Lunchtime Date

Chris took the time to pack us lunch this morning but alas, we both forgot it. I asked him out on a lunch "date" and was waiting for him with a fake paper rose in front of where we were going to meet. We had a gourmet meal from Taco Bell and topped it off with a hot fudge sundae for two from Sugar and Spice. Chris wore his rose in the lapel of his pea coat the rest of the day (slightly dorky but totally adorable) and aced his test. I'm glad we forgot our lunch :)

Snapshot Moments

Do you ever have those moments where you feel like everything is just as it should be? Tonight sitting on the couch cuddled up with my bestie watching one of our favorite shows, eating chicken skewers and rice in our cozy little apartment felt like one of those times. We had an hour of time together and it was such simple bliss. I just love snapshot moments.

There's So Much To Be Thankful For...

This thanksgiving break was spent with the Bells at their house in Park City. As always it was a fun and food-filled week! Chris and I say everyday how blessed we are with such amazing families. I married the best husband with the best family--what a lucky girl I am!

Monday: I had a peanut allergy diet instruction and Chris had a physiology test to take. We celebrated success with a family dinner at the Cheesecake Factory (Chris got his Chipotle Chicken Pasta fix) and shopping at the new H&M--happy day!! The goodies I was able to get will not come out again til Santa returns them on Christmas morning.

Tuesday: After a hectic day of work in the TA office I went home to a clean house (compliment of my sweetie), watched some HGTV while Chris studied for the DAT, took a quick nap and then we packed up! After a delicious dinner at Zupa's (mushroom bisque...mmmmm) we went to Breaking Dawn and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised! Chris even admitted to kind of liking it :) Michael was introduced to to the Cocoa Bean and I indulged in my White Satin drink.

Wednesday: Kneaders. Skiing at Park City. Tucanos. Everyone flew in. Can you say super-stuffed and crazy house?

Pre-Thanksgiving Preparation

Thursday: Happy Thanksgiving!!  I made my first homemade apple pie (dad's recipe) and Ruth's Chris Sweet Potatoes (AMAZING!!) and finally got my pretty table setting complete with homemade hurricanes from the dollar store and epoxy glue from Home Depot. The turkey was the most beautiful thing I've ever seen and the rolls from Kneaders were the yummiest thing ever. 

All the girls watched "Sarah's Key" and cried our eyes out while the boys played Chris's new game that lasted for FIVE HOURS. We burned all of our Thanksgiving dinner calories off by playing "Just Dance 2" for a few hours, definitely some fun times and silly moves. Rook capped off the night and the girls prepped for Black Friday shopping at the outlets and Fashion Place Mall.

The Bell Family Dance-Off

 

I don't think Rob could have anymore electronics in front of him: 2 smart phones and an ipad--all to watch his 49ers play.

Friday: My sister-in-law Christine and I woke up at 4:00 a.m. to head down to Fashion Place mall and hit the outlets on the way back. It was the most relaxing Black Friday shopping experience I've ever had. None of the stores were crowded, no long lines, and still got the great deals on everything we wanted! 

We got back and changed into our ski gear and drove to the Canyons for their opening day. It was a cold day with lots of wind but I got to try out my brand new babies and LOVED them! They were so sturdy and easy to edge on. The new chair lift with heated seats and a bubble that comes down over the top made the weather bearable. Luckily we also had the hot tub waiting for us at home to de-frost in. I could get used to having one of those!

 

Did I mention Sherrie had us all take family pictures in Mitt Romney t-shirts for the Christmas card? To say she is his biggest supporter would be a huge understatement.

Saturday: Rob, Christine and Robert, and Chris and I went out to Cole Sport to check out boots and ski jackets. I found my dream ski jacket for the "low" price of $1200 (I need to remember Toni Sailer Nathalie Fur Parka for when I win the lottery) and the matching pants were only $600. They sure were beautiful though. The boys played a game of football and Chris worked on the bibliography for another research paper him and his dad are submitting to be published. It was a beautiful and relaxing day until everyone took off later that afternoon. So sad to see everything come to an end.

On the happy flip-side Chris and I stayed an extra night at the house and grabbed some dinner at our favorite Asian grill. They have miso soup for $2.50 and spicy crab rolls for $5.00--totally delicious to the tummy and the wallet. We rented a movie and had a nice relaxing night just the two of us and some delicious hot chocolate. 

It was fun to pretend like we actually had our own big, beautiful house. Ahhh someday... but for today I'm just happy to get back to our cute little apartment all decorated for Christmas!

 Did I mention that I have so incredibly much to be thankful for? This is one of my favorite quotes from a real, latter-day prophet:

"This is a wonderful time to be living here on earth. Our opportunities are limitless. While there are some things wrong in the world today, there are many things right, such as teachers who teach, ministers who minister, marriages that make it, parents who sacrifice, and friends who help. "We can lift ourselves, and others as well, when we refuse to remain in the realm of negative thought and cultivate within our hearts an attitude of gratitude. If ingratitude be numbered among the serious sins, then gratitude takes its place among the noblest of virtues."
--Thomas S. Monson

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!