance. They had food for us, a dance, and even limo rides...all for free! I asked Erin Platt. She is from Texas and in my FHE group. As you can tell from the pictures...it was a blast!

They had supplies for us to make masks...mine is pretty wild.

(L-R) Hannah (from Montana), Kristian, Ashley, Layne, Erin, and I.

The same people above plus David, and Ryse Jo Nordstrom in front of the limo.

Cleaning Checks

2008-07-20T21:47:00.000-06:00

Last week we had a cleaning check for our apartment. We did a really good job and did not have to do any of our jobs over again. The pictures are of my very clean fridge.

The Amazing, the one and only, TUCKER BROWN!

2008-07-13T21:40:00.001-06:00

Last Monday, my good friend Tucker Brown and his sister, Darian (sorry if I spelled it wrong because I know I did), and I went to iHOP (I had to add the little apple logo type i on :) and last Friday I watched them in their AMAZING Young Ambassadors Singing Entertainers concert. Thanks Tucker!

Roommate Fun

2008-07-13T21:32:00.000-06:00

WALL E

2008-07-06T22:48:00.001-06:00

I was lucky enough to go on a date last Saturday with a girl in my FHE group. Her name is Sharrisa Thayer. She is from Oregon and she is majoring in nursing. She is cool because she is not one of those girls jumping into nursing for the quick bucks, she really wants to be an OB Nurse.

If you have not seen WALL E yet, do it, its worth it.

Here is a random story. On my date I ran into some floss that was code named "Dental Tape!" Oh but it gets better. There was 50 YARDS OF TAPE in the container. That is half of a football field of floss. I thought that was amazing. Only in Utah...

The DI Bin

2008-07-05T16:29:00.000-06:00

Hooray for the DI Bin! I got this awesome Ronald Reagan Book!

Getting Ready for School

2008-07-05T16:27:00.000-06:00

This picture is proof that I still know how to get ready for school. I have kept with tradition for 13 years now! I even went outside to look at the moon.

BYU Beginnings

2008-07-05T16:10:00.000-06:00

Here is my kitchen and my roommate David Boudreau.

Here is my Dorm Room and my cool roommate President Ian Baenziger (Elder's Quorum Pres.)

This is the view from my window...i can see the "Y" every time I look out.

BYU

2008-06-22T15:04:00.001-06:00

I am starting classes at BYU tomorrow. BYU here I come!

Graduation!

2008-06-22T14:59:00.000-06:00

This is Davis Kempton and I. Davis is a good friend and he was my Vice President in Student Body.

I graduated on May 23!

San Diego

2008-05-11T17:31:00.000-06:00

I am back from San Diego. What a trip! My brother and I went around Balboa Park in San Diego into the Aerospace Museum, Art Museum, Botanical Gardens, and we even got to see a street magician!

CALIFONIA!

2008-05-06T18:21:00.000-06:00

I'M GOING TO CALIFORNIA!

Chariots of Fire

2008-03-15T17:26:00.000-06:00

This is one of the greatest movies ever made. It has a great message, its based on a true story, it is motivating, and the hero is Scottish. What more could anyone ask?

2008-03-15T17:24:00.001-06:00

~A Quote~

2008-03-15T17:21:00.000-06:00

You came to see a race today. To see someone win. It happened to be me. But I want you to do more than just watch a race. I want you to take part in it. I want to compare faith to running in a race. It's hard. It requires concentration of will, energy of soul. You experience elation when the winner breaks the tape - especially if you've got a bet on it. But how long does that last? You go home. Maybe you're dinner's burnt. Maybe you haven't got a job. So who am I to say, "Believe, have faith," in the face of life's realities? I would like to give you something more permanent, but I can only point the way. I have no formula for winning the race. Everyone runs in her own way, or his own way. And where does the power come from, to see the race to its end? From within.

Chariots of Fire(1981)

Friends

2008-03-15T17:09:00.001-06:00

I have really good friends. Friends are people you can tell anything, spend a bunch of time with, and with which you can talk for hours.

Spirit Week Video by Dallin Green

2008-03-09T22:18:00.000-06:00

2008-03-09T22:12:00.000-06:00

Last week was spirit week at the high school. We dressed up and had activities. It was pretty fun.

Monday: Cowboy Day

Tuesday: Beach Day-I wore a wet suit :)

Wednesday: Halloween Day-I was a mac genius.

Thursday: Bling Bling Day-I could not find a thing.

Friday: Green and White day

We played a Faculty Student Basketball game and Jacob's Ladder.

I was a pretty dang good cowboy. I borrowed a belt buckle, hat, and boots from my dad...just all the cowboy stuff.

2008-03-04T22:47:00.001-07:00

Bethany had her baby boy on Sunday night! His name is Luke. He weighed 9lbs, 1 oz! crazy! I cannot believe that he was inside of her...pictures to come!

Maren & Celiese

2008-03-01T22:06:00.000-07:00

2008-02-27T22:20:00.001-07:00

So I havn't written for awhile on my new blog. It has been a crazy year so far. I got accepted to BYU, that was pretty cool. I am still wondering if it was an accident. I have been recieving hate letters from somebody in my high school and Mr. Nelson, my principal, has turned into a CSI agent to try to catch them. I, however, have forgiven the person and am truly more concerned about them than what they wrote in the letter. I have been applying for countless scholarships which I think is pretty fun. What can I say, I love to brag about myself. Dallin Christensen is going to be my roomate this fall, no word on who for this summer. I am taking five classes at the high school and 12 credits at EAC. This is the main reason I have not been blogging. Bryan and I are taking College Algebra from Mr. Orr and World of Music from Mr. Alvarez. These classes are both a really good time. I love my classes at EAC because I learn! High school is simply a waste of electricity at this point. I do not have Senioritis or anything...they just will not teach me. Having Mrs. Woodward again has been the pits. (Mrs. Woodward if you read this I love you but your teaching style and my learning style just do not relate.) This year is flying. I can't believe it is almost March! By May I need to get straight A's, keep straightening my teeth, earn my eagle, earn my duty to God, Big 100, Hinckley Award (Now Seminary Letter), and apply for a bunch of scholarships! Thank you to all of you people who support me and love me. Crazy days! Hopefully I blog again soon!

2008-02-08T03:16:00.001-07:00

Dallin Green's Movie

2007-12-06T17:18:00.000-07:00

Dallin made this movie for Homecoming this year. He did a really good job, just see for yourself!

Mitt Romney: Politics and Faith, George H.W. Bush Presidential Library

2007-12-06T16:37:00.000-07:00

Central Ward Super Activity

2007-09-19T23:03:00.001-06:00

THS Highlights September 14, 2007

2007-09-19T22:40:00.001-06:00

Mitt Romney On Healthcare

2007-09-19T21:58:00.000-06:00

Mitt Romney

2007-09-19T21:56:00.001-06:00

Teen Miss South Carolina: Geography in the U.S. America

2007-09-19T21:45:00.000-06:00

This is SURELY cool!

2007-09-19T21:44:00.000-06:00

Mr. Cramer's Plaque

2007-09-19T21:38:00.000-06:00

Mr. Cramer Receiving his plaque and the student body officers and I getting sworn in!
His Plaque was really a clock and it said "Mr. Cramer, thanks for the time, From the class of 2008."

Goodbye Mr. Cramer

2007-05-22T22:31:00.000-06:00

Today my friends and I sprayed silly string all over our U.S. History Teacher. He going to retire after this year. Tomorrow I am going to present him with a plaque.