Happy Anniversary

 

Happy four year anniversary!  We went skiing this year for anniversary but it didn't turn out exactly as we planned.  I have been sick for 1 week and its just hanging on.  I also got new skis and boots and this was my first time using them.  It didn't go so well, I am not used to them yet and my calves were on fire, I had snot running down my face and it was blowing snow sideways. I made it three runs before I gave up the ghost.  Maybe not the most romantic anniversary ever but at least I got to spend it with Andrew! I would also like to note my sweet new helmet and goggles, merry Christmas!

This is what we had to drive home in, put the 4X4 to good use. Worked like a champ.

I love you babe, happy 4 years!

Christmas time

Every year we have our traditions that make Christmas time Christmas.  Like the famous cookie day. My sister Cassi started this tradition a few years ago where we take turns making aprons.  Well, it was my turn this year and let me tell you, it was not easy. I had 7 aprons to make and of course I picked the reversible pattern so I really had to make 14 aprons. I spent 4 full days at my mom's house and by the time I was done, I never wanted to touch a sewing machine again. Don't worry, I have since recovered but I don't recommend making 14 aprons in 7 days. They turned out really great thanks to the help from my mom and they were a hit with the sisters.

 Chloe has a hard time keeping her clothes on but she still looked ridiculously cute in the apron I made for her. 

 

Chole and I just warmin' up by the fire.

I was so much fun and we made lots of goodies including:white chocolate macadamia nut cookies, fudge, carmels, chocolate peppermint cookies and sugar cookies.  Really, I will be running off all the sugar for months.  

We also went to see the lights at temple square, there were a bajillion people there but the lights were worth it.

 

 Don't worry, I have not recently had a child, its my cute nephew Ryker.

 My dad brought a flashlight for Chloe, she thought it was so fun to look in all our mouths. Oh the things you can find in mouths.

We had our Christmas on Christmas eve this year because I worked on Christmas day.  My favorite part about Christmas is tricking Andrew and not letting him guess his presents.  I usually wrap them in unusually large boxes or put necklaces in so when he shakes them he doesn't know what they are.  This year, I told him his present was so big I needed his car to bring it home. I got an Ipod adapter installed so he could play his iphone in his car though his stereo.  He was so surprised and he didn't even guess it this year. I also got him some Birkenstock shoes(its an Oregon thing) and a razor to shave his face.  Do you think he will get the hint?  I was lucky enough to get a ski helmet and goggles and a fleece that I have been drooling over since last year. I have been skiing without a helmet for years and I get a bunch of flack from the people at work.  I see people in the er all the time who get injured and are not wearing a helmet.  So I finally took the plunge and decided to be responsible.  I must say I look really cool in my new get-up, I can't wait to try it out. 

 

On a side note, we of course always get a real tree. This year half of the tree died and we could not figure out why until we were taking it down. Andrew was putting away the tree skirt when he smelled it.  It smelled like dog pee.  Guess who had been peeing on the tree...but only half because the other half he couldn't get to.   Not only that but we caught him multiple times drinking out of the tree water. Why? you ask. I don't know, his water bowl was nice and full.

Each Christmas Eve, we go snowshoeing/hiking up millcreek canyon. It was as beautiful as ever and of course Henry had the time of his life.

 Trying to wrangle Henry for a family picture...

 Aren't they cute!

Alright, I have been working on this post for about a week now, a little here and there.  I guess I will let you folks have a read now.

Steph Ward RN

So I posted a while ago about how I graduated nursing school, well, not only did I graduate but I also passed NCLEX but for some reason I did not feel like a real nurse until I got my badge.  Here it is in all it's glory.  I work in the ER and absolutely love it.  I work with some of the most amazing people and never have a dull moment.  I actually enjoy going to work.  You know you are in the right field when that happens.  I was on orientation for 3 months and have been on my own now for a few weeks.  It's still weird to think that I am the "real deal" now.  I have had some......very interesting patients, like for instance this week I had one who smoked bath salts. Ya, you read that right, bath salts.  Apparently, it's the new thing but I wouldn't recommend.  Anywho, moving on, I will try to update more here soon.

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

Witches night out at Gardner Village

My friend April invited me to go to witches night out at garner village with her.  I was excited because it was an excuse to dress up-and really, I will take any excuse I can get.  We all made our costumes and I think they turned out great!

 We actually didn't plan our stripped tights but they looked great.

This people were walking around and we just loved their costumes!

 We had so much fun, we got hot chocolate and carmel apples and walked around to all the shops with all the other witches- so fun I would highly recommend next year.

Autumn

Took a little drive the other day in the new car to check out the leaves.  It was beautiful and we took the car on a little off roading, just to test it out of course.

The colors were great and it was nice to be able to spend some time with Andrew.

A little Martha anyone?

I have been a little Martha this week thanks to the help of my awesome neighbor Alicia.  She is a huge canner and helped me can some peaches.  I kept having to run upstairs to make sure I was doing it right but I was successful in the end!

I also ventured into the unknown land of real jam.(I only do freezer jam, and even then only once) Also with the help of Alicia-It's so nice to have such a talented neighbor!

Our next crafty session included a wood halloween project which we decorated all by ourselves and a wreath which turned out very cute.

I know, you are all very impressed- you should be because I am not a crafty person at all but I have had a lot of free time and a neighbor willing to put up with me. I like this whole no school thing.