Christmas

This year we went to Arizona to spend Christmas with my family. It was a short visit. But worth every minute.

Me, Mom, Reese, and Raegan.

My sweet Husband!

Our Family (minus Josh). Molly, Mom, Justin, Krystal, and Hannah.

Mom & Molly

Happy 27 to me!

Justin & Hannah

Our Christmas Picture.

Playing Games

Us!

Bennett Family Christmas

This year Justin and I went to Arizona for Christmas. So we celebrated Christmas a few days early with the Bennetts. Below are our family pictures.

Logan

Uncle Justin helping Logan put his cars and tracks together.

Katie

Dad, Brett, Julianne, Brayton, and Nathan.

Mom, Dad, Brett, and Nate.



Nate, Krystal & Justin

My Birthday Cake!

Nate & Brayton

Temple Square

This year we went to Temple Square with the Savages. It was at Temple Square, the week before Christmas, that Justin and I met 2 years ago. Nicole set us up. We can't thank her enough!

Christmas Tree in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building

Our friends, the Savages.

Us! Merry Christmas.

Our Gift to Eachother

This year for Christmas, Justin and I bought eachother new bedroom furniture. We upgraded from our 'lil queen bed', to our 'ginormous King bed'. We love it. We got one of those fancy beds that make you feel like you're sleeping in the clouds. Our bed set included a dresser/mirror combo, night stand, and bed frame. Merry Christmas Love!!

Happy Birthday Brett

Happy 27th Birthday Brett!!

Brett is Justin's younger brother. Him and I are only 3 weeks apart. He's always getting after me for not mentioning his name in my blog. SO -  Here you are!! A blog dedicated entirely to you. Thanks for sharing your birthday with us. We had a great time. Happy Birthday!

Brett on far right     -------->

Thanksgiving

ThanksGiving dinner with the Bennetts.

Justin, Krystal, Ted and Molly

Krystal & Brayton

Grandpa Thompsen & Julianne

Molly & Nate

Grandpa Thompsen

Justin...hanging the Christmas lights.

Logan...helping Uncle Justin.

Justin, Brett & Logan builing with Leggos.

Ted, Molly & Katie

Grandpa Thompsen, Brayton, and Julianne

Logan & Brett

Giving Thanks

November 23rd: Today I am thankful for my boss. I'm so blessed that have a boss who understands the importance of family. I'm grateful for the way he treats his employees. I'm especially grateful for his generosity and deciding to give us Thursday and Friday as paid holidays. Yahoo!!

Giving Thanks

November 22nd: I'm grateful for my limbs. I'm grateful that I have the opportunity to walk and move on my own. And especially for the ability to exercise. As much as I complain...I'm truly grateful for that gift in my life.

Giving Thanks

November 21st: I'm grateful that this is a short week at work and I'm grateful that I get to see my baby sister on Thanksgiving.

Giving Thanks

November 20th: I'm grateful today is Sunday. I'm thankful that we have weekends to relax, regroup, and get ready to start a new and fresh week.

Giving Thanks

November 19th: I am grateful for the time I spent with Justin last night, sitting in the dark, watching the snow fall outside. I'm grateful for the beautiful snow, that makes the world look clean again. And I'm especially grateful for hot chocolate (the kind with mini marshmallows).

Giving Thanks

November 18th: Today I am grateful for those peaceful, quiet moments in life when you get to think and contemplate.

Giving Thanks

November 17th: Today I am grateful for the beautiful fall leaves. I love driving to work and seeing all of the yellow/orange/red leaves. They are falling so fast to the ground. There are not very many left. But I am still glad that I got to enjoy them while they were here.

Giving Thanks

November 16th: Today I am thankful for technology. I am so glad we live in a time where long distance is only a few dials away. I'm grateful that we can post pictures and stories and call family and friends on the phone.

Giving Thanks

November 15th: Iam grateful today for my friends. I'm thankful for the influences that some have had on my life. I'm grateful for their shoulder to cry on and their listening ears. I'm especially grateful for their willingness to celebrate with fun and good food. I love you all!!

Giving Thanks

November 14th: I'm am thankful for my sister, Hannah. Today is her 24th Birthday. HOLY COW!!! That makes me feel SO OLD. I'm am so grateful for her sweet spirit. Hannah has always been the quiet, gentle, peacemaker in our home. (most of the time) I am so proud of Hannah and the obstacles that she has over come. She has truly been an inspiration in our family. I'm am so proud of the woman that she has become. I'm so excited and happy for her that she is enjoying her educational journey. Hannah - I love you!! Thank you for all that you are. XOXO

Giving Thanks

November 13th: I'm am grateful to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I am truly blessed to have the gospel of Jesus Christ in my life. I'm thankful for the joy and happiness that it brings to my life.

Giving Thanks

November 12th: I'm thankful for Friday night dates with my Husband. Whether we go to dinner, a movie, or get an ice cream...it's always wonderful to get out and spend time with one another. I love Justin for making our Friday night dates a priority in our marriage.

Giving Thanks

I have A LOT to be thankful for in my life. I just haven't been very good about expressing it lately. I've been reading through my blogging friends and LOVE the idea of one "Thankful" for every day of the month of November. I have a few days to catch up on. So here they go.

November 1st: My AMAZING Husband. He is so good to me and is always there to support me. I love him so very much and I am so greatful to have him by my side, for eternity.

November 2nd: My Mom. She has always been my cheerleader. And I love her for it.

November 3rd: Siblings. I have 3 wonderful siblings. I miss them terribly. And although we're all spread far apart, it's so nice to always have someone to call and talk to. 

November 4th. In-laws. I have wonderful in-laws. Justin's parents are a blessing. They have allowed us to live with them so that we can save for and start building our home this upcoming year. And his siblings are so much fun to be around.

November 5th: Nephews (and soon to be Niece) Justin and I have SO MUCH fun playing with our nephews. We are so blessed that they live so close and we can see them so often. And we cannot wait for our new little niece to be born in March.

November 6th: Our Jobs. We have truly been blessed with great jobs that allow us to provide for our needs (and our wants). And although we don't always love getting up and going to work, we are grateful that we have work to go to. I have amazing bosses and co-workers. I love my work friendships.

November 7th: Temples. I am SO THANKFUL to live where there are Temples so close. I love going to the temple. And I am thankful for the opportunity to serve.

November 8th: Holidays. I love the Holiday season. I love spending time with family. Snuggling up with Justin and watching movies. Drinking hot chocolate. Listening to Christmas music. Watching the snow from the comfort of a warm blanket.

November 9th: Modern Medicine. I am so so thankful for doctors and medicine. I appreciate all of the time and energy they have put into research and learning, so that it can benefit our lives. I'm especially grateful for my Doctor and his willingness to help me with my health.

November 10th: Kissing. I know...gag, gross, blah, ugh.....WHATEVER!! You know you are ALL grateful for this wonderful expression of love. I am so blessed to start and end each of my days with a kiss from my sweet husband.



November 11th: Today I am SO SO SO Thankful that I am done with my treatments. I'm so thankful I get to stop taking my "crazy pills". I'm so thankful that we had good news at the doctor and I am on my way to being better. (and hopefully on our way to FINALLY getting pregnant again)

First Fish

We went fishing today with Justin's family. We drove up to Trial Lake in the High Uintas. It was a GORGOUS drive. I love the leaves in the fall. The Mountains glowed with Yellow, Orange, and Red leaves. I just wanted to stay all day and soak it in.
We've been fishing a lot this summer. But to date, Justin had only caught 2 fish. And I have never caught a fish in my life. But I have been a trooper this year. Justin bought us both fishing license and he got me a cute pink/black fishing pole. And I (try) to sit there so patiently. Which is NOT my strong point. So today, we get to the lake, eat some lunch, sip some hot chocolate (it was freezing) and cast our first line. We had only been fishing for about 20 minutes when I start to feel something tugging on my line. I wasn't sure what was happening. I think I was in shock. I looked up at Justin and shouted "Umm...I think I might have a fish". Sure enough...I did. I reeled it in. It was more of a struggle than I thought it would be. At the end of my line...was a cute little rainbow trout. I didn't know what to do with it. I made Justin come over and help me. He told me that in order to be a true fisherman/fisherwoman, I had to kiss my first fish. SO...I puckered up and gave that slimey sucker a kiss. GROSS!!! Justin then helped the poor guy get off my hook. (we only do catch/release fishing, beings neither of us eat fish) Justin then put him back in the water, gave him a little nudge, and he was off. It was exciting. I never thought I would enjoy fishing, but I do. I enjoy sitting there and looking at the scenery. I also enjoy talking to Justin while we fish. I know it annoys him (he'd rather fish alone). But he's a good sport and talks to me too.
Justin caught 4 fish today!! My father in law caught 2 fish (I didn't catch his on camera.) And Nathan caught one. We would have probably caught more...but it started SNOWING on us. We packed up and came home. It was an enjoyable day in the Mountains.

Happy Anniversary!

Happy Anniversary to me and my sweet husband! For our anniversary we spent the weekend in Park City. Justin has spent the entire week in Texas and didn't fly in until early (3am) Saturday morning. We drove straight up to Park City and checked into our GORGEOUS hotel. We had an amazing suite at one of the Ski Resorts. We had a fabulous view and our own hot tub on our balcony. We spent Saturday shopping at the outlets and relaxing. It was the perfect weekend away!

I CANNOT believe that it's already been a year. Time has flown by. It has been a fabulous year. There were so many happy times, and a few sad times. But I'm so blessed to have had Justin by my side. Justin is seriously the best husband. He is more than I could have ever hoped and prayed for. He is truly my best friend. He is always making me laugh. I've never laughed more in my life than I have with him. He is so hardworking. He makes so many sacrifices on behalf of our family. He is so good. He has a loving heart. He is the best listener in the world. Even when he doesn't want to listen and even when I don't think he's listening....he does. Thank you Justin, for being my Husband. Thank you for our wonderful life. Thank you for making me happy. I love you more than anything. I cannot wait to see what the rest of our lives have in store. xoxo

Then....09/17/2010

Now....09/17/2011

Justin's new Cheers hat, I bought him for our anniversary.

Sad Day

Today is the one year anniversary of my Dad's death. I cannot believe that it's been a year already. I'm so greatful that he did not have to suffer anymore in this life. But I am still so terribly sad that he is gone. Sometimes, it just doesn't seem real. I still find myself wanting to call him when I have news to share. And especially when I need directions. My Dad was the best with directions. I could call him from any state and he would know exactly where I was and what roads I needed to take, in order to get to my destination. I miss my Dad a lot. I wish he was still here. I wish he could have met Justin and been at my wedding. And I wish he was still here for all of the adventures in life, left to come. But I know that he is happy and healthy now. Love you Dad.

7/6/1954 - 9/7/2010

SURPRISE!!!

May I just say that Justin is seriously the most amazing and thoughtful husband. He is so good to me and is willing to put up with so much. The last couple of months I've been taking some medication that messes with my hormones. And let me just say.......THEY MAKE ME SERIOUSLY CRAZY! My emotions are off the scale. And Justin has been such a trooper. Needless to say...I was in need of some good "mommy time". So Justin surprised me, by buying us plane tickets to see my Mom.
We decided not to tell my Mom that we were coming to visit. We flew into Phoenix on Friday night, got a rental car, and drove to Snowflake. We arrived at 1am. I walked to my Mom's front porch and called her on my cell phone. I told her there was a surprise package for her on her front porch. (Side Note: If you ever need your mom to buy a really stupid story, try telling it  to her at 1am. She'll believe anything.) So - My Mom walks to her front door, opens it up, and SURPRISE!!!!! There I am on her front porch. She screamed, she cried, she laughed, she asked what was wrong. After explaining that nothing is wrong, we just came to see her...it was a fun and joyous reunion. It was seriously the best surprise I have ever given.
We spent the 3 day weekend with my Mom. Beings she wasn't expecting us, there were no busy plans in store. It was so nice to just relax and talk and be together.  Thank you Mom, for letting us barge in on your weekend!

Reese & Raegan made Justin's hair SO PRETTY!

Mohawk of Flowers (he's a good sport!)

Raegan informed me, that I was no longer her favorite cousin. I have to share my number one slot with Justin.

Mommy & Me

Reese told me it was her birthday and that we should make cookies, so we did. (even though it was not her birthday, silly girl)

We love chocolate chip cookies!!

Camping

We went camping last weekend with our friends Kole and Nicole. I thought we would be 'roughing it'. But as it turned out, we stayed in camping trailers, with running water and air conditioning. But we had fun! We only went up for one night. We played lots of games and ate good food. We went on a long drive in the Ranger. Long because...well, we got lost for a while. But, no fear! We eventually found our way back to camp. During our adventure, we found a rope swing. We stopped and played for a while. It was so fun. But we ended up with some rope burn. We also found a beautiful look-out that overlooked the entire Valley. It was fun to be up there with friends and to enjoy the fresh air.