Merry Christmas to Our Service Men and Women. I LOVE THE USA!

I would like to thank the countless men and women serving in our armed forces. I am so thankful for their service. This country would not be the same without their valiant, honorable and courageous service. Freedom is not free, but it is worth FIGHTING FOR.

I recently heard a new song on the radio called “Santa Bring my Soldier Home.” The song itself was a delight, but the version I heard was paired with voiceovers of families praying for the safe return of their loved ones. It brought tears to my eyes.

A couple weeks ago, I started to feel a little sad because I am not able to go to Texas to be with the Parker family at all this holiday season due to my work schedule and tight budget. No Thanksgiving, No Christmas, No New Years, but this song gave me a swift reality check. Being in the United States is being home. Being here on safe soil is such a gift. I couldn’t ask for anything more! I feel bad for, and yet I am so grateful for, the service men and women who will be celebrating Christmas in a barrack, in a tent, or even on a ship.

I will be praying for your safe return and thanks again for your service!



(I tried to find the exact version of that song that I heard on the radio, and I have had no such luck. I was able to find this video on YouTube. I thought it was such a creative idea. If you have any family or friends that you would like to be kept safe this Christmas, make and post a video.)

Tree 1 and Tree 2

TREE #1
Two nights ago I talked to my mom, and she asked for a picture of our Christmas Tree.  I busted out my phone and started taking pictures of the Christmas Tree.  Ryan curiously asked what on earth I was doing?  I told him I was taking pictures of the tree to send to my mom.  He said, "Why, it doesn't look much different from last years tree?"   We both laughed.  I guess it isn't that different from last years tree.  However to my defense, I did add new ornaments, picks, and even a new top.

So here you go mom.  The one and only DEVINE CHRISTMAS TREE!

TREE #2

A couple days ago, I peaked outside to assess the weather before getting ready for work. I noticed this beautiful tree with deep orange leafs slowly shedding from it's branches.

It was a brisk, chilly, and quiet morning. I stood and admired this tree for a couple of minutes. I didn't have a care in the world. During this short moment, I was able to appreciate one of God's beautiful creations. All too often, I fall into my rushed daily routine, and I fail to enjoy the beauty surrounding me. It was a refreshing change of pace!

Tennessee - BLIND SIDE

I am gun hoe on Tennessee! As a young girl I pictured myself getting married and moving away to start a family of my own. Although I love Texas, I wasn't sure if Texas would be my long-term home or not. However, I always envisioned myself living somewhere similar to Texas. I pictured myself living in a southern area where people still say yes madam and yes sir. Where manners and dressing up for special occasions and holidays is the norm. Where religion is something that is discussed openly. Where family and God are treasured not attacked. I pictured myself living in a lush green vegetation. If I had to guess then, where I thought I'd end up, I would have said the Carolinas, Georgia or Tennessee.

Although I haven't been to a lot of these places, (I am itching to check them out) from what I see, hear, and read, there is something intriguing. The movie Blindside sold me on Tennessee. If anyone that reads this blog is from Tennessee, has lived there or has visited there, please let me know how you like/d it. I am honestly very very very curious. Send me a comment. If you don't want your identity to be out there, I won't publish your comment, but please do send your thoughts my way.

If you haven't already seen the blind side, I suggest you see it. You'll be itching to move to Tennessee too. haha. But in all seriousness, the movie was great. It was heartwarming. I would love to meet the woman who Sandra Bullock plays. She is an amazing woman. This woman is strong, brave, thoughtful, and yet a crack up! (SIDENOTE: I hear that the book shows the father's involvement more and the movie doesn't depict him as involved)

Check out the Trailer.

Thanksgiving - Utah

Utah is a bitter sweet place to visit.  It is sweet because there are plenty of friends and family to visit.  It is bitter because there are too many friends and family to visit.  haha.  With siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends, you just can't see everyone.  It normally makes for a stressful trip trying to figure out schedules and squeeze everyone in.

We had a wonderful trip though!  We hit up our favorite Utah food joints like Kneaders, Cafe Rio, Magleby's Fresh, J-Dawgs ;)  Yum Yum Yum.

We had a nice Thanksgiving feast at my brother Aaron's with his family and my sister Marcy was in town with her family from Dallas.  The meal turned out great.  We hardly put a dent in the food.  I am sure Aaron and Erin are still eating Turkey and stuffing :)

Here are the boys patiently waiting for Thanksgiving Dinner. 

Brooke didn't have to sit at the kid table this year!

AP & Erin preparing the feast.

Taden, Breck, Blake and Brooke before church.

We went tubing up at Park City. When we pulled up to the tubing park, the kids were excited to see the snow. Then as we walked up toward the hill, I could see some fear in a few of the younger kids’ eyes, but it was strictly smiles for everyone as we cruised down the hill. We also went shopping at the Park City outlets with the Devine’s. From what I hear, Leanne took home the prize for having the most successful shopping day! Somehow I walked away empty handed (self control – thank you).

Most of the world goes crazy over early morning black Friday shopping.  I go crazy over early morning Black Friday Eating at Kneaders with Corrine and Neil!  It was great catching up with Corrine.

We were able to attend the blessing of Vahe and Leisha's baby girl.  It was a very sweet blessing.  I know Ryan was happy he was a part of that.  (Unfortunately, my camera only takes blurry pictures, so I am waiting to get pictures from other people.  As soon as I get pic's, I'll post them).

And to top everything off.  We went to the victorious BYU vs. Utah game.  The cougars came out on top in overtime.  GO COUGARS!  Ryan and I went to the game with his dad and brother-in-law Jake.  I was the only girl there.  Believe me, I did not let being the only girl stop me from cheering and yelling.  I think I got more into the game than all three of the men. I love college football :)

Martha Where Are You?

Hooray for Mikelle's birthday!  A few girls got together to celebrate.  I should rephrase that and say some "CREATIVE GIRLS" got together to celebrate.  I think I was the only non crafty person there and it showed through my gift.  Mikelle started opening her amazingly wrapped presents and read all of her cute handmade cards. I kept thinking to myself, man what do these girls do all day?  How do they have time to craft this stuff? 

Then my dashing gift lands in Mikelle's hands.  It was store bought card with a gift card.  Boring I know!  To top it off, I couldn't even center her name on the envelope.  My mom would be so ashamed.

Where are you Martha Stewart?  I need your help!

I may not be Martha's apprentice, but I sure did have fun with these chickas.  I'm hoping the more I hang out with them, the more their creativity will rub off on me. 

Loading This Blog With Christmas Music

I still haven't posted about Thanksgiving or the end of November.  Hopefully I will get around to that exciting post tonight.  However, it is December 2nd, and I need to get into the Christmas spirit.  I am loading the Blog with Christmas music, so I (and all of you out there) can start listening to my favorite tunes.  I listen to the blog music while at work because everyother music site is blocked.

What are your favorite Christmas tunes?  Any special requests that I can add to the playlist?