Christmas 2015

Christmas this year was definitely different. For the last 10 years, we've had Christmas brunch at the Dunn house. This year, the Dunns couldn't host because they moved to DC! So Mom offered to host breakfast at her house, to which we all arrived shortly after noon on Christmas Day.

Family Photo

My little sweetheart!

My other sweetheart!

Grandpa even got a shoulder massage.

Happy Holidays!

Cookie Exchange and the Tree of Life

First of all, the kids are home for Christmas!!!!!! YAY!! :)

Second, we were invited to a cookie exchange at Nichole's Aunt Peeches house on Sunday, so we made some cake-mix cookies for the occasion. Even Grandpa made it to the festivities.

In light of the rivalry game, Max and Kate made gingerbread men with the red block U on them.

They also made a special Y cookie just for Sam. He almost cried because of its thoughtfulness (especially since he's the only BYU fan of the bunch).

It was quite the party! I've often wondered what big family holiday celebrations look like, and this was what I always imagined it looking like. A big house full of kids running around, tons of delicious food, and enough holiday spirit to single-handedly power Santa's sleigh. We had to duck out before charades began because we needed to be in Daybreak by 5pm for dinner with Sam's cousins.

After dinner, we decided to stop at Draper City Park to see the Tree of Life.

The Sam-Effect

Ever since Sam and I started dating, my grades have gotten better every semester. While I continue to work my butt off, I do give him some credit for helping me keep myself in check emotionally. Here is a timeline of graduate school compared to my time with him:


Fall 2014 (A, A, and B) We had our first date near the end of the semester.

Spring 2015 (A and A-) We became a couple a week after the semester began, and got engaged a week after the semester ended.

Summer 2015 (A and A) Wedding planning was in full-swing, and we got married 4 days after my final presentation.

Fall 2015 (A and A) Grades are officially in and we've been married just shy of 6 months.


We're happily looking toward the future (graduation, house-hunting, babies, etc.) and I'm back-flipping around campus because this semester was SO challenging. I've spent so many hours writing the first three chapters of my thesis, and I'm over the moon that now it's time to go into the field and conduct my own research.

I have so much to be grateful for, especially being so close to my Master's degree and having the most supportive husband ever!

So, if you want to improve your grades, I suggest having a Sam in your life (just remember that all Sam's are NOT created equal).

All hail the Sam-Effect (and hard work, don't forget that!).

Hanukkah

In addition to Christmas this year, I insisted we celebrate Hanukkah due to my Jewish roots and desire to teach our future kids about their heritage. This year, Hanukkah runs from December 6-14, and we decided that we would observe all eight nights, and do presents and other festivities on the 8th night.

Sam got handkerchiefs with 'S' embroidered on them, and I got some new socks :)

The Friday of Hanukkah (the 11th), we went to dinner with Bob & Lisa (who were in town for a quick visit) and my parents. It was my family birthday dinner, so I picked the Desert Edge Brewery (aka The Pub). It is my parents' special place because that's where they had their first date. Even Tyler managed to make it.

On Sunday, Mom and I went to the Hanukkah celebration at the Gallivan Center and then to see the lights on temple square. Rabbi Zippel was leading the festivities (he knew my Bubby, and even performed the services at her graveside), and wasting no time singing EVERYTHING as he lit the lights. It was a great party.

I'm so happy that Sam was willing to observe Hanukkah with me, it meant a lot to me. Maybe next year we will actually buy our own menorah (Target has them, btw).

As the year is drawing the a close, I realize that there is SO much positivity in my life, and I'm so grateful for all my many blessings. I truly believe that this next year will be even better. Although, I don't think much could top marrying the love of your life and writing the first 3 of 5 chapters of your Master's Thesis.

26 yrs and Counting

Yesterday was the day I entered the world, 26 years ago.

Last year on my birthday I was with my eventual husband at our Ward Christmas Auction FHE. I picked him up and we headed to the activity, as friends. After all, we'd only gone on two dates. He wasn't my boyfriend or anything, but he was good company.

I had just finished my first semester of the MACL program, and my cohort brought a small birthday cake to class just for me. I celebrated my birthday by having a painting party at the Paint Mixer.

I still can't believe that was a year ago.

Here we are, married five months and still so happy just being around one another. How did I get so lucky?

We had dinner at my favorite restaurant with Meredith to celebrate, and I couldn't think of a better way to end my special day.

As I look back on this time last year, I can't believe that I missed the one thing I had been wishing for. Sam was in my life, and I was too chicken to let him play a larger role. Good thing I came to my sense five weeks later and took him off the market! Having him in my life is the best gift I've ever received.

Sam gave me these gorgeous rose gold flower earrings.

Tollhouse Pie, the signature dessert of The Dodo

Best birthday so far!

Baptism, Birthday, and a Baby Blessing

It was quite the eventful weekend for me. Saturday morning was my friend Livvy's baptism. So, I woke up early so that I exercise and still get there on time. It was beautiful. I love this sweet girl, and I faced the possibility of missing her baptism because me car battery died the day before. Nevertheless, I made it, and I'm so happy I did!

Me and Livvy

Her brothers, Jordan and Dylan

It was also Ian's 24th birthday on Saturday, so Sam and I took him to lunch. Ian wanted to go to Sizzler, so we met up and had steak and chicken lunches. Can't believe this punk is 24, it seems like just yesterday we were kids and he followed me everywhere. At least he was obedient ;)

Finally, Baby Addison was blessed on Sunday, so I went to Adam and Beth's ward for Sacrament. I hate to admit it, but I cried twice. Once during the actual blessing, and again when Beth gave her testimony. It was a very emotionally moving weekend.