It wasn't white this year....

A few hours working on a Christmas card, three homes, three Christmas days, extended family parties, conference center performance, Temple Square lights, a dozen dinners, and a papercut free wrapping experience later........

 Christmas morning.....some 12:00-1:00 shot. I'm thinking this is our tradition for years to come.

 World's most frustrating 'busy' puzzle that we have ever attempted.......most pieces were smaller than a dime....gr

 Note* not pictured are the creators behind the standing structures....my friend and I tested a few methods after I carelessly discarded the included toothpicks in my gingerbread making bonanza. We spent the morning building the houses, and the boys got to decorate.

 Best wrapping job that I have ever seen:D It's what you do when you don't have time to wrap...use the same sheet of paper for ever gift...delicately retrieving it from the previously 'wrapped' gift.

temple square

I love visiting Temple Square, and I'm sad to say that D was the one who had to push me to go this time. It was nice to go back to the place where we were married and reflect on life since then. You hear that the best things in life are free. In regards to money this is true when it comes to picking a direction and goal for your life. We watched Father of the Bride right after we got engaged. While we walked around a particular dialogue came to mind...

"the church is free"....

"Finally something that doesn't cost anything"

"I meant it is... available"....

Being a member doesn't cost anything but time, energy and your desire to be dedicated. Being sealed forever doesn't cost money either. WE are now up to two amazing things that are free:D Finally something I don't have to work into our bills each month, however, I would gladly pay through the roof for both if necessary.

winner for this year's FOT

Festival of Trees:D

Favorite Tree: You can't see it very well, but at the base of this tree has a little set up from the movie:D Christmas + monsters = :D

 Most 'fun' find: Oreos, oreos and more oreos

Made me smile the biggest: Tangled Tree!! The chameleon is my favorite part of this movie.

 Best 'full presentation': They used the hose for the tree skirt.....

 Best Surprize: I asked Darren why no one would just submit Snoopy's house decorated for Christmas, and within a minute we spotted this down the aisle!

 Most classic: This little droopy tree with a safety blanket at the base.

 Darren's Theme: PIRATES!!!!

 Best Harry Potter Tree: We have seen so many over the last few years. This one takes the cake. I think they made most of the objects from the movie/books....a journal with a hole in it, the snitch, wands, Decrees from the Ministry, and glasses.

 Best Gingerbread House: Tangled wins again. You can't tell from the picture, but Flynn was actually spinning on her long hair!

Happy Birthday to me

I did not take enough pictures, but I figure it was best that I enjoyed myself more than anything. Thank you to the wonderful birthday wishes! I think having a November birthday is nice in college because it is a fantastic thing to look forward to right after midterms. My sweet mom treated us to a full blown dinner and dessert so I didn't have to lift a finger. Here's my new book bag for next semester..weather permitting. I post this picture because it shows that I am lightening up. I think it has taken almost three years of Darren to get me looking high-energy in photos. And no I'm not going to make everyone jealous by listing the wonderful presents I received....but thank you for those that spoiled me. I also neglected to take pictures of the in-laws celebration for my birthday. Thank you Bartholomews:D

Kylee birthday tradition....master clue detective.

Halloween 3 of 3

 My aunt's haunted house is complete with a mad scientist laboratory in the kitchen:D

 Not your average pumpkin, but i think it is fabulous!!!

 We thought it was kind of funny that meditation in the water closet is such a public event:D

 Uh....negative costume component..this did not make the cut for 'Trapper'.

The pants did! They even hit above my belly button! Authentic yes, impractical and uncomfortable yes. Between my dad and neighbor we had a cool collection of army/air force clothing to choose from.

Part 2 of 3 Halloween

 Dinner with the fam.....You can't help who your relatives are;)

 Waiting for the magic show...

 My magic act, with a stunning volunteer/helper who balanced a card upright on my hand with the magic words of 'Abra....'

 Our backdrop, hostess and her trick to stab a balloon without popping it.

 I did not take these pictures, but this character wins best pose of the evening:D Go Captain America!

The lovely host who shed her normal skin for the evening so she could light up the party:D

'Hot Lips' and 'Trapper'.......

Happy Halloween..M*A*S*H style

OK...Maragaret and Trapper never really hit it off in tv life....but they could have:D. The family party was a blast, and we celebrated with lots of magic (more pics to come). Every family demonstrated their tricks after eating tons of treats.We have a long standing joke that the reason we come to these parties is for the famous cheese puffs (the real appeal is the social factor).I know Happy Halloween officially tomorrow......

End of Summer

It is almost fall break!!! (woot woot!) This was our last fun time from the summer.....how those moments fly by.....I loved the Luau show at Thanksgiving Point, and I would recommend it to anyone. Note, it was a little long, but the food was yummy and the performers were really good. How often do you get to watch shows with a waterfall backdrop??

motivation

At school  I am learning a lot about therapy, talking through situations, being neutral, figuring out what motivates people and how to get them to see it. Everyone in class has to go through these exercises for ourselves and it has proven to be an eye-opening experience. I actually was stumped today when asked what motivated me to do things, and guilt was not a valid answer (it's extrinsic motivation and I needed to supply some internal motivation). So this week I'm figuring out what kinds of things will internally motivate me. Bla. I guess when you have been in school for as long as I have in undergrad work motivation seems almost comical to think of. "Motivation? What's that? I think I learned about it once upon a dream......" I feel pessimistic today so I had to put up some happy moments. No biases intended...I just love how they make me smile.