Joy to the World

Warmest wishes & love from head to toe.

insta-life (holiday edition)

Three Wishes: Becca

I feel like it was JUST my birthday yesterday, because I honestly couldn't think of anything I wanted for Christmas this year. I am more excited about Derek being done with clerkships & a much needed two week break for him the last part of January. Let's just say some kind of vacation is in the works, and that's more then I could ask for. As always, health, love & happiness for all my family and friends is just as high on my list. I'm so thankful for this time of year and that we all take the time to be a little more kind to one another. 

Three Wishes: Derek

Just like every year, Derek is the hardest to shop for, although he likes to tell me I am. He is one of those guys who just buys things when he needs them throughout the year. The catch is he ONLY buys things he NEEDS, and it's usually a medical book, medical tool, or an electronic of some kind. Because of this, he is so hard to shop for, and especially surprise! This year, his typical National Geographic issue is on the list along with some new fuzzy Ugg slippers. The backpack is an extra since his was stolen when our car was broken into back in September. I can't wait to spend Christmas with Derek and celebrate him being done with his clerkships, and helping him study as much as possible before the boards & interviews the first few weeks of January. 

Winter to-do List

The countdown to Christmas & Derek being FINISHED with his clerkships is on. Can't wait for all the holiday festivities at home with my family this year. 

Gobble, Gobble!

 This year, Derek and I were lucky enough to be in the beautiful Bay Area for Thanksgiving. Our good friends invited us over for Thanksgiving dinner, and if their excellent cooking wasn't enough, sweet baby Ruby's smile was more then enough to get us to the house. Both Stephanie & Brad did an excellent job on everything from the turkey to the pie and the eclectic table setting. Derek had to go in to the hospital the whole weekend, but we still packed it full of fun and relaxation (on his part). We ended up walking through crunching leaves, eating at yummy local favorites, and reading from our thankful jar. We might have eaten more than we ever thought possible, but isn't that what Thanksgiving is all about?!

{just kidding}

Thankful Hearts & Hands

Hurricane Sandy Helping Hands

With it being Thanksgiving & all of us gathering with family and friends, we wanted to make sure we realize how thankful and blessed we truly are. This video is a great reminder of the blessings we are all granted with and how everyone can give a little bit to those in need. 

Rexburg Surprise

 Before Hurricane Sandy rolled in, Derek planned to visit a residency program in Pittsburgh.  I decided that if he was going to be out of town, I should drive up and surprise my sister in Rexburg! After checking our e-mails every hour and finally realizing that his flight was canceled, we decided that just because Derek's trip was canceled, mine didn't have to be. My friend Courtney lives up there as well and she was the master-mind in planning the surprise. She told Rachel she would pick her up to have her babysit, and when she got in the car, I was there! It was so funny to see the look on her face! We went to lunch and just hung out. I got a tour of the campus because it's totally unrecognizable to me and enjoyed the fall weather and leaves at the park. It was a very short trip, but well worth it to see both my sister and best friend! 

Park City Weekend

Our Park City trip with the Smith family were the fastest two days ever. We spent most of our time outside enjoying both Olympic Park and Main Street. We all agreed that touring the park was probably our favorite thing, and watching some timed trials for the skeleton was intense. I think we might have screamed louder than any other group of people when the first athlete flew by at 80 mph. The cool and crisp air mixed with the little bit of snow left on the mountains made it extra cozy at night when we ran as fast as we could to the Jacuzzi and then back up to the room for hot chocolate and warming by the fire. It was a great weekend and a great little vacation for us all to rejuvenate and charge up before the holidays.

Living Like Eloise

Who else remembers Eloise? The little girl living the high life in a New York City hotel and all her adventures? Well, that's us right now, except we are in San Francisco. Derek started his clerkship here today and I have already walked my little legs to the dry cleaners, pharmacy, and even grabbed some hot chocolate. The weather is beautiful and it's even more of a treat that I am able to stay with Derek this month. We might not have a usual and traditional lifestyle right now, but we are over half way done with clerkships and by Christmas we will be back to our somewhat normal life. In the meantime, we will just be happy and grateful for this month together. 

San Fran Bound

Today Derek & I head to the city by the bay, San Francisco. Growing up in Southern California my entire life, I can honestly say I have never been to the bay area. I think people forget that it's about an 8 hour drive, and going through LA alone can take 2-4 hours depending on the day & time you leave. Derek will be here for the month of November, and I am very excited to spend more than a weekend exploring the city and surrounding areas.

-------------------------------------------------------

P.S. Since we will be traveling for Halloween, we won't be dressing up. For past years, click here & here. 

Pumped Up Kicks & Rummage My Closet

Let the record show that I wore wedges the other night to dinner. 

You guys, this is a big deal. I don't do wedges/heels/lethal weapon spikes. Okay, so that last one went a little to far...but I have seen some dangerous high rises in my day. Plus, I prefer to be flat footed so I'm the perfect height for Derek to kiss my forehead.

Off to see my man again today. So glad October is a 5-week month and we get some extra time with each other! We are spending time with the Smith clan in Park City for a few days for good food, shopping, and fun! 

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

P.S. My super fashionable & good friend Stephanie is having a closet sale. She has the most killer shoe collection I have ever seen, an eye for vintage clothes, and her 16 month old dresses better then some grownups I know. Even designer and name brand items on sale for great prices. Check her out here & buy something! I'm a happy customer & those baby Moccasins are mine. Just don't tell Derek.

(NO. NOT PREGNANT.)

insta-life

Fall to-do List

Hoping to cross these off the list by Thanksgiving. My winter to-do list is already dancing in my head to the tune of "jingle bell rock". The "bers" are always my favorite months.

The Mile High City

 Besides Denver deciding to have a cold snap & a dusting of snow Friday morning, the city proved itself well to me. The colorful changing trees, charming lower downtown, and the cool crisp air were just some of my favorite things. My favorite, most of all, was getting a big hug and kiss from my handsome husband. We spent a lot of time just talking, walking, and snuggling, which is exactly what Derek needed after a demanding month in D.C. Between walks hand-in-hand, we ate at local hot spots, window shopped, and enjoyed just a few of the beautiful parks in the area. It was a very laid back weekend, but I don't think either of us would've changed it.