Nick and Megan

FINALLY...

2012-02-10T20:47:00.000-08:00

Okay so we finally have a profile on itsaboutlove.org. https://itsaboutlove.org/ial/profiles/24361624/ourMessage.jsf
We have been in the process of adoption for several years, much longer than most people but we have had moves and other various things get in our way. We have been blessed with the most loving and supportive family and friends that have helped us navigate through emotions and logistics.
I feel like our profile has several older pictures of us but not a lot of up to date photos so I'll be posting pictures with captions of course.
Stay tuned...this blog will be updated regularly...

Fantastic Weekend

2010-11-29T18:25:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving weekend was fantastic this year! Nick was out of school Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and Megan was off from the Ritz on Saturday and Sunday. Our friends, the Montierth's, had us over for a great Thanksgiving dinner with tons of great food, especially the great pies.

Because Megan was off on Saturday and Sunday, we decided to go to our favorite place in Florida. Bonifay. Never heard of it? All the better for us; we're happy to have it all to ourselves! Great family, endless fun things to do, and pig outs on a daily basis. There is no telling how many times we've gone to bed with a stomach ache. It probably happens more often than not.

For those who don't know, Nick and Megan are big time college football fans. We LOVE going to games wherever and whenever we can. Our favorite teams are the Utes and the Seminoles, so in turn we hate, despise, loathe (pick your verb that's the opposite of like or respect) the Cougars and the Gators. In Michigan we had the opportunity to go to the Big House to watch Utah play Michigan

and in September 2010 we had the opportunity to go to the FSU vs. BYU game. Nick was very respectful in Michigan, usually making his comments under his breath so that Michigan fans couldn't hear, but embarrassingly he wasn't so quiet at the FSU BYU game. At one point, with several BYU fans sitting in front of us, and with FSU well ahead in the game he would yell things like "BYU go back to Provo!" This was much to the chagrin of most of the BYU fans sitting around us, especially one who, after Nick yelled that gem, turned around, stared at Nick, and then got up and left as Nick cackled like a nut.

With a family in Bonifay as crazy about their college football as we are, and with the FSU vs. Florida game on ABC and the Utah vs. BYU game on CBS College Sports simultaneously, Saturday was a great day that saw us sitting in front of the TV switching between both games and Nick Mecham and Nic Bell yelling and screaming at both games all day long, and both being hoarse after the games.

For those who didn't see one, or the other, or either game, FSU came out smoking and steam-rolled Florida. Considering the Noles have lost to the Gators in 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, and 09, it was nice to see the Noles carry the day without any problems in a 31-7 drubbing. The game was over in the first quarter.

The Utah vs. BYU game on the other hand caused much anxiety, especially for Nick who couldn't stand to watch the Utes as they continually failed to get the ball into the endzone. In the second half, the Utes finally attempted to buckle down and actually play the game. Somehow, someway, the Utes pulled it out in the end and won 17-16 making it a fantastic college football weekend in the Mecham and Bell households.

As is usual amongst BYU fans, the excuses started immediately with the worst excuse being "the refs gave the Utes that game with a bad fumble call." Excuse me BYU babies, the refs also called a pass from Heaps to one of his receivers on 3rd and long a complete pass while the receiver was clearly bobbling the ball all the way out of bounds and never had control until he was completely out. That drive then led to a touchdown. So stop making excuses and buck up like Jake Heaps, your QB, who said "Utah played a great game and made the plays when they needed to make the plays." He earned our respect this weekend. Quit crying. No one call cost you the game, because as we recall, BYU marched right down the field and made an admittedly great strategic move by letting the clock run down to 4 seconds which meant that Utah couldn't get another play off, even a kick return. BYU was down 17-16 and had a field goal attempt right down the middle of the field. That would be the last play of the game and it was BLOCKED!!! That caused BYU to lose the game. Nothing more, nothing less. That is a fact.

It was a great game with a great, albeit lucky, play/block at the end of the game. It's a great rivalry and it's too bad that it won't be the last game of the season anymore. See you in September? GO UTES!! F-L-O-R-I-D-A S-T-A-T-E WOOO!!!! Until next year Cougars and Gators!

Just Do It...

2010-11-22T21:25:00.000-08:00

I have a billion excues why I don't update my blog regularly. Here they are: no big event has happened, I don't have the time, Nick takes the computer to school, I don't have cute pictures for all posts, my thoughts don't translate well into the blog world, I don't live the life someone would check my blog for (I don't have kids or dogs or any exciting hobbies), etc...

Well those days of excuses are gone. I'm going to just do it! Thanks to many friend who are regular bloggers, granted their lives are more intriging than mine but they are my inspiration just the same. If I am going to blog more I need to actually find the blog worthy moments in my life.

This is my blog worthy moment today. There were two BIG events that happened that I haven't blogged about. Both weddings; Nick's sister Laura to the wonderful and dashing Robert in August

and my brother McLane to the beautiful and talented Jackie in October.

Nick and I were lucky enough to be in SLC for both occassions and loved being surrounded by our family and friends.

Loves to you all...

84 Months

2010-05-29T06:51:00.000-07:00

Nick and I have been married 84 months! Yes, it has been bliss...for the most part...I love Nick and think being married is the most fun!

We celebrated by para-sailing in Panama City Beach, FL...now some background...
before
I am EXTREMELY afraid of heights so when I suggested we go para-sailing Nick was surprised and a very willing participant. He was so convinced I would change my mind he almost immediately looked up several water sport companies and began comparing "deals". He found one acceptable (behind the Hooters parking lot, that should have been my first clue...) and off we went.

After parking, paying and riding the banana boat pulled by a jet ski to the boat. We were harnessed in and clipped to the parachute...

It was AMAZING and not scary at ALL... promise. We saw dolphins (which means there aren't sharks around) and it felt like we were on a swing...I loved it!

About 800 ft up (we were supposed to go up 1200 ft) we felt a jerk and saw the rope on the boat that is attached to our parachute fall in the water then we gently fell in the water. The dolphins started swimming over to us, again no sharks. We unattached ourselves, no thanks to the "skipper" on the boat that is afraid of sharks!?!

It really wasn't that bad of a "crash" landing, right after we "hit" the water Nick exclaimed that he lost his Ray Ban Aviator sun glasses that were well over $100! Just for the record, my $8 sunglasses never moved from my head.

Safely in the boat, the "captain" let us know what happened. He looked away for 10 sec and the rope let out too much. He offered to take us on a better ride when he got the rope fixed. We agreed and sit on the anchored boat for about 30 min. I almost fell asleep while sunning on the boat benches, Nick almost got sick...

The second ride we went up the full 1200 ft and it was AWESOME! I would do it again and am so happy I was with Nick...

We really are a great team!

after

MAC

2009-08-20T21:20:00.000-07:00

My nephew Mac is the best thing that ever happened! He is good on a skateboard, he is funny, nice, gentle, smart, sweet, tough, he loves to play, he loves to dance, he is an artist, he is a spelling wiz kid, he loves to snow board and he's great at it too, he wants to be a realtor and aggressive in-line skater when he "grows up", he has great blue eyes that "pop" when he wears anything, and he loves me!

I love you Mac and miss you already!

See Ya SLC

2009-08-07T09:52:00.000-07:00

I'm trying to get the perfect blog in before we leave for Florida.

Do I share the details and pics of our quick Las Vegas drive? Finally being able to introduce Nick and Mac to "squeaky" cheese...ahhhh...yum!

Chocolate Cokes at the Coke Factory

"Apparently, I like squeaky cheese" -Mac

Do I post the beautiful scenery of the 24th of July hike to Sunset Peak with Nick's family? Mac being the trooper and never giving up. That guy amazes me.

Mac pointing to Sunset Peak w/ Nick

Mac standing on the peak

Or I could talk about my "best" friends that took me away for a relaxing and fun night at the Little America! Yummy sushi(Caterpillar my new fav), chocolate($50 worth), make-up(only MAC tonight), perfect pitch back in the day and movies that made us cry until 4AM. Thanks for the best night ladies!

Funky make-up

I guess I got it all in and stay tuned for a cross country trip and hopefully lots of beach stories.

The Perfect Summer Day

2009-07-22T09:41:00.000-07:00

I have had several perfect summer days since being back in the S.L.C.
I just happen to have pictures of this particular one.

6:30AM-7:45AM Walk with my great friend (no pics this early in the morning, thank goodness)

9AM-5PM

I get to spend all day with this dream boy!

7PM-12AMThen go out with my girls and our guys
watching the sexy cowboy, George Strait!

WHAT A GREAT DAY!

Utah Arts Festival 2009

2009-06-28T22:37:00.000-07:00

I love being back in SLC for the fun festivals that take place almost every weekend in the summer. This is the first I've taken pictures of and we were actually on the news! As you know from previous blogs this is embarrassing for me but Nick and Mac look so great I had to include it. The link is below:

http://www.fox13now.com/news/kstu-thousands-attend-utah-arts-festival-in-salt,0,2527677.story

Eating delicious Arts Festival Food

I usually think street performers are creepy but this "New Age Magician" was okay. He was hard to get a good picture of because of all the muscle shirt wearing grown men wanting free entertainment for their children.

My guys eating gelato. Strawberry and Moroccan Chocolate...yummy!

Happy Birthday Grandpa!

2009-06-17T19:51:00.001-07:00

I'm not sure if everyone feels this way about their grandparents but I think mine are the BEST!

Tonight we celebrated my Grandpa's 82nd birthday. He is amazing! He has the kindest heart and warmest spirit. He would do anything for anyone and always wants everyone to be happy and comfortable.

For his 80th birthday my grandpa went water skiing, although he won't give it a go now he is still up at dawn and rides his bike almost everyday along with tending his garden and keeping up on "church work".

I told my grandpa I wanted to take a picture of my grandma and him and he insisted she sit on his lap, she obliged and now I have the cutest picture of all time.

Happy Birthday Grandpa.

Here We Go Again...

2009-06-10T09:31:00.000-07:00

This morning I was walking with my dear friend talking about blogs. I said something about my blog and she said "Hasn't your blog been discontinued?" Well, actually it hasn't, I told her. Feeling a little defensive about it, I guess I should start it all again.

This past year has been wonderful, emotional, fun, exciting, scary but great. I have learned so much about myself and have come to appreciate the fabulous friend I have in Nick. I made life friends in Ann Arbor and missed my friends and family in SLC.

So our new adventure begins. We are in SLC for the summer and then off to Naples, FL for 2 years while Nick finishes law school.

I'm not going to lie...I'm all too excited about living in Florida again, on the Gulf side no less!
I L-O-V-E the humidity and don't really care what it does to my hair (not a pretty site).

We will be/are super busy in Salt Lake and I'll be sure to post all our fun.

It feels good to be back...I just hope you all haven't given up on me.

Most Embarassing Moment Ever

2008-11-20T17:02:00.000-08:00

I was interviewed by a Detroit local news channel today at work and thought I was going to vomit! If you would like to witness the embarrassment feel free. This will also explain what I do at work everyday.

http://www.clickondetroit.com/video/18027485/index.html

Autumn Trip

2008-10-25T07:48:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, Nick was home at 2:30PM. That is rare, usually he is calling for a ride about 8:30PM but to my surprise he was home! I was very excited as you can tell.

We decided to take a drive and enjoy the beautiful sights, sounds and tastes of fall in Michigan. We took all back roads and I tried to get some good pics but they don't do justice to the scene here.

We stopped for drinks at Brown's Root Beer diner then headed to Kensington State Park.

The sunshine is deceiving...it was maybe 50 degrees.

On our way home we had to stop at Erwin's Orchard for pumpkin spice doughnuts, carmel apples and a head of cabbage (I couldn't resist it). We didn't get any pictures at the orchard because there was a bus load of 3rd graders that ran all over us. Nick of course said "get me outta here."

This was a beautiful day and I was very happy to spend it with Nick. Enjoy the pics...

Nick with a Root Beer float and me with......................Diet Coke

Kensington State Park

Outside our apartment at sunset

Visitors

2008-10-18T09:11:00.001-07:00

Nick and I have had one visitor since moving to Michigan and are expecting a lot more...a hint to all family and friends.

Sawyer came and spent a few days with us. We went to a corn maze at Coleman Farms in Saline, MI. We laughed, sang, told jokes and got caught up while Nick was reading the map and actually trying to navigate us through the maze with out getting us lost. It was fabulous. At the end of our semi-successful maze adventure the owners of the farm let us feed their cow treats. The cow loved Sawyer and me, I'm sure it wasn't just the treats we were giving her.

We bought two beautiful pumpkins from the Coleman farm and were looking forward to some carving action the next night.

Our time with Sawyer was too short and reminded me how much I miss family and friends. Come see us soon...

Sawyer and me in the corn maze. We forgot our camera so Nick took some BlairWitch pics.

Sawyer with her new friend

Our jack-o-lantern

Breakfast with Soy before she left me...

100 Things

2008-10-11T10:15:00.000-07:00

Thanks Mary for the idea...

Here are 100 things about me.

1. I love to cook

2. I love to bake, yes they are different

3. I'm fairly good at both

4. I enjoy long rides in a car, the longer the better

5. Pumpkin anything is the reason I like the Autumn

6. I like to grocery shop

7. I love long walks, the longer the better

8. Road trips are my favorite vacations, see number 4

9. I like my hair short

10. I like Nick's hair long, but his short do isn't bad either

11. Dogs are my favorite animal

12. My favorite sounds are the beach, babies/toddlers laughing and Nick's voice

13. My dream car is a Range Rover; white, tan leather interior, white rims

14. I want to be a body builder

15. I want to get a graduate degree in social work

16. I didn't like our house when we first moved in

17. I love our house now

18. I wish I could live with my grandma and grandpa Clayburn

19. I like being in a swimsuit even though my body isn't perfect

20. I'm glad I didn't have sister's

21. I want at least two girls

22. I love lifting weights, see #14

23. I love feet, mine and others

24. I love camping

25. I don't like talking on the phone

26. I love "real" Mexican food

27. Folding laundry relaxes me

28. I only use white or wood hangers

29. I wish I knew more about computers

30. I've never painted a room

31. I want to paint a room

32. I need flexibility with time

33. My favorite smells are (not together) coconut, the beach, grapefruit and garlic. The garlic is reminiscent of me living near Gilroy, CA

34. I want to live in a small town

35. I want to have enough property to have a cow, chickens and a pig

36. I want to live somewhere warm all year long

37. Nick cleans more than me

38. I straighten things up more than Nick, yes there is a difference

39. I like to file

40. I love pulling weeds

41. I make up reasons to have family parties

42. I like to fly in airplanes

43. I people watch

44. I love to boat especially if we are water skiing or tubing

45. I like to be warm

46. I prefer green grapes

47. My favorite sandwich is turkey

48. My birthday is March 24th but I celebrate from March 1st-March 31st!

49. My ears stick out so hats look funny on me

50. I don't mind the smell of skunk, unless they spray my dogs...

51. I love hugs

52. My favorite ice cream is "Private Selection" Andes Mint, they don't make it anymore

53. The color orange makes me happy

54. I like late night talks with Nick

55. Honesty Plant is my favorite game

56. I am obsessed with drinking a gallon of water a day

57. College Football is my favorite sport to watch...Go Utes!...Go Noles!

58. Microwave popcorn is the greatest invention

59. I've never tasted a vegetable I didn't like

60. I don't like to admit it but romantic comedies with Julia Roberts are my favorite movies, ie. Runaway Bride, Steel Magnolias, My Best Friends Wedding...

61. I love to hike, anywhere, anytime.

62. I don't like to buy CD's or movies, they cause too much clutter

63. I don't read a book more than once

64. I watched Fiddler on the Roof everyday after school in 9th grade

65. I have always wanted to be an actress

66. I failed drama in 9th grade

67. I am too competitive to play group sports or games

68. I want a huge vegetable garden

69. I love peanut butter toast for breakfast

70. My favorite flower is anything but carnations

71. I enjoy popping zits

72. I love really good chocolate

73. I am a food snob

74. I like to try new restaurants

75. I like to read the newspaper

76. My favorite book is whatever I'm reading at the time.

77. I don't wear white shoes after Labor Day or before Easter

78. I only listen to NPR in the car

79. I love to sleep without needing to get up in the morning

80. I babysat for the Smith's for 15 years. I love Hadley, Easton, Cooper and Sawyer!

81. I like to walk in cemeteries

82. I have kept the same 3 plants alive for a year, that is an accomplishment

83. I don't like chain restaurants except...

84. I could eat Subway everyday

85. I love the sun

86. I love Halloween but hate dressing up

87. I love any theater; plays, musicals, operas etc...

88. Hearing from friends is a dream

89. I worked at a movie theater when I was 16 and loved it

90. Paying bills makes me feel accomplished

91. The more I get to know my brothers the more I like them

92. I love being married to Nick

93. I have to see Mac, my nephew everyday or I miss him

94. I blow my nose really loud

95. I hate being sick and am a baby when I am

96. I wish I didn't have a cell phone

97. I love running errands

98. I've never broken a bone or had stitches (except a biopsy on my toe that required 2 stitches)

99. I am a happy person

100. I am blessed

Looking for Shells

2008-08-10T22:52:00.000-07:00

We flew to Florida for my mom's funeral and burial. Everything went well and was just how my mom would have wanted it. My mom loved going to the beach and searching for sand dollars. She always took us to Shell Island. This trip we decided to go back to Shell Island and look for sand dollars, we didn't find any but we made and found great memories.

Nick and me at Shell Island

We were also able to see my great-grandmother, Nanny Bell. She lives in an assisted living facility and will be 96 years old in October. She is still sharp and gets around with the assistance of a walker or wheelchair. She is a wonderfully spiritual woman who has so much life experience to share.

Nanny Bell, Nick and me. Nanny isn't sure where to look but she still looks good.

I found a new appreciation for my family during this time and especially my brothers. We really relied on each other and we were able to grow close the way my mom always wanted us to be. In a time of sorrow I received several blessings that I am so grateful for.

Mom

2008-07-25T08:53:00.000-07:00

My mom passed away yesterday afternoon.

It was a blessing my brothers and I got to go to New Mexico last weekend and be with her. She was awake and alert although she was in severe pain.

I was able to paint her toenails and fingernails, which had been neglected for a long time.
One of my favorite things to do with my mom is manis and pedis, so it only seemed fitting that we got one more in. I went to the nearest store and picked two colors I thought she would like; brilliant and vibrant. She of course chose brilliant, because she was.

My mom was the strongest, most beautiful and talented woman I know. She could do anything from making our clothes to extravagant birthday cakes. My favorite was the Cabbage Patch Kid cake. She was an exceptional cook some of her favorites were; caramel corn, cookies, mashed potatoes, fried chicken, I could go on and on.

I am a bit of a mess right now and all I can hear is my mom saying "Get it together Megan", so I will try...

Calendar Colors

2008-07-16T09:19:00.000-07:00

Every month has a color. This stems from 1st grade, Mrs. Walker's class. She had a color behind every month and from then on I see the months in color. The problem is, I'm almost sure the colors behind her calendar had absolutely no meaning to her they were just the colors she could find in the supply room, but it had an everlasting effect on my life. Thus the new blue background. July equals Blue.
Anyone else see the months in color?

Introduction

2008-07-14T12:58:00.000-07:00

This is our first try at the blogging world....
Intro
Nick and I have been married 5 glorious years. Marriage is seriously the most fun of all time.
Nick and I have enjoyed many travels, nowhere exotic but fun nonetheless. Some of our favorites are visiting family in Florida, shout out to Bonifay! New York City to see the Yankees play, it was Nick's best birthday to date. Las Vegas, sorry no gambling just sitting in the warm weather and playing tennis at 10:30PM. Washington D.C., we love that everything is free and the best history lessons ever. Our bus tour to The Sacred Grove in Palmyra and Niagara Falls. Although the trip cramped our style because of the bus ride and Nick's long legs, we had so much fun with my old stake in Florida. I can't leave out the family reunions. Marrying into Nick's family has the best perk of fabulous family reunions. The Outer Banks in North Carolina and gorgeous SunValley, Idaho. We have a wonderful family and being with them is the best part of our life.

The Mecham Extended Family at SunValley, ID 2006

Nick and me canoeing in Florida, August 2007

My brother McLane and his son Mac. Mac's baptism August 2007 in Florida

Nick and me in NYC, August 2006
This is my favorite picture. Nic Bell between Pa and Granny on the bus in Palmyra, July 2005
Nic Bell and me at The Sacred Grove. In case you were wondering about my shining face it was 100 degrees and 100% humidity, July 2005