David, Emily, and Emilia Cazier

There’s a new cook in the kitchen!!

2011-10-05T23:18:00.002-06:00

Well maybe not an entirely new cook but we now have the assistance of Miss Emilia Rebecca these days! Our sweet angel is 8 months and 9 days old! She loves emptying cupboards of their contents ensuring that I, as head chef, know exactly how many plastic bowls, lids, and spatulas are kept on the lower shelves. I can’t believe how quickly time has swept by. In the last two months, Emilia cut two teeth, learned how to crawl, has started jabbering frequently, and likes to hold our fingers as she strides across the room. As mentioned above, she is also extremely talented at emptying anything of its contents (diaper bags, baskets, drawers, etc) and spreading those items throughout the room. Personally, I think she delights in watching me pick them up twenty times. Just today she also started standing on her own without any help!!! Our menu at the Cazier household is also going through a drastic change as we have begun the joys of baby food!

We are currently considering the transfer of our kitchen to a new area in the world. David is working on his last semester of school (until the Masters). He is a resource teacher doing his student teaching this semester at a middle school. After this semester he graduates and we will be transferring our kitchen to a new place of employment. The spice in this recipe: not knowing just where the new location will be. The icing on the cake: we won’t know until the beginning of November at the earliest and we will need to move by the early to middle of December. The actual cake: there is no doubt that we will have a job. Even with this spice and icing, this cake is going to be delicious. We will greatly miss Logan and our friends here, but we are ready to start our next recipe!

I love being the cook in the kitchen! It’s so wonderful to be at home with Emilia. I love experiencing life with her and I love being the wife of such a magnificent man. As my sister and I grew up, we played house. We played “mommy” and we dreamed of the day we would one day be mothers and wives. We dreamed of the day when we would be the executive chefs in our kitchens. I am living my dream and so grateful for it. My favorite kitchen to cook in includes an adorable baby girl pulling herself up on my legs with a grin on her face as she looks up at me. It includes a handsome hard-working man walking through the door to tell me that I look beautiful even when I don’t. It includes a smile on my face that no one and nothing else could have ever put there.

I am grateful for the new cook in our kitchen and I’m grateful for the taste tester we already had on staff (David). They both make our kitchen home.

The Power of The Priesthood

2011-02-16T14:11:00.002-07:00

When Dave’s parents arrived at the hospital, Dave and Papa Kem gave me a blessing. I don’t remember much of what was said in the blessing except for a part that talked about the power of the priesthood. I remember being told that my appreciation for the priesthood would grow with this experience and that I would realize what a great power it had.

Four hours after giving birth to our precious daughter and watching her be whisked away from me, I found out that all was not well. Because I had preeclampsia, the doctors and nurses didn’t tell me what was happening with Emilia in fear that it would further raise my blood pressure. Dave was instructed to keep quiet as well and I was therefore unaware of the peril our daughter was in until nearly four hours later when I was finally allowed to go down and feed her. As I sat with this precious bundle in my arms and I was able to truly look at her for the first time, my husband sat across from me and told me of what he’d experienced in the past four hours with Emilia. I daresay that after hearing about her first hours in this world, my appreciation for the priesthood certainly has grown to monumental proportions, just as my blessing had said it would. I am so grateful for the Priesthood and those worthy Priesthood holders who were ready, willing, and worthy to bless our daughter in that time of need. I have never felt the love of our Father in Heaven nor the sacrifice of our Savior more than in those moments when I held Emilia in my arms.

We were finally able to bring our precious daughter home after 5 days spent in the NICU. Thankfully her rough beginning has been just that: a rough beginning. She is now doing famously well and received a clean bill of health from her doctor at her two week checkup. Thank you for your prayers, love, and support during our time of need.

Emilia is now 3 weeks old and amazes us every day with how much she has grown and changed already! Our baby girl is content and happy as long as she has a full tummy and is being cuddled. Yes, we have a cuddlebug on our hands –which is only a problem when we’d like to get some sleep, and she’d like to be held while she sleeps. lol

On A Side Note: This past weekend, Rachel, Rob, and (8 week old) Kylie were able to come visit us. We had a wonderful time! The weekend passed much too quickly for our taste but we were grateful for the time we had. Seeing Kylie and Emilia together was a blast and catching up on each other’s lives was fantastic. I forget how much I miss family until we get to spend time together.

The Miracle of Our Little Miracle

2011-01-28T15:28:00.004-07:00

One cold and dark day while serving my mission in Trondheim, Norway, I met a man on the street who, after I had asked him if he believes in miracles, responded that "Miracles are whatever we want them to be. They are fantasy. They are made up from the mind of man and are only fine, ridiculous stories." Today, as a new father with a strengthened testimony of the truthfulness of miracles, I can prove this statement wrong.

Just one minute after January 26th, 2011 had begun, Emilia Rebecca Cazier was born into this world. After cutting the umbilical cord and looking happily at my beautiful and strong wife, I followed my new daughter over to the portion of the room where some nurses were taking her vital signs. Excitedly, I looked at my beautiful new addition to my life, but was nervous to realize that Emilia--blue, silent, and motionless--lay struggling with life on the table. After tapping my daughter vigorously, looking for a cry or movement or anything, the nurse immediately called on her radio for help. Suddenly, two additional nurses burst into the room with an infant resuscitation device, which was used to send electrical shocks through my minute-old daughter.

At that very moment everything around this little tiny human seemed to fade. Exams, grades, money, ipods, cars, rent, and bills all instantaneously vanished from any care and thought in my mind. All I wanted and cared about was for my brand new daughter to cry. 20 milliters of fluid was extracted from Emilia's lungs and stomach, and efforts to ensure a regular oxygen level failed.

After attempting to reassure my worried wife that everything was ok with baby, I followed the nurse rolling Emilia in her clear crib down to the neonatal intensive care unit. As fast as she had been born, Emilia was now hooked up to half a dozen medical machines and instruments, with her beautiful skin being pierced by needles. Despite the rush and haze all about her, little Emilia lay still and motionless in the crib.

As I looked upon this tiny daughter of God being pricked with needles, a hallowed thought and feeling soon swept my soul: "It's ok, Emilia. Jesus was pierced too. He understands you, and He is here with you."

After understanding the concerns and magnitude of Emilia's condition, a strong feeling came to me that a priesthood blessing is needed. Confirmation was affirmed when my father, after seeing me leave the NICU and come to him, said, "Are we going to give her a blessing?"

With my father-in-law anointing her small and precious head, I placed a few fingers upon Emilia's fragile forehead and pronounced a blessing of healing by the authority of the holy priesthood of God and in the sacred name of our Savior.

Looking back at this now, I struggle to grasp the complexity of this miracle that occurred. Within twenty minutes, baby Emilia's oxygen level went from a life-threatening 50% to a healthy 90%. Although still unable to cry, Emilia could breathe on her own with little help from the machines. The nurses, with amazement, noted how quickly Emilia's condition curved. "I haven't seen something like this," one nurse commented. "I wish we could prescribe that to every patient in here!"

If I could meet that man I met in Trondheim, Norway again, I would plea with him to listen to his statement with all his heart. I would ask him to truly consider if miracles are made by man. Are they really fantasy?

Almost 2000 years ago, the greatest miracle to ever occur upon the face of the earth was pierced, just like my tiny baby girl, but for all of us. With great drops of blood, our Savior Jesus Christ atoned for all of our sorrows, our sins and mistakes, and our flaws. He perfectly felt each and every bump of every road. He knows what it feels like to watch a daughter struggle to survive. He knows what it feels like to fall upon your face in sorrow. He knows what it feels like to make mistakes and struggle with decisions. Perfectly, He died for us in love.

Miracles are real, for Jesus Christ is real. Because He lives, we too shall live. The miracle of Emilia, our little miracle, is that the power of Jesus Christ thrives today through the priesthood of God, and that our Savior overcame every literal thing imaginable for our happiness. "And now, O all ye that have imagined up unto yourselves a god who can do no miracles... Behold, I say unto you... God has not ceased to be a God of miracles" (Mormon 9:15).

Loser Cleans the Bathroom

2010-12-15T21:01:00.001-07:00

Well here we are at the end of another semester! I can’t believe how quickly time has flown by. Dave completed his last final this afternoon and is officially finished with school until next semester. I have a few more assignments to complete and turn in but nothing too major. I have to admit this has been the least stressful end of a semester that I’ve had in a couple of years. I quit working about a week ago so I had plenty of time to make sure that all of my work was done and my professors just happened to cancel or not have a final in their classes! Talk about luck!

Dave and I are thrilled to be on break from school! I have a few sewing projects I want to do before school starts back up as well as a few fun scrapbooking projects. Dave is still working and has increased his hours during the break but when he’s home we love to party! Our favorite pastime has become games of every variety- but particularly card games and board games. In fact, when it comes time for chores around the house, we decide who has to clean the bathroom by playing one of our favorite card games (Blink or Ligretto –I highly recommend you get them for your family game closet). Loser has to clean the bathroom! Lol

We are going to Star Valley and spending Christmas and New Years with Dave’s parents. We’re pretty excited to get out town and enjoy a fun and relaxing Holiday. Thanksgiving was spent in New Mexico with my parents and that was a blast. The car ride was our only worry and other than becoming familiar with every bathroom from Logan to Farmington, the drive went very well!

Unfortunately school starts back up Jan 10. Dave will be finishing his last semester of “classes” before starting his student teaching in the fall. He has worked extremely hard and has some of the best grades in the entire Special Education Program! I’m an awfully proud wife…. I will have finished my associate’s degree at Snow College at the end of the current semester, so next semester I start at Utah State University. I’m only taking 2 classes and they will be online to accommodate for the baby. I’ll also be applying to the Family Life Studies Bachelor’s Program for the fall semester. Lucky for me it’s geared completely toward online classes. I’m getting really excited to start classes specifically for an area that I’m really interested in.

The Baby: What a whirlwind adventure being pregnant is. Some days are wonderful and other days I’d prefer to hide under the covers in bed and wait for another day to come! Our baby girl is thriving, or at least she feels like she is! She is now able to punch my bladder and kick her feet into my ribs at the same time! Not always a welcome or pleasant feeling but at least I know she’s growing like she should be!! I’m officially 33 weeks along now (half way through the 8th month). Dave and I have decided to name our precious little girl Emilia Rebecca Cazier. She’s due Jan 28. It’s crazy to walk into what was once a spare bedroom/office, and now see a crib with blankets and quilts sitting across from the desk. Dave and I are extremely excited if still a little nervous about this new adventure. We’ve been attending a Lamaze class which is almost over and I’m not sure if the idea was to prepare me for labor or to terrify me. Either way, I feel it’s done both. Thank goodness for a husband who reminds me that my body WAS made to do this and that epidurals are a gift from the heavens. Lol.

All in all the pregnancy hasn’t been too bad. Recently the struggle is just getting comfortable. I have found a variety of places to put pillows other than just behind my back! I haven’t had much nausea or too many problems with swelling –thank goodness. As usual my frustration is food. I love it and I always want to be eating, but finding something that sounds really good to eat (and is still appetizing after I’ve seen it and smelled it) is not a fun process. The fact that I can only eat small portions due to the lack of space in my abdomen does not always leave me the happiest either. Once again, all I can say is that I have a wonderful husband who takes really really great care of me. I can’t wait to watch him with Emilia when she is born! She already knows his voice really well—he started singing the other day and it was as if she was trying to push her way out of me to get to him. I’d never felt her move that much and with that much force! What a wonderful experience. Needless to say, whether a surprise or not, we are excited to be parents and to meet our little girl!

I Do Not Know

2010-08-25T12:30:00.004-06:00

God intended for women to be pregnant. If He didn't, then men would be. My "testimony" of this has been largely increased as of late as Emily has been going through the pregnancy roller-coaster.

Truth be known, Em has been doing great being pregnant. Honestly. She has been handling it like a champion and really doing quite well. But even with that being said, we cannot deny the fact that whenever a bunch of men gather together and one mentions that his wife is "pregnant", the others around them cannot help but shudder and give the man a look of sympathy.

It's the hormones.

The other night while out on our nightly stroll around Aggie Village, Em asked me what I thought when I first saw her on our wedding day. Breathing a sigh of relief, thinking this was an "easy-out" question, I replied honestly that while I was nervous for being in front of so many staring eyes, I was elated and couldn't wait to be hitched. I smiled happily over to her after saying this, expecting a smile back, but instead I received a sad look down.

Uh oh.

Suddenly I found myself stuttering like Porky Pig. "W-w-w-well it w-w-w-wasn't that I w-w-w-wanted to n-n-n-ot m-m-m-marry you, j-j-j-just that yo-yo-you're family was all there..." Then I continued to the blabbering stage: "I mean, I've always wanted to marry you and your family wasn't the problem. It was just intimidating having your dad sitting right behind you as we knelt at the alter... not that your dad is intimidating..."

Someone just hand me a shovel.

Then it started raining. Metaphorically, that is. Em began the pregnancy-tears (which, for any man-readers out there, is definitely double the magnitude of the "time-of-the-month" tears) and before I knew it, I was holding a pregnant woman who was saying things like "You didn't want to marry me!"

It was at that moment, standing on that sidewalk holding my wonderful wife and future mother of my children, that I realized how much I love her and, reaffirming, how little I know about her and handling pregnancy. My attempts to make her feel better and to clarify my explanation finally proved successful, but then the tears started up again. Confused as could be, I asked: "Em, are these happy tears or sad tears?"

Through sobs came the reply: "I don't know!"

There it is, the common answer give by pregnant women all over the world: I don't know. I'd like to second that statement. I have no idea, and most likely never will.

Anniversary Surprises and Wonderful Nieces!

2010-06-26T19:56:00.004-06:00

Dave and I celebrated our 1st anniversary with a bang! We went Jackson Hole for a day or two and found that we are pregnant! We have a baby due February 2, 2011. We are almost 9 weeks along. We are very very excited even if this was an unplanned event! As far as the pregnancy goes, the baby has been fairly kind to me. Morning Sickness is very very mild and hasn't been much of a problem. My hormones are absolutely crazy and Dave either deals with my tears or my orneriness. We've already had an ultrasound and heard the baby's heart beat which was absolutely amazing!

We also have thoroughly enjoyed the past week after having stolen our niece! Karisma has been up to play and we have had a great time with her! We've been to the temple, zoo, Bear Lake, baked cookies, played in the park, and done tons of other things! We have had such a wonderful time with her.

Well that's the latest update on us...just enjoying the summer and working hard!

2010-04-18T18:42:00.005-06:00

Wow. It has been forever since I wrote anything on our blog. I'll just give a quick run down on the things that have happened this semester. So as layoffs started at work, it wasn't long before the entire department I worked for was shut down. A few fellow employees were transferred to other departments and the rest of us were laid off. It was a very trying time for me as I found myself without work. I didn't realize how much my job had begun to mean to me. It was what got me out of bed at a reasonable time and helped me be productive and useful. The change I experienced without my job was extremely difficult. Without my job, it felt like I had lost all motivation to do anything. Thank goodness it didn't last too long. Shortly after losing my job, applied for a position with Qwest in their customer service department. Dave and I were both pretty excited for this position. The benefits were going to be awesome (full medical insurance, pay was better, overtime encouraged, retirement fund, and they also would pay for my tuition for a few part-time classes). Not long after applying for the job at Qwest my old employers called me and wanted to re-hire me for a new position in the company. Qwest weren't going to be looking at application for another 3 weeks and I was going stir crazy at home so we decided to go ahead and take the position with Impact. About two weeks after I started with Impact again, Qwest called for an interview. The funny thing is that although Dave and I had been really excited and very hopeful about this job, neither of us had very good feelings about the interview. We prayed about it and surprisingly enough the next day after work, I stopped for a minute to ask my boss about some time off when my mom came up to visit, and before leaving my boss asked me to switch to another department which would be so much more enjoyable and a step up from where I was. It was the answer we needed to know that I was supposed to be at Impact. That's the wrap on work right now!

School is a very a different story however. As always I've procrastinated to the max and the next two weeks will probably the worst of my life. However, if I can make it past these next two weeks, I will graduate with my associates degree from Snow College. I still need to go and see an adviser at Utah State University to discuss classes for the fall semester but I'm thinking I need to be sure that I pass all of my classes so that I will be able to transfer to Utah State. Down to the Wire!!!

Family is great. Dave is a little worried at how baby hungry I've been but the good news I'm only baby hungry for all my friends babies. It's pretty crazy...the majority of people I see and talk to are pregnant now due in a month or two. Other than that, Dave and I are doing great. Next month we will be celebrating our first wedding anniversary. It's amazing that Dave hasn't mailed me back to my dad with a "Return To Sender" stamp across my forehead. I remember Dave sweeping me off my feet a month after our wedding when he told me that he thought that he had reached the peak of how much he could love anyone when he married me. Then he told me that he was wrong. His love for me increases everyday. I'll always remember that because it is exactly how I feel about him. We are celebrating our first anniversary and we've loved every minute of our life together!

My mom and sister had the chance to come up and see us and we had an absolute blast together! Loved having the girl time with them!!!!! We didn't have to do anything really fancy...we just loved talking and shopping together! It felt wonderful to spend the time together. Rachel, Rob, Dave, and I also traveled to New Mexico for Mom's birthday. Dad had called us way in advance and arranged for us to come down and surprise her. We had a wonderful time at home with everyone. Nick and his family are still as wonderful and fun as ever, and the time with everyone was perfect.

Dave and I also got to spend time with his parents over conference weekend. During the priesthood session of conference (which Dave and his dad went to), Mama Beth and I were able to enjoy plenty of shopping together and a wonderful dinner at the Cracker Barrel. We had such a good time together! Nothing like spending time with family for the perfect weekend.

Dave and I are currently ward missionaries in the ward. I have absolutely loved this calling. It's been neat to be a part of the ward. At first I struggled being in the ward because it changed every week -its a student ward where most people miss a lot of church as they visit family. Now being a ward missionary gives me the opportunity to enjoy being around people I don't very well and to step out of my comfort zone to make a new friend. Dave and I are quickly learning that although we'd really like to, we just can't have friends over every night of the week for dinner. We try to limit it to only 3 times a week but sometimes even that doesn't work. We thoroughly enjoy spending time with the friends we have here.

Well...I have work that will be calling my name long before I'm ready for it so I'm going to hit the hay. Love you all!

Sleep At the Cazier Residence: the Sleepless Slumber

2010-04-13T20:39:00.007-06:00

There is a lot of change that a man must go through after he gets married. Weight gain, hair loss, chick flicks, feminine hygiene products in his bathroom, having to report of his whereabouts, emotions... these are all side-effects of that amazing promise and vow that thousands of couples make with each other each year. The most significant one, for me at least, has been getting used to sleeping in the same bed as another person.

I admit I was given a rude awakening to this change on the very first night after Em and I got married. I was sleeping soundly, grateful to have embarked on the next great stage of my life and dreaming about the eternity before me, when I was awakened by a sharp and nauseating feeling; Em's knee had quickly jerked (a result of her having one of those dreams where you're falling and one of your body parts moves) and collided with my... uh... lower abdominal region. Startled awake, I realized what had happened, and with anger I was about to shout when I looked over at my peacefully-sleeping wife, who--just like one of those Disney princess pictures--was innocently sound asleep, completely unaware of the chaos she had caused.

I rolled over, sighed painfully, and grasped reality: this is going to be a loooong eternity.

The next morning, I told Emily of the domestic violence that occurrd the night before, and after accepting her apology I said, "Ya know, it's a good thing I'm going into special education. The way you knee, our kids might have some disabilities."

Ok, so truth be known, it isn't really me that takes the abuse of having to sleep with another person. To face the facts, it's my poor dear wife that has the short-end of the deal. The other night, I awoke at around 2:30 AM standing in the closet. I heard this voice calling to me over and over: "Dave... Dave... what are you doing over there?"

You know that feeling of when you know you know you are losing cool and all that you can do is desperately claw at keeping your dignity? As Em called to me, I realized that I was indeed sleepwalking but for some unknown reason, I didn't want Em to know this. So, as smoothly as even possible, I replied: "I just... gotta see if they match... my shirt and pants..." I trailed off.

Yeah... she's sure to believe that one. After obeying Em's call for me to return to bed, I rolled over and went back to... or continued rather... my sleep. Needless to say, the next morning Em was all over the previous night's experience like white on rice. "You were soooo funny!" Em giggled over and over. "I don't know what you're talkin' about," I lied grumpily.

To make it worse for my dear wife, this definitely wasn't my first sleepwalk/sleeptalk experience nor shall it be my last. Besides attempting to teach an amazing lesson to a class of 251 students in my sleep, I have also searched for several random unidentified items under the bed, played a killer round of racquetball, and even attempted to romance Em.

Sleep at the Cazier residence is only sleepless slumber.

"They Smell Fear"

2010-01-26T21:52:00.004-07:00

"You ever watch 'The Dog Whisperer?" Spencer Holmgren, the third-grade teacher who I do my level-II teaching with asked me one day. "No," I replied, admitting I didn't catch too much TV these days. "Well, it's about this man who disciplines dogs," Mr. Holmgren continued. "Kids are just like the dogs on his show. They need discipline, love, and respect. Most importantly, you need to remember one thing: they smell fear."

So much for a pep-talk. For my special education class for level II, I have been required to go into an elementary school this semester. While I admit I wasn't too excited that I had to go into an ELED class (since I'm aiming to be in secondary education), I was more than a little excited to go to Woodruff Elementary School to observe and take part in one of the third grade classrooms there. It's been a great experience, and learning one too. Especially when Mr. Holmgren couldn't make it back to the classroom and it was just me staring into the faces of 24 eight and nine-year-olds. One word sums up the feelings in my heart: fear.

I was in a near-fatal car accident in high school, I've spoken live on the radio with just seconds of warning beforehand, declared the Lord's truthfulness into the blazing eyes of Norway's largest city's State Church Minister, and avoided the swing of a gang of druggies high on their addictions... yet never before have I truly felt such fear as I did staring into these clear 24-pair of eyes. I licked my lips and swallowed hard. I knew they knew it. I knew they could smell it.

Almost before I had a chance to say "Let's work on some assignments," chatters started, slowly at first, then evolved into a roar. Students soon started to migrate from their chairs to various parts of the room. Little girls' pigtails twisted into devil-horns, and those "cute" little boys' smiles cracked into mischievous grins.

I started sweating bullets.

I admit I like being the nice guy. It's hard to be the "mean jerk." But, watching this classroom suddenly transform into a warzone, I realized I needed to crossover to the dark side: I needed to be the teacher.

Demands blurted out from my mouth, surprising even myself, as I declared that the whole class would lose ten of their "victory points" if they don't sit in their seats in the "ready position." Maybe it was because I was the Lion in the "Wizard of Oz" my senior year of high school, but my acting has really taken off. I'm not sure if they just thought I was unpredictable or if they really thought I was a serious force to be reckoned with; either way, my fear was hidden.

Just forty more years of this fear-hiding and I'll have it set.

Back to the Gosh Dang Grinding Wheel....School

2010-01-10T18:43:00.003-07:00

Well, I figured that it's about time that I write a post on this thing! I have so much to talk about that I'm going to give you headings on each different thing.
I think I'm going to start this off by telling about a wonderful school vacation!

The Salt Lake City Temple:
For Christmas, Dave and I were in New Mexico. On the way down, we decided to spend a night in Salt Lake. This was going to be our Christmas present from "Santa". On the drive down to Salt Lake, while debating where we would eat and what we would do, we had the novel idea to actually attend a session at the Salt Lake Temple rather than just walk around outside it. Somehow this had never occurred to me, as such a thing had never been an option until now. We quickly changed and went to the temple. A more wonderful evening I cannot have imagined. After finishing a beautiful session, Dave and I were asked to help with some sealings. A woman had a neighbor who was unable to leave her home due to her health but had names from her family that needed to have the work done for them. We were only too happy to participate as we didn't have any set plans to keep us from it. There were only three people in the sealing room (excluding the necessary priesthood authority), Dave, myself, and the woman who had brought the names. We were very excited to learn that the names were Swedish (Dave's ancestry is Swedish and he served his mission in Norway). It was even more amazing to hear the names pronounced perfectly by the sealer as he had served his mission in Sweden. The other two gentleman in the room had also served missions in the Scandinavian Area. It was incredible to know only a few people filled the room and yet, to realize that room felt crowded. It was an absolutely amazing experience and we could not have had a more enjoyable evening together.

Christmas with The Taylor Family:
Christmas was an absolute blast! Nick, Heather and the Girls were in Pennsylvania (visiting Heather's family) until around 10pm Christmas Night so they missed out on the tubing in Durango but it was definitely one of the highlights of the Holidays. We also enjoyed watching Rob model fake high heels and a dress while playing Guesstures (girls against guys). Christmas morning was a delight as usual! We were all thrilled when Nick, Heather, and The Girls returned home. We learned a lot from Riley while being there, such as how much I like sleeping through the night! LOL! Anyways we had a great time with the family and had a great First Christmas Together!

New Years with The Cazier Family:
New Years was as much of a joy as Christmas! Again games were wonderful, food was delicious and family was wonderful! I have to admit the highlight on this one were the illegal fireworks Erick set off at New Years (in Idaho) and Mama Beth seeing the flashing lights of a cop car outside the window! Thank goodness the officer didn't decide to stop in and chat with us! It was great fun watching the nieces and nephews and being able to talk to with everyone. Another highlight of this family time was the baptism of Konner Steven Cutts! It was an absolutely wonderful experience to watch him. I learned so much from watching the faith of this 8yr old boy. I loved spending the time with all of the family!

A New Semester:
Now we've started a new semester and coming with that is plenty of change. My work schedule changed so that Dave and I can both get where we need to go with the car. He'll be starting his practicum in the schools and taking classes so I work 8-4 so that he can drop me off and pick me up and he'll still be able to get to his classes and work. I'm taking 14 credit hours this semester and will hopefully graduate from Snow after this semester with my Associates in General Education. From there I supposed I'll have to figure out what kind of career I want to settle into so I can get my Bachelor's. Dave is taking 14 credits as well and is excited for the practicum this semester.

Life Today:
I've had a few very interesting things happen lately. Lay-offs at work. This started my week and to say it was stressful would be an understatement. Thank heavens, I was not laid off nor will I be in any of the forseeable future. It was something completely unexpected for everyone at work and it was really hard to watch my friends lose their jobs but it was a learning experience for me. The Lord definitely watches out for us everyday. Dave and I have also been doing great together.

I had a really great thing hit me today while Dave and I sat reading the Ensign with Dave. I realized that the times when I've felt the closest to Dave and really enjoyed life, is when we are doing something spiritual together, such as our time when we read the ensign and attend the temple together. It's wonderful!

Well anyways...we're doing great! Had a fantastic holiday and a wonderful time being married!

"It's just backwards right now... one day, I'll be the man again."

2009-12-18T22:51:00.008-07:00

Between gasps of air, and overcoming the fear of passing out, I attempted to speak to my fellow "tied-down" buddy Jacob Thomas during our recent racquetball game. School has finally let out here at Utah State University, and this has led to a great list of events that Jake and I have been engulfing ourselves into: Dr. Mario, racquetball, more Dr. Mario, discussions about politics, discussions about our LDS missions, Dr. Mario again, Golden Corral, watching sports... the list has indeed been as splendid as it sounds, but there has been something on my mind throughout the whole time.

"Jake," I panted, then paused waiting for my head to stop pulsing like a dang stereo sub-woofer and for my eyes to regain their purpose of seeing. "I feel like a schmoe. I mean, Em's working full-time and I'm just sittin' around with you all day, hoping that I'll get another advertising job. I don't know about myself, man."

Jake is facing practically the same situation as me, but on a lower level; his girlfriend of two months is working full-time during the break just like Em, with Jake's job with the school taking a halt. With a shrug of his shoulders and a giant swing at the blue racquetball, Jake muttered, "Eh, that's how it goes in a college marriage, man. It'll flip around one day, though, when you're all graduated, bringin' home the bacon. Then she'll be the one at home."

The racquetball bounced off the wall and slapped me right in my marriage-grown stomach. A smile cracked across my face as my mouth vomited out the words that immediately came from my mind: "You're right, brotha! It's just backwards right now... one day, I'll be the man again."

I'm way grateful that Em is working full-time, however. She is tearing it up at Impact Cash Systems, to boot! Not to honk our own horn or anything, but Em is at the top of her team in the collections division. I'm pretty dang proud of her, and grateful she works so hard. The only problem? Well... with school being out and the lack of advertising jobs that I have been invited on, Mondays through Fridays 7 AM to 3 PM are straight up BRUTAL for the Dave, as the above picture shows. Heck, I get so bored I even take strange pictures of our home. I even busted out an old toothbrush and started scrubbing the cracks in the bathroom for heaven's sake. Sure, Jake comes over quite a bit and that helps. After a dozen or so games of Dr. Mario, we finally turn the thing off and try to think logically, typically unsuccessfully, through blood-shot eyes. Em always knows how much "D-Mizzle" (as Jake and I call it) we played that day when she looks into my eyes. Some days I feel pathetic, but other days I'm pretty dang proud to be able to tell her that I was the Dr. Mario King for the day.

On a brighter note, Christmas is almost here! Next week, I'm taking Em down to Salt Lake and we're going to see Temple Square and the lights, stay at the downtown Hilton (thank goodness for priceline!) and then we're off to New Mexico for Christmas. We're pretty dang excited for our first Christmas together, and there's no doubt that it will be the best Christmas ever... even if things are a little "backwards" right now.

Merry Christmas!

The Two Temperature Worlds... Married

2009-11-24T19:07:00.004-07:00

I love the cold. Of course, I do have my limits on the extremeties, but all in all I believe the saying that Norwegians say: "Cold is better than hot, because you can put on as many clothes as you'd like but you can only take off so much." By "take off so much" of course they mean being stark nude (it is Scandinavia after all). I suppose my Swedish blood is a blessing when it comes to living in Logan, Utah. I do feel bad for my dear wife, Emily, however.

I don't want this to sound bad, but if it were possible for Emily to have been born in Hell, she would have taken the offer. The woman loves heat and warmth. A typical image of us at night in our bed is sweet Emily curled up in a ball, four or more quilts covering her clear up over her head, with her dressed in her flannel pajamas (which are actually mine that I got for Christmas two years ago... but welcome to married life, eh?). Then as you pan over the bed, you will find, no not a whale, but yours truly spread out to increase surface area to decrease any heat waves that dare cross my path, not a cover in sight. I mentioned to a married friend one time about our temperature differences, and the man just chuckled and said, "Oh, we both like it way cold. We leave the window open, fan going and everything, all through January. We sleep on stone beds too to help make sure no heat exsists whatsoever." Alright, maybe that's not a direct quote, but my point is that if there weren't differences in temperature in a married couple then what fun would life be?

Take for example last Friday night's Utah State football game. I had yet to take Emily to a USU football game, and so we figured that what a better game to go to than the last home game of the season, who happens to be against number six in the nation Boise State University. It was a chilly one that night, and even the ESPN commentators who had come to Logan for the first time to commentate football in five years exclaimed that "Someone took a chunk of Antarctica and transplanted it in Utah, called it Logan, but no body got the memo." It was pretty cold, but I dressed Em up like an eskimo, grabbed a couple of quilts, and off we went. Em and I would randomly cuddle here and there, but then I would get so dang excited that I'd jump up, tearing off the quilt and, upon return to my seat, found a rather grumpy-looking spouse. I'm getting pretty good at apologizing.

All in all, Thanksgiving is here, December is on its way, and it is OBVIOUS. I've never really felt bad for an automobile before; but there are some mornings when I just wonder why our Chrystler even dares to start. I know I wouldn't. "Nope," I'd say "this sucks. No way am I going to take your cold behinds to work!"

I'm just grateful I'm not a car. Em is too, I think... I'd be way too cold for her.

Mr. Mom

2009-11-04T11:41:00.000-07:00

Crusties on the plates. Part-dry, part-damp laundry. Dyed clothes.

Em started her full-time job last week at Impact Cash Loans in a division that all the employees call "Vegas." It's okay, I was nervous too when she first told me that, but it turns out that Las Vegas is the city where her current division previously resided, hence the nickname. But either way, Em is the new head bread-winner for the Cazier Fam.

How do I feel? Well, I admit that it's definitely a little strange having the woman go out and provide for yours truly. Yeah, I do a few advertisement jobs on the side, but ultimately Em is the one who is keeping us afloat. With the wife out of the home, I offered to step up to the plate and see if I could take care of some of the household chores.

I thought that I was doing ok, but when the bachelor-of-all-bachelors Jacob Thomas stopped in the other day, he even made some smart comment noticing that the house "isn't quite the same."

After dropping Em off at 7 AM, I get cracking on various household items. I start off by organizing the laundry into the different types and colors, just like Mama Beth and Emsies have taught me. To my amazement, SIX loads of laundry awaited to be hauled to the laundromat. I washed and even dried all that laundry... or at least kind of. A sock had accidentally got stuck in one of the loads and suddenly became blue, and then after arriving home, I grab some jeans to begin folding them, but only to feel a horrible dampness. Well... damp probably isn't even the dang word. Sopping would most likely be more appropriate. Either way, those jeans definitely aren't wearable.

I have two options at this point: one, I can just fold the jeans and just pretend that everything is going to be okay, or two, I can hang them up outside and let them be cardboard. Man, these decisions aren't too easy. It's rough staying at home!

After the laundry is taken care of, next comes the cleaning and the dishes. I believe in speed; pure and simple. Consequently, sometimes the cleaning jobs I perform are not always "squeaky clean." But hey, a few leftovers on the plates and glasses aren't too bad, right? Just a little more protein...

Lately I have been concerned with styling the home. It's true! I have been rearranging some items on the wall. I'm a true Pottery Barn, I am! Yeah, sure, Em has insisted we move a few of them around (back to how they were), but it's all good. I'm confident that one day her style will come around.

It's true: I am one cool Mr. Mom.

The Mysteries... and Blessings... of Wives

2009-10-25T23:27:00.000-06:00

Coach Doug Broadhead grabbed my football helmet's face mask angerily. Nervously, I awaited the so-called "advice" that was about to be blared at me. With spit-soaked sunflower seeds pelting my face, my coach said something that cut me straight to the heart: "Stop thinkin' about the ---- girls and play the game!"

It's true, I've always had a difficult time keeping my daydreams about those "---- girls" out of important events. While dating Emily, I would often sit in my lectures at Snow College with dazed eyes , resting my cheek upon my hand like Opie (Ron Howard) did during school on a dang episode of The Andy Griffith Show. I argue that it's not my fault I've always been the "Daydream Davey." Even after being married, I still find myself sitting in those lectures here at USU thinking about little miss Emily; what she would be doing right then, if she was going to make me dinner, and (more recently) what life would be like after we start having kids.

Now before my manhood is muffed, let me state that my elder brother Gilbert and his wife Lindsey are expecting these days, along with two other of my good friends' wives. All this "baby talk" has gotten me thinking about the subject, that's for sure. But the keyword is indeed just thinking. Em and I both feel that we would like to wait a couple of years before we "unleash hell" as Ted Harmon, an elderly man from my home ward in Wyoming, put it, referring to having children.

We did get a scare a month ago, however. Em came to me one day and told me that we should probably buy a pregnancy test to "just make sure." Nervously, I drove us down to Wal-Mart and picked out one of those "100% Sure" preggers tests. On the drive home, Em told me something that boggled my mind then, and still puzzles me now. "Dave," she said "you realize that no matter what this test says, I'm going to cry." There was a small break of silence. Jimmy Buffet's Pina Colada song was playing lightly on the radio as my slow man-processors compiled the information into my brain. Timidly, I thought of the options at hand: (1) laugh and risk endangerment and possible divorce, or (2) quietly nod and say "Yes, honey, I understand." With the moments ticking by, I could feel my wife growing impatient from the silence. Frantically I chose option two. "Thanks," she said. Whew... I had survived. Well the test results came back negative, which ultimately is what both Em and I want at this time in our life. But just as Em predicted, those water-works turned full-flow. I found myself holding Em as she cried and sobbed. Remembering counsel from my best friend Jacob Thomas, that "women don't want you to fix it, but just to hold them and listen," I held Em and let it rain. Things were going great, but my manhood started to catch up. This desire to fix the problem came screaming from inside. Suddenly I blurted: "But Em, this is what we wanted... right?"

I am a lucky man. Em is the best wife in the world. She takes good care of me and loves me through all the teasing, pestering, and "fixing" that I attempt to give her. After applying to the Special Ed and Rehab program here at USU, I made a comment to Em that I was nervous that I wouldn't make it in, after hearing that the admittance was challenging and limited and that many students had applied. Without missing a beat, Em said, "Dave, I know you'll get in. I have faith in you." There was so much determination in her voice, I couldn't help but be awed and my fears subdued. Yesterday we received an envelope from the university proclaiming that, just as Em's faith showed, I had been admitted.

I figured, right before I got married, that I was close to understanding and revealing the mysteries and blessings of women. But the more that time goes by, the more I realize that I am not even close to the bottom. Em and I celebrated our sixth-month wedding anniversary on the 23rd, and on that day I thought about how great it is to be married to Emily. I may not understand all the mysteries of my wife, nor can I fully comprehend the blessings that she is for me, but one thing is for certain: I am extremely grateful for her.

How Sweet is That?

2009-10-06T21:02:00.000-06:00

So there I am feeling guilty that the TV is on even though I've written notes on Human Biology until I can't write anymore and of course someone knocks on the door. Little did I know that the person I was jumping up and flipping off the TV for was my own sweetheart coming home from his classes holding flowers and chocolate! I've never been so surprised...ok so when he proposed to me I was more surprised...but it was the cutest and sweetest thing ever. The best part is that he had bought them and was asking me to go to the formal institute dance this Friday with him!!! You should know I love dances particularly when the hottest guy is my date and has eyes for only me! Just to top off the wonderful surprise he also told me that I get a little spending money on Friday to use however I want during the time that he makes dinner at the apartment. After which, he'll let me come back and we'll be joined by none other than the good man Jacob L. Thomas with his beautiful date. I feel a little "Young" to be getting so excited about a dance that my husband asked me to but that doesn't change the fact that I'm thrilled to be going! I swear I married the sweetest, most thoughtful man alive!

Family and the Season

2009-09-29T20:48:00.000-06:00

I can't believe that Dave and I have already lived in Logan for a month and half now. We celebrated our 5 month anniversary on the 23rd of September! Oh how time flies! After learning how to find my way around Logan I've come to love it. I don't feel quite so secluded as we did up in the mountains and I love being able to choose which store I want to go grocery shopping at!

I've spent the last week and a half in New Mexico with my parents. It was a nightmare to be away from Dave for that long but I thoroughly enjoyed the family time. I have the two cutest nieces in the world. Riley is a hoot and I love making her laugh and Karisma is as energetic, sweet, and loving as ever. She's also a fabulous big sister and loves playing with Riley and helping out with her where she can. I also enjoyed watching my brother complete the "combat challenge" for his fire academy course. Holy Cow...have you seen what firefighters have to do physically in order to be a fireman? It was crazy! I've never seen anyone complete such strenuous labor before in my life....and they have a time limit! I have to admit, I loved watching my brother complete this assignment. He was absolutely magnificent! Heather is still the all amazing mom whom I look up to a lot. A very involved mom as an assistant girl scout leader for Karisma's troup, mother to an adorable and happy baby girl, a frequent and very good cook, and all aroung amazing woman, she is also going to school right now working on her teaching degree. She never fails to amaze me as she brings home straight A's, has her youngest daughter going to a babysitter only twice a week for three hours, supports her husband, always has the time for Karisma and her events and also manages to look amazing...I'm always amazed by her. I truly love going home and being able to take part in these experiences with those I love. And of course I have to admit that being with mom and dad is always the highlight of visiting. There is only one other person that I love being with as much as I love being with my parents and that is my husband. We've made it through laughter, tears, struggles and triumphs and somehow we still learned to enjoye them. I love being with my parents.

After talking about my family for a while now I also have to mention the one person that means more to me than anything in this world...Dave. Although I do love going home for visits, my heart always remains with Dave. It was interesting this past week as I noticed the differences in myself when I was not with Dave....I still enjoyed life but nothing was quite as fun or exciting or enjoyable without him there to share it with me. I came home and that's truly what it felt like. Like I was coming home, back to where I belonged. I have never enjoyed two days as fully as I have the last two days with Dave. A sweeter, kinder, more loving man I do not know.

I guess all this talk of family leads me to what I really wanted to say. With the weather turning colder and the leaves becoming colorful I am always reminded of the beautiful spirit of this season. I realize we aren't to close to Christmas just yet but that's just my point. This whole season, from Halloween and Thanksgiving to Christmas is so wonderful! I feel particularly strongly that during these holidays I want to really get into the spirit and remember the most important things in life: love, family, and friends...charity, compassion, and kindness....forgiveness, appreciation, and respect. I keep having a phrase come to mind that goes something like this..."It's getting colder outside but the warmth of this season comes from within." I don't think it's quite to the point I want it but the idea is that even thought it's getting cold, the warmth comes from within each of us.

Well I think the majority of this has been rambling but these things have been on my mind for a while now and I'm felt they needed to be shared. I'm so grateful for this time of year and I'm excited to be sharing it with Dave and family, as well as new friends we have made here in Logan. I hope you all let the true spirit of this season shine through.

School... School... and More School

2009-09-15T20:26:00.000-06:00

All the boxes are finally put away, most of the pictures are drilled into our lovely cinder block wall, and now it's time for the classic S word... school.

It seems this is all that we have been doing lately. Em is busy with taking 14 credits online through Snow and I am hopping around here taking 14 credits and taking all the tests and compiling my portfolio for admittance into the special education program. I'm still doing a few advertising gigs on the side, Em is constantly making way good food, and along with a lot of traveling (Star Valley, Ephraim, Sacramento, Farmington, NM), we are indeed all over the place. In all honesty though, we probably wouldn't have it any other way. We have begun to really enjoy living here in Logan (and it goes further than just the increase in selection of restaurants and shopping places.) It's been so nice to have all of our stuff set up, living "the Married Dream" as Jake Thomas puts it. Em has been such an awesome wife, and our friendship just seems to keep growing each and every day.

We are heading to New Mexico this Thursday to see the Taylor fam and we're pretty stoked. We're definitely missing that awesome family down there, and have decided to take this much-needed trip. After that, our next event will most likely be Homecoming September 26th. Jake has talked me into asking Em to go to the old Aggie Homecoming... the question is if Em will actually go with me. Whatever the answer, I will definitely be attending the USU SUU football game. Talk about the 2009 NCAA Toilet Bowl... but hey, a football game is a football game. Don't worry though, there's no way I'm going to be rocking any blue. I'm still a Ute through and through.

And even though I'm a U of U fan from Wyoming who is attending Utah State, that's my story and I'm sticking to it.

See Ya Later GBEEC!

2009-08-17T13:31:00.000-06:00

Well we're beginning the nasty project of packing up everything and getting ready to get the heck out of Dodge. We're both pretty excited and nervous for this new stage in our life, but all in all we feel good about it and are ready to rock 'n roll.

Smokey has been busy trying to help us move by jumping in all of our open boxes and scattering things here and there. I'm (Dave) always amazed at how much stuff is accumulated over such a small amount of time. We've been married for almost three months now and yet have enough stuff to take over the world, I swear. However, some of the things we don't have are furniture pieces. So, Em and I took a journey to IKEA in Draper and took care of that! We dropped some bones and got a couple of chairs, two dressers, and a coffeetable. Gotta love that place! They had some pretty good prices but also good-looking furniture, which made both me and Em happy.

So, while the countdown continues, the anxiety draws thicker and thicker. Bring on the Logan, dang it!

2 Weeks to go...

2009-08-09T13:35:00.000-06:00

Well we only have two weeks left at GBEEC in Ephraim before making the journey up to Logan Utah to attend Utah State University! It's bittersweet as we'll miss being at GBEEC but are definately ready for Logan! Bring on the Aggies!

David, Emily, and Smokey,....Mice Crushers!!!!

2009-07-31T16:12:00.000-06:00

Ok so hears a story for the books...Dave and I were enjoying our evening last night. I was reading on the bed and Dave was playing on his laptop...when Dave said he had to run down and change the water on the lawn. He went down the stairs and his faithful sidekick, MY cat, followed him. Upon reaching the lower landing Smokey pounced...and caught a mouse! Well all would be well if she would kill the mouse and leave them alone but instead she likes to show off her still live prey. Smokey turned and ran up the staircase and into our room where she tried to jump onto our bed (where I'm reading) with the still wiggling mouse in her mouth. I promptly moved off the bed screaming and watched as Dave joined me in the bedroom to try and herd the cat back outside where she could play with the mouse until she'd killed it. No such luck. She dropped the mouse preffering to let it go so she could attack it again and then release it again and attack it again...unfortunately the mouse wasn't too stupid and began to run and hide in every corner and nook and cranny it could find. In the meantime I have used more colorful language than ever in my life and threatened the cat to within an inch of her life to no avail. Dave and I ended up tearing our room apart literally. When Dave and I brought out the tools to help us kill the mouse our faithful huntress Smokey fled for cover under the bed. Dave held the axe which he attemtped to crush the mouse with and I held the shovel and fly swatter to scare the mouse towards him. Unfortunately the mouse ended up trying its luck with me more often than not. Needless to say, Dave and I spent an hour-and-a-half tracking the dang thing through our room until Dave was finally able to kill it with the axe. Much screaming was involved on all our parts. Of course after the mouse was dead, Dave and I laughed harder than we have all week. We took a picture and a video documenting the momentous occasion when we became "The Mice Crushers!" The picture of us after this glorious event will be added to the blog as soon as we are able to add it.

2 Months This Thursday!!...

2009-07-19T21:30:00.000-06:00

...And what a glorious two months they have been! Definately not without bumps in the road but we have learned and grown so much together! I love being married!

Dave and I spent June 26 with my family and many friends in the temple as we watched my Brother Nick and his wife Heather and their youngest daughter Riley be sealed to each for time all of eternity in the Mt. Timpanogas Temple. It was wonderful! We were also able to have my parents up to GBEEC to stay with us one night. They loved it which I have to admit made me really happy. The next weekend Dave and I went to Star Valley where we had an absolutely fantastic fourth of July! The next weekend I had the opportunity to meet Dave's old mission companions and his mission president who had just come home from the mission. We have thoroughly enjoyed family and friends and traveling but I have to admit that we also enjoyed being home this weekend. We were able to attend the temple yesterday and our home ward today. We always enjoy a relaxing Sunday afternoon here at GBEEC.

I decided when I started this new post that I would not write a book again so I'll leave things at that. Until next time...

I Am The Luckiest!

2009-06-09T19:25:00.000-06:00

Well Dave and I have been married for two weeks and three days and it has been the best time of my life. Being married in the Manti Temple was the most incredible experience of my life! My thanks to those who made the time to come and share in this special experience with us! Soon after the luncheon Dave and I made our way to Salt Lake City where we spent the night before catching a flight the next morning to San Diego, California where we spent four days. Dave and I went to the wild animal park (my favorite), seaworld (Dave's favorite), and the zoo. We also had the opportunity to go to the temple in San Diego and also to the beach. I had the time of my life with Dave. I truly am the luckiest woman alive to be married to him. I feel cherished and loved every second I am with him. I like to think I make him feel the same way. He is absolutely amazing!

Our reception was a joyous event and I'm again grateful to all who could make the time for it. It was so fun to catch up with friends and family.

Dave and I are currently here at GBEEC (Great Basin Environmental Education Center) cleaning up the place and making it habitable. We are moved into our first apartment and loving it. We have also had an addition to the family in the way of a 12 week old female kitten named Smokey. When we frequently woke up Friday night to mice in our apartment looking for a midnight snack (mind you this is the apartment I have worked extremely hard to get clean and de-miced) we decided that maybe we should invest in a cute cuddly protector. So far she's done her job very well. She is a fantastic cuddler and (when I'm able to stand not having her sleep with me) a good "mouser" This is my only complaint about our new home. We live in a house/cabin built in the 1920s but we have the beauty of electricity and water. To me it's got all of the amenities of a home in the city but then the incredible beauty of the mountainous outdoors. We've had deer in our front yard! If you get a chance google GBEEC! It's pretty awesome. Just to top having a fantastic job, we also have a great boss. He and his family have opened there arms to us on numerous occasions and continue to do so. We also have friends in Ephraim who have been a great blessing to us. Can't even begin to express our gratitude for them and to them.

Anyways.....after this huge monolgue I'll end by again stating that I am the luckiest woman alive! I have a fantastic husband whom I love and who loves me, a wonderful, loving and caring family (including in-laws who welcomed me with open hearts into their family), and good job that keeps me busy as well as a cute and cuddly kitty-cat. What more can a girl ask for? Life is Great!!!

Going to the Temple and We're Gonna get Married!

2009-05-20T09:39:00.000-06:00

WOW! We are getting married in THREE days!!!!!! For those whose invitations haven't come or might be wondering about details here they are: May 23 2009, Manti Temple Manti Utah, 10:00am -you need to be there at 9:30am, An ALL-WHITE wedding. The only reception we are having is in Farmington, New Mexico, at the LDS church (stake center) -4400 College Blvd- from 6pm-8pm.

Last weekend I had the amazing opportunity to recieve my endowments in the Mount Timpanogas Temple and what an amazing experience! I'm so grateful to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and to know that it is the only true church on the Earth today. I'd like to say thank you to any who were able to come to this and any who tried. I found out after the session in the temple that I had an uncle and some friends whom we had misunderstandings on the time. I appreciate your effort to come. I also found out afterwards that inviting my aunts and uncles to be there would have been a good idea. I apologize to everyone for that. I was under the impression that it was supposed to be close immediate family only so I'm extremely sorry for that.

On a happier note everything for the wedding is in place and I have the best parents and siblings and friends and family in the world. This wedding would not be possible without their help. I'm so excited to be marrying Dave in three days. It is my dream come true. I have honestly never met anyone so patient or kind or sweet or thoughtful, so incredibly amazing, or so dedicated. I'm afraid I'll have to stop there because the list could truly do on forever. I love Dave so much I'm thrilled to be marrying for time and all of eternity in the Manti Temple this Saturday.

Next Time I Write I Will Be Emily Taylor Cazier...A Married Woman!

The days getting longer as the countdown gets shorter...

2009-05-11T23:17:00.000-06:00

Well school has officially been out for one week and three days now, and may I just say that this has been the longest period of time in my entire life. Em has been in New Mexico getting things ready for the wedding while I have been here in Star Valley helping out my parents and doing a few advertisement jobs here and there, and needless to say things have been completely DULL. I miss Emily so dang much it's absolutely ridiculous.

On the bright side, our wedding is coming up shortly... 12 days to be exact. It is absolutely crazy how when it gets closer and closer to the wedding, all the sudden the days and hours get longer and longer. Don't you just love how time teases the heck out of ya? My goodness.

The invitations have been sent out and it's looking like things are getting ready to go. We sent in the traditional SV wedding announcement with the "brag blog" in the local newspaper, the Star Valley Independent, and so that means that it's REALLY getting close. I'm definitely not complaining though.

Today my mother and I went into town to run some errands, and I had three people right in a row come up to me and tell me that I am marrying a beautiful girl. All I could do was smile agree wholeheartedly. Then I come home tonight and had two telephone calls, and each of them said the exact thing! It's true, what can I say, I am marrying the most beautiful girl in the entire dang world. And I am excited!

Of course there are a lot of things left to do before the wedding, with the most important being Em's endowments this Saturday in the Mount Timpanogos Temple. I'm way excited for this. I know that she will love the temple, and now I can have a (pretty) partner to go to the temple with me (sorry Jake, you just don't got the looks bro). I've seriously never been so excited for anything in my entire life. There is this constant excitement in my throat all the time, ya know that feeling that you would get as a kid on Christmas Eve or that same feeling I had on the long plane ride home from Norway. The future is going to be amazing!

I'm currently working on a surprise for Emily and which I am excited to give to her. Hopefully it will work out as planned.

Best of luck with everything everyone, and we'll see ya on the 23rd!

Oh Goodness

2009-04-27T22:20:00.000-06:00

Finals have started. This is my least favorite time of the year. However, I have learned during the end of this semester in particular to be greatful for blessings and opportunities. I am taking pre-calculus this semester (the final is on Thursday) and I have struggled immensely in the course. The really neat thing is that I also have a fantastic professor. I went to him for help and we discussed our schedules and when I could come and recieve help from him. Much to my disappointment we could not find any time to work together. I was either at work or in another class or he had a class or meeting. To my utter amazement he invited me to his home after I finished work so he could help me. I went and met his wife (a woman as sweet and kind as he is) and have been recieving help on my homework. Mind you that my days seem to be filled with nonstop work and running so by the time that I've gotten to their house, my brain is fried and I haven't eaten for nearly five hours. The first time I got to their house, they were just finishing dinner. They invited me into their home and we began talking as they finished their meal. Afterwards, I worked with my professor on precalculus for four and half hours. Since then I have been to his house nearly every night and they have taken it upon themselves to feed me when I come as well. I've even been to their home on a Saturday night and had to have Dave pick me up for date there on Friday night. I didn't realize when I went there that they were opening not only their home, but also their hearts and their arms to me. I have learned through frequent conversations with them that Dave and I will also be able to spend a lot of time with them this summer as we work at GBEEC. They do some things up there as well and typically like to camp up there for the better part of summer. I cannot wait! I'm so excited to learn everything I can from these wonderful people and to have an entire summer to express my gratitude to them for the kindness they have shown me in these past few weeks.

I made quite the connection the other day as a result of this great blessing. I never quite understood that I could have had this blessing from the day that I started struggling in Precalculus if I had just asked for the help. I wonder how many other blessings are waiting for me if I just ask. I get the feeling that there are many not just for me, but for each of us.

It has been a rough week or two. Dave's grandpa passed away Saturday night. They decided to hold the funeral this coming Saturday. Unfortunately I have a time conflict...my sister's graduation from SUU with her Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Development will be this Saturday.(I'm so happy for her. She has worked so hard and earned every bit of that degree and set a great example for me in the process) After her graduation I am returning to New Mexico with my parents to finish the plans for the wedding. (26 Days! Just in case you were wondering)
I am so excited to become Mrs. David Cazier and to be able to live and work with him up at GBEEC and I'm so grateful for the support and love of family and friends.

School's [Almost] Out For the Summer!

2009-04-21T19:30:00.000-06:00

It's crazy to think that finals are next week here at Snow. I'm getting pretty excited, though I'll be hoenst. This summer is going to be great, from the wedding to GBEEC to Utah State, this is going to be the most life-changing summers of my life.

Em and I have been busy trying to keep on top of grades and work and getting ready for a wedding. Last week was a little tough for us, as stress seemed to pile up along with sad news of relatives and friends in the hospital and on their deathbed. My grandpa was taken into the hospital last Friday night with organ failure, it as the time has withered on, it's looking like we're going to be having a funeral here shortly. Em's good friend and "adopted" grandpa had similar health problems with being in the hospital with pneumonia.

As Em and I have talked about it, however, it makes us so grateful for the Plan of Salvation and the Gospel. How comforting it is to know where we go after we die, that death truly isn't the end. Also, it's made me so grateful for the blessings of the temple and the sacred power therein that binds families together, truly, forever.

Well we hope that you all have a wonderful spring and wish you the best of luck with everything!

Another Day Gone By

2009-04-09T13:31:00.000-06:00

Well life is still insanely busy and I'm still crazy. Oops,..I mean Life is still crazy and I'm still busy. Well either way Dave and I have been working hard and are ready for this Easter weekend. For those of you who listened to the Jake'n'Dave Show last week and heard Dave and I,..well...what can I say. I'm crazy in love with him and will do just about anything he asks even if it does mean I get on the radio with him and sound like a retard. lol. Actually, regardless of how I sounded, Dave and I enjoyed the show the last week. Jake is back in town so if you want to listen again tonight I'd recommend it. It's a much better show when it's Jake and Dave as they are both experienced and have tons of fun together.

General Conference over the weekend was absolutely fantastic! Everytime I listen to President Monson and other officials of the church I know I am hearing exactly what I need to hear. It was fantastic. I'm so grateful that I have the opportunity to participate in such wonderful conferences. I have to admit that I could not choose a favorite talk if you asked me to. I feel like each message was said specifially for me in some way or another.

We picked up my wedding dress over the weekend as well and got Dave's suit and tie. I feel as though I'm not quite ready for the wedding, but I'm more than ready for the marriage if you know what I mean. I haven't gotten everything done and planned out, nor invitations sent out, but I'm so ready to have Dave as my eternal companion that I'd marry him tomorrow if I could. (And although I love my roommates I'm also ready to be set up with Dave in a place of our own where the only dishes in the sink are mine, the food in the fridge is free game, and when we need peace and quiet to do homework, we've got it. **Sigh** Gotta love the college life. lol)

Unfortunately I just took a short break from homework to write this so I'm back to grinder and cranking out the assignments. Hope you all are doing well!

The Dave and Em Show!

2009-04-01T22:30:00.000-06:00

Well, Em and I have been trying desperately to hang on in the academic world. It seems that when it rains it pours with the homework and projects and such. But we're almost to the weekend! Just keep paying that dang tithing.

So this Thursday my fellow host on The Jake 'n Dave Show is taking off on me to Logan for some mission reunions and such, and so I have decided to transform this week's radio show into the Dave 'n Em Show. We're pretty excited about it. We are planning on talking a lot about relationships and the positives of dating this week, rather than break-ups that Jake and I talked about last week. It should be pretty good, so if you got some time listen to us at http://www.snow.edu/kage or 89.5 FM Ephraim this Thursday April 2nd from 8-10 PM.

Otherwise, things are going right on along. We're getting way stoked for this weekend as general conference in Salt Lake is approaching us! I'm also getting my suits this weekend for the wedding, Em is picking up her wedding dress, we're hitting up my mission reunion this Friday, along with the Saturday Morning Session of GC. It will be a busy but way fun weekend.

Well I better go get some more homework done. Love you all and take care!

Wedding Invitations!

2009-03-30T13:06:00.000-06:00

I haven't actually seen them but Momma Taylor sent me pictures on her phone of the wedding invitations which have arrived. Hopefully we'll be getting invitations sent out shortly! I was really excited to see the invites. They look really cute! I also get to pick up my wedding dress this weekend up in Provo. I'm so excited! Dave's parents got tickets for general conference including enough for Dave and I. We will be attending the first session and then Dave and his dad will go to the priesthood session while Mama Beth and I have our girl time (which I'm told will include shopping at all the sales in Salt Lake put on specifically for the women of the church as the men are in their session of conference!) I'm really excited and look forward to the wonderful and happy weekend that I already know we will have! I do have to admit that I miss Momma and Daddy Taylor a lot right now though. They just celebrated Momma Taylor's birthday and its the first time that I have not been there to celebrate with them. I miss them terribly. Papa Kem also just celebrated his birthday last week and we look forward to extending the birthday greeting this weekend as well his present! (I love shopping for other people especially on their birthday!) . I'm not too sure how I'm going to help with getting wedding invitations sent out or how I will get Momma Taylor's present to her but I'm sure we'll find a way! I love you all! I'll let you know how this weekend goes!

Draper Temple Dedication

2009-03-26T16:29:00.000-06:00

On Sunday Dave and I had the wonderful opportunity to attend the broadcast of the Draper Temple Dedication. It has been years since I had the chance to go to one and I was grateful to participate in the wonderful occasion. I don't remember much from the Albuquerque Temple dedication and was excited to be old enough to remember this dedication. The talks that were given were incredible to listen to. I'm so grateful to have the church in my life. President Monson is truly a prophet of God just as President Hinkley was. What a wonderful occasion it was to hear the prophet speak. I love the temple so much! I can't wait to go through and receive my endowments!

2009-03-25T19:19:00.000-06:00

David Cazier is the most amazing I have ever met! I'm so grateful to be marrying him and to be given the opportunity to have an eternal family. I'm also very excited to be preparing myself to go through the temple for the first and recieve my endowments. School is going great if not a little crazy! I'm sure you all can relate.

I Love Em!

2009-03-23T18:18:00.000-06:00

So I am marrying the most beautiful woman in the world and I am so excited to be with her for eternity. She is amazing and I am so lucky!!

Engagement Pictures!

2009-03-05T22:55:00.000-07:00