Don't punch . . . our car

While we are on the subject of my future inevitably adorable nieces and nephews (see previous post), let's give this a gander, and make some plans for future family projects:

My World is Changing . . .

Thanks for your votes, blogosphere. You were hilarious, and I only wish I could have switched my survey so it was not anonymous and I could see who was submitting your creative ideas. In the end, though, the data all pointed to one of my favorite options and the decision seemed so clear:

In other news, big things are happening, world. I had been wanting to announce this for a while, but I had to wait until I got departmental approval, which I now have. There is a little bun in my sister's oven. Hmm, I don't really like that phrasing; it makes Heather sound like a baby cooker, but the link is already in there, so sorry, Heath. But, yes, it is true, the first little one from my generation on the Harrison side is set to come into the world this June and we are thrilled.

Other less big, but still marvelous news, my friend gave me her exercise orb and it is probably the funnest object we own. If you dive on to it just right, you can use it for travel from the front door to our desk OR from the living room to the bathroom. I'll never have to walk again!

Phantasmagorical Antics

Hello, world! Lately I have becoming increasingly technology savvy due to a number of technology related requirements for my major. I am one who definitely prefers the hard copy to electronic doodads, but I am so pleased and proud of my tiny but growing tech literacy, I just want to gather all my over 65-year-old friends together and teach them all the wonders I have learned with Excel.

Yesterday, I sent Jason the following quiz hand to mouse crafted by moi, which I am now submitting to you, world, because your vote matters to me.

(Yes, you may really vote; I encourage it. There are also some inspirational photographs below if you are having trouble deciding.)

Shine like Transfiguration

I am so glad I ran across this Simon William's shot of Jason at the Hare Krishna festival so long ago, because his face is such a better representation of the remarkable fall colors we saw yesterday than the few photos we snapped on our slow roll through the mountains.

It is so dazzingly clear at times that Nature is sacred and sculpted from a Master's hand. I love those communion-like moments when you come tired and burdened to these quiet places and leave rejuvenated and feeling more connected to God and to the whole.

I interview farmers for my job and I've met some of the hardest working people in Utah and so many have lamented the pressures on today's fast-paced folks. One woman had said that even with entertainment, there is so much flash and expectation on everyone: people feel like they have to be doing something at every moment of the day. Now, I am not criticizing busy, productive people--I think it is wonderful to use your time in ways that will benefit others and yourself, but I am suggesting that there is a holiness and peace in the quiet nothingness of being. It does not make for exciting conversation ("So, what did you do today?" "Mostly meditated and thought about breathing.") but sometimes, having an hour on pause makes the fast-forward so much more manageable.

Happy Fall.

Starstruck

My brother is a star!

Yes, that is his hand circling those scriptures, and yes that is him walking up the stairs with his beloved companion, Elder Lewis, who looks so remarkably like him. Who knew that his missionary service would lead to his first starring role in a film?

What I want, you've got

So it turns out Heather is the cutest bride in the world, as evidenced below:

A three week engagement makes for some stressful planning, but I think it makes the celebration day even sweeter. For one thing, we were privileged to witness the generosity of friends and neighbors. We had all kind of assumed that Heather would have to make some sacrifices in putting together a wedding so quickly, but we had countless offers of assistance, even with a bunch of other friends busy, busy, busy with the August wedding rush. It was pretty overwhelming the lengths people were willing to go to and the things that they were willing to undertake to support Heather and our family. For example, we got two independent offers from friends to construct a wedding dress for Heather despite (and because of) the time constraint; we had a friend throw a big, beautiful bridal shower for Heather; we had friends in the kitchen at the reception all day preparing tasty treats, including vegetables from another friend's garden; we had a friend pick up the cake the day of the wedding; we had people helping with flowers; flying out to take pictures; coming and dancing at the reception before making it out to the other wedding reception happening in our ward. It was a great, great day and a huge part of that, at least for us Harrison people, was because of the staggering amount of love and support we experienced. Thanks, everyone.

Also, I highly recommend giving a visit to Jordan and Heather's photographer's blog, because really, I wasn't joking about Heather being the cutest:

Clickedy Click

Post-wedding, I made it safely back to Utah after taking a tiny detour to Las Vegas due to bad weather in Salt Lake. Aside from a bit of airsickness, the flight was lovely and the airline gave us three snacks and two drinks because they felt so badly about landing us in the wrong city. No problem, Southwest; your mistake equals my Ginger Ale.

Just before walking to the grocery store today, I got this secret surprise from the best husband in the world, Jason:

which made my walk to and from Smith's like this:

except for I was carrying two reams of paper.

Mazel tov!

Today my adorable big sister, Heather (see Figure A)

(Figure A)

announced that she'll be marrying this angry wizard boy (see Figure B)

(Figure B)

in THREE WEEKS! Let the planning begin!

Oh, I should mention that Heather's fiance is not angry wizard boy, Harry Potter, but Jordan Tait, whom Heather also views as magical.