So funny!!!

When Andy did his undergrad at BYU, he had a friend named Pete. They both returned from their missions the same time and started the Civil Engineering program around the same time. So, they also had classes together for 3 years and became study-buddies. One night Pete's wife Shellie picked him up from our first apartment and saw our wedding picture and recognized me. We were in the same apartment complex 3 doors apart two years prior, but she was busy with school and waiting for her missionary while I was busy with ... other things. :)

Pete and Andy spent most waking moments together and together decided to take an independent study class. After months had passed with no progress, Shellie and I stepped in and set up a study schedule. We would rotate houses each Saturday - the boys would study, we would make dinner, we'd all eat, and they would continue to study while Shellie and I watched movies, shopped, talked, made baby blankets, etc.

We both had babies about 6 weeks apart - although I was in Austin by that time, and we enjoyed being first-time moms together with my unlimited long distance! We've stayed in great touch over the years, seeing our husbands through grad school and long hours at work.

The interesting part is that even though Pete and Andy don't speak as often as Shellie and I do (that's typically our "clean the house" time while we talk to one another. Pete says we're good for each other because it's cheaper to pay cell phone bills than pay for a counselor while he and Andy are gone from home so much. Andy says we're good for each other because we both make so much progress at home!) they have followed each other throughout callings at church. I think it started when we moved to Dallas. Both Pete and Andy were called to be Ward Missionaries. Then Ward Mission Leaders. Then Young Men Presidents. And just last week Pete was called to be a counselor in the Bishopric - 3 months after Andy was called in. It's too funny! However, last week Pete got an extended cab Toyota Tundra. I told Andy not to even think about it right now... :)

To our great friends - we love knowing you and learned from you! Shellie taught me to quilt and taught me everything about frozen dinners. She is my medical advice and emotional counselor! Pete keeps Andy laughing and relieves his stress. It was a hard first 6 months in Austin for him until he found another guy buddy to 'hang out' with. Thanks for all the advice and encouragement! Here's to many more phone calls and Christmas goodies!!!!