Once upon a time...

It was Christmas day. As like most houses on Christmas morning, it looked like a bomb went off in the living room. That must have been one heck of a bomb, because it also shook the kitchen, and the master bedroom!!! That's ok... we can clean it tomorrow, oops, no we can't, we have to go shopping ALL day, then celebrate Christmas with the father-in-law, oh well... we can clean it the next day... uh oh... you guessed it, more shopping, and more holiday celebrating. All this partying, only adds to the chaos... the next day is "the day of rest", so we will be resting in Christmas aftermath until Monday. That's ok... we have all week, with nothing to do. Cleaning will be the focus of next week.

Sunday evening:
We woke up from our Sunday nap, to our back-up battery on the computer YELLING at us. OH HECK... THE POWER WENT OFF! That's ok... let's finish our nap, and it will be on when we wake up...

Monday evening:
STILL NO POWER

TUESDAY EVENING:
NO POWER STILL!!!

WEDNESDAY:
NO BLEEPING POWER!

Finally Wednesday at 7pm... POWER!!!

Needless to say, the house still looks like a bomb went off. We had NO HEAT for 3 days. We shared a generator with the neighbors, using space heaters to heat Nora's room, while Joel and I created our own heat in our bed. WHAT... it was like 40 degrees in our room... FREEZING! Nora and I spent the days "homeless". Shopping more, going to the movies, eating out every day, visiting with friends who lovingly allowed us to crash, missing much needed naps, trying to explaining to Nora why we can't go home... (poor girl, she did not get it.)! Life was really rough the last few days. As a family, we pulled together, and made things work. Today, I am so grateful for HEAT, Portable DVD players, car powered cell phone chargers, and HOT SHOWERS! Let's just say that we will be spending the New Year cleaning, doing 2 weeks worth of laundry, and hopefully grocery shopping, since everything in our fridge is bad. I will pray tonight that I can be helpful to anyone ever going through the same situation. I would like to thank DTE for finally getting the power on, however, I really don't think they deserve the thanks. (Just keepin' it real folks!)

"Nifty Fifty"

That is the term I heard/read a few times while researching my Christmas present!!! Do my photography friends know what the hoot I'm talking about? Well, next time you are in a conversation with other photographers, and you want to sound super wicked... while talking about your 50mm fixed lens... call it a "nifty 50". Your friends will be impressed!

Anyways... this is what I wanted for Christmas. It is my first addition to my photography hobby. So far I LOVE IT! Although, it isn't as cool as I thought it would be. I am not sure it will Auto Focus, but if it does, I haven't learned how yet. Here are a few shots while playing with the 50.





I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas. I am looking so forward for 2009, and all the many adventures our family will encounter.

Santa's not the only one with HELPERS!

Something that I never heard of, until I had my own child, are "Mothers Helpers". Maybe this is something that you pro moms know about, and maybe not... if not, I am here to share a great piece of advice. A mothers helper is a girl that is old enough to help with kids, but not old enough to be left alone. So she comes over, and "helps". They are cheaper then a babysitter, and convenient to have around during the holidays, when I really want to bake, and someone else really wants me to pretend I am a Prince Phillip, who happened upon a Sleeping Beauty "Once upon a Dream". It is fun for the kiddie, and preparatory for the girl. So when I needed one of these "Mothers Helpers", who else would I call, but my most favorite babysitters, little sister. Nora had a blast! I had a mini session with them playing in the snow. How adorable is this little "Chew" (Her parents call her Chewy.)?

FINALLY... I am in the spirit of Christmas!!!

It is the day after Christmas! I can finally say, that I am feelin the holidays!! Nora and I went shopping early this morning, and got all sorts of deals, in hopes that next year, I will be more in the decorating mood. IT WORKED! Why is it that shopping, always makes me feel better? And shopping at 70% off, it the ULTIMATE HIGH!

We are half done with our Christmas gatherings. So many wonderful things happened over the last two days, then I can now open up, and share all the things that led up to. I have taken oodles of pictures, and I am so excited to share them.

On the Sunday before Christmas, Nora and I had a mini photo session in the kitchen before we left for church. I am usually very particular with the shots I allow in my camera. After 10 minutes of giving Joel specific instructions about how to take the pictures, he finally just did it the way he wanted. I REALLY NEED TO LOOSEN UP! Nora has gotten really good at ignoring the camera, and so we get some really good shots of the back of her head.

Speaking of the back of her head, remind me to tell you what the big mark on her head is. It is rather disturbing!

I went to a cookie party before Christmas, and got to mingle with the best of friends. I am such a big nerd... I don't know why they put up with me.
Here are the cookies that I made. Which is why in my last post, I needed crushed up mints. They were really fun. I never tried them, but my awesome sister-in-law yelled at me, because they were really good, and she had to hit the treadmill extra hard the next day. Is it weird that I enjoy the look of the things I make, rather then the taste? Usually, the things I like to taste, don't look good in photos. And the things that are fabulous to look at, aren't pleasing to my taste. I have always been a little backwards like that though.


Speaking of food... my friend Jennifer, and I have a tradition, where the weekend before Christmas, we spend HOURS making Grandma Buscha's TOP SECRET canoli recipe. The recipe is so top secret, that I am not even allowed to know what goes into them. I am only allowed to roll, and fry the shells. But, they are pretty A-mazing as far as Italian Pastries go. And also beautiful to photograph... HEY... maybe, I'm not so weird. This is enough for one post. I have much more to post about, but need to take a breather from all this yummy food. "I can actually hear me getting fatter!"

Reflections of Christ

A couple of years ago, I learned of this amazing photographer. Being one that is intrigued by talented photographers, I became a fan. During the season of Christ, I have noticed bloggers talking about Mark Mabry, and I thought I would jump on the "Reflections of Christ" post.

It had me thinking tonight, about where I am at this season. I have been underwhelmed. Baking, decorating, crafting, all those things that make the season so fun, have been far far down on my priority list. I didn't get cards out this year. I had Joel and Nora decorate the tree. Just things that I should be excited about, I really haven't. I am so grateful to be able to feel the love of the Savior every day. I continually try to honor His birth, His life, and His death throughout the entire year. I think it is great, that so many people in this world take advantage of His love for us during Christmas time. I would like to think, He would be pretty proud of the birthday party we throw for Him.

So, in lui of a Christmas card from the Evans Family, here is a video from Reflections of Christ, and the link to their website. Please share it with those you know. Don't let the twinkling lights over shine the reason for this season. Merry merry Christmas.

Emotional Christmas!

Ha! I had to get out some Christmas agression today! Find out why, later! Also, coming soon... finally a little bit of snow to make our Christmas truly Merry! And by little, I mean like 15 inches in the last two weeks! I am NOT dreaming of a WHITE CHRISTMAS! Virginia Beach... where are you?

My poor Blog!

It has really missed seeing my baby! I haven't put anything about her on my blog in a very long time. Because there was nothing special that I thought I should blog about, (really, I have been a lousy mom the last few weeks, and have lost all bragging rights to what a perfect little angel I have. She still takes the binki, blanky, not potty trained, and thinks her name is Nora Kirstynn Evans!) so, in looking at the positive, I thought I would blog about how beautiful she is! Joel and I try to make her think that she is also smart, and not only beautiful. Sure, I prance her around in tutus, and squeaky shoes, and she gets lots of attention, but when we are at home, we don't sit around telling her how cute she is. Anyways, she talks all the time. She always wants mommy to sing princess songs to her. Beauty, Belle, Rella, Jammy, White... She knows them all. And if I try to change the words, or sing too loud, she gets mad, and Shushes me! A few weeks ago, while I was putting her to bed, she wanted me to sing the "Ky" song. I told her I didn't know the "Ky" song. She kept insisting on the "Ky" song. After several attempts to convince her that I really didn't know what she was talking about, and her insisting that I did, I made an executive decision, and made up my own "KY SONG". Then she wanted a Marley song. Then a Maggie song, then a Ryan song, and every other person she has ever known! That was a long bed time night. And thankfully she forgot about it!

I am preparing a talk that I have to give on Sunday. The topic is peace. After Nora fell asleep, I took a couple pictures. When I close my eyes, and think of the word "PEACE" this is what I see...

Then I noticed something else, that I don't think I have blogged about, but think it is blog worthy....
THE TAG! This blankey has become her "blankey". The one she will always have, and will never forget about. Last February Nora and I were going on our first flight together. Because I didn't know how it would go, I bought a "spare blankey". Thinking that if she got sick while on the flight, I would have a clean back up! Only when I went to buy the new one, the tag was different. They changed the material on them. Of course it is not the same, and of course she would have to notice. Thankfully we didn't need a back up. It would sure be handy now though. She has rubbed the tag on this so thin, that it is almost impossible to find. We are past the stage where she would wake up in the middle of the night, yelling, "TAAAAAAAAAAAAAG!!! TAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAG!!!" She can find it on her own now. Every time I wash it, it gets a little smaller and smaller. The tag is also turning black. Not quite sure how that happened, but it is rather GROSS!

Cristi's Creations

Check out Cristi's Creations. Is it time to "Holiday Spice" up your blog? She can help. Super cute pages, and the best part... THEY ARE FREE! I feel like I hit the Jackpot!

There's NO place like HOME!

I need a vacation from our "Vacation"? I thought it would be like a second honeymoon going to Virginia Beach... WRONG! There was one moment, at The Cheesecake Factory, one night over dinner, that Joel and I were completely focused on only each other! Then we started talking business, and that was the only time we didn't really "work" while we were there. The first two days we were there were frustrating, because it didn't go how we expected. We didn't see a house that we even liked. We went to one of the wards, that I thought would be "Our Ward"... it wasn't. We did however LOVE the beach! Which was one happening place! The night we got there, they had a LIGHTS parade, and then on the boardwalk, there were MILES of light displays on the beach. Our room was right on the beach, so we saw a few of the displays. Santa water skiing was the one right out our balcony.

On Monday, Joel met his staff, and his boss. They were very helpful. Showed us a few areas that they thought we would like. (Of course they didn't know the ward boundaries, so that was a non-issue once we requested outside help.) So while Joel went to work in the office, I WENT SHOPPING! Apartment/rental shopping. I found an area that we could definitely live in! I loved it. It was a few blocks from the beach! Close to shopping, work, and other fun happenings! I am not sure what the area is like during summer, obviously. But I think we could make it work. Now that Joel is back at work, we should start learning, when this great move will take place. We are both excited for the adventure. He is anxious to learn more.

We saw the definition of Christmas "threw up" all over someones lawn. In fact, in this neighborhood, there were several THROW ups of Christmas!

I also learned what Joels favorite part of VB is... In the airport on the way home, we saw a Soldier reunited with his wife and children. It was so beautiful, and made me want my baby! We both missed her so much! She was so fun when we picked her up from Lulus. She was jumping around, laughing, petting, hugging. It was amazing.

It's official...

We are selling our house! Now, there is still a chance that we're going to hate VA. and decide to stay here. We fly out tomorrow to check it out. But, we have to start somewhere! And better sooner then later! One thing at a time!

WHAT have we gotten ourselves into???

I am in bed typing this from Joels laptop. My computer is in... 5+ pieces in the den, waiting to either be packed, or... set back up "impersonally". And to know, that I have to go all day tomorrow without my computer... well, frightens me! The last few days we have been packing! I know what you are thinking, "You don't even know when you are moving... why would you start packing?" Well, we are trying to sell our first house! This is the first time we have lived in a house, and we built it, so we don't really have a lot of experience in the whole house buying/selling area. On Thursday, we are having the realtor come over, and she is doing a "virtual tour" photo shoot. So, the house has to look picture perfect! NO CLUTTER, NO STUFF, PRESS EVERYTHING, blah, blah, blah!!! This is something that is so super annoying to me! I know it shouldn't be, and I understand the whole concept, however... I am not a designer. I will pick up a decorating magazine, and every page looks great! I LOVE IT ALL! So, I really don't know how to make this house look any better. When we built the house, construction went into winter, and we accumulated OUTRAGEOUS winter building costs! So, our decorating budget went out the ice cold window! Which I was fine with, because, like I said, I am not a decorator! But, now that we are moving, I have to pretty it up? It breaks my heart to have to move as it is, leaving an even more beautiful home, is going to make it that much harder.

To look at the bright side though, it feels soooooo good, to get rid of a bunch of stuff. We packed 13 tubs, gave away 3 truck loads, and donated another truck load! And that is only 1/3 of the house!

I really don't know what it takes to sell a house. I am hoping that our prayers are enough. That is all we can really do at this point.

On another note, Joel and I are going to Virginia on Saturday, and coming home on Tuesday. I am excited to see what they have to offer. I am excited to see where Joels new place of business will be. I am excited to take a mini getaway, just the two of us. However, I am not sure how I will do without my "prin-prin" for that long. We will miss her like crazy! And I honestly think it could be a tough trip if we brought her with us. While we are there, we plan to meet with a realtor, and look at a few houses for rent. We also plan to visit a possible ward. (We will church shop more once we move, but I am really excited about this part of the move... hehe...) We will see Joels mall. And depending on how the day with the realtor goes, we may also be apartment shopping. Which is my speciality! I was a leasing agent for several years, and know how to make those agents tick... that will be fun too!

I would like to cry out to my faithful blogging buddies, if you could keep our humble little home in your prayers, it would be so appreciative. And if you know of anyone looking to rent/or buy a great little happy, peacful, sweet, home... in the Howell/Brighton area, please pass on some info... please.

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. And remember, usually I may respond very quickly to emails, however, since I will be ALL day without my computer, then you may not hear from me until... 5pm tomorrow.... YIKES! Whatever will I do??? Clean/Pack/Organize/"Impersonalize".... I will for sure deserve a vacation by the end of this week!

MY first GIVE AWAY! Thanks to Yo-"Plait"

I have joined a new networking group! I am so excited about this new thing! It is so fun for me to blog. I love winning things, (although I have never won anything in my life, except for one day I guessed a song on the radio, and called in and won an All American Meal from McDonalds), and so, I want one of my lucky readers to get the chance to win something too!!!

Here is what you can win:

The yummy Yo-plait drinkable yogurt is my girls new favorite thing! She speaks in a language in-translatable when she drinks the stuff. (Sort of like her mom, making up words and stuff like that!) And, No, it has nothing to do with Dora! She doesn't even know who Dora is. But if that is what it takes to get your kids to have the Omega-3 DHA in their diet, by all means, GO Dora! Did you know, Yoplait Kids yogurt cups and yogurt drinks have Omega-3 DHA which is an important nutrient that supports brain growth during early childhood development stages? So, if you have small children in your life, this is a giveaway, you cannot afford to miss out on!!!

Rules and details:
1) You must post a comment in this post.
2) In your comment, you need to tell me, what was your favorite subject in school?
3) You are only eligable for one entry, HOWEVER... if you create a post on your blog, linking back to my blog, you can be be entered 1 more time. Just leave another comment with the link to your blog.
4) All comments must be recieved by Sunday, November 30th at 11:59pm. At that time, a winner will be chosen by random.org. The winner will recieve an email from me, and your prize will then be mailed to you.

This is my first time doing this. I have a few more prizes in the works, so be sure to check back next week, where I will be giving away 3 more prizes! If I am doing something wrong, please forgive me... it is only my first time! Also, if you are interested in doing prizes as a part of your blog, contact me, and I can fill you in on all the fun details!

My Thankfulisims!

This has been a busy week for the whole family. I really have felt like a blog slacker. Slacking at posting, and slacking at commenting! Please forgive me. My mind has been a million different directions since last week. So, let me just recap...

Last week: A group of friends, and HUSBANDS! went to see Twilight! I am thankful that our men, are so manly, that they indulge in a MAJOR CHICK FLICK for the women they love! In a theater packed with people, we had the sexiest men there. Even compared to the one on the BIG screen!

Thoughts on Twilight: If you are in the group of friends going to see it this weekend, please skip ahead, DO NOT READ this. I would hate to ruin it for you. 1) I was not at all surprised to see my googlereader FILLED with Twilight posts on Monday! 2) I hated the glittery skin! That was the dumbest, cheesiest thing ever! 3) Exactly like the book, I kept saying, "Kiss her or eat her, just kiss her, or eat her... GET IT OVER WITH!" 4) I thought the character of Jacob was too dramatic! I pictured him Indian"ish" but not Wolf"ish". He was too WOLFY for me. 5) The Cullens house was brighter, and airier then I imagined it to be. Like Bella, I figured vampires lived in dark, spooky haunted mansions. 6) Even though I didn't finish entire series, (have to say, I am not a nerdy fan like everyone else on the planet!) I did remember how I got lost in the book, and for a moment, it took me out of reality. Maybe I will continue on with the series... I SAID, MAYBE people!

On Saturday, our YW met together and made our 72 hour kits! The Young Women in our ward, are so strong, and amazing! I love them, and they filled my heart with their joy! I am thankful for them and the strong faith they have! I would love to post the pictures of their awesomness, but that may break a under 18, minor privacy law. I will post them on their blog. here are two, that I can legally post. Only damage done, MY PRIDE!

Monday and Tuesday, Nora and I traveled to a HUGENORMUS indoor water park. Their we partied with more friends! And had a blast doing it!!! Nora made super great friends! What a blast! Thank you for allowing us to crash your "Annual Kalahari" tradition!!!

I am thankful to babies, that pass out on long car trips!
I am thankful for crazy bearded friends, that keep my life silly and interesting!
I am thankful for little girls that love to play with my little girl. For them she is like a little doll, for her it is pure attention, and entertainment! And for me, it is a tiny break!

I am thankful for the one thing in my life that can annoy the heck out of me one minute, and make me leap for joy the next!
Happy Thanksgiving to all. There are countless ways for everyone to give thanks this year. For me, I know that everything I have, is due to God. Thank you!

What to say, and how to say it....

What a week filled with excitement, and wonder! We have been wondering if this is something we should blog about. It goes back a few weeks, and didn't know for sure what the outcome would be. We are still up in the air on a few things, but, after much consideration, and even more prayer, we have come to a conclusion. Joel accepted a new position with his company in Virginia. We are unsure of when we will be uprooting to go down, but the process has begun. We live in a housing market, that, well, houses just don't sell. So, our prayers will be towards that of selling this house. The house that we built, on the land we were given, in the only town I could ever call home. So much thought has gone into this. Research has been done, not only on the area, but on the technique of what we are about to put ourselves through. I have grilled friends that have done this, and I have yet to hear, "Don't do it, you are going to regret it." I have heard, "Your family will become so much closer." As I type this, my eyes have filled with tears. Tears from the deep roots that we have sunk in this area.

The last few years, I have worked very hard to create meaningful relationships with people that I deeply care about. I have invested so much of my heart into our home. I keep telling myself, "There will be a Brighton Ward in Virginia. I will find friends there that will change my life as much as the ones here." In all honesty, there could never be another Brighton Ward, or other such faithful, and spiritual friends. I know that. I do not know how our life in the south will fair. I do not know very much at all about the area. What I do know is this, we already will have a bishop. We have a Savior that will follow us to Virginia Beach. We will ALWAYS have each other. The job opportunity is one that is really great, in an economy that is also great. Joel has spent years with this company, trying to gain a valuable reputation. He has worked so hard for our family. This position is the final piece to that puzzle, and the beginning piece to a new one. I am honored and thankful for all of his hard work and dedication to our family. I am so thankful to our Father in Heaven that has endlessly provided opportunities for us. I know that He will continue to do so.

So, now down to the details:
The job is in Norfolk, Va. From talking around, and other research, we decided that we would like to live in Virginia Beach. It is right on the coast of Virginia. Norfolk is home of the LARGEST naval base. And the 2nd largest natural shipping port. It is a very old city. The area we live in now, has 195 people per square mile, and the area we are moving to, has over 5,000 people per square mile. WOW! I am sure we are not going to find a house with 5 acres down there. The week after Thanksgiving, Joel and I are going down to take a look around. And get a feel for it. Unless we are totally turned off by the area, we will start the "Home Hunting". Once we get home, Joel will begin looking for his replacement, then training them. From what he says, there aren't any candidates in line, and it could take a while. He is thinking he will be down there after the first of the year. The next few weeks aren't going to be any different. We will be looking at life through different eyes, that is all. When we come home, we will know more. It has taken me a long time to write this post, because I am so sad. I cry every time I start to write, and I don't want it to come out like we aren't happy about this. It is the true meaning of BITTER SWEET! This morning Nora was standing at the back door, and said, "Uh, Lulu's house." I lost it! She has never known life without lulu in her back yard. She is my world. I just pray that she doesn't hate us for this.

So, we will keep the blog posted on any further developments. I hope that if we didn't tell you personally, you aren't offended that you had to read it on the blog. There are so many of you that we love so much. My blog is just one mean to let out my feelings, my life, my emotions, my frustrations, my joys, and what ever else is on my mind. As a blogger, you can expect the future of my blog to be all about our life in Virginia. It will be mostly keeping relatives updated on our daughter. They really don't care about the rest of us anyway. So... I guess there is not much more to say. Is there? Ok... bye y'all! (Oh great... that is really how they talk!)

Mondays with Maggie

I don't think I have ever gone 11 days with out a post! Life is busy and stressful. More on that later. There is a new segment on my blog, and it is called...? You guessed it, Mondays with Maggie. I babysit Maggie (7) and her borther Ryan (5 today!!!) They are both home schooled, and on Monday and Wednesday they come over to my house so that their mom can run her business. (Selling fiber and spinning wheels! Quite an interesting art for sure!!!)

I decided that Maggie and I needed to take our relationship to a new level, and introduced her to cooking, (something other then PB&J). I bought a few kid friendly cook books, and had Maggie pick out some recipes that make her mouth WATER!!! I like to change up the recipes a bit, beucase they seem a little bland, and I am all about kids appreciating different food. So, now ever Monday, Maggie and I spend some time learning about cooking! Today we learned the abbriviations for tsp, and tbs, and what the difference between the two are. Maggie spins fibers like her mom, so she knows about ounces. It is great to have a super smart student!!!

Today for our first class we made: Lettuce Boats



You will need:


12oz canned chicken
1 can whole kernal corn
1 sliced scallion
2 tablespoon Mayo
juice from half of lemon
salt and pepper to taste
6 boston lettuce leaves

Step 1: Add ingredients & Mix together


Step 2: Assemble boats (Confession: I didn't think Maggie would do it right, so I did it for her. Turns out, I didn't do it very well either!) Here are our boats!

Peanut Butter Fudge: Light on the NUTS!

Since before we were married, Joel has been asking me to make peanut butter fudge. I have never really made fudge. I was intimidated. When ever we go to Macinac Island, after I see the Grand Hotel, I just want to go and watch them make fudge. I could sit there all day, and be mesmerized with its beauty. The HUGE marble slab, that extra large copper kettles, the way that man handle that fudge, is amazing to me. Since I don't have a 15 foot long marble counter top, and a 55 gallon copper kettle pot, it seemed intimidating to make fudge. That, and I hear it is pretty easy to screw up. So while Joel is home, in bed, suffering, I felt an ounce of pity. I decided to make fudge. I knew by doing so, I was opening myself up to all sorts of "CONSTRUCTIVE" criticism, and feedback. After reading and searching through MANY MANY recipes to find the right one, with the right ingredients, and not much time involved, I FOUND IT! I thought, if it is this easy, it can't be that good? I even amaze myself sometimes! It was really easy, and "CP" LOVED IT! Partially because he is heavily sedated, but he made me feel very special, and valued because of the quality of the fudge. He asked me if it was hard, and I haven't told him yet. Between you and me, it was so stinkin easy! If I tell him that, then he will expect it more, so I have to keep it hush hush! Then I can prove that he really only looks at the pictures on the blog, and "skims through" the rest! Here is the link to the fudge recipe! It is so easy, and tasty. Here is my sick little patient, in his fudge coma! Don't ask me about the hat. It has been in the 70's here, and he feels like he is outside in the freezing cold. The sooner he can get off these meds, the better!

Seriously...?

I LOVE THIS KID!!!

Baby Steps PART 3!

In September, Joel and I went through a few fertility tests that couples must endure. It was then, that we learned that Nora was a miracle, and the chances of another miracle were VERY LOW. However, there was a simple, routine procedure that Joel needed, that would not only increase our chances, but change our situation to, no situation at all. That procedure took place on election day, at the UofM hospital. Up until the day, he was sure that he didn't need the surgery, and that all would be well without it. When Tuesday came, he conceited well before John McCain. The surgery lasted about 2 hours, and then another hour or so for the anesthesia to wear off. The ride home was... interesting! He was loopy, to say the least. He is always sort of quirky, and cute, but this was something else. I politely asked him; "Please don't talk to Nora when we pick her up, I wouldn't want to traumatize her." Then he replied, "I AM THE ONE THAT WAS TRAUMATIZED!" Before the first dose of pain meds wore off, he was getting ready to pop round two! Anways, the last few days have been nursing him, along with the other daily happenings. We are both hoping he will be back to work on Friday. He has a follow up appointment with the surgeon in two weeks. Thanks for all of your support and prayers. We are so blessed to have family and friends that are concearned for him, and our family.

Professional Thriller!

We have the coolest ward! The dean of the dance department at Wayne State University, also the writer/director of the Nauvoo Pagent, also my home teacher!! (He is going to be very embarassed, but he is truly talanted at what he does.) taught The Thriller Dance at the ward Halloween party. The youth, and others love it! I got some sweet shots. I think MJ may have some feirce competition!

Election Day is OVER!!!

It was a hectic day yesterday! Once it has been approved, I will soon post about it! I was so blessed to be able to exercise my right to vote! I new that my vote wouldn't matter. I knew that by voting, I wasn't going to change this election. However, I also knew that there are men and women, that have lost limbs, and died in order to give me the right to express my political opinion freely! For that I am blessed! and grateful. Throughout this campaign, supporters of Barack Obama felt that he had given "HOPE" to them and this country. I find my hope through the Savior Jesus Christ. I know that our God is all knowing. He is our ruler. We live in a time, that regardless of the leaders, it will be tough. I choose to find hope in following Jesus. I am grateful that this election has come to an end. And now that the decision has been made, lets all try to be better people, and make this the thriving nation it is known for!

Halloween Costume Mania!

You may call me crazy, but Halloween is such a fun time for me, now that I have a child to celebrate it with! If there is an event going on, that includes wearing a costume, we were either there, or wanting to be there! Because we attend so many events, we want to make sure the costumes don't get too destroyed. That is why Nora has... more then one costume! Here is her costume week in review...

I already posted about this one... but part of my OCD means I have to compartmentalize, so just bear with me! The Bee at Ashley Court Nursing Home.

The Lady Bug at Roller-Rama! Meeting Roller-Roo for the first time!

The Dino at the Brighton Ward Halloween Party, and Trunk-or-Treat.

That is MY squeaky little mouse... in the tutu at the bucket. This is at the Story time Halloween party in the library.

This is my happy, chocolaty, Cruella D'Ville on Halloween night. HIGH ON SUGAR!!!
When Nora gets in costume, it is really hard for her to concentrate on pictures. She is all in character. We had a lot of fun Trick-or-treating with her. She was so funny. Instead of saying "Trick-or-Treat" she would say, "Thank you!", then when she got her candy, she would say, "Trick-or-Treat". But because of her squeaky shoes, a few houses gave her extra candy. She has earned a lot of mileage out of those shoes! Great investment! By the end of the night, she was tip-toeing around. I think she was tired of squeaking. Soon she is going to be too big for squeakers! Then we can retire them to Nora's cousin, Marmalay! Haha for Uncle Matt!

Family Pictures!

What pressure! My friend Jean Smith is a photographer. She has made quite the name for herself here in Michigan, and wherever she goes, I am sure. Her work is so great, that it raises so much pressure to perform for her camera. Wednesday was the day! There were wardrobe changes right up until the minute we got there! The weather was frigid! The daddy was crabby! The girl was "diva-ish"! The mom was thin on patience for the un-coopreative ones in the family! The session lasted less then an hour! At the end, I thought, "I know she is good, but how the heck to you make something out of nothing?" It haunted me. I know how incredibly busy Jean is, and how valuable her time is to her clients, and her family. I know that she takes a tremendous amount of pride in her work, and it takes time, and skill to do what she does. The short lecture, given to baby and daddy, following the session was... not well received. I said to myself... "There will be at least one good one..." trying to convince myself. So you can imagine my surprise when I saw this...



and three other freakishly great pictures. JEAN SMITH... YOU SCARE ME! I DON"T KNOW HOW YOU DO IT! And I LOVE YOU! Check out the other spooky pictures on her blog!