The "Best Brother of the Morning" Award goes to.... OWEN!!!

I have the best brother... This morning he got out of his nice warm bed to help me out - and he didn't even grumble about it.

I work today and then I leave for vacation tonight. We had our family Christmas yesterday and then came home and collapsed. When we got home I wasn't feeling too great and it just got worse from there. I hardly ever get sick! But this year I'm getting pounded.... Last night was miserable, absolutely miserable. To top it off I had to pack for vacation, get ready for work and get a few things tied up around the house in preperation for me to be gone for a couple days.

Owen was great and helped me out whenever I asked him. He got my suitcase from the garage, etc... I finally got everything packed and snuggled into bed.

This morning my alarm went off, I hit the snooze a couple times, then finally got up and looked outside... snow, more of it. I gently knocked on Owen's bedroom door, then asked him quietly through the dark, "Will you put my big suitcase in my car for me?" I didn't realize how pathetic I sounded till he started giggling.

I went and got in the shower and got ready for work. By the time I was done Owen came back inside. I thanked him profusely... The thought of wrestling my suitcase out to the car with our 16 inches of snow seemed absolutely horrific. I gave him hugs and got a kiss on the cheek. We said our "Bye"s and "I'll Miss you"s and "Take care of the house" and then I opened the door and started for the car. When I looked up I almost started crying. Not only had he taken my suitcase out, but had started my car, scraped my windows and even shoveled a walkway to my car.... HE'S AWESOME!! He was so thoughtful and sweet, it meant the world to me.

So, I'm the luckiest sister ever.... at least I was this morning. I'll let you know if I still think that after I get home and Owen has had the house to himself for five days. :) (LOVE YOU OWNEY!!)

(Here is Owen and I last summer... awww, loves! haha)

Living Today So Tomorrow Can Be As Great As Yesterday

I recieved a few gifts today... both of them were touching in their own ways.

Brett (an ex-boyfriend and dear dear friend) is in town for the holidays and we went to dinner tonight. It was wonderful to spend time with him. He was incredibly sweet and gave me a little Christmas present. It is a children's book about underwear, written by a 6 year old boy... Typical Brett. We stood in the parking lot and I read it quickly, we both giggled and shook our heads through the amazement that something this random would be so touching.

I loved the book... but mostly I loved the thought that was put into it.

My second present came from my Visiting Teachers. Apprently they dropped it off on the doorstep and Owen found it. A great plate of Christmas cookies (Owen enjoyed those) and a copy of the General Conference Ensign. It was perfect, I have been meaning to get one of those for a bit now...

I started thumbing through and settled on a talk from President Monson, titled Finding Joy in the Journey. He talks about how our lives go through changes and while those are happening life comes and goes, quickly. He encourages us to take advantage of today, to make the most of it. He quotes The Music Man saying, "[if] You pile up enough tomorrows, you'll find you've collected a lot of empty yesterdays." He follows it by saying, "There is no tomorrow to remember if we don't do something today."

I have really tried to live my life to the fullest the last couple of years, but this article hit home. I find the years flying by (is it really 2009 already?) and I realize that there are some important things that I'm still missing. I am pleased with the spontenaiety and the adventersome attitude that I have adopted, yet I realize that I still need to focus more on relationships - those are always most important.

Later on he heartfully says, "I plead with you not to let those most important things pass you by as you plan for that illusive and nonexistent future when you will have time to do all that you want to do. Instead, find joy in the journey - now."

Its easy to get sucked into "I'll do it when I get these other things taken care of...", but when it comes to relationships I see that they need to be a priority... all those other things will fall into place.

President Monson said, "Stresses in our lives come regardless of our circumstances. We must deal with them the best we can. But we should not let them get in the way of what is most important - and what is most important always involves the people around us."

Today my presents went hand in hand. As I read this article I thought about how grateful I was that both Brett and I found the time to get together. Today was the only day that both of us would be here and I'm glad we made it a priority to see eachother. His present was cute and thoughtful, the card was even more touching. Simple, sweet and very welcomed....

I don't like New Year's Resolutions, I think if it is something that important we should just start now, not wait for Jan 1st. So, here is my new resolution, starting today.... I'm going to try to never let the kind word go unsaid. If I'm thinking about someone I will let them know. If I appreciate something I will give the word of thanks. I will hug more. I will make calls more, long distance or next door. I will send more facebook "trinkets" ... haha. In a nut shell, I will let people know they are important to me.

SOOOOO. Thanks for reading, if you are here that means you are special to me. I hope you know that you touch my life, each and every one of you do in some way. I know this is generic, but I'm just getting started... :)

p.s.
If the thought of the underwear book strikes your fancy: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Underwear-Dos-and-Donts/Todd-Parr/e/9780316908061

Brett and I, back in the day...

WANTED: One MANfriend

If you are also my facebook friend you may recall a "status update" a couple weeks ago stating "Sara is looking for a new boyfriend." Well... I have changed my mind.

Tonight I was talking with my dear friend and coworker, I was updating him on my latest disappointment and as I said, "I just need a boyfriend that is grown up, one that is secure enough in himself to know what he wants and to go with it, to make his own decisions...." He listened patiently. Then as I said, "DJ, I need a new boyfriend." He said, "No Sara, you need a MANfriend. No more boys around here."

You know, he's right. I need a man, not a boy.

I need a man, one who doesn't try to say the hard things through text, one who knows what he wants and gets it, one who dosen't worry about what other people think more than what he thinks, one who dosen't change his mind every couple days, one who doesn't let his actions be completely opposite of what comes out of his mouth (well, sometimes comes out of his mouth), one that dosen't judge me to a higher standard than himself, one that communicates, one that is ready for a relationship....

That's the kicker. Ready for a relationship... ready to love and be loved, to share cold nights and warm afternoons, to sigh at jokes and laugh at memories, a thigh to rest my hand on...

People keep saying, "You deserve better." You know, I do. I do deserve better. I'm just sick of waiting for better.

So, here's the call. Know of any MEN? One that fits the bill above? I'm not looking for Mr. Perfect... although if he does actually exist please do send him my way. :) I know I'm a handful and I'm willing to put up with some quirks as well. Give and take... But most of all I'm just looking for someone who is ready to stand on their own two feet... and be excited to have someone standing next to them, hand in hand.

Anyone come to mind? You know how to find me....

The Christmas Questionaire

I just saw this list on another delightful blog. I don't technically know the writer, but I LOVE reading her blog, even tho we have never met. I have been in her house tho (I just realized how CREEPY that sounds) and through her home and her blog I know without a doubt that she is awesome....

I liked this list of questions, I think it's fun to hear about other people's holidays.... so, here we go!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?

Usually wrapping paper. Every now and then a gift bag can sneak in, but I like wrapping things. Its a nice mix of Left Brain and Right brain.... very orderly and precise while still being creative.

2. Real tree or artificial tree?

I have a fake tree, pre-lit... and it's awesome. I love how easy it is to set up. I can even carry the box for it all by myself with minimal grunting and groaning. I love the big impact for not very much effort. Besides, Poppa is a fireman. Real trees = fire hazards....

3. When do you put up the tree?

I shoot for right after Thanksgiving. It very rarely happens that early... but thats what I shoot for.

4. When do you take down the tree?

I try for the first couple days of January. Usually its about a week or so longer... but I hope I never let it stay up till Valentines day. haha.

5. Do you like eggnog?

I am sure I have tried eggnog, but I don't really remember. So I guess that dosen't mean I love it! haha. I don't really remember my family ever drinking it... just not our thing I guess.

6. Do you have a stocking? What does it look like?

I have two stockings and my parents still have possession of them both. Poppa's mom made most of us knitted stockings when we were born. They all have our names on them and are in Christmas colors. Since I am the oldest kid she made mine first (of course) and it is normal size... about what a four year old would wear if she were to wear a knee high stocking. From then on out they just got bigger. Owen's can hold pretty much the entire northern hemisphere. My stocking is usually filled with two things (thats all that can fit) and then the rest of it is just piled next to it. haha. The other stockings we have are really ornate. They have sequins and the whole bit. Mine has a snowman I think.... that one is usually just for show...
I haven't done the whole stocking thing at my house yet, I still go to the parents for Christmas morning so why do a stocking here?

7. Hardest person to buy for?

I usually don't have a hard time buying/making presents for people. This year the hardest part about presents was trying to figure out WHO to buy/make for.... do you buy a present for a guy who you dated for a couple months, then broke up with -twice, he says you were officially dating, you never realized it was official, although wanted it to be official, now its just all sorts of messed up?? Yeah, still don't know about that one....

8. Easiest person to buy for?

Myself. It never fails, I usually get myself something grand during the Christmas season. It's probably my lack of ability to buy things that I really really want/need and just doing all this shopping makes me realize how much I need/want it.

9. Do you have a nativity scene?

Yes. My last count was three. Darcy Logan has a ton of them and I always love looking at them all... I realized that I wanted nativities in my house, just like Darcy. Although I dont think I will ever have that many and that is fine because I don't have room for them all! My three right now are a good mix, one very elegant white FULL nativity (i'm talking like 18 items or so), a set that was hand painted by my mom/sisters and a great little wooden set that looks unbreakable yet adorable.

10. Mail or e-mail Christmas cards?

I try to mail out Christmas cards and letters every year. I like touching base with everyone and being able to send a little note out. I also LOVE getting Christmas cards/letters from everyone else.

11. Most memorable gift you ever received?

Honestly, I can't really remember. I know that I have recieved many many gifts that I have loved, but I guess I just get all wrapped up in what I'm giving everyone else. I love seeing people open presents.

12. Favorite Christmas movie?

Jim Carey's THE GRINCH. That show is awesome!! It makes me laugh so much. Other than that, A Christmas Story. Both of those shows have great lines to quote.

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?

Um, usually about a month or so in advance. I don't do TONS of shopping... I tend to make most things. So, usually with enough time to be able to get everything made. Thanksgiving usually triggers my thought process to start working on things tho.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?

I don't think I have ever regifted a Christmas present to another Christmas present.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?

I love the little clementine oranges that always hit the stores this time of year. Those little things are great.

16. Lights on the tree?

Yep, pre-lit. Wahoo!

17. Favorite Christmas song?

Milk and Cookies by Clint Black. That song is on a family classic Christmas CD that I think we got at Taco Bell in the mid 90s. haha!! But seriously, that CD has some great songs.... and none better than Milk and Cookies.

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home?

I stay at home for the actual day at Christmas, I'm lucky and all my family is in town. However, the past three years I have left either Christmas night or the day after Christmas to travel. I have to take advantage of Christmas Break!!

19. Can you name all of Santa’s reindeer?

Um, probably....

20. Angel on top of the tree or a star?

Star. Nothing fancy. One day I hope to get some type of heirloom thing...

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or Christmas morning?

Christmas morning. My parents tree is always visited by Santa and we all have a big Christmas morning up there. It's awesome. Especially with the little kids. We have this tradition of getting Christmas pajamas on Christmas Eve to wear on Christmas morning. It's never been like a present thing... more like a "ok, they are hot off the sewing machine... here ya go!!" or "We are still working feversishly... they will be done in time for you to put them on in the morning." haha.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year?

How grouchy everyone gets!! Come on people, its the holidays... aren't they supposed to be joyous?

23. Favorite ornament theme or color?

My tree is all white, silver, gold and glass. I love it. Very elegant. I have been able to incorporate a few ornaments that are gifts or what not, those are all really special to me.

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner?

We don't have Christmas dinner. On Christmas Eve there is always a huge crock pot of BBQ pork and another one of potatos going.... eat as you can! There is elfing to do!! Then on Christmas day Poppa makes a huge bisquits and gravy "breakfast" when we are done with the festivities... usually around 1 pm. Then we snack on left overs, cheeseballs, vegi trays, etc all day long. It's awesome.

24. What do you want for Christmas this year?

I want to see all the kids open their presents. Little kids are so stinkin fun on Christmas morning.

26. Who is the most likely to respond to this?

Um, anyone who wants to.

27. Favorite Christmas tradition?

I love that my family still does presents for everyone. Everyone gets something for everyone else, even if it is something small. For example, my little bro always gives shaving cream (for face or legs) to everyone... Its great! I like that we still do something special for each and every person... there is a lot of love going around.


I'm not really sure why there are only 27 questions. Kind of a wierd number... haha. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!

Never a Dull Moment

My house is full of boys. Matt (Owen's friend) has moved in and his two buddies are here for the week. There are suitcases and bags all over the place, food is disappearing at rapid rates, the TV and/or radio is always on and they are always involved in something borderline irreverant.

Right now we are watching the BYU/Arizona football game. I am folding laundry and they are all piled on the couch looking at craigslist. They are making fun of things and at any given time they will all errupt in laughter and all sorts of other chaos. It is actually quite amusing.

Check this out.... and YES, this is four of them all on the same couch. haha.

You Get Through the Hole You Give Through

I am a people watcher. It never fails to be interesting, but it always has different outcomes. Sometimes I meet people, sometimes I don't realize I'm looking at people too much and I piss them off.

Today I was up at Park City Ski Resort ALL DAY LONG. My ski team has races all weekend, which means we are spending about seven hours a day up at the resort. Today I was studying in the lodge in between races and was "privileged" to observe teenage/college skiers and how they interact. I'll just say this... hockey players have nothing on them. They were crude and disruptive to say the least. It made me think of my times in high school when Mom would wash my mouth out with soap. With these kids I'm not sure the world has enough "cheap green dish soap" to get the point across.

On the flip side, yesterday I sat at the hospital for about seven hours during Owen's surgery. In the waiting room I was able to associate with many wonderfully charming people. The day before that we went snowboarding at Sundance and I met a few great people up there as well. I seperated from Owen and Emily one time and hopped on the lift to meet back up with them. I rode with a really nice guy that talked my ear off. I was suprised there was a guy that could talk that much! I guess I must have said something right.... he gave me his number right before I got off the lift. :)

I've realized in the past couple days that there are a lot of different kinds of people in this world and I get to associate with lots of them. I am fascinated by watching people and how they interact. You can learn so much about them... and yourself at the same time.

UPDATE: It is snowing here for the 5th day in a row and we are supposed to get more snow every day through the middle of next week. Crazy!!

UPDATE 2: Owen is doing REALLY WELL. He is up and moving around and in pretty good spirits. I'm upset he had to go through all this again anyways... but he is healing nicely and his awesome surgeon said he should be able to get back on the mountain the beginning of next week....

Super Sara!

I am a super hero. You may not know it. But I am.

When I was a younger my Poppa was a volunteer Fireman. At night he would hang his fire department shirts on the dresser so if he had to wake up and run out the door to a call it would be easy for him to grab.

Last night I worked at LifeFlight. We transported quite a few people who had been involved in motor vehicle crashes during the night. We saved lives. It's the job.

This morning I got off work and traveled home on snow covered roads. Cars were in ditches and the snow was coming down hard. Luckily one of my super powers is knowing how to drive in snow. I was fine.

I got home and stumbled into bed. I was warm and toasty and then my phone started ringing. It was Mom. On the other end I heard, "Are you in Provo? I ran out of gas. Can you come help? Please?"

I got out of bed and pulled on my boots. I searched for a coat but they were all out in the car. Brrr!! So I slipped on the only coat in my room, my LifeFlight coat. It reminded me of when Poppa would have his fire department shirt ready for emergencies...

I trudged down the hallway in my pajama pants, Ugg boots and LifeFlight coat.

I opened the door and my car had already been covered in four inches of snow. Great. (note to self: threaten Owen with his life if he dosen't clean up the garage so I can start parking in it again.)

I start my car, grab a gas can, get some gas and start off to rescue Mom. Poor thing... she's sitting on the side of an already treacherous road with a rookie cop behind her with his lights on. I park in a nearby parking lot, jump out with my trusty gas can and go to the rescue.

The cop was nice enough, but flustered... calm down buddy, this isn't an emergency. Things are fine. I get mom about a gallon of gas (enough to get her up to school to finish a few finals today) and then walk back to my car.

Apparently another one of my super powers is to not get gas on myself, even though it was dripping all over the place.

I got back home, stripped off my snowy clothes and crawled back into my still warm bed.

Then I let another super power take over me. I crashed. I slept for eight hours. I didn't even wake up through three text messages and four missed calls. Now THAT is a super power I can be grateful for.

Good Friends are Hard to Find

I've been thinking a lot tonight, especially about fun things that I have done with friends.... especially those friends that I miss. I admit, it's a sappy night... bare with me.

I was looking through the pictures from when Jason and I went on our California Adventure. We had a great time... It's hard to find someone that you just click with, but Jason and I did. Right from the very beginning. We had a funny little friendship, one of wierd turns and twists, one with some really great doozies of fights, but also with some amazingly fun times. Some of those fantastic times came when we were in Cali.

He forced me/held my hand/encouraged me to do this....

Took awesome pictures like this...

And let me be fun and goofy... such as making him pose for pictures like this...

I think he's sleeping right now, but when he wakes up he will get a text message I just sent a few minutes ago that says "I miss you!" And it's true... I have a lot of awesome friends and I have TONS of great memories...

Jason isn't the only one...

Jared, the person that can drive me absolutely crazy but yet knows me amazingly well... and will ALWAYS be there for me, without a doubt.

Chris, who I honestly believe should have been my twin brother. Sure, I think he's deliciously good looking... but who dosen't? :)

Chauri, who is like a sister to me. We have been through a lot together... I cherish her friendship more than I let her know...

Stephanie, who I can talk to about ANYTHING. We laugh and cry together, but that girl and I seem to always understand eachother.

Bill, who always seems to know how and when to pick me up and make me smile again.

Joe, who cares about me... sometimes more than I care about myself (it seems).

Geez... the list goes on and on (please don't feel excluded if you didn't make the list... I can only type so much at 1:30 am) haha.

And then there are all of my friends and family here.... That will have to be a different post. That one will be quite long... :)

I've been blessed with great friends and even better memories...

So here's a shout out...

Miss you, Jay!!

Still a Stubborn Little Girl

Once upon a time there was a little girl named Sara. Her mom got her a very cute purple ruffles sweat outfit to go to preschool. One morning Sara's mom tried to get her to wear the sweatoutfit, but Sara was disgusted and didn't want to have anything to do with such an awful ensemble. Sara's mom forced her to wear and it and drove her to preschool, crying the whole way.

Soon after Sara got to preschool she went to the bathroom and then told her teacher that she had wet her pants. Sara knew that by telling this little fib that she would get to pick a pair of pants out of the basket to wear for the rest of the day, the preschool was used to these types of small emergencies.

When Sara's Mom picked her up Sara was wearing the top from the purple ruffles outfit and brown cordoroy pants that hit her above the ankle. Sara's mom was disgusted, but promptly learned that she would NEVER be able to make her darling little daughter do something she didn't want to do...


Up until today I don't think I have EVER worn purple ruffles since that day at preschool. However, the other night Hope and I went shopping and she practically held a gun to my head until I bought this dress.... I wore it to church today and I must admit that it is quite cute.

When I was putting clothes away in my closet I realized that I didnt' own a single item of clothing that was purple, let alone with ruffles!! After the other night I now have this dress, another purple shirt with ruffles and another shirt that is a dark purple.

I have expanded my wardrobe to once again include purple ruffles. They definately aren't a sweatsuit... but they are pretty cute. I am enjoy wearing them this time, but I have also decided ON MY OWN that I wanted to wear them. haha.

Presenting: Gingerbread Houses

Last Sunday we went to the station and made some gingerbread houses with Poppa. We had a great time. Tuff, Wint, Momma and Poppa made one for their house and Emily and Owen made one for ours. I should have gotten myself a kit as well... I love doing gingerbread houses and realize now that I am picky and precise about how mine is made... Now I know. Next year I'll get myself my own little kit... that way I can put a little gum drop fence around it and decorate the top with lots of "snow."

Hope and Trey were the gingerbread men, tree and snowmen specialists. Great work.

Owen and Emily were very precise and artistic.

Poppa was very good at it, great icing control. Look at this cute little gingerbread guy!! This was Poppa's "special stylish hat."

Winter did a great job finishing her gingerbread house, even though the family kept eating all of her candy. haha. (shame on you Momma! haha)

Finished... don't they look proud!

And for an artistic touch...

Is this a joke?

I feel like I'm paying good money to be the victim of a practical joke. Online dating may work for some people... but apparently I'm not one of them.

Honestly, this service that I have paid to "match my compatibility with others" seems to think this guy is my soul mate. Um, yeah. I'll settle for being the crazy cat lady... and I don't even have a cat.

Christmas Spirit can be FAAABBBUULOUS!! (that must be said in most fruity, over the top, homosexual voice you can muster)

I must confess, I am stealing this video from my friend Zannah's blog (check her out, she's awesome... zannahdo.com), but when I saw it I just thought it was TOO GOOD not to share!!

I absolutely love that they are tapping (yes, actually tap dancing), have very creative choreography and it is absolutely hilarious!

All in the spirit of Christmas... ENJOY!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSedhEoutP0

If the shoe fits... and if it dosen't, change it a bit until it does - it will probably be cuter anyways.

I had the 12 o'clock news on today and they showed brief coverage of Elder Worthlin's funeral. They mentioned it was being shown on channel 105 in it's entirety, I switched channels... I wonder how many other people did as well. That might have not been such a good idea for their rankings...
Now I'm sitting here with hymns filling my home, a sweet spirit filling every nook and crany (that was recently inspected by a man doing an energy audit). The house is still a mess and there are still dishes piled on the counter, but it feels peaceful and lovely.
As many of you know I've struggled with this whole church thing lately. I've felt like it didn't really have a place in it for a girl like me... but I've tried to really examine that lately, and while I'm still trying to find my place in it I have decided that there is definately a place in me for it.
The more I read the scriptures the more I see the acceptance of individuality and the loving of originality. I feel that many of that gets ignored, forgotten or overlooked. Our Heavenly Father is one that loves each of us individually, for our little quirks, our little differences; that includes how differently we need to develop and learn, what paths we take and how we get there. I'm learning that... and that is a good thing, because without it I wouldn't fit with all of this.
For now I'm grateful for relearning and reestablishing a relationship with my Heavenly Father a litle bit every day. I'm grateful for the little ways that the spirit finds its way into my life. I'm grateful for the peace I can find with it. Most importantly, I'm grateful that I've realized that regardless of how I find a way to make it fit... it still will fit.

Welcome to the Beaudry Show!!

Last night Owen and I were watching UFC, they were playing a marathon of fights of Royce Gracie - a legend in UFC. Royce Gracie is the son of Helio Gracie, the man who basically invented Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The art of Jiu-Jitsu was based on a martial arts technique that comes out of Japan; however, Helio Gracie added in many holds and submissions that made it what it is today... He was challenged and had to prove himself, but now his schools (and especially his sons) have continued to dominate the fighting arenas. The Gracies are now fighting royalty.
While I was watching these fights Royce Gracie absolutely DOMINATED and he always spoke of how he faught for the honor and respect of his family. In his corner were always his brothers and his father, who was now well into his 80s. During the fights you would see his group of brothers behind the cage yelling support and advice... it was truly a family effort.
This story touched me.
My family has worked hard together to build a legacy as well, at times we had to fight tooth and nail to prove ourselves or to protect what we had worked so hard for... and at times we have had it taken from us.
Multiple times we have been ridiculed for running "The Beaudry Show." At first we were defensive and felt a negative connotation with that reference. But now, I'm not only proud of The Beaudry Show, I'm DAMN proud of it.
When we set our minds to something we do it, and we do it right. When we designate something as The Beaudry Show you can guarantee that it will be done right, it will succeed and it will be something that everyone can be proud of. People around the community (and even the nation or world in some areas) have noticed. My family is respected and sought out because of our success. I'm proud of that.
Building a legacy is a great thing, but being able to do it with your family is an honor. I'm proud to be a Beaudry and I'm proud of what the Beaudry's have done. I'm excited to see what shows we can put on in the future.
Bring it on.... WELCOME TO THE BEAUDRY SHOW.

IKEA -- all that can be said is WOW

I had the privilage of introducing Abby and Jake to IKEA the other day. They asked me if I had 'ever been.' I responded with a face that said, "not only have I been, but I have fallen in love, binged and realized I should NEVER go there again.... unless I put myself on a short leash.

I seriously love this place, its like my personal playground. I once told SneakAttack that it would be no problem for me to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars at IKEA. He asked me if I really meant to say "thousands," I assured him I meant "HUNDREDS of thousands." If you don't understand that statement than you need to go to IKEA, you'll understand after you walk through the place just once.

I convinced them to pawn off the kids and we went with only Beau in tow. As soon as we pulled up I heard the first "WOW!!!" I gave them the grand tour, took them upstairs, saw all the layouts, walked through the kids land, went downstairs through the market place.... I just kept hearing "WOOWWW! Look at this!!! WOW!! Oh WOW!!!" I just giggled... they got it... this place is amazing.

We did find the one thing we came for (a train set for Paul's Christmas) and I escaped with only a wok (only $8.47 thankyou!! That is amazing!).

We did find a great hat for Beau... He left it on long enough for pictures, that's it.

Christmas Lights and Donuts

We went to Temple Square to see the Christmas lights. It was gorgeous, as always... and there were MASS AMOUNTS of people. The kids were being kids, including running all over the place, cutting off old people in wheelchairs, trying to swim in the reflection pool, trying to drink out of the fountains and being absolutely adorable.

The crowds were crazy and at times it felt like we were in a Mosh Pit. Keeping track of the kids was trying at times, to say the least. I was there with Abby and Jake and their three kids and I took Winter and Tuff... Tuffy is crazy, he didn't want to wear his coat at all while we were there. He ran around in shorts and a t-shirt while everyone else was bundled up in coats, gloves, scarves, hats, etc. I am sure people thought I was a completely neglectful "parent", but the kid just wasn't cold!! I kept asking him, trust me.

We did get some great pictures. Taking pictures in the dark was trying for me, I have since sought out some instruction... but this is what we got that night. Not bad if you ask me.

We all went up to celebrate Beau's birthday, he turned ONE on the 25th.... Abby brought along donuts and hot chocolate... YUMMY!!!

Just in case you were wondering, this is how to properly eat a chocolate donut three-year-old style... eat off the top with the chocolate, leave the rest.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BEAU BOY!!! ONE YEAR!! YOU ARE GETTING SO BIG!! LOVE YOU!