The Christmas Carol Roll

Hello friends! This is a family tradition and a crowd favorite!

Christmas Carol Roll

DOUGH:
Soften:
1 tbsp. yeast
1/4 cup water.

Combine:
3/4 c. hot scalded milk
3 tbsp. shortening
2 tbsp. sugar
1.5 tsp salt

Stir in 1 beaten egg, and the softened yeast.

Add gradually:
2 1/2 - 3 cups flour.
Knead well (5-7 min)

Place in greased bowl, let rise in warm place until doubled in size (approx. 1 hour)

CINNAMON, SUGAR, and NUT MIXTURE:
3/4 c. sugar
1/2 c. brown sugar
2 tsp. cinnamon
3/4 c. chopped nuts (walnut/pecan)

FROSTING:
1 c. powdered sugar
1/4 c. milk

DIRECTIONS:
Line pizza pan with foil then grease. Roll the dough and cut into strips 6-8 inches long and 1/2 inch thick. Dip in melted butter then in the cinnamon/nut mixture. While rolling in hands (like a snake) press the cinnamon mixture into the dough. Wind into a flat coil in pan (will resemble a LARGE cinnamon roll). Cover with greased plastic wrap or foil. Let rise in a warm place until double in size. Bake at 350* for 25-30 minutes. Cool slightly and drizzle with frosting.

Some of the recipe can be prepared the night before to save work on christmas morning. Follow the above directions until the dough is complete and folded into a coil. Cover well with greased foil, freeze. In the morning unthaw for 3-4 hours till the dough has doubled in size. Bake as directed above.

Awkward...

Why oh why do women that are not close friends or family have the need to divulge intimate information...

Let me explain.

Today I was speaking with a fellow employee, when she brings up the subject of kids. She has 2. She then asks me the usual question
"When are you guys going to have kids?"
Me:
Her: "We are going to start trying again."
Me: "Oh really? That is nice." (hoping she would leave it at that...but nope! She had to take it a step further...)
Her: "We are going to start trying in February".

Why dear people, do you think that people want to know WHEN your going to try? Isn't it easy enough and clear to simply say "We would like to have more kids" or even "Hopefully in a year or so we will have another babe"... Why do mere acquaintences have to take it that one step further... What am I to say in response to her comment? "Oh February, why not tonight?"

So my dear sisters, cousins, and bestest girly friends and by all means I want to know what is happening in your lives and want all the details you feel comfortable enough to share... but this was just such an awkward exchange... I just couldn't help but post it!

Conundrum... What do you think?

Permanent marker as eyeliner? Bad idea or innovative genius? I hate running out of my morning essentials... I look in the mirror and 'it' as in 'I' don't look complete. So I sit here. Staring at my Black Sharpie Permanent Marker wondering "Why not?"

Giving Thanks

There is much to be thankful for in my life. I thought I would name a few that have been of the most influence the past week.
I am thankful for the gospel of Jesus Christ! Without the savior and his amazing sacrifice I am nothing. He is my light. My redeemer. My brother.
I am thankful for the opportunity to serve in the church as a little primary chorester. Music is my passion and I love being able to teach the gospel through song. The song I chose for November was "I Know Heavenly Father Loves Me". The words to this song always make me cry when I read them.
I am thankful to be a daughter of an amazing lineage. I have always been proud of my family and how close we all are. I have always been proud to be linked to "The Freak'n Vreekens". And echoing my sweetie Adam's sentiments at Thanksgiving dinner "I am thankful that our family enjoys each other so much". They are my best friends and are SO hillarious and SO funny! I think it's rare to find a huge family that can gather together in one place for four and five days and have no conflicts! Just lots of laughs and lots of fun!
I am thankful for a beautiful and working vehicle!!!
I am thankful for Ad, Addie, Adalaid, Adkins, Adel, Big A, ADAM!!! You love me and for that I am eternally grateful! You are an amazing example and work incredibly hard! Your sweet, funny, and have so many interests which makes it easy for you to relate to people and to be around! You will be an amazing father (NO this is not an annoucement) and I super super love you!
I am thankful for awesome friends. I have an amazing group of friends and I am thankful that we are still so close and that Adam has found close friendships with some of their husbands!
I am thankful and proud to be an American! I am thankful for the freedoms that I enjoy everyday because of this wonderful land which we live. I am thankful for all of those amazing individuals past and present that have sacrificed, died, labored, and prepared the way for our liberty and freedom.

Thanksgiving is such a special time of year, and what better holiday to fall in direct coorespondance with the celebration of our savior's birth than one that asks us to recognize His hand in all things?

Happy Holidays everyone! Much Love!

So TIRED!

The timeline: October 23rd - November 20th
The idea: "Twilight" opening night
The perk: Marci's salon, Visions and it's counterpart Professional Design, were selling opening night tickets to Twilight for $15, companied with a free $25 waxing gift certificate and raffle for other prizes like free lazer hair removal, botox, haircuts, spray tans, permanent makeup, dinner tickets, etc...
The wait: As November 20th approaches, Cheri gets a cold, and doesn't feel as young as she once did... a midnight movie is sounding less appealing...
The saddness: Poor Shan came down with the fall sickies and couldn't join in the long awaited events.
The arrival: Show day or should I say show night, arrives! Ad and I grab snacks and dinner and meet up with Marci at Visions Salon and head over to the Jordan Commons.
The people: Holy shmolly! Talk about an estrogen convention! Adam was certainly in the minority!
The wait again: Got to the theatre, waited in line, were seated, then waited some more :)
The hype: There were tons of vendors selling everything from 'Twilight' cups which were "special" to T-Shirts.
The experience: Hillarious
The review: CHEESY and ENTERTAINING. The rest will have to wait till after Shanny has seen it.

*** I do have pictures... but it's now time to move on and I am now posting this a week and a half late... so what cha get is what cha get!!!

The Cure

About a week ago we were discussing fears and my friend Sam said that my fear of clowns was too cliche to be considered a real fear. Well I think I have found the cure!

This is the newest little peanut in the family! Her name is Kiley and I just want to kiss that little face all the time!

Fall Followups!

Hey everyone! I will preface this blog by stating that I am sorry about my blogging absence! I like everyone else prefer to attach pictures to my blogs and when I don't upload them week after week I feel more apprehensive about blogging as too much has been missed to blog about! I will be brief!

October happenings...

We began October with a photo shoot of my sister Shelli's family in the canyon! This is little Tanners! So cute! I taught him how to throw leaves... probably a bad idea on photo shoot day... but I was entertained!

We then attended Adam's sister's wedding in Arizona! It was superb that the one weekend it has snowed this fall I was out of town in sunny 98 degreed Arizona! Despite complications it was a nice wedding and with props to the amazing Miss Marci, the brides hair and makeup was flawless! It was great to see everyone, but I didn't take any pictures! I am terrible at documenting events! Anywho... so I only have this one picture of me and Marci!



The following weekend we attended The Annual Halloween Bash at the Martin's casa! It was absolutely a good time complete with worms and eyeballs (spaghetti and meatballs), homemade rootbeer (AGAIN! So sorry I made a mess...), treats galore, pumpkin carving (Adam made his look like it was throwing up... gross... and yet a good conversation piece!), awesome costumes, and lots of fun friends!




The next day I drove to Layton to help my sister do a Super Saturday craft for her ward! A few weeks before we got together and made little fall crafts from some logs left over from repairing the deck. I think that they turned out fabulous but I am probably biased! Anywho! A few girlies in her neighborhood saw them and the next thing ya know we were in charge of a Super Saturday craft!

The 'Mummy' was without a doubt my favorite!


On Tuesday I attended the wedding of a boy that I consider to be like a brother to me! My sisters and I were this families designated baby sitters all growing up and I even remember going to the hospital when Suzie (their mom) had her youngest son! Even though Paul and his brother were only 3 years younger than I, I would babysit them and their younger siblings at least once if not multiple times each week! I super super love this family! Anywho! It was very strange to see them all and how much they have grown! And my two sisters didn't even recognize their little girl! I remember her being so little and helping her with her 2nd grade homework and taking her to dance class. Now she is 17 and a total babe with acrylic nails and high heels! So crazy!

The week after that marks the beginning of the Babe-a-licious Book Club! We read The Peacegiver and it was a very enlightening book. I have never read a book that discusses the atonement as expressively as The Peacegiver. I loved it and think it is a must read! The book club met on Thursday and we had a great discussion about the book and its lessons. Megan made a DELICOUS dinner and we ended the night watching baby abbers whilst Megs & Brad ran to the el-branch-presidento for a meeting! I sure love that babe! She is sooo cute and Kari and Marci found great ways to entertain her! (For all ya'll that want to join in we are reading for November a book titled "The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak).

Friday night after work Adam and I went Gardner Village to meet up with some of my family that was participating in the Witches Night Out! I didn't have anything 'witchy' but I LOVE going, walking around the shops, and seeing hundreds of people dressed up in elaborate witch costume! I am pretty sure Adam wanted to shoot himself and has no desire to enter another quilting or crafty store ever again! But he was a good sport and we even saw a gray-horned owl! Pretty cool!

We ended the night at my mom's house watching an old black and white movie based on the Oscar Wilde novel "The Portrait of Dorian Gray". I don't recommend it... pretty slow... and boring. The book is probably much better.


Saturday morning I went with Megan to Color Me Mine! It took me FOREVER to decide what to paint that in the end I only did a mug! But it was lots of fun and Shannon came and joined us! We tried to make a "I love daddy" mug for Brad with Abbie's feet and hand prints...and had to get creative. I am not so sure how successful we were! Here is a picture of the halloween candy bowl I made!

I think it turned out superb!

That night was my families annual Halloween party!




It was in one word a BLAST! I super super love my family and we missed my brother and his family at the party and my sister Vicki and her family so much! I kept looking around for them then would remember that they live in Idaho now. I can't wait to see there cute faces again!

We had to cut our time short at the family party in order to attend my friend and coworker's birthday party! I won best costume and we played the funniest game! I don't know what the name was but it's Napoleon Dynamite version of pictionary! Pretty darn hillarious!

Much Love everybody!!!

It's ReALLy HeRE!

Alright lizadies and gentlemans the Babe-a-licious Book Club is Officially Up and RUnNing!!!

The Details: We are going to be meeting the 3rd Thursday of every month!
The Location: For October we will be meeting at the Bonham Bungalo!
The Time: Uh...Megan? I'm guessing 6:30 P to the M.
AND NOw What you have all been waiting for... the book: The Peacegiver by James L. Ferrell.

Ta DA!!!

Leave me a comment if you want in on this literary action and I'll be sure to get you on the list!

















Much love and good reading all!

AMAZE-ZA-ZING

Hello everyone and welcome to this edition of"My Sister is More Talented than Your Sister!" ToTALLLY kidding...but seriously!

My dearest sister Cindy is an amazing artist and story teller! Her little girl Bella just had her 1st birthday this past weekend and it has not only been a milestone for Bell's but Cindy too! Cindy over the past 6 or so months has been customizing (as in drawing an readapting) classic disney fairy tales. So far she has completed cutom versions of Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, and Beauty and the Beast...and by custom I mean she drew all the pictures, adapted the story, and will place your very own little princess's name in the story! For example, my neice Whitney's favorite princess is Sleeping Beauty, therefore in Cindy's custom fairytale creation Arora is replaced with Whitney and Sleeping Beauty (the cover) is changed to Sleeping Whitney!

I don't know about you, but I was obsessed with fairy tales growing up and always had a desire to be a little princess. I think most girls have had that desire at somepoint. Any who... Cindy's books are truly an awesome work of art and true labor of love! Definately go check out her blog (there is a link through my blog to her's under "Hadley Ever After".

Its Hunting Time!

Not sure how to start this out or what I really want to say but, here it goes...

Its hunting time! Elk season is just around the corner and I am super excited. Although my father and uncles are big hunters, I grew-up in the city and did not have much opportunity to go out and do any serious hunting. It wasn't till' last year that I really got into it with my first elk hunt. It was everything I hoped for, almost. I was able to enjoy the outdoors, the snow and the beauty of the wildlife. I saw deer, moose, wild sheep, and anteloppe... The almost part was that I didn't see one Elk... not a bull... not a cow.... nothing. I am more hopeful this year though, I have a new gun, and a new hope. My father-in-law who has worked as a hunting guide just landed a nice bull... (not the same one in the picture, but it was nice)... This is his first bull in about 15+ years from what i understand, so I am hopefull that I will have success. Wish me luck!

HAPPY HAPPY B-Day

EVERYONE!!!! It is another year and another B-Day has passed for my lovely wife. Cheri is one year older and wiser too as of yesterday... Amongst my research of useless information I found a survey that proves birthdays are good for you. Statistics show that the people who have the most live the longest. So there ya go... you've lived longer than everyone younger than you... Imagine that.... I love you shnookem... Happy B-Day!!!

The Wonderful World of Adam

It has been too long since I have contributed to the wonderful postings and updates that my lovely wife has provided. Let me update you all from my perspective as to what is currently happening in the wonderful world of Adam... Well, as you all should know by now, I have changed my major to Chemical Engineering. Crazy I know!!! You may have asked why? Why would I change when I was so close to completing my BS in Business? Well, it wasn't working for me... That is, I felt as if I was going to school just to go to school. To get a degree. To get BS... (pun intended) There was no excitement in the path I was taking. It was very broad and undirected. So, I was faced with a choice; what interests me enough to do it the rest of my life. I researched my options thuroughly. Trust me! I always do... (Cheri hates how I must research everything!) Somehow, I am still not sure how, I ended up deciding Chemical Engineering. So, I am currently on my path to becomming an Engineer... I must confess, I have never taken chemistry. I wasn't required to do it in high school so I never did... Everyone told me it was difficult so I didn't bother. This made me nervous as I approached my first days of class. But, I love it. Chem is the best. I love the math and I love the labs... Not everyday that you can tell people you were burning magnesium and playing with thermite at school. So, I am not scared any more. Aside from school, work has been very stressfull and exciting...so, typical. And, that just about wraps up my life... School and work, work and school... I am sure many of you can relate...

Tag Tag Tag-a-roo

It would seem that I have been tagged so here goes :)

3 Joys:
1--My first joy is typical and I had hoped to come up with something clever, but here goes: I love spending time with Adam any chance I get and my family (in particular my siblings)! They are always there for me no matter what and push me to better myself.
2--Shopping for shoes, accessories, and new tops!
3--The Fall! I love carving pumpkins, having candy cane and apple spice smells permiating throughout my house, and the color of the leaves changing! It's the best!

3 Fears:
1--Sirens and large trucks(fire engines, garbage truck and the like)
2--Spiders! EEK! Well...pretty much anything creepy, or crawly.
3--Food Storage. I get freaked out about "being prepared" every general conference. Sigh...perhaps I could lay this fear to rest.

3 Obsessions:
1--Grey's Anatomy (super addict!)
2--My elliptical!
3--Cookies... current favorite: the lemon zest cookie at Paradise Bakery.

3 Suprizing Facts:
1--I baked rolls from scratch for the first time ever yesterday. Pretty delicioso.
2--I don't like routines. (I get bored easily...perhaps not a suprise to some).
3--I dyed my hair for the first time ever 2 weeks ago!

NOW! I tag...
Kari cause she needs to blog already!
Jacque because she is new to blogging!
Mindy because its time for an update!
and Megan because her stories always make me laugh!

NOw GO!

It's the Hap Happiest Season of All

Welcome to FALL my friends! I have what some might say Fall Fever! There is just something in the air in the fall that is different than any other time of year and the sun becomes warm, not hot like in summer, but warm like a blanket! And the autumn air has a crispness and a sweet smell unlike any other time of year. Sigh! Everything about the fall I love! I love the day when I can whip out my sweaters, boots, jackets, the hot cocoa, get carmel apple cider from Starbucks, and carve pumpkins! Oh and the colors! The smell! My birthday! Halloween! Thanksgiving! And my absolute favorite the leaves!!! There is just something completely irresistable about the fall! I can't wait to get home and cuddle up with my down blanket and read a book with the candles glowing in the background giving off spiced apple and pumpkin scents! SOOO GREAT!!! Happy Fall Everyone!

A New Addiction...

I have honestly never been hooked on any sort of TV show...ever. When people talk about any TV show I am always the one in the dark! Until now! About 2 weeks ago my dear friend Marci introduced me to Grey's Anatomy. And I now stand before you...an addict! Lucky for me the seasons are available at blockbuster! Commercial free! I enjoy how fast paced it is and lets face it Dr. McDreamy is well...very McDreamy!

Suggestions if you PLEASE!

Hello my fellow blogites! Now that Adam is back in school, Cher has a little too much time on her hands. I have gotten a few guilty pleasure books (5 to be exact) out of the way and now am ready for some more! But I can't decide which book shall be next. This is where you as blog readers come in handy!

I thought perhaps a visit to the classics would be rewarding... the candidates are as follows:

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas

Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis

Great Expectations by Charles Dickens


What is your vote? I welcome any suggestions you have! Bring on the reading!

Tips?

Hey everyone! Well today officially kicks off Adam's fall semester and new career path in Chemical Engineering. All of these changes have got me thinking about how people do this! And by "this" I mean, how are people able to pay bills, pay for groceries, pay for rent etc...and pay for school...all without going into debt! And beyond that...how are all of these married college students able to have children on top of that?!!! I think I need a financial advisor...

Sigh.

Coincidence? I think not...

So I went and saw the movie "Swing Vote". Coincidence that this movie came out in an election year and was released just 3 months prior to the election date? I think not! Despite all the critics bad reviews out there and the fact it bombed at the box office I actually liked it. It was funny, a bit thought provoking, and a little politically incorrect at times. Voting in the state of Utah seems pointless to me...as our electoral votes pretty much a guarantee the Republican Nomination not that that is a good or a bad thing, it's just hard to see the point in voting at all in a state so apart of one political party. Any how...has any one else seen this? What were your thoughts?

As the group Simple Plan once sung..."I'm ADDICTED to you!"

Hey gang :) Well I like the rest of the adult females across the United States have now finished the finale of the Twilight series, Breaking Dawn! All I can say is such a good time! I was going to wait to get the book and had no plans of standing in line till midnight at Barnes and Noble, but after talking with my girl friends Kari and Jenn on Friday night last week, we got sooo excited and headed out at 11:50 p.m. to the local Walmart to get the book! I read it just over a day as I couldn't put it down! I wanted to know what happened before someone ruined it for me! Don't be alarmed! I realize the book has been out less than a week so I wont put any spoilers on my blog to ruin it for any of you...but I must say as much as I hate to admit it that I loved the book ! Sigh...

The Last Ryde. Need I say more?

We went to a funeral this past week for Adam's cousin. This was the hearse most cleverly titled the "Last Ryde" that was used. Special times...

Paradox

Is life a paradox? Or is it just me? I have discovered something about myself in the past few months...many of you may have already known this about me, but to me it was a revelation (for lack of a better term). I have determined that I don't make sense!

You might be wondering what has brought on these new insights? Well, I will tell you. Cupcakes. Simple yet ever so complicated cupcakes. How is it that I can be a person that enjoys cake, but doesn't enjoy cupcakes? They are made of the same ingredients, the same package, the same sprinkles on top. One may even argue that the cake to frosting ratio of a cupcake is superior to that of ordinary cake, and one might further suggest that the cupcake is more aesthetically pleasing than regular cake...

To these arguments I say: "Your Right. And yet. I am unswayed."

*Sigh*. I know, I know. It doesn't make sense. If anything, I should be the other way around, loving the cup of the cake over the basic rectangular or square cake pan... *double sigh*

Like I said...a paradox.

Wien Waits for YOU!

America is my country, and VIENNA is my hometown! The other night at 10 pm when the young adolescent males of the Millstream Ward flooded my home for a sleepover and game night, I fled to my parents home in an effort to escape the noise and testosterone! When I arrived my sister Vicki was there along with her friend from Graz, Osterreich was visiting! I cannot even express how homesick I was for Vienna as I sat and spoke with Vicki and Monica! Monica had her two sons with her, one 6 yrs, and one 9, and it was so so grand hearing German being spoken and allowing myself to indulge in old memories! Vienna was seriously (aside from marriage) the BEST time of my life! I saw and experienced so many wonderful things and made life long friends whom I love with my whole heart! I am surely feeling homesick right now, even though I am technically home! Vienna girls: Ich Liebe Dich!!!

BiRtHdAY ShOut OuTs!!!

Hello everyone! I just wanted to highlight 3 great individuals in my life that have Birthdays this week!!!

Birthday Numero 1:
Marci Sweetest Mouse McDaniel! Dear little Marci's birthday was yesterday July 10th! I have known Marci my entire life practically...as we met when I was 3 and she was 2.Ahhh! We were tooo cute! Marci has always been a constant friend! Always kind, always cute as a button, and always an amazing example. When I think of Marci I first think of the color pink as she is super girlie and very much a lady! Marc I love you! Happy Birthday again!

Birthday Numero 2:
Vicki Jo is my next highlighted birthday! Her birthday is today July 11th and I feel guilty that she called me at work today and I forgot to wish her happy birth! So I am going to post for everyone a little bit about my beautiful sister! Vicki Jo is for one beautiful! She is the only one of my sisters that received my dad's dark hair and my mom's beautiful blue eyes! There is no end to Vicki's amazing talents! She is an amazing artist, friend, sister, daughter, mother, cook, she is crafty as can be, a wonderful housekeeper, a dedicated exerciser/runner, she plays the piano, speaks a foreign language, went on a mission, married an awesome guy (Derek has always been my fav brother in law! but ssshhhhhhh dont tell the others!!!), and has given life to 5 of the most beautiful and talented kids ever! Vicki I love you with all my heart! I will miss seeing you and your cute family each week, but will be so excited that Adam and I have another place to come visit! Happy Birthday sis! Your the best!

Birthday Numero 3:
Birthday Numero 3 goes to my mother-in-law Tammy whose birthday is also today. I am a terrible daughter and did not get the card in the mail so this blog post will have to be substitute! Tammy is great and always sends inspiring messages and happy pictures to my phone. She has an abundance of homemaking skills that go above and beyond! She makes clothing and was even daring enough to make her own wedding dress! Besides being a talented seamstress, she cans goods, paints, has an amazing garden, and is a great example as she is always doing missionary work and service. Unfortunately we rarely get to see her, but I hope she knows we love her! Happy Birthday Mom!

The Best 2 Years!

Exactly 2 years ago today Adam and I were married! Flash back...

People always say "Time flies when your having fun" and oh how true that is! Adam is truly the best and couldn't have asked for a better best friend. I thought for fun I would do 5 little facts about Adam that I have learned in our 2 years together:

1-Adam is the most optimistic and postive person I know. He believes anything is possible!

2-Adam is a GREAT sport! He watches more girlie movies than anyone I know and might even admit to loving Anne of Green Gables, Pride and Prejudice, In the Good Old Summer Time, and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers... (This past weekend it was even his idea to watch P.S. I love you <--Not mine)! Besides being a good sport about girlie movies, he is a good sport with all of my family outings!

3-Adam's got skills! Before we got married I knew he could cook, and work on cars, and on computers, but these are just the tip of the ice berg with Ad. He may even have num chuck skills...

4-Adam is a wealth of knowledge. I can't think of a single topic of conversation that Adam doesn't have some sort of experience with. He seems to know a little bit about everything. Sometimes I feel like I am married to Wikipedia as accuracy is yet to be determined. Ha ha! Jokes!........seriously though...

5-I did not realize until this past year that Adam is a nerdy gamer! He loves to play online war games with Nick, Paul, Bob, and now Mark. *sigh*Special times.... Luckily for me he doesn't spend much time doing it.

I love you babe!

For Good

Last Wednesday, our dear "cousin" David died suddenly at the age of 28 of a brain aneurism. This amazing individual, David R. Wright, led an amazing life, a life to be honored, remembered, and modeled. David left behind a beautiful and unbelievably strong wife, Kelli, a beautiful little girl Kennedy, and 3 weeks before his death had learned that his amazing wife was expecting another little one.

I have lost grandparents and other family members/ward members etc...of which death has come as a blessing, and for the most part death was a joyous event as it was a reunification of spouses, family members, and children, as well as freedom from physical and mental illness. Until last Wednesday I did not know what it meant to grieve. Until last Wednesday I did not question our Heavenly Fathers plan for his children. And until last Wednesday I did not know what it felt like to look at a person and wish more than anything that you could take upon yourself their suffering so that their pain is even a millionth fraction less. Now I know.

At the viewing on Fathers' Day and Monday at the funeral I just kept thinking "This isn't right. This isn't how it's supposed to be." People always say "There work in this life was completed" to explain these events...they say "God had other work for them to do". Perhaps this is true, but I can't help but think of Dave's beautiful wife, his little girl, and unborn child. It's hard for me to believe that a great priesthood holding man, with a new family, and life full of potential was needed more on the other side, than he was needed here on earth. I have a testimony of the plan of salvation and faith in our Heavenly Father, however I know I was not alone with these thoughts and feelings.

On Monday, Kelli gave an amazing tribute to her love and soul mate Dave. I don't know many women that are that strong. She is truly a woman of faith, who has centered her life around Christ. She bore a beautiful testimony of the Savior and bore witness of his love for his children, and for her. As I heard her testimony, I knew. I knew that it was okay to be sad. I knew it was okay to greive. I knew that our Heavenly Father loves us and will not give us trials above that which we are able to withstand. I knew that Kelli, her beautiful little girl, and her baby to come were all loved and in the watchful care of our Heavenly Father. I knew that despite the pain, the Wright and Bell family would be okay.

At the viewing and the funeral there were photographs of David and attached were beautiful quotes. One that touched me was:
"In the gosple of Jesus Christ, we have help from both sides of the viel. When disappointment and discouragement strike and they will we need to remember that if our eyes could be opened, we would see horses and chariots of fire as far as they eye can see, riding at great speed to come to our protection. They will always be there, these armies of heaven." - Jeffrey R. Holland

It is now Thursday, and I have been in and out of tears for the past week. My thoughts and prayers are with my "Uncle Rex", "Aunt Marilyn" and our Wright "cousins" (my dad is an only child so his best friends became family to us. We went on vacations each year with the dear Wright family to Yellowstone and other spots. I remember being shocked at age 14 to learn that these dear individuals were not really related to us...you'd think it would have clicked that they couldn't really be relatives as my dad had no siblings).

I cannot help but be reminded of one of my favorite songs, "For Good" from the Broadway musical Wicked. David is such a remarkable individual and I know that his life has not ended with death. He has touched so many lives "For Good" because of the way he lived. I hope that when my days on this earth are over that I have lived as he did and that "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” (2 Tim. 4:7)

Love to you all.

Here's the ScooP with Pics to come!

I have had many a person requesting an Ad and Cher update so here goes!

May 2nd I graduated from the University of Utah!!! Woot Woot!!! This day was such a happy and sereal day! Last fall was filled with many trials and has been the most difficult part of my life thus far. I had some overly cruel professors that took it upon themselves to strip away every last part of my pride, confidence, and self-esteem day after day...*sigh*... I could never of made it through without my dear madre, the comforting shoulder of my loving husband who allowed me to break down daily and nightly, in between and after classes, day after day, for months on end, nor without my heavenly father that gave me the strength to keep going. It was a dark and dreary part of my life which I have tried to forget (not very effectively as you can tell!). For those of you out there that think a Bachelors rocks "I did it!!!" And I wish every brave soul best of luck that chooses to move on to graduate courses!

What's graduation without a little 'PARTAY'!!! ??? !!!

After graduation spiraled a whole slew of events:

On May 5th, Cinco de Marci, we surprised sexy little Marci with a cinco de Marci party for her birthday! Her family and friends were all there and it was a grand old time! We went to Cafe Rio and then did cake & ice cream at Shannon's casa! Marci I love you and Happy BIRTHDAY girl (again)!!!

Not even a week later we had a bachelorette party for Ashlee Hansen! I shant expand upon this except it was goooood times (wink wink)!

The following Saturday Ashlee invited us to go to the Salt Lake Temple! It was a very special day and I am so glad that I was able to be there! I LOVE YOU ASH!

SOFT BALL SEASON...err not!

Adam's time as a soft ball star for this season came to an end abruptley on Monday, May 19th when he slid into second base and broke his hand (Yes he was safe!). Way to sacrifice one for the team Ad! He did not however inform me of this until after the game...such a boy. We spent the rest of the evening at the E.R.

On the 22nd of May at 4:00 a.m. Adam and I left our casa to go pick up our friends Nick and Kari for a fun week in CALIFORNIA!!!! The months of planning truly paid off and it was such a blast!!! We began our trip at the Pantages theatre in L.A. to see WICKED!!! We had the most unbelievable seats (2nd row-orchestra) and my heart has never been fuller! I couldn't get the smile off my face or stop the butterflies from coming! This definitely spiraled our vacation in an out-of-control fun time that never stopped! As this was Nick's first time to Disneyland and Kari & I's first time back in several years we did everything! Most of us (3 of 4) had never been to California Adventure so we began our day there and ended it in Disneyland! It was magical, but freezing and between all of the rides we would stop at each shop and try on sweatshirts and hats in an attempt to get warm.

The next day was Saturday and so we drove to San Diego to go to the San Diego Temple! It was truly as amazing as they say--- inside and out!!! We spend a few hours there and could have stayed the entire day!

After the temple we stopped at the Oceanside Harbor and had lunch at the local fish n' chips market! It was so beautiful and picturesque! Adam and Nick both got the fish n' chips and each piece was literally over a foot long! It was insane!

We then drove back to our hotel in Anaheim and chilled out for awhile then went to dinner with my friend (I call her my cousin cause she feels like one) Jennifer and her hubbie Brandon who now live in Texas but were in Orange County the same time we were! We went to Newport Beach and ate at the Newport Grill which was right out on the pier! It was so beautiful and completely ideal! We ate as the sunset and were able to see seals, 3 dolphins, a small shark (Adam knows which kind) that a fisherman caught below us, crabs, and tons of fish that were being caught by all these Filipinos on the dock below us!!! It was in one word: AMAZING!!! And the food was tasty too!

The next morning we went to DIN-E-LAND all day! It was so much fun! We hit all the great rides in fabulous time (thanks to Adams fast legs which ran and got us fast passes and many thanks to Nick's long legs which got him and five guests a complimentary pass to any ride of his choice!)! We chose Splash Mtn. and had Nick sit in front! He got super soaked! We all did and we were all still soaked hours later! For those of you who have been to Disneyland before and have ridden The Pirates of the Caribean ride you will probably recall the restaraunt that you pass while on the ride! It has always been one of mine and Kari's dreams to eat at this restraunt and on this day that dream came true! The ambiance was great, the gumbo-delicious, the prices-expensive, the memories-CLASSIC!!


On our final full day in Cali we drove to Laguna beach and we (well Kari and Nick) played in the water! Adam still has his cast on and was forbidden to get it wet, so we sat on the beach and relaxed while the Ellis's frolic-ed in the rampant waves!

It was truly a fantastic trip! It was all that I had hoped it could be and so much more!***I suppose this is enough of an update for now!

101 things you may or may not have known...

GETTING TO KNOW ME...GETTING TO KNOW ALL ABOUT ME...

1. I graduated May 2nd from the U of U with a BA in English Literature.
2. I am sick of being asked “what now” or “what’s next” because I honestly don’t know how to answer that. As I have no idea what is next for me this question leaves me extremely apprehensive. I know where I came from and where I am headed in the eternities, but it’s this fuzzy middle portion called adulthood which keeps me up at night.
3. I am a girl that likes to have plans.
4. Because I am a girl that likes to have plans the fact that I can’t answer the “What’s next” question constantly haunts me.
5. When I graduated high school I received several letters of recommendation from different teachers, one of which said I was a person with many opinions. It has been 6 years and I am still not sure if that was a good or a bad thing.
6. Though I have opinions, I feel awkward expressing them when I disagree with others (except with Adam…perhaps I should practice holding back a little more…hehe).
7. One of my least favorite things is confrontation and I avoid it at all costs.
8. I have the most amazing parents, Jim and Loraine. My dad is an extremely hard working man who has always provided for his family and I have never once heard him say something was impossible. He is humble to the core and an amazing support. My mother is adorable, a spiritual giant, and my best little buddy. Together they are an amazing team and because of their generosity and support they have made so many of my life dreams happen.
9. My siblings are amazing and I feel privileged to be the youngest of the bunch! They have left amazing footprints to follow and are inspired, talented, amazing, and hilarious people. Not to mention EXTREMELY attractive!
10. I am not a bragger. I am a truth teller!!!
11. Unlike Marci McDaniel, I was an extremely unattractive child and a not much better adolescent. Its’ true. Just ask my grandpa Heward who in his aged wisdom grasped my hand and said “you were a homely child, but your getting better…”! Wow if that’s not brutal honesty, I don’t know what is! My hope is that like a good wine, I will get better with age.
12. I have expensive taste that I can’t afford, thus our house resembles the D.I. rather than pottery barn.
13. One of my greatest fears is that my children will be ‘sweet spirits’… however, looking at Adams adorable Zack Morris-like baby face gives me hope!
14. I am pretty sure I have seen “My Father the Hero” more times than any other movie.
15. I should be at the gym right now, but instead I am writing this list.
16. I have always secretly desired to be an athlete, but my hand, eye, leg coordination isn’t all that great.
17. I don’t consider myself to be competitive, but I hate to lose.
18. My greatest fear is failure.
19. The best thing I have ever done is marry Adam (cheesy).
20. The second best thing I have ever done was study abroad with BYU in Vienna.
21. I have an extremely short term memory. If I am not looking at you I probably won’t remember what you said.
22. I have an amazing group of friends, many that I have known since elementary school.
23. One of my favorite things to do alone is drive around on a sunny day or to clean while blasting my tunes!
24. My favorite CD currently is Maroon 5 “Wont Be Soon Before Long”.
25. I don’t own any comfortable shoes....save one pair of flats. Life is too short to be comfortable, so am I.
26. I love new clothes and new accessories.
27. I want a new purse but am not sure which type.
28. I am in love with my husband. He is in Chicago and I am missing him muchos!
29. I like to think I am a good cook...but know that Adam is way better.
30. I love to learn but don’t have a desire to go to grad school.
31. I am an extremely impatient person.
32. I wish that I lived in a more happening city on the coast or in Europe.
33. I have always been more mature than my age and generally get along with people much older than myself easier than those younger.
34. I can’t believe how long this is taking me.
35. I love to have people over and get together with friends.
36. Book stores are my weakness. When I go in it is at least an hour before I come out.
37. I like to surround myself with motivated and positive people.
38. I wish I was in Chicago with Adam.
39. When I am bored I like to shop.
40. The cleanliness of my house and car has a huge impact on my mood and sanity…
41. My hair looks awkward today. I wish I could pay Marci to wash, dry, and style it each day.
42. I am a nerd and love to play strategic board games such as Settlers of Catan and Scrabble.
43. I have always wanted to be a lawyer but politics scare me.
44. One of my biggest aspirations is to write a book.
45. When I first started school I wanted to be an artist.
46. I have always wanted to be a college professor…. * sigh * maybe one day.
47. One of my favorite things is Adam’s optimism and how easy going he is! He is always up for anything and is never moody! He’s ideal.
48. I hate for people to feel left out.
49. I love to read and am excited to read anything that I want!
50. I care too much what others think about me.
51. I worry that I will never feel maternal.
52. I am grateful that I have always had good health.
53. I have never mowed the lawn and don’t really have the desire to.
54. I want an iPod but my husband won’t let me get one.
55. One day I want a BMW or Mercedes.
56. I love my ward and hope to get to know people better than I currently do.
57. I love milk chocolate and dark chocolate.
58. I have gone shopping for new sheets 4 times and have come home empty handed each time…perhaps I will go again tonight.
59. I want new bedding.
60. I wish my parents would let us paint this house.
61. If I had the money I’d re-carpet this house.
62. I like the new JT & Madonna song.
63. My feet are very ticklish but I love to get pedicures.
64. One of my favorite de-stressors is a hot bath.
65. I think all of my friends and family are extremely talented individuals and like to surround myself with their amazing-ness.
66. I hope that this next year I will get to see Adams family more often and get to know them better.
67. Driving on the streets near my house is a joke and each day I am afraid I am going to fall deep down into a pot hole never to be seen again.
68. Udot is a joke.
69. My parents changed my name when I was 2.
70. I am excited for my cutest tiny friend Ashlee to get married and am honored that she asked me to be one of her bridesmaids.
71. I wish I could get my hair to curl the way Jessica Simpson’s does.
72. I have never died my hair and don’t plan to do so anytime soon.
73. I loved my wedding day, but if I could do it over I would go with Ashlee’s photographer! Talk about gorgeous pics!
74. I hardly have any pictures of Adam and I together since we have been married. This must be remedied.
75. My graduation party was absolutely ideal!
76. One day I hope that my closet is like Cher’s on “Clueless” so that each day I can reinvent myself in different little outfits.
77. Each Halloween I get anxiety over what costume to be…this year I am going to plan early.
78. I think Yellowstone is one of the most magical places on earth.
79. I can’t believe I still have 21 more of these to go.
80. I love the Spanish guitar.
81. One day I hope to be a good dancer.
82. Adam is a very good dancer.
83. Adam is pretty much great at everything.
84. I love jazz music and 1950’s style music such as Frankie, Dean, Michael Buble, Norah Jones, the Pink Martini.
85. My biggest pet peeve is people that are inconsistent and flaky.
86. I wish I was more informed politically so I could have a better formed opinion on the upcoming elections.
87. College has made me a bit of an environmentalist.
88. I wish that all drinks came in funky glasses and not just alcoholic ones.
89. My family has a tradition for pretty much everything: birthdays, Christmas, vacations …and I love it!!!
90. I have a truly embarrassing moment at least once a week.
91. The Walmart by my house is so ghetto that Adam and I drive 60 blocks (about 8 miles) to a nicer one.
92. This summer I am going to start voice lessons.
93. I wish this didn’t take me so long.
94. I am so glad that sandal weather is now here!
95. I think I suffer from SAD: Seasonal Affect Disorder. I am so much happier when the sun is shining.
96. My absolute dream is to sing on Broadway one day and so I live vicariously through my amazingly talented Paul.
97. When I hear powerful songs I cry…for example “For Good” from Wicked...
98. I am pretty sure I have the most adorable nieces and nephews…they did the hula at my graduation luau while my mom played the ukulele. It was classic!
99. My taste in music I feel is very broad.
100. I need a good idea to do for my 2nd anniversary.
101. In just 16 days I will be in sunny California! YIPPEE!!!!

Book Club

For practically a year now when I get together with my girlfriends or fabulous sisters we often talk about everyones latest read!!! And for a year now my friends and I keep saying 'Hey we should start a book club!" As of right now, no one has claimed this responsibility and for months I have been telling myself to go ahead and start it! With finals only 3 days from being finished, and with graduation approaching in a week and a half, this seems like an ideal time! However, I must admit I have been hesitant to start a 'Book Club' for a couple reasons:
1-I am not really interested in reading LDS Historical Fiction *gasp* !That right there limits me, as that genre is one of the most popular. However, I have never given it a try so perhaps I am depriving myself of something enjoyable...yet my sensibilities say...if your going to read history perhaps it should be fact and about real people and not the 'Steed' family (ha ha...sorry that just really gets me!)? What are your thoughts? Am I being a dork?
2-Over the past 3 years I have been bombarded with literature that is less than palatable to the masses and I feel that my sensitivity to certain subjects has been tainted by what for me has become the norm of literature. I am nervous about selecting books for fear of completely offending someone. So for any of you Bloggers out there, if you are currently in a book club, or have simply read some good books (including LDS historical fiction) I would love some suggestions to get this Book Club under way!!!
Despite my small reservations the best part of the Book Club is the Club aspect and together we can choose which books we would like to read and just go for it! I feel that the first book is going to be "Train to Potevka" by Mike Ramsdell. I went to a fire side last night where he spoke and told of his experiences being an intelligence agent in Russia. I was on the edge of my seat and felt inspired by his words! His message was simple and clear: That God is good and mindful of us all and that goodness is found everywhere throughout the world!

So any of you hot peeps that want to join in our little Book Club let me know!

Newlywed Realizations...

A few nights ago Adam and I had a lovely Sunday dinner with some of our friends. After dinner we played some card games and then brought out 'The Newlywed Game'!!! The game that is sure to cause some laughs, some awkwardness, and even some realizations. Adam and I have been married just shy of 2 years now and we totally spanked everyone in the Newlywed Game...twice(!!! We Rock !!!). However, despite our victory, many of our truthful answers to questions made me realize that I need to re-evaluate my life and prioritize differently.

This brings me to my latest book. I was at work yesterday and a lovely friend and co-worker of mine walked by with a book...not just any book...a self-help Dr. Laura book. The title alone made my eyes roll..."The Proper Care & Feeding of Husbands" GAGGGG me with a spoon right? My friend quickly picked up on my blatant expression. She quickly sprang into a discussion of how it has truly helped her to become aware of how she treats her husband, and essentially how to give her husband what he wants/needs so she can get what she wants/needs. I know I KNOW...not exactly rocket science...but I felt intrigued. She was on the last page and dropped the book off at my desk and challenged me to read it.

I've never really been a Dr. Laura fan, and am not exactly a 1950's housewife so it may be surprising to some, including myself, to look in my purse and find this red and white book with Dr. Laura's face staring back at me. However, as I read the introduction I feel that there is much I can learn--not just in how you treat your husband, but how you treat all those close to you. How many times in a day do we bow down to those people we hardly know and are snotty or short to those we care about most when we get home? Anywho...I am all about self improvement, and who knows...perhaps even Dr. Laura...as cliche and awkward as it sounds...can offer some sound advice.

You can expect a full book review after finals :)!!!

Egg Heads

I am excessively proud with my Easter Eggs this year :) I had to post my 3 favorites which are EGG HEADS i.e. Cheri, Kari, Shannon! Who knew we'd all be dead sexy even in egg form? What can I say...wee are pretty eggquisite!

March Madness :)

March Madness for the Hansens began with celebrating Adams Birthday! On the Friday before his birthday, Adam got together with"the guys" and had a game night complete with Guitar Hero, pizza, and "Battlefield"! I love guys nights because it in turn means "GIRLS night"!!! Most of the ladies were working or had other plans so cute Kari and I went out on the town :) We first went to Zuppas which for all you out-of-towners is a gourmet soup & salad place which is totally out of this world! All natural and fresh ingredients!!! My current favorite is their Summer Chicken Salad...which consists of lots of lettuce, plump cranberries, grilled chicken, crushed cashews, juicy grapes, and sliced strawberries!!! Talk about delish! We then went and saw a movie and got our sinful sweet.... i.e. Cold Stone. The best part was just getting to talk and laugh :) I am so very grateful to girl friends and sisters and for the strength and beauty they bring into my life!

Many of you have heard the stories of our lovely vehicles...broken speedometers, smoking stearing wheels, demonic locks that lock on their own, and so on. Well luckily for us the time has come to say farwell to our little Nissan Maxima and hello to our new Infiniti G35!!!

I graduate May 2nd and am absolutely ELATED about my graduation gift from Adam (and well...myself!!! he he!!! we all know the best gifts are the ones you choose!!!) Adam is the best though and I am so grateful for all the hard work he does that allows us to do so many things! We are so grateful to finally own a car that drives amazingly and will allow us to go visit Adams family in Arizona and my family in Colorado much more often! Not to mention our trip to CALIFORNIA :)

Although it is a relief to have a new car, purchasing cars has never been a particularly favorite past time, nor is selling a car! However our little maxi sold in just 3 days so I feel very much relieved :)

This past week ontop of the car purchasing has been SPRING BREAK!!! Which is great minus the intensely horrible food poisoning my sisters Jacque and Shelli, and I received on Monday eve. This is as the Spanish would say, "no bueno". I have never before experienced food poisoning and can't remember a time I have been so violently ill. I am so grateful for my loving husband who stayed up with me all night on Monday and Tuesday and took care of me! He's the bestest! Many of my silly friends believed I was prego...let me put you all at rest...I'M NOT!!! :) And I believe the nausea I have experienced this past week has cured my desire for babies at present. I admire the many mothers that have endured the many months of nausea and morning sickness! You are rockstars and I don't know how you do it!

Now on a more serious note...

The reason for the season.

Dear friends as this Easter approaches I wanted to let you all know of my love for our Savior. Spring is such an amazing time of year and with it comes the celebration of the most important act of the Saviors life. This morning I was reading one of President Hinkley's talks and have enclosed his ending remarks published this March.

"We know not all that lies ahead of us. We live in a world of uncertainty. For some, there will be great accomplishment. For others, disappointment. For some, much of rejoicing and gladness, good health, and gracious living. For others, perhaps sickness and a measure of sorrow. We do not know. But one thing we do know. Like the Polar Star in the heavens, regardless of what the future holds, there stands the Redeemer of the world, the Son of God, certain and sure as the anchor of our immortal lives. He is the rock of our salvation, our strength, our comfort, the very focus of our faith.
In sunshine and in shadow we look to Him, and He is there to assure and smile upon us.
He is the central focus of our worship. He is the Son of the living God, the Firstborn of the Father, the Only Begotten in the flesh. He is “risen from the dead, … the firstfruits of them that slept” (1 Corinthians 15:20). He is the Lord who shall come again “to reign on the earth over his people” (D&C 76:63; see also Micah 4:7; Revelation 11:15).
None so great has ever walked the earth. None other has made a comparable sacrifice or granted a comparable blessing. He is the Savior and the Redeemer of the world. I believe in Him. I declare His divinity without equivocation or compromise. I love Him. I speak the name of Jesus Christ in reverence and wonder. He is our King, our Lord, our Master, the living Christ, who stands on the right hand of His Father. He lives! He lives, resplendent and wonderful, the living Son of the living God. " ---President Gordon B. Hinkley (We Testify of Christ, Mar. 08).

I truly know that our Redeemer LIVES! He is truly the reason for the season and I wish you all a very Happy Easter!

Check out my Slide Show!

10 Things I'm Lovin!

LoVe SWEET LoVe!!! Today I am just feelin' the love! Why? One might ask. Well...I will tell you!

10) With each day of bitter cold we are getting steps closer to sweet sweet springtime!

9) I am lovin that I have my last load of laundry in the wash and finished cleaning my house!!! And it's only noon on a Saturday afternoon!!! WoOT!!!!

8) I love a good tune :) One may have noticed the change of songs on my playlist...this is all part of my love gift to you! Happy little tunes to boost your spirits (well all except the Stroke 9 song...that one is dedicated to my hot little Ad as it is one of his favs') so ENJOY!!!

7) A few weeks ago the girls went to the Cheesecake Factory for my sweet lit'l ma's day of birth and let me tell you! I am NOT a cheesecake fan and yet they have the most devilishly delectable cheesecake I have ever had! I shared a piece with my sis Cindy and my ma and can see now why my sister Vicki got her very own! LOL! Lovin it lovin it lovin it.......*sigh* I am excited for next year when we go again!

6) I love yellow cards! No, not yellow card the band, though I do enjoy them, the yellow card of which I speak arrived in the mail last week announcing my graduation status! I cannot wait to spend more time with Addie and less time with books no poor soul should have to read! I can see why so many of my fellow English lit buddies are addicted to a cup of joe. One practically needs a constant stream of caffeine to make it through Nabokov and Hemmingway ZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

5) I love tax refunds! Yes it is that old time again and all I can say is bring on the sweet sweet moolah!

4) I love new jeans and new clothes for that matter :) Adam and I went to Steve & Barry's which I must say for the men folk has an awesome selection of jeans, shirts, and shoes even and everything is under $20, and if you go during clearance like we just happened to...everything’s under $10!!! Muy bueno! However their selection of women’s clothes is not my favorite. Sorry Sarah Jessica Parker.

3) Gotta LoVe Friends :) I love my friends and the amazing examples they are! A few weeks ago we had a baby shower for my friend Megan and I am amazed that after so many years (some friends I have had even since before elementary school) are still so close! They are amazing women and extremely accomplished, beautiful, and such fun! It is such fun to see how everyone’s life is changing and developing, especially for those starting their families! Who knew that cute little Megan with her French braided hair and eighties poofy bangs would now be a hot little mama! It's truly the coolest thing in the world and we are so happy that she and adorable baby Abbie are doing well!!!

2) This is a nice segue into things I'm lovin' which naturally is mi familia!!! Adam and I are so lucky to have such amazing parents and siblings! I love my brothers and sisters and their adorable and hilarious children sooo much! And words simply cannot express our appreciation and love of our parents!!!

1) The ultimate thing I am lovin (as always) is my amazing husband Adam!!! I love his dedication to school, work and in his calling in the YM Presidency and in Scouts. He loves to serve others and the Lord in any aspect he is able. I love his goofy sense of humor which keeps me entertained at all times! And for those of you who have not yet experienced Adam's cooking he is truly out of this world amazing! Most men have cooking skills outdoors, but Adam's cooking knows no bounds! He is awesome and I love him and the great example he is to those around him!

So Long 2007!!! Hello 2008!!!

Before we jump fully into the new year, I thought I would quickly post some pictures as a 2007 Finale!




O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
After finishing our hectic finals, we left we put up our lovely Christmas tree which we are told brought joy into the hearts of passers by!





This is me and some of the lovely ladies from our annual Girlfriend Christmas party!!! Each year my close friends and I have a Christmas party! It is always wonderful to have excuses to get together expecially with everyones busy schedules! This year we got each other ornaments! It was such a good time!





ViVa LaS VegAS!
To celebrate finals being over Adam and I went to Vegas for the weekend with our very fun friends Marci and Paul (we tried to take a pic of us all in front of The Paris...it kinda worked...)!







Gotta Love the Coca Cola Factory! I think we had more fun than humanly possible!!! Adam and I had never been to here and we had a blast with the taste tests! Would anyone care for a Beverly???









It was extremely cold but we couldn't resist this awesome view!












The Las Vegas Temple
On our way home Sunday, we stopped by the Vegas Temple and walked the grounds. It was such a lovely day and words cannot describe the incredible contrast of feeling one has being on the temple grounds vs. being in the city of sin. I am so earnestly grateful for the temple and for the amazing beauty, peace, and happiness it offers! I cannot think of a better way to end our trip!











Sadly what happens in Vegas didn't stay in Vegas! Paul, Adam and I had the flu for the following week which was an extremely misserable time! Luckily however, we were healed in time for Christmas!




O dead tree...o dead tree...you have no needles on thy branches...





Many of you may recall the delightful picture of our Christmas tree just 4 or 5 pictures above....well just two weeks after that picture was taken, and despite the gallon of water still in the tree stand...our tree gave up the ghost! Adam and I could not stop laughing...All of our ornaments had fallen off and the pine cones and the pine needles. Have you ever seen anything more tragically hillarious?










Santa Bella's Comin' to Town! This is one of my neices...how adorable is that little outfit!!! I can't even stand it!!! She also starred as baby Jesus in the annual grandchild nativity reinactment!

2007 was a wonderful year! Adam and I celebrated our 1 year anniversary in June and I am so amazed at how fast the time flies now that we are halfway to our 2nd anniversary! I love him so much and am so blessed to be married to such an incredible person! In Spring 2007 my lovely parents asked Adam and I if we'd like to move into my grandparents home as they are not quite ready to part with it and living here has been such a blessing! I love this little old house and am so lucky to have such amazing neighbors! Also in 2007 my sisters brought into the world 3 adorable babies!!! We have so much to be grateful for! The past year was not without its challenges when it came to cars and school but I am soooo sooo grateful to my family for the many rides to and from work and for our wonderful friends and family for the thousands of words of encouragement and support. WE LOVE YOU ALL! May 2008 Be a FaNTaStiC YeAr for All of YOU!