Thankful.

This year we spent Thanksgiving with three other Texas families up in snowy Deer Valley. 

It was so fun celebrating this holiday with family and good friends!

We ate lots of good food, watched some football (go cowboys!), slept, ate some more, had a little talent show, celebrated some birthdays, and chatted until it was time for everyone to depart. 

Along with watching football, shopping, skiing, and eating, we made our way over 

to Temple Square were we saw the all the Christmas lights! 

I always love it there this time of year... nothing is more magical.

I hope everyone had a fabulous and relaxing Thanksgiving!

xo

The Journey to Christmas.

Sunday morning we woke up early to go to Music and the Spoken Word.

I was so touched by the beautiful music as the choir sang different arrangements of Christmas carols.
We sat right in front so we could see the orchestra play their instruments with such feeling and passion.

I was also so touched by the message that was shared, and found it to be true to not only Christmas, but my life.
How often I forget to live in the moment and recognize those things that are preparing me for what lies ahead.
It was such an inspiring program and I am so glad we were able to go.

"The month of December is a time of joyful anticipation. The sights, sounds, and smells of the season evoke feelings of excitement and wonder. For generations, children—and grown-ups—have used advent calendars and paper chains to count down the days. But does our focus ever become so fixed on the future that we forget to enjoy the journey to Christmas? This year, instead of just looking forward, let’s also take pleasure in the preparations: in the little, less spectacular moments along the way, even in the spontaneous joys that may, at first, seem like interruptions to our bigger plans. In order to recognize those moments for what they could be, it sometimes helps to slow things down a bit. We may need to shop less and savor more. We might have to dim the bright lights in order to see the stars in the heavens, but if we look, we will find them. Often it takes a child to redirect our focus. Think of how much children enjoy the present moments, the preparations, and not just the finished products. When helping to decorate the home, wrap presents, or bake Christmas treats, they usually make more of a mess than we would; they might not do it just right, but they also usually enjoy the moment more than we do! Their enthusiasm can be contagious. A three-year-old girl, wholeheartedly living in the present, exclaimed: "It’s not tomorrow! It’s not today! It’s to-now!”  When was the last time you felt "to-now”? Yes, we are busy. But the days leading to Christmas are not just to be endured. In fact, perhaps they offer more of what the season is really about. The promise of Christmas is everywhere to behold. It’s not saved for Christmas morning. If we have eyes to see, ears to hear, and hearts to open, we truly can enjoy the journey to Christmas." - Lloyd D. Newell

Bring on the SNOW.

Today was the first day of skiing this season!

While everyone went shopping for Black Friday, my dad, brother and I decided to go down the slopes.

There were no lines, and although it was a little chilly and snowy it was perfect!

Nothing like welcoming winter with a little skiing at Park City.

Hope everyone is staying warm!

gobble gobble.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hope it's a good one.

image

What a Wonderful World.

(Thank-you Kristin for the photo!)

This weekend I celebrated my cousin's wedding with good friends and family.

The Bride and Groom were glowing, and I couldn't be more happy for them.
I always love watching two people so in love...
I unfortunately didn't take any pictures, but once I get my hands on some I'll be sure to post a few.

The wedding was absolutely beautiful and of course the food was divine.

(I may or may not have taken a whole plate of cookies with me...)


I hope everyone had a great weekend!
xo

Things I love...

1. Peppermint steamers at Starbucks

2. BYU Bookstore's white-chocolate-sprinkle-Christmas-tree-pretzels
3. Reading a good book in bed when it's snowing outside
4. Early morning yoga

5. Reminiscing and laughing with old friends

6. Homemade chocolate covered strawberries

Goodbye fall, hello winter.

You know winter is on its way when the once beautiful orange fall tree outside your home is now bare and cold.

Is it just me, or did October just fly by?

Fall came and went way too fast for me this year...although, I am excited to start wearing my big coats, wool sweaters, and boots. I usually dread this transition of seasons, but I am actually looking forward to it this year. Maybe it's because I know this might be the last real winter I'll have for awhile...or maybe it's because I can finally start wearing my black leggings that I just love.
Either way, I'm going to make the most of this winter season and hope to enjoy it while it lasts.
(which we all know will probably be for awhile...)

Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend!

A Year in New York.

Today a friend from New York sent me this and I cried.

If you watch it, make sure to watch it fullscreen with the sound up...

Hopefully you'll get a glimpse of what I feel for this place.