My Proposal / back story / awesomeness

Well let me give you a quick timeline about this cute girl I now get to call my fiancée.

 Oct 2013 - I followed Hannah and her friends on twitter before really knowing who they were. Twitter suggests people you knew, so I went for it.

Nov 20^th, 2013 – met in person at my BYUI Senior Showcase.

Dec 2013 – Hung out a few times, saw each other at parties, I visited her and her friends. They seemed pretty fun.

January- April 2014 – Hannah was at home off track, I was recently graduated just working. Pretty boring winter, we talked a couple of times.

Mid April to beginning of May – I had known over winter that I wanted to take her out, but now she was back in Rexburg and it was really nerve racking. Her friends were way close, so it was like one for all, all for one, and that is scary to try to interact with. I would drive through her apartment complex on my scooter after work and planned on stopping to say hi, but would wuss out and keep driving home. Haha. I finally went over there, we hung out a few times in casual settings. I finally got the courage to ask her on a scooter ride. It was awesome. We talked a little bit but not a lot.

May 13^th- She came to my surprise bday party.

May 14^th- I asked her out on my bday

May 17^th- Our first date to the drive-ins to see Godzilla and Spiderman. I knew I was crushing so I wanted to hold her hand but was SO scared. Her sister and Tanner were there too, so we went to walk over and say hi. As we walked up they kissed and Hannah FREAKED out. Like she didn’t see her sister kiss, so here I am in my head thinking “hmmm, is this girl think boys have cooties or something??” so that made the idea of holding her hand that much harder for me. Anyway, I had already seen spider man, so we were just going to stay for the first movie, Godzilla. Well I was so scared to hold her hand that I never did during the first movie, so I decided we had to stay for the other one. I am glad we did because we held hands. I finally got the courage needed. And it was so great. After that date, we saw each other every day.

May 22^nd- We had hung out every day and I knew I liked her and I’m pretty sure she liked me, so I decided to take her out again. We hadn’t kissed yet, but I sure wanted to kiss her, so I decided I would go for it tonight, if I didn’t pansy out like usual. I took her to dinner and then we drove out to R Mtn and parked on top, hit golf balls off the top, talked and watched the sunset. I had come up with all these questions I wanted to ask her. She probably thought I was a creep but oh well. The end of the night was coming, so it was time to go for it or be forever mad at myself for not doing it. After going in for the kiss and in a flirty way, pulling away, I just did it. And it was AWESOME! So we kissed, and after we kissed, the first thing she said, which she doesn’t claim she did, but she did, was “Great, now I have to buy my roommates ice cream.” I guess they do that stuff, so anyway it was funny and cute. I told her it would be funny if she just showed up at home with 6 ice cream cones because they usually go out and get ice cream but if she just showed up with them it would be funny. I wasn’t there, but I am sure it was a big hit. Ok I need to speed this up.

June 7^th – We became official. Best day ever.

July 9^th – We told each other we loved each other by the scooters in my apartment complex. New best day ever. I had known how I felt for a couple weeks but wanted to make sure it was the right time.

July 21^st – Hannah left for 7 week break and I cried my eyes out. Seriously the worst day ever. I didn’t not realize how much it would affect me. She is seriously so amazing.

All break long we talked every day as much as we could. It was a rough break but over the break we starting talking about marriage. It was going in that direction and we both knew it. It was nice to know she felt the same way as me. We finally were reunited in LA for a fun weekend with friends.

Then we headed back up to Rexburg for work and her fall semester.

October 25^th – I asked her dad for permission in Utah. We all had a chance to go down and spend time with her whole family and it was so much fun! Her parents are amazing. I was not too nervous thinking about talking to her dad, but then right when it happened I got pretty nervous, but it went great and he gave me his blessing. I was stoked!!

(I’m literally smiling from joy right now typing this, hahaha)

Before talking to her dad and meeting her family I had already starting thinking about how I would propose but it was a lot of ideas and finally one stuck right after our trip down to Utah. Hannah had kept talking about trying to find a Christmas Tree Farm to go take pictures at but we couldn’t find any. One day I was driving home from a meeting in a neighboring town and saw this property with a bunch of Christmas trees on it. I went later and found the owner and talked with them. Got permission to use it to get engaged. Now how would I get there without giving it away?

I was just waiting on the ring but I was also just trying to figure out how I would do it. In the mean time I would plan as I waited. I got a bunch of the letters H and C from a craft store and painted them yellow, gold and white. I also printed a bunch of pictures of us and got Christmas lights. My plan was to string lights across a few tree tops and decorate a few trees with the letters and pictures. So I had all of that ready and it sucked so back not being able to tell Hannah. In fact, I think I did a good job of not giving any of it away. I kept talking about getting engaged over thanksgiving in Colorado, about how I still needed to order the ring, and I would give her flowers or a picture book I made the week before and trick her into thinking I was doing it then. So I think I did well, who knows, she could just be nice and acting like she didn’t know. Either way, on to the best part.

November 10^th- The ring is finished, I can’t wait much longer. I talked with Channy and Tanner and planned a double date for us to go on to this burger place that is on way from Rexburg and the tree property. So we planned on a double date for Wednesday. I wasn’t too nervous the days before, just tried to stay busy.

November 12^th  - GAME DAY! I went out to the tree property at 3ish with Sammie, Tyson, Audrey, Chandler and Ashley. We set up the lights, letters and pictures and talked about the plan. I still wasn’t super nervous yet. The plan was I would pick up Hannah and Chandler at 4:50, go get Tanner from work at 5pm. Then head straight out to dinner, we needed daylight to do it, but we told Hannah we were bringing a camera because there was an elk farm out by the restaurant, which is true, but it was to not make her curious. The plan was that they would take pictures of us as we walked to the trees. I also had my friends and her friends there to celebrate after I proposed. They hid in the trees. Sammie was there to take pictures and Tyson helped flip the lights on.

So we grab tanner and we start heading the restaurant. Now I was getting nervous. We were holding hands in the car and Hannah asked why my hands were sweaty, I made up some excuse, but I was so FREAKING NERVOUS! Anyway we make the left towards the trees and the restaurant. As we drive by the trees, everyone in the car see’s it and says we should stop to take pictures. Hannah was stoked because she wanted to do this all semester. So I acted like I didn’t know where to park, acted casual and we walked into the trees. As we walked down a row of trees she finally realized the decorations. Right as we walked up to the trees, Tyson flipped the lights on. She was confused, we talked for a little bit, I told her how in love with her I am, and then got down on one knee, pulled out the ring and did it! Tanner and Sammie got pictures, all the friends cheered and it was great. Man I was nervous. But I was so stoked too! I am marrying the most amazing girl in the world. She is perfect for me. I am so blessed and lucky.

The proposal went as planned. I was very happy, she was very happy and she got some sweet new hardware. Haha.

I want you all to know how amazing Hannah is. I have never met a girl like her. She is smart, brave, honest, attractive, gospel oriented, and she wants to do the right thing. I am so thankful for the family that raised her. She is amazing. She attends the temple regularly. She takes school seriously. She cares about being organized and clean. She respects herself and has morals and standards. She makes me want to be a better person. She literally makes my life better. I have more purpose, I have more hope and I have found love when I was starting to think I wouldn’t. Dating at college was easy, but I didn’t take it seriously enough. I know I met Hannah at the right time, I know it’s all happening in the right time and I am so thankful that I get to let my life be blessed by hers forever. I hope you all get a chance to meet this amazing woman and I hope you know that my weaknesses are made up by her strengths. I’m blessed and so happy. I love you Hannah. Thanks for being you and for loving me.  

 

 

So long summer.

Well this remainder of the summer was packed with work, travel and some fun! Quick rundown:

Went to Taylor Zollinger's wedding in Utah. Had a blast.
Worked, moved our office to a bigger location in Rexburg
Went to San Francisco with Jess. Saw my buddies and my brother and his family.
Went to Tyson's wedding, also a blast
Went to LA and saw Hannah (best day of my life) and my friends
Getting things ready for work to get crazy with all the college kids coming back.
PICS at the bottom

Had the chance to go to SF with Jess. We spent time with our friends Graham and Miles. Did all the fun San Fran stuff. My favorite part was the Muir Woods Redwood Forest. Very pretty and cool, anyone who goes there needs to check it out. We also got to spend a day or so with my Brother and his kids. It was so fun to see them and be with them. The kids are growing up, it is crazy. But it was a fun quick trip, I wish Hannah could have been there to enjoy it with me.

The weddings I attended were great. It is always so fun to see your friends moving forward in life and finding that person that will make them happy forever. it is also nice to see that and feel that. Taylor and Tyson both got married in the SLC Temple, which is beautiful and was really fun. Tyson's wedding weekend was mixed with some work down in Provo and seeing some old friends. It also included a trip to the ER. I had woken up one day with this weird sharp pain in my right lung. I thought it would go away but it didn't, so a few days later I went to the Urgent Care in Provo. They ran a EKG test and a chest xray and couldn't determine if it was just inflammation or a blood clot. Being doctors, they always have to assume the worst, so they had me go to the ER. Needless to say, i was freaking out. I didnt really want to tell Hannah or my parents because I didn't want to jump the gun, but it was freaking me out so I had to. After an afternoon spent in the ER and more tests they ruled out blood clots which was great. They diagnosed me with Pleurisy, which in inflammation of the lungs and fluid in the lung. It would go away within a week along with some pain meds. So i was able to recover and am doing fine now, but it was a random quick scare for a little bit there.

I just got back from a weekend in LA to see Hannah. She flew out a day or two before from home. Her and Chandler helped her sister in law and her kids make the trek back to Utah. They deserve best aunt awards for sure. Then they made their way to California and hung out with all the friends. That day before I got there was for sure the longest day of my life. haha. I just wanted to see her! I had wondered how it would go since I hadnt seen her for a month, so I was hoping it would go good and really did. I have never been that excited to see someone, maybe when i came home from my mission but that is different. I missed Hannah so much and realized how much I need her in my life this past month, so I was very glad that was about to end. I flew out friday at lunch, got there, got a rental car and headed down to meet her and the gang at Huntington Beach. We went to a wedding reception that evening and then we all went down to Downtown Disney. Skyler and his family were at disneyland that week and we met up with him. He hooked it up and got us free passes so we were able to go in at the end of the day for like an hour. Hannah had never been to Disneyland, or California for that matter, so I am really glad we got to do that. It was so nice to just spend some time with her before all the hecticness of school started. Saturday we all went into LA to another wedding, then we went to Santa Monica to the pier and beach. The weather was great and the beach was way fun. Sunday we went to church with the Holmes family. They freaking rock. It was really fun. The whole weekend was great. Tanner and I flew back to Idaho on Monday and had to leave Chandler and Hannah, which sucked, but its only for a few more days.

It was a good way to end summer. Had fun with friends, family and got to see my beautiful girlfriend. This break helped me better appreciate the relationships I have, especially with Hannah, but its all been good and I very thankful for the fun I had. I am excited for this fall and excited to keep dating Hannah and having fun with her. I don't think you guys understand how amazing she is. I have never been happier than I am now and she has a lot to do with it. I am very lucky and blessed.

Life is good, no complaints, just happy and appreciative of the things in my life right now. The future is going to be great.

Curt

fanny pack and animals shirts

first time at disneyland

such a cutie

biking through SF

dat bridge doe

LA Temple

my girlfriend rocks.

sparklers at a wedding #cliche

Santa Monica

Huntington Beach Pier

TZ wedding

Sutro Baths in SF

Muir Woods

TZ Wedding

TZ Wedding

Had to do it

The kiddos

Coolest part of the SF trip

BYUI: Obedience Brings Forth Blessings

I am an alumni of a small school located in Southeast Idaho called Brigham Young University-Idaho. BYU-I is the sister school to BYU and BYU-Hawaii. These three institutions were started and still operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Being a private institution, BYU-I has the ability to implement an honor code. Because of this honor code, students and faculty are held to a very high standard of living.

Lately, I have been seeing different articles or blogs that indirectly attempt to question the honor code of these institutions. It saddens me to see young adults writing the things that they do because of the problems they have with a school that they CHOSE to attend. Attending BYU-Idaho was the best thing I could have ever done for my future life as far as my personal life and career are concerned. I won't lie, the stereotypical college experience was not found at BYU-I. But shouldn't that be something we celebrate instead of ridicule? I want to talk to you about my experience at BYU-I, including my run in with the honor code, with people that had opposing viewpoints, with some great and not so great church leaders and the overall experience of why BYU-I changed my life for the better.

I started my college career back in 2007 before serving a mission for the Church. Most of my closest friends ended up attending BYU in Utah and I just didn't have the grades to get there, so here I was, at BYUI, an 18 year old, without a clue of what to do. High school was very fun for me, but I lacked in the responsibility needed to attain good grades. (Shout out to my mom for pretty much helping me graduate.) I was a little worried that I would struggle with the actual schooling up here, but the social aspect I was more than ready to tackle. I remember accepting and signing the honor code but not really thinking about what I had actually signed up for. Well that all became clear in the middle of semester.

I don' really like to talk about it because it is not a big deal and mainly just stupid of me and my friends but we went camping with some girls. It seemed harmless, nothing immoral occurred, we all just stayed up all night hanging out and talking. At that time, I didn't realize we were breaking the rules. Well needless to say, someone told on us, and we all got letters asking us to come to the school's Honor Office. I remember when I got that, I called my parents immediately. For some reason, I have always felt inclined to tell them anytime I messed up, because I knew they would help me plus seeing their reaction scared me into never doing stupid stuff again. While talking to them about the situation and what was about to happen, I never felt guilty. I never felt like I did anything wrong. And they trusted me.

So I went to meet with the Honor Code Dean. It was like a church interview. They wanted to know what happened, compared all of our stories and wanted to make sure we didn't do anything immoral. I remember thinking it was kind of weird that they wanted to know so much, it felt like a bishops interview. Fortunately, they were willing to work with us. Through the remainder of the semester I had to attend the schools weekly Devotionals and take notes, I had to read a bunch of talks on Obedience, write a talk on obedience, present it and meet with the honor code office regularly til the end of the Fall semester. I had two choices at that point, either be bitter about my consequences or use them to benefit and learn. The idea of potentially getting kicked out was enough for me to choose the correct path. Through this experience I didn't necessarily gain a testimony of the honor code, but more of the importance of keeping commandments. I had, of my own free will, signed and promised to live this honor code and I had to live with the consequences if I didn't live it.

I do not look at the honor code as a set of rules or do's and don'ts. Just like the commandments we are given, I knew that the honor code was there to set us free, not trap us. Commandments are given as a blessing and opportunity to show our faith and love towards God and receive blessings in return.. From that point forward, I did my best to live the honor code while at school. Yes, there is the occasional curfew problem, but I never wanted to put myself in the situation where I would have to meet with the honor code again, so I didn't.

After that semester I prepared for my mission for the Church. I served 2 faithful years in Northern California and it was the best experience of my life. I grew spiritually, intellectually and physically (literally, I gained like 30 lbs, yikes). The mission was great, I learned so much and was again given the opportunity to live by a strict code as an Elder of the Church. I say given because it was a blessing and opportunity, not a burden to live in such a strict way. I had two years to strictly devote to my Heavenly Father and Savior and it was great.

After my mission I was heading back to BYU-I to finish college. From that point forward it was not hard to keep rules. It was easier to see the blessings of living the commandments and honor code. Throughout the remainder of my college career, I met both teachers,students and church leaders that just rubbed me the wrong way. And I am sure I rubbed people the wrong way too, if fact I know I did, I am human! But that didn't change my overall attitude about my school or the Church. My testimony and faith is built upon a solid foundation and nothing will change that. People, after all, are just human and they make mistakes. I could have been offended, I could have used a crazy teacher or church leader as an excuse to change my attitude about BYU-I but that seemed stupid to me and had no foundation. So I didn't let it change. Instead I embraced my imperfections and theirs and learn from them.

I believe it is all about your attitude. If you are looking for a reason to be upset, offended or hurt you will find it, because that is all you are focusing on. It goes the same if you are looking to be happy, positive and uplifting. When I let go of my imperfections and the imperfections of others, that is when I learned the most. There was and always will be those crazy people, those people that give you a reason to question your testimony or thoughts, but there are WAY more people that will help you strengthen it. My last two years of college, I had the same bishop and let me tell you, he wasn't just some old guy who was going through the motions of being a leader in one of many students wards across the campus. He was a friend, a colleague and a mentor for me and for all my friends. We all agree that he was the bishop we needed and loved. Was he stern and strict? Yes! Was our Stake President so in love with the idea of obedience? Yes! Did some people have a hard time with them because of their sternness? YES!!! But those people were looking for a reason to be. A scapegoat, a chance to get offended. And it was a choice for me, accept and sustain my leaders or be annoyed and upset by their viewpoints. Guess which choice allowed me to grow and gain a better testimony of obedience?

All I am trying to say is, I have seen and heard it gone on long enough from too many people about the "rules" and "annoying people" at BYU-I. Too much negativity has been shared about this amazing University. I feel like people ALWAYS focus on the annoyance of this school, when they should be so thankful for such a great institution that allows you to get your college education at a fraction of the cost of any of college. Not only is it an amazing deal, but you are truly given the chance to learn, to grow spiritually and get ready for the real world. I feel that if people have a hard time with "rules", commandments or the honor code while being around thousands of other people of their same faith, how will they do in a place where they might be the only LDS people?

My advice to anyone attending or about to attend BYU, BYUI or BYU-Hawaii:

- Embrace the honor code.
- Don't prove it to your leaders, prove it to yourself that you can live obediently.
- Use your time at these schools to prepare and become spiritual giants for the future.
- Gain a testimony or a better one of God's love for you.

I am thankful for my time at BYU-Idaho. It was full of great experiences, drama, fun, goofiness and I am so appreciative for everything I learned while there. To those of you who feel the need to blame BYU-I or be annoyed by the honor code, remember one thing, you signed it. You chose to come here. You have the ability to leave if it doesn't go in accordance with your thought process or beliefs. But please don't sit here and tell others about how horrible it is or about how some faculty member or church leader offended you, so therefore all of BYUI is a bad place. If you are considering leaving this school, I hope you come to understand the importance of being here and how it will bless you. Best of luck with whatever you choose. As for me, being at this school, was what I needed and I will forever be thankful for the honor code, for the good and bad experiences here because at the end of the day, I am a better person because of it.

Cheers!

Curtis Spear

More Summer Please

Since last blog post:

The spring semester ended for BYUI students

7 week break started

Hannah left, worst day ever.

Moved out of my apartment into a house

Worked

Golfed

Missed Hannah and missing Hannah

Came home to Colorado, currently here.

Rest of the 7 week break:

Taylor Zollinger's wedding

Back to Rexburg

Work/Golf/Relax

Trip to San Fran with Jess

Tyson Orndorff's Wedding

LA to see Hannah!

School starts back up for the BYUI students.

Life gets back to normal with work, Hannah will be back and life will be great.

There is a quick rundown of how it going and how it will go. A few main things I want to focus on from this break that I have learned/enjoyed/experiences/ect.

1)Long distance sucks. I have a lot of respect for any of my friends that have had to do it, this is only 7 weeks and it is not fun.at.all. But I knew it would be and is good for us. I am learning more about Hannah and about myself through this. I love her so much and it is lame that we don't see each other but I am very thankful for phones/facetime/snapchat. It is a fun part of our relationship to continue to grow together even though we are apart. She is the best. 

2)Family is amazing. I have been able to be here for a few days and all my sibling have been here as well. It has been great to see my nieces and nephews. We have a great family and I love each of them dearly. It has been good to be home and see them, talk with them and enjoy their company. I love my family! We have fun together and was able to go to the lake too. check out this sweet video:  http://youtu.be/dxZRJHaH6cg?list=UUBoGC78rVRdOXabnFm8oh0g

3) The Church has put out some really cool campaigns and videos lately. Like, they are soo good, i love it. Here is a link to one that is new and amazing. Anyone who is struggling to find hope in hard times will need this, so hopefully me sharing this with you will lead you to be able to share it with someone else who may need it, whether you know it or not. So pray for opportunities to be that person someone needs. Here it is: 

http://youtu.be/2w49_1a9X0Q?list=PL4E784EC0770935C0   

4) My Job. My job has been a huge blessing. I have learned a lot and it is great to work with my friends. I am very fortunate. We are going through some changes and it is good to see and be apart of. The Dealio is a great company and I am so thankful for my employment that allows me to live and be sustained. Check it out. Click here. 

5) Hiking Table Mountain. I did a hike that my body probably was not able to handle. haha. The view was worth it though. it was one of the hardest physical things I have done but I am so glad I did it. see pictures at bottom of the blog.

All in all, besides not being able to be with Hannah, life is good. I have no complaints. I am blessed, work is good, family is great and I am happy. You probably see me posting lots of pictures of Hannah or talking about her all the time, but you are just going to have to deal with it. That girl is amazing and I am one lucky guy! 

Until next time,

Curt

PICS:

what a view

dope hike

almost to the top

made it

selfie

pretending hannah was there.

dropping her off at the airport. lammeee

shes dope.

dinner with the parentals in Pocatello

like my hiking sticks?

dealio crew

legit

post hike throw up

just because. shes so pretty. 

Where did summer go?

A lot happens in a month I guess. Crazy, but it has been amazing. Since my last blog post lots have happened:

Most importantly, Hannah is my girlfriend now. Tomorrow, marks two months together and I have never been happier. The 7 week break starts next week and that will be the first time I haven't seen her everyday since May 17th. Its gonna suck bad, but it'll be good too. Give this long distance thing a try. haha. Wish me luck.

Work has really picked up. We have gained new clients and cut ties with a few as well. It has been very beneficial for me to see all aspects of the business world. I am learning a lot and gaining respect for those around me that do what they do. Life at The Dealio is great.

Some events from the last month-ish.

Went to Bear Lake with Hannah, TK, Rach, Jess, Amy, Sammie, Syd, Jordan, Preston and Mckenna. TK has a sweet cabin there that we all stayed at. Got raspberry shakes, went to the Pickleville Playhouse and 4 wheeled. It was a fun, relaxing weekend.

I was suppose to go to San Fran with Jess at the end of June, but the flights were way delayed so we were able to move the flights to august. I stayed that weekend and was able to be with Hannah. We went to the Driggs Firework show.

4th of July was so dope. We went to the Rexburg Parade in the morning. Hannah and I snuck into the parade on my scoot scoot. After that we went and floated the drybed in Rigby, it is always a fun float. Then we went down to IF to watch the Firework Show down there. It is huge and so much fun. I love being with the people I care about during events like that. It was fun to share with friends.

Been doing a lot of events for work so that keeps us pretty busy. We launched www.rexapt.com which is a search engine for finding housing in Rexburg. It is going to be awesome.

Oh and Rexburg just had a crazy Flash Flood last night. 45 minutes of crazy down pour let to street closures, flooding everywhere and a pretty hectic morning today. Our office basement flooded. Nothing was damaged. We are very fortunate, others were not so lucky. But people will pull through. If anything, it helps me appreciate where we live. Think about the damage done by tsunamis or hurricanes. We are very fortunate.

But needless to say, life is really good. I am really happy. I forgot what it felt like to feel this happy with everything going so good in my life right now. I am very blessed and appreciative of my Heavenly Father and His role in my life being the way that it is.

Life's Good!

Curtis

here are some pics:

bear lake with Hanny

4th of july crew

driggs fireworks

driggs fireworks

dolphin tattoo

Sammie and I

Raspberry Shakes for days

Dealio

bear lake

Bridge Jumping in my powerranger suit

Chukars game

Chukars game

Hannahs Bday

4th of July

Color Run. Me and Austin snuck in

Websters Dam

Me and Chan. sock twins.

Snuck into Parade

Rexburg Apartment

Bears and Lakes

Paddleboarding during the Flood

Love this girl.

Right before she fell in.