our winter stay-cation

We need not travel far to have a good time! We spent a day at the Homestead in Midway and had a blast. We started off with some tubing, lazy style- where the rope tow drags you up the hill. But the rides up were half the fun~

The mineral water natural crater served as our warm water destination. Oh how I love swimming when the water is warm!
These ice sculptures were quite the sight- the pictures don't do them justice. It made me want to be an ice princess and live in a castle like that.
I wish we could make a tradition of this and do it every year! I wanted to stay longer and go snowshoeing, x-country skiing, relax with a good book, and sleep in for a few more days. What a great way to start Dave's birthday celebrations.

blue christmas

Another pregnancy come and gone, and still no desired result. The news Dave and I received on Christmas Eve: "You're not pregnant after all. But you may have an ectopic pregnancy. We don't know. You can't go on your cruise. You need to take a chemo drug to kill all the cells. You can't try to get pregnant again for several months. Merry Christmas."

I feel like I'm in a bad dream. Not only are our hopes of this next pregnancy crushed, but now we have to stay home and have salt poured in our wounds every day. Our Christmas was spent in tears. And now Dave's birthday will not be spent slow dancing on top of a cruise ship in 80 degree weather like we had planned- instead we will be home in the cold.

Winter is my least favorite of the seasons; the cold and the dark take a toll on my mood and emotions. But usually Christmas is the warm highlight of the winter. Not this year. Christmas is supposed to be a time when your heart feels full, with so much joy and love. Yet mine feels shattered and broken. How can others have a "Merry Christmas" when I feel so miserable? How can the rest of the world open gifts with smiles and cheer when I can barely pull myself together? Why are Dave and I the "downers" of our friends and families, with people feeling awkward and uneasy around us? What has happened to the Holly I used to know?

My list of unanswered questions goes on and on. What am I to do in the coming year to change the current course my life is taking? 2009 has felt like the evil step-sister of the previous years of my life. I can only hope and pray that 2010 is more graceful, kind, sweet, and gentle.

cookie jar

The woman who started it all and has shared her skills with the rest of us. As this year's official "cookie counter," Mom was in charge of making sure each of us got our equal share (which ended up around 12 dozen per person!)

Dress code for the day: aprons

My two personal favorites: chocolate parfait (above) and orange carrot (below). They're melting in my mouth already.

COOKIE BAKE 2009

1 of my 15 minutes of fame...

Check this out!

food for all

I watched this movie with some friends last week, and after being thoroughly engrossed for 90 minutes, decided this is a must-see not just for me but for every American. Typically, I've been pretty skeptical of "organic", "all-natural" etc labels on food- what's the real difference besides a marketing ploy? But this film really opened my eyes to see some of what goes on behind closed doors of the food industry. Maybe organic isn't just for hippies and elitist snobs. Maybe chemically altering food isn't such a good idea after all. Maybe we don't need 4,000 calories worth of corn for every American, every day.

I want to be an informed consumer and want to actually know a bit about the stuff I'm putting in my body besides the fat and calorie content. I also want to leave the next generation with a sustainable planet. This movie has really got me thinking.... As Americans, we (generally speaking) don't like to buy the cheapest cars, the cheapest clothes, the cheapest make-up, or cheapest entertainment options. We'll shell out top dollar for these disposable items. Yet when it comes to food, feeding the bodies that we want to last for 80 years, we want the absolute lowest dollar amount. Why??? It also seems ironic to me that farmers, farm land, and farming itself is a dying art even though the world's population continues to grow, increasing the amount of food needed worldwide.

I'm of the belief that one person can make a difference. So I recycle. I plant a garden. I try not to waste food. And last week I bought my first half-gallon of organic milk.

And now I'll get off my soapbox for the day.

happy thanksgiving

I've been thinking about all the many things I am grateful for this year, and my thoughts continually turn to you, my best family and friends. This past year has been a tough one for me and Dave, and I don't know what I would have done without you. Some days it was hard to find hope and I'm not sure I would have ever found it without the love you've shown to me. I've been amazed at how small and simple things can make such a difference in my day, my attitude, my life. From a kind hand written note, a big hug, or a simple blog comment to a night spent talking, forgiveness on my bad days, or a night at the temple, I have been touched by the thoughtfulness of my family and friends. And although Dave and I have traveled down rocky roads together, he has been the strong one, giving me encouragement, laughter, hope, and true understanding. Each of you has been an instrument in the Lord's hands, for He has answered my prayers through the love of others. The Plan of Salvation and the knowledge of Eternal Families has never meant more to me than it does now. So I'd like to thank each of you (you know who you are) for being there for me and letting me know you love me. I feel so grateful to Heavenly Father for surrounding me with such amazing people. So at this time of Thanksgiving, although I feel so blessed in many areas of my life, I'd like to give a shout out to the people who make me feel life is good, joyful, and worth living.

making the bed

Can you see why it takes me twenty minutes to make the bed? This cat thinks everything is a game between him and I, and he doesn't like to lose. I often just make the bed right over him and wait for him to come out when he deems "safe." Funny how the same blankets he sleeps on all night can pose such a threat the next morning. At least he makes mundane chores fun, right? I sure love everything about this curious little guy.

pumpkin boogie

Our Annual Pumpkin Carving Party was a huge success- thank you to Chelsea and Mark for hosting the event this year. Lizzie introduced me to the trick of using a jar lid to scrape out the guts- brilliant! Dave's pumpkin took on a cartoon-ish complexion, and I'm not sure if mine is shreiking or yawning. Either way, these are the faces greeting our trick-or-treaters this Halloween.

Our friend Siqi carved this all too pretty jack-o-lantern... not too shabby for a first-timer, eh? I love the smiling eyes.

WHOO can resist pumpkin carving? not I!

Who likes to party?

Dave and I just hiked in for the occasion, fresh from Camp Tomahawk. "On my honor..."

The guests ranged from an "Enchanting" Princess, Little Red Riding Hood, and a Skeleton to the Incredible Hulk, Spiderman, and a very scary Witch.


Who can resist Minnie Mouse?

This flower and bumblebee pair was as darling as ever. Now where is their Beekeeper counterpart?


I give them the prize for most clever- crossword puzzles! Now let me get my pencil...

Jeff never disappoints, always showing up in his non-PC skin color of choice. I'm sure Ronnie Price will forgive him.

Why didn't the skeleton come to the Halloween party?



Because he had no BODY to come with!!! hahaha



Thanks again to R&R for a frightfully fabulous party- it's one of our very favorite parts of Halloween. We missed Dad, but he needed his rest and we're glad he's feeling better. Congrats to Richard for winning the Best Costume Award as the Incredible Hulk!

DOTS

Are these not the coolest things you've ever seen? Alana introduced me to the Candy Corn edition, and to my pleasant surprise I found the Ghost and Bat varieties as well! Not only are they cute, they are chewy-gummy-sweet-deliciousness all wrapped up in one. The ghosts are fruit flavored, and the bats are a tasty, yet Halloween-inspired "blood orange." I subscribe to the belief that seasonal candy always tastes better, because it's been made fresh for the occasion. And these Dots haven't let me down. All for only 88 cents a box? It's a new Halloween must have at my house.

the apple of my eye

There are only two apples on our apple tree this fall, which is okay since it's just a baby tree. But whenever I look at it, I feel like Eve in the Garden of Eden. Not because my yard is a perfect oasis, but because I feel tempted by these apples- there's one for each of us, just hanging there at arm's length, perfectly ripe and delicious looking. I'm afraid to see what would happen if I partook of the fruit; I think Dave's waiting for me to do it first. Little does he know, if I'm eating so is he!!

Utah State Fair 2009

I never knew my love for chocolate would one day bring me a blue ribbon. I'm glad the judges liked it as much as I do.

I'd like to thank my garden for producing such wonderful zucchini that gives this bread it's moisture and flavor. And Dave for encouraging me to make it all the time- I almost have the recipe memorized!

At least these Dollys got a ribbon! Maybe I should have added some secret zucchini...

Way to go Amber! This was no surprise- about 11 years ago, Amber joined the family and quickly had the sweetroll recipe perfected before any of the rest of us. My Grandma Jo should be proud- almost all these ribbon winners are her recipes. Any baking ability I may have I owe to her and my mom, for many years spent in the kitchen together :)

producing produce

One of the best things about working 3 12-hour shifts in a row is waking up the next morning only to find that Mother Nature has been hard at work herself. This is just a sampling of what I found one morning last week. Don't even get me started on the 50+ tomatoes I picked yesterday. I guess I better stock up on tortilla chips because I can smell some salsa coming any day now...

june

I miss her so much already. And her mom. Her dad too.

#3... meant to be

Dave and I celebrated our third anniversary last month by dining at La Caille. I had never been there before, but we had some gift certificates to spend (thanks to the best neighbors ever) so we decided to indulge. And indulge we did! Everything was perfect- the food, the surroundings, the music, the lighting, and of course the company. Except for the swan biting Dave's thumb, we couldn't have asked for a better night.

I love the way Dave makes me happier than anything or anyone else in this world. In these short 3 years, I feel like we've already experienced so much together. I've learned that I never know what life has in store- I'm just glad Dave and I will be side by side through it all. Here's to a successful and joyous year ahead!

Flaming Gorge

Anyone that has ever been to Flaming Gorge knows how absolutely beautiful it is. I had never experienced its splendor until last month when we made a trip up there with Bob & Peg and their friends.

We loved the wakeboarding, waterskiing, tubing, and swimming mixed in with some naps, sunbathing, and time to delve into a page-turning novel.

The mountains surrounding us were a mix between desert red rock and green forest hills, with serene glass-like water in between. We had such a great time, we wish we could have extended the 3 days into many, many more!

Stars and stripes forever

There's just something about the 4th and 24th of July that make them 2 of my very favorite holidays. I love being outside, the warm weather, the smell of the BBQ in the backyard, and the brightly colored fireworks that light up the sky at night. It's so nice to spend the day with family and friends without the stress that often accompanies other major holidays. Plus, I've always considered myself an exceptionally patriotic person and I love singing as many patriotic songs as I can think of. Here's a look at some of the holiday highlights:


3 cheers for the red, white, and blue...


s'more smores please!

I love being able to celebrate Alana's birthday and the Pioneers on the same day! Talk about a winning combo!

Grad school, here we come!

Westminster College doesn't realize how happy they have made Dave and I. Starting this Fall, Dave will be pursuing his goal of receiving his Masters in Accounting and then going on for his Matsters in Business! Just being accepted to this great program fulfills one of Dave's goals, and we are thrilled to be working towards more achievements. I know Dave will be an awesome student- I'm already so proud of him. It will be a slight change for us because I've never known Dave as a student! We'll really have to buckle down, putting studying before The Soup and budget before Zinn Bistro. But we're looking forward to the challenge- Dave with the academics and me with picking up some overtime at work! Congrats to you, Dave!

The Happiest Place on Earth

While in California, we met up with Dave's family in Disneyland! Now you haven't really experienced Disneyland if you haven't gone with Todd and Allyson Bushman. Todd majored in statistics, so let's just say he knows how to work it. We were on about 50 rides a day, with no wait time longer than 10 minutes. We had 4 non-stop, action-packed, fun-filled days. Here's an average day in the life of a Disneyland Fan...

6:45 am- cut in line with Todd who has already been there for 30 minutes. Receive "Honorary Citizen of Disneyland" pins. Open the park with the workers by jumping up and down, counting down 10..9..8.. and shouting "Let the magic begin!"
7:01-9:58: Peter Pan, Dumbo, Small World, Matterhorn, Space Mountain, Storybook Land, Teacups, Alice in Wonderland, Buzz Lightyear. No bathroom breaks. Todd gets fast-passes to big-ticket rides.9:59-11:17: Breakfast in the Park for Tanner's 5th birthday. See such stars as Minnie, Chip and Dale, Tigger, Alice and the Mad Hatter, and Captain Hook. All the girls are in their matching Minnie shirts, of course. Enjoy mickey-shaped waffles and all-you-can-drink chocolate milk.

11:17-1:42: Catch rides on Splash Mountain, Indiana Jones, Haunted Mansion, Jungle Cruise, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Listen to all the birds in the Tiki Room.
1:43-3:08: Head back to the Grand Californian Hotel to catch a nap and get our second wind.

3:09-5:51: Explore California Adventure. Jump on Soarin' Over California, Tower of Terror, California Screamin', Toy Story Mania, Orange Swingers, Mali-boomer, and Bear River Rapids. Tour the Mission Tortilla Factory and the Boudin Sourdough Bread Factory.
5:52-6:01: Get a churro (or two.) Catch your breath.
6:02-8:44: Catch our second round of rides in Disneyland.

8:45-9:24: Wait for the sun to set so that fireworks can start. Contemplate the awesome day we've had and tell Todd and Allyson thank you a million times over for making this possible! Look at Sleeping Beauty's castle and wonder if Mr. Walt Disney himself ever knew what an impact he would have on kids and adults around the world.

9:25-9:47: Enjoy the firework show, complete with a flying Dumbo and soaring Tinkerbell.

9:48: Head back to the hotel. Order pizza to the room, zonk out, and dream of another magical day in store for tomorrow!