christmas activities and miracles

This Sunday we spent the afternoon honing our creative skills with sugar and candy. More like I made myself sick with the amounts of sugar and candy I consumed while making our annual gingerbread house. This year I was having a difficult time with the embellishments. Typically our future family is depicted in Gingerbread men with a winter scene. This year we displayed my need to have a large Christmas tree and a basic snowman melting in the sun. While we were decorating my brother text to let us know that he had a new baby boy. Carter Richard Thompson was born December 7, 2008. He weighed 8lbs and some change and was 22 3/4 inches long. He has the longest fingers and toes. My brother said his feet were out of the footprint box. The older boys were very excited to show me their "baby Carter". Justin says all newborns look the same so what is the big fuss. I think every baby is a tiny miracle and am glad to welcome Carter to the Thompson family.

Finding the perfect tree

This year was no exception to my insane need to find the perfect tree. I made Justin tromp around the Uintah Mountains for three hours looking for the perfect tall and well branched tree. This year we found a tree that upon first look does not meet my expectations. However, once you had some white lights and a few balls it makes all the difference. I have always loved sitting in a dark room staring at the lights on the tree and listening to music. This year is no different as I sit here typing in the glow of my tree. I love Christmas even with all the crazy shopping and busy holiday schedules. I hope that you are all enjoying the start of your holiday season as I am now.

Busted

So I finally paid for my habit of driving a little too fast whether I am late or not. This time I was actually late for a home visit and went through a school zone at 26 MPH. The cop immediately pulled me over and promptly handed me a ticket. You have to know that despite my need for speed I have only ever been caught once before and that was four years ago in Price Canyon. This time however it required a court appearance. In Orem it is mandatory court time if you speed in a school zone. I recieved the ticket in October and my court date finally arrived today. I was so nervous about it I didn't sleep at all last night and I had to use the bathroom several times before my nine o'clock appointment. Justin just laughed at me the whole time and then said maybe you have learned your lesson. The judge called my name and I went to the microphone where I promptly asked for traffic school and that was that. I made a huge deal out of today but maybe I have learned my lesson. I drive through a lot of school zones throughout the day and I have definately slowed down.

Two kids at the zoo

Even though I have lived in Utah most my life I realized that I have not experienced a lot of what there is to do in Utah. Justin and I also decided that we need to spend more time together on Saturday's and not doing chores all day. This Saturday we started off the trend with a trip to the Hogle Zoo. I have not been to the Zoo since I was in Kindergarten. We arrived at the zoo early and the animals were out and ready to be seen. My favorite was the tiger. He was very active both swimming in his pool and walking around the pen. When he left the pool he shook the water off and it landed all over Justin. The baby orangutan was also very cute doing several tumbling acts. If you have any suggestions of favorite Utah spots for us to visit let us know.

ooooh scary

We had the annual Halloween bonfire on Saturday. I was just not feeling the character bug so I pulled out my inner nerd, fast and simple. Justin had been growing out his beard so his options would be enhanced, however when it came down to it we had stuff to be a bearded lady. We had a great night with scary cat stories, musical entertainment and roasted marshmellows.

Birthday Weekend

This last weekend Justin celebrated the big 27. Since he had school off and I had work off I surprised him with a weekend away. His brother and sister were nice enough to let us use their cabin and we took full advantage. We spent Friday morning riding the horses and enjoying the gorgeous weather. We headed up to the cabin that afternoon and as Justin dutifully tended the fire so I could be warm I finished preparations for the party. I was afraid no one would come since we were asking them to drive to Solitude but they all showed up. We have such great friends. The cabin was crowded with fourteen adults and three babies. I had forgotten games so we ended up just talking the whole night. I know that may seem boring but we always have a blast when we get together. Saturday we went rock climbing with my sister and cousin. They did great and scaled the wall perfectly. I on the other hand started hypeventilating five inches off the ground. Justin was free climbing next to me telling me where to put my feet and hands. When it was too high for him he left me and I continued climbing to Taisa's cheers of encouragement. I decided that I have this deep fear of heights that comes out when standing on a lake powell cliff trying to decide if I want to jump and when strapped to a rope anywhere from five inches to 50 feet off the ground. After a quick nap we went to Park City to enjoy a nice dinner. It was the first time I have been to Park City's Main Street. I had a great night. Sunday was a relaxing day spent mostly fishing and reading our respective books. It seems weird but I like just reading with Justin even though we don't talk much. That night we went to his moms for dinner and enjoyed Justin's favorite augratin potatoes. It was a great weekend for us and great to spend time together. I am anxiously anticipating the next time I get to spend some extended time with Justin.

Small or Mini?

Seeing as I have no real exciting news to blog about I will share a common topic of discussion around our house. Justin is now obsessed with getting a puppy. He looks on the KSL dog classified section at least several times a day. Last time he went through this phase he wanted a German Sheperd. That need was filled when his dad purchased one instead. He is now looking at mini Austrailian Sheperds. I have told Justin that when we purchase our own home (in maybe twenty years) he can buy the dog of his choice. I would like a dog that could be inside with me. I would like something similiar to what his brother has, possibly a West Highland Terrier. What do you guys think?