Merry Happy

I made a simple Wordle (remember those?) noting a few places and favorites of significance to us these past years. I've started a tradition (it's very young) of printing a Wordle of Leone's favorite pastimes and milestones of the year for her birthday (I told you it was young). I thought it would be fun to make one in honor of our third anniversary (which is tomorrow--eek!).

A Little Something

It's that time of year when everyone remembers to count their blessings. I try to write a blessings journal entry once a month, some months I'm better at it than others. This year I decided to try something to liven up my expression of gratitude. Aside from my journal entry and daily prayers I thought it would be fun to let Spencer know how much I appreciate him.   

Lately we seem to have come across a few marriages that are struggling or burnt out. While hearing about these relationships makes us sad for those we love it makes us even more grateful for each other and the blessing that our marriage is in our lives. I often wonder, and I think to do so is natural, what happened? 

While we may never know I realize that an expression of appreciation and respect can go a long way. Spencer and I make a daily effort to thank each other for the big and little things we do for our family...but why not go a little further to really spell it out? No need to wait for Valentine's Day! I made up these little thank you notes and I'm sharing one with Spencer each day this month. I hide them in his lunch, coat, pillow, car...sometimes I give it to him at breakfast. It doesn't matter how he finds the notes as long as he knows! 

Spencer learned yesterday that he has been awarded a research grant for a project he's been wanting to explore. He's anxious to sink his teeth into his research. I'm excited for him and the experience this opportunity will provide!

Tea Parties and Movie Marathons

I started this post Sunday morning...it is now Tuesday evening. Where does time go?

This weekend I had an exciting realization. I am finally at that point in my life where I can begin

to invest in things I enjoy! No I'm not rich but I have a steady income which is such a change from being a poor college student (not that I really ever struggled or starved-thanks to the frequent and generous help of my parents). I remember many a conversation with my mother while I was in school that involved my wishing and dreaming of the day when I wouldn't be in school and I could buy nice art or gear to go adventuring or travel, quilt, read, or learn to paint. My mom was always encouraging and, of course, practical and told me to make a list of the things I want/need (this pertained mostly to camping/backpacking items) and once I'm established I could buy one item from the list each pay check.

This weekend I made my first-big-monumental-eXCiTiNg purchase! Thanks to the Black Diamond Gear Swap (held every 6 months) I am the proud owner of a -20F, down filled, lightly used, standard sized, bright orange sleeping bag/emergency blanket! YEAH!! The gear swap starts before the sun even has a chance to rise. Cars (mainly Subarus and Toyota Forerunners) line the neighborhood streets and the Black Diamond parking lot is roped off bursting at the seams with cars, tail ends facing in, trunks popped open, and people selling or browsing their gear. You can find everything from skis and snowboards, hats and coats, shirts and shoes, rock climbing equipment, tents....basically if it has to do with being outside it's there! I wanted to take pictures,I even brought my camera in case we decided to go up Millcreek Canyon. Luckily I left it in the car because about two hours into the swap it started pouring buckets of cold rain. But, not before I was able to purchase this beauty:

(Yes I slept in my sleeping bag Saturday night and I was blissfully warm the whole night through...in fact, maybe I'll sleep in it again tonight).

Spencer and I spent the rest of Saturday sitting in our sleeping bags in his basement watching movies. It was a barrel of fun! After the first movie we did take a short intermission to go outside to jump on the trampoline and run around while there was a break in the rain. Yet again we successfully managed to spend an entire day together (the Lord loves us)!

Friday night was full or Halloween fun! Randi, my friends from Relief Society, and I had a Witch's Tea Party (complete with pumpkin soup, Hallo-wieners (mini corn dogs), chocolate and caramel covered apples, and lots of other seasonal goodies). We dressed as witches (neither Randi or I had hats but we made due) and then we traveled in caravan style to Gardener Village for their Withes Night Out. You have to love an excuse to get dressed up and look absolutely ridiculous (although I ended up looking like a stylish librarian...go figure):

Wardrobe malfunction! (Eva do you recognize my glasses?)

Always a good time!

There are so many pictures of fun that I want to share but blogger is acting funny and it's taking me forever to upload and arrange my pictures so perhaps I'll post more another time.