See You Next Year!

With 2008 coming to a close I would like to mention a few things that I really liked this year:

~ We got cool new Mt. Bikes with our economic stimulus money.

~I discovered Pandora.com, where you can create radio stations based on your favorite artists.

~While listening to my Jack Johnson station I discovered a Brett Dennen and my new favorite song, Blessed.

~I had another wonderful year being married to Bret.

~I loved kids in my primary class.

~Bret and I went on a little adventure to Idaho Falls to visit family.

~ I started excercizing a little more.

~Reading with my chincilla on my lap.

~I was employee of the month in September (not trying to brag, but that was a good part of '08 for me).

~I started blogging.

Two Years of Joy

Today Bret and I had our second wedding anniversary. It is crazy how fast time goes...it seems just like yesterday that we were getting married...then again is seems like we have always been together...

We celebrated our first anniversary by doing a session at the Salt Lake Temple, eating dinner, looking at the lights on Temple Square, and of course eating the top of our wedding cake. That cake was still delicious even after being in the freezer for a year.

We would like to make going to the temple for our anniversary a tradition. This year we couldn't go on the exact day, but we still had a nice time. We went to lunch at Rumbi Grill, went to a family Christmas party, took a few pictures, and had a quite evening at home.

The Line Up

December 27, 2006

December 27, 2007

December 25, 2008

Simply Having a Wonderful Christmas Time

I love Christmas...I love that there is a whole season set aside to think about Christ and there are so many symbols to help us remember Him. It is wonderful to have some much family time. Planning and shopping to give meaningful gifts is also something that brings me such joy.

We spent the morning with Bret's parent's and brother. I am so lucky to have such great in-laws.

We went to brunch at my Dad's house, and eat yummy scones. We all crowed in the living room to open gifts, and it was fun to be all together. I would say it was cozy as opposed to cramped (There are 8 other people that aren't shown in this picture).

I am such a Daddy's girl.

We headed up to my Grandma Bishop's for a Christmas visit. Then went back to our house for my Mom to come over. My mom's power had been off for several hours today and it was cold over there, so we decided to do it at my place.

I am such a mama's girl, too!

It has been such a pleasant day. Oh, and I almost forgot to mention that I was totally spoiled this year and got tons of really awesome gifts.

Christmas Eve

It was such a beautiful sunny day. I was so nice to be surrounded by a blue sky. Christmas Eve is such a exciting day that always brings back fun childhood memories.

After work I went home wrapped some presents, and then we went to my Mom's for dinner. It is a tradition to open jammies on Christmas Eve and then wear them to bed.

I love family time.
My cute hubby.

Good-bye Little Friend

Thursday night Bret was holding him and discovered Gideon was very ill. He had been sick for awhile and on antibiotics, but not recovering much. We had been feeding him a liquid diet for the last couple of weeks. We decided that it was necessary and the most humane thing to put him to sleep (although I felt like a horrible chinchilla murderer).

I miss my little friend. Here are some cute pictures of him:

Gideon wanting to come out and play.

Gideon with a new cardboard friend. He loved destroying it.

Gideon eating off the foot of his woolly mammoth toy.

He loved climbing in little nooks to cuddle.

Gideon's favorite toy.

Someone We've All Been Waiting For...

On Thanksgiving morning my mother was watching the Macy's parade with my niece. They were discussing the floats and balloons as they passed by. My mother asked my niece if she knew who was going to be at the end of the parade. She gave the hints, "It's someone that we are excited for and we've been waiting a long time to come." My niece answered in hushed excitement, "Barack Obama!"

Counting My Blessings #17 - Blankets

I am grateful for blankets, afghans, throws and such. They are warm and cozy and awesome. One of my friends motto's is any problems can be solved with more blankets. The pleasure of reading a book or watching a movie is greatly enhanced cuddled up with soft quilt.

Counting My Blessings #16 - Christmas Lights

I am grateful for Christmas lights. They are so colorful and fun, and they brighten up the long winter nights.

Undisclosed Location

I love secret hiding places, trapdoors, and such...I love going there myself the most. Today I had one of those experiences.

The destination.

The top secret trapdoor.

I am so excited about going up!


Here we are goofing off in the secret loft.

Happy Day of the Ninja!

Today is the day to release your inner ninja! For some ninjaluscious tips on how to celebrate the day go here.

To find out more about the mystrious life of a ninja you can go to askaninja.com