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?

Christmas 2010: Whimsical Wonderland

It's Christmas a the Smith home.

Since this was our first year decorating together, we collaborated on our color scheme.

I wanted to steer away from the traditional red & green,

and Derek loves fun, bright, and cheery colors.

Here is what we came up with.

Leave a comment! Tell us what you think!

What does your house look like this season?

We would LOVE to see it!

Thanksgiving Break

Derek completed his finals and was given a wonderful two week break from school!

The first week was spent with work & studying for the Boards.

We packed up the car and headed to Carlsbad for a wonderful 9 day vacation with the Jones family!

Major side note- I have way more clothes then the shirts I am wearing in all these pictures.

I just like these ones so I'm in a little of a rut right now. Does anyone else do that?

We spent a couple afternoons just hanging out with Rachel and Dallin.

It was really fun! We headed down to Old Town San Diego one afternoon and ate at our favorite Mexican restaurant, and then converted both of them to the new Mormon Battalion church site!

If you still haven't gone- GET UP AND GO! All of us enjoyed ourselves & love going every time we're there!

Thank you Mom & Dad for spoiling us for a day at Disneyland & CA Adventure!

It was even more fun because Derek hadn't been to Disneyland since he was 12, and never been to California Adventure. We had a great time! We were surprised when we received our Christmas present while we were there: Annual Passes!

Please look at Dallin & Mackenzie in this picture- hilarious! (far left in matching (coincidence?) blue shirts)

Such a fun way to spend our Thanksgiving break! An extra big THANK YOU to Mom & Dad for spoiling us rotten and making our pants a little tighter. Mom also spoiled me with the wonderful Christmas present of: CHRISTMAS! I'm getting the house together and it's looking adorable. This year's theme:

"Walking in a Whimsical Wonderland."

post to follow.

Happy Thanksgiving!

'Twas the night before Thanksgiving, and all through the house, all the creatures were stirring...

Mom: On the hunt for dinner napkins. You gotta love her.

Dad: Snoring on the couch. Poor guy has been sick all day.

Rachel: Vigorously writing a novel of some kind.

Dallin: Playing xBox LIVE! and yelling at his friends for beating him.

Derek: Laughing at Dallin's craziness.

Becca: Blogging and FBing. Yes, I'm addicted.

Tomorrow we sit down to dinner with friends and family and give thanks for all the wonderful things we have.

My top 5: Family. Carpet. Books. Clean sheets. Warm socks.

Happy Thanksgiving to all, and to all, a good night.

Peak: "Torturing" Rachel by plucking her eyebrows. (Insert evil laugh here).
Pit: Laundry. Does it ever end?

Thankful

Today, I'm feeling very thankful.

Time off from school with Derek.

Happy to see family and friends the next few months.

Adventures in San Diego (temple, Disneyland, Old Town)

New Christmas decorations (especially my new gorgeous nativity)

Kind co-workers & boss who are allowing me time off to visit family for the holidays.

Finally cleaning out my bedroom at my parents house. (I'm excited to see old yearbooks!)

yUmmy food & pumpkin pancakes, muffins, cookies!

Laughing while Derek plays Wii & looses to my 8-year-old cousin Trevor.

Pit: Laundry, packing, and cleaning before we leave.

Peak: A fun road-trip with Derek on the way to Carlsbad!

Library Story

I finally had a FREE Saturday. No work. No trainings. A clean house, and a busy husband studying for finals all day.

I was so excited to finally get to the city Library.

I couldn't wait to come home with a stack of books and dive in.

When I got there, I was prepared with my drivers licence & proof of address.

The conversation between me and the librarian went something like this:

"Okay. Are you ready to pay the $15.00 fee for using the library?"

"Oh, I have a valid Glendale address, I thought I would get a free card."

"Oh no, it doesn't work like that. Although you live within Glendale city limits, have a Glendale mailing address, and pay bills/taxes to the city of Glendale, you are technically in the boundaries for Phoenix."

"So, what does that mean exactly?"

"Well, you can come to this library for the fee, or get free cards at these two locations...."

(looking down at list) "So, instead of driving 5 blocks to come to this library, I have to go 25 miles because I am just shy of 2 blocks of the boundaries."

"Exactly."

So, I am boycotting the library for right now.

And yes, I will continue to read and re-read the same 5 books I own.

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween from two little "Deviled Eggs"!

Seventeen?

Today I subbed for a 6th grade class up in Anthem. I was a little late getting there this morning. As I was walking up to the door, I overheard the students. "Ohh..we have a sub today." "Wow. She's really young." "She's really pretty." Is it sad that I find these compliments hilarious but nice at the same time? The last twenty minutes of school was recess. Right when I walked out with the students, 8 girls ran up to me. "Cameron thinks you're hot." "Trey said he was going to take pictures of you all day." "We thought you were 17. How old ARE you?" So, enjoy the picture from my days as a 17 year old.... because I definitely do NOT look like that anymore. :)

Peak: Did you NOT read the post? :)

Pit: Working off those 2 Chips Ahoy cookies at the gym tonight...

Fallin' for Fall

(Right Photograph: Baby pumpkins, wooden blocks, frame and fall foliage wedding picture. Left Photograph: Acorn accented bowl of red & delicious apples)
(Right Photograph: Rod Iron wall accent and set of three tree photographs. Left Photograph: Fall porcelain pumpkins, Anthropologie candle & S monogram.)

Welcome to the wonderful season of Fall at the Smith home.

Fall is my favorite season because of the colors.

They are perfect for the style and decor of our home.

Warm browns, deep greens, squashed yellows and oranges.

Peak: Columbus Day holiday & no school!

Pit: A case of the Monday sleepies & not wanting to cook dinner.

Under Construction

A funny story about our wedding day....

We had a 7 week engagement.

The entire time, the temple was under construction.

Scaffolding all the way up on both spires.

In preparation, a family friend whipped up these.

Bride & Groom Construction hats.

We were so happy to drive up the morning of and see that most was down.

But we couldn't resist the picture.

Peak: Enjoying a fun-filled day of teaching 6th graders.

Pit: It's October 1st and I' m still in shorts & flip flops.

Playing Doctor

For the past hour my sweet husband has been giving me medical exams. You see, he has a midterm on Friday. He must perform a full body physical in 30 minutes. Easy? Think again. Derek being in medical school makes me so grateful for doctors in the world. He studies so hard. He goes on 2-3 hours of sleep before test days so he can be "fully prepared" for the exam. Over achiever? Perfect student? No and no. Just dedicated, hardworking, and determined.

3 big reasons why I love him.

Peak: Having a day off from school.
Pit: Waking up to a colony of zits form on your forehead.

Things I Love About Substitute Teaching

1st Thing......

I love the fact that I get to leave 10 minutes after the bell rings at the end of the day.

Instead of grading papers, organizing, and planning, I get to go home.

2nd Thing......

If the kids are annoying, I only have to spend 1 or 2 days with them.

If you're thinking "Aww, kids aren't annoying", you need to

a. spend more time around kids.

b. spend more time around your kids and thier friends.

c. agree with me.

(seriously)

3rd Thing.....

Experiencing different grade levels.

I' m especially loving grades 2-6.

High School was- let's just say it's not my forte.

(goths/preps/jocks/druggies)

4th Thing......

Having funny stories to bring home EVERY night.

Today a 4th grader told me he broke up with his girlfriend.

He told me, "I usually let girls down easy, but not this time."

(I was dying of laughter!)

5th Thing......

Being called Mrs. Smith

(my favorite)

Home Sweet Home

We decided it was time to share our apartment with all of you! We were so, so, SO blessed to receive such loving and wonderful gifts from our wedding. We were extra blessed to have wonderful family to give us old furniture!

Well, after an exhausting, exciting, and busy day, this bed is calling, wait, SCREAMING my name.

First, a few thank yous.

1. Thank you Westin hotels for inspiring me to have a big, clean, white, fresh bed to sleep in every night.

2. Thank you Trina & Tanette for driving ALL the way here with our furniture and then having to drive ALL the way home.

3. Thank you pumpkin spice candle for making our apartment smell like Fall.

4. Thank you for the end of this day.

Happy Birthday to my Wife: From Derek

To my Baby

Honey,

I am so lucky to have found you.

Thanks for just being you and loving me.

You have already made me a better person and it has only been 1 month!
Sorry I can't be there on your birthday morning, I wish I could be to see your beautiful, smiling, happy face.
Baby, I love you so much!

Our Special Day

Our special day started three weeks early with a photo shoot.

Since we were having our reception during the day, we took an evening to enjoy time together and with one of our photographers, Nathan Petty, to take our wedding photos.

Here are a few of our favorites:

Just Maui'd

We're back from Hawaii and happy to say that I can finally blog for my first time as

Mrs. Smith!

We enjoyed a week full of fun thanks to our wonderful parents in

MAUI!

We had a very strict schedule involving:

-Sleeping in

-Pool side lounging

-Playing in the ocean

-Afternoon naps

-Delish dinners at sunset

-Beautiful ocean views

-Lots and lots of sunshine

-A warm island breeze

-Getting new freckles and tan skin

-After dinner walks on the beach

-Mini photo sessions

-Hula shows

And best of all, spending time together as

Mr. & Mrs. Smith