Happy Birthday!

So if you've watched Frosty the Snowman, then you will understand how that is holiday-appropriate. Except, I've never really liked Frosty, so I am annoyed by my own title.

I wanted to share some pictures from our first married Christmas. We did family double duty and it wasn't too bad. We saw everyone and spent some quality time on both sides (Chase's family got a bit extra :)). All the pictures are from Christmas Eve because that's when Chase took all the photos.

On Christmas Eve, we went to Chase's parents' to have pizza and open gifts. This is their tradition and was different from my family's, but still really nice.

Here are Chase's niece and nephew. They made out like bandits.

 Here's Chase's twin doing his surprised, excited face.

And here's another brother, Brad, looking like he enjoys his picture being taken more than anything in the entire world.

And another brother, Brian, pointing out Chase's awesome camera.










And then here is everyone else.

And Chase giving his handsome aloof face.

On Christmas morning, we had a small breakfast with my parents, opened our gifts, visited my sister and her family and went to see Django Unchained until we met up with my parents again for some lunch/dinner at the Grand America.

After eating too much, we went to visit Chase's grandma and finished the night with a viewing of Hook. All in all, it was a merry Christmas for all involved!

Wood for Christmas

I made some wood letters for my parents, Josh, Jess, and Chase's parents for Christmas, so I thought I'd share my crafty flair.

 I did the parents' letters the same way and my brother and sisters. I figured I wouldn't think too hard once I'd gotten started. I'm still happy the way they all turned out. And the present review from everyone was positive too!

When is this paper due?

I wanted to update that I will possibly be teaching a Composition course for Salt Lake Community College this coming semester. I'm actually pretty excited and can't wait to tell those students what's what!

I also hope to get some dissertation ideas out of it as well.

Annual Christmas Tradition

 Last Christmas...I saw the lights!

 For date night a few weeks ago, we went to see the lights on Temple Square. It's finally time to see those pictures.

This is a showcase for Chase's amazing photography. The scenery was pretty amazing on its own, but Chase definitely knows how to take a great picture.

And this is the face I sometimes give when Chase keeps taking my picture. He's just so sweet, but I don't always love close-ups.

Casual Vacancy...no Harry Potter here...

I had to take a break after finishing the book before writing the review. I thought it might help me soak up the book and see it from another point of view, however, my opinion has not changed. I was highly disappointed with the book. I don't mind adult themes, I am in fact an adult, however, putting over-the-top and incredibly unlikeable characters throughout the book, no plot to speak of, and meaningless dialogue riddled with the f-word is not a way to be more adult.

I guess I was most disappointed because I know J.K. Rowling is a great author. I loved the Harry Potter series, not only for the story, but also for her writing style. So I don't know what happened with this book, but she lost something after Deathly Hallows was published and when she published this little ditty.

If you don't believe me, feel free to read the book, however, I for one am either looking forward to her retiring or to returning to her Young Adult roots.

Mexican Sunday Dinner

I realize that the Mexican Enchilada Lasagna I made for dinner tonight is not authentic Mexican, still, we quite enjoyed it! I would suggest trying it out. I decided that I will shred the chicken next time though, just a thought.

http://www.mogwaisoup.com/2009/08/enchilada-lasagna.html

Pinterest, you give me such great recipes!