Kooza

Last night David and I got to see Kooza- Cirque Du Soleil. Our friend Vince, who is so extremely generous and kind, gave us tickets to the show. I have always wanted to see a Cirque Du Soleil show, so I have been looking forward to the show. Not only did I get to go to one, but we had awesome seats right in the middle. The show was amazing. I am now in the market for a contortionist instructor. Do you know of anyone? While watching them I was laughing so hard which turned into tears rolling down my face from pure shock. Seriously, the contortionists were incredible. Are they double jointed? Actually, every stunt performed was superhuman.

David works in a hospital all day among really sick little kids and during the show he said multiple times, "Watching this is so stressful." Then he had the audacity to say that just because I like to watch people die doesn't mean that he does! Well, it's not that I actually like to watch people die, but I must admit I am somewhat fascinated by accidents. Call me morbid. Luckily for David, there were no accidents, just one small slip on a cable 25' in the air and a lucky save by a quick arm!

If you get the chance to go to the one of these shows, it is well worth it. Maybe you'll be as blessed as us to have a super-duper generous friend named Vince. THANK YOU VINCE FOR A MARVELOUS EVENING!

What says I love you...

This morning I had to be at work by 7am. David is normally up and gone by then, but lucky for him he was still in bed. I went to my client's house and got him up and ready for the day. He has cerebral palsy, so we have a routine we go through in the morning. He has to do a vest treatment for 20 minutes. Getting him to do the treatment takes a little bit of coaxing and some negotiating since he doesn't enjoy it. So, once we finally came to a compromise, I started the machine. Then I shaved him, washed his face and put some astringent on (he has a way better facial plan than me). I felt a sense of love for him as I did for him what he could not do for himself. Then I started thinking about David, and what I do for him. Am I as patient with him? Do I understand him even when he doesn't say anything (my client can not speak)? Do I love him unconditionally and would I be willing to do anything for him?
When I came home from work today, our bed was made. David does definitely prefer a tidy home, but I am the one that is a bit OCD about tidiness and everything being in it's place. So, when I walked into my room, I realized this simple act was a way that David showed his love for me.

Blazin' Christmas

When I flew home from St. Louis, David picked me up at the airport and we had our own little Christmas together. That evening we headed over to the Trailerblazer's game. David's boss gave us the tickets and we were excited to see a live NBA game. The Blazer's won and even scored over 100 pts, so we all got free Chalupa tickets! It was an awesome game.

Christmas in St. Louis

Christmas

This year David was on call during the holidays, so I ventured off to St. Louis without him. My whole family flew in minus my hubby and another brother-in-law. It was wonderful (not the part where two son-in-laws were missing).

It is harder and harder to get everyone together since we are spread out and have our own little families, so this was a real treat. And, to make the situation even more spectacular, my youngest sister, Ashley, went through the temple. When we were standing in the temple all together as a family, my heart was full. One of the greatest purposes of this life is to live our lives worthy to be together as a family for eternity. On a lighter note, I was reminded of why my mom and I were often separated during church when I was growing up. For some reason, the two of us can not sit next to each other and be reverent. I nonchalantly pointed something out to my mom while at the temple that sent her into hysterics with me quickly following. I don't think I have ever fought so hard to keep myself from laughing out loud.

The week before Christmas, we kept busy entertaining 7 little kiddos, or possibly it was the other way around.

Science Center

Lone Elk Park- saw Santa's reindeer the day before Christmas.

Magic House- Loved this place. Why wasn't this around when I was a kid?

Decorated a gingerbread house (although most of the candy might have been ingested prior to making it on the house.)

My nephews could have spent hours in the basement making forts, playing hide and go seek and collecting treasure chests. They asked Mimi why she had so many treasure chests.

We had a visit from Aunt Ginny, Aunt Barb and Uncle Larry

Got to eat my favorite pizza at Uno's.

Ate lots of Christmas goodies: Homemade caramels & white fudge.

Enjoyed a non-traditional Christmas Eve dinner, Bethlehem style.

The kiddos did a live nativity. The angel unfortunately had to slip out early due to illness and Jesus only stayed awhile because it was past his bedtime.

Thanks Mom and Dad for letting us ALL stay at your house and for making it a memorable Christmas! I can't wait to do it again.

Forever

We met Allan and Shannon a little over a year ago when they moved to Portland. They had been married for a short time and Allan had just been baptized. They lived here for a mere 8 or so months and then moved back to California. While they were here I loved watching them grow in the gospel and watching Shannon drill David with her inquisitive questions.
This past weekend they flew up from CA to go through the temple. Unfortunately David was still down at Stanford so he missed out on the all the festivities. Friday they went through the temple together for the first time and Saturday they were sealed for time and all eternity. I can not explain the sweet spirit that was in the sealing room, but it was one of the most tender experiences of my life. While in the temple I was reminded of how much our Heavenly Father loves us and wants to bless us with all that He has.