In the Name of Kit Kats...

Earlier this morning, an opportunity presented itself to me... an opportunity whereby I might procure myself a handsome reward; one replete with treats, Kit Kats and other delectable edibles. So in order to put myself in the most prodigious position possible, here is my response to Belle Ma's Challenge from earlier today....

10 Years Ago: Dad had just ordained me a deacon and bestowed upon me the Aaronic Priesthood. This occasion launched me into several years of priesthood lessons, home-teaching visits, passing and preparing the Sacrament and carefully watching the examples of my Dad and older brothers who honored the Priesthood. This was the mighty kick-start of my own personal testimony, one I could call my own rather than my parents'.

5 Years Ago: Aotearoa. The Land of the Long White Cloud. Loving life in NZ with Mum and Dad, I had finally grown comfortable living among the Kiwis, to the point of almost not wanting to comeback. (I say almost because no matter how breathtaking the landscape or how many fun things there are to do there, nothing beats the beauty and excitement of Lambeau Field on a Sunday afternoon...)

It was around this time that I really figured out that I wanted to go on a mission. Granted, I always knew that I was going to go, but it took living in the NZWM for me to really begin to grasp what missionary work was all about. These experiences proved invaluable while serving up in the Great White North.

One Year Ago: Megs had just come back from her mish and by happenstance, we started spending time together. It took me all-of-about-five-minutes to fall in love with her the first time I saw her, and only 3 weeks of dating to decide that we should get married!

...and oh yes, I almost forgot. I just about gave everyone in my family a heart attack by sending "The Video" to everyone so they could see my Megs for the first time...

2 Days Ago: Megs and I walked to see the Provo Parade in the morning, then went up the canyon to a park for an Independence Day picnic. I introduced Megs' family to brats and sauerkraut (the Official tailgating food of the Green Bay Packers) and then played around with pyrotechnics.

We were going to watch Saving Private Ryan (my favorite movie of all-time, starring my favorite actor of all-time) but we were pooped from all the festivities and called it a day.

God Bless America.

Yesterday: Megs and I spent the morning lounging around, after which she had to go to work. As I didn't I lounged some more. After Megs got off work, we shot up to the SLC to watch a Bees baseball game with some of our friends (Craig & Angee, Marcus & Liz) and stayed after for a sweet fireworks show...

(which just so happened to rain down hot ambers and ash all over us. I'm thinking about writing a screenplay about it actually, Mount St. Helen's II: Ash in the Outfield)

Today: Woke up early for 8:30 church (can't wait for football season!) and came home to find Belle Ma's Challenge... beckoning me to reply.

I must admit my mistake however, one that I realized only upon writing this short, sporadic memoir. I wrote this initially only for the promised reward to those who replied, and in the course of organizing my experiences, my thoughts turned away from the Kit Kats that I so salivatically anticipated, to the life that I have lived, and all those who have made it so wonderful and worth living. So thanks for the challenge Belle Ma, this was really fun and I enjoyed reminiscing with all of you of just a handful of events from the past few years of my life.

That said... Bring on the Kit Kats.