This is me as Calvin and...me as Calvin's mom.

Such a dilemma!

I HATE being cold 

AND

I HATE paying for un-fun things, like electricity

All of these things equals wearing my cute winter things all the time, 

then turning up the heat when I really can't take the cold any more. 

Only 3-5 months of winter to go!!!

Why 2012 is Gonna Rock!

I love the beginning of a new year. I love making new goals for the next year. I even love reviewing the goals I made last year and see which goals I reached and which ones I forgot about. It's so fun to review the last year and look forward to the next. Here are the things I am most looking forward to this year...

 

 

1. Brendan's graduation from BYU!!!

 

2. Backpacking through Italy, Germany, France, and Spain!!! 

(Yes, the tickets are booked and I am all but packing now!)

3. My older sister is having a BABY BOY!!!

• I will be an AUNT for the first time
• Brendan will be an UNCLE for the first time

4. Moving to Columbus

5. Brendan starting Optometry school

A Snowless Christmas

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas!!! 

Here is our Happy Holiday Recap!

We did lots and lots of games!

1.  Killer Bunnies
2. 6 Puzzels
3. Polyanna
4. Dance Dance 3
5. Catapults and Castles
6. Bang
7. Hand and Foot

I didn't win any of them...

The Happiest Place on Earth

Kristin and I braved the tea cup with Christopher, Brendan and Dave spinning as fast as they could. I didn't know a cup could turn so fast.

A collaborative effort...

Reagan Museum...Here's Brendan in front of Air Force 1

Balboa bars after seeing the Christmas lights.

 PS: did you know that people staple white felt to make their grass looked like its been snowed on in warm places? Hysterical! And not anything like snow!

Went to enjoy the warm weather at the beach and ended up saving a bird.

Last minute Christmas Shopping with the girls.

Christmas Eve

Kinda loved a warm walk on the beach on Christmas Eve

The boys discussing very holiday topics...like all of the plots of the Alien Trilogy. 

 Brendan's Family Goes Bowling for Christmas Eve

Christmas Day

Christmas Morning

Christmas Afternoon....A little backward :)

A scarf for Brendan with a pop of color!

2012...Bring it On!!!

Gone Sailing

Twinkle Lights and Cookies

Phew! We finally made it to Christmas break. The last month has been crazy! Here are the pictures that we have been collecting and been to busy to post.

Falling in Love with Pumpkin

Despite the fact that fall always comes too quickly for my taste, I love the changing of the season for a few reasons...

1. the sound of leaves crunching

2. the smell (not sure exactly what is is, but its great!)

3. the explosion of color after summer has burnt all of the green away

4. boots...I love boots...and coats

5. PUMPKIN

Brendan and I have been having fun with pumpkin the last month. Here are my favorites!

Pumpkin Biscuit

Pumpkin Oatmeal

1/2 cup cooked oats

1/4 cup pumpkin
Cinnamon, to taste

Nutmeg, to taste

Brown Sugar, to taste

Nuts and Cranberries optional

Pumpkin Pancakes

AMAZING...So thick and great with Cinnamon Syrup

Pumpkin Gnocchi with Gorgonzola Sauce

A Few Successes

My Very First Apple Pie

Snickerdoodle Cake

Carmelized Onion and Pear Pizza

I adapted this one...no figs!