i wish you a safe flight and a merry christmas too!

We have been in code yellow for the last few days at JetBlue. Turns out the week before Christmas wasn't the best week for 15" of snow in NYC and 20" in D.C. Although my I'm sore from sitting in my recliner for so many hours I am happy to say that Jetblue and I fell in love this week.

First there was Teoman, a Marine, his flight from Charlotte to JFK was cancelled and his wife was in the hospital going into labor! He called me from the car to cancel his return flight because although he had already been awake 48 hours he wasn't going to miss the birth of his baby boy waiting for the next flight. He drove all the way there in the middle of the night to see his birth and will be with them for the next two weeks before leaving for a 15 month assignment in Afghanistan. Me+this story=love.

Then there was Grisel, I helped her with seat assignments and she in turn invited Brian and I to come stay with her on our trip to Puerto Rico this next week. She gave me her phone number, and beach recommendations. What a dear.

Michael and I found the only flight open from White Plains to Orlando together, the last seat, we grabbed it right up and both cheered. His job is on the line! He was so relieved that he would be able to be at his work meeting tomorrow, aren't you relieved as well?!? I am very relieved. Very relieved indeed.

Those are just a few of my favorites from the last 48 hours of flight changes. My first few weeks of price quoting to 18 year olds flying between the Dominican and NYC to visit their babies mamas made me a cold hearted reservations assistant. But I think I'm coming around. And after our upcoming trip to NYC for Christmas, Puerto Rico for an overnighter, and then back to NYC for New Years I am sure I will be committed to the jet setter lifestyle.

In other news, Brian Todd turned 29 this week, Stephen made us a headboard out of a door from our basement, I got my GRE scores back, and we have a secret Santa! Brian sums up how we feel about all of these things right here:

Merry Christmas to you and yours. Love, The Williams

its turkey time

Brian and I leave in just an hour for San Diego for Evan and Megan's wedding. Unfortunately I have not whitened my teeth, developed the necessary tan, or gotten the appropriate Spanks for my bridesmaid dress. Hopefully I will still succeed as a bridesmaid. I just wanted to say I have been so excited all week I can hardly stand it. This year I feel so thankful for Megan, that we have yet another addition to the Faulkner family. On Sunday we were able to have many of the Williams over for dinner to celebrate Jenny's birthday. They are our favorite people, we feel so lucky on to have them close. We are just gobble gobble thankful. So thankful that I got choked up during the Skippy commercial today. You know... the one where she makes her Dad a sandwich? Either way, I am a complete mess. A complete thankful mess. Have a happy week.

training

Two weeks. 8 pm- 2 am. First the economy, then the swine flu, and now this! 2009 is full of it. I sware.

Don't worry! Solitaire on the iPhone will get me through. Thanks for your concern.

I still love you all so much.

Andrea

enough said

remember sprinkles?

Do you have Sprinkles cards yet? I am loving Sprinkles more and more as time goes on, I think it is time gave him a try.

but remember when WE got married?

Dear lovelies,

Tomorrow is our one year anniversary. We are going on a little get away to Midway tonight to celebrate- thanks Brufords! This past year I have read, talked, and thought a lot about marriage. I can say that in one year I feel like my heart has changed forever. I have become a different person with different opinions, emotions, and a different perspective on love. Can I just say something about marriage for a minute? I just wanted to say that marriage is wonderful. It is hard, confusing, and humbling, it is absolutely wonderful. And can I say something else? I really love Brian Todd. He has made me better, accepted me, and brought so much good into my life. Brian, do you remember when we had 5 jobs, 6 callings, took 200 bike rides, remodeled 1 house, ate 30 $5 pizzas, made 300 trips to Home Depot, and 50 trips to IKEA all in one year? That was fun huh? I'm sure we'll have just as much fun this next year- don't worry. Hopefully less stress and emotional break downs... but we will just have to see.

And so here's to marriage, not the kind they talked about in Julia Robert's movies and Beehives, but the real deal. And for your viewing pleasure, a trailer to our wedding video. I've only watched it 33 times...

Kisses. The Williams

remember marriage?

So a few weeks ago Evan my darling older brother got engaged to beautiful Megan Kakadelas. Since that time we have had so much fun watching them plan the wedding, fall even more in love, and getting to know her better. I came home from work last week to find the most adorable note in my mail box. It was from Megan and it was a letter with the "Top 10 reasons I want you to be my Bridesmaid." It rhymed, flattered me, and even left me with an opportunity to respond "Yes or No". WHAT? Amazing, it was like I was going to Senior Prom all over again. So naturally I spent days mulling over a response. This is what I came up with- I hope you enjoy. And Megan and Evan- I am so excited for you!

Dear Megan,

I have thought long and hard about your lovely request. How is it possible that I Andrea Grace Todd Faulkner Williams could be so blessed? To be your Bridesmaid on your special day, when you asked I jumped for joy screamed, "YES, OF COURSE" then followed by, "HIP HIP HOORAY!" Now I want you to know that I don't take this job lightly, so here is my list of things I PROMISE TO NEVER do on your wedding day even though I might do them nightly.

First of all I promise to not cry, well not a lot.

I do promise I will not dress like this,

or this,

and especially not this.

I promise to never complain about my shoes,

hair,

or makeup.

I promise to have a good attitude,

and never, ever, fight with Ali.

I’m very excited for November the 28, BTW and I can hardly even wait!

Love, Andrea

remember me? i'm very sick.

But I can't decide if it is the stomach flu or the Doritos, fries, cheeseburger, and Now and Laters, I ate before 1 p.m. yesterday.

remember keith?

This week my parents took Ali, Eric, Brian and I to a Keith Urban concert. Mare and Craig had been looking forward to this for a long time but we will admit we didn't even know who Keith Urban was. But the concert was such a party! Keith is such a babe, and such a performer. People were competing in a Keith Urban music video competition. Naturally Alison and I had to enter. We whipped out the IPhone and tried our hardest to memorize the lyrics before we went "on stage" but I am not sure we knew one word when we actually started performing. I hope you enjoy.

remember this week?

At 11 p.m. I started the dishwasher with Dawn dish soap- not dishwasher soap. Whoops.

I started school -I getting my teaching certificate and eventually master's at the U. I love it. So, so much.

Brian sold 3 homes.

Ali and Eric moved back. We LOVE that they are neighbors.

I sat in a painful 40 hours of job training planning my destinations of where I will jet in the near future.

We gave the old man Andre back scratches again.

We continued the search for wonderful tenants.

We went to weddings, wedding receptions, wedding showers, bridal boot camp bachelor-et parties, and loved all of them.

Here are some pictures from Jordan and Pat's wedding last weekend:

Look at these two! straight out of a JCrew Catalog. We are so happy for them. Their reception was so beautiful and filled with love!

King family Christmas card? YES PLEASE. Do you even know that man Bree? He is creeping me out.

And finally, Dear Leo Patrone, Just because it has been 11 months since we were married we have not forgotten you nor your classic hipster poses. Thanks for all you have given us. Love, The Williams

This week we thought about how we love you all! We miss those who are far- we pray for you always. Let's chat soon. Kisses.

still looking!

Still looking for renters! It has only been a week but we are eager to get them in. Have you been talking to your friends selling them on 56 south 600 east? Please do!

basement for rent!

Want this guy as your landlord?? Well now is your chance. We need renters! We will be ready to rent starting next week. Here is the deal:

basement apartment with tons of natural light

$750 a month+utilities

washer dryer

dishwasher

2 huge bedrooms

2 huge front rooms

separate entrance

Please call us if you have a renter in mind. We are preferably looking for a family, but we are open to suggestions.

Love, The Todd Williams

29th ward members:

Have you emailed Jackie with a thank you note for Bishop. If not... please do! jackiecrane08@gmail.com.

kisses

remember when i loved jenna? and nacho libre?

hi dearest

8:53amAndrea

hi! a give away for just cook already!!?!? yay!

geez

dont mind me im just on facebook looking at old friends profiles

8:54amJenna

pretty exciting. don't mind me, i just HAVE facebook

8:54amAndrea

yep. yep. i understand

8:54amJenna

just watching nacho libre

just watching nacho libre

eating granola

8:54amAndrea

ME TOOOOOO

HHAHHAHAHAHA OMG

8:54amJenna

HAHAHHAHAHAHAHHA

YES!

8:54amAndrea

not the granola

8:55amJenna

i am laughing my A off over here

8:55amAndrea

im eating yogurt with almonds

only us two

8:55amJenna

gotta love it

8:55amAndrea

liz has worked out for 4 hours by now

8:55amJenna

this is true

8:55amAndrea

britt has ran 32 miles and read 3 books

and here we are

8:55amJenna

i like our plan way better

8:55amAndrea

trying to think of things to blog about

seriously

ohh boy

8:56amJenna

hows your job

and what's your fake name

Jenna

i wish you could see how hard i am laughing at this movie

Jenna

i just love how the skinny man screams

welcome aboard

I have found it. The perfect job for my part time college life style. Let me introduce you to the newest at home bilingual reservations assistant for JetBlue airlines. "Hola, como le puedo ayudar?" We are already planning trips to Seattle, Colorado, Michigan, New York and San Diego. Good thing I have been talking on the phone since I was 12 for an average of 4 hours a day. I will be completely prepared for at home reservation lifestyle. Love you all thanks for your support during my days of unemployment.

what do you think of this mirror?

all of the pictures you would ever want to see of us in our swimsuits

"Rico" the rolling log.
Real funny Jenny.
Brian the banana bully.

Love these little ones.
Kimbob the Waterdog.
The next members of Kiss.
Notice what the shirt says "The Time of Your Life". Thanks Bob.

We had so much fun at Lake Powell and in true William's fashion we are already talking about next year.

big willie style indeed

"Lake Powell for the Williams is like Christmas for the rest of the world." -Robert Williams

Wish me luck I'm on my very first Williams family Lake Powell trip.We leave this morning and will be back later this week. What do your in laws do? Mine slalom- and all of the children- and all of the grandchildren. We are intense! Here I am below skiing at Utah Lake pretending to be athletic. Don't judge me that I have to fall 6 times before a successful run. Love you all!

remember when we felt famous? just for a minute?

Look what's out! Our wedding is in the Fall/Winter Southern California edition of Brides magazine. Live in California? Check us out page 140-141! Love you and your guts.

magic babies forever.

This little one got engaged last night and I could not be happier for her. Congratulations Lex! You have been in my life forever and I can't wait for Sam to join the ranks with Eric, Shaun, and Brian as an honorary magic baby.

i blog again!

Do you think I'm hip enough to be on Ace of Cakes? If not- will I ever be? I know I can't really frost a cake, but I really feel like they are all so cool. Do you think that I would be that calm and collected if I was being filmed? I went to a wedding this weekend and made friends with the cameraman and photographer in the first hour. I didn't mean to. I am just saying I am comfortable in front of a camera. So maybe I should apply for a job at Charm City Bakery.

I just wanted to let you know- I'm back. And I am ready to be on camera and until then I will be here blogging with you. I've missed you.

confessions

Tonight I finished the laundry. This week it only took me two days to start and finish the laundry. I felt like that was an incredible accomplishment considering some weeks it takes me up to 6 days to finally get the last load out of the dryer. True story.

Brian has been watching America's Funniest Home Videos daily. Two days ago he started crying from laughing so hard- he just loves watching people run their bikes into poles and hit their crotches time and time again.

I am just now ordering my wedding photos. I am thinking some of you want to order some too (not of us of course! Pictures of you!) If you went or just want to take a look go here to Leo's site. They will go offline pretty soon- let me know if you want to print any off!

This week I died my eyebrows.

When I don't blog I miss this imaginary group of readers- I think about you a lot. What I would say if I was to blog- what I wouldn't say even though I kind of want to.

Today I read this article on LDS.org and I was really inspired. Don't judge me- it's about modesty.

And lastly, I will confess that I am guilty of what I like to call "blog envying". Looking at others lives and thinking- they have it all together- their marriage is perfect- or they probably never eat peanut butter oreo cakesters in the middle of the day like I do. But tonight as I was looking at a pictures of B.T. and I and I felt so happy for the experiences we are having at our own pace one day at a time.

remember when i graduated?

Yes, well I still am not employed. Suggestions? Leads? Encouragement? PLEASE! Do you think it is sketchy to apply for jobs I find on Craigslist? Don't you want to hire me? I am looking for a job that:
Is part time
Involves talking to people- preferably in Spanish for a portion of my days
Does not require me to wear a hair net
Does not require me to work a lot of evenings
Does want to pay me more than Utah's minimum wage.

I'm sure you guys will think of something- thanks for your help. Andrea

courage and faith and love and remembering

This week Brian and I are going down to St. George with some friends for the weekend. We are so very excited. But before I left I wanted to post a little note to all of my lovelies. This week I have been thinking a lot about this:

On June 13th it will be one year since John passed away. He is my best friend Brittany's daddy. He was such a wonderful father, husband, priesthood holder, and served our country for so many years. He was such a good friend and example to me and every year on June 13th I feel grateful that I was able to watch him so bravely fight cancer. And I will always feel grateful for what I have learned from the Pierce's as they have fought the battle of life with out their dad and husband. This picture was taken right after John was diagnosed with cancer. Britt and Brandon were both serving as missionaries but came home for a day to go to the temple as a family. Don't you love that? Don't you love that they went back out and finished their missions? So, so brave. Love you all. Have a good rainy weekend- we will be basking. - Brian and Andrea Todd

remember when ali gave her dog away?

Brian and I are puppysitting Shane and Lauren's dog Lucy this week. And we LOVE her. We have been looking into getting our own little Lucy for quite some time. Fortunately I have a wise, expressive older sister whose experience with dog ownership led us to reconsider. But after almost a week of Lucy I want one more than ever.

And then I was like... and then she said.... And then this one time I...

Yesterday we were eating dinner with my friend Jenn and she brought up something I always do! Her and her husband had gone to dinner earlier that week with another couple and her husband is really quiet. She didn't realize until the next day but she had talked the whole time. Two hours- talking. I laughed so hard when she told me because I might have been guilty of this same thing once or maybe even twice. Do you do that? So to my friends we often do dinner with- (look below) I am asking you to interrupt me, share your own anecdotes, get my husband talking, whatever it takes.


P.S. This was at my birthday in April. It was such a blast.

the rose

There are roses blooming in our front yard right now and I can't stop singing Bette Midler's song "The Rose." Confession: When I was in high school I still had naive dreams of becoming a pop star and I took voice lessons from Jessica Leiber (now Dahlquist!) That was the song I practiced. I think she once mentioned something like a recital- that was probably our last lesson. I figured if I didn't feel comfortable singing in front of a bunch of 7 year olds and their parents I would never get a record label.

Tonight we are hanging out with Kim. It looks something like this:



We are now going to Costco for churros and maybe a berry sundae.

i forgive you- do you forgive me?

Lately my heart has felt hard and closed. A tender heart is hard to come by, and it takes work to not let life's experiences creep in and harden you towards others. This morning while driving to school I was listening to an NPR interview with Diane Reams and Elizabeth Edwards. I know, everyone has 1 million opinions on her life and marriage but say what you want about Elizabeth- her comments really touched me. These feelings led to me recognize the need for forgiveness in my life. I give a lot and therefore I expect a lot and sometimes I expect too much. Do you ever do that? I have found that as a result I will foster bitterness and hurt and more resentment then the other persons actions ever warranted. When I heard Elizabeth talk about moving past the faults of others I could see how forgiveness leads to a calmer peace of mind. Sometimes when I want to forgive someone I write them a letter and fill it with how my heart really feels. I then tuck the letter away and ask Heavenly Father to tuck my bad feelings away with that letter. It works so well. I have not been writing enough letters lately. I'm going to get on that.

Remember Cher?

One of the best things about being Marilyn Faulkner's daughter is that she introduces you to incredible movies and even better books. Moonstruck is a movie from 1987 about an Italian- American family in Brooklyn. The gist is this: Cher falls in love with Nicholas Cage and he has one hand and they go to the opera and Cher wears a velvet dress. It is incredible! It makes me want to have a last name like "Castarini", eat noodles, and live with a large loud Italian family. Really you'll love it- you will.

just cook already

Some of my girlfriends and I post our favorite recipes on a blog called "Just Cook Already". I think many of my lovely friends and family would really enjoy the recipes also. If you want to post on the blog let Jennabean know. I just posted my recipe for homemade bbq sauce today. It is so delicious. Enjoy amigos.
Andrea

sew many things to learn

I have started to play around with my sewing machine this past week. Here is what I have learned:
Sewing can be a bonding activity with grandmothers, mother in-laws, and friends. When you sew- you are part of a club.
Sewing with your spouse on the other hand, should be illegal. There is just something about the looking over each other's shoulders that can cause bursts of rage.
Sewing machines, like the Holy Ghost go to bed before midnight (thanks BYU). Don't attempt to do any sewing past then.
Sewing is like driving. Sometimes you all of a sudden find yourself swearing at something that can't hear you.
And last but not least I have learned why I received a B in my 11th grade home economics class.

But I am having fun. One day I will post a picture of an elaborate quilt or a sassy top and you will be so impressed. Until then I will be using my seam ripper. Lovies. Andi.

remember me? here i am just trying to be savvy

So all of the girls in my ward swear by savvyshopper.com. It is a place where you can go and compare your coupons with the things on sale and then run around town to buy those specific things. Apparently you can save bundles of money and make your husband so so happy. I decided to hop on the couponing band wagon and this week was my first attempt. I was so stressed all week about what I was going to buy with my coupons I could hardly function.I literally made 4 different shopping lists.
While at Albertsons yesterday two employees in the cheese aisle asked me if I needed help. Apparently they could see the distress on my face. In my head thoughts like, "Well Britt said not to buy cheese that is more than 2$ a lb. Or was it 3$ a lb? And Mary said not to buy things you wouldn't really use. Will I use this cheese? I really like cheese...Well I don't even know where the cheese coupon is in my purse because I haven't accurately organized my coupons like we were instructed to....Should I buy one or two blocks? Are the different cheeses on sale?" The girls at Albertsons interrupted me and helped solve the cheese dilemna. I explained to them that it was my first time couponing and they nodded like they understood. Or maybe they just didn't want to make me feel bad? Either way my glory moment at the cash register was enjoyable- but I am not sure if emotionally I am cut out for couponing. That doesn't mean you aren't! Let me know if you would like any of my limited knowledge on becoming a savvy shopper.

vanilla rooibos

This morning Brian woke me up at 6:00 by poking me in the bum repeatedly. I started to get a little grumpy with him until he dropped the word "Starbucks." I am now sipping my Vanilla Rooibos Tea Latte:
"Full leaf African rooibos tea(naturally caffeine free), also known as red tea, paired with Tahitian vanilla and cinnamon. Sweetened with classic syrup and topped with steamed milk and velvety foam."
It is that good. Ali and Jenna do you want to come home and sip with me?

remember brian todd?

B.T. has had a busy week. He was put in the bishopric yesterday and it is 9:00 p.m. and he is still at work today. As for me... well as of today I am an official trophy wife. No school, no kid, no work. I'm just here waiting at home for Brian Todd with a cold dinner. I made Asian stir fry and mango lassis! They are so yummy I can't stop drinking them and if I don't get a job soon I won't be able to stop blogging either. Until then I am going to soak up every moment of my couch, kitchen, and front yard. Won't you join me for a lassi? Kisses.

ohh dear brett

Tonight Brian and I are staying in with Brett. You can find him and many more friends here. We especially enjoy his braided wristband.

la bernina

So I know my posts are often sentimental- I'm sorry. I am promising a summer full of surface level posts filled with fashion and stories about our perfect life that don't explain how we really feel. THEY ARE COMING. But tonight is my last day at the MTC. After three years I am finally retiring my name tag, the panty hose, my Preach My Gospel. And man, I am really sad.

There was nine months of this:


And then four months of this:



And finally five beautiful months of this:



Starting tomorrow Brian will have a new wife. One who is not so drained emotionally because she can't stop worrying about her elders who are homesick. A wife who has time to cook, and maybe even clean. This wife of his will be especially neat because today I am getting one of these:


I really have loved my missionaries- every single one of them. I will miss praying for them every night, I will also miss them praying for and teaching me everyday. I know my Bernina won't replace their love, nothing can. But if I can't have my missionaries at least I will have my Bernina Activa 230.