New camera

So the screen on my camera was busted during my flight to Oregon in January. I was totally bummed- it made it through the entire trip and then my bag must have been dropped or something on the flight back because when I pulled my camera out the screen was cracked. I have hated not having a camera, I didn't realize that I used it so much. We just ordered a new one and hope to have it next week. I will make sure to post some new pictures when I get it :)

February

Each year it seems like January and February are such slow months. They seem to last forever and are so cold and dull. Well this year it has not been that way! January was over before I could really blink and now I realize that there is only one week of February left now! I guess sometimes it is good for time to fly, I really do look forward to warmer weather...but as time goes by faster, the more I realize that I need to take advantage of my life and live it to the fullest. Which at times can seem challenging. How do you fit in all the things you NEED to do to keep your world turning and still make time for the things that you WANT to do? I don't have an answer (any suggestions are welcome)...but I do know that for myself I have to take baby steps, prioritize and take a step back and enjoy the little things in life. Last week Luke bought me flowers and I have moved them all around the house so that I can enjoy them. I know it is silly, but it has brightened my days. I spent the morning yesterday cleaning my baseboards and walls, and it has been so nice to walk through my house and see it sparkling clean. I am making progress I guess...

Little bit-o paradise

So a couple of weekends ago Luke and I went down to St. George to visit his dad. The weather was so beautiful, it was in the high 60's and just absolutely nice out. It was the perfect brake from the cold and blahhh that I really needed. We went around to all of the church history sites down there, to the Dinosaur excavation site and over to Zions. We even got to go swimming while we were down there! It was a ton of fun. We loved spending time with Gene and had a very enjoyable and relaxing weekend. Here are a few pictures from our trip.

I'm alive!

Don't fret I am still alive. December went by all to fast. I was very busy with work as usual and didn't take the time to post much. Luke and I had a wonderful Christmas just the two of us (and the kitties of course!) We kept it simple this year, but as always had fun shopping for each other and trying to surprise one another. The holidays were bitter-sweet this year as my parents' divorce was finalized the week before Christmas and my grandfather passed away the Sunday before Christmas. I struggled with feeling sorry for myself and MY trials and quickly realized that my struggles are small and that I have been very blessed. I have a wonderful family that has grown closer together through our varying trials this year and have gained a lot of strength and unity. I have an awesome husband and best friend, and soul mate. Luke took special care this year to make my birthday special; breakfast in bed, time alone to read, took me out for lunch and shopping and a yummy B-day cake from Cold Stone. I have a challenging and rewarding job that gives me the opportunity to stretch myself and gain new skills, this past week I was able to spend in Springfield, OR getting to know my boss and colleagues better. I am so very blessed and I want to thank all of the wonderful people that I associate with that enrich my life and remind me those days that I am forgetful, that life is good and I have much to be thankful for. Thank you for being that person to me...

Party Recipes

I thought I would share these recipes that I used at my family holiday party last weekend. They are all super fast, easy and yummy!

Cranberry Butter

1 C finely chopped cranberries
1 C powdered sugar
1 C soft butter (room temp.)
zest of orange

Mix together and enjoy on a nice warm roll!

Black Bean Salsa

1 can black beans - drained
1 can corn - drained (I only use about 2/3 of the can)
1 lg tomato diced or 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 pkg dry ranch dressing mix
1 avocado - cut into cubes
fresh lime juice (you only need 1/2 a lime)

Prepare all the ingredients, mix together and serve with tortilla chips.

Taco Soup

1 lb cooked ground beef
1 can chili beans
1 can kidney beans
1 can pinto beans
2- 4 oz cans green chilies
2- 8 oz cans stewed diced tomatoes
1 cup water
1 pkg taco seasoning
1 pkg dry ranch dressing mix
1 tsp chili powder

Mix all ingredients together and bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Top with shredded cheese and serve with tortilla chips.

Makes 6-8 servings

Holiday with the Family

My family started a new tradition last year, instead of trying to juggle Thanksgiving and Christmas together we have a holiday get-together the first weekend in December. This has worked out nicely so far and has helped make it so we can all enjoy our time together rather than worry about splitting it between in-laws and everyone else. This year was a little weird not being in the old family home (Mom and Dad are selling the house because of the divorce), so we spent most of our time at Mike and Christas' and Mom's new little place.

We started the weekend with a Thanksgiving meal Saturday afternoon. That evening we broke loose with skits and family time.

It was pretty funny as my Mom, Amy, Kasie and Christa danced to "Girls Just want to have Fun". I have never seen my mom have so much fun, I wish I had recorded it!

J.Ed and Reann's family sang and acted out "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer", Illee took her role as rudolph very seriously...she was sooo cute!

Then Nic and Amy did the "Chicken Dance", their kids decided it would be much more fun to just watch mom and dad be silly rather than join them.

Luke and I were party poopers and just hung out and laughed at everyone!

Sunday morning we had a nice "Christmas" breakfast and then exchanged gifts. After church we ate and decorated Christmas cookies.

We really had a great time with everyone. Let's do this again!

Things to be Grateful for...

Life has been busy so I am a little late getting posts up.

This year for Thanksgiving my sister Amanda and her sweet family stayed with us for five wonderful (and admittedly tiring) days. Luke's dad and brother Ben also shared Thanksgiving with us. I loved having the full house and cooking with my sister. Amanda and I rarely get to spend time together so I really enjoyed having them visit. Her children are sweet and fun. They are growing so fast and have such delightful personalities. I was so grateful for our time together.

Payton spent almost every minute he was awake with the kitties. Most of the time they bore it patiently. He was just what they needed! They tend to get a little anti-social since they don't have other people around (especially kids) very often.

Spring is such a little sweet pea! I couldn't get enough of her. She is such a pretty baby and has a sweet personality. Your mom and daddy better watch out Aunt Coz might snatch this little one!

As usual I wish that I had taken more pictures...