Trip to SLC

The day after I finished the fall semester, Mark and I took a trip down to Salt Lake. It had been awhile since we saw Grandpa Ike and thought we could make a quick visit. While we were there he helped us make a few Christmas gifts. We had so much fun and learned a lot. I've already started planning a few belts for me.

The next night was the Christmas Concert with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. If you didn't already know, David Archueleta was the guest star. The lines were crazy. They always give out extra tickets for the concerts and never have a problem. Unfortunately they underestimated the popularity of the teenage pop star. People with tickets were turned away and the place was packed. Thankfully, because of Mark's parents, we were comfortably seated and ready for the show. It was so much fun. I love that Mark's family has made this one of their traditions. Nothing is better than live Christmas music from the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

Embracing My Roots

A couple weeks ago mark was in the mud room trying to check on Jack's wound that he got a while before. Jack was too hyper and wouldn't sit still. I heard a loud bang and Mark groaned. I asked him if he was alright and he said yes. Next thing I know he is in the bathroom yelling for my help. When I got to him he had already saturated about four cotton balls with blood. 

He had hit his head on the door to our breaker box. I inspected and thought that we should go and get stitches. The cut was clean, but deep. Seeing as how it was late at night Mark didn't think it was that bad. I jokingly said I could super glue it, but Mark didn't get the joke. He went and found the super glue and laid down.

It looked pretty bad for a couple of days (This picture is actually after I finished gluing it), like a clump of glued hair on his head, but now you can't even tell it was there. I am actually really proud at how well it healed.

I am happy to report that both of my boys are doing quite well. 

9 Days and Counting

It has been a little difficult to get in the Christmas Spirit this year with school and work, but we are taking baby steps. 

Exhibit A: We recently purchased the cinnamon scented pine cones.  Mark put the bag in front of our space heater to spread the smell throughout our house. Now all Mark wants is cinnamon candy. 

Exhibit B: 

Let's just say I am really tempted to draw a fireplace on my wall.

Exhibit C: Last weekend Mark and I went to the wilderness to cut down our own Christmas Tree. I was especially excited as this would be my first real Christmas Tree. Needless to say, it has its advantages and disadvantages. At least we didn't come home with any little chipmunks to torment our dogs; however, that would have made a great post.

As we were dragging the tree I felt like I was in 101 Dalmations 

when they sweep away their tracks with the tree branches. 

You couldn't even tell we had been there. . .

We had hot chocolate to warm up 

after trudging through thigh deep snow.

Putting on the lights

Organizing the ornaments

Can't wait to get some presents under the tree.

That's Not My Lion. . .

His face is too cute.

Happy 1st Birthday, Abe.
We love you.

Jedi Mind Tricks

I was recently going through some pictures from the winter and found these gems. I can't tell you how often this happens in our house.


Mark seeing the dutch mints set ever so temptingly on the counter, approaches.



Thinking I am not watching, he hurriedly devours the treat.



Mark then realizes that he has been caught and on tape no less, but with an ever so slight wave of the hand he says, "you didn't see anything."



This has yet to work, but perhaps a new pair of shoes would help next time. . .