Spudman Triathlon

This last weekend Trev and I did an Olympic size Triathlon! We have done sprints in the past, but this one was the real deal.  1 mile swim, 25 mile bike, and 6 mile run.  It has been a fun summer training together.  We spent many nights riding our bikes together on the long country roads in Logan.  We were both pretty nervous as we headed into it.  You spend all this time training and then when it comes down to it you have to ask yourself, can I really do this?  Was my training enough?  Why did you eat that brownie???!  Regardless, we set up our transition stations the night before and jumped in the Snake River at 7:10 AM and off we went.  We stayed together through the swim and the bike ride which was nice because we could pace each other and chat to keep our minds busy.  It was so much fun doing this with Trev.  We pushed each other to keep going and both accomplished our goals.  Trev wanted to make it under 3 hours and I wanted to run the 6 miles under an hour.  It's amazing what you can do with the right mind set and training.  I finished in 2 hours and 52 minutes and Trev finished in 2 hours and 59 minutes!  We are already looking for the next one to sign up for! SWIM.BIKE.RUN!

Moab Adventures

Our weekend in Moab was so much more fun than we could have imagined!  Every day was packed full of different adventures.  The days were spent learning to kayak on the muddy Colorado River, mountain biking, hiking, jumping off waterfalls, white water rafting, and exploring the city which we found we loved!  Trev feels like he belongs in Moab.

Day 1: Friday July 19th

Floated "The Daily" in our life jackets, on some tubes, and a blow up kayak.  Took forever! and there were zero rapids.  Not recommended.  

Hit up Porcupine Rim on our mountain bikes.  This trail was obviously for very advanced riders!  There were cliffs, boulders, and steep drop offs.  We didn't make it very far, but it was a ton of fun!  I did take a fall...but  it was when I was pushing my bike!

Day 2:

Went window shopping and explored the city

Went hiking in Mill Creek on a trail that took us through the water and to a waterfall! 

Day 3:

Hiked to Delicate Arch 

Biked Slickrock-our new favorite mountain bike trail!

Day 4:

Slept under the stars

Rafted West Water

West water rapids were pretty intense.  The stretch is 18 miles long and you have cliffs on both sides of you so you can't really get out of the river.  The first hour and a half is a slower stretch then you have heavy rapids for about an hour and a half, then the last hour and a half is slow.  The rapids are different here than what we are used to in Jackson.  The canyon makes it so that there are steep drop offs which cause some pretty bad death eaters that just suck the back of your boat into the current.  Luckily Alexa's friends work as guides and were able to go on a kayak to show us where to go.  They floated this stretch a week before we ran it and on Skull rapid they told us to go right, but a rock had surfaced since they last ran it and we basically went over the rock.  Trevor, Kym, and Alexa fell out of our boat.  Trev held on and went over the next rock.  My dad was guiding us and was able to pull Kym in pretty quickly.  Alexa got stuck under the boat for a minute but was able to get back in pretty quick.  Next came our guide kayak with Chels and Kenz and the rapids flipped them over as well.  Randy was guiding the other boat and they hit it exactly how we did.  My mom and Stephanie went out.  Stephanie was able to hold on to the boat but saw my mom get sucked under the boat.  My mom was under water for about 45 seconds.  We didn't realize how scary her situation was because we were coming up on the next rapids and couldn't really tell what was happening. We made it down the river and we had to leave right after so we wouldn't get home too late.  The next night my parents came home and my mom wanted to share her experience because it was pretty traumatic for her.  She sent us this email: 

GRATEFUL TO LIVE ANOTHER DAY
On July 22, 2013 I was seconds away from dying. We invited family and friends to join us in Moab on a white water rafting trip. Doug went to great lengths to plan and organize everything. It was part of our family - Jessica and Trevor, Robert and Stephanie, and Amber. Doug’s brother, Randy and his sons Michael, Brandon and Richard (Austin). Trevor’s sisters, Ashley and Alexa, his brother, Eric (Blub) and Trevor’s friends Oliver and Kim. Also Alexa’s friends, who are guides down there came along in a 2 person kayak. Just FYI, 8 of 18 people went out of the rafts. Doug and I were in separate rafts.
We did an intense section on the Colorado River. Where the rapids are the edges are rock walls, so there is no getting out for miles. It was a 17 mile run total. We went between two large boulders that the water was rushing over the tops and creates what we call a “death eater” meaning it pulls the boat backwards and under. So it pulled the back left side of the boat down and water ran in. Stephanie and I went out. I remember being worried about her and wanted to help her. She grabbed the rope and said she reached for me but just saw me get pulled under. I went down and popped up under the raft. I reached up with my hands. I saw the blackness of the raft bottom and the shadow of my hands right in front of my eyes. I immediately started left with my hands thinking that would be the direction I came from- who really knows what direction I was headed? Anyway, my thought was “if I go that way, I will be fighting against the current”, so I headed right a few hand steps, then second thought about going left again, which I did 1 or 2 hand-steps. About that time I decided “I need to breathe soon! I am in trouble” At that point, I knew I just needed to commit to one direction and go. I thought, “so this is the way that it ends?” I thought about how does it happen? Do I take a breath of water? Or, can I hold my breath until I pass out? I decided to wait ‘til I pass out, even though I wasn’t sure it was realistic. I decided to pass out and hope my lungs wouldn’t fill with water and that they could revive me. So I continued right and hoped that I wasn’t traveling length-wise of the raft. I thought, “my grandkids are not going to white water raft!” My Patriarchal blessing came to my mind, it says I will live long upon the land. So I thought that I would live, but wondered if I hadn’t followed the spirit and that actually I would die. Finally, my hands weren’t touching the raft and I fully expected to pop up beside the raft. I was thinking-“wow, just in time!” Then I found myself having to swim up toward the surface of the muddy water. I was fighting not to take a breath. My lungs were hurting. I ended up swimming about 6 feet up- I really thought okay I can make it 1 more second. I had to keep saying that to myself and I finally thought Oh my gosh, I’m not going to make it- this can’t be right! But I held on for another second, which finally was barely enough! I was so exhausted when I came up. My life jacket was too big and I was fighting that a little. I had come up 20 feet or so behind the raft. Apparently I had been taken down by an undercurrent. I was going to do what I would normally do and just put my feet downstream and go to the raft. I noticed a slower area to the right. I thought if I went under again, I would not have the ability to hold my breath again. So, I went to the slow area for a short moment and hit against some rounded rocks, then I realized that maybe the raft wasn’t able to stop which would make my journey longer. So I pushed out to the stream and was so relieved to see them not too far off. They pulled me in and I was so worn out, all I could do was sit there and breathe. Amber told me to just sit in the middle and rest. Another rapid was coming and life went on. It was weird to think, “I just nearly died!” And
things go on as normal. Later they told me of Robert, Amber and Randy worried about where I was and being surprised when I popped up so far behind them. Others from the other rafts also were worried and said “you were under for a long time”. Randy said no one he has ever seen has been under for so long. It was probably about 45 seconds, but when you don’t know if you will take another breath and you’re fighting for your life, it’s pretty tough, pretty exhausting.
I couldn’t stop wondering about what if it would have been Brandon or Ashley or a grandchild. Would have they made it? What if there would have been rocks to slam into and get knocked out or trapped by the current. I would hate for anyone else to have this experience and worst of all not live to tell about it. I can’t help but to think we should stop while we still have good memories and not a disaster.
I have told a few of those that I was with, including Doug, but they cannot comprehend how close I was to not making it. It made me realize how dangerous white water rafting is and I no longer want my family to do it. I love them all too much. I would hope that we could find fun activities that are safer.
I realize that I should take this as a wake -up call to focus on eternal principles and prioritizing what is truly important in this world and the next. I know that I can spend more time feasting on the scriptures and falling to my knees in prayer. I know I can spend more time in the temple. I spend hours working out, so spending time to draw closer to God and striving to become like Christ needs to be a bigger part of my daily life. How could I regret spending more time knowing Christ and my Heavenly Father? They are the ones that guide my life for all that is good for me and my family. I could never regret spending time with my family. We have a wonderful family, including the in-laws. I love to see the loving, caring relationships they have. My desire is to treat others the way that Christ would—to develop the charity of Christ. His kind, gentle ways showed the love He has for others. He has a way of correcting/guiding me and leaving me feeling loved. I believe in Christ! I am a fan of Him and His ways.
2 Nephi 4:34 34 O Lord, I have atrusted in thee, and I will btrust in thee forever. I will not put my ctrust in the arm of flesh; for I know that cursed is he that putteth his dtrust in the arm of flesh. Yea, cursed is he that putteth his trust in man or maketh flesh his arm.

Sweet Summertime

Between work and play I have not had much time to blog this summer!  So, here it is Summer 2013 in a nutshell...

Trev walked for graduation! It was kind of a teaser because he still has summer school and then his masters in the Fall and Spring.

We have a nephew!!! Emmet Owen was born May 3, 2013 and is one handsome guy!  

and Justin is already training him to be a pro rock climber at 2 weeks old.

We packed Memorial weekend full of fly fishing, Savannahas BBQ, Bear Lake, Golf, and at the doctor.  We had quite the adventure fly fishing.  Trev wanted to hike down below the bridge because it looks the movie "River Runs Through It".  Lets just say we did a little more hiking than catching fish.

While we were at Bear Lake Blub proposed to Isabel! They are formally known as Blizzy.

Trev has become quite the expert golfer.  He and Chez make it to the course at least once a week.

The Yergensens came to Lava Hot Springs for some cousin time before Tara left on her mission.  We had so much fun and I went off the way high dive for the first time.  I am a little bit of an adrenaline junky so I loved it!

We attempted fly fishing again with the parents.  We had a lot of bites but no luck.

We headed to 7 Peaks while Eric went wedding suit shopping.  I have never seen such a bigger smile on Trev's face than the first time he came down the water slide.  We felt like kids again :)

We are kickin it in gear for our Triathlon!  This was the first time clipping into our peddles. At the very first stop sign Trev unclipped his right foot then leaned left to get off his bike.  It was like slow motion and he just tipped over.  He was quite embarrassed because there were cars at every stop sign.  We have had some pretty good laughs reminiscing about it.

Our new favorite thing is having sleepovers and watching Friday Night Lights or New Girl.  We are hooked! We have a pull out bed in our front room so we pop some pop corn, pull out the bed, and watch away!

My Rockstar Husband

Okay, it is time to gloat about the hubby.  Not only does he have the looks but he’s got the brains to go with it.  He is incredibly driven when it comes to his schooling and career.  He has maintained above a 3.8 overall GPA as an accounting major and has actively participated in many groups and clubs on campus.  It all started when he was chosen to be a Hunstman Scholar.  This is a group of top tier students that get to do a study abroad in Europe all expenses paid.  They held rigorous interview sessions,  and many of the chosen group were previously candidates the previous year(s).  Well, Trev stole their hearts and went on to become great friends his teachers and mentors.  He also actively pursued each of the four big accounting firms at the hopes to get an interview.  Each of the firms offers a summer leadership program where they choose a select few to come to the event.  Trev was invited to all four summer leadership programs.  He was also chosen to represent the Salt Lake office for the National Conference for PwC held in Chicago.  He was also invited to the Entrepreneur of the Year event for Ernst and Young.  He was fortunate to get an offer from each of the top four accounting firms and was offered to be sent to any area of his choosing.  He had a tough time deciding since he had grown so fond of each of the firms.  He decided to go with Pricewaterhouse Coopers (PwC) and is doing an audit internship this busy season.  He was also recently nominated for student of the year at Utah State.  We just found out last Friday that he was selected as a finalist!  That is what inspired me to write this whole spill about him.  I cannot believe how talented he is.  I am one lucky girl to have such an awesome husband.  

Breezy St. Geezy

Since Trev and I have been living apart the last 3 months (he is doing an internship with PwC), we decided we needed a get-a-way weekend in sunny St George.  We hit the road early Friday morning; it was good to have time to just talk, sing our favorite songs, stop at a random petting zoo, and just be goofy with Trev.  We had a change of plans about 2 hours before arriving in Zions and decided we should try to find a camp ground before they were all filled up.  We decided to try the beautiful Snow Canyon State Park.  We walked into the office and were literally 1 minute too late.  The guy in front of us just so happened to get the last camp site!!! Our hearts sunk and we just looked at each other like what now?!  Luck turned our way when we heard that they just got a call and the scouts had cancelled their reservation so the overflow was empty.  We were able to pick the spot right by the fire pit.  We set up the tent, ate lunch, and headed for the Barrel Roll bike trail in Santa Clara.  

  We are pretty new to the whole mountain bike scene, but we love it!  This trail was perfect.  We had to walk some parts... we weren't quite ready for the whole jumping off rocks and riding next to cliffs thing...but we had fun on the parts we could handle.  There were gorgeous views from the peak.  

After our ride we went back to our camp and cooked up some yummy carne asada over the fire.  After dinner, we realized we were exhausted and ready to hit the sack.  Just as we were trying to fall asleep the wind picked up and started blowing our tent.  It was blowing so hard that the stakes were pulling up and the wall was touching our faces!  After two hours of this we both realized we weren't going to be able to sleep.  It was one of those horrible moments when you realize you either lay in your warm sleeping bag but don't get any sleep all night, or you sleep in the car.  You guessed it!  We quickly threw everything in the tent, laid down the back seats and climbed in the car with our legs in the trunk.  It wasn't the comfiest, but at least it was quiet!

We decided to have a relaxing Saturday and just enjoy the day together.  We went for a ride through Snow Canyon, visited the temple, ate some delicious Indian food, went shopping, and hit the golf course. 

We hit an awesome diner, Hermies, on the way home and couldn't have been more happy to snuggle up in a warm, quiet bed.  All in all it was quite the adventure.  We learned that somehow things always work out.  We always have so much fun in everything we do.  Sometimes you have to just roll with the punches and keep a positive attitude.

49er Fettish!

Trev has always been an extremely loyal person, not only to his family and friends, but don't forget about his sports!  Ever since he was little he has looved the 49ers.  He has a cute picture when he was little that I will have to dig up.  He gets picked on for some of his team choices, but as any loyal fan would, he stays true even when they're not doing so hot.  I adore this quality about him.  Luckily, the 49ers are on a winning streak and we hope to see them in the superbowl!  Last year was heart breaking.  My favorite thing is to see Trev's big grin when his teams win.  It almost makes up for how bored I get watching football sometimes :)

25 Candles

I cannot believe I am 25 years old!  I feel like I have hit a milestone.  I remember when I was in high school and teachers would ask, "Where will you be in 10 years?"  I remember thinking, by the time I was 25 I will have worked a couple years after college, have a husband and a couple kids and enjoy my perfect house while being the perfect house wife.  I must say, my life has definitely taken different roads then expected, but has far surpassed my dreams.  I feel very fortunate that I have been able to travel the world, marry such an awesome guy, graduate from Utah State, and find a job that I love going to every day.  Trev and I love to dream big and are excited for the future.  Last week he was in Denver to be trained for his internship this tax season with PWC.  Luckily, he came home on my birthday and we had an awesome weekend in Salt Lake. We stayed at the Sherraton, went hot tubbing, ordered in pizza and he took me to Cheesecake Factory at City Creek Center which was followed by shopping.  It was the perfect birthday; just spending all day with my best friend and not a care in the world.  I'm thankful for all my family and friends who helped me celebrate.  My mom made me breakfast bright and early before work, my team at Conservice went all out to  decorated my desk and made brownies, Trev sent me flowers at work, Johnna and Ash called to sing Happy Birthday--silly Ash sang bass for part because Scott was outside, and I received many calls and messages wishing me a happy birthday.