Happy (almost) New Year!

Our Christmas was fabulous! We spent a few days with Aubrey's parents and Olivia had a blast playing with all of her cousins' new toys. She's still afraid of John (who is three months older) and pouted whenever he came near her. Unfortunately, my camera's battery was dead so we didn't get any pictures.

As you can see, I've updated the look and music on my blog. One thing you may have noticed, however, is that I have not updated my list of resolutions. That's because I'm doing them again this year. I'm horrible at keeping resolutions. That's not to say that I haven't accomplished anything, it just means that I got really sidetracked.

Since there's nothing else to post, and Olivia is fending for herself, I'll sign off by wishing everyone a happy and bright New Year!

Christmas Wishes

Hoping you like what you get this Christmas!

So, all morning I take pictures of Olivia for our Christmas card and not one smile. What is the deal? I finally settled on this one, with the caption as our Christmas message.

I just want to take this moment to wish all of you loyal readers a very merry Christmas. I, for one, believe that the season is more than a happy holiday. The Christmas spirit that somehow makes this, of all seasons, one of peace and goodwill is none other than the Christ spirit. To take that spirit out of Christmas would leave the holiday meaningless. And I'm convinced that even those who do not believe would feel the difference.

This is a time when Aubrey and I like to remember all of our blessings. We are first and foremost blessed with the birth of the Savior all those years ago. His humble birth means hope for a weary world and hope for people who are tossed to and fro in a dismal ocean. What a glorious gift!

We've also been blessed with success and good health this year. Aubrey earned his surveyor's license, Olivia learned to walk and talk and I found a new kind of fulfillment in writing and teaching piano lessons. Life is good!

We hope that all of you remember your blessings from this last year and find reason to hope for a better year. Take time from the hustle of the busy season to reflect upon the reason we celebrate. That tiny baby sleeping in the hay is the King of Kings, your Advocate for all that is good and the Savior of your soul. With that in mind, we wish you the merriest of Christmases!

Six years down, an infinity to go

Aubrey and I celebrate our six-year wedding anniversary today. In some ways, it's hard to believe that it's already been six years. In other ways, it's hard to believe that it's been only six years. This man is incredible and continues to give me everything I've ever asked him for. He spoils me rotten, and I almost never hear the word "no" come out of his mouth. I am so proud of him and the way he works so hard for his family.

Aubrey and I don't have a whole lot in common. Even our personalities are very different. But we don't fight as much as you'd think two opposite people would fight. Do you want to know our secret? I'm lucky to be married to a man who agrees with me on all of the "big rocks". And I mean we do not disagree on a single rock. By big rocks, I mean our core values--mainly religion and spirituality, but also the process of living. For example, we don't argue about whether or not our sons (should we ever get one or some...) will serve missions or our children will go to college. We argue about what we will and will not pay for. I'll take the latter over the former any day of the week, since those are just silly pebbles to me. I am so blessed to be married to a man who not only understands the way I feel about such things, but also feels the same way and understands for himself their importance.

Happy anniversary, Aubrey! I love being your wife and the mother of your children.

Hooray!

HE DID IT!!! AUBREY PASSED!!!

He only had to take the test once. He is a genius.

Hmmm...

The title of this post is in reference to my blank mind. Hmmm...what can I possible write about that would interest my readers? Nothing, 'cause nothing's going on. I will, however take this opportunity to say how proud I am of my Tide. We did so well this year (which is a gross understatement, I know) and I really look forward to kicking some tail at the Sugar Bowl. We Southerners love us some sugar. I will also be picketing the football complex after the New Year demanding that Nick Saban get a raise.

ROLL TIDE!!

Just to have something new

I really don't have a lot to post about right now, but I figured I'd put something up anyway as I'm sure my loyal followers are itching for something current.

Mom & Dad were down for almost two weeks over Thanksgiving and we had a good visit. Of course Olivia figured out right away that Grandma will give her anything she wants. I got a lot of "na, na, na, na, na" looks. Thanksgiving dinner was SO good. We had turkey, ham with an orange glaze, mashed potatoes with gravy, YUMMY glazed sweet potatoes, cornbread stuffing, orange-infused green beans, cran-apple jell-o salad, homemade rolls, pecan pie and apple pie. And, yes, I made it all except the gravy. I love to cook Thanksgiving dinner!

Aubrey, Dad and my old boss/family friend Jerry went to the Auburn game. I'm so jealous! They had a really good time tailgating and watching the Tide steamroll those nasty Tigers 36-0. Aubrey was hoarse when he got home. He said that the fans just got louder and louder as the game went on. I know many of you readers hold the Utah-BYU rivalry as one of the biggest rivalries. Nuh, uh. You haven't seen a rivalry (pre-game brawl or not) until you've been to the Iron Bowl. When I have more time, I'll post the history of the game. It's very interesting.

Yesterday I put my house in order and today I'm putting up my Christmas decorations hoping my friends Jody and Emmy will stop by. Jody is a distant cousin to Aubrey and they are both responsible for getting the two of us together. If it wasn't for Jody's sneakiness and Emmy's boldness, we might have never dated. (Of course, Tracy, you played an important role, too!) I'm anxious to see them.

Sunday night our power went off for about an hour and a half. It was kind of fun, sitting in front of the fireplace with candles lit all around the living room. I told Olivia (as she tried to turn the TV on with the remote) that we were living like pioneers. We made a pallet on the floor in front of the fireplace and laid/played there until the power came on again. We actually had a really great time. I'm glad we have a fireplace, because it got cold awfully fast once the heater shut off.