This morning the alarm clock went off at 5:09, and then 5:10. Neither of which I heard. Robert woke me up and wanted to start to weep. It was one of those "why, why oh why" mornings, but then I got out of bed and realized I just had an epic weekend at home, and there are only threeweeks left of school. Needless to say, it was a successful day. I didn't fail my paper, the lab I TA for was exceptional {partly because it was the brain, and that I do have......haha, oh I just crack myself up}, and I got home to Robert having made bread.
To cap off a wonderful Monday, Robert and I set up our tree! Even with out snow on the ground here in Rexburg, the Christmas season has officially begun! I have always wanted to do just a classic, strung berries and popcorn tree. Now that we have our little family and tree {donated by my sister Natalie and her husband, Mark} we went to it! We spent the evening watching Elf, and stringing berries and popcorn {which I ate most of, whoops}. Now we have our finished product, and our home is just a little bit more Christmas-y:
It isn't grandeur, by any means, but we both love it, especially since we did it ourselves! I hope everyone is having a wonder start to the season.
Ten years ago my dad decided to sign up his whole family for the Las Vegas Running Teams "Catch the Gobbler" 5K. We all complained about waking up at 5 am to go run; worst idea ever. Ten years later, it is the thing my family looks forward to most on Thanksgiving, except for the waking up at 5 part. {We all still complain about that} My sister out in Boston still keeps the tradition!
Robert made a 20 min. time. Even if he doesn't train, that man's body kicks into CC race mode. I don't know how he does it. I wondered in 7 minutes later with a time of 27:07 {it's been a while since I have run}.
{this isn't the whole racing crew, somehow Mel, Mom & Caleb always get out of pictures}
The rest of the afternoon consisted of too many women in the kitchen, but a wicked good dinner. My little sister makes an out-of-this-world pumpkin risotto and my mouth waters just thinking about it. Natalie's famous turkey, corn-bread stuffing, garlic green beans, mmm. Perfect Thanksgiving.
My parents love having guests over for the Holidays. I can't remember a Thanksgiving or a Christmas where it has been just our family, and I love it! This year our neighbors Christiana & Jose came over for dinner. I just love them, they are the funniest couple! Jose found some turtles last week {which may or may not be illegal}and is keeping them through the Winter so they survive. Jose brought them over and everyone loved playing with them!
{Robert did too, even if he doesn't look too enthralled}
The evening ended with the family going to see The Muppets with our cousins and then over to our house for a dessert party. Every year it seems like food & desserts just keep getting better and better. There were multiple pumpkin cheesecakes, apple crumble {soooo good. go mom.} and a pecan. {Those were the only ones I ate within the last four days} The worst part about Thanksgiving is not being able to try everything.
Robert and I managed to get on, stand-by, to our flight this morning! It was a perfect break.
A few weeks ago Robert & I were called to be Ward Missionaries for our church. You are all probably thinking "what the junk? Really Claire, you live in Rexburg a.k.a 98% Republican & 98% Mormon". Confession: I thought the same exact thing. To my surprise, it has been a very enlightening and enjoyable experience.{maybe some of it is because I get to serve with Robert}. We get to go into each of the members homes and teach them the first missionary discussion. We have met amazing people; the church members in our ward are incredible. Another part of our calling is going to our Bishops home on Monday nights for Family Home Evening and teach a lesson.
While I was preparing the lesson for last night, I ran across this little video:
cute, right? I loved all of the little things all the random people in New York came up with on the spot! Yes, it is Thanksgiving time. It is my FAVORITE holiday, the reason being that we get to spend time together as a family like Christmas, but without all the materialism and shopping/ present stress. It just makes me happy.
After watching the video I made a little list of the things I am grateful for this year:
My {now} Husband. He one the most patient and kind men I have ever met, and he always seems to put himself last. Robert is even humble enough to ask me for fashion advice. I am also grateful that he is willing to try new crazy things; especially because I love trying new things and he never seems to get exhausted of it. Did I also mention he cleans our house pretty much every week?
This Sister. She is the oldest and has always been a great example to me. Everyone told me that I was an exact replica of her, and I was happy to be thought of as such. Somehow she always finds something new to tackle and has inspired me to be willing to learn new things.
This other sister. I love how excited and helpful she would get about whatever I would tell her; wether it was about boy or deciding what to wear. She also helped me plan like my whole wedding, and convinced me that Robert did really like me and I was over thinking everything {perusual}. She also is a great mom with two adorable boys.
And, This Sister. She was my best friend growing up and she taught me to not stress out about little things, especially because I was a major perfectionist going into High School. I would say we are a lot a like, but she is probably more humble and selfless than I am. She married an awesome guy and they are just a cool couple.
Annnnd, this sister, Collette: {She fails and doesn't have a blog}. She is pretty cool. She is training for an IronMan, and she inspired me to run a marathon! She helped me realize that my little body can do anything if I treat it right. She also is like the healthiest eater ever and has taught me how to eat yummy and healthy. She also is a pro at balancing having fun and working hard, she is just hilarious!
Lastly, this sister Layney-Cakes: First, in the last year I am pretty sure she has visited every single state to visit friends. No joke, she knows people EVERYWHERE. Everyone just loves her. Layne and I were the last ones together {plus nat} and I loved growing up with her. Even though she has almond eyes and I make inappropriate racial jokes about her, I love her and her spunkiness. Did I also mention she is a master chief? I'll admit it, my little sister pretty much taught me how to cook.
My Parentos: They are incredible people. Both of them had to overcome a lot to be where they are today and I thank the Lord everyday I was blessed with parents who taught me about the gospel, how to save my money, to not indulge myself, appreciation of other cultures and religions, the love of traveling and the love and importance of education.
This Family: My in-laws are too, incredible people. I was blessed with in-laws that I love spending time with. They always know how to laugh and I love that they just embrace the fact that life is rough, but you make the best of it and be happy!
This Friend. Sarah Childs is the best friend a girl could ask for! I love her to pieces, and she helped me grow so much as we went through middle school and high school together. She is going on a mission in January and the people of Japan are going to be so blessed to have her. :)
Believe me, the list could go on forever, but for now I am grateful for these people. They have helped me become the girl I am today and I am grateful the Lord blessed me with them.
A few weeks ago Robert and I decided to spice up our dating life. Friday date night usually consisted of going to the temple, dinner or grocery shopping. You know, the excitement of being married and having to house chores. In order to spice up said dating life, we are going through the alphabet.
First was our A date night. We went to Cragio's Pizzeria for an All You Can Eat Pizza and then went for a walk Around Town. Okay, I will admit it, it was pushing it a little but, but it was a perfect date.
Yesterday was our C date. We made Caramel Apples. At my house we usually have a tradition of making caramel apples for Christmas gifts for friends. Robert and I decided to do it as Thanksgiving gifts instead!
Perusual, I make terrible messes and our house ended up in a beautiful mess; but, the apples turned out great!
Next, we made Chicken, of sorts. Our friends Alex and Chelsea aren't going anywhere for Thanksgiving so we decided to have a little Thanksgiving with them today. The little chickens were on sale at Albertsons so we decided to make a little chicken instead. Last night we had the adventure of preparing the said chicken. This included making the brine {my chore} and taking the innards out of the chicken. I started out doing it, but Robert had to take over. The most I did was pretend to make the chicken fly and almost dropping it. {I admit it, I am a little immature at times}.
Lastly, we went to the the Spori art gallery at the school. It wasn't really part of the "c" date, but it was amazing! I had wanted to go for a while, and I am so glad we finally decided to go. The whole time Robert looked like this:
I will admit, it made me love him a little bit more. He was so in awe at everything and I am glad I married a guy that appreciates similar things that I do.
Happy Sunday! I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend.
Sale. It's a magical word. I grew up in Las Vegas and have more shopping there than you could even dream about. Really, though.
Confessions; I walk by a store and there is a big SALE sign outside, thats right, I usually end up in the store. There is something about looking at the bottom of your receipt and seeing the Total Savings marker and seeing a ridiculously large number. That something when you get the monthly Macy's envelope in the mail knowing you will get 30% off your next purchase. Some of my favorite clothing items are clothes I love just because they were on sale. {ie, my favorite jeans are $120 that I got for $40} I will admit it, I am a complete savings nerd.
After I got married I found this whole love of sales thing was beneficial. Especially when we are saving our pennies for medical school.
For the last month in a half I have been phoneless. It has been quite the adventure. After a series of roundabout events, I finally got a new iPhone.
Having a phone again after so long, that's awesome.
Even better? Seeing "Total Price at Checkout: $0.00".
More wedding pictures! The reception was in my backyard. I love garden receptions, and I wanted to be at a place that was special to me and I would always remember. What better place than my backyard that I grew up in for the last fifteen years!
I loved our florist, I really didn't want matchy, matchy everything and she did a great job. She even made me two bouquets! One to toss and one for me to keep and dry out.
Robert and I both have a love for Europe, hence the European/ French garden theme. My favorite part was probably the Patisserie {mostly because I put so much work into designing it and making the cake stands!} I really don't have any love for cake, so we shook things up, and had pie instead. My last favorite part; the food and the Italian Soda's. {but most of that will be in another post}.
