Gingerbread Houses

Monday night Nate and I invited a couple in our ward over to decorate gingerbread houses. For weeks we have been talking about inviting a couple over for an FHE activity, and we finally did something about it. We did the gingerbread houses the old fashioned way-from scratch. This was a first for me and I was nervous but I think they turned out well.



We had a great time decorating and socializing with the other couple in our ward. Our house is on the left. I think they both look great!

Dumpster Diving

As part of our assignment on the ward activites committee, we were asked to be in charge of planning the program for the Christmas party. We decided that were were going to decorate the stage like a family room and have a grandparent read some Christmas stories to the children. We made arrangements for a Christmas tree, armchair, end table and lamp; but there was something missing. We needed a mantle to hang stockings!

We went on a quest for the perfect box, but we were struggling. While looking at the options at Home Depot we asked an employee if they had any used boxes in the back. They didn't, but he suggested that we try the dumpster at Pier 1. We did, and found the ultimate box cache.

We found the perfect box seconds before the rent-a-cop pulled up and we took our treasure home to create the perfect stage prop.

I think it turned out pretty well.

We Bleed Purple - SF Style

A week and a half ago my family came out to visit us! Eric and Maren came on Friday and spent the night on our floor, then we were met by my Dad, Mom, Grandpa and Grandma on Saturday morning. It was fun to drive through the city and listen to my Grandma point out all of "the homeless."

The official purpose of the visit was to see the Weber State Wildcats play the University of San Francisco Dons. We all got decked out in purple and went to the game on Saturday afternoon. Unfortunately the Cats lost, but it was fun anyway. We ended the evening with dinner at Scoma's, and since it was on Dad's dime we splurged and ordered oysters. They weren't half bad with enough horseradish on them.

The short visit ended Sunday afternoon with a great meal cooked by Jaime. It was fun to have some visitors and do some sightseeing with the family.

Birthday Wishes

Today is a significant birthday in the life of someone significant to me - my mom. I won't say how old she is turning but she is considered a grandma to three of my nephews. However, I do have to say my litle sister keeps her energetic and young.

My mom is an amazing person and has been a great mom. She has instilled many values in my siblings and me. I think I can speak for us all: WE LOVE YOU MOM!!!

Remember the Day....

Last week Nate and I finally received the disk that contains the photos from our wedding day. After going through nearly 1,700 photos, I just couldn't pass up the opportunity to share the photos on our blog. I tried to keep the ones I posted to a minimum but narrowing it down from 1,700 was a challenge for me.

As I was looking through the photos, I was struck by awe at how beautiful the flowers were. Our florist, Lori Tolbert, did an amazing job!

Brunch and Temple

Reception

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree!

"O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree; Much pleasure thou canst give me!" Last night Nate and I went to find our 1st Christmas Tree. Up until now, December hasn't felt too much like Christmas with the weather in the 50's and no snow. Picking the perfect tree was a tough one. We went to the local Trader Joe's and after looking through every tree found the PERFECT one, not only because it was the perfect size for our apartment but also fit within our budget. (Okay, there really weren't too many to choose from.) We then spent the rest of the evening decorating it.



Afterwards, we opened our first Christmas present! Last weekend my parents gave us a gift saying we could open it whenever we wanted. Then almost every day I have talked to my mom since (which is everyday), she has asked if we've opened it yet. To my delight, it was a nativity set! Now we have two Christmas decorations in our apartment: the Christmas tree and the nativity!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

LA, Baby!

Jaime and I took a little road trip this past weekend down to Southern California to see baby Isaac Bryce Callister. It was a great trip for a few reasons:

1. we met Issac for the first time
2. we got to be with Jessica and Bryce
3. we hung out with Christian, my college roommate
4. Jaime delayed receiving a calling for another week

Christian moved to LA in June to become a Commercial Real Estate Broker. As it turns out he is a good host. He graciously opened his studio apartment and gave Jaime and me his bed for the weekend. Saturday morning he woke up early and made us breakfast then showed us the hot spots in Santa Monica.

Us with Christian at the Farmers Market on the 3rd St. Promenade in Santa Monica

Santa Monica Pier

The rest of the weekend we spent with Jaime's family taking turns holding the baby. Sunday Isaac was blessed and we had a nice picnic in the park. It was a beautiful day. Unfortunately the weekend flew by and before we knew it we were on the road back home.

Jaime with Issac - Notice how peaceful he looks

Another picture with Isaac - this time not so peaceful.
I like to think that he was hungry and it has nothing to do with the person holding him