Oh yeah, I had a birthday too...

On November 12 I turned 32! The day of my birthday my mom watched Luke So that James and I could go out. He wanted to take me to this Chinese restaurant I've wanted to go to ever since we moved to Bountiful. We got seated and looked at the menu. There was nothing that looked good to us and it was fairly expensive so we left and found a new Chinese place we've never been to. It was perfect! Then we drove all the way to Holiday because I really wanted to see The Giver (my favorite book growing up) and it's almost out of theaters so that was the only place we were able to find it. On the way home we stopped at walmart to get a piece of cake. James said "no way can you fit 32 candles on that, we probably don't even have 32 candles." Well I proved him wrong but it was quite an interesting out come!

 

One of my birthday presents was getting shellac nails, something I have wanted for a while. So after therapy on Thursday I went and did it. It was fun and relaxing and my nails are super adorable!

 

 

Then on Saturday I went out with my mom, and sisters. We started out at Swig for cookies and dirty diet cokes, Then we went to get pedicures (so now my feet are adorable too!) Then we went to Paradise Bakery. While I was gone James and the kids colored pictures and decorated the house for my birthday. James made me my favorite cake, German Chocolate and my favorite ice cream, so we had a little party and I opened my present which was an ice cream maker. YUM that is exactly what I wanted.

 

Thanks everyone for making my birthday awesome

 

Thanksgiving 2013

Thanksgiving day I slept in a little and started watching the parade as soon as I woke up. James was unimpressed but when I showed the kids they thought it was fantastic and soon they were all in our bed watching. At 11:15 I put the turkey in the oven. He turned out delicious! James' mom came and made all the other thanksgiving food. We had mashed potatoes, stuffing, yams, silly salad, rolls, and green bean casserole. Lots of yummy food. It was actually pretty nice to not have to load up the kids for a long drive. All of James' family was able to join us. Later the  kids had all left and I got out the Christmas decorations. I listened to Christmas music and did some holiday decorating. James took me to see Catching Fire where I think I consumed more calories than at Thanksgiving Dinner! (why is movie theater popcorn SO good??) The movie was amazing, and I loved having my sweet hubby all to myself ;) We made a stop at Walmart after the movie then went home to finish the decorating. I also made my first pumpkin pies (not for thanksgiving, but we all wanted more pie on Friday) And they turned out pretty yummy.

 My slightly obstructed view of the Macy's Day Parade 

 Look at me, cooking a turkey. 

On our way to the movie!

my pumpkin pies

I love the tree! I will enjoy every second until I have to take it down. Already I have cuddled on the couch with my hot chocolate and enjoyed my tree on a few different occasions. 

Snoozy's epic arrival. I have lots of fun ideas for Snoozy this year. 

I have so very much to be thankful for. I am married to a man I am deeply in love with. And although marriage is challenging, he makes my every day a fairy tale. I am so blessed to be a mommy. I often complain about where my new little guy currently resides, but not for one second do I take for granted the ability to carry a child and be a mother. After once wondering if I would ever be blessed with children I know what an incredible miracle it is and I am thankful every single day. I have the utmost gratitude for my Savior. For the Atonement and the blessings that have been poured out upon us as I was sealed to my eternal companion and have been blessed with the priesthood in my home. What an incredible month it has been. I am excited for the upcoming holiday season and to share with our children my love and gratitude for Jesus Christ, and teach them to serve and love others. 

Traditions

We started a november activity, "Our Graditude Tree" every night whoever happens to be home writes something they are thankful for on a leaf and tapes it on the wall where our graditude tree is. I think its adorable. :) I think I will make it a tradition.

James with tonight's addition to the tree.

I am so excited to start our next month tradition "The elf on the shelf" James drove me around to different stores, in a snow storm to find my elf. I can't wait.