Thursday, May 22, 2014

Ashlyn Reilly

Hey everyone! Say hi to Ashlyn Reilly!

1. Where are you from?
I was born in Provo but raised in Beaverton, Oregon until I was 9, then moved to Alpine, Utah till I was 16, then moved to Carlsbad, California until 18. I moved back to Utah for college and have been here ever since. My husband says “your from the state that you graduated in”, but I think you are from where you spent the most time living, so for me it would be Alpine, Utah!

2. How many siblings do you have?
I come from a “yours, mine and ours”  kind of family. I have 2 older step sisters, 2 older step brothers, one blood brother, one blood sister, one younger half brother (step mom+dad) and then my youngest half brother (mom+step dad) REALLY confusing... I know. But I have never introduced my siblings as half, whole or step. We’re all just the same :)

3. What is your favorite movie?
I am going to have to say Titanic. I have probably watched it a million times. And I have had a crush on Leo Dicaprio since I could talk.
What is something interesting about you?
I am obsessed with Disney. I love love love Disneyland and really anything that is associated with it. And... I love to color in coloring books. There is something that is just therapeutic about it. So yeah, if you want to make me happy get me some crayons, a coloring book, and some Disney movies and I am set! haha. But I am definitely a little kid at heart.

4. Do you play any instruments?
I wish I could! My parents always tried to get me to take piano lessons but I was too impatient for it. If vocal chords are considered an instrument then I would say singing. I may not be the best, but I am ALWAYS singing a tune. (It gets pretty annoying if you're around me a lot, I’m that girl that gets a song stuck in your head all day)
5. How long have you been married?
Drew and I have been married since November 2. Going on 7 months now!
6. Do you have any kids?
No kids...yet. We want to wait till we are both graduated, which is in 2 years. But we absolutely LOVE  kids and have almost 20 nieces and nephews between the both of us, so whenever we’re baby hungry we babysit and that takes the baby appetite right away!
7. What is your favorite part of living in Provo/Orem?
I would say my favorite part about living in Provo is the memories Drew and I made here. We met each other while living at The Village, and now have a house around the corner. So driving through the city, is just a sweet reminder of where it all started :)
8. Do/did you go to school? What degree(s) do you have?
I am currently going to UVU and getting a business marketing degree and Drew is at BYU in the business program doing business management and entrepreneurship. We will both be done in two years.

9. What is your favorite thing to do with your girlfriends?
I love eating. So my girlfriends and I really enjoy finding new places to eat and explore. haha

10. What is your favorite food?
Speaking of eating! Lol. I love pickles. I could literally eat pickles all day, every day. But if I had to pick a genre of food, it would have to be Indian. Drew took me to an Indian restaurant on our first date and thats when I knew he was the one. ;)

11. What are you most and least looking forward to about football season?
Well lets see. I got married during the football season last year, so enough said. Lol.  I am definitely looking forward to relaxing and watching the games. I am also really excited about the new schedule, I feel bad for my husband though that he’s has to get up at 5:30 am but I am glad they won't have their crazy workout schedules in the middle of the day!
12. What is one of your most embarrassing moments?
I was at Seaworld and I had to really go to the bathroom so I rushed in, hurried did my thing and came out. I was probably walking around the park for a good 20 minutes before this chick came up to me and told me my skirt was tucked into my underwear!

13. If you could live anywhere where would it be?
Honestly, I would love to live anywhere that is sunny all the time and a constant 75 degrees. I love being warm and absolutely hate being cold. It’s a curse for my husband because I cuddle with the space heater more than him. haha  But the most important thing to me is family, and all my family and most of Drew’s family lives out here so it’s definitely worth it!
14. What is your favorite article of clothing?
I couldn't live without my nike sneakers. I used to literally sleep in heels but since I have been married, I’m all about comfort now! haha My Nike's are my best friend.

15. How did you and your husband meet?
Drew and I met on the beach in California during the summer of 2012. My cousin and I were walking around the beach, when him and his friends came up to us and started talking. We found out that we both lived in Utah and ended up moving into the same apartment complex the next month. From that July to February, Drew couldn't get the nerve to ask me out. We literally ran into each other ALL the time. I never really thought much of it, but had always in the back of mind like asked myself, “why has he never asked me out?!” Finally last February he did and it’s all been history since then :)

What is yours and husbands favorite thing to do?
If Drew and I could, we would be at a club every night listening to house music (or rap, I am a hood rat at heart ;) and dancing. Haha maybe not every night, but we love Vegas and music, so it goes hand in hand! We also love to travel. Once we are graduated and done with football we are going to spend a whole summer in Europe :)

16. What position does your husband play?
Safety
17. Do you love football? Did that love come before or after your met your husband?
The only times I watched football was during the super bowl, and that was obviously for the commercials and halftime show! And then during high school to socialize. Other then that, I never knew anything about it. Since being in college and being a football player’ wife, I really have grown a love for watching it!
Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Ani Lasike

Where are you from?
I’m from Santos in the coast of São Paulo, Brazil but my family moved to Sacramento, CA 12 years ago so I did my Junior and Senior year of High school here in the US.

How many siblings do you have?
I only have one younger brother.

What is your favorite movie?
I love chick flicks like the notebook, walk to remember, pride and prejudice

Do you play any instruments? Sing?
I have no musical talent whatsoever, even when I sing while driving I get made fun of. I don’t know what a tune is but I guess I can’t sing in it.

How long have you been married?
Paul and I got married last December 28th, so it’s been around 10 months.

Do you have any kids?
No kids yet, the first one is on the way. I’m due April 4, 2014 and it's a little boy.

What is your favorite part of living in Provo/Orem?
I’m honestly not a fan of living in UT. It gets too cold for me and it’s far from family. But I have to say I love how the people are so friendly and generous here.

Do/did you go to school? What degree(s) do you have?
I went to UVU for a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education then moved back to California for a Master’s in Bilingual and Multicultural Education.

What is your favorite thing to do with your girlfriends?
My girlfriends and I love to schedule workouts together and instead end up going out to eat. It happens all the time. We like to go out dancing and watching movies too.

What is your favorite food?
I am a foodie and love to eat good things. My favorite is sushi and seafood. But being Brazilian I can’t resist my Brazilian food too. I make Paul take me to Tucano’s once a month so I can get my comfort food in. =)

What are you most and least looking forward to about football season?
I’m looking forward watching my hubby play more this year. I don’t understand football at all so I go to games to watch him in tight pants. Also I hear the bowl games can be really fun. I'm super excited to go to San Fran cause it's close to my family and that where Paul and I had our first date.
I’m definitely not looking forward to the nights he spends away and all the travel and time it takes.
What is one of your most embarrassing moments?
Well, this is embarrassing but I have lost my skirt I the middle of BYU campus many years ago after a stake conference. I was wearing a silk skirt and a penny hose underneath and I never felt it slide down until I heard my roommate yelling my name and I look back at all the boys closing their eyes. My philosophy is to try and make it natural so it’s not too awkward. So I pulled my skirt back up and mentioned that in Brazil that’s the latest fashion statement. Lol
(it was still awkward though)

If you could live anywhere where would it be?
I love the ocean, so I guess anywhere by the ocean would make me happy. We have many options since Paul is from New Zealand, his family is living in Australia, my family is in California and we could also end up in Brazil. I would be okay with any of those.

What is your favorite article of clothing?
I love to feel comfortable, but I honestly don’t have a favorite. I am a shopaholic and just have way too much clothes to have only one favorite. My favorite is usually the newest item I guess.

How did you and your husband meet?
Paul and I met in California. He was there visiting his family and I was hosting a BBQ pool party for the YSA ward and he showed up at my house. (an hour before the party started) so I soon put him to sweep up my backyard cause I wasn’t ready yet. He fell in love immediately with my bossy self. =) then he was REALLY shy and wouldn’t talk to me much at my party but he got my number from my friend and was texting me later that night. Not so shy when he’s texting but every time we met up he wouldn’t even look at me. I thought he was a player. He’s a few years younger than me and didn’t even live in Cali. So that was sure trouble…but then he extended his vacation for 3 more weeks just because of me and I couldn’t resist his young boy charms. I’m the real cougar in this story. =)
What position does your husband play?
Paul is a running back/ full back.  #33- He’s still learning football. He was brought to the U.S. (BYU) for Rugby and the football coaches liked his athleticism and now he plays football too.

Do you love football? Did that love come before or after your met your husband?
I never watched a single football game before I met Paul. I honeslty hated football which is a scary thing to  bluntly say here since most the wives seem to be very much into football. I know nothing about it, I think it’s too long and it’s just not my thing…like I said before I watched for my husband in tight pants =). I see him with the ball I cheer for him. That’s as far as my knowledge goes. Because Paul is also learning football he tries to teach me at home on the Ipad so he can show me some plays and I know how to look for him on the field. So I guess I learned a little bit about Running backs…everything else is a big question mark for me.

Hanna Owens

Say hello to Hanna! As one of our newest wives, we're all really excited to meet her and learn more about her! 

Where are you from?
My family has moved around a lot, mostly in the pacific northwest. But I claim Spokane, Washington.
How many siblings do you have?
Four. Two older, two younger. I think it’s important to say that, because being a middle child has shaped my personality in a lot of ways.
What is your favorite movie?
The Goonies
Do you play any instruments? Sing?
Nope. I am pretty non-musical. But I did play the flute in my jr. high band. I was too ashamed to tell any of my friends, and none of them found out until about a year ago. So, I guess I am a pretty good liar. Not that has to do with anything.
How long have you been married?
Three months TODAY! Time flies

Do you have any kids?
No, but if I had it my way, I would have been pregnant yesterday. However, we are poor newlyweds, and I’d like to finish my degree first. I lovvveee kids, and if you ever need a babysitter, HIT. ME. UP. For reals.
What is your favorite part of living in Provo/Orem?
There are a lot of good restaurants here. But since that is a pretty shallow/fat girl answer… My real answer is that there is a temple so close. I love being able to go weekly!
Do/did you go to school? What degree(s) do you have?
I will be graduating in April in human development, then hopefully starting work at an adoption agency.
What is your favorite thing to do with your girlfriends?
On Tuesdays, my friends and I go to the dirty dancing class at Gold’s gym. We started doing it as a joke/from our own curiosity after seeing they have a class called, “dirty dancing,” but now I actually like it. It makes me feel like Ciara.
What is your favorite food?
French fries with tartar sauce from Dick’s Drive Inn in Seattle.
What are you most and least looking forward to about football season?
I can’t think of anything that I’m not looking forward to. I’m pretty excited for the bowl game, though!
What is one of your most embarrassing moments?
I have always loved singing. Which, I really do not have any skill in. But I sing all the time anyway, and have for forever.  I also was a very strange child. Once in kindergarten, I was in the bathroom and singing Celine Dion at the top of my lungs, thinking no one could hear me. On the other side of the wall, the class was having story time. When I came back, everyone was staring and laughing at me and I was mortified. I guess it wasn’t that scarring though, because I still sing in inappropriate places.
If you could live anywhere where would it be?
The northwest! I know that will never happen though, because Joey hates the rain. However, I think Provo is one of the best places to go for a perfect college experience, so I have no qualms with being here for a few more years.

What is your favorite article of clothing?
Lululemon yoga pants. I don’t think I have to explain that one.
How did you and your husband meet?
My best friend, Eleanor Jackson, set us up! It was pretty random because she really didn’t know him that well at the time. I had just put in my mission papers so I really wasn’t expecting anything to come of it. But after our first date, we were together pretty much constantly and things fell together so naturally. I obviously never made it to Brazil (where I was called on my mission).
What position does your husband play?
Outside linebacker
Do you love football? Did that love come before or after your met your husband?
I LOVE FOOTBALL. My dad coached it, my brothers played it and I have been actively watching/paying close attention to NCAA football since 5th grade. Often my friends accuse me of marrying a football player just because I love football so much. But I didn’t choose the football life, the football life chose me. It’s funny because general league information/byu football history/anything to do with football other than actually playing the sport, I know a lot more than Joey. Which can be slightly entertaining when people ask him questions, and I have to jump in and answer them for him J

Monday, November 4, 2013

Ella Vaitai

1. Where are you from? 
My family is originally from Laie, Hawaii. We moved here to Orem, Utah when I was younger, but Laie will always be home to me. 

2. How many siblings do you have? 
8 kids in my family. 5 girls and 3 boys.


3. What is your favorite movie? 
Love and Basketball is my all time favorite movie. But I also loooove Selena and Grease! Lol

4. Do you play any instruments? 
Nope. I wish I did!

5. How long have you been married? 
6 months :)

6. Do you have any kids? 
No, not yet

7. What is your favorite part of living in Provo/Orem? 
I love the scenery here, especially the mountains. I also love that you get to experience all 4 seasons here in Utah. 

8. Do/did you go to school? What degree(s) do you have? 
Yes! I got a volleyball scholarship to play at Pasadena City College, JC in california. I got my AA, and came back to Utah to continue playing volleyball at UVU, but I got hurt, and decided not to play anymore so now I’m working towards my Bachelors. 

9. What is your favorite thing to do with your girlfriends? 
Anything sport related is fun (because a lot of my best friends were my teammates) Lol. A lot of times we just like to go to dinner and just talk about everything that goes on in our lives and memories!

10. What is your favorite food? 
Mac and Cheese and Musubis!

11. What are you most and least looking forward to about football season? 
I just love watching my husband play, that's the most exciting thing about the season for me. I also get to Travel to watch the away games so I'm excited about that. I'm not looking forward to how fast the season is going to go by. Being my husband's last season, I knew it would come and go so quickly.

12. What is one of your most embarrassing moments? 
Oh my gosh!! One time I was at a YSA dance, one of my fav songs came on so I started dancing towards the dance floor with my cute heels on and the floor was so slippery, I straight up slipped and fell right on my back! Lol I got up so fast and my face was SO red! Good thing I had my sister to laugh it off with. 

13. If you could live anywhere where would it be? 
California or Florida! Especially Miami!

14. What is your favorite article of clothing? 
I don’t really have a favorite. I  just love everything about fall/winter clothes

15. How did you and your husband meet? 
My cousin Jray Galeai(he used to play at BYU) actually hooked us up. Jray called me to come play volleyball at a church, and Naki was there with Jray, and I guess it was love at first sight for my hubby! HAHA!

16. What position does your husband play? 
Offensive Line: Left Guard

17. Do you love football? Did that love come before or after your met your husband? 
I absolutely LOVE football! My family is all about sports, so I grew up watching my brother’s play football in junior high, high school, and collegiately. I seriously am always watching film with my husband after their games. Lol he always says I know more about football than a lot of guys. Haha

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Get Ready for San Fran!

Alright ladies! I, like many of you, have been feeling a little mixed about spending Christmas away from family and in a hotel.... but then I realized a few things: 

1- this team is our family here. Whether you have family close to Provo or not, the team and wives share a bond that no one else does. This year we get to spend Christmas together too! 

2- We are going to watch our husband play! Not every team makes it to a bowl and I'm so glad that we get to experience this game with them! On that note.....

3- We have an all expense paid vacation to one of the greatest cities in America! Not only do we get a chartered flight with the team (if you haven't experienced that yet, it really is great!) but we also get to go on some great adventures -- for free. 

4- Last but not least, it's one Christmas that we get to have an alternative celebration. It's one Christmas where we get to embrace the fun part of being a football wife. Yes, it's one Christmas away from family but it's going to be one fun Christmas.

So lets look at all of the great things happening...
- The bowl is taking us to Alcatraz complete with an island cruise. 
- We will have fun at the Exploratorium - one of San Francisco's most popular attractions with 600 exhibits.
- We have the opportunity to serve the needy in San Francisco by feeding meals during this holiday season. The Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl has provided over 300,000 meals to the the Bay Area hungry in the past 3 years.
- The kickoff lunch is always a fun event. We are received by bowl officials and get to eat a fantastic meal while hearing from both teams and the bowl officials about the history and initiative surrounding the bowl.
- Plus, the truck that goes down will have room for us to pack one box each with Christmas decor for our rooms and gifts for our husbands (and kids). 

Those are just 4 things that the bowl has planned.... we can do anything else too! While the guys are at practice every day, the girls can head off and have fun! 

Here are some of the most popular attractions in San Francisco: 
-- Golden Gate Bridge: The Bridge connects San Francisco to California's northern counties. With its tremendous 746-foot tall towers, sweeping main cables, signature International Orange color, and Art Deco styling, it is a sensory experience featuring color, light, and sound.
-- Union Square: Situated north of SoMa and south of Chinatown, the Union Square neighborhood is a fun and funky rest stop for travelers and locals alike. And at its epicenter is the eclectic Union Square Park, an open space decorated with palm trees. Union Square is also a shop-a-holic's delight: Nearby are high-end shops like Prada and Tiffany & Co. among others.
-- Cable Cars: Chances are you've seen a television show, postcard or some type of San Francisco memorabilia emblazoned with the city's iconic cable car or trolley. So of course, to get the full experience of the San Francisco's charm, you'll have to hop on board. San Fran's cable car system is the last of its kind in the United States, and is considered one of the main tourist attractions in the entire city.
-- Nob Hill and Russian Hill: Nob Hill and Russian Hill cast a long shadow of history and refinement. Booming since the 1870s -- when wealthy transcontinental railroad magnets constructed dazzling mansions -- Nob Hill remains an affluent bohemian district. Along the steep city streets, beautiful Victorian homes preside over lush gardens and idyllic vantage points of the bay. To the north, Russian Hill also boasts lavish homes and exquisite city views. 
-- Ghirardelli Square: a landmark with shops and restaurants in the Fisherman's Wharf area of San Francisco, California. A portion of the area is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as Pioneer Woolen Mills and D. Ghirardelli Company. Ghirardelli Square once featured over 40 specialty shops and restaurants. Some of the original shops and restaurants still occupy the square.
-- Pier 39 is a shopping center and popular tourist attraction built on a pier in San Francisco, California. At Pier 39, there are shops, restaurants, a video arcade, street performances, an interpretive center for the Marine Mammal Center, the Aquarium of the Bay, virtual 3D rides, and views of California sea lions hauled out on docks on Pier 39's marina. The marina is also home to the floating Forbes Island restaurant and much more! 
-- Painted Ladies: The Full House house. These homes are famous in San Francisco for their color and architecture. 
-- Chinatown: The Chinatown, centered around Grant Avenue and Stockton Street in San Francisco, California,  is the oldest Chinatown in North America and the largest Chinese community outside Asia and is the oldest of the four notable Chinatowns in the city. Since its establishment in 1848, it has been highly important and influential in the history and culture of ethnic Chinese immigrants in North America. Chinatown is an enclave that continues to retain its own customs, languages, places of worship, social clubs, and identity. There are two hospitals, numerous parks and squares, a post office, and other infrastructure. Visitors can easily become immersed in a microcosmic Asian world, filled with herbal shops, temples, pagoda roofs and dragon parades. While recent immigrants and the elderly choose to live in here because of the availability of affordable housing and their familiarity with the culture,  the place is also a major tourist attraction, drawing more visitors annually than the Golden Gate Bridge.
-- Japantown: Japantown is a section located in the Western Addition neighborhood of San Francisco, California that comprises about six square city blocks. San Francisco's Japantown is the largest and oldest such enclave in the United States.The area is home to Japanese (and some Korean and Chinese) restaurants, supermarkets, indoor shopping malls, hotels, banks and other shops, including one of the few U.S. branches of the large Kinokuniya bookstore chain. Most of these businesses are located in the commercial center of the neighborhood which is a large shopping mall built in the 1960s as part of urban renewal efforts and is run by Japanese retailer Kintetsu.
-- Fisherman's Wharf: If you're looking to explore all of San Francisco -- from its alternative underbelly to its mainstream attractions -- Fisherman's Wharf is really a must-see. The waterfront neighborhood and tourist attraction houses several popular San Francisco sites, including the PIER 39 shopping center (a great spot to view sunbathing seals) and the Ripley's Believe it or Not! Museum. Fisherman's Wharf is also where you can catch a ferry to nearby Alcatraz, and the Golden Gate Bridge isn't too far either.
Last but not least, we will probably make time to visit the Oakland Temple. The way the team has been doing things, there is a good chance that our husbands will be joining us! So beautiful! 

I know many of you have family around or have spent time in San Francisco so please, share your ideas in the comments! We want to have as much fun as possible so we need suggestions! 
We can't wait to share this week with all of you! 

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Kelsey Yeck




I’m from Boise, Idaho and no, I didn't grow up on a potato farm. I have 4 older siblings, 3 sisters and a brother who will never get over the fact that I’m taller than him. We've expanded to include 4 in laws, and 9 little ones!




I love movies but a favorite is hard to pick. Hitch, The Proposal, Harry Potter (yes, I LOVE it) – there all just too good! You can surely find Mike and I wrapped up in a movie on most Friday nights, and I’ll be wearing last year’s travel sweats (super attractive, I know).  And when Mike's gone, all I watch is crime dramas. My favorite food might be Mac & Cheese, I’m a bit of a connoisseur.  I embarrass myself all the time, usually when my mouth just keeps going, long after I told it to stop.








Michael and I met during our freshman year at BYU. We were in the same BIO 100 class and one day I just sat down next to him. We shared a little small talk and that was that. The next class, he’d saved me a seat with really good leg room (those are like gold for us tall ones). A week or so later we went on our first date and the rest is history.






Mike and I were engaged in April and married on July 7th, 2011. So that’s part of the reason Mike’s football number means so much! #77

We've been married for 2 years now and are more in love than ever! We’re embracing all that Provo has to offer us, including the amazing friends we've met while here. Michael is studying Exercise Science and I’m finishing up my Psychology degree. After school we are looking forward to Mike starting PT school and we’re not sure where that will take us but we’re excited for new adventures!





As far as football goes, you won’t meet a bigger Cougar fan! I’ve practically disowned some family members that are not on board…yet. Mike is starting his Junior season at tackle on the offensive line. I’m really excited to be in the stands, yelling at refs, singing the fight song, and laughing with the wives while we wait for our husbands after the game. Away games, that I’m not at, are probably my least favorite part but being with the wives club makes it so much better!