Idaho Christmas 2010

This year, we were lucky enough to go to Idaho for Christmas! It was such a fun trip and we loved seeing all our friends and family. We started the trip off with a trip to the Bountiful temple to attend the sealing of Derek's cousin Alyshia's family. It was such a special experience to be there. The next night, both Katie & Whitney were home from Boise to celebrate the holiday with us. A BIG congrats to Miss Katie for graduating BSU with her Bachelors degree! Woo! Welcome to the club Katie! We went up to Rock Creek in Twin Falls to walk through a HUGE light exhibit & check out the famous Mongolian camel. As you can see, he's huge and Derek was a little scared!
When I say huge display, I mean huge! Thousands and thousands of lights, decorations, and fun holiday characters. We were surprised at how mild the weather was, and had a great time walking around with our family.
On Christmas Eve, it was my mother-in-law Trina's year to host the party at her new, beautiful, FINISHED home! After months and months of construction, the house was finished and ready to host a party. A lot of the McKenzie family was there (Derek's mom's side), and it was so much fun to see everyone again.

Christmas morning was such a fun, new experience with Derek. We loved every second of our first Christmas being married together. Derek couldn't help but dance, dance, DANCE after opening this lovely track suit he has been eyeing for a couple months. The dance was even MORE outrageous when he opened up his Wii which he loves!

I was so excited, and surprised to see this beauty under the tree with my name on it! I have been wanting a Cricut for a couple months now, and finally have one of my own! I can't wait to get crafting, and use it to decorate my classroom!

After jinxing the "warm weather", we got some snow and cool weather a couple days after Christmas. We spent an afternoon up in the Basin & cabin the family owns and went four-wheeling. Such a fun afternoon!

We had a wonderful Christmas this year and can't wait to hear how everyone's went. We are spending the last day of 2010 taking down Christmas decorations, studying, and ringing in the new year quietly at home.

Fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la

My FIRST Night Alone (since being married)

It's 5:18 on a Friday night and I'm listening to my little brother & his friend "pwn" some "noobs". (x-box 360 lingo?)

I'm here in Carlsbad/Los Al/Seal Beach area for a very special occasion.K & M are getting married tomorrow. Post to come. But, even though it's Friday, my "Friday Derek" couldn't swing time off from a week of tests to come with me. I mean, I'm fine without him. But, it's just weird. It's my first night since being married really without him. I have to admit, I'm kinda excited to have a full queen sized bed to myself, but I think Derek usually lets me have it every night anyways. He is so sweet. It was weird making the drive by myself, because, if you have ever driven with me, you know I'm not a fan of it. Anyways, I'm not really crying, but I had a little fun with my Mom's awesome MacBook Pro. Yeah, she's spoiled....but she deserves it. So, to get away from this sappy, sad, whiny married girl post, I am super excited for the wedding tomorrow, seeing all the high school girlies, and eating at the most delicious Italian restraint in the world. Why is it the best? Only hot men are hired as waiters. Hey, I can still look can't I? Flirt for a free dessert? Well, now I'm going to go learn what "pwn" and "noobs" are.

Anyone care to join me?

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Friday Derek

Blogging world. I would like you to meet "Friday Derek".

"Friday Derek" comes home from school ready for a break! After a week of tests, countless hours studying, and the natural "wear & tear" from being a medical school student, we're BOTH ready for a fun night out.We usually go out for a yummy dinner and then see what adventures we come across. Last week, we ate at a local BBQ place featured multiple times on Food Network. Sounds like a normal husband/wife date? Wrong. This is why I not only love Derek, but "Friday Derek". We then preceded to go to Hobby Lobby to look at tree skirts. Yep, tree skirts. What kind of guy wants to spend a Friday night doing that? Yep. Mine. Then, we headed next door to Home Goods, where Derek bought me the most amazing pillow in the world. He was happy it wasn't another throw for our bed, but a regular, standard, bed pillow. He carried my pillow while I browsed each isle for the next 40 minutes. Have I mentioned how great he is? One night, "Friday Derek" took me shopping. He let me try on clothes, and then bought me some cute tops and a pair of shoes. He may not enjoy these date nights, but I know I do! So, I'm really excited that today is Friday and I get loving, fun, silly, sweet, Derek for the night.

Tonight's plan? Temple session, walking around the decorated grounds, and a yummy homemade chili & cornbread dinner.

The Day I Sat on the Washer

1. Yes. I am sitting on the washing machine. It was rumbling SOOO loud with our down comforter in it! Seriously, it sounded like an earthquake. So, I sat on it. And blogged.
2. The dish washer is being gross. Nasty water spots and food everywhere. The nice Hispanic man is fixing it right now. It smells strongly of vinegar.
3. I'm trying out a middle part with my hair. I'm seeing it more and more and decided to try. Pictures to come.
4. I subbed middle school today. 2 words. NEVER. AGAIN. I never thought I could hate a child. Today, I found out I could.
5. In-N-Out for dinner tonight? Clean kitchen & a possibly busted dish washer? I'll take all the help I can get.

Annnnnnnnnnnnnd, we're done. Still sitting on the washer- it's kinda fun. Sorry our utility room isn't decorated. Have you seen the blogs where they like crazy decorate their laundry room and even pantry? Okay, how crazy can you get?