Christmas Greetings

I am not really in the Christmas spirit this year. I don't know what it is. Maybe it's that we live hours away from family. Maybe it's that I don't have a Christmas tree up. Maybe it's that I don't have room for more presents where I live. Maybe it's that I don't have enough money to get everything I want to buy others. Maybe it's that Christmas is overdone. I don't know for sure, but I haven't done anything "Christmasy"....until now.

While I was in Utah, my mom let me pack up one of her Cricut machines to bring back to Colorado. And boy have I had fun with it. I decided to make some of my Christmas cards this year. Here are some of the cards I came up with. Now I have to admit--I am not the creative type. BUT I think I came up with some pretty cute cards.

The Airplane Ride

My grandparents recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. My mom, aunt, and uncles planned a big party in their honor. Kevin and I knew we wouldn't be able to make it. But my Aunt Erica and Uncle Alan had other plans. They decided to fly us out for the event. So we packed up, drove to Denver, sat at the airport for hours, and finally boarded the plane for Brynnlee's first plane ride. I was a little anxious about how she behave. I mean we can't even get through sacrament meeting without taking her out of the chapel. It turns out she was great. She was a little fussy, but we handled it. And may I say proudly she did not bug our fellow passengers.

We had a fun visit with our families. We even got to spend time with Kevin's parents and siblings. Thanks for the great trip Aunt Erica and Uncle Alan!

Thanksgiving

The first Thanksgiving was celebrated because the Pilgrims had survived their first year of living in America. We haven't lived in Colorado for a year, but I like to think of our Thanksgiving as a celebration of our move. We decided to stay in Colorado Springs for Thanksgiving so that we could spend a good chunk of time in Utah for Christmas.

This was the first Thanksgiving in which I cooked. I was a little nervous but determined to make the food delicious. I decided to roast turkey legs instead of a whole turkey. It meant we wouldn't waste food AND the dark meat is the best part anyway! I also made apple cranberry stuffing, turkey gravy, twice-baked sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, and fresh baked rolls. So much for not having too much food huh. For the centerpiece, I went outside and collected pine cones and placed them in the crystal bowl with oranges and cranberries. It added just the right touch.

Even though it was a little lonely with just the two of us, we had a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner. And hey there was no fighting with family members about religion and politics!

Finger Pudding

I am trying to have fun times with Brynnlee. We go to the library for toddler time, we read books together, we sing songs, Brynnlee walks around "talking" on the phone....Sometimes we do the same things over and over again. I have been trying to come up with new activities. One day I found an idea for finger painting with pudding. So, I thought I would try it out. I bought some vanilla Snack Packs and colored them with food coloring. With Brynnlee on her food mat, I let her at it. After some showing and prodding she got into the painting. Then she discovered the "paint" was pudding, and she didn't stop eating! The activity didn't last long--I figure she will do more as she gets older--but I have some great pictures on my fridge!

The Cutest Little Ladybug

This year Brynnlee was the cutest little ladybug. And thanks to my mom and some nice friends in my ward, she had two adorable costumes to sport around. We went to a couple parties that were a lot of fun. First, we went to the Valdez's home for a party. There were a lot of new people to meet there and some great food. Next was our ward Harvest Carnival. It was a blast. The young women in the ward put it together. We had a dinner first and then after were games for the kids. Of course I had to play all of them. Kevin and I were dressed up as a witch and a vampire. Finally we took Brynnlee trick-or-treating for the first time. Here in Colorado Springs, there is an area of the city where the business owners and employees dress up and hand out candy. Brynnlee loved her first time getting candy! When we got home, she dumped out her pumpkin bucket and sorted through her stash. She really loves little suckers! It was a great Halloween.

Eight Years and Counting.....

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. I use these words from Charles Dickens to describe the last eight years of my life and marriage. I hope it doesn't sound too horrible, but it is the truth. We have had some hard times--military activation, war, infertility, miscarriage. We have also had the most wonderful times--vacations, lots of love, holidays, Brynnlee. I know that there are so many of both to come. I wish that I handled the worst of times with more grace and dignity....poor Kevin. But I know that if I have him by my side, I will always make it.

On September 21, 2001, Kevin and I got married in the Logan Temple. It was a beautiful moment shared with wonderful friends and family. The day was simple and perfect. We had our reception at the Old Rock Church. I loved it. But most of all I loved that I married my best friend!













This year, we celebrated our eighth anniversary. We did the actual celebrating a few days before. Kevin arranged for our new friends, the Buschi family, to watch Brynnlee. It was the first time in a year that we had been alone. Incredible and sad! Kevin made reservations for The Melting Pot. He reserved us a little room so that we could be alone and enjoy each other's company. It was wonderful---the company and of course the food!

Thank you Kevin for a wonderful night out. Thank you for eight great years. I am excited to see what is left for us in the years to come!

Balloon Magic

Every year over Labor Day weekend, there is a hot air balloon festival. Kevin, Brynnlee, and I went to the park where we saw the balloons come to life and float away. It was an incredible sight!

The Giant Cupcake

Ahhh the first birthday cake. My mom brought an awesome cake pan that makes a giant cupcake. I made Brynnlee's birthday cake using this. The cake isn't perfect....but I think it is very {cute}. When we put the cake in front of Brynnlee, she was a little hesitant at first. She didn't know what to do and kept looking at us. I showed her that she could grab the cake with her hands. Once she knew it was okay to eat the cake, she had at it. She loved it and was so cute as she ate her first birthday cake!

Spoiled Little Girl

After we had our fun at the zoo, we decided to PARTY! Okay...we had Brynnlee open her birthday presents. She really LOVED opening them. And she loved what was inside too! Mom and Dad gave her a huge bag of balls--100 to be exact. Dad chose this one and was really excited. We also gave her a shopping cart with little plastic foods. She loves to fill it up and walk around the living room. She is becoming quite the little walker these days. Grandma and Grandpa Ball sent a really cute outfit, darling pjs, and a baby animal book--which she has been "reading" over and over all ready. Aunt Lisa and Uncle Jake sent an adorable heart-covered jacket and a baby doll. She likes to give the doll great big {HUGS}. Aunt Jackie, Uncle Jeff, Hallie, Hannah, Aunt Rylie, and Grandma and Grandpa Eames gave her a Tinkerbelle four-wheeler. It even moves when she presses on a button. We keep it unplugged most of the time, but she loves to get on it and laugh. The little dare-devil even stands up on the seat. Grandma and Grandpa Eames also gave Brynnlee {A LOT} of new clothes. Combined with the Hallie and Hannah clothes Aunt Jackie all ready gave, she should be set for the winter and into the spring. Nice! Thanks so much for all the great gifts. We are grateful for your KINDNESS!

More Zoo Pictures

My sister, Rylie, took some really great pictures at the zoo. Here are some of the great animals.