Fall 2011...

My favorite time of year is fall! The excitement for the ski season is upcoming, the leaves are changing, and the air is crisp! With the second set of mid-terms going on I haven't enjoyed fall as much as I would have liked but we did find time to squeeze in some pumpkin carving and as celebration for finishing our Anatomy test the Vet school throws a Halloween Party. I was a little burnt out Friday afternoon so I decided I didn't really want to go but as the evening wore on I decided it would be fun so we scrambled together some costumes and headed out! I forgot how much fun it is to dance! We had a so much fun dancing all night with some new friends and of course checking out all the costumes! Our pumpkin carving came last week as a study break for our "utah state" family (we have been dubbed that at school). We headed to the Heaton's and carved pumpkins. Kyle and Tess's were a little tough to cut into so the boys brought out the power tools. It took a while but they turned out pretty good. Last night we continued the post anatomy test party going and headed to this small town 15 miles from Pullman called Palouse. They close down the entire main street (2 blocks) and have a haunted carnival. There are 2 haunted houses and a haunted hay ride. It was so much fun! I have such a soft spot for small towns and this was the ultimate small town moment. Everyone in town participates, the "concessions" are two little old ladies selling hot chocolate and home baked goods in ziploc baggies. It was the perfect amount of terrifying but fun at the same time so everyone was happy! Enjoy some pictures of our Fall outings and the count down to Thanksgiving begins!!

My Brother...

Every time I post a blog I wait for the phone call. "THE RAD" shows up on my caller ID and I smile knowing exactly what the conversation will sound like. "Micall...I read your blog, you didn't mention me. Don't you know that everything you do has been influenced by me?" Regardless of what the blog is about or if there are pictures of my older brother or not it's not enough. So this is a blog ENTIRELY about my eldest brother Brian! I'm sure it will trigger a domino effect through the rest of the fan wanting a personalized blog but I've got to do something to end the phone calls. Brian and I have a very weird relationship, we always have. Growing up I always was one of the guys so I did everything with he and my dad and when Hunter came along he came too. He pushes me to do things that I don't want to or am too chicken to do. All he has to say is "why are you being such a girl?" and I immediately jump off the cliff, throw the 360, race him to the end of the pool, box w/ my sister, run farther, ski faster, pretty much compete at anything. He sometimes mistakes me for being a boy for example "Travis! You turned my little brother into a GIRL!!!" He was take off guard by a husband in the picture but they have bonded. I have accomplished more and been pushed further because of him and I will always be grateful for that. As our relationship evolved I began to challenge him back... I'll give you 1$ if you eat this butter and BBQ sauce mixed with gravy. In which he retaliates with " 2$ to drink a shot glass of beet juice" or my mom's favorite " Mic I'll give you 5 bucks to smurfer my armpit"... yup we have a twisted twisted relationship. I am easily bought and bribed by him. While growing up when we would stay in hotels, Hunter and Tehmi would share a bed because Hunter liked Tehmi better and Brian and I would share even as we grew older we continue to share tents while camping and hotel rooms. He is weird and I am weird we have a very unusual bond that I love. He is the ultimate older brother and I love him for that! Here is to you Brian... Your very own BLOG! Love you much!!

I am domestic...

The title of this blog may take most of you by surprise but it's true I have made huge improvements! I have made dinner almost every night we have lived here. Not just mac n cheese or pasta roni... like real meals. I have decided that Travis is going to just have to get over his anti-leftover idea. It is impossible to cook for just two people unless you cook pasta roni, which is why that is all I have made for the last two years...(ok maybe not the only reason...) Moving away has inspired me to start cooking real meals. This has come about because Travis and I both have the ability to have a hot lunch, the Vet school has microwaves EVERYWHERE so I can heat up leftovers and Travis comes home for lunch (he works across the street). Now there is no excuse for me to not cook large well balanced meals. As I keep writing I know my mother is tearing up with pride and my sister's mouth is dropping. (My brothers are laughing in disbelief). So yes I have made the following: Black bean chicken chili, stuffed shells with homemade breadsticks, baked cream cheese spaghetti,homemade biscuits, chicken roll ups, stir fry AND... every sunday: ROAST, POTATOES, HOMEMADE ROLLS, GRAVY, and CARROTS. I believe that the need for my brain to think about anything but school has pushed me to cooking meals PLUS my stomach wanting real food. We will see how long this new me sticks around but hopefully it lasts a little longer! Thanks mom and Tehmi for answering my phone calls mid-meal to help me out!

I would post some pictures but I'm not a talented photographer so the food would look less appetizing than it really was.