Thursday, December 31, 2009

White Christmas

We spent a wonderful week in Colorado for Christmas. It was Eric's first white Christmas ever, and I loved being home with my family. It just may have been my favorite Christmas ever! Here is our week in pictures...

Happy 87th Birthday Grandpa! Dinner at the country club where we got married.


Eric's first Bronco game. Hate the Raiders.


Game night with the Bennetts and Garyn!


Christmas Eve Sledding!








The boys on Christmas Eve



Our First Christmas!




The "Mills" kids on Christmas


Christmas Morning!


Grandma and Grandpa in front of our Christmas Tree




ICE SKATING on Evergreen Lake!

With Jack and Taryn!




What a great way to end 2009! Bring on the new year!

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Retraction

I would like to make a public retraction about a statement made on my blog, or rather a clarification. The sensitive reasons that we missed the MoTab Choir concert were weather, traffic, chinese food, and the conference center's ridiculous ticketing procedures.

On a lighter note - if anyone was looking for something to get me for Christmas here are a few boot, I mean cute ideas :)


http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3031497/0~2376778~2372808~6007659~6011963~6025375?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6025375&P=3

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3032309/0~2376778~2372808~6007659~6011963~6025375?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6025375&P=2

Monday, December 14, 2009

A Brother Like That

One of my favorite Christmas stories...

A friend of mine named Paul received an automobile from his brother as a Christmas present. On Christmas Eve when Paul came out of his office, a street urchin was walking around the shiny new car, admiring it. "Is this your car, Mister?" he said. Paul nodded. "My brother gave it to me for Christmas." The boy was astounded. "You mean your brother gave it to you and it didn’t cost you nothing? Boy, I wish . . ." He hesitated. Of course Paul knew what he was going to wish for. He was going to wish he had a brother like that. But what the lad said jarred Paul all the way down to his heels. "I wish," the boy went on, "That I could be a brother like that." Paul looked at the boy in astonishment, then impulsively he added, "Would you like to take a ride in my car?" "Oh yes, Id love that." After a short ride, the boy turned with his eyes aglow, said, "Mister, would you mind driving in front of my house?" Paul smiled a little. He thought he knew what the lad wanted. He wanted to show his neighbors that he could ride home in a big automobile. But Paul was wrong again. "Will you stop where those two steps are?" the boy asked. He ran up the steps. Then in a little while Paul heard him coming back, but he was not coming fast. He was carrying his little crippled brother. He sat him down on the bottom step, then sort of squeezed up against him and pointed to the car. "There she is, Buddy, just like I told you upstairs. His brother gave it to him for Christmas and it didn’t cost him a cent. And some day I'm gonna give you one just like it . . . then you can see for yourself all the pretty things in the Christmas windows that Ive been trying to tell you about." Paul got out and lifted the lad to the front seat of his car. The shining-eyed older brother climbed in beside him and the three of them began a memorable holiday ride. That Christmas Eve, Paul learned what Jesus meant when he said: "It is more blessed to give . . . "

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas

Last year on the Polar Express


Oh, Christmas is here! Our tree is up (and darling if I might add). My nativity is up, our Christmas bells are up and our peppermint wreath candle smells delicious! We are all decked out for the holidays. Its finally starting to look like Christmas outside too - SNOW!! I love love love the snow. There is really nothing better than cuddling with my husband next to the Christmas tree drinking hot chocolate and listening to the forgotten carols (our Sunday afternoon activity this week.) It was perfect. We have filled our days with other holiday centered activities such as....

Temple Square Christmas lights and the MoTab Choir Concert (sort of)
We didn't make it to the concert for reasons that are still a little sensitive, but we did get to see the beautiful lights at temple square and my mom and Lucy said the concert was beautiful.



(Another photo from last year - we left our camera at home)

I Love to see the temple


The Forgotten Carols!! Eric has been telling since last Christmas that he can't wait to take me to the Forgotten Carols (he took another date last year haha). Let me just tell you that it was AMAZING! I was so touched and truly reminded of the Spirit of Christmas. Please go see it, you will not regret it. We bought three CD's and even got them autographed!

Oh, Chistmas Tree. I have to say that I am a little obsessed with our Christmas tree. I want everyone to come see it - if you do, I will make you cookies and hot chocolate, thats a promise.

Our Tree! With one lonely present underneath!

Our "mantle" yes, we were watching that crap on Tiger Woods




Thursday, December 3, 2009

LCRAP... oops I mean LSAT

My husband, all he does is study study study. Thank the heavens that the LSAT is this Saturday. Eric has kept hismelf pretty busy this last month with hours of very effective studying. It has worn him right out.

Eric studying for the LSAT :)


Eric made a goal to go to bed early every night this week to make sure he ready for test day - I for one love this idea and think that it should be implemented all year long. As a result I have gotten much more sleep and feel much more chipper than usual. Even though I am getting much more sleep than usual, I am excited to have this test over and my husband back!


On a different note... My car battery died this morning (again). She is getting a little to old for this cold weather (so is Eric.)




Eric in the cold


My car in the cold

Sunday, November 29, 2009

Thanksgiving Goodness

We spent a wonderful week in Hermosa Beach for Thanksgiving with Eric's family. We got in Tuesday night and our days were jam-packed until we left Sunday afternoon. Some highlights included:
Spending time with family
Surfing
Beach time
Playing with adorable nieces and nephews
A delicious Turkey dinner
Murder Mystery (I might have been "EC," but I was innocent!)
Temple Trip
More good food
First annual Bell Day of Service
Beach cruisers on the strand
Football on the Beach
Football on TV - Broncos and BYU!!
Bowling
Rootbeer Floats

Here are some pictures to recap



My husband is pretty much a professional surfer

Jered will be one day too

Surfing didn't go so well last time, so i tried boogie boarding instead.





Just a little chocolate milk shower

We borrowed Kristen and Lee's beach cruisers and took them for a little ride.





We had a blast! I love Thanksgiving and I love that we can now officially ring in the Christmas season - Let the Christmas music, decorations, and festivities begin!

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Today's a Very Special Day

November 2 has always been one of the best days of the year.... why you ask?? No, its not because its voting day and I love to exercise my right to vote - its because November 2 is the Birthday of three of my most favorite people in the whole wide world.

My Baby brother Jack turns 20 today!! Whoa. Happy Birthday bucko - I LOVE YOU!!!



JILL and MALLORY are 22! They have been two of my closest friends for years - Mal since the first grade, and Jill for years and the best roommate I've ever had...before Eric ;) Happy Birthday pretty ladies!!



Happy Halloween!


Happy Halloween!! Halloween has always been one of my favorite holidays - I love dressing up! This year I was afraid we had dropped the ball because the day before Halloween we still didn't know what we were going to dress up as!! After spending about 45 minutes in the Halloween store, Eric decided on Rocky Balboa and luckily they had a matching outfit for me! We were excited with the way they turned out!

We went to the Garns' Halloween/Thanksgiving/Christmas Party and we had a lot of fun. Who knew mixing all the holidays in one would be such a big hit?? We had a Thanksgiving feast, drank wassail, and (almost) had a white elephant gift exchange. I say almost because we left before that happened to head over to the Johnson's for some more Halloweening.






Friday night we went to a Haunted House with Scott and CeLisa! Nightmare on 13th street - Not so nightmareish but fun nonetheless. Before the haunted house we stopped to get some delicious Pizza at Nicotalias (?) True to my nature, as I was walking in I slipped on some water, and made a very grand, yet very graceful entrance into the restaurant, landing on one knee with arms spread open wide in from of an unsuspecting table of pizza eaters. I don't think anyone really realized that I slipped and they all probably thought I was just a littly cooky. We had a good laugh about it for about ten minutes. After the Haunted House we spent the rest of the night watching some great Office episodes.

Scott and CeLisa at the Haunted House - she hates Haunted Houses



Creeper in the background - we didn't even know he was there!

Monday, October 26, 2009

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Sunday, October 25, 2009

Bueno Bueno (a shoutout to Spain)



One time I lived in Spain. Last year to be exact. It was wonderful and I miss it dearly. I miss the afternoons in the Parque Retiro and the countless hours I spent getting lost in the halls of the Prado. I miss the group excursions and Consuelo, and FauFau, Gui, and Julio. I miss Sfera and Zara. I miss the old people in Spain, and I even miss the outrageous PDA haha. Chasing the bus and metro, and eating lots of gelato (about 12 extra pounds worth.) Oh, I miss the gelato.


Not that I’m saying that my life is completely miserable here in Provo – in fact, I wouldn’t trade where I’m at right now for anything, but sometimes I think to myself as I’m driving to the grocery store or work, “this time last year I was watching Flamenco at a Flamenco bar in Sevilla,” or “riding the midnight train to Barcelona where we swam in the Mediterranean and I stayed in my first hostel (that was an experience!).” I’m so lucky that I was able to have the experiences I did.



I think in many ways I owe our marriage to Spain (and not just because I drank from the fountain of marriage) When I was gone Eric and I really had a chance to build our friendship through emails and Skype conversations. I anxiously checked my email every morning and throughout the day hoping to find one from him. I love those emails and I’m so glad that we still have them. (I wanted to post one but Eric said no… sorry I know you wanted the juicy details! Haha) Once I got back, it was easy to jump right into things – and now, we’re married!! One more reason that I will always love Spain!


Legend has it that by drinking out of this fountain you will be married in the next year. hmmm...


The cuadernos - you wouldn't understand.




Perfect autumn afternoon with my favorite ladies.





Roman statues


Goya - my love.


And just in case any of you were wondering what Eric was up to while I was gone.....





Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Wedding Bells

That’s right…another Bell wedding! The third one this year to be exact! Its been a busy year for my in-laws John and Donna, but they successfully pulled off another beautiful wedding. Kimi and Eldon got married on October 17 in the LA Temple and we were so glad that we got to be there. Kimi is Eric’s little sister and she really was a beautiful bride – and so happy! I doubt if I’ve ever seen such a glowing bride. The temple ceremony was very powerful and reminded me and Eric of the wonderful blessings that come from being sealed for all eternity, we are so lucky!
Here are some pictures from the Big Day… Sorry I only have a few from the Temple, my camera died – go figure! But I assure you that the reception was beautiful as well.

The Happy Couple just coming out of the temple

With John and Donna

Brian and Monica with the boys

He learned how to sniff the flowers

Uncle Eric and little Jared

Sunday, October 18, 2009

The Witch Is In

That's right… my mom and Steff came to visit. (Two weekends ago now) Now don't get me wrong, I love my mom and sister and they are by no means a witch, but we got to do some real witchy things and she helped me get ready for Halloween! We went to go see the Witches up at the Gardner's Mill in South Jordan – How have I lived in Provo for 4 years and not seen the witches at Gardners Mill?? They were adorable!! The Mill is a little shopping place with cute old houses and cute cute stores. At Halloween, they decorate it with the most darling witches you've ever seen… Go see them!



Some of the witches from the Mill


Me and Steffi

Oh, Lucy.



We did A LOT of shopping, while the girls were here. We've been in our house for 2 months now and I've desperately needed my mother's decorative advice (Eric just doesn't have that creative touch she does). We decorated for Halloween and Fall time and even got things ready to be put out for Christmas! More than anything she helped me decorate our cute little apartment for everyday- I've had a pile of pictures, etc to put up I've just been at a loss at where. We hung curtains (Finally!), pictures, clocks, shelves… our place looks so cute now, sometimes I just stare at it haha. Now if we can only keep it clean! Besides decorating and shopping, we did some good eating, and just some quality girl time. I wish they lived closer so we could have more of these opportunities… maybe someday! Here are some pictures of our house!
The Dining Room - I love my clock!






The Kitchen!



Family Room



Our front door! Happy Halloween!

Eric got away for the weekend- He went to Las Vegas with some friends to watch BYU beat UNLV... 59-21! Go Cougars! My only request from his boys weekend – bring me something back from H&M. Just like the wonderful husband that he is, he drug his friends to H&M and brought me back some scarves – Now I only wish the weather would cool off so I could wear them! It was good to have him back home from our first weekend away from each other.



In other news….. I GOT A JOB!! Yes, I am now a member of the "those who are employed" club. I'll be working as a receptionist at a local law firm – Philmore Spencer. I've done my training and tomorrow I start in yikes! It's a little overwhelming to learn the 13 attorneys, their assistants, and the quirks of each one, but after a little time, I think I'll get the hang of it. Thank you Courtney for helping me get the job!




Jess also came to visit – New Mexico played BYU in girls soccer so I got to spend a little time with her before and after the game catching up. It's been a while, especially since she wasn't able to make it to the wedding because of soccer. It was so good to see her, and Eric finally got to meet her! Good luck with the rest of your season Jess and hopefully we'll see you back here soon!
We just went to California for Kimi's wedding - it was beautiful, a post to come soon!