East Coast Storm

Last night a snow storm hit the area and it's a big one. We have about 2 feet of snow outside and it's still snowing. The movie theaters, shops, grocery stores, airports are pretty much all shut down. Let's hope the heat doesn't go out and that we are able to fly out of Wednesday. In the meantime we are enjoying the warmth of our home, each other, and the beautiful weather outside.

We went outside earlier to dig out are car and took some pictures.

Happy B-Day to the Twins

Kim and Katie turned 18 the other day. I still can't believe it, I met them when they were only in the 8th grade! We celebrated by going out to dinner, just the girls. (Peter was studying for finals.) I'm excited to see the women they become over the next few years.

Ok fine...

I'll tell you why I quit. I've been wanting to move on for some time now. I feel like there is something out there that will allow me to use my skills and education more than I have been. I want to make more of a direct difference in peoples lives. I want to stretch and grow in different ways and so it was time to move on. I don't have another job lined up yet, but I am hopeful. I felt really good about my decision so I am trusting that there will be something great out there for me. In the meantime (after Jan. 8th) I'll spend lots of time applying for jobs and relaxing. Maybe I'll even get around to cleaning my house and visiting some new museums.

I quit my job

Yikes!

When I got home from work

we lit a fire, then I grabbed my pillows and blanket, and took a nap. I took a nap right there on the floor in front of the fire. It was heavenly. I'm so grateful to have a home and warm home at that. I've been thinking a lot about it lately, but there are so many who don't have the comforts of a warm, secure, nice home, let alone those that don't even have homes. I'm grateful for mine, especially yesterday as I napped in front of the fireplace.

The Perfect Saturday

Today we had our first snow fall here in Northern Virginia. While the weather said it may snow this Saturday, I didn't actually think it was going to snow the entire day. We woke up to a beautiful white blizzard and it continued all day long. Luckily we didn't have anything we had to do and so we STAYED HOME ALL DAY LONG. We lit a log in the fireplace and watched college football all day. That's right! Today was a big day in college football and we pretty much enjoyed the whole thing. In between games Peter studied and I took some naps. That's right, it was a lazy Saturday where my husband and I stayed inside, cuddled by the fire, and watch college football. It was pretty close to a perfect Saturday.

1000 Points

Last night Kim Bell scored her career 1000th point! Can you believe it? And she still has her whole senior season to go. This girl is good and I'm glad we were there to celebrate this accomplishment.

Thanksgiving Weekend

We spent Thanksgiving weekend in good 'ol Utah. It was a family packed weekend as both of our families were out there. We started off Thanksgiving weekend with a Turkey Trot in Midway, UT, then some football with the locals before we had dinner with my family. We then quickly (without helping with dishes, sorry Mom) took of to Aunt Pam's (Peter's aunt) for a second meal with Peter's family. Lots of extended family was in town and we had a great time chatting. And of course, Peter had to wrestle with his nephews.
Friday was full of games with the family, including a Green and Bell family wiffle ball game. That night we went to the BYU Football fireside and Cafe Rio. It was great to see the players and coaches in another environment and get a glimpse of Coach Mendenhall's vision. The night ended around 2am when we were finally too tired to play any more card games.

Saturday was all about the BYU vs. U.of.U football game. Peter's brother is on the team and so the whole family made it out for the game. We had signs and all, ready to cheer Jeff on. It is always so fun to be at a college football game, especially your Alma mater. The game was intense but the Cougs pulled out a win. After the game the seniors were honored, we are so proud of Jeff! We ended the night with dinner out with lots of family.Church on Sunday was especially great. A returned missionary game one of the most inspiring talks I've ever heard and then Elder Holland shared his testimony to end the meeting. We had dinner with both our families together before taking off to come home.

Although we were both extremely exhausted when we got home and have been recovering all week, it was so great. We had so much fun with our families and loved getting to know Josh and Jeff's girlfriends. We are both so grateful for our families and the great love and fun we are able to share with them. Thanks to both of our parents for all they did to make it a great weekend.

Day 10: Shari

I was lucky enough to meet Shari many years ago in Portland, Oregon. We were assigned to be missionary companions for 6 weeks. You know how there are some people that you just know you were meant to meet? Well Shari is one of those people for me. We instantly hit it off and worked together so well. We got along great, we had so much fun together, we were successful in our teaching and created great relationships with the people in the area.

Shari has a way of making others around her happy. It's instant too! Her unwavering faith and independence is powerful. She treats everyone like they are her most favorite person and she's 100% genuine about it. She has a great work ethic and desire to be devoted to her beliefs.

I am grateful for the friendship we created long ago. Although I never get to see her, I look back at those times and instantly smile. She has changed me, who I want to be, and who I know I can be. I believe it was her birthday last week too. So Shari, thanks for all you have taught me, Happy Birthday!

Day 9: Meg

I'm grateful for my friend Meg. It was her birthday last night and we celebrated with dinner at Cosi, seeing New Moon, followed by Cherry Chip Cake at her place. It was really fun to get together with friends and enjoy girly things.

Meg is another one of those girls that is very considerate. She always checks in to see how everyone is doing and seems to remember names and details about people so well. I'm impressed by how out going she is, she's always making friends and planning the next get together. Did I mention she's the friend who also does my hair? Well she does and I love it! I love being able to get together and chat too while getting my hair done.

Meg has a great way of handling hard things. She's always smiling and relying on her faith. She's brave in that regard and I really admire it. We've been able to share some similar pains over the last year and it's really be so great to have someone like her to share some of it with.

Sorry I stole this picture of you Meg off of your blog, but I think you look darling in it. I'm grateful for you very much and hope you had a great birthday.

Day 8: Corie

Apparently I'm really bad at keeping up this whole "I'm grateful for..." thing I've been trying to do. I'm actually kind of sad about it because it's a great idea. I'm just too much of a slacker to actually get it done. Does that prove how grateful I actually am? I hope not.

Anyway, today I am grateful for my friend Corie. Corie is funny and always looking out for others. She always wants to make sure that everyone is taken care of and that no one is offended or left out. As a result, she always makes sure I'm okay and checks in to see if there is anything I need. She's always willing to discuss with me anything good or bad that's going on in my life. Another thing I really admire about Corie is that she always wants to do what's right. She has a genuine desire to be a good person and make right choices in her life. We all need examples that her!

It was Corie's birthday this last week. We babysat their newborn so her and her husband could go out on a hot date, just the two of them. When they returned we celebrated with a variety of Weight Watcher desserts (she's trying to loose the baby weight, and I was trying to be supportive).

I'm grateful to have Corie as a friend and to share the joys of being married to medical students together. I hope there will be lots more fun in the future.

Kim is going to be a Wolverine

Kim (Peter's sister) was offered a full ride scholarship to Utah Valley University to play basketball for next year. We are so proud of her! She has put in a lot of hard work over the years. Yesterday she signed her National Letter of Intent at school with her friends, family, school faculty, and the local newspaper. It was really neat seeing how excited everyone was and to see such hard work receive such a great reward.
We are excited to be able to go watch her play in the future. Peter is especially excited to have to purchase UVU apparel in the future.

Busch Gardens Weekend

I mentioned previously that we went to Busch Gardens in Williamsburg for Halloween this year. It's such a beautiful park nestled in the lush trees of Williamsburg. We went with our friends Chris and Leigh and had a great time. The rides were amazing and the decor and haunted houses for Halloween were so good. I think this most definitely needs to be a annual trip.

Day 7: Shwa

This is my little brother, Shwa (Josh). I am grateful he is my brother. I'm grateful for the example of honesty, humility, and spirituality he has provided. He is so darling and doesn't even know it. He's one of those boys that lots of girls have crushes on and he is clueless that anyone has ever had a crush on him.

I admire most about my brother his desire to do what is right. He has great faith and tries always to follow promptings he receives from Above. He takes seriously the scriptures and the teachings of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

He loves his family, supports others, and is always up for playing games. He shows his love for me most often by putting his arm around me or trying to wrestle me! He has a way of making people around him happy. He has an eye for seeking out someone in need and loving them as if he's always known them. And he can always cheer me up with a Ricky Martin impersonation. It's unreal!

Day 6: PETER

I, of course, am very grateful for my husband. He is funny and smart and sensitive. He has provided me with so much love and comfort over the last few years I have known him. I will say, he is more loving, supportive, and kind than I ever knew he was when I married him.

I am grateful that he supports me, thinks I'm funny, and doesn't think I'm (too) crazy. This week he has taken especially good care of me, which even included the sweetest love note he has ever given me. He expects excellence of everyone and always tries to improve himself, which I love! He is one of those people that others gravitate to and easily befriend. He's witty and fun and I love him.

Cheers to Peter!

Day 5: My Primary Class

Each Sunday I have the pleasure to teach the 5 and 6 year olds at church. I love the two hours I get to spend with them, even if it's difficult sometimes. I am grateful for how loving them are to me. I am always greeted by a huge hug and smile every week. They constantly compliment me on a new dress or earrings, my shoes, you name it (6 year old girls are easy to impress).

These kids always have something funny to stay and constantly want to share some joke or story they learned the week before. I just love it. I'm always so proud whenever they know the answers to questions or remember things we learned the week before.

I am grateful for the spirit I feel with them and the simplistic perspective on life they remind me of. As I prepare the lessons to teach them I am also reminded of the simple doctrines of the gospel of Jesus Christ and how what we need to do to be happy is clearly laid out for us.

I love these kids!

The Counter

This weekend was pretty low key for Peter and I. Friday night we went to a new restaurant near our home called The Counter. We had a buy 1 get 1 free coupon and so of course we had to try it out. I had the following:

GREEK INSPIRED LAMB BURGER With Roasted Red Pepper Feta Cheese, Fried Pepperoncinis, Bermuda Red Onion, Tomatoes and Mixed Baby Greens, Served on a Hamburger Bun with Tzatziki Sauce. Peter loved his burger too.

It was so good! We also got sweet potato fries with a horseradish sauce. Yum! Then we snuggled up to the fire and watched a movie.

Saturday was spent studying, primary activity, basketball, and BYU football.

Sunday was the primary program at church at it was so darling. I was so proud of the 5 and 6 year olds that I teach, they each had their parts memorized and were so cute. Between pulling them out from under the piano, keeping them quiet, trying to get them to sing and smile, and blocking them from pressing the keys on the piano throughout the whole meeting, I got a real workout. It was totally worth it though!

Day 4: And of course, Halie

This is my other niece Halie. I am grateful for Halie because she is my partner in crime. She's always the one dancing in the car with me or asking for me to do her makeup. She always laughs at my jokes too, how could I not love that?!

Halie is very smart, perceptive, and inquisitive. I really admire those qualities about her, especially for someone her age. She's always been considerate of those around her and sensitive of other people's feelings. She is brave enough to tell someone that they look cute or she likes their outfit, even if it isn't someone she knows. I love that.

Halie has provided me with lots of laughs, unconditional love, support, sass, and fun throughout her life. I'm grateful to have a friend like her forever.

Day 3: My little Lucy

I'm grateful for my nieces, they are two of the most adorable girls, but today, I'd like to talk about Lucy. This girl is an absolute crack up. She always has some joke, story, comment, or dance to share that will make you laugh. Her and her sister always make me laugh and can always put me in a good mood.

Lucy is independent and doesn't really care what other people think, which is amazing for someone her age. She inherited my eyebrows and so I feel a special kinship with her. You see, all growing up I had kind of crazy eyebrows that grew every direction. My sister called them bulldog eyebrows! Now a days I put great efforts into controlling them, but whenever I see Lucy, she brings me back to the good ol' days.

I am grateful for the joy and love that Lucy has brought to me...... and to her mother. Some people are special gifts from God and she is definitely one of them.

Briar Woods Wins

Last night we went to Kim's volleyball game, the first of the district tournament. We haven't gone to many games this year due to our busy schedule so it was fun to get the chance. They played the best I've seen them play and it was enjoyable to see Kim do so well and goof off with the family a little bit.

Day 2: Shauna

This is my good friend Shauna. We met several years ago in Provo, UT and quickly became friends. I am grateful for Shauna for many reasons. She's hilarious, always up for anything fun, and super creative. I can always count on her being honest about how my outfit looks or what I should do with my hair.

Although it's been a really long time since I have seen Shauna, I am so grateful for her friendship. I think she is brave and spunky. She's smart too. It seems that anything she sees she can create and do well. She's a loyal friend to many, which is a great example to me.

Shauna is the type of friend that says one day, "I have a darling friend I want you to meet. I think the two of you would be so cute together." She showed me a picture of him, I thought he was cute, and a few days later she introduced me to Peter. So yes, I am most grateful for Shauna's great wisdom in setting Peter and I up. She was right....... we would be cute together.

Thanks Shauna for all of your advice and for all of the fun you've provided over the years.

Giving Thanks this Month

Since November is the month focused on gratitude and giving thanks, I thought I would give a little thanks on my blog. I saw on someones blog that they were going to say one thing they were thankful for each day this month. I thought it was a good idea, so I'm going to be a copy cat, except I'm going to blog about one person I am grateful for each day this month. There are so many people I am grateful for and that have made huge impacts on my life that I need to thank. I also think this will be a cool record for me to look back on someday.

Day 1:

I'm going to start with a very important Susan. Susan was my young woman's leader in high school and has made more of an impact on my life than I can even describe on my little blog.

Susan is one of those woman that gives everything she has to everything she does. Every week she prepared the most amazing lessons with examples and handouts and everything you could possible think of to teach us a certain gospel principle or virtue. She is a great mother, friend to many, hard worker, community volunteer, and example of a virtuous woman. She taught me so much each Sunday from her lessons and even more from the example she set in her daily life. She didn't treat me as one of the girls she taught at church each week, but as her friend. We talked about our lives, our accomplishments, and our worries together.

Not matter what was going on in Susan's life she was there to make a big deal about every single birthday of mine, there to cheer me up when I was sick, there to help me set up for student body elections, there to see me off to Prom, or cheer me on at my games. I could go on! Somehow Susan was my leader from the time I was 14-18 and was there for pretty much every big event in my life during those years.

I am grateful to Susan for teaching me to serve others, always, and with all you have. She taught me the importance of making sacrifices for those you love. I learned that faith in God can help you to overcome anything and lead you to becoming the person you hope to be. She reminded me of the value of having someone believe in you and the power that supplies.

Susan has not only helped shape the woman I have become, but she has helped shape the goal of the woman I want to become. Thank you, Susan.

Happy Birthdy to Me

This last week I turned 29. Wow! Doesn't really feel like it, but when I think about it, I can't believe I will be 30 so soon. It was really a week long celebration this year. My Mom came into town the weekend before to play and get some things done around the house. She is seriously a miracle worker, we got so much done! It was so fun to have her here and so great to have so many things on my "To Do" list around the house complete. I'll have to post pictures of our projects soon.

On Wednesday, Peter and I went to Chevy's for dinner. I just love that place and was having major chips and salsa cravings. Later that night Peter made a funfetti cake and invited his family over for the cake and ice cream part of the celebration.

Yes, I colored my hair. And no, it wasn't for Halloween!

Then this last weekend Peter and I, with some friends, Chris and Leigh, headed down to Williamsburg to go to Busch Gardens. We had free tickets and it was a perfect time of year to go. The leaves are gorgeous down there and they have haunted houses and Halloween type things all around. It always amazes me how fun it is to go on roller coaster rides. We were like little children and would keep running to the front of the line again to ride the rides over and over again because the lines were so good. Minus the 5 bee stings I got when a wasp flew down my shirt on a ride, it was a fabulous day! I seriously wish we went to amusement parks more often, all the day to day responsibilities and worries just fly out the window. (I'll have to post pictures later.)

Carolyn is finally here!

Our good friends just had their first child, Caroline a few days ago. We are so excited for them and could not wait even a day to go and meet the new baby. She has dark black hair and makes the cutest little poses with her hand by her face as if she was picture ready at all times.

Happy Birthday to Ellie

On Friday night we went to Tiana's (a high school friend of Peter) home to celebrate her daughter, Ellie's 2nd birthday party.We had amazing homemade soup and bread for dinner. Peter was in love because there were several children to play with. Christian (another high school friend's son) was definitely a fan of Peter too.

Saturday we had some friends over from church to watch the BYU vs. SDSU game. Peter's parents were out of town and so what did we do? Have a party at their house and watch the game on their big screen!

Again, I'm lame and don't have enough photos from our weekend.

Baby Hawks is coming

Saturday morning we had a shower for my good friend Corie who is due with her first baby in just a few weeks. We had great food and a fall theme, cinnammon rolls, pumpkin cookies, apples with caramel, etc. Instead of the typical games, we had fun making little headbands and barrettes for her new baby girl. Corie, the mother to be, being creative.

Daniel, the baby boy in attendance, got to try on some of our creations.

Oh, High School

This weekend was full of events that reminded us of the sweet times in high school. Oh, good old high school. Kim and Katie were both nominated for Homecoming Queen this year and we got to enjoy watching them in the spotlight this last weekend. On Friday was the parade around the neighborhood in their fancy cars. It was fun to see the community out and about cheering on the high school students and admiring our Kim and Katie. I even got to ride in the car with Katie and it was so fun to see how much everyone loved her. I especially liked when the Porshe stalled out because we were driving so slow, good time. Then at the game, boy do I love high school football games, they were presented at half time. I was so proud of these girls, as if they were my own. Living near these two and getting to see them grow up and enjoy their high school experience is definitely one of the highlights for Peter and I living here.

On Saturday I went and helped the girls get ready for the dance. I love it when the ask me to help! It's so fun to do their hair and see them all dolled up. They both looked gorgeous and again I was so proud as they walked out the door.