My Christmas List

So Nate has asked me what I want for Christmas, and could I please make him a list so he can get exactly what I want. Trying to be accommodating, I have put some things down on paper for him. I wonder what he is going to say when he sees what is on my list?!

Bubbles Ring from Tiffany's


Bubbles Bracelet from Tiffany's

Getting Started

So, I've been really stressed lately about getting food storage and 72 hour kits in order, thanks to our omen of a blackout! I feel so behind and clueless when it comes to food storage. Last week someone emailed me to a great website that had tons of useful information and great worksheets/checklists (thanks Heidi!). We have our shelves up and now I just need the food. Hopefully no natural disasters strike in the next little while! For the food storage challenged, like myself, here are my two favorite websites that I found really helpful:
-www.myfoodstoragedeals.com
-http://foodstoragemadeeasy.net.
I am still going to cross my fingers that Santa will bring me some Shelf-Reliance shelves for Christmas. We'll see.

Lights Out

Our power went out on Sunday night, for about 2 hours. An SUV had crashed into a power pole, effectively blacking out our neighborhood. Apparently we live on the edge of some power grid, because the people across the street had power, but not us. We walked down and saw the wreck and so did our entire block it seemed. Fortunately for us, the power people were already there and working on getting our lights back on. We were baking cookies at the time and luckily they finished right as the power went out, so Nate had treats while we hung out in the dark. I did know where the flashlights and lantern were, but now I feel an urgency to get our 72 hour kits in order!

This is our kitchen during the blackout, don't worry, I'm not planning on becoming a professional photographer. It is hard to take pictures with the flash turned off.

Nate's favorite chocolate chip and butterscotch cookies that finished just in the nick of time!

Haunted Gingerbread House

Nate and I made a gingerbread house last year around Christmas, and it did not turn well. Then I ran across these kits for haunted gingerbread houses, so we had to try again. We were up at my mom's house this evening and so Kelley and Josh (my sister and brother) and Nate and I made our haunted ginger bread house. This one stood up on it's own and the roof didn't even cave in! Needless to say, we were very pleased with the results.

I've Fallen for Fall

What can I say about fall, I love it! I love the cold temperatures, the rain, the changing leaves. Years ago I heard a term for fall that I love, "hoodie weather." Well said! I am so grateful for the return of hoodie weather. Farewell summer and your miserable heat. Bring on the frost and the mornings where I can see my own breath. It is so much easier for me to sleep during the day, after I've worked all night, when it is a little bit darker. I love the rich colors that fall brings, and people just seem to be nicer this time of year. Yeah for fall!

Gotta Love It!

Today I heard a quote that I love! It is... "I am a cerebral stud!" Hilarious! Thank you screenwriters of America for making my day. What would we have if we didn't have our sense of humor? Why can I appreciate this profound statement? Because I too am a cerebral stud/studette (or at least I'd like to think so)!

Our family

Create your own family sticker graphic at pYzam.com

The Happenings...

Not too much is new with our family. Nathan now works for a company called Digis that is based in Pleasant Grove. He had to leave Dell because they weren't going to allow him to have Sundays off like they had promised. We feel blessed that he was able to find a great position at Digis that works not only around Sundays but works really well around his school schedule. Work is still the same for me, the patients seem to be a lot harder and more demanding than years past. Maybe that is just the way things go. The only other new thing I can think of is that Nate had to get some new tires on his car. I am sick of summer and ready for the cool temperature and pretty scenery of fall!

Chubby Bunnies

Last Friday night we had the chance to go camping. Well, is it technically camping if you don't stay the night? Nate and a bunch of his old friends and their wives decided to have a campout up at Mutual Dell. We had a campfire, tin foil dinners, s'mores, and games. I've decided that one of the best camping games is Chubby Bunnies. The object of the game is to see who can fit the most marshmallows in their mouth and still pronounce the phrase "I am a chubby bunny." When I suggested we play, I thought that I would be met with opposition, but all the boys lined up to play. Amanda and I were practically rolling on the ground watching them play. I am so sad that I didn't have my camera with me at the time.

Fourth of July!

Happy 4th of July to everyone! Hope you are all having a blast. Well, I am stuck at work tonight and Nate is going to see a movie with Benji and Amanda. He really wants to set off some fireworks tonight but I warned him that I don't want to see him here at the hospital with severe burns or missing fingers! So let's hope he stays safe. Both Nate and I are tired of these hot temperatures already. We decided that once he's finished with school we wouldn't mind moving to Oregon or Washington. Bring on some rain! We are feeling so grateful for air conditioners this time of year.