A few pictures of our winter

So, rather than give you lengthy, wordy updates I'll just post a few pictures. (Also, I can say that I've already checked off one thing on my list. #20 is done!)

No News is Good News

Well, unfortunately I don't feel like I have much to update on, but it's been more than a week, so it's definitely time.
I had a lovely birthday, and thank you to everyone for the well-wishes. I had to sleep through the morning so I'd be functional after having the night from hell at work (more on that later), but I was able to spend some time with family and have a romantic night out with my lovely hubby. We went to the Utah basketball game (so much fun, I love the people watching more than anything), and then Steve and I headed to Park City. I made my birthday dinner the reward to one of my first sticker charts so I'd feel justified in spending exorbitant amounts of money on it. We went to Snowed Inn Sleigh Company restaurant. If you're a connoisseur of Jon and Kate Plus 8 then you've probably seen this restaurant. It's the one they went to when they visited Park City. During the winter it's only reachable by horsedrawn sleigh. It was very romantic, despite the fact that we shared our sleigh with families from Maryland and Michigan. We had a lovely dinner, then headed home to hit the sack since we had church at 9. I've started working on my goals, and so far I'm doing pretty good. I think I'm going to have to make myself sticker charts to accomplish everything, but I'll make it happen.
Steve is still looking for a job, but his put in multiple applications. We're pretty much just waiting for some calls back at this point. We finally filed for unemployment this week, which we should have done the day he was laid off, but that would mean he'd have to (insert gasp and appropriately shocked face here) ask for help. Once our application goes through we'll get about $300 a week, which isn't bad at all. Some money is better than none, after all.
Other than that, our life is pretty much the same. I'm just trying to come up with new and creative ways to keep my primary kids entertained. They're not really big on singing, so keeping them focused is quite the chore. However, new tale from primary: I made posters with word helps for the song we're learning this month. One of the pictures was of Satan who has a (rockin', I must say) mullett, and a mean face. I was covering up pictures one at a time to test them on how well they were remembering the words. I asked them which one I should cover up next, and one of my little 6 or 7 year olds pipes up and says, "Cover up Satan, he's scary lookin', man!" Also, my favorite child of the week is Matteo (or Teo, if you will). He's one of the gaggle of sunbeams we just inherited. He likes to sit in the front row and wave his arm like he's leading the music. I see a chorister calling in his future.
Well, I think that's it for now. I hope everyone is having a fantastic week.

A big To-do

Ok, with my birthday looming imminently around the corner (24, hard to believe) I've decided to make a list of 25 things I'd like to do/accomplish before I turn 25. I'll periodically update the list as I complete items, change things, etc. So, in lieu of New Years resolutions, I bring you 25 before 25:

1. Lose 30 pounds. I know, lame and cliche, but for my health I really need to do it.
2. Get my concealed carry permit. (I know, me with a gun is a scary thought...)
3. Set up, and stick to, a monthly budget
4. Stop biting my nails... permanently
5. Save enough money for a down payment on a house
6. Apply for a job in the operating room
7. Start an etsy shop for my baby quilts
8. Spend more time being grateful for what I have, and less time wishing for things I don't
9. Smile more
10. Tell Steve that I love him everyday
11. Organize the spare room closet
12. Have singing time planned at least a week in advance
13. Write to Zach on a regular basis
14. Wash my car once a month
15. Plan weekly menus
16. Read the Book of Mormon
17. No caffeine
18. Read at least one "classic" a month
19. Complete the "block party" quilt
20. Get my engagement ring and wedding band soldered and properly sized
21. Sell my wedding dress
22. Go back to school for my Bachelor's Degree
23. Attend the temple at least once a month
24. Criticize less, compliment more
25. Have my Christmas quilt finish by December

We'll see how I do...

Happy Freakin' New Year

So, I've been the worst kind of blog slacker lately, but life has been a little wild. I hate to ring in the new year with bad news, but...

Steve got laid off this morning. If you could please keep us in your prayers we'd appreciate it.

We'll be ok. He got severance pay, and I make pretty good money, but it still sucks. We're keeping our eyes open for good opportunities and he's willing to work hard and find something new.

Otherwise, happy new year, everyone!