'Twas a Happy Birthday

This year marked the beginning of my 28th year. To celebrate, a Pre-Birthday, Birthday dinner, and Post-Birthday dinner were enjoyed with friends and family.

Monday night, Joseanne and Stef prepared a delicious taco salad dinner to share with Conz and Brandon, Brock and I. Then after home evening at my bishop's home, we all reconvened with Andrew, Rach and Kai at their home for cupcakes and wassail. Conz made themed cupcakes that wowed us all (pics coming from Brock's camera). There were ferocious sharks, squishy octopi, lifeguard rings and more. I have such thoughtful and kind friends and family.

Wednesday, the actual birthday, Brock prepared a delicious shrimp "Ratatouille" (that's what I like to call it) and gourmet green beans for dinner. Dinner was then followed by divine homemade lime custard made with fresh squeezed limes. He then surprised me with a trip to the ice skating rink. I love to ice skate in the winter, and it was even more fun with Brock. The night was not over after ice skating... Dad had come in town earlier in the day, so we got to drive up to the Skeen home where we visited with Dad, Andrew and Rach for a bit before it got too late. It was a very good birthday. I am a very lucky girl.

Thursday, post-birthday, Dad took us all (the Skeens, Brock and I) out to dinner at Carrabba's Italian Grill. Dad and I both enjoyed a ginormous plate of lobster linguine. Everyone's dishes were delish. Then we went for ice cream at Cold Stone and let Kai run around the mall for a bit. It was really nice to get to have dad here to celebrate this year- it's been some time since he's been in the same state on my birthday!

In all, it was a GRAND start to my 28th year. I am most grateful for good parents who gave me life and provided a loving home to grow in, super siblings who are examples and so fun to have as forever friends, many dear friends of past and present who so thoughtfully remembered me with a phone call or digital message, and an incredible boyfriend who continues to bring even more joy into my life. It's great to be 28!

Take a Hike, a First, and a Visit

Hike: In early November, we had some random blissfully warm days and we hiked to the Y! Not only was a nice evening with short-sleeve temperatures, but we enjoyed an amazing sunset over Utah lake.

First: Brock's ward had a chili cook-off, so we entered with some White Chicken Chili. The best part was testing it until we got the spicy and cream balance just right. It must have been a good balance, because our chili took 1st place!!! Our prize was party poppers.

Visit: DeEtte came to town! Her job requires that she make occasional trips to Salt Lake City, and this time, though her trip was extremely compact, she made a point to come visit me! She is such a dear friend. It was a privilege to spend some time with her.

Not the Hair!!!

The eve of Brock's haircut, Joseanne and I had the honor of straightening his hair. It really was supposed to be a favor for the hair stylist, but she has other magic techniques.

What do you think?

I like the curls :)

Happy it's in the past

A lot has been happening on this home front...

Last month (wow. yes. it's been that long), Brock got pretty sick... we thought it was just a bad cold or strep... then there was vomiting, so we thought it was the flu... then he ended up in the ER, and we learned it was a more serious infection from there.

We are grateful he is feeling much better than this now! Thank you for the prayers in his behalf. Really.

After a day at the hospital, Rach and Andrew had us over for dinner, along with our dear friend, Ann. We love spending time with them!

Happy Halloween!

Just in time for trick-or-treating, we spent the eve of Halloween with Kaili, Andrew and Rachel. Kaili was an adorably energetic and giggly lady bug this year. She knows a lot about candy for a 21-month-old! She loves it.

Andrew and Rachel were heroic ninjas, taking her to more than 6 houses after only planning on 3! After trick-or-treating, Brock and Rach made incredible homemade carmel that we dipped apples in. Gourmet goodness. Don't hesitate to beg Rach for the recipe. Your life will improve by at least 10 points.

On Halloween day, Joseanne, Steph and I made Dinner-in-a-Pumpkin and had Brock and his roommates over for a costume-by-name evening meal. The pumpkin and goolash were tasty. I think I will make this a tradition.