The newest additions

#1

Who was I kidding? When we got Puma I said, "Oh we'll have her for a while and then we'll find her a good home." That didn't happen and we decided to keep her. She is such a good pup and I can't imagine not having her as a dog. We sure do love this little puppy and look forward to having her for many years to come.

#2
We traded in the Honda and got a new 2009 Ford F150. Some eye candy for you truck lovers.

The Prince

Here are some pictures of the Bunker's broken leg that I had posted about earlier. He sure felt like a prince for the five days that he got to be inside and a little pampered.
Bunker the day that he broke his leg. Sitting like a prince inside the warm house with two pillows.

Bunker now that his splint is off.

Up close picture of Bunker's leg. He has a steel pin inside of it.

Remembering and Celebrating

November and December are always a little somber and reflective with the holidays, my mom and Briana's birthdays and my mom's passing. I guess I should be grateful that it is all rolled up into a couple of months rather than spaced out. Yet, even though there is reason to be gloomy I still find reason to celebrate. I celebrate the life they both lived and how intimately connected I am to both of them. They may not be right here in front of my face but they are always there. My family was and still is one of the greatest blessings in my life. I celebrate the times we had together, the memories and lessons learned. Now my "family" is different but that doesn't take away from what I knew and loved for 23 years. I wish that my Adam could have met my mom and Briana but I feel so grateful when I get the chance to tell him a funny story or cry about something I remember. It is a time of sweet tenderness, with some tears, when I get the chance to tell someone about my mom and sister. How grateful I am for the gospel that has taught me to take a time of sadness and turn it into something sweet. Love you Mom and Bri.
Mom's grave
Sunflowers

Briana's Grave with Sunflowers

I heart this face!

Love you babe!

UEA trip... forgot to take pictures

My new friend....... The bronze moose pirate
We went to Colorado over UEA break to visit Chad and Candace and help out at their new house. I had fun spending time with Candace, Kenzie and Braden while Adam put up base board and almost finished the deck with Chad. We wish we could have spent more time but UEA break is only a couple of days. Thanks Chad and Candace and we look forward to seeing you at Christmas!

The random bronze moose that we saw in a little town in Colorado. It was dressed like a pirate. We also found out that there are only $6 Subway footlongs in this town. (Weird)

Grading

That is all I have been doing for a couple of days since grades are due this Friday. Blah..... my eyes are tired of looking at the same papers over again. Yet it comes with the territory and I should have kept up on it daily or weekly so that I didn't have TWO huge piles of assignments to be graded at the end of the term:). I will almost be MIA until after Friday, for those who contact me regularly. (HA)

Things I'm excited for!!!

With the holidays creeping up on us here are some of the things that I have been waiting all year for!

- Christmas Music!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm a little obsessed.

-Thanksgiving Break (3 days to just chill)

-Black Friday!!!!!!!!

-Day After Thanksgiving Turkey Sandwiches- Turkey never tasted so good:)

-Christmas crafts with my class

-Decorating my house for Christmas

-Giving people presents

-Sleeping in with Adam

-Getting paid over Christmas Break

-Seeing family

-Not getting stuck in the snow:) Crossing my fingers for that one

-Ice Skating

-Snowball fight in the backyard!

-Sweaters, cardigans and scarfs!

-Christmas candle scents!

-New movies in the theatre

-Dutch Christmas!!!!!

I love, love, love/heart Christmas time. I've already got my music ready to go!