2008 in a Wrap

Well most people send out letters and cards for the holidays. As I would love to do that, I feel like nothing great will be done til Dave and I final settle down, in our own place and have our space to freely move and live, so until then this is what your going to get and as we realize not everyone has a blog that we would like this to reach, so we send our apologies in our hearts to them.

2008 has been a heck of a year. And I wouldn't classify my usage of heck as up in the great. wonderful, fantastic words category. It wasn't the worst but it was rough and down-in-the dirt kinda year. I've heard many people say things like this about 2008. Many people are happy to see it go. As most are happy to see it go, our year was full of life's great (and not so great) moments...

Our year began up in our first little place in the Artic Tundra of Utah (as many have referred it as), Logan. It was a great little place. It was near where we needed to be, USU's campus though it was a treacherous walk up that almost-vertical hill. We enjoyed it. Dave worked at Pepperidge Farms where he loaded trailers. Rachel was working at Iggy's Sports Grill as a waitress. Both jobs did what they needed to. We were both busy, busy, busy with school and work. At the end of the Spring (more like winter) semester, we packed up and moved all our stuff to Jon and Julie's and the Nasella basements, all eccept a car full of things we could take along with us to St. Louis, Missouri.

St. Louis was a choice we made the year before to possibly get a head start in the finance area. Yes, Dave went door to door selling security systems. As for Rachel, she worked in the office setting up installations, doing paperwork, and a lot of other stuff. We were able to celebrate our first anniversary in St. Louis. Dave had to work on the day but we were able to to work around that. We even were able to get away for a day at the zoo (which was the hottest day ever!) and spend a night at a cute bed and breakfast. We lived in high class apartments that were actually right out of St. Louis in St. Charles. Our typical day was like this: in the morning you would find Rachel in the little workout room until the morning meeting, Dave fighting to try and train for LOTOJA as little as possible:); noon we would be at the meeting; about 1-8:30 p.m. Dave would be knocking and I would be in the office taking phone calls and doing paperwork; sometimes I was able to go play with the girls; 9:00-9:30 Dave would roll in and head straight to the computer and load the next Lost episode while I would finish making dinner. We were able to finish all 4 seasons of Lost in about a months time. We were addicted thanks to Jess.

At the end of our summer there the Nasella family made a trip out to visit. We were able to go see Carthage Jail and Nauvoo. It was amazing! We also went to the arch (for our 3rd time) and our 2nd Card's game. The Card's game was mostly for my dad. That stadium is one sight to see though. They even have a casino in the stadium. It was a good end to our summer. Missouri was gorgeous but we were sure ready to get back to Utah. We'll never forget the long trek back. We were determined to go straight through. The drive is about 1400 miles long but we were determined. Let's just say it was quite interesting. I've never had to push my eyelids so hard to keep them open. Past Cheyene we had to pull off and let Dave take a power-nap. I was so wide awake from the eerie feeling of nothing around us. It seemed as if the road between Evanston and Park City never was going to end. We swear we went into hallucinations. The Salt Lake Valley never looked so good coming out of Parley's.

Three days later we started each of our last semesters at Utah State. The first couple weeks were a bit crazy. We took a couple vacations. One to Lake Powell and the next weekend to Logan following Dave through his first LOTOJA bike race. Even though most of his training was in mountainless Missouri, he still finished strong! His support crew (me, Britt, and Cris) even missed him at a stop. Luckily his parents came to the rescue! (Yay for dependable parents!) It was such a great experience for all of us and a great accomplishment for Dave. Dave wants me to do it next year...we'll see if I can get through my long time fear of bikes.

December came quickly with Rachel's final week as a student teacher and Dave's final weeks trekking up to Logan a couple times a week. December 13th we completed our journey at USU. We both walked. It was so fun to finish that big step in life with the love of your life. It made it that much better!

We are currently trying to end our trend as ping-pong balls and finally settle down into a house of our own. It's been a long road but I guess we are learning great things along the way. We are learning, and continue to learn and grow each day in this adventure we call life.

Merry Christmas to all...

I hope all of you are having a wonderful Christmas! I know we've had one thus far! We've been able to spend time with family, talked with our brothers which are both serving missions, and have both been spoiled beyond our dreams. Its been great for us! We would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas!!! Hope it's full of joy and happiness:)

WE DID IT!!!

Well as of last Saturday Dave and I are college graduates! It's such a great feeling! Wahoo!! We traveled up with my family Friday night (which was the best choice due to the bad storm Saturday morning half our audience didn't show-that dang weather always decides to go wacko on big days of ours). The storm made the walk from the Fieldhouse to the Spectrum nippy and a bit dangerous for those girls in heels. It was such a great experience to graduate and even better to graduate with my other half. Dave was at the beginning of the line and I was towards the end so when I walked Dave stood up and came and kissed me and I guess it was caught on the jumbotron for the whole stadium to see...well we always wanted to be on the kiss cam at the games, I would say that is one step up!

We ate at Maddox with family afterwords, which was so good! We got a video camera from Dave's parents. Dave has been wanting a video camera for a good while now and it's a super cool one! It's smaller than Dave's hands! We have some good pics but the camera was left at Maddox so we'll be posting them later. Wish us luck on our transition into the real world!!! :)

The Weekend

After the whole fiasco on Thursday was over and mostly taken care of we ended up having a pretty good and fun weekend. Saturday morning Kaitlin got baptized. It was so cool to to get to see my dad baptize Kaitlin. She is the first to have our dad bless and baptize out of all of us. I have seen so many miracles happen in my family because of my dad's decision to get baptized 8 years ago. We went to Marie Calendar's for lunch after Kaitlin's baptism because my uncle had been at St. Mark's for a surgery the night before. Saturday night we had Dave's extended family Christmas party. We ate great food, exchanged white elephant gifts (I got Mr. and Mrs. Claus salt and pepper shakers, I love cute s & p shakers so it was perfect!), played chimes (Price Christmas tradition since I've known them), and made gingerbread houses! It ended up being a lot of fun!


Our gingerbread house was the best because it included the true meaning of Christmas. Just look close where the different colored cookie is placed. It is a Nativity cookie:)

Another thing that has become really popular among Dave and his family is finding the coolest places to long board at night especially. My job is follow him and pick him up at the bottom to take him back on up to do it all over again. Bridget and Ryan found a place with not many stop signs in Kaysville so we tested that out.

No neighborhood is a safe neighborhood...

Thursday morning our day began with finding Dave's car window smashed in and his ipod gone and later on learning his wallet was in his car and was stolen as well. Whoever was so rude to break into our car and steal those things had a hay-day with the credit card. All of the charges were at gas stations and they were spending hundreds of dollars at these various gas stations. UGH! I was pretty bitter bout it all. I hate that those people can get away with this! Luckily we can get our money back and Dave is taking it pretty well but still it doesn't make it ok. So if anyone sees a 60 GB ipod for sale on the internet or anything let us know!

Graduation is nearing...

Its right around the corner! Just 2 weeks from today we will be handed our fake diploma and saying goodbye to Utah State and hello to the "real world." No words to describe how happy and excited Dave and I are. I am just excited to be sharing this with Dave. I was just telling him the other night how perfect it was meeting him when I did and how lucky we were to be able to endure the last year and a half of school together. It's been roller coaster but I am so happy we were able to do it together! I am so happy we get to go through this transition of life together! I am grateful for such a loving, kid-at-heart, hard-working husband!

Dave's dad and brother Jon were so kind to take some graduation pics for us to send out. Here are a few of our favorites!

Graduates 2008!

Blast into the Past

The last couple weeks, I've noticed that we have taken a few steps back into the past and here is how:

Childhood friends

Me, Chelles, Natalie, and Court

Love you girls!

While my dad was trying to keep sane last week, after tearing his hamstring and having to pretty much was bedridden, he went through all his clothes and had Dave go through them to see if he wanted any...I think these shorts are a little out dated even though they had their tag attached.

Can you say 90s??

This was our latest blast into the past. Classic Skating!
Don't deny why you really went to Classic Skating. Everyone knows:)

Love it all!

All the Festivities and more

Family pumpkin carving/painting night. Dave's turned out great!

Kaitlin loves the wide open mouth and arms pose for pictures these days

Well Halloween was a success! My 3rd graders partied all day at school. Luckily it was a short day!!! Then it was off to the Price/Fowers Spook Alley. The rain put a little damper on things, not really for Julie and I since we were in a dry garage (he he), but I think we still had a great turn out. Enjoy our pics!

Some of my 3rd graders. I saw such great costumes! Some of my favorites being Thing 1 and Thing 2 and the Geico Caveman.

Cora and Wells setting up for the spook alleyBritt, Brandon, me, and Dave ready to get the spooking started!

This picture creeps me out a bit even.




I just wanted to show my cute 6th graders! Luckily I was able to snag a pic with them. I miss them all dearly!

Here's one on my last day with them.

Finally answering a tag or two...

So I've decided since I have been tagged quite a few times and haven't answered any of them yet I am going to pick and choose different parts of them all and combine them in one! Enjoy!

THE FIVE (Tagged by Coral)
10 years ago I:
1. was in 6th grade
2. was playing soccer, basketball, dancing
3. had the best teacher EVER! Mrs. B
4. started the front teeth gap fixing journey! (Braces)
5. had the dreams of being a Fashion Designer, Teacher, or Dance Teacher.

5 things on today's "to do" list:
1. plan lessons
2. Try to relax
3. apply to districts for jobs
4. work on teaching portfolio
5. Exercise

5 snacks I enjoy:
1. Pineapple!!!
2. Salty stuff! i.e. Wheat Thins, Triscuits, Club Crackers, Cheez Its!, pretzels, etc.
3. Anything to do with pumpkin (one of the many reasons I love fall)
4. Carrots
5. Apples

5 places I have lived:
1. Sandy, UT
2. Logan, UT
3. St. Charles, MO
That's about it...hopefully I can add to that soon here!!!!

Five jobs I have had:
1. Babies 'R Us (good ole Babies-at a young age I learned a lot more then most parents know about breast pumps and diaper depots)
2. Smoky Mountain Pizza & Pasta (worked there for 3 years and now I am back after a year of being away:))
3. Children's Academy (end of senior year in high school)
4. Tennis Instructor
5. Wendy's, HA-that was one of the hardest jobs to get, too! American Eagle, Capital Recovery then Iggy's (college jobs)


8 is great and also long! (Tagged by Kara)
8 things I am passionate about:
1. Dave
2. daily exercise/staying fit
3. Finding a house
4. family
5. Keeping in touch with friends
6. Photographs
7. COOKING!
8. laughter

8 words/phrases I use often:
1. BABE, I want a house!
2. They're a ding dong!
3. I want a house!
4. You terd. (to Kaitlin and Dave)
5. I need to lose weight (it's always followed by some new way I can)
6. I need my own place!
7. Shhhh! ( to my 3rd graders)
8. Oh David. (quite often I have to say this to him)

8 places I want to visit:
1. Italy
2. Washington D.C.
3. Hawaii
4. Chicago (again)
5. England
6. Caribbean
7. Mexico would be nice again
8. Havasupai (Dave would love me forever)

8 favorite restaurants:
1. Kneaders
2. Jason's Deli
3. La Puente
4. Smoky Mountain (even after working there for years)
5. P.F. Chang's 6. Papa John's (favorite delivery pizza)
7. Old Spaghetti Factory
8. Leatherby's (great desserts)

8 things I am looking forward to:
1. Decemeber 13, 2008- Dave and I graduate!!!
2. When we find a house and move out of the parents
3. The day I have my own classroom full of chicklins
4. The day I get paid for teaching
5. Owning a boat:)
6. Opening and using the rest of my wedding presents when we have a place
7. The day I have to stop writing a lesson plan for everything I teach! (It's a drag)
8. To hear from both Michael's on Christmas!

Well that's all for now! I know I have another one to answer but maybe one day:) I'm not going to tag anyone but feel free! Love you all!

Happy Halloween

Halloween is tomorrow! Happy Halloween to all! I will be partying with my 3rd graders during the day and scaring the little chicklins of South Weber at night! I'm stoked! I hope the rest of you have some ghouly plans for Halloween!

Beware: Here comes the Pictures and Videos!

So I promised you pics and videos from the b-day. Now I think this birthday topped them all! I've never felt so loved, important, etc. than I did this last weekend! Not because of the gifts but because of how many people thought of me and wanted to just be with me! I love, more than anything even presents, just spending good quality time with my family and friends, no joke! It's my favorite! It just makes me feel so good inside! So thanks to all! Here ya go, Good Luck!

Dave reading to my students.

My first cake and balloons!

My students on sugar, more sugar...and yes, more sugar! All before lunchtime, too.

Cute girls in my class made a rap for me!

My second cake plus pie and 22! emergency preparedness candles all for me to blow out! Just watch the video below and see how it worked out...

My edible bouquet made by Kara.

A lot of my good friends out to eat for the birthday. I love you all!

My third and final cake! Made with love by Dave:) He surrounded it in ice cream. It was delish! He did such a great job!!

Well there ya go. My birthday was so great! I enjoyed every minute! Saturday morning we went to Jon and Julie's for a great pumpkin pancake breakfast and were able to get tombstones painted for the infamous Price/Fowers spook alley...so all of you get ready, it's coming!

Cora and Wells playing off the couch. Cora kept moving so she's blury in both picutures.

The tombstones

22 is Here...

...and I'm not sure if I am ready. I am the big 22 today... All year I have been dreading today because I absolutely did not want to turn 22. I wanted to stay 21 for longer! Lately I have been so busy I have forgotten how bad I didn't want to be 22 until Dave reminded me last night. It went something like this, Dave- "Rach, you're 22!" Me- after it hit me, which it took a minute "Oh no!" repeated over and over while I was covering my face rolling back and forth in a ball. (I hope that painted somewhat of a picture for you).

The day was more than I could've asked for! and the partying isn't over. My day began with waking up bright and early to get ready for another day with my 6th graders. As I was getting ready Dave snuck upstairs to make me my birthday breakfast. At school my kids swarmed in with homemade cards, cookies!, caramel apples, and presents, presents, presents! Kids are so cute! One knitted me a beanie, and it's way cute! The second bell rang and a happy birthday song broke out amongst them. We celebrated by not taking any of their tests today and then two cute moms surprised me and the kids with a giant cake, balloons, and soda! Can you say sugar rush??? Also, Dave came in for half the day. The kids have been begging me to bring him in and today begged me to bring him again. They LOVVVED him! We left the school with both our arms full. Dave then took me shopping! We then headed up north to play soccer with Bridget and Ryan's team. It was very cold but fun. After, the party was taken to the Price's. We ate food, cake, and ice cream. Everyone watched as I ran around the table to blow out ALL of my 22 "candles" (which were actually emergency preparedness candles:)). I was quite spoiled! Pictures and videos to come later!

To be continued....

Tribute to Papa

Last Sunday, Papa (Dave's grandpa) passed away. Yesterday, the services were held in Salem, Utah. I've only been with Papa a few times but I know he was much respected and loved. From my visits with him, he was a great guy. He was very supportive and loving. Papa was properly honored in the services. At the burial, he was given a Military honor (which got Dave interested in possibly joining). I know he will be much missed and I am excited to get to know him even more one day.

Albert Thomas Price(January 9, 1927 - September 28, 2008)

Albert Thomas Price 1927 ~ 2008

Our beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Albert Thomas Price, “Papa” passed away at Payson Nursing and Rehab on Sunday, September 28, 2008 surrounded by his loving family after a valiant struggle with Parkinson’s Disease and conditions incident to age. He was born January 9, 1927 at Castle Cornet, Guernsey, the Channel Islands, UK to Ernest and Mary Kathleen (Hanlon) Price. Albert was a veteran of World War II. He was always proud of his service in the British Army. He was in the tank corps of the 10th Royal Hussars and the Royal Reconnaissance Corps where he rose to the rank of Sergeant. Following his military service, he lived in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, England and married Grace Amelia Webb on December 26, 1950. Their marriage was later solemnized in the London England Temple in 1961. Albert completed his education in English schools, and also attended LDS Business College. He worked for many years as a greengrocer, in the retail industry, and eventually found his niche in the insurance business where he worked for many years as District Manager of the Provo office of Blue Cross Blue Shield. In 1976 his wife, Grace, passed away, and in 1977 he married Sandra J. Otterstrom. Albert was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He served two missions to England and one to Canada. Throughout his life he served in many church callings including Branch President, several Bishoprics and as a Counselor in the Salem, Utah Stake Presidency. He also served several years on the Salem City Council. Dad loved to return to his homeland of England, and did so frequently. He enjoyed times together with his family and friends in both the US and UK. Dad was preceded in death by his mother and father, Ernest and Kathleen; his brother Ernest; his wife Grace, his wife Sandra, and sister-in-law Pat Horsley. He is survived by his son Michael Bryan Price (Sunny), daughter Christine Patricia Wade (Brent), his brother Patrick, sister Eileen Douglas, both of the UK, and sons from his second marriage; Rick (Susan), Tom (Lorie) and Ron (Gina) Otterstrom, father- and mother-in-law Ira and Margaret Stone, sister- and brothers-in-law Denise and Jim McArthur and Rich Horsley, 18 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. The family wishes to express its deep gratitude to Dr. William Leroy, and the countless other caregivers from Mountain View Hospital, Payson Nursing and Rehab, and Vista Hospice. Special thanks are expressed to Betty and John Watkin for their many kind visits to Dad. We would also like to thank Richard Banks for arranging military honors. There will be a viewing Thursday, October 2 from 7-9:00 pm at the Salem LDS chapel located at 60 South Main, Salem, Utah. Funeral services will be Friday, October 3 in the same building with a viewing beginning at 9:30 am and services starting at 11:00 am. Interment: Salem City Cemetery. Throughout his life Dad loved missionary work. In lieu of flowers, the family would like to suggest that donations may be made to the LDS missionary fund.

What I/We've been Up to....

First off, I'd like to apologize for those who are so eager to read about the next exciteing happenings in our lives. HA! Just kidding. I know we're not that exciting, it's Dave and his new adventures. But this post isn't going to be much about him, sorry. Mostly me:) Ok I'll mention one thing about my crazy husband....Way back when we got back from our weekend of Lotoja, Dave discovered that his wallet was gone. These things happen to him more than anyone I know. It stresses me out because there is always a worry bout if its in the hands of the wrong person and so on. Last time he lost it in San Diego! He has also been through 3 or 4 phones since we've been married. Anyway, so today we've been helping my dad clean out their garage and crawl space in the basement (more pictures to come of this great event). Dave walks out of the crawl space with his wallet! I couldn't believe my eyes! It took me a second to process it even. He threw it down and said, "Come hug me." thinking that he was the coolest person...ugh! I did give him a hug but I wanted to beat him up at the same time:)

Well now bout me some. My student teaching is taking up a lot of my time lately, but I absolutely love it!!! I love my 6th graders! They are so stinkin cute and amazing! I only have 2 1/2 weeks left with them and I am so sad:( Here are a few of them:


On Thursday, I taught them this great song and they loved it! I'll be posting the video of it here soon so look for it! I don't know if you'll get a kick out of it as much as I do but I hope it entertains!

Last week, I entered myself into a tennis tournament. Now that we're back in Salt Lake, I have a lot more opportunites to play and a lot more people to play with so I'm taking advantage of that! Well this is me in the finals! I was stoked to get to the finals! I ended up losing but the lady I played didn't know how to keep score first of all and then she was one of those people that you couldn't change their mind. I had fun though and it was a good first tournament back!

My Brand New Car!

Well not really brand new. I got it last December but the worst happened! After having it for only 2 months I got hit by an inconsiderate, anonymous hitter! I was furious! Well then a little bit after that my good ole momma backed into my car on the driveway! We were going to get it fixed in St. Louis and we got a quote for it and all but it was triple the estimate we had here so we waited. Well after my car being hurt for almost 7 months out of the 9 of having it, it looks as good as when I bought! If you have body work that needs to be done on your car, go to Jack's Auto Body on State Street! It was such a good price and they did an amazing job!

No more dents or paint chips! Wahoo!

Lo-tuh-juh!

The starting line...

Ok, ok so I finally get to brag about my amazing husband!!! I am a little late and behind others posting about it but I have been super busy with my student teaching so this is better late than never! So anyway back to my amzingly, awesome husband Dave. Ever since Dave volunteered for Lotoja (the bike race from Logan to Jackson Hole being 206 miles in length and to be completed all in one day) a few years back he had made it a goal of his to be one of those bikers to finish the long and treacherous ride. Well this last Saturday, September 6th, he was able to check it off on his list of things he'd like to accomplish! I am so so proud of him. I can't say it enough. As well as completing the race, he surpassed his and all of our expectations. His goal was to just finish the race and before dark in order to place but he, as stated above, surpassed that goal and finished 2 hours before dark. He was going so fast that his support crew (Brittany, Cris and I) missed him at one of his stops and barely made it to his next stop to get him fed. We were stressed the whole way to that last stop because we passed rider after rider and we couldn't find Dave until about 7 miles to the stop. About a mile out from that stop there was a traffic jam and Dave passed us while we were trying to get into the parking lot. It was crazy but we had a lot of laughs about it. There were quite a few mishaps like that the whole day and I just laughed them off. I had to keep saying, "I'll do better next year." It was a really fun experience. Dave left the starting line at 7:37 am and crossed the finish line at 6:37 pm with a time of 11:00:35.029 (thats down to the miliseconds!). His average speed was 19.3 mph. He finished 10th in his class out of 49 and 444 out of about 1200 riders which doesn't seem that super until you know that it was his first bike race EVER and obviously his first time doing the Lotoja, so yes pretty amazing I would say!
This was the last stretch of the race. Only 47 miles to go!

Dave learned the quickly in the race about the advantages of drafting.

So along with the many things that didn't go as planned in the day. I was supposed to receive a text from the timing people when Dave was 5 miles from the finish line. Well I didn't and by the time we heard Dave's name being read riding into the finish line we didn't have enough time to get the video camera going and the picture I took was of a guy standing in the way of my view of Dave so this is the video I got after he crossed the finish line.

Our plan was to camp in Jackson but due to a broken down car that was towed to Idaho Falls we had to migrate to Idaho Falls for the night. I think it was better for Dave and I because we weren't prepared enough for the cold night in Jackson. We are so grateful to all of you who were such great support in Dave's first Lotoja experience. Thanks for all the sacrifices that were made ie. money, cars, yards being postponed, money, oh and money:) and everything else that I failed to list that was sacrificed. We love you all!!!

The Fowers are out!

This was on the drive home and I thought it was so adorable!