Mormon Tabernacle Choir

On Saturday our family got to go to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas Concert. Over 1 million people tried getting tickets and only 81,000 actually got some-we just happen to be 8 of them! I will admit everyone in the family tried, we only got one set, but we were excited to have the opportunity to go. I went once before when i first got home from my mission. It's a great way to celebrate the holiday. It was a cold night, but as always downtown is breath taking a fun to be a part of. The concert was fabulous!

The Girls Visit to Santa

True Passion

So after my work out tonight, Memphis and I stopped by wal-mart... as we passed the TV display, Memphis was glued... her father would be so proud!

Winter Wonderland!

So today Mike and I headed to my mom's house to have oil changes on our cars. (thanks chase) As you can see, for the second weekend in a row we got a good sized snow storm.

Even Uncle Cliff joined in the fun!!!!

Memphis was such a good sport! She loved being outside with everyone... even with her rudolph nose!

Chase and Mike had a good time making fun of how much longer Kristi and I took to roll our balls around the yard.

This picture shows Mr Snowman's heigth. Keep in mind Chase is 6'6" standing on the ground... and Kristi is 5'4"... so here you have a very tall Snowman. People were driving and laughing at us!

Grandma Straw tried hard to keep her warm.

It was a fun afternoon! The hot cocoa afterwards wasnt so bad either!

Christmas Survey

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrap… so much more fun!
2. Real tree or Artificial? Real…
3. When do you put up the tree? Dec 5-6! This year at least! Last year we didn’t have one. I hope it’s exciting again when the kid(s) are older. Right now… it seems like so much effort.
4. When do you take the tree down? Growing up we usually left for Grandma’s house Christmas day, so it came down ON Christmas day!
5. Do you like egg nog? That is a big fat NO!
6. Favorite gift received as a child? Maybe the Barbie pool, my bike (it was blue with a banana seat) or maybe even my scooter.
7. Do you have a nativity scene? No. So not Christian huh?
8. Hardest person to buy for? Well I guess Chase and Kristi, since we have them and no gift yet.
9. Easiest person to buy for? Memphis!
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Cards, for sure… again the intention is there… just no effort.
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? A break-up?
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? While you were sleeping.
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Ehhh, whenever.
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas gift? I don’t think so.
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?
16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? Clear… always clear.
17. Favorite Christmas song? Oh my gosh there are sooo many!
8. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Home… well down to Riverton!
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? Yup, Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixon, Comet, Cupid, Donder, and Blitzen...& Rudolph ! Harry Connick Jr. taught me well!
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Star
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or Morning? Morning
22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? Driving in snow… don’t get me wrong, I love snow-just not driving in it!
23. Favorite ornament theme or color? So I married into a family which buys out hallmark every year… and it’s great! Love all the hallmark ornaments! This year I am very excited about our Yosemite ornament too! They are little hiking boots cause we are such big hikers. In all fairness we did hike up to Bridal Veil Falls! It was a long hike. (wink wink)
24. Favorite Christmas dinner? Turkey again… don’t love ham! Thank you UPS… they give them out every year… mike and my mom both work there… needless to say we have a lot of turkeys! (and not just the meat kind)
25. What do you want for Christmas this year? Just today I told Mike all I want is a detail job on my car. He details cars and mine looks like crap… why?

Christmas Memories...

So last week I wrote a blog and had every intention of recreating it here... but it would take far too long, so... here is the link to see it!

http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=7166494&blogID=332752947

East Football Midgets

We had mikes football banquet. It was a good time... Mike is counting down the months til next years season!!!!

Happy Anniversary to US!

It was 10 years ago that I met Karen, Heather and Jen... so we decided to get a hotel room for the night and girl talk into the wee hours of the morning.





We started the night at Chili's. We even got dessert!






A toast to us and million memories we've made!



Jen and I


Karen and Heather


10 years, really??


We were SHOCKED to wake up to a winter wonderland!!!! We got 6 inches that night. Winter is finally here, I guess!


A special thanks to Christian, Dan, Mike and Heidi for watching the kiddos! We had a great time, and can't wait to do it again next year.

7 months today...

our baby-sitter

Shauna and I went to the gym and this is what we came back too....

Sweet huh?

Tie Dye Sockies!

Get your own Tie Dye Socks!

Everyone is doing it...

and it's for a great cause!!!!

Check out Liz and Lorin without Borders... over there to the right!

Our Lil' Cougar

Another BYU football season, come and gone! Good times!!!! Saturday Mike rushed the field with a few of my cousins... and a few weeks ago, Memphis got to go to her first game. She was a good sport... we plan to continue the brain washing from here on out! Ha.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving this year was a real good time. I got to spend lunch time with the Straws...even cousin Kenny was there! We simply dont see him enough! Although when he is there... we resort to being 14 again! Later Memphis and I headed over to Kelly and Janet's for Thanksgiving with my in-laws. I was in charge of the veggie tray and drinks. (maybe because you cant mess those two up) Ha ha! Dinner was great... we played games and the girls ditched the sleeping, football watching boys to watch a chick flick. I simply don't see enough of those these days. :) Friday morning Mike and his mom fought the crowds, I worked for a few hours and then we all headed back out to shop... and really it wasn't that bad. We even hit up the outlets in Park City. (one of my favorite places to spend money). Linda introduced me to Moose Munch... it's Carmel popcorn with cashews and almonds... not to mentioned a few pieces are covered in chocolate! Yum! Bruce Linda and Austin were here only about 29 hours, but all in all... it was a great time!

a very busy weekend

We often find ourselves on Monday morning wondering where the weekend went. Well this weekend has been no different.
Friday night I went to girls night out at Heartland Paper. Nothing like scrap booking until you cant keep your eyes open any longer. Mean while Mike was getting his football team ready for their first play-off game. Memphis had a good time with the Hallman kids. What's not to love about the attention of four at all times. I tell you it is heaven for her and nice to know we have friends and family where she is well taken care of.
Saturday I was a co-host of a baby shower for an old friend from Livingston. It was fun to see so much of the old clan and celebrate the soon arrival of Janets first baby.
Mike WON his first play off game.


I will let him tell you about it...
Saturday my peewee team knocked off the number 1 seeded team in the playoffs 27-0. As of now, we have won 6 straight. Next week, we face Riverton which beat us 6-0 to start the season. GO EAST RED MIDGETS!!!!


Needless to say he is pretty excited. I have now been committed to actually attend next weeks game. :) It's pretty cool that they are doing so well and actually have a chance to go to regional in Las Vegas.

Saturday night we attended Mary Hallmans baptism. Its hard to believe she is actually 8. Her sweet young testimony is something we can all benefit from. I am glad we went.

After the baptism Mike and I headed out for dinner. We went to the Italian Village. Being in the food business I really try to support smaller family owned venues. Not to mention usually the food is soooo much better. :) Memphis is a lot easier to cart around since she is sitting up so well and likes to eat pretty much we give her.

It amazes me how Happy she is ALL THE TIME! What a blessing she is, in soo many ways.

While we were at dinner... a very very tall man came in. After a little staring it was clear we were staring at Shawn Bradley.

If only I had the guts to take a picture of him myself.
I found myself feeling bad that he was SO tall. Having to duck below fans and light fixtures on the ceiling. Not to mention having to sit 3 feet from the table because his legs don' fit.

Today is a normal Sunday. We are actually walking out the door to have dinner with Russ and Sarah. I made a pie. (ok i took it out of the box and put it on cookie sheet) GO ME!

Trunk R' Treat

Tonight was our ward Trunk r' Treat! It was fun.

Here is our super cute primary class (again)!

Memphis and Daddy!

I also had this taken today... i was very pleased!
Memphis was really good and despite the long wait she was all smiles!