Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Place Cards


Found a picture of the place cards from Thanksgiving dinner. I got the idea from several sites, including Being Crafty.

Not me



There's a cute story about getting frustrated over little things like toothpaste splatters in a marriage. In the story, it turns out that both the wife and the husband were at fault for the mess. It's called "Toothpaste on the Mirror."

BUT, I just cleaned the mirror last week, and I'm not exaggerating about the placement of the splatters. I cornered Andrew on the elevator this morning, and he had noticed it too. He has no defense.

Monday, November 29, 2010

Thanks.

Thanks to Chocolate Editions for today's graph. MMmm dark chocolate.

We had a great Thanksgiving with LOTs and lots of family. Tuesday was the "biggest storm in decades" according to the news and a normal Blizzard to the rest of us. Also, Provo ended up not getting ANY snow at all. And after picking up Jody, we had a delicious Bean Thanksgiving dinner prepared by Jamie and Tyler. Then Wednesday we spent the night in Bountiful to prepare for our 5K! Oh wow, was I bad at that. But we finished, and I am finally no longer sore 4 days later. After our run in 6 degree weather on Thanksgiving morning, we rested, showered, played with the babies, and then ate dinner with my mom's side of the family. 33 people! (ish) I made the name cards (with Jamie's help), and someday I will find a picture of them to put on here.

Friday was shopping with my sister-in-law and my mother-in-law, and I think I finally solved the mystery of how to get enough presents for Andrew's birthday AND Christmas. (I probably have too many, but he deserves it.) Everyone else went skiing, had a great time, and came home in one piece. Andrew swears he broke his leg, but he didn't.

Saturday and Sunday were a blur, and I started to get congested from the weather change and the people and the INTERACTION with others! (HELLO, I work alone and only see my husband, my poor immune system is the size of baby Avery's.) Sunday afternoon, we bid adieu to the Bean clan, came home, and took a much needed nap. Today we're back to the routine, and we're already missing everyone. Luckily, Chrissy and the babies came by to entertain us one more time before they head back east.

So, our first Thanksgiving together was great and wonderful and exhausting. Glad I felt like documenting it. That doesn't usually happen.

Now the countdown to Christmas begins! And don't worry, I already decorated. A teeny bit early, so Andrew just watched and laughed.

Monday, November 22, 2010

Happy Birthday Data


It was so fun to hear from everyone on facebook for my birthday! It was also fun to have actual data for this graph. My birthday was so fun. Andrew made me breakfast and gave me my presents in the morning since I couldn't wait any longer to see what he got me! (ROSES, hot chocolate, sewing basket! Best gifts.) At night we tried this new restaurant called Malawi's Pizza. I loved it there! The food was great and the atmosphere was perfect. We had so many friends come, which made the dinner super great.

Erica, Tierre, and Brittany!



Andrew and I


The other Beans! Natalie and David


Tierre, Brittany, Matt and Asia


Cousin Brittney and Andrew! Jake had to work, too bad. I hear he got pizza anyway haha!

Sunday, November 14, 2010

For Donny

When I moved to Australia, I met Irra. She became one of my closest friends, and she and her family really helped me through the difficult transition of moving across the world. I spent so many wonderful occasions with Irra's family: her 18th birthday, my "surprise" 18th birthday, dances, weddings, etc. It's hard to believe that it's been over 3 years since I've seen her. I don't think I've ever adequately thanked her for all she's done for me, and I wish I could at least spend time with her again. Especially now. On November 3, her brother passed away unexpectedly. Being thousands of miles away, I had to piece together the information from what I could gather on facebook. I read the hundreds of notes from family and friends, all reeling from the shock, but all full of love for Donny and for the life he led.

I am remembering one night with Donny, over on the east side of Melbourne at a dance with Irra and Caroline and Sanna and Jackson, and I remember his huge smile and his kind actions. I don't think I can remember knowing anyone more cheerful and loving. I don't remember much of what happened, but I do remember the feeling of friendship and acceptance.


Donny and Sanna


Me and Irra



I wanted to post this because here in Utah, I don't have friends that know Donny or Irra, or their beautiful family. I feel the need to remember Donny myself, and I don't know how else to do that. I want to talk with them, mourn their loss, rejoice in the knowledge that they WILL see Donny again someday. I want to thank all of them for the love and friendship they offered me when I needed it most. And most of all, I want to thank them for their example as they said goodbye to their beloved brother: I read only positive words of remembrance, love, gratefulness, and appreciation from Irra and her sisters. Love for their brother, love for their God. Faith that there is more than this life.

So this is for Donny, and for Irra, and for their family.

God be with you till we meet again.

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Andrewism #6

"Well, then he should just take it and leave it!"
Translation: Take it or leave it
Best Part: In Andrew's world, you can definitely HAVE your cake and EAT IT too!