Christmas 2011

On Christmas Eve, I put on my apron (for the first time) and started cooking while the Michael Buble Christmas CD played. It all felt very Christmassy. Jared was outside, cleaning the car and if you know him at all, this is no surprise.

My Uncle Cliff is a Pastor in Heber, Utah. We were invited to a Christmas Eve musical program. It was a very nice way to start Christmas Eve and great to be with family. We even had the chance to listen to a four-time Grammy nominee pianist. He’s amazing.

After hugs goodbye, we drove home and quickly finished dinner with my mom’s help and a friend’s oven (one oven just wasn’t enough!) When the rest of the family arrived, dinner was ready. I’m sorry to say that I didn’t take a single picture on Christmas Eve but, I think I was just having such a great time, I didn’t even think about it! It was such an incredible night. After we ate dinner, we talked, ate dessert (and ate and ate), and played games. We played our family game, Upwords, and Jared won! J (It’s always hard to beat my mom & aunt..) The family stayed all night and left around midnight. I haven’t laughed so hard in a long time and I sure do love my family. When everyone had left, our house was a disaster. Jared and I cleaned for the next hour and a half and fell on the couch when we were done.

Christmas morning came too early but, we were both excited to see what Santa had brought. We got all ready and then went downstairs to (quickly) open presents. Charlotte’s Web, The Brave Little Toaster, and Heavyweights for Jared. :) (He says he wants them for our future babies to watch.. ) Snowboarding equipment, slippers, books, and a skinny tie too. Hair products for me! –A straightener, curling iron, and a blow drier. (Do you think he was trying to tell me something? Haha.) When it was time for my last present, I was completely shocked to see that he had gotten me a new camera and photography equipment! It was such a surprise and I was so excited that I could have cried! I’m so excited to progress my photography in 2012 thanks to Jared and I appreciate that he believes in me.

We rushed out the door for breakfast at his parent’s house. They went all out and made every breakfast food you can imagine. The best waffles, cheesy potatoes, and strawberry drink I’ve ever tasted.. It was delicious. We opened presents and each of us got a stocking from Mom & Dad. Kaden & Jace were the stars of the day and we loved watching Kaden open presents.

We went with my family to visit cute 82-year old Aunt Maurine in Copperton. This is one of my favorite Christmas traditions. After our visit, we went to my Uncle Kent’s and Aunt Jody’s for our favorite Christmas dinner. Ham, Yummy potoatoes, green bean salad, and blue-berry muffins – A tradition started by my grandmother. (It’s also what I made on Christmas Eve) The girls talked upstairs while the boys watched TV downstairs. It was the perfect end to a great holiday season. Above all of the excitement Christmas brings, what I love about it the most is spending time with our wonderful families and reflecting on the birth of our Savior. We are truly blessed, Jared and I.

Thank you to my family and sweet friends. I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas.

Nephew Kaden with his new BB Gun.. "You'll shoot your eye out!!" :)

Thanksgiving Weekend

 I didn’t take a single picture on Thanksgiving. Well, besides this one:

(This is Jared’s extended family with many people missing. Can you believe that? I can’t! I have 5 cousins, total.) This was our first stop on Thursday. After we ate and nearly everyone left, we played basketball as a family.. Me, Jared, and Jared’s dad played as a team against Jared’s sister, Jessica and her husband, Ryan. Jared is an amazing basketball player however, with me on the team.. we lost. They were so nice about my basketball ”skills” and I even earned us 4 points! ;) I haven’t played basketball in about 10 years but, it was a lot of fun!

We drove to my parents house and had dinner with them and the Hintons. Austin brought along his new girlfriend, Brittnee, and we all played games. Brittnee killed us at Last Word (beginners luck..) and Deanne, Jeremy, and I won everyone at Cranium. Games are my favorite tradition with my family.

On the way home, Jared and I decided last minute to go check out Walmart during their HUGE THANKSGIVING SALE. It was a madhouse. We mainly just people watched and couldn’t believe the crowds. Very entertaining.

On Friday, we slept in and lounged until we went up to Park City to take pictures for my Aunt and her family. I hadn’t seen some of them in 10 years so it was so great to see them. I am usually not fan of indoor photos but the wind was terrible and we had no choice. However, it worked out that we were able to find a beautiful location for the pictures and I really like how it turned out. Love them. They are all such great examples to me.

The rest of the day was spent eating Café Rio, shopping, shopping, and more shopping. Jared was spoiled at Abercrombie and Fitch and he insisted that I buy at least something so, I got a couple shirts too. He’s the shopper in our family and personally, I could care less about what name brand I’m wearing but, maybe it’s a good thing I have him around. Let's face it, I'm not incredibly fashionable.. But, I’m working on it. On Saturday, we just didn’t have enough Park City so, we went back! (Truthfully, Jared needed to exchange his jacket for a different size) This time we went Christmas shopping and got most of it done. I ate delicious Mac & Cheese from a Pub on Park Avenue and then we got Mrs. Field cookies and hot chocolate for the drive home. It was such an incredible day and a weekend with Jared is just what I needed.

After church on Sunday evening, and a visit to both of our families, we decorated our house for Christmas while watching the Grinch. When we were all done at 11:30, we sat on the couch and just admired our tree. I'm so happy the holidays are here..

My Valentine

February is always an eventful  month for us. My birthday, our anniversary, and Valentine's Day are all a week apart, for 3 weeks in a row. Our anniversary was perfect. I have iphone pictures to share but, I still need to get them from Jared's iphone! :) (coming soon)

Our Valentine's dinner was Pizza Hut that Jared had brought home, along with groceries.  After dinner, I gave him his Valentine's gift that I have been working on for a year. It was a big hit and I am so glad it's finally finished! :) Jared had surprised me a few days earlier with my favorite perfume, Pink! After pizza, we went to see a romantic comedy that made us laugh.. a lot.

It was a great night and I am so happy I have this guy as my Valentine..

2010

January:
February:

March: April:
May:June:

July: August: September:

October: November:

December:

2010 was good to us.. We've made many amazing memories and we were able to spend our time with incredible friends and family.

I love the feeling of a New Year and the opportunity it is to become better. I have made many goals for 2011 and I hope and pray this is a year of change. I am very excited for what may be ahead of us. I wish you a wonderful 2011.

2009 review

2008 review

welcome welcome

I am so happy and excited that today is December 1st. While driving today, I listened to my favorite Christmas songs and loved it. Mister put up the Christmas lights and tree yesterday. Now all we have to do is put the ornaments on the tree and the halls will all be decked! :) Jared overheard me say that I would like a poinsettia to put on our table and I came home to four. Yes, four poinsettias! Needless to say, our home is looking very Christmas-y.. and I love it.

Happy December. :)

our Thanksgiving

..it was pretty wonderful.. :)

We're lucky enough that our parents live only a couple blocks away from each other and we're able to spend time with both families. It makes for a day full of eating but, who would complain about that? :)

Thanksgiving highlights: my first time making homemade stuffing, everyone at the same dinner table, holding baby Jace, doing the dishes with Melissa, building a fire with Kaden, olives, playing games and cracking up, planning Oregon, saying thanksgiving prayers.

It's been a fantastic weekend so far and I look forward to setting up Christmas decorations when Mr. gets home from work. I can't believe this time of year has arrived!

Why yes, I am trying to catch up..

One Sunday after church, I had a friend come up to me and tell me that his wife had a great idea! Her idea was for me to throw a neighborhood Halloween Party. Others joined in and encouraged the thought, and if you know me.. you know I like to throw a party! It was too hard to resist.

So, I brain stormed, made lists, cooked, and sewed my Halloween costume with my dear aunt Dee Dee. I have been dreaming up my mummy costume for quite some time and despite a few little problems during the creation, I was very happy with the outcome. (Thanks again, auntie!)

I love Halloween.

(More Halloween posts coming..)

Nearly a month later..

I can't believe a month has gone by since my last post.. We are so blessed. In June, we were on vacation for literally, half the month. The rest of the month was spent catching up and then July was here and now where is it?

Here's July:

-rafting in Riggins, Idaho (pictures to come)
-found out one of my photos is being published into a book (on my life list)
-oh so much editing
-barbeques
-fireworks
-disney movies
-seven peaks
-games
-birthday parties
-family dinners
-ShayLee coming home to visit

It's been a fantastic month. Did you know the 4th of July is my third favorite holiday? Someday, I am going to throw a beautiful backyard barbeque on the 4th and invite all of my family and friends. Someday.