Temple Sqaure with Krystal

Yesterday was an awesome day.  I got to spend it with my dear friend Krystal.  Krystal and I became friends our sophomore year in High School and we've remained friends since.  Our friendship as been long distance for the past few years, and we've only been able to see each other once a year.  But, every time we reunite it feels like nothing has changed.  We decided to go see the lights at temple square.  It was so much fun just walking around, enjoying the beautiful lights and each others company.  Here's some pictures from the night.

  

Christmas 2010

Dave and I had a wonderful Christmas this year.  In years past, we've tried to do the whole "both days, both families thing", and it's just been way too busy.  This year, we decided to spend Christmas Eve with my family and Christmas day with Dave's.  It turned out to work much better for us, and we were able to enjoy the holiday much more!  I always fail to take a lot of pictures around the holidays, because I'm just enjoying myself to much.  But, here's a few memories I was able to document.  

 Here's part of the family at Grandma's on Christmas Eve. 

 The Dean family Christmas party on Christmas day. 

 Katie was pretty excited about her gift. 

 Mike

 Jayce

 Dave and I with our white elephant gifts.  You better believe that we'll be displaying that Obama Chia pet proudly in our home. ;) 

We're so grateful for this time of year and for our amazing families that we get to spend it with.  We have been extremely blessed this year and look forward to what's in store for us next year.  Happy Holidays everyone! 

Dave and Jennas Wedding Cake

Our friends David and Jenna got married on the 21st this month.  I was so excited when Jenna asked me to make their wedding cake.  As with all cakes, this cake had it's trials, but it turned out beautifully.  I'd say I'm getting better.  What do you think?  

Mesquite Birthday Celebration

A few weeks ago, I spent a few days down at the Mesquite Condo.  We (Me, Mom, Carlie, Megan, and friends...and Brewer of course) went down to celebrate Megan's birthday.  It was so nice to get away for a few days and to be in some warmer weather.  Most of the weekend was spent just relaxing...which was amazing.  Here's some pictures for your viewing pleasure. 

 The girls in the hot tub the night we got there.  

From left to right: Karina, Marissa, Megan, Rachel, Carlie and Kenzi

 Carlie and Karina

 Carlie...the amazing bowler. :)

 Mom and Carlie

 I'm one good looking bowler...I know. 

 Rachel, Kenzi, and Marissa

 Rachel, Megan and Marissa

 Our scores. 

 The bowling alley started Cosmic Bowling while we were there.  Carlie was pretty excited.  

 Our scores on the last game.  I got over 100 this time!  Woot!

 We spent one of the days making gingerbread houses. 

 Here's mine.

 Mom's gingerbread house. 

 Megans

 Karina's was a star.  So cute!

Carlie made the Salt Lake Temple around Christmas time.  

Ok, so that was more than a few pictures.  Congrats if you got all the way through.  :) 

School is out, and life can go on.

I finished up with my finals yesterday, and am happy to report that I passed all of my classes!  (Even my Math class)!  I've been dreaming of the end of this semester, and I'm so happy that it is over.  This hasn't been my best semester, so I'm just glad to be done with it.  I have three semester's left before I graduate, so I'm getting pretty excited. 

The past few months have been pretty stressful around here.  One thing I have learned about myself is that I am very good at over exerting myself. :) I gave myself way too many responsibilities this semester and it really affected my school work, relationships, health, and just my overall demeanor.  I re-read this quote recently and realized that there is much for me to learn about trying to "do it all". 

"We women have a lot to learn about simplifying our lives. We have to decide what is important and then move along at a pace that is comfortable for us. We have to develop the maturity to stop trying to prove something. We have to learn to be content with what we are."

— Marjorie Pay Hinckley

 

What a wonderful thing to be reminded of.  I think I'll start my New Year's resolution early this year and try to simplify my life a little.  

 

I've had to make some hard decisions in the past few months and I can't say that I'm exactly happy with the results.  But, I've learned that what will be, will be, and life will go on.  The new year is going to bring some huge changes with it (no, we are not pregnant) :), and we're excited to see what life has in store for us.  For now, we're going to sit back and relax, and enjoy the few weeks that we have off from school.  (That is, when Dave finishes-His finals are next week).  Enjoy your holiday season everyone!  I know I will! 

As always, I hate posts with no pictures.  Please enjoy this recent photo of two of my best friends. 

The love Megan has for Brewer is shocking.
(If you know Megan at all, you know why).   

Being a woman has it's perks

This was brought to my attention this morning from the hubs. 

Here's how our conversation went this morning:

Dave:  "Women are so lucky"

Me: "Why?"

Dave: "Because you get to use the blow dryer every morning"

Me: snickers..."what?"

Dave:  "While I'm sitting here freezing, you get to have hot air blowing on you to warm you up."

Two minutes later....

I walk into the bathroom and Dave is blow drying his "wet" hair.  Love it! 

You're right babe.  I am lucky.  Thanks for a great start to the day!

Wedding Cake/Cupcakes

I spent much of the past weekend making Sami and Jared's wedding cake and cupcakes for the reception.  I had my struggles with this cake, but long story short, everything turned out and I was thrilled with the results.  Enjoy!