show me the baby.

Yes, it's been over a month since I have updated this little blog; but, let's be honest, there were some things that trump a blog in life (like school, and my husband, and my job). To do a quick re-cap, Robert has been busy finishing secondary medical school applications, running a business, taking sixteen credits and working up a storm. My professor always says, "don't complain about the pain, just show me the baby!". So, here is glimpse of Robert's "baby":

(so for all of you Rexburgians, you should come to Paint & Fire Ceramics)

Okay, so he hasn't been busy matchmaking, but that is his company's latest commercial. And Robert dies laughing when he watches that commercial. every.single.time. And then he spends the next hour singing "I believe in miracles, you sexy thing".

As for me, I don't really have a baby to show for my semester thus far...... just a husband who keeps losing weight (but since I am his "personal trainer" for the semester, I guess that would be more of my failure. The kid is crazy.) He does have wicked sweet abs now, but I won't share that "baby" with you, I don't know how I feel about posting a picture of my husband's abs on our family friendly blog. awkward.
I have just been loving my job as the head anatomy TA. In all honesty it's probably been my favorite part of the semester. Up until Saturday I was also loving my sewing class, but then we got into a bloody battle and the sewing machine won. I now have a hole in my finger and a nice accent of blood on my bedskirt.

Exactly a month ago, there was also another addition to the Wixom grand babies. This is Nat's little hunk, Emerson.

(this is my favorite picture)

His hair sticks straight up naturally, and I think it's the cutest thing in the world. I finally get to see him on Saturday, and I am stoked.

I wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving! Drive safe :)

A little BNS

If I lived in a perfect world.....

I would be living in London while still attending BYU-Idaho while having a job as an airline stewardess while participating in a flash mob daily; there wouldn't be a 6 week wait for medical school application, there would be fifty hours in one day, the so called "high salary" at BYU-I would be above $9 an hour, Joshua Radin would be my personal troubadour, and most importantly my butternut squash plant wouldn't look like this:

Back in June Robert and I planted in our square foot garden. I don't have any good pictures of our beauty before it bit the dust, but it was quite lovely. We had a voluminous butternut squash plant, peppers, beets, basil, (a) tomato (that died), and cauliflower that was attacked and then killed by aphids. Okay, so about half of our garden was successful, but I can't even begin to tell you my excitement for this squash. 

Two years ago I was living in London, and my parents came to visit for Thanksgiving. We took a lovely trip over to Plymouth. For Thanksgiving dinner we ate at this incredible restaurant that completely changed my palate. It was a fancy restaurant that may or may not have been owned by Jamie Oliver (by far the fanciest I have ever been to). Layne and I both had a butternut squash risotto (which I want to weep thinking about) that gave me a strange fascination with the squash. 

The thing I looked forward to most about Autumn (besides the colors) this year was the chance to eat my homegrown butternut squash. FAIL. An early Rexburg frost robbed me of that opportunity.

 But, when the weather fails, WINCO doesn't (bonus points, it also doesn't force me to break my wallet). Butternut squash was eighty cents a pound, and I jumped all over that one. Good thing my husband is a good sport, and will eat whatever is put in front of him (except butter, cream, grease, overly sweet things, or high fat foods. but that is another story). The last few days our dinners have consistently been orangey, and delicious. 

butternut squash risotto (a favorite), butternut squash curry, roasted butternut squash, butternut squash macaroni, butternut squash soup, mmmmmm. Did I mention I heart butternut squash?

highlights

One of my most favorite things about the church I belong to is the chance that we have to listen to the Prophet(s) of the Lord twice a year. (plus, who doesn't love being able to have church on their couch in PJ's? Just sayin') On my favorite family traditions is having breakfast with family friends (usually waffles) before the morning session. This year Robert and I had some friends over on Saturday morning for waffles and a hash.

We were just sitting down to our waffles when we heard the announcement that has gone viral. (the poor people who aren't a member of my church are probably very confused by all the talk on FB). Young Men can now go on missions at the age of 18, after they have graduated high school. The age for women has also decreased two years, to 19! In summary, this is what was gained from Saturday morning:

(my awesome aunt made this)

picture via

picture via

And then there was the talk given by Dallin H. Oaks. This was one of my favorite talks given in the past two days; before this talk the subject on which he spoke has been on my mind, a lot. I am convinced, LDS or not, everyone in the world needs to see/hear/read this talk: 

la la la la, life is wonderful

Today my new nephew finally decided to emerge from the womb. Collette may or may not have been a few days late and a little anxious, but I am sure it was well worth it. (considering he got here in about record labor time.)

Meet little Darwin Wixom Call:

Co-bag and J-Bone live in Boston, so I don't get to see the little fool until Christmas. Knowing his parents, I can't think of a child that will be more hilarious, or have more personality than this kid. I already love him. I'm excited to see him, and also how he gets along with Natalie's future child (who is due two weeks). They will be quite the pair. Collette and Justin both thinks he looks like a mini version of Winston Churchill, and I kind of agree.

Speaking of Mr. Churchill. When I was growing up, my dad always had our "weekly family quote" that we got to memorize. Churchill and Emerson are two of my dad's most favorite people in the world so more than enough came from him. As of late, one of my favorite quotes we memorized growing up has been running through my head, nonstop:

"It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself for a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat."

And so Mr. Churchill helped me recognize that I was feeling rather lazy and unproductive, that I wasn't doing enough (you probably would never guess what my parents were like), like I needed to do something more exciting with my life rather than being a critic. 

Which beings me to my next point: Today I overheard my friend talking in my class saying that the soccer team needed more players, and I thought "what the heck, I love soccer. Sign me up!". After classes I got to play soccer for the first time in a year and a half, and it was a beautiful thing. It brought me back to the early days of college, playin with this girl:

And my last game of Senior year playing with these awesome ladies:

(this was the best picture I have. Although you can't see their faces, they are pretty cool)

When I got home Robert-o sweetly reminded me that I am currently taking 15 credits, the head Anatomy & Physiology TA, a Nutritionist, a personal trainer, a wife, and a soccer player (again). Somehow all the rest of that stuff slipped my mind, but what the heck? I love doing it all. So, life is good. Plus, its Fall!, and I get to walk (or run) home everyday when it looks like this:

Did I also mention that I have a really cool husband? Oh, well, I do.

in a wrap

We are 1.5 weeks into the Fall semester. It has been a busy, busy last few weeks- let me just tell you. In the last two weeks we have:

• Spent four days being "counselors" for Freshman orientation. It was probably one of the coolest experiences of my life, and I am glad that Robert and I got to do it together. 
• Sent off medical school applications (and let me tell you- the bills for medical school start WAY before you actual get accepted into a medical school. Geez. Who knew it costs $300 to process an application?!)
• Broken a laptop (this is probably still too soon for Robert- the poor guy feels awful)
• Bought a new Mac
• Left the house at 7 am and gotten home at 7 pm. Everyday.
• Started a business for IBC (or at least Robert has)
• Became a nutritionist for "the biggest winner"
• Started personal training
• and........... Tried not to die because of all the smoke here. Literally. There have been fires everywhere and we can't see down the road because of all the smoke. I feel like I have been living in a smokehouse.

That's life in a wrap. It's wonderful, and we are both happy as can be (and busy). Robert leaves next week for his little company IBC camping trip and I have to survive three whole days at home. by myself. I guess it's just getting me ready for next year- when Robert is in med school, right?

Year One. Destination: England.

Last week Robert and I celebrated our first year anniversary. People say that the first year can either be extremely difficult, or just wonderful. For us, it was wonderful. Granted, we experienced some......interesting (to say the least) things together but it was a first year I couldn't have dreamed better. Considering I was blessed with my dearest Robert as a husband, this wasn't too difficult; not a day goes by where I don't deem myself the luckiest woman in the world.
















On the eve of our anniversary I walked into our bedroom and found these sitting on my pillow:

I almost had a heart attack because I couldn't believe it, and then I settled down to read his note. Robert was kind enough to take me to the closest thing to England poor college students could afford. The Destinations Inn.

The room was incredible. It was modeled after a castle and had a secret bookcase door! Needless to say, it was a great way to celebrate a year of marriage. 

bear lake

Last week my good pal Sarah and I decided to plan a last minute camping trip- so off to Bear Lake we went! We originally planned to go to the east side and camp along the lake. Robert and I quickly decided that we could find something a little more aesthetically pleasing and less desert looking (as in we didn't even see a tree), so we went down to the south end and found a cute little camp ground. That night we just set up camp roasted some food, ate tin foil veggies, and talked.

In the morning we woke up, sarah & chase made a delicious breakfast, and we went kayaking in the lake!

I had also heard that raspberries in that area are a huge deal- so we thought it would probably be a good idea to get these famous raspberry shakes that everyone raves about.

Yes. They deserve to be popular for a reason. We got raspberry lime, and it was divine. 

Sarah & Chase are so much fun together, and it makes me so happy to see my best friend married! It is definitely going to be a summer tradition; camping with the Wasdens.

peachy keen

A week and a half ago I thought it would be a good idea to order a 20 lb box of peaches in my our Boutiful Baskets. A week and a half later, I can see now it wasn't the most brilliant idea this brain of mine has come up with. The pro of all of this? I would be okay considering myself an experienced canner.

In this lovely process I found my most favorite peach recipes of all time; I knew some good would come out of all this. Some of them are canning recipes, and some are not (because I am fully aware that not everyone cans peaches in their spare time).  

peach and creme fraiche pie (via smitten kitchen)

peach butter (via smitten kitchen)

spicy peach bar-b-que sauce (via ball)

If you are not one for spicy foods, that lovely condiment is probably not for you. Robert and I are both lovers of a little spice for the palate and it is perfect for the both of us. You know, the kind of spice that livens up your food while still letting you enjoy the flavor. Yesterday we went camping with our friends Sarah & Chase and had it with our little campfire bratwurst. It was to die for.

mango salsa (recipe via & picture via)

I know you are all thinking "claire, mango's and peaches are not created equal". Alas, BB gave me five mangos as well, and I was getting carried away. But the recipe is to die for. The website, all though not the most aesthetically pleasing is a great little resource for all things canning, growing, and picking. 

Of course, I had to make jam as well. I think it's just an unspoken rule that if you are canning, and canning with fruit you are obviously going to make jam. I found a sugar-free spiced peach jam recipe in the holy bible of canning "The Blue Book", and added some huckleberries from our adventure. It was pretty good- if I say so myself. 

Lesson: being bored can be beneficial, but also detrimental. Lucky for me, it turned out to be okay. We will see if that still holds true after I conquer painting our nightstands tomorrow.

double, double

in june I was able to go down to vegas (thank you, ride board!) for my sister's double baby shower. It was epic.

The food was delicious (which always seems to be what I post about. but really, it was good)- thanks to all the wixom girls, and cousins (minus me). I did the labels and signage. melissa did the banner (which I didn't get a descent picture of. it was adorable.). co & nat made the babies. we like parties, and it was a pretty good party. 

if you did't notice. we (wixom girls) heart bunting. and birds. and food-good food.

 the future mothers, and their awesome byu-idaho onesies. 

 And.... a not-very-good-quality-picture-of the Wixom girls.

ps- I love it when family get's together. It always is a party that ends with good stories. ashlee (an adopted sister), aunt julie, jill & gina all came down to support co & nat and we even got to go up to bonnie springs for a little outdoor play. 

pss- one day i will get a descent camera that produces descent quality pictures.

huckleberries and half marathons

 By no means am I trying to do a politically- incorrect- squinty-eyes- face. The sun was in my eye balls. It's the only picture of us both.

On Friday Robert and I decided to go huckleberry picking. On our "run" down the mountain last week we saw tons of huckleberry bushes that had a lot of ripe huckleberries, so we decided to go pick this weekend. We left the house at about 8:30 and spent the rest of the afternoon up at Natalie & Mark's sweet huckleberry picking spot and scored, big time. Granted, we only ended up with about a half gallon. It may not seem like a lot, but that was four + hours worth of huckleberry picking.

Last Sunday, Robert and I had the opportunity to speak in church. When I was speaking I mentioned how Robert and I met because I needed a "running buddy" and he decided to train for a marathon with me. (our first date was a ten miler. I know- so romantic). One of the members came up to us afterwards and told us he a free entries to the MAD marathon (half and full) for the upcoming weekend. Robert wanted to do the full, but I had to remind him he hadn't run over 8 miles in about 3 months. It was free, and it involved running- we were in. (even if we had 6 days to train)

Our goal was to beat my time from my first half marathon last January. We did, and it was awesome. 1:44:50, baby. (8 min mile pace, flat) I came in third for my age group and Robert came in 4th.  For not training, I was pretty impressed.

The Osbornes (as in Donnie and Marie) were the founders of the MAD race series; it was a marathon to support the deaf. Justin was there- I wish I was able to to get a picture, but I only talked to him for a few minutes. He is such a neat guy!

They also had free Jamba and massages after the race. It was probably one of my most favorite races I have done.

the piano guys

excuse the awful picture :) It's all I could get.

By mere luck I was able to get tickets to see The Piano Guys (Jon Schmidt & Steven Sharp Nelson) here in Rexburg. It was originally supposed to be a surprise for Robert since his idol is Mr. Schmidt, but I didn't think it was going to happen since the tickets were sold out about 10 minutes after they went on sale. Alas, we lucked out and had an awesome date night. 


Robert plays the piano, and I play(ed) the cello, so we were loving every minute of the concert. There wasn't a song that they played that we didn't like, but below are my three favorites. Enjoy.







PS- Mr. Neilson has three different cellos he used; classical, electric and semi-electric. He was able to use a loop (which I think it the coolest thing ever) with two of his cellos, and it just made the concert.

the valley of swans, and cows, and llamas.

In celebration of completing our Junior year of Higher Education, we decided to go camping! There is so much to do up here, and we were stoked to finally take advantage of it. On Friday night we headed out to Swan Valley to camp.

I guess Swan Valley is famous for square ice cream. So we got some. It was pretty good.

Nat & Mark used to live up here in Idaho, and they told us their secret camping spot where a moose walked through their camp site. We didn't get anything that cool, just a bunch (about 15) cows. It was pretty sweet though; our camp site was right next to the creek and we were about the only campers in a mile radius.

Did I mention that somehow our suitcase/clothing bag got left at home? Yeah- that seems to be a trend with me. I had 16 mosquito bites within the first 15 minutes of being at our campsite, so wrapping my legs in a blanket and putting on Roberts hoodie was my saving grace.

Also- roasting Starburts are a million times better than s'mores. You should probably try it. Just sayin'. (If you hadn't noticed, I had my life time intake of sugar in about 3 hours)

On Saturday morning we got up and made the 7 mile hike to Upper Palisades. It was gorgeous!

We have become pro self-timer photographers- except maybe a few times. A fail in action ^.

Since we are training for another marathon (and a half this weekend, whoot whoot!), we decided to just run back down instead of hike back down. I think it's our new favorite way to hike.

Also- while we were running back down we saw llama's. Yeah. I thought I was going crazy too, but people were really riding Llamas up to the lake!