Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Moving

We are in transition right now. It's crazy, but fun. We'll make the final move tomorrow instead of today as a huge snowstorm decided to come in and push our plans back. So, we're living out of boxes and using camping equipment to survive. And we're watching lots of MacGuyver to keep us entertained. Good times!

Monday, December 21, 2009

Our First Christmas

Michael and I are happy to be celebrating our first Christmas together. We have decorations set up around our apartment and it makes everything so festive. The tree was given to us by Michael's mother and although it's not real, we have fixed it up and it is quite pretty!

My favorite decoration in the entire home. It helps me when I remind Michael of the rules associated with Christmas presents!

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When it snowed quite profusely a few weekends ago, I had to document the wintry conditions. It made it feel more like the Christmas season.

Isn't it beautiful? We have our very own large, snow-covered Christmas tree outside our balcony!

I love Christmas filled with the beautiful snow in Utah. "It's the most wonderful time of the year!"

Tearful Sunday

On Sunday, I was released from my calling as a Sunbeam teacher, owing to the fact that Michael and I are moving back up to the frigid weather in Logan. So many people in the ward said goodbyes and shared their love for us being a part of the ward family. I was fine through all that, but then...Primary.

I walked into Sharing Time and Sis. Harmon (the Primary President) reminded everyone that it was my last Sunday with them and publicly stated how grateful she was that I was able to be a teacher for the Sunbeams. Then, the custom of having the Primary sing the favorite song of the teacher who is leaving happened. I, of course, chose "I'm Trying to Be Like Jesus". This has been my favorite Primary song forEVER and it always makes me cry. Needless to say, as soon as the music began, I got a lump in my throat and tears began to fill my eyes. The singing was beautiful, especially coming from my sweet Sunbeams and I was touched. I held back the tears so I wouldn't embarass myself by losing it in front of the children, but I must say it was a special moment.

After class was over and parents were picking up their children from the room, each one of my Sunbeams ran back and gave me a hug. It was precious. It's amazing how much love you can feel for those darling spirits you teach and see each week. I feel so blessed to have had a small part in their gospel learning, I only hope I impacted their lives as much as they have mine.

Monday, December 14, 2009

Hold On by Michael Buble

I've been listening to this CD and song like "crazy" lately. And this song just amazes me. I actually cried a decent amount of tears when I first heard it. It made me think of "My" Michael and how grateful I am that he came into my life, making my everyday new and extraordinary. I never thought I would feel so strongly about someone and love someone so much as I love him. Michael has an outlook on life that inspires me to be better, to leave the past behind, and move forward with confidence and a smile. He is my life, my love, my fan club, and my best friend. I know we've only scratched the surface of our potential as an eternal family, but I'm assured that even though our future won't be perfect, "it's gonna be alright" as long as we "hold on" to each other.
Here are the lyrics for your enjoyment:

Didn't they always say we were the lucky ones?
I guess that we were once, babe, we were once
But luck will leave you cause it is a faithless friend
And in the end when life has got you down
You've got someone here that you can wrap your arms around

So hold on to me tight
Hold on to me tonight
We are stronger here together
Than we could ever be alone
So hold on to me
Don't you ever let me go

There's a thousand ways for things to fall apart
But it's no one's fault, no it's not my fault
Maybe all the plans we made might not work out
But I have no doubt even though it's hard to see
I've got faith in us and I believe in you and me

So hold on to me tight
Hold on, I promise it'll be alright
Cause it's you and me together
And baby all we've got is time
So hold on to me, hold on to me tonight

There's so many dreams that we have given up
Take a look at all we've got
And with this kind of love
What we've got here is enough

So hold on to me tight
Hold on, I promise it'll be alright
Cause we are stronger here together
Then we could ever be alone
Just hold on to me
Don't you ever let me go

Hold on to me, it's gonna be alright
Hold on to me tonight
They always say we were the lucky ones

It's Official...


We're moving back to Logan!

Michael will start his graduate program at Utah State University in Management Information Systems this coming spring semester. I will continue with double bachelors in Vocal Performance and Music Therapy.

We're excited to be back in the frozen winters of Cache Valley as we increase our knowledge in our selected fields of study. We've found a nice little townhome to rent while we are there and are planning on moving right after Christmas so we can get a jumpstart on life in Logan before the new semester begins. Also, we're thrilled to be back in the town where we can get our Aggie Basketball fix.

Everything has fallen into place for us to be there, so we feel that it's meant to be. It's going to be quite the adventure as we are not fully sure what lies ahead, but we have faith that it will all work out for the best!

Monday, December 07, 2009

Finals Week

STAT 1040 - Monday
Social Psych - Tuesday
Practicum - Tuesday
Vocal Jury - Wednesday
Music History 2 - Thursday (7:30 am!!!)

And there you have my week of finals. Did I mention that my Practicum Final Report for this semester was due last week and was almost 100 pages? They are trying to kill us/prepare us for internship and real life as a music therapist. Sometimes I just feel it's the former.

Anywho, the party will start as soon as that crazy early final is over on Thursday! Good luck to anybody else who's experiencing the lack of sleep, nail biting, and crazy finals grunge!

FAST Christmas Party


Oh boy, was this weekend fun! Michael and I went to his work's Christmas party at La Caille (the most amazingly beautiful, nice, exquisite, expensive, and delicious French restaurant) in Sandy, UT! It was a fun excuse to get all "gussied up" and go out for a wonderful dinner. We had appetizers, our choice of salad, Ribeye Steak or Miso Glazed Salmon, and Crêpes or a Trio of French desserts. Naturally, Michael and I chose the Ribeye and the Trio of Desserts, which consisted of a Chocolate Chantilly Cake, Crème Brûlée, and Beignets. Wish I had pictures, but we were so busy enjoying our dinner, that there was no time for pictures!

Afterward, a large group of us "FASTees" went to the Gallivan Center for some outdoor ice skating. It has been about a decade since I last put on ice skates and tackled the frozen floor, so I was excited to reacquaint myself with a long lost love. Michael has grown up doing this, so he was a pro and held my hand throughout the night. He actually told me I was doing really awesome, of course, that was true until I slipped and fell flat on my knees. Figures eh? I believe I screamed a pitch that is so high it might've hurt dogs ears. :) One thing I must add though, that was the one and ONLY time I fell throughout the night. Michael and I "high-fived" about that fact.


It was freezing as Michael and I skated around, laughing and giggling like little kids. We have so much fun together. Michael said I had a "perma-smile" on my face the whole evening. Love that boy.


Michael strutting his stuff. We danced the Hokey-Pokey, Cha-Cha Slide, and The Macarena while skating around. There might have been some ultra cool booty shaking going on throughout. (TMI???)


Just before we left. By the way, I made that beanie with my own two hands! I've been cranking them out for Christmas presents like crazy lately. Keeps me busy and happy in my spare time :)


And a cheesy video of me. Enjoy!